Life Under The Willow Tree

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Sharon Habanec, WV Senior VP of Culinary Services Description: Sharon Habanec reflects on her 39-year career, starting as a part-time hostess. She describes the evolution of the organization’s dining philosophy toward "destination dining," which offers residents diverse choices across nearly 18 different venues. Habanec emphasizes a leadership culture rooted in internal mentoring and a team-based approach that proved essential during the operational challenges of the Covid pandemic. The discussion also covers the technical aspects of food safety, local sourcing from Amish farmers, and the logistical adjustments required during major community renovations. Ultimately, Habanec highlights her passion fo...

Host: Candace O'Donnell Guest: Jim Casler Description: In this podcast episode from Life Under the Willow Tree, host Candace O'Donnell interviews Jim Casler, the experienced director of the community’s chorale. Casler discusses his lifelong musical journey, which began in a boys' choir and led to a long career as a music educator before he transitioned to leading his fellow residents. The conversation highlights the inclusive nature of the ensemble, noting that auditions are not required for general membership and singers are encouraged to choose voice parts that feel comfortable. Looking ahead, the group is preparing an American musical theater ex...

Host: Carol MacAllister Guests: WV Vice Presidents, Jim Tracy and Terry Cain What does it really take to keep a community like Willow Valley running smoothly every single day? In this behind-the-scenes conversation, Vice Presidents Jim Tracy and Terry Cain share how facilities, construction, real estate, and essential services come together to support residents, team members, and visitors. From thousands of work orders and major renovations to sustainability efforts, emergency response, and long-term planning, Jim and Terry offer a fascinating look at the unseen work that keeps everything moving — and why people, purpose, and excellence matter most.

Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Lynn Neely Description: In this podcast episode from the Willow Valley community, host Dale Johnson and resident Lynn Neely explore the diverse cultural landscape of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They challenge the perception of the city as a small town by highlighting professional theaters like the historic Fulton Opera House and unique venues such as Sight and Sound, which features live animals in Biblical productions. The discussion covers a wide array of musical opportunities, ranging from the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra to seasonal outdoor concerts at Longs Park and international piano competitions. Beyond traditional stages, the duo details community-focused...

E201: Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Deborah Greggs and Nathaniel Rivera This podcast features host Ray Loewe interviewing Deborah Greggs and Nathaniel Rivera, two Willow Valley team members who recently received educational scholarships. Deborah is an LPN in resident nursing who is pursuing her RN degree to eventually become a nurse practitioner, motivated by her mother’s memory and her desire to provide bilingual care. Nathaniel currently works in culinary services but is utilizing his scholarship to study psychology and nursing, aiming for a future career as a psychiatric nurse. The discussion highlights their personal backgrounds, including Deborah’s experience raising four...

Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Liz Forbes and Jim Whitehead Description: This podcast features an episode in "Life Under the Willow Tree," hosted by Ray Loewe and featuring guest speakers Liz Forbes and Jim Whitehead. The conversation highlights the Resident Council, an advisory body that serves as a vital liaison between the community and management. The guests describe the council’s mission to address safety and quality-of-life concerns, such as the installation of automatic doors, electric vehicle charging stations, and improved parking. They also explain the nomination and election process for the 19-member group, emphasizing that it is not intended for mi...

Host: Don Helin Guest: Tammy Eberly Description: Tammy Eberly is a woman with many talents, who lived in many places. She started out as a resident of Ohio, then lived in different areas in Pennsylvania and Virginia. She first worked as a nurse, and then started several businesses as a fashion fabricator for designers in New York and San Francisco. Later, she worked with Servant Stage in Lancaster, designing and fabricating costumes for actors in local plays. She is a woman who has many talents under her belt!

E198: SmartLife at Willow Valley Host: Dale Johnson Guests: Andrew Salotki, Grace and Ed Valentine This podcast episode introduces Smart Life via Willow Valley, an innovative continuing care at home program designed for seniors who wish to age in place. Hosted by Dale Johnson, the discussion features program manager Andrew Salotki, who explains how the initiative provides long-term care coordination and asset protection through a specialized contract. Listeners also hear from residents Grace and Ed Valentine, who share how the plan allows them to maintain their independence in a private residence while accessing the community's social amenities and health services...

Host: Ray Loewe Guest: Carol MacAllister Carol MacAllister was a social worker in 1978 for the State of New Mexico Mental Health Bureau when a new law, "The Sexual Crimes Prosecution and Treatment Act," was passed. Carol was assigned to assemble a team that was charged with implementing the act. One part was to create a standardized rape kit that would provide hard evidence for the courtroom. That eventually led to the rape kit used universally to this day. Carol says she was just in the right place at the right time to be a part of such an important change...

Episode 196: Semester at Sea 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 loca...

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...

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...

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...

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...

E191 Host: John Murphy Guests: Rich and Peg Wurst: Living with Low Vision at Willow Valley Description: 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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Vall...

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...

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...

Host: Candee O'Donnell Guests: Jayne Bourke, Dick Steeg Description: Jayne Bourke and Dick Steeg, 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 ages 14 to 18, by showing them how to build small boats. This program was developed for Manos House, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for young men.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Joel Schock, Manager of Willow Valley Grounds Description: Today, Joel provided us with a brief overview of the progress made over the last two years, since he and his team began implementing the Green Master Plan in 2023. Without habitats for our many pollinators, which include more than just honeybees, we will not have one-third of the food that we enjoy and that keeps us healthy.

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Ko Molenaar, WV resident of 20 years Description: At breakfast one morning, host Carol MacAllister overheard this story of a painting that traveled from New Jersey to Spain and then to Lancaster over the span of at least two decades. In learning about the painting, this poignant story of a Dutch boy’s life during WWII and then his career as an International Accountant was discovered. Though now 92 years old, Ko Molenaar still remembers his childhood in sharp detail, and the years of hardship all those who remained in Europe suffered throughout WWII.

Host: Candee O'Donnell Guest: Debbie Mink Description: This podcast episode, from the Willow Valley Podcasting Channel, features an interview with Debbie Mink, a "Renaissance woman" and former teacher, who discusses several of her collaborative literary projects. The primary focus is on "Choices," a book she co-wrote with fourth-grade students at Cambridge Springs and Maplewood Elementary Schools, which tackles the issue of bullying and features a character based on her experiences helping a visually impaired husband. The conversation also touches upon "Adapting Vision Challenges Together," a book offering tips for those assisting visually impaired household members, and another project where students...

Host: Carol MacAllister, resident and Podcast Club member Guests: Ray Loewe, founder of Life Under the Willow Tree Podcast Club Dale Johnson, founding member Ellen Haas, Sound Engineer Description: We often interview Willow Valley Staff to discover the “behind the scenes” of their particular job here at Willow Valley. We call it “Behind the Scenes at….” So today, we are doing the same thing about this podcast: who started it, where we record our interviews, where the logo and introductory music came from, and what equipment is needed. And then, we discuss how we find our guests as we celebrate our reside...

Host: Dale Johnson Guests: Ryan Hardy and Wyatt Oerman Description: This podcast episode from "Life Under the Willow Tree" features an interview with Ryan Hardy and Wyatt Oerman, members of the Willow Valley audiovisual technical crew, discussing their roles in supporting various events and performances. They describe the theater pre-show preparations, including reviewing technical riders and setting up equipment, as well as their responsibilities during performances, such as managing sound levels and lighting. The conversation also highlights the challenges of audio mixing in different venues and the decision to implement two daily theater performances due to increased demand. Finally, the...

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Joel Schock, Manager of Willow Valley Grounds This Podcast is a repeat from June 2023. Joel Schock, WV Grounds Manager, tells us about WV’s Green Master Plan. That means how WV plans to create areas in our highly manicured landscape that will nurture pollinator habitats, sequester more carbon, and promote natural fauna for our Central Pennsylvania environment. Water gardens, wildflower gardens, and the culling of invasive species are all in the plans. Joel has welcomed the input of WV residents, many of whom are Master Gardeners, while balancing our organizational branding as exquisitely maintained properties. This ve...

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Richard Masayoshi Ikeda Description: On 2/21/1934, it was Richard’s 8th birthday when his father was taken away by the FBI. In the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, 12/7/1941, the emotional hysteria that followed led the government to label all citizens of Japanese ancestry “enemy aliens.” Most lived on the West Coast and were American citizens. With no due process, they were incarcerated in 10 “relocation” centers throughout the West. In all, 110,000 people lost everything and were housed in horse stables and tarpaper shacks on land unfit for human habitation. Richard’s father went to Santa Fe, NM, while th...

Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Carolyn Mellinger, former WV staff, now Resident Description: Carolyn Mellinger was a former staff member and is now a current resident of Willow Valley. The conversation centers on Mellinger's foundational role in establishing numerous programs and services at Willow Valley from its inception. She recounts her journey from a waitress to the first activities director, detailing how she initiated key offerings, such as mail delivery, resident handbooks, and activity programs, by actively listening to and collaborating with residents, thereby fostering a strong volunteer culture. The discussion also explores the evolution of the community's organizational structure and...

Host: Candee O'Donnell Guest: Linda Morley Description: This podcast episode from "Life Under the Willow Tree" features an interview with Linda Morley, a Willow Valley resident. Morley discusses her extensive career in education, highlighting how her organizational skills and experience presenting to large groups are now applied to her current volunteer work. The main focus of the interview is her initiative to create "memory books" and "five facts" displays for residents in memory care facilities like Lakeside and Cedarbrook. These personalized items, filled with annotated photos and key life facts, aim to stimulate conversation, provide comfort, and help residents with...

Host: Don Helin Guest: Bill Bastian Description: This episode features an interview with Bill Bastian, a veteran who shares his experiences as a jet engine mechanic and plane captain in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, specifically working on F-8 Crusaders. He recounts details of training, serving on aircraft carriers like the USS Kittyhawk and USS Midway, and the dangers and losses faced by pilots and crew. The discussion also touches upon his post-military career in pipeline construction and crane mechanics, and his retirement at Willow Valley.

Host: Candee O'Donnell Guest: Francisco Rivera Description: This podcast episode from "Life Under the Willow Tree" features an interview with Francisco Rivera, an employee at Willow Valley for nearly 24 years. The discussion highlights his career progression from a 16-year-old busboy to a healthcare administrator, emphasizing Willow Valley's support for employee growth and education, including on-site training and tuition assistance. The interview also touches upon the three generations of Rivera men working at Willow Valley, showcasing a strong family connection to the organization. Additionally, the conversation briefly mentions the diverse and internationally renowned JP McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and...