Life Under The Willow Tree

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Dale Johnson Description: This episode features an interview with Dale Johnson, a resident known for his volunteerism and adventurous spirit. Dale discusses his unconventional childhood, which he credits with shaping his perspective and resilience. He shares how a misunderstanding led to his college education, making him the first in his family to attend. The conversation also highlights his extensive travels and unique adventures, from hitchhiking across the country to biking long distances for charity and volunteering internationally, often finding creative ways to combine his passions with helping others. Finally, Dale reflects on his various volunteer roles at Willow Valley and in the broader community, emphasizing the importance of giving back and embracing new experiences as he ages.

Host: Ray Loewe Guest: Margaret (Muggs) Frentz Description: For this latest episode in Life Under the Willow Tree, Ray Loewe interviews Willow Valley resident Margaret "Mugs" Frenz,, discussing her discovery of a black swallowtail caterpillar she named Fatty McFatty. This encounter inspired Mugs to learn about butterflies and their host plants, leading to the formation of the Parsley Project. This project aims to engage fellow residents in raising swallowtail butterflies from eggs, with support from the Willow Valley community and environmental groups, encouraging residents to become citizen scientists and contribute to local butterfly populations. The podcast highlights a photo exhibit and upcoming presentation to further promote the project and educate residents on the butterfly life cycle.

Sneakers, Scholastic Aid, and Santa: Supporting Lancaster's Kids Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Cori Steiner Description: The focus of the podcast is the Willow Valley Community Outreach Program, which was established in 1998 to assist children in need in the greater Lancaster community. They discuss three main annual initiatives: a cornhole tournament supporting high school seniors' post-graduation plans, a "Sneakers for School" project providing new shoes, and a holiday gift-giving program, including an annual event at Dutch Wonderland. The podcast highlights the impact of resident and team member involvement in these programs through volunteering, donations, and providing support, with a strong emphasis on the intergenerational connections fostered and the significant accomplishments over the years.

Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Elaine Gross, Betty Ann Sweet, and Holly Bachman Description: This year, Nurses Day falls on May 8th. We interviewed ten amazing nurses, trying to capture a piece of their lives, careers, and unique experiences. This is the story of three of them: Elaine Gross, Betty Ann Sweet, and Holly Bachman. The others will be released on future podcasts. Stay tuned.

Host: Don Helin Guest: Esther Jacoby Description: In this podcast, we showcase Esther Jacoby's background and experiences, which include her musical and her scholastic education. She discusses her family, as well as what she refers to as her role as an “Accidental Accompanist." A highly talented musician, Esther is now the accompanist for the Willow Valley Chorale and the musical group Bridget and Friends

Email: wvbikeclub@gmail.comWebsite: https://wvbikeclub.wordpress.com/Bike Club Video: https://youtu.be/NplGjkyURu0

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Dick Coyne Description: Dick Coyne and his wife moved to Willow Valley in 2019 after a substantive career in the US Department of Health and Human Services. He spearheaded the program that ensures children enter public school with the key vaccines that prevent highly contagious, devastating childhood diseases. Then he created a system within the Department that put evidence-based medicine and medical equipment in front of Medicare for the betterment of all mankind. What a legacy. After retirement he became a tour guide for several years and then the Coyne's moved to Willow Valley where Dick immediately joined the Resident Council for the North. When that tenure was done, he led the WV Team Member Appreciation Fund, reaching record contributions even without full resident participation. What's next? Listen and find out. It will amaze you

Host: Candy O'Donnell Guest: Ray Loewe Description: In this podcast, Ray Loewe describes the Conference Event that he is planning for June 12th, 2025, at the Willow Valley Conference Center. The purpose of this conference, The Magic Continues, is to learn about tools and techniques to live life to the fullest. This conference, similar to Mr. Loewe's Conference Event held last year in 2024, is part of a series of conferences started 30 years ago by Mr. Loewe. This year, the Conference will have two speakers, followed by lunch at the Willow Valley Conference Center Ballroom. The first speaker, Tracey Gates, who wrote a book entitled “ The Power of a Few Kind Words,” will describe her project of writing one letter of gratitude a day for a year, and what she gained from this. The second speaker, Deborah Brandt, the Producer of Fig Magazine Lancaster, explores what we can do and who we can meet in Lancaster to help us live life to the fullest. Afterwards, there will be a lunch, which will allow people to network, to meet speakers, and to bounce ideas off others at the conference. Ray's Goal is to continue this conference event a few times a year, to be held at Willow Valley.

Ray Loewe interviewed Morgan Poillon and Lauren Renehan about the Willow Valley Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center. The Center's web page is foundation.willowvalleycommunities.org You can find the live camera at the construction site on the web page.

Host: Ray Loewe Guest: WV Pastor Garrick Fleming Description: What happens when a life event gets in the way of living your life? And, more importantly, how do you get back on track? Host Ray Loewe & guest The Reverend Garritt Fleming discuss four valuable concepts that work: The Rope of Hope, The Power of Faith, The Power of Community, and The Importance of having Accountability to someone.

Host: Carol MacAllister, Clinical Social Worker, retired Guest: Erika Snitzer, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor Description: Erika is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor at the Samaritan Counseling Center in Lancaster. Willow Valley is contracted with her through Samaritan, to provide counseling services to WV residents in need of professional support as they navigate the many transitions that are the reality of aging including changing residences, losing a spouse, a child, friends, one's health and/or mobility, independence, and facing death. Erika uses a holistic, collaborative approach, fostering self-awareness, personal growth, and resiliency. Her WV campus office is in the Manor building, behind the Concierge desk, but she can also see clients in her office at the Samaritan Counseling Center, 1803 Oregon Pike. There is a reasonable hourly change. Appointments must be made by calling the main number at SCC, 717-560-9969. No drop-ins, please.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Barbara (Bobbie) Walsh Description: Today, we all take vaccines for granted, and some even ignore them, but most seniors remember the diseases that plagued our childhoods and for which vaccines were miracle cures. Bobbie Walsh was one of those unsung heroes who worked tirelessly for 32 years creating vaccines for many diseases, but notably smallpox, which killed 300 million people in the 20th century alone. This is the story of how the smallpox vaccine was created in our central PA backyard (the Wyeth Labs in Marietta). On May 8, 1980, the World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated worldwide. But if it should rear its ugly head again, the CDC still has enough vaccine to stop it.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Jane Armstong Description: We welcome Jane Armstrong, a SouthPointe resident, who has mastered the art of ventriloquism to enhance her teaching skills and connect with others in a fun and engaging way. Don't miss this lively and fun presentation as Ms. Armstrong shares the stage with her firefighting Dalmatian dog, Tops.

Host: Ray Loewe Guest: Brittany Hemperley, Mgr. of ...... Description: Brittany Hemperly manages Pursuits, the new Willow Valley shop that opened in North last October, in the space previously occupied by the Pharmacy/Drugstore. Rose Bahurka helps her during weekday shop hours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Brittany describes the wide array of products available at Pursuits. Interviewer Ray Loewe could pick up cough syrup for his ailing wife. Cards, chocolates, candy bars, and other edibles such as cheese, crackers, and meats are sold there. Gifts like jewelry, purses, and bags are available. Dog leashes and cat toys are also sold. Best of all, several flavors of Fox Meadows Ice Cream are big sellers. Best of all, Resident suggestions for other products to be sold are taken into consideration.

Host: Carol MacAllister, Lakes Resident Guest: Glennda Hart, Willow Valley's VP of Resident Services Description: Today, Glennda Hart tells host Carol MacAllister of her long career at Willow Valley, beginning at the Willow Street Restaurant and Smorgasbord owned by our WV founders, John and Florence Thomas, who also had an adjoining motel. Folks came from all around to enjoy the delicious food and stay to explore the Lancaster County attractions. It was hospitality where you were "treated like family, " which has been WV's ethic ever since. Glennda started in 1978 and was witness to the building of both campuses, taking positions first in the skilled care side and then, where she is now, in the large and growing independent living sector on both the Lakes and Manor campuses. Glennda shares her personal and professional philosophy of pragmatic empathy for the residents and her staff, balancing the needs and wants of the residents while ensuring this WV enterprise continues and thrives for all of us. She welcomes emails at ghart@willowvalley.org

Host: Dale Johnson & Ellen Haas Guests: Mystery Description: Our podcast team recently experimented with a new AI tool called Notebook LM by Google. We fed it five of our previous episodes where residents discussed life at Willow Valley Communities. The software then generated a new 10-minute podcast based on these insights. Join Dale & Ellen as they delve into the details of this experiment, highlighting key points to listen for in this AI-crafted episode.

Guest: Marian Yoder, WV resident Host: Dale Johnson Description: Spring Run resident Marian Yoder has spent her life forging her own path, redefining expectations to create the life she truly wanted. Raised in a conservative Mennonite community on a dairy farm in Lancaster County, she remained deeply committed to her faith while grappling with the cultural constraints of her upbringing. Her choice to separate faith from tradition led her on an extraordinary journey—one that diverged from the conventional path she was expected to follow as she entered adulthood.

Host: Dale Johnson Guests: Ed Mitchell & Peter Keller, WV Spring Run Residents Description: This podcast features an interview with two Willow Valley residents, Ed Mitchell and Peter Keller, about their newly formed Environmental Interest Group. The group's goals include environmental stewardship, engaging residents in environmental initiatives, and leaving a positive legacy. Their activities involve educational talks, nature walks, and collaborations with other organizations and retirement communities. The podcast also discusses the community's green master plan and the process of forming resident groups within Willow Valley. Ultimately, the interview highlights the residents' passion for environmental conservation and its potential to attract new members to the community.

Host: Don Helin Guest: WV resident Phil Fretz Description: In this podcast, WV resident Phil Fretz shared his journey through prostate cancer, from his discovery of its presence to the final treatment, a period covering ten months. A WV resident for less than two years, Phil found out at a routine visit to his urologist. The diagnosis followed a PSA count that jumped from 3 to 8. His treatment options settled on high-dosage radiation (5 treatments over two weeks) followed by hormone treatment. The whole process was delayed by scheduling conflicts, but in the end, it was successful. Phil shared his journey, hoping it would help other men see their urologist yearly and pursue treatment if necessary. Phil has written a book about his experience with prostate Cancer: One Man's Prostate Cancer, which will be available on Amazon in February 2025. If you have questions or would like to speak to Phil, you may email him at pfretz@gmail.com or call at 610-291-3709.

Host: Don Helin Guests: Phil Fretz and Stone Stafford Description: Art in the Morning: A Renaissance Program is designed to bring new meaning to displays of art in many art forms — paintings, drawings, quilts, photographs, or sculptures, as well as writings inspired by those pieces of art and readings by individual writers. The artist will have an opportunity to explain the motivation for the art. A monthly program will be held to discuss art and writing. For more information: www.artsinthemorning@gmail.com

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Shelly Hockenbrocht, Lead Morning Hostess and Mentor Description: Shelly Hockenbrocht is the kind of employee HR Directors dream of hiring. Eager to work hard and learn everything, Shelly started at Willow Valley at age 17, still a Junior in high school. In her Senior year, she worked full-time in WV in culinary, afternoons and evenings. Thirty-nine years ago, when the total WV staff was about 50 and residents maybe 300, Shelly served in the dining room at Manor. Dining was formal in the early days: staff wore white nursing dresses, clean and crisply ironed, with matching nursing shoes. Resident men wore dress slacks and suit jackets; resident ladies wore dresses, hose, and heels. All practiced good manners, soft voices, and proper comportment. The staff all knew each other, became friends, some found spouses, and hung out together after hours. It was a family. And when weather or illness resulted in short staffing, the administration pitched in, sometimes bringing their entire families to do whatever was necessary—serving meals, washing pots and pans, or mopping the floors. Shelly fit right in and has ever since. Always in culinary, Shelly has served and prepared food, cooked breakfast, and been the morning hostess. When her personal life hit bumps, the administration adjusted her job or hours to help her out, always committed to keeping a good employee…. and that is still the case. And from the beginning, WV has always handed out Christmas bonuses, in those early years it was cash, now it is checks. As Shelly says, WV is a great employer. Getting to know the residents is her greatest joy, and losing them is her greatest sorrow.

Fun in Lancaster CountyLancaster Central Market (Ann), located at 23 North Market Street in downtown Lancaster, is the oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the United States. It is open year-round on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and offers everything from local produce and meats to cheeses, crafts, and handmade items.Walking Tours of Downtown Lancaster (Tom): The visitor center near the Central Market offers guided walking tours that explore the area's architecture and history.First Friday (Dale), held in downtown Lancaster on the first Friday of each month, celebrates art, culture, and community. This vibrant event draws locals and visitors to explore the city's creative scene.Fulton Opera House (Ann), located at 12 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster, is the oldest operating theater in the United States. Its Broadway-caliber shows have become an institution in the County, home to many other theater groups and venues.Gallery Row (Tom), located in the 100 block of North Prince Street, is a vibrant arts district that showcases the city's rich creative culture. Home to numerous art galleries, studios, and shops, it's a hub for local and regional artists.Long's Park Summer Music Series (Dale) offers free concerts on Sunday evenings from June through August in Long's Park, located on Harrisburg Pike next to Park City Center. This popular community event attracts several thousand music fans each week. The park is also a delightful place for walking.County Park (Ann) is located just outside downtown Lancaster. It is a massive park with wooded trails, picnic areas, covered bridges, and beautiful streams and rivers—a wonderful oasis in the city.Root's Country Market and Auction (Tom), located at 705 Graystone Road in Manheim, is open every Tuesday year-round and offers a similar collection of goods as the Green Dragon Market. It's a truly unique experience.Strasburg Railroad (Dale), located at 300 Gap Road in Strasburg, invites visitors to ride an antique steam engine through Lancaster County's picturesque farmland. It also features a museum of classic trains.Village Green Mini-Golf (Ann), located at 1444 Village Road in Strasburg, offers a family-friendly mini-golf experience in the heart of Lancaster County. Set in a picturesque rural location, the course features beautiful landscaping, colorful flowers, ponds, and whimsical decorations, making it a relaxing yet challenging spot for golfers of all ages.Adamstown (Tom), located north of Ephrata on Route 272, is known as the Antique Capital of the USA. It boasts a concentration of antique shops, malls, and markets, attracting collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts nationwide.BB's Grocery Outlet (Dale), located at 581 Camargo Road in Quarryville, offers deeply discounted groceries, bulk items, and household goods. It often features closeouts, overstock, or slightly damaged packaging—a quintessential Lancaster experience.The Corn Wagon (Ann), located at 2169 Millersville Road, is a legendary produce stand in the area. It's a local favorite because it offers the freshest fruits and vegetables at incredible prices. There are many fruit and vegetable stands throughout the County.Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area (Tom), located near Lebanon, PA, is famous for attracting over 100,000 migratory snow geese every spring, making it a must-see for bird watchers.Ice Cream Dairies (Dale): Pine View, Lapps, and Down on the Farm are a few of the top places for ice cream in the County.Kitchen Kettle Shops (Ann) is located in downtown Intercourse, PA, at the heart of the Amish "tourist" area. Here, visitors can see many Amish buggies and Mennonite visitors.Covered Bridges (Tom), Lancaster County is home to 29 covered bridges, one of the largest concentrations in the United States. These iconic structures are an essential part of the County's history and a popular attraction for visitors.Clinic for Special Children Auction (Dale), held at the Leola auction grounds, raises money for a clinic specializing in genetic diseases among the Amish. This event is supported by the Amish and Mennonite communities and offers a great way to experience their culture.Amish Farmland (Ann): The beautiful Amish and Mennonite farms in Lancaster County, particularly around Quarryville, Strasburg, Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, Intercourse, and Leola, showcase preserved farmland that remains a testament to traditional farming methods.One-Room Schoolhouse (Tom): Many one-room schoolhouses still operate throughout the Amish and Mennonite areas, especially near Strasburg.Amish Dinner (Ann): you can check the Internet to find Amish households that provide group Amish dinners in an Amish home.Mandros Market, located at the corner of Lemon and Charlotte Streets in Lancaster City, is known for its exceptional selection of Mediterranean and European imported goods. This Mom-and-Pop Store exudes old-world charm, drawing food lovers seeking authentic ingredients for cooking and entertaining.Hammond Pretzels, situated on South West End Avenue in Lancaster City, is a small, historic family-owned business that has been in the family for three generations. Embodying Lancaster's rich pretzel-making tradition, it's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates classic snacks.Cherry Hill Orchards, located at 400 Long Lane in New Danville, is a family-owned farm that grows its own produce. In season, the produce is sold to customers or available for pick-your-own. The farm also offers homemade baked goods and fresh apple cider.Lancaster Breweries, Lancaster, is home to several local breweries that serve exceptional beers and food. Check out popular spots like Iron Hill Brewery, Lancaster Brewing Company, Old Town Brewery, and Spring House Brewery.Amish Stand, located on Kendig Road in Willow Street, is open year-round. Offering eggs, baked goods, seasonal produce, and flowers, it's a great spot for fresh, locally grown items.Isaac's Restaurant, located in Strasburg and other locations across the County, is famous for its delicious sandwiches, all named after birds.Green Dragon Farmer's Market and Auction, located at 955 North State Street in Ephrata, is open every Friday year-round. The market offers a wide range of items, from local produce and meats to livestock, clothing, and home décor.The 300-Block Shops, located in the 300 block of North Queen Street in Lancaster City, features a variety of intriguing shops, including art galleries.Wheatland, located at 230 North President Avenue in Lancaster, is a historic mansion once the home of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States. Built in 1828, this beautifully preserved Federal-style house offers visitors a glimpse into the mid-19th-century life of one of the most controversial U.S. presidents.Third Friday, like First Friday, but focused on Lancaster's music scene, highlights local musical talent in various venues across the city.Whoopie Pie Festival held every September at 240 Hartman Bridge Road in Ronks, celebrates the beloved Pennsylvania Dutch dessert—a soft, cake-like sandwich with creamy filling. The festival draws thousands of visitors each year.Turkey Hill Experience, located in Columbia, PA, offers museum tours where visitors can enjoy homemade beverages (teas and lemonade) and ice cream—known for allowing guests to create their own unique ice cream flavors.Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, located at 510 Centerville Road in Lancaster, offers a full buffet-style dinner paired with a stage show. It is open year-round.Wolf Sanctuary of PA, located at 465 Speedwell Forge Road in Lititz, is home to real wolves and offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close.The Jigger Shop, located at 202 Gettysburg Avenue in Mount Gretna, offers delicious snacks, ice cream, and musical events throughout the summer.Lititz Springs Park is a beautiful downtown park in the heart of Lititz. It is known for its old-fashioned Fourth of July festivities.The Hospice Auction, held on Labor Day Weekend at the Solanco Fair Grounds in Quarryville, features food prepared by the local Amish community and items like handmade quilts that are auctioned to raise funds for Hospice of Lancaster County.Good's Store, located at 334 West 4th Street in downtown Quarryville, is a Mennonite-owned store that sells almost everything. It functions as an actual "general store" in the traditional sense.Strasburg Scooters, located at 246 North Decatur Street in Strasburg, offers little motorized car rides through the stunning Amish countryside and past covered bridges.The National Clock and Watch Museum is located at 514 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA. This fascinating museum has a huge exhibit of clocks and watches covering the history of timekeeping.Northwest River Trail, Columbia to Falmouth, PA. This wonderful trail runs for miles along the Susquehanna River and offers incredible scenery.Susquehannock State Park is a scenic 224-acre park overlooking the Susquehanna River in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It offers stunning river views, especially from the Pinnacle Overlook, one of its most popular spots.American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Hwy E, is a premier live entertainment venue that opened in 1997. It is known for its high-quality, family-friendly shows and for hosting diverse performances, from live concerts to original musical productions.Sight & Sound Theatres, 300 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA, is one of the country's most renowned live theater experiences. Known for its Bible-based, Broadway-style productions, the theater brings biblical stories to life with jaw-dropping sets, live animals, and unforgettable special effects.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Alice Pero, WV resident, a retired nurse, and Quester member Description: WV resident Alice Pero introduces us to QUESTERS, a non-profit organization that promotes education, preservation, and restoration of artifacts, memorials, historical buildings, and landmarks. Host Carol MacAllister loves history because she believes if we fail to learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it. Both she and Alice believe we stand on the shoulders of all those who came before us. Preserving the past saves our cultural heritage and foundations for generations to come. If you want to know more about QUESTERS, contact Alice at 717-435-8987 or alice.pero41@gmail.com. https://www.questers1944.org/

Host: Carol MacAllister Guests: Pamela Bailey, Sr. Director of Resident Health & Wellness Services and Andrea Petrokonis, Credentialed Nurse Practioner Description: The Willow Valley Integrity Health office is a fully operational Primary Care Provider, offering routine exams, preventative care, acute illness visits, chronic disease management, diagnostic tests ordering, vaccinations, and many other healthcare services. They take a holistic approach, emphasizing healthy practices, disease prevention, health education, and fitness. They are independent of Lancaster General Health/Penn Medicine and Hershey Medical Center, but the staff have worked at both, so they know how to make referrals to any and all the specialists you may need. They are fully credentialed to handle all required billing with all insurance carriers and Medicare. To schedule an appointment, please call 717.464.6200. Walk-in appointments are not available.

Host: Bill Adams Guest: Aaron Sherman, Odyssey Group Wealth Advisors Description: This podcast interview explores the differences between charity and philanthropy, emphasizing the latter's strategic and long-term approach to giving. The interviewee, a wealth manager, outlines a process for individuals and families to engage in thoughtful philanthropy, beginning with meeting their own needs and then considering their goals for their wealth and its impact on future generations. The discussion highlights the importance of identifying motivations, choosing causes, and establishing relationships with organizations to maximize the effectiveness and personal satisfaction derived from philanthropic endeavors. The podcast also explores the benefits of creating endowments, which provide long-term financial stability for organizations, ensuring their continued impact on future generations.

Host: Don Helin Guest: Creg Scott, Design Architect, Historian on C Emlen Urban Description: Greg Scott is a partner emeritus and the co-founder of RLPS Architects in Lancaster. PA. He is also the author of the “Design Interventions” columns in the Lancaster newspaper. Greg is the author of URBAN LEGEND, the first hardcover book ever written about Lancaster's most notable architect, C. Emlen Urban. The book highlights 25 of Urban's projects through beautiful photography and brings to life both the many architectural styles he worked in and the people behind them who commissioned the projects. His latest book, URBAN ALPHABET, continues his exploration of Lancaster's most prolific architect, C. Emlen Urban, from the many articles he has published in the local newspaper. In November 2026, we can look forward to Grey's book on Urban's work with Milton S. Hershey in designing the town of Hershey.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guests: Jerry Schramm and Allison Connelly, LEMS staff Description: We all depend on and even take for granted Lancaster's EM Services, but did you know they receive no tax dollars, and Lancaster City is thinking of taking away their yearly contribution to this non-profit service to balance the city budget? That means a cutback on this life-saving service! Membership: OUR memberships provide the bulk of their funding. Imagine what it would be like to have no ambulance when you need it. LEMS also provides different levels of transport as well as training new recruits and providing citizens with CPR training and other first aid tips. These are the people who save our lives before we get to the hospital. Listen, learn, and support this vital community service.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Pat McGee, WV Resident Services Office Manager Description: “Call the front desk; they'll know.” That is a refrain spoken daily by WV residents, new and long-timers, for indeed, it seems our Concierges do know everything about Willow Valley and our community. They are supreme multi-taskers as they answer the phones, receive and log in packages, help residents register for a class or order a takeout meal, and answer “how do I, where can I find, which way to….? questions all day long. Host Carol MacAllister and Pat McGee explore the breadth and depth of all that WV concierges must know and do for the residents. Today, we also bid farewell to Pat McGee as she retires to travel the country with her husband in their RV. We thank you for always being there for us.

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.