Podcasts designed by Willow Valley residents, for Willow Valley residents, their friends & families. These podcasts are about Willow Valley residents and the people and events that surround them.
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August 14, 202622 min
E227:Willow Valley Memory Center: A Holistic Model of Assisted Living
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Aug 13, 2026
The Willow Valley podcast highlights the upcoming September 15th opening of a new Memory Center designed to revolutionize dementia care. Hosted by Don Healin, the discussion features Mission Director Lauren Renehan and Home Life Administrator Julie Waters, who explain a holistic social model of assisted living. This innovative approach focuses on small households of ten residents supported by care partners who prioritize companionship and engagement over purely clinical tasks. The center aims to reduce the stigma surrounding cognitive decline by offering extensive educational resources and support groups for both families and the community. By shifting away from archaic medical regulations, the facility provides a supportive environment that emphasizes brain health and social connection through every stage of the disease.
August 6, 202622 min
E224: LUWT: Stories with Mortenson and Armstrong
E224: LUWT: Stories with Mortenson and Armstrong. This podcast captures a session from the Willow Valley podcast titled "Life Under the Willow Tree," hosted by Ray Loewe. The episode features two residents, Pat Mortenson and Jane Armstrong, sharing personal anecdotes to demonstrate how simple triggers can resurface long-forgotten memories. Featured stories include a humorous misunderstanding from a woman's college years, and a family’s encounter with a motorcycle group that provided unexpected roadside assistance. The host also discusses how modern technology helped him reconstruct a detailed narrative about his past travels in Romania. Throughout the program, the participants emphasize that everyone possesses compelling stories worth documenting and sharing with their neighbors. Ultimately, the session serves as an invitation for community members to participate in upcoming storytelling events to foster deeper social connections.
July 30, 202634 min
E226: LUWT From Near Death to a Life Well Lived
In this podcast, Maggie Stauffer interviews Willow Valley resident Ken Smith, whose life story illustrates the power of resilience, tenacity, and compassion. After a rocky start in higher education and missing out on his dream of attending the Naval Academy, Smith eventually found success as a distinguished naval aviator. During his military career, he survived a near-death ejection and unknowingly transported Oliver North during the Iran-Contra affair. Transitioning to the private sector, he became a commercial airline captain before dedicating his retirement to philanthropy and hospice volunteering. His journey is defined by a commitment to service, artistic pursuit, and a philosophy of living every day to the fullest.
July 23, 202618 min
E223: LUWT Don Helin and Travel: Eating Around Lancaster
Notes: Restaurants Covered in This Podcast
Rachel's Crepes
McClearys in Marietta
Achenbach's Bakery in Marietta
The Brasserie in Lancaster
July 16, 202613 min
E225: LUWT: The Willow Valley Memory Center and Mission Director Lauren Renehan
Link to the Memory Center Web Page:https://www.willowvalleycommunities.org/care/supportive-living-communities/marlin-doris-thomas-memory-center/
July 10, 202617 min
E 221: Odd Jobs Part 2: Dale Johnson and Elaine Kurceba
The podcast Life Under the Willow Tree features residents of the Willow Valley community sharing the unusual and unexpected jobs they held throughout their lives. The hosts, Dale Johnson and Elaine Kurceba, interview various individuals who recount roles ranging from a movie theater attendant and a deodorant factory worker to a hypnotist's assistant and a secret spy. Some stories highlight dramatic life shifts, such as a civil engineer who once paddled a kayak to escape East Berlin or a music professor who spent decades as a mail carrier to preserve his creative energy. Other residents describe youthful endeavors like go-go dancing in a skating rink, serving as a sleep supervisor at a reform school, or handling pythons for a zoo. These narratives serve to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and rich personal histories of the people within the retirement community. The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their own experiences as an actress and a geographer who once dug graves and delivered meals by bicycle.
June 27, 202629 min
E220: Having Fun in Lancaster County-replay
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.
June 18, 202616 min
E219: LUWT Odd Jobs: Dale Johnson and Elaine Kurceba
E219: The provided text is a transcript from the Willow Valley podcast, "Life Under the Willow Tree," where hosts Dale Johnson and Elaine Kurceba explore the unconventional previous jobs held by community residents. The episode highlights a diverse range of early employment experiences, such as working as a car hop on roller skates, assembling body bags, and even caretaking for a rabbit colony. Each story transitions from these eccentric or labor-intensive roles to the person's eventual professional career, showcasing the impressive backgrounds of neighbors who became professors, attorneys, and psychiatrists. By sharing these humorous and surprising anecdotes, the podcast aims to foster deeper connections and appreciation among the residents of the retirement community. The narrative emphasizes that distinguished careers are often preceded by unique life detours and humble beginnings.
June 11, 202634 min
E217: LUWT The Power of Storytelling and Building a Legacy
E217: The Power of Storytelling and Building a Legacy. This podcast episode features Ray Loewe, the founder of the "Changing the Rules" podcast, and Jim Rose, an engineer who steps into the hosting role to explore the evolution of the show. Originally started as a marketing tool for Ray’s business, the project transitioned from an internet TV show to a successful podcasting community at Willow Valley after the pandemic hit. The discussion highlights how the initiative grew into a collaborative club that fosters deep connections between neighbors by sharing their unique life experiences. Ray and co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer emphasize that these recorded conversations serve as a lasting legacy for families and a way to build meaningful relationships. The creators are now expanding their mission through storytelling dinners and public speaking events to help others document their histories. Ultimately, Ray Loewe illustrates how active listening and storytelling can transform a community and enrich the lives of everyone involved.
June 4, 202635 min
E218: Supportive Living
E218: Supportive Living. Dale Johnson and Maggie Stauffer have a discussion at Meadow Ridge, a supportive living community at Willow Valley Communities, focusing on the emotional and logistical transition from independent living. A social worker and two residents share personal stories regarding the decision-making process, the challenges of downsizing possessions, and the initial shift in mindset required to embrace a smaller living space. The participants emphasize that moving to supportive living provides essential services like meal preparation and medical management while allowing residents to maintain their independence and social engagement. By comparing the environment to a cruise ship, the speakers highlight the vibrant daily life, the intergenerational connections with staff, and the peace of mind that comes from having a safety net of care. Ultimately, this interview illustrates that transitioning early can lead to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle by removing the burdens of maintaining a household.
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