Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Dr. Michael Mumma, Astrobiologist Description: We welcome Dr. Michael Mumma, WV resident and renowned astrobiologist. He explores the fascinating question of intelligent life in the universe. Hear his thought-provoking insights on why other intelligent life might be expected – or why it could be rare or even non-existent. He also shares the latest technologies being used to detect life beyond Earth.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Kendall Hunsicker, Senior VP for Willow Valley Health Care Description: After 25 years of service at Willow Valley and four decades of working in the Health Care world, Kendall is finally taking her well-deserved retirement. It took some effort to get Kendall away from her packed calendar to do this podcast, but we wanted all our residents to know just who it is that has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we at Willow Valley receive the best health care available. As she says, “we are the top of the heap” when it comes to life care, and given her 40 years in the industry, she would know. Overseeing 500 (and growing) staff who take care of WV residents at all levels of care: short-term rehabilitation in skilled nursing, long-term skilled nursing, memory care, and personal care, Kendall has honed a staff of many disciplines into a finely tuned, cohesive team across the two campuses and many buildings with one mission, to provide the best care anywhere. I speak for all those who came before, who are here now, and who will follow when I say thank you, Kendall Hunsicker, for your dedication and commitment to being the best and giving the best. We are indebted to you and will be for years to come.

Host: Dale Johnson Guests: Barry Sipe, Joe & Bridget Kasinskas Description: In this episode, team member Barry Sipe, who helps new residents transition smoothly into our community, shares his top tips for settling in. We also hear from two relatively new residents, who offer their insights from a newcomer’s perspective. Host Dale Johnson, a longtime resident, adds his valuable perspective as well.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest, Jen White, WV Manager of Catering & Retail ServicesDescription: In 1992, Jen White was fresh out of Quarryville, PA, high school when her mother insisted she find a job. As they drove to Willow Valley, Jen cried all the way, but by the end of the day, she called her mother to say she had made a friend and would not need to be picked up. And so, a lifelong friendship with that girlfriend and with Willow Valley began and continues to this day. Jen started in culinary services as a “bus person,” wearing a short white dress with a starched black apron and white shoes. The dress code in those days was much more formal for staff and residents. After that, she became a clerical assistant and rose through the ranks under the guidance of Stacy Musser, who also started in culinary and is now VP of Resident Services. Proof positive that WV is a great place to work (and eat!) and advance in your career. Jen, along with Chef Fernando Garcia-Aguila, presently oversees the Guest Suites Breakfast room, Local Table, and her catering team for the Cultural Center and Chautauqua Hall. It is a big job considering all that goes on at Willow Valley, a “happening place.”

Host: Bill Adams Guest: Susan Culbertson, Teacher of all things APPLE Description: Technology is ever-evolving, and Apple has always been at the forefront of innovations, both with its computers and now especially its phones and smartwatches. It is hard to keep up with it all, but Susan does. And she has been teaching multiple classes at Willow Valley on how to take full advantage of all that APPLE has built into their IPADS, especially Apple Smart Watches. She will be continuing to offer these classes in the spring as we. If you own an APPLE anything, you should take advantage of Susan’s knowledge and calm teaching style. She says there are no stupid questions.

Guest: Ray Loewe Host: Deborah Brandt, founder and CEO of Fig Industries Description: Deborah Brandt is the founder and CEO of Fig Industries, a company devoted to showing all who live in and near Lancaster City what a fantastic place Lancaster City is to live, work, and play. Today Deborah explains all Lancaster City has to offer, from a vibrant arts scene to ethnically diverse restaurants to Broadway-level music and theater. After creating a successful career in design with big-name brands of New York City, she returned home to Manheim and Lancaster City to use her expertise and talents to make positive changes in her hometown through the creation of Fig—an enthusiast’s guide to living and loving local.

Host: Candace O’Donnell Guest: Ronald James Scholl, Certified Nursing Assistant Description: R.J., known on the floor at Lakeside, gives exceptional care. Not only is he strong, skilled, and well-trained, but most importantly, he is CARING. R.J. is just one of the many wonderful nursing assistants throughout the WV Health Care system. Growing old is not easy, and when the body and mind begin to break down, nursing skill is needed, but more than anything, a caring, empathetic nurse at every level of care is what matters most to the patient and their families. R. J. is an example of just that. Candace knows firsthand as she watches R.J. work with her husband, who has had a debilitating stroke.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Tammi Brennan, Personal Trainer Description: Tammi Brennan was a featured guest speaker at a two-day seminar organized by Willow Valley resident and founder of the Life Under the Willow Tree Podcast, Ray Loewe. After retirement, Ray found he needed help reorienting and reinvigorating his life. Tammi helped him find new meaning, projects, friendships, and greater fulfillment in his life after his professional career. He asked Tammi to share her wisdom with all of Willow Valley. Following the seminar, we sat down with Tammi to share more of her insights and how she found her own significance and her new path in life.

Host: Bill Adams Guest: Dr. Robert Winningham, Professor of Psychological Sciences Description: There is mounting evidence that lifestyle factors, including staying mentally and physically active, can maximize our memory ability and even delay memory loss. Dr. Willingham shares with Bill Adams the latest research including how aerobic and resistance training (weights, even light ones) positively affects your brain and can stave off memory loss.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Madeleine Ortman Description: Madeleine Ortman moved to Willow Valley after a long career in education, first as a teacher, to principal, and then as head of several different private and independent schools. She then moved into consulting with Independent School Management, traveling around the world. She moved to Willow Valley in December 2021. Hereditary issues and spinal surgery necessitated moving from her Manor Apartment to Meadow Ridge. Despite using a walker with great effort and leg supports, Madeleine nevertheless entered the annual bike challenge between the Manor and Lakes campus and came in SECOND achieving 558 miles, losing out only to Dale Johnson who clocked in at 712 miles as he was training for a big bike ride across NYS. WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY. Madeleine says if you don’t use it you will lose it, and living in Meadow Ridge, a personal care facility, does not stop you from living an active and interesting life.

Host: Candance O’Donnell Guest: Carol Church Description: Carol Church taught science and math in schools in the “hollers” of West Virginia and then began to learn to fly. Eventually, she became a full-time commercial pilot and instructor (including training the pilot that flies the PA governor around.) When she decided she'd eventually need a different career, she went to night school to become a nurse. What a versatile woman. If you see a red, convertible vintage MG zooming around the county that's Carol. She is also a Senior Olympics multi-medal winner in Badminton. WOW!

Host: Carol MacAllister Guests: Cori Steiner, WV Director of Resident Services Alice Pero, WV resident and retired nurse Description: Today, we are talking about suicide with two courageous people whose lives were deeply affected by the suicide of or attempts at suicide by a family member. We talked about what helped them deal with it in the immediate aftermath, what was helpful from others and what wasn’t, what help is available here at Willow Valley, and what help can be found in communities all over this country. Suicide is a hard topic to talk about, and yet talking about it is precisely what helps. The WV Social Workers are putting on a week-long program about suicide, why it is okay to talk about it, and why it is so important to bring it out of the shadows. Notices about their programming will be placed in your mailboxes. Attend the annual WV Health Expo and find the tables with more information.

Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Don Helin, Alexandra Koys, Tammi Brannin, & Glenna Crooks Description: Our speakers for our September 18 - 19 conference tell you why you need to attend and what value you'll receive from attending.

Host: Bill Adams Guest: Al Williams, President of the WV Computer Club Description: With Computer Scams on the rise, especially targeting seniors who may not be as computer literate as they wish, Bill and Al explore how to spot these scams and how to deal with them. These scamers are so good, it is easy to click on what looks like a legitimate website or message only to be instantly pulled into a scam aimed at stealing all your money. BEWARE. Al tells us to stop and think before clicking on anything having to do with your money, the IRS, the government, or your bank. First watch for the unexpected. Watch for poor grammar. Look at email addresses. They use our human nature against us. There are three kinds: relationships, I owe you money, or you owe me money. Often, they ask for gift cards. Or they will pretend they are a technical service, telling you audibly…”your computer is infected, don't turn it off, call this number. Don't call that number and DO turn off your computer at the start button. Also, be wary of Attachments. Don’t open if unexpected or even if you are "curious." For more information and help go to Http://www.WVcomputerclub.org which is the club website and there you can find lots of help. Explore it as soon as you can. They are there to HELP. There is a tab SCAMS and there you will find people who can help you with scams you suspect or have gotten caught. And report if you have gotten caught to help others. Watch for the Club’s training courses.

Host: Ray Loewe Guest: Don Helin Description: A conference we are bringing to Willow Valley on September 18-19th is going to help you find new magic in your life. 1. What happens when things change in your life and how do you adjust and rebound from them. For example, retirement ends your work life, routine, identity. What do you do next. Or illness changes one’s mobility. Or what do you do when a spouse dies. It is natural to withdraw into oneself and become isolated. How to get reengaged in life is important. How to replan your life is what we are going to show you. 2. And what about your support network of support, how to update it and expand it. Who will be there for you when your life changes? 3. Sharing the stories of your life privately with your family and descendants YOUR way. Join us on September 18-19th to learn more about these issues and how to stay engaged in life no matter what hits you.

Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Nancy Loane, Peter MeCouch, Lyra Newswanger Description: Two winners of the Team Members Scholarship, Peter MeCouch and Lyra Newswanger, and Scholarship committee member, Nancy Loane, were interviewed by Ray Loewe. Peter, who works at the Lakes dining room, will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology, in Rochester, New York, majoring in physics and mathematics. He ultimately hopes to work at the CERN Collider in Switzerland. Lyra Newswanger, who works in the Spring Run dining room, will study Early Childhood Education at Temple University in Philadelphia. Her goal is to be an elementary school teacher.

Host: Candace McDonnell Guest: Michael Finn Description: Michael Finn, has been enthralled with the art of cinema since he watched silent movies as a child. Now in his 95th year, he continues to screen 2-4 films weekly and publishes a popular blog, https://omattm.blogspot.com/.” You’ll be astonished at his insights, his grasp of film history, and his talent with the words of this Mid-Rise Resident.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Cathy Thorn Description: Cathy Thorn and her husband Jim are well known up and down the eastern seaboard as well as at Willow Valley for their numerous talks about their travels in Africa and for Cathy’s work as one of the managers of the WV Computer Club Tech Center housed at the North. But today we are learning of her experience of climbing the formidable Mt. Kilimanjaro in Kenya, not once but twice. We learn what motivated her, how she prepared for it, why she went back a second time, and how it impacted her life.

Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Fernando Garcia-Aguila Description: Today’s podcast is part of our quarterly podcast before a live audience. Our special guest is Willow Valley’s Executive Chef and team member, Fernando Garcia-Aguila. Chef Fernando has an incredible story to share. Growing up in communist Cuba, he made seven unsuccessful attempts to escape before finally succeeding on his eighth try. He will recount his early years, his family life, his dramatic escape, and his journey to the United States. Settling in Lancaster, he faced a pivotal question: "What now?" Discover how he launched his career at Central Market and rose to prominent positions in the culinary world. Experience the gratitude and positivity he exudes for the wonderful life he has built in the United States.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Sandra Wilson, Manager of Volunteer Services for the WV Supportive Living Volunteer Program. Description: Supportive Living includes both Personal care (formally called Assisted Living) and Skilled Nursing both at the Glen (on the Manor campus) and at Lakeside on the Lakes Campus. Volunteers have many things they can offer from leading discussion groups, to being a friendly visitor, to crafts assisting, bingo, card games and social country rides. If you have a well-behaved dog, you can bring your pet as well without them being certified therapy dogs. Sandy has about 30-40 active volunteers, but more are needed and welcomed. You can find out more about volunteering by calling Sandy at 717-464-6811 or going to the Intranet-Volunteer link.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Holly List, Master Gardener, SouthPointe Resident Description: Pollinators feed the world. Holly List, WV SouthPointe resident, and Master Gardener, gave us an update on one piece of the WV Green Master Plan—a demonstration pollinator garden, the first of several planned. This garden, located at Clifford Circle in Southpointe, was designed in a joint effort by SP neighbors, Susan and Chuck Beers, Lynda Houch, and Holly. They carefully chose native plants that will attract bees and butterflies and will bloom successively all summer long. Bird houses were also built by neighbors and a hand-carved rock bird bath was added. Signage provided by Head Groundskeeper Joel Schock helps visitors identify the individual plants. Joel will give a Master Plan update in the CC Theater on July 11, 2024, and Holly will give a talk on Pollinators on August 12, 2024, followed by a walk to this and other gardens including Margaret Frentz’s “Pollinators in Pots,” garden in SouthPointe.

The picture is of Ann at her birthday celebration put on by many singles for whom she has done so much as a mentor and club leader.

Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Travis Adams, Cedar Brook Manager, Mary Schneider, Memory Support Resource Coordinator Description: These leaders on the Willow Valley Person-Centered Dementia Training Team shared many different ways to connect with those who are experiencing memory loss issues. A helpful guide for all of us.

Listen to your grandchildren as they take on the role of backpack podcast experts and discuss what's in their backpack with host Ray Loewe.

Listen to your grandchildren as they take on the role of backpack podcast experts and discuss what's in their backpack with host Ray Loewe.

Listen to your grandchildren as they take on the role of backpack podcast experts and discuss what's in their backpack with host Ray Loewe.

Listen to your grandchildren as they take on the role of backpack podcast experts and discuss what's in their backpack with host Ray Loewe.

Listen to your grandchildren as they discuss how to create stories podcast-style with host Don Helin.

Listen to your grandchildren as they discuss how to create stories podcast-style with host Don Helin.

Host: Ray Loewe Guest: Brian Rutter, Chief Marketing Officer, Willow Valley Communities Description: Join us as we sit down with Brian Rutter, the Chief Marketing Officer of Willow Valley Communities. Born and raised in Lancaster, Brian returned after 30 years away to take on his role at Willow Valley, overseeing marketing, sales, and communications. In this episode, Brian delves into the rich history of Willow Valley’s vision and its pivotal role in driving innovation and growth throughout the years. He also shares insights on how this enduring vision is shaping the future. Plus, get a sneak peek at an exciting upcoming conference on September 18th and 19th, 2024. Don't miss it!

The photo is of the Historic Fulton Theater in Lancaster, PA

Host: Don Helin Guest: Dave Jacoby, 50 years in the airline industry Description: In the press, we read about periodic incidents occurring in the airline industry leading some to express concerns about the safety of flying. Calling upon his long-time knowledge and experience as a commercial pilot and technical expert, Dave reassured us that with the extensive training of pilots and mechanics, and the care and checks the industry places when constructing and maintaining the planes, he believes it is more dangerous to drive to the airport than to fly.

Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Vicki and Jerry Covey Description: For nearly a decade, Spring Run residents Vicki and Jerry Covey put their careers on hold to manage Vicki’s 7,000-acre family farm in northeastern Colorado. In our interview, we explore why they took on this challenge despite Jerry's lack of farming experience. We discuss the remarkable benefits and drawbacks they encountered, along with a few entertaining anecdotes.

https://www.willowvalleycommunities.org/integrity-hearing-solutions-via-willow-valley/

Host: Candance O’Donnell Guests: Jo and Walt Burnett Description: This enthusiastic couple will share why they enjoy welcoming newcomers to our community. Having a name and phone number to call when you start to navigate Willow Valley’s many systems can make all the difference in getting settled in your new WV home. Willow Valley is a big place and can feel overwhelming to newcomers. Mentors help ease the transition to this wonderful place. Often, a mentee will become a good, even lifelong friend as the weeks and months go by.

Museum Address: 410 N. Lime St., Lancaster, PAWebsite: www.lancastermedicalheritagemuseum.org

Email: [email protected]: 717-464-6836

Host: Carol MacAllister Guests: Dale Johnson and Ann Willets Description: When people think of retirement communities, they think of sedentary lifestyles, declining health, and a general withdrawal from society. At Willow Valley, nothing could be farther from that image. WV is a very active community! In this podcast, Dale Johnson and Ann Willets, two resident leaders, among many, personify what it is to be actively involved in not only the WV community but also in the Lancaster Community at large. In fact, there was so much to talk about that we had to break this recording into two parts so our listeners could absorb it all. Dale, Ann, and host Carol cover some of what is offered in the catalog of activities, The Renaissance Magazine. Part II covers the 125+ clubs, The Club House, the WV fitness center, all the Volunteer opportunities inside WV, The WV travel program, and all one can do off-campus in the larger Lancaster Community. Whew, who knew retirement could keep you busier than when you held down a job and raised a family?

Host: Bill Adams Guest: Lauren Renehan, Executive Director, WV Charitable Foundation. Description: In a wide-ranging interview, Lauren outlines the innovative approaches and capabilities of the new Memory Center, which are being developed between the groundbreaking on April 17, 2024, and the center's opening approximately 20 months later. She also explains the importance of increased endowment support for the Center.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guests: Dale Johnson and Ann Willets Description: When people think of retirement communities, they think of sedentary lifestyles, declining health, and a general withdrawal from society. At Willow Valley, nothing could be farther from that image. WV is a very active community! In this podcast, Dale Johnson and Ann Willets, two resident leaders, among many others, personify what it is to be actively involved in not only the WV community but also the Lancaster Community at large. In fact, there was so much to talk about that we had to break this recording into two parts so our listeners could absorb it all. In Part I, Dale, Ann, and host Carol cover some of what is offered in the catalog of activities, The Renaissance Magazine. In Part II, we cover the 125+ clubs, The Club House, the WV fitness center, all the Volunteer opportunities inside WV, The WV travel program, and all one can do off-campus in the larger Lancaster Community. Whew, who knew retirement could keep you busier than when you held down a job and raised a family?

Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Peter and Joyce Debarger Description: Peter and Joyce Debarger shared with host Ray Loewe their adventures traveling the width of America and even into Canada with their two cats along for the ride. Beware, going into Canada is easy, coming back into the USA, your proper documentation better be in order. (BTW, true for train travel in the US as well.) Traveling with your pets is like traveling with your children. Accommodations must be made, as in frequent stops and/or litter boxes. When down to just one cat, that little darling hid so well, they just could not find it and almost left her when putting the rig into winter storage, but with one last search they discovered her. She had gotten herself trapped. Whew, that was a close call.

Stories about how animals have affected your life can be sent to Dr. Witiak at:[email protected]

Lakes Campus Security: 717-464-2911Manor Campus Security: 717-464-4911

About the Community of LancasterE71: Lancaster’s CharmE28: Some Facts about the Amish Moving to Willow ValleyE58: Guiding New Residents-Barry Sipe Life at Willow ValleyE34: Willow Valley: A Very Social PlaceE68: LGBTQ+ CommunityE31: A Culture of Charity at WVE62: The Green Master PlanE12: The Single Mingle Club Support for ResidentsE75: Willow Valley Social WorkersE51: The New Memory Care Center A Very Active PlaceE88: Fitness CenterE86: Pet Club – An example of our many clubsE48: Willow Valley Travel ProgramE64: The Pen Pal Program – Volunteerism at Willow ValleyE57: The Renaissance MagazineE43: Hoe, Hoe, Hoe - Gardening at Willow ValleyE41: Camp Willow for GrandchildrenE01: The Senior Games and WV support

Host: Dale Johnson Guest Dr. Larry Katz Description: Our guest is Spring Run resident, Dr. Larry Katz. Dr. Katz was Chair of the Department of Animal Science at Rutgers University. We explored the factors contributing to the excessive deer population in this region, examined the resulting problems that are created, and considered potential solutions. This podcast was recorded before a live audience and the audience had the opportunity to pose questions to our guest.

Host: Nancy Loane Guest: Scott Summy and Cindi Howell Description: The Mathias J. Brunner Nursing Education Fund was created to help Willow Valley Communities Team Members obtain a degree in nursing. In this podcast, Scott Summy, Willow Valley's Chief Human Resources Officer, and Cindi Howell, Lead RNAC and the first Brunner Scholarship recipient, will discuss the history, importance, and impact of the Brunner Fund. While most of the fund donations come from Residents, outside donors also contribute.

Host: Ellen Haas Guests: Bob & Lynn Eisenbiel Description: Bob and Lynn Eisenbiel have been married for 35 years and have four children. They owned several recreational vehicles (RV’s) over much of their marriage. During their work years, they camped in RV’s during family vacations to save money. During their retirement, they finally decided to sell their house and live entirely on the road in an RV. From 2011 to 2016, for 5 years, they lived in their RV, with no house as a backup. This podcast is about their 35 years of traveling the country in an RV, especially during their last 5 years of RV living without a house!

Host: Ray Loewe Guest: Maureen Leader, Willow Valley Communities Public Relations and Communications Manager Description: Maureen Leader works to ensure Willow Valley Communities is known locally, regionally, and nationally. If it has to do with Willow Valley Communities in newspapers, magazines, or TV news, you can be sure Maureen made it happen. She is also the publisher and writer of Willow magazine. National articles in the Wall Street Journal, resident mentions on The TODAY Show and locally in LNP and on WGAL, communicate our Life Lived Forward lifestyle. Recently, Newsweek Magazine ranked Willow Valley Communities the third-best CCRC IN THE NATION. We who live here know that already, but Maureen is making sure the rest of the world knows it, too.