Episodes

  • E168: The Importance of Memory Books: Linda Morley

    E168: The Importance of Memory Books: Linda Morley
    Jun 19 2025
    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 memory issues connect with their past and present. Morley also shares insights into the development of Willow Valley's new memory center, drawing inspiration from innovative European facilities, and passionately advocates for increased visitor engagement and family participation in supporting residents who may lack frequent visitors.
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    22 mins
  • E167: A Navy Story: From Plane Mechanic to Plane Captain During the War in Vietnam

    E167: A Navy Story: From Plane Mechanic to Plane Captain During the War in Vietnam
    Jun 13 2025
    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.
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    24 mins
  • E166: From WV Busboy to Healthcare Administrator: Francisco Rivera

    E166: From WV Busboy to Healthcare Administrator: Francisco Rivera
    Jun 5 2025
    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 Francisco's personal life, including his triplet daughters.
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    22 mins
  • E165: Combining Adventure with Volunteerism: Living Boldly at Any Age

    E165: Combining Adventure with Volunteerism: Living Boldly at Any Age
    May 29 2025
    Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Dale Johnson Description: This episode features an interview with Dale Johnson, a resident known for his volunteerism and adventurous spirit. Dale discusses his unconventional childhood, which he credits with shaping his perspective and resilience. He shares how a misunderstanding led to his college education, making him the first in his family to attend. The conversation also highlights his extensive travels and unique adventures, from hitchhiking across the country to biking long distances for charity and volunteering internationally, often finding creative ways to combine his passions with helping others. Finally, Dale reflects on his various volunteer roles at Willow Valley and in the broader community, emphasizing the importance of giving back and embracing new experiences as he ages.
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    25 mins
  • E:164: Mugsy, Fatty McFatty, and the Parsley Project

    E:164: Mugsy, Fatty McFatty, and the Parsley Project
    May 23 2025
    Host: Ray Loewe Guest: Margaret (Muggs) Frentz Description: For this latest episode in Life Under the Willow Tree, Ray Loewe interviews Willow Valley resident Margaret "Mugs" Frenz,, discussing her discovery of a black swallowtail caterpillar she named Fatty McFatty. This encounter inspired Mugs to learn about butterflies and their host plants, leading to the formation of the Parsley Project. This project aims to engage fellow residents in raising swallowtail butterflies from eggs, with support from the Willow Valley community and environmental groups, encouraging residents to become citizen scientists and contribute to local butterfly populations. The podcast highlights a photo exhibit and upcoming presentation to further promote the project and educate residents on the butterfly life cycle.
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    19 mins
  • E163: Sneakers, Scholastic Aid, and Santa: Supporting Lancaster's Kids

    E163: Sneakers, Scholastic Aid, and Santa: Supporting Lancaster's Kids
    May 15 2025
    Sneakers, Scholastic Aid, and Santa: Supporting Lancaster’s Kids Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Cori Steiner Description: The focus of the podcast is the Willow Valley Community Outreach Program, which was established in 1998 to assist children in need in the greater Lancaster community. They discuss three main annual initiatives: a cornhole tournament supporting high school seniors' post-graduation plans, a "Sneakers for School" project providing new shoes, and a holiday gift-giving program, including an annual event at Dutch Wonderland. The podcast highlights the impact of resident and team member involvement in these programs through volunteering, donations, and providing support, with a strong emphasis on the intergenerational connections fostered and the significant accomplishments over the years.
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    16 mins
  • E162: Ray Loewe: The Adventures of Three Nurses

    E162: Ray Loewe: The Adventures of Three Nurses
    May 9 2025
    Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Elaine Gross, Betty Ann Sweet, and Holly Bachman Description: This year, Nurses Day falls on May 8th. We interviewed ten amazing nurses, trying to capture a piece of their lives, careers, and unique experiences. This is the story of three of them: Elaine Gross, Betty Ann Sweet, and Holly Bachman. The others will be released on future podcasts. Stay tuned.
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    20 mins
  • E161: The 'Accidental Accompanist" with Don Helin and Esther Jacoby

    E161: The 'Accidental Accompanist" with Don Helin and Esther Jacoby
    May 8 2025
    Host: Don Helin Guest: Esther Jacoby Description: In this podcast, we showcase Esther Jacoby’s background and experiences, which include her musical and her scholastic education. She discusses her family, as well as what she refers to as her role as an “Accidental Accompanist." A highly talented musician, Esther is now the accompanist for the Willow Valley Chorale and the musical group Bridget and Friends
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    24 mins