Host: Elaine Kurceba Guests: Maggie and Barry Stauffer Description: In this episode Willow Valley residents Maggie and Barry Stauffer describe their transformative experience with the Semester at Sea program, a 100-day global voyage. Their ship functioned as a floating university, traveling to ten different countries including Brazil, South Africa, and India. The speakers describe the program’s unique structure, where college students earn academic credit alongside lifelong learners who audit classes while exploring diverse cultures. Throughout the conversation, they highlight profound personal moments, such as visiting Nelson Mandela’s prison cell and witnessing extreme poverty in local townships. Ultimately, the podcast illustrates how international travel and immersive education can broaden worldviews, foster empathy, and encourage people of all ages to step outside their comfort zone.

Life Under the Willow Tree E 195:Living with Dementia, Part 3 Host: Don Helin Guest: Mary Schreiber This podcast is a "Life Under the Willow Tree" podcast, hosted by Don Healin and featuring Mary Schreiber, a memory care staff person at Willow Valley. The discussion is the third part of a series focusing on dementia, particularly emphasizing the critical role and challenges of caregivers. Schreiber explains that dementia is a broad set of symptoms, not a specific disease, and the pair use the analogy of a "bookcase" to describe how memory loss progresses, with short-term memories (top shelf) fading before long-term memories and emotions (bottom shelf). The podcast outlines several resources available to caregivers, including a Dementia Friends information session, a caregiver support group, and the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline, stressing that taking care of oneself is essential for effective caregiving. They also discuss the importance of respite care and how even small acts of support from friends and neighbors can significantly help those who are caring for a loved one with dementia.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guests: Tim Ryan & David Clingan Description: Tim Ryan (Lakes) and David Clingan (Manor) are the Managers of Maintenance on our two Willow Valley campuses. They share with host Carol MacAllister the breadth and depth of the work their departments do. Residents can SEE that they fix what is broken and replace what can’t be fixed in their homes, but in fact, they do so much more. Everything that has to do with the Brick and Mortar of WV, inside and out, is their domain. For every activity, function, or special event that requires setup and teardown (e.g., Cultural Center and Chautauqua Hall), the maintenance department is present. Holidays such as Christmas double their workloads, although the staff does not increase. They put up all those Christmas Trees, live and artificial! Winter snows create round-the-clock efforts. This is a well-oiled operation, often invisible to the residents.

E193: Living With Dementia, Part 2 Don Helin Mary Schreiber This episode is Part 2 in a three-part series on Life with Dementia, hosted by Don Healin and featuring Mary Schreiber , a memory care staff person at Willow Valley. The conversation centers on understanding and connecting with individuals who have dementia, with Schreiber offering practical advice on topics including why human connection is essential for those with the condition. They discuss the "bookcase analogy" to explain how dementia affects the brain. This podcast provides conversation tips, such as approaching a person with dementia at eye level, and using shared history and common ground in conversation. The segment concludes with a brief mention of the challenges faced by caregivers, which will be the focus of the next episode. Schreiber also encourages listeners to attend Dementia Friends information sessions to learn more. Please listen to Episode 184 to hear the first part of this series, Living With Dementia.

Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Ted Borek Description: This episode features an interview with Willow Valley resident Ted Borek, a man with a long and distinguished legal background. Borek details his early career, which began with 24 years of military service, including roles as an Army prosecutor, where he gained initial experience trying a high volume of cases. After his military retirement, Borek transitioned to civilian life, serving as an Assistant US Attorney in Arizona, where his work encompassed both criminal prosecution and civil litigation defending federal agencies. He subsequently became a trial judge in the Pima County Superior Court, rotating through civil, criminal, and juvenile benches for nearly 14 years. Throughout the discussion, Borek stresses that preparation and respect are central to the rule of law, recounting significant cases, including one traffic stop decision that was ultimately upheld by the US Supreme Court.

E191 John Murphy interviews Rich and Peg Wurst: Living with Low Vision at Willow Valley Willow Valley resident John Murphy interviews fellow residents Rich and Peg Wurst, to discuss how to navigate life with vision impairment within the Willow Valley retirement community. Rich details his usage of Meta AI glasses, describing how the technology functions as a vital aid for those with low vision by enabling hands-free calling, texting, and real-time environmental reading. In turn, Peg discusses the challenges and necessity of patience as the spouse of someone experiencing progressive vision loss, noting the ways their lives have become more intertwined. Both interviewees stress that moving to Willow Valley provided essential support and community involvement, alleviating the anxiety and isolation previously experienced at home. The segment concludes with a strong endorsement of Vision Corps, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals with visual impairment.

Episode 190: Julie Stauffer and Art Photography at Willow Valley: Host: Don Helin Guest: Julie Stauffer Description: This podcast episode from "Life Under the Willow Tree," hosted by Don Helin, features Willow Valley resident and photographer, Julie Stauffer. The discussion chronicles Stauffer's life and professional journey, starting with her early exposure to photography through her amateur photographer father and her subsequent career as a teacher. A pivotal family tragedy and divorce led her to seriously pursue photography as a means of emotional recovery and moving forward. Stauffer discusses her work photographing gardens, families, and weddings, as well as meeting her partner, David Loble, through their shared interest in art. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to her transition to and eventual instruction of iPhone photography, her focus on creating painterly, evocative images through techniques like layering, and her current project, "Aging Gracefully," which captures the beauty of aging flowers.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: WV VP of Resident Life, Stacy Musser Description: Stacy Musser started at Willow Valley part-time in Culinary when she was 17 years old. Since that fateful first job, she has grown with the organization, progressively wearing many hats and now multiple hats simultaneously. The breadth of her responsibilities, which grew as the organization grew and grew, is staggering when you spread them all out as we attempted to do in this podcast. Musser discusses her family background, her reliance on mentorship and collaboration in her leadership style, and the complexities of managing multiple calendars and budgets to serve a diverse resident population. Talking fast, taking nary a breath, we get a glimpse of what Stacy does for the 2600 residents, who take the seamless operation of all our amenities for granted. Listen closely, and maybe more than once, then stop by her office in the Upper Level of the Cultural Center to say thank-you. go to: https://vimeo.com/909183218/230aa7e1ff to understand what Stacy does.

Episode 188: Stu Wesbury: A Career in Health, and an Interest in Family Host: Ray Loewe Guest: Stu Wesbury Description: This podcast chronicles Stu Wesbury's diverse professional journey, starting as a hospital pharmacist and transitioning through roles including hospital administrator, CEO of a university hospital, PhD student in economics, professor, and even running for the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout his career, Wesbury was involved in numerous community activities and served for thirteen years as the head of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Now, at 91, Wesbury is dedicated to addressing the problem of fatherlessness and its impact on children, a culmination of his interests in healthcare, poverty, and family dynamics, while happily residing at Willow Valley.

E187 Audrey Slater, Sally Collins - Mom and Golf Pro Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Audrey Slater, Sally Collins Description: Ray Loewe talks to our guests about Lancaster County and Willow Valley in the early days, when Willow Valley was young. Audrey discusses how she got into nursing school and her adventures with a mysterious Mr. Chips. Sally talks about golf lessons, and how she became a golf pro. A lively discussion with a mother and daughter, including some famous names in golf.

10102025 Willow Valley’s Full-Service Day Spa Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Diamondo Wallace, Team Manager of WV Day Spa Description: Nestled in the core of the lower level of the Cultural Center is Willow Valley’s full-service Day Spa. Full service means manicures, pedicures, full body massages, foot massages, and facials. Mondo, as she is affectionately called by all her customers, began working for WV at the age of 14 as a food server at the Glen. After receiving her license from the Lancaster Cosmetology School and completing several years of apprenticeship at a hair and nail salon, she returned to Willow Valley to begin her career in the newly established Cultural Center. That was in 2003. For 18 years, she worked alone, providing all the nail services, but in the last seven years, her staff has grown appreciably, as has the breadth of the services. As she likes to say, the WV Spa is not about “fluff,” it is about total wellness care because feeling good physically makes you feel good emotionally, and we all need that! For more information, please stop by for a brochure of their services.

Pickleball Host: Don Helin Guests: Kathy Ginett and Dan O'Neill Description: Kathy Ginett and Dan O’Neill, two longtime pickleball players here at Willow Valley, joined us for a podcast to discuss pickleball. We focused on how to introduce new people to pickleball and how they might want to get involved here at Willow Valley. We talked about how to get lessons if needed, the various player levels at Willow Valley, and how to qualify for the State and Senior Games. Dan and Kathy also talked about the rules and the actual play of the game.

Host: Don Helin Guest: Mary Schreiber This Podcast is the first in a three part series of podcasts addressing the issue of Dementia with Willow Valley Staff Person Mary Schreiber. This first podcast addresses how to respond to a friend who receives the diagnosis of dementia. The second podcast will be emphasizing Staying Connected. The third podcast will discuss the importance of caregivers. We all must realize there is more to a person than dementia and it’s possible to have a good quality of life with dementia. Mary recommends we all should attend her one hour class offered here at Willow Valley

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: John Murphy Description: John Murphy has been legally blind for the last 40 years, and yet it has not stopped him from pursuing his lifelong M.O. of adventure. He and his wife Diane moved to Willow Valley three + years ago and have been taking advantage of all the lectures, concerts, social and intellectual gatherings, and, of course, dining that Willow Valley has to offer. Always exploring new technologies for the blind, John serves as the Computer Clubs consultant for residents with low vision and works in the lab weekly, helping to prepare wiring that will be recycled for others. Both he and Diane love traveling and take wide-ranging trips every year. Listen to his words of wisdom for all of us.

Host: Candee McDonnell Guests: Jane Burke and Dick Steve Description. Jane Burke and Dick Steve, a married couple, spent their lives in and around boats. They have a passion for building boats. In this podcast, they describe how they developed a program in which they help disadvantaged youth by showing them how to build small boats.

Host: Elaine Kurceba Guests: Phil Winand and Dale Johnson Description: This episode features Willow Valley residents Elaine Kurceba, Dale Johnson, and Phil Winand discussing the concept and practice of global volunteerism. Global volunteerism involves individuals dedicating their time and skills to aid communities worldwide, addressing issues like health, education, and community development. Johnson and Winand share their experiences on medical mission trips to Honduras, detailing how medical clinics are established in local schools, the types of care provided to thousands of patients, and the collaborative effort required from both international volunteers and local residents. They emphasize that while accommodations are basic and the work is demanding, the gratitude of the recipients and the unique opportunity to experience a different culture make the endeavor deeply rewarding. The discussion also touches upon various non-profit and governmental organizations that facilitate such opportunities and the personal motivations for participating in these impactful service travels. Contact information: Dale Johnson (dale.johnson99@gmail.com)

Guests: Cori Steiner, WV Director of Resident Services Alice Pero, WV resident and retired nurse Description: * September is Suicide Prevention Month. Today, we are talking about suicide with two courageous people whose lives were deeply affected by the suicide of a family member or attempts at suicide by a family member. We discussed what helped them cope in the immediate aftermath, including what was helpful from others and what wasn’t. We also explored the available support here at Willow Valley and the resources available in communities nationwide. 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 month-long series of programs 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. *This is a reprodcast of a podcast done initially in August of 2024. Dates mentioned are not exact to the programming offered in Sept. 2025.

Host: Dale Johnson and Candace O’Donnell Guest: Jay Shah & Tein-Min Tan (TM) Description: This podcast episode, "Life Under the Willow Tree," focuses on the vibrant multicultural environment at Willow Valley Communities. Hosts Dale Johnson and Candice O'Donnell interview residents Jay Shah and TM Tan, who share their personal journeys to the United States and experiences at Willow Valley. The discussion highlights the community's growing diverse population—drawing residents from 42 states and many foreign countries—and its commitment to cultural enrichment through various festivals, educational programs, and a multicultural market. Jay and TM also recount their motivations for moving to Willow Valley, emphasizing the desire for independent living and the community's welcoming atmosphere, which has led them to encourage others to join them. Note: Willow Valley was voted the #2 Continuing Care Community in the United States by Newsweek. However, as stated in the podcast, Willow Valley is the #1 Full Type A Continuing Care Community (True Lifecare). https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-best-continuing-care-retirement-communities-2025

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Cheryl McClune, WV Admissions Review Counselor Description: Hidden away in her Welcome Center office is Cheryl McClune, who, it turns out, is the pivotal person in determining if an applicant is admitted to Willow Valley. Because WV is offering a Life Care Contract, the applicant (s) must be a good fit, not only financially, but also physically and mentally. Most are, but some are not, and it is up to Cheryl, with the support of the Sales, Nursing, and Admissions Review Committees, to make that final determination. This comprehensive evaluation of the whole person is done immediately following the financial acceptance, so no one gets heavily involved in the touring/sales process and then is told, Sorry, this is not the place for you. Here, we learn just how much Cheryl does for new residents, including providing community resources for everything, especially new medical care and emotional support, as the transition begins to our last home. Turns out, Cheryl is much more than “that woman who gives us our cognitive test!”

Host: Ray Loewe, Guest: Lisa Hawthorne, Description: What is the real Lisa Hawthorne all about? In this podcast, we get a close-up view of the person who will lead Willow Valley Communities through its next phase of development.