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.

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.

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 Francisco's personal life, including his triplet daughters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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