Life Under The Willow Tree

Hosted by The Podcast Group at Willow Valley Communities

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Episodes

232

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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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60 recent

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.

May 28, 202628 min

E216: John Murphy Interviews the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper

Web Page: www.lowerSusquehannariverkeeper.org www.lowsusriverkeeper.org

May 21, 202625 min

E215: LUWT Changing the Rules of Photography

Links: Dale's Web Site: Airphotos.wordpress.com Willow Valley Through the Seasonshttps://youtu.be/Cm0_By9mq5o Biking Through Amish Country Videohttps://youtu.be/NplGjkyURu0

May 14, 202615 min

E214: LUWT Candace O'Donnel and Carol Still Tap Dancing

Tap Dancing

May 7, 202626 min

E213: LUWT Travel Suggestions for Lancaster County

In Columbia Pennsylvania, you can visit: Wrights Ferry Museum National Watch and Clock Museum Hinkle's Ice Cream Columbia Crossing River Trail Center

April 30, 202621 min

E212: LUWT Mary Donaldson-Evans

Host: Don Helin Guest: Mary Donaldson-Evans Description: This podcast transcript features an interview with Mary Donaldson-Evans, a resident of Willow Valley and a former French professor. She shares her life story, beginning with her childhood in Minnesota and her formative year working as a nanny in Paris. The conversation highlights a significant discovery of hundreds of wartime letters exchanged between her parents during World War II. These letters inspired her to research her father’s service in the 10th Mountain Division and eventually led her to Italy to meet a family he had befriended decades earlier. This historical journey resulted in her book, "Behind the Lines," which preserves her parents' experiences for future generations. Donaldson-Evans also discusses her most recent work, which offers humorous reflections on the aging process.

April 16, 202626 min

E211: LCSWMA, The Great Green Secret of Lancaster County

04/14/2026 LCSWMA: The Great Green Secret of Lancaster County Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Michelle Brown, LCSWMA, Energy and Commodity Manager. Have you ever wondered what happens to your trash here at Willow Valley? Why can’t we recycle everything? Why do we have to separate our recyclables, and what happens to them once they are picked up by our commercial hauler? In today’s Open podcast (meaning it was open to the public to watch), you will discover what happens to everything we toss out, from the smallest tissues to the largest construction waste. And yes, we talk recycling: what determines what can be recycled and what happens to it. Our guest is Michelle Brown, LCSWMA’s Energy and Commodity Manager. We covered everything LCSWMA does, why it is one of the best operations of its kind in the nation, and how it manages to be fully self-supporting (no tax dollars!). For more information and to sign up for tour day, June 25th, go to https://lcswma.org/rethinking-waste/

April 9, 202621 min

C210: Two Lovely Ladies of Willow Valley

E210: Two Lovely Ladies Host: Elaine Kurceba Guests: Jean Morgan and Sally Gross Description: This podcast episode features an interview with Jean Morgan and Sally Gross, two vibrant residents of the Willow Valley retirement community who are both in their nineties. The conversation highlights their philosophies on aging, emphasizing the importance of staying active, maintaining lifelong friendships, and approaching life with gratitude. Sally shares stories about her creative interior design projects and a memorable dinner with NASA astronauts, while Jean discusses her volunteer work and her connections to the film industry. Both women reflect on their personal styles, family joys, and the resilience required to navigate life's challenges. Ultimately, the source serves as an inspiring testament to living with grace and independence during one's later years.

April 2, 202624 min

E209: The Real Fountain of Youth Might Be Your Social Circle

Hosts: Dale Johnson and Maggie Stauffer Guests: Taylor Blackwell and Heather Nelson This episode explores the critical link between socialization and longevity through various scientific lenses. The hosts discuss a Brigham Young University study highlighting social integration as the primary predictor of a long life, even surpassing exercise or diet. They also examine the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which concludes that strong, warm relationships are more vital to health and happiness than wealth or fame. Additionally, a resident social worker presents data showing that continuing care retirement communities significantly reduce frailty and hospitalizations by fostering these essential connections. Finally, the program highlights how structured activities like clubs, communal dining, and concerts create an environment that combats isolation and supports long-term well-being. Here are a few links: https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_pinker_the_secret_to_living_longer_may_be_your_social_life https://www.whereyoulivematters.org/resources/health-benefits-of-senior-living-insights-from-the-latest-norc-study/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Check out our podcast episode #34: A Very Social Place