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.

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 interviewed seniors about historical changes, incorporating these narratives into historical fiction stories. Throughout the discussion, Mink highlights the importance of student involvement, the real-world impact of her books, and the broader topic of empathy and understanding.

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 residents, staff, and the surrounding community of Lancaster County. .

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 technicians mention their involvement in special campus events and the ongoing need for volunteer assistance with video production and auditorium operations.

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 versatile, highly experienced individual is the ideal candidate for this complex job. This is an opportunity to review Phase I of the Green Master Plan, as Joel will update us on July 8, 2025, on the progress and challenges of WV's efforts to support Mother Nature.

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 the rest of the family joined 9,000 others in Jerome, Arkansas. Richard recounts his life there and the mindset that enabled them all to make the best of their circumstances, all the while proving their loyalty to America by excelling in all they did. From picking beans for $ 0.35 a bushel to an illustrious 40-year career as a polymer physicist at DuPont, Richard’s tale is one of pragmatic intelligence, resilience, and determination.

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 its prudent financial management, offering valuable historical context and a unique insider's perspective on Willow Valley's development.