Willow Valley Communities: Celebrating the Past as We Envision the Future
It’s an honor to write to you in this issue of Willow, the lifestyle magazine of Willow Valley Communities. Since we published the last issue, Willow Valley Communities was named by Newsweek as the No. 2 Continuing Care Retirement Community in the United States, and No. 1 among all states in the East. Of course, we were thrilled to hear of this recognition, which came about just as we were celebrating our 40th year of operation.
From the outset, it has been our goal to deliver exceptional residential experiences, integrating the best in Lifecare with top-tier hospitality and real estate development standards. Through this approach, we have attracted Residents from across the U.S., now numbering over 2,600, originating from 42 states.
As we are nearly built-out on our existing campuses in Willow Street, we are delighted to be moving forward with Mosaic, which will deliver all the benefits of Lifecare by Willow Valley Communities, in a new 20-story building in the heart of Lancaster’s Market District.
Mosaic will encompass 146 apartments and resort-grade amenities — but the real story of Mosaic is what’s just beyond its doors. Mosaic sits in the heart of Lancaster’s
Market District, just steps from Central Market and Southern Market, easily walkable to the city’s best restaurants and entertainment venues.
In this issue of Willow, you’ll hear more about Mosaic from the perspective of some of its future Residents. Like them, I am drawn to the charm of Lancaster and a more cityconnected lifestyle, and I am proud to say that I will be among their neighbors at Mosaic.
We will keep you apprised of progress at Mosaic in future issues of this publication — and, if you are not already enjoying Life Lived Forward at Willow Valley Communities, I hope you will feel intrigued to explore our new construction opportunities, available now at Mosaic!
Sincerely,
John G. Swanson President & CEO Willow Valley Communities
MOSAIC SITEWORK IS UNDERWAY! | 3
Willow Valley Communities’ executive leadership celebrates the commencement of sitework at Mosaic's future location with Lancaster City officials and others.
WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES RESIDENTS FEATURED ON WGAL CHANNEL 8 NEWS | 7
Willow Valley Communities Residents loom with love for the Lancaster community.
EXPLORING VOLUNTEERISM IN LANCASTER CITY | 8
All throughout the year, Residents give back to the greater Lancaster community.
MEET MOSAIC | 10
Meet just some of the excited Residents ready to call Mosaic home!
THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM | 15
Learn more about this must-see attraction in New Orleans, and get ready for a special presentation coming to Willow Valley Communities.
NEWSWEEK RANKS WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES | 18
We are honored to be ranked the No. 2 CCRC in the nation, and No. 1 in Pennsylvania and the Eastern U.S., by Newsweek.
EXPLORE LANCASTER’S MARKET DISTRICT | 19
Located in Lancaster’s Market District, Mosaic is a foodie’s delight!
“YOU CAN'T BEAT LIFECARE TYPE A” | 22
The Doolittle family shares what Willow Valley Communities’ Type A Lifecare means to them.
MOSAIC SITEWORK IS UNDERWAY!
Mosaic, the next expansion of Willow Valley Communities, is one step closer to reality. Sitework is now underway at its future home in the heart of Lancaster City!
The long-dormant LNP production building currently on-site, at the northwest corner of South Queen and West Vine streets, will be demolished to make way for Mosaic. The historic Jasper Yeates House (circa 1775), which sits on the same block facing Queen Street, will be preserved.
Progressive Expansion
Willow Valley Communities has expanded progressively over our 40+ years. Two campuses — just south of Lancaster City — are already home to 2,600 Residents from 42 states. Newsweek ranked us No. 2 among all continuing care communities in the nation and No. 1 in the East, and we’re considered by many as a top destination community in the U.S.
Mosaic represents the next exciting chapter in our history. When complete, its 146 apartments for active adults, ranging from 1,600 to 3,300 square feet, will represent just over 8% of Willow Valley Communities’ total independent living portfolio.
An Extraordinary Lifestyle
The Mosaic lifestyle will be second to none, with resortgrade amenities including a full-service day spa, a stateof-the-art wellness center, an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, group fitness and cycling studios, and steam and sauna rooms.
Residents can also enjoy a library, private-event lounge, game/billiards and theater/screening rooms, and a wine cellar and tasting room with temperature- and humiditycontrolled storage. For outdoor recreation, a dog park and grooming station, rooftop garden, and an event lawn and terraces await, along with on-site bike storage and repair.
On January 31, Mosaic sitework kicked off! From left: Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace; Marshall Snively, President, Lancaster City Alliance; John G. Swanson, President & CEO, and Helen Foster, Chief Marketing Officer, Willow Valley Communities; Lester Yuen, Design Director for Gensler, the architectural firm for Mosaic; Bill Koch Sr., President, and Bill Koch Jr., Executive Vice President, of CCS Building Group, the project’s construction company.
Mosaic will also feature a 240-seat ballroom for private and community events.
Reserved parking for Mosaic Residents will be at the existing Steinman Park Garage, accessible by a secure covered walkway, and valet services will be available.
The Lancaster City community will also benefit, as Mosaic will bring at least two new food destinations to the city’s Market District. A 16th-floor lounge and first-floor restaurant and bar, both with indoor and outdoor seating, will be accessible to the public during operating hours.
In addition to the vibrant life of Lancaster City outside their door, Mosaic Residents will also have access to programming and recreation at Willow Valley Communities’ suburban campuses, less than five miles away. Continuous, free shuttle service will link the campuses.
And since Mosaic is an expansion of Willow Valley Communities, all Residents will enjoy the security and peace of mind of a Lifecare Type A contract. This guarantees access to residential care, if needed — including personal care, skilled care, or memory care —
with no increase in monthly service fees because of that need. Willow Valley Communities is the only exclusively Lifecare Type A 55+ community in Lancaster County.
Lancaster Officials Celebrate Mosaic
“I am so excited about this project,” said Mayor Sorace, speaking at the demolition kickoff event. “We are a small city, and as Mayor, when you have a parking lot and an empty building that is in the core of your downtown, of course you want to see it being developed into something more. Something that is going to attract residents, something that is going to continue to support our small businesses, something that is going to add vibrancy to the community.”
Marshall Snively added that Mosaic will be an economic engine for Lancaster. “One of the things that Lancaster City Alliance does is manage city economic development and plan for the development of underutilized sites in the city. We did a request for proposals to ask for the development of not only Mosaic’s corner, but also what is now Southern Market and, across the street, the Swan Hotel. And now it’s all coming together.”
He continued, “The beauty of the Mosaic project is that it is a gateway into the city and a connection from downtown into areas south, and it adds a beautiful piece of architecture in an underutilized space. The local business community couldn’t be any more excited.”
There’s No Better Time
Mosaic is an iconic expression of the vision of Willow Valley Communities. For more than four decades, the spirit of innovation has driven us to create new, inspiring ways for our Residents to Live Life Forward.
The beauty of the Mosaic project is that it is a gateway into the city and a connection from downtown into areas south, and it adds a beautiful piece of architecture in an underutilized space. The local business community couldn’t be any more excited.
Marshall Snively, President, Lancaster City Alliance
“Mosaic is very exciting,” said Lester Yuen of Gensler. “We do projects all over the country in many different contexts — urban, suburban. I’ve done projects in Europe. I have to say Mosaic is unique. To Willow Valley’s credit and vision, they want to be part of the city life. That’s very inspiring for us.”
And there’s never been a better time to explore this next generation of 55+ living. Mosaic is the best opportunity for those who desire new construction with Willow Valley Communities.
To learn more, visit MosaicLancaster.com
We do projects all over the country in many different contexts — urban, suburban. I’ve done projects in Europe. I have to say Mosaic is unique.
Lester Yuen, Design Director, Gensler
Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace speaking at Southern Market
WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES LOOMERS FEATURED ON WGAL
The Loomers of Willow Valley Communities are “Ambassadors” of Coats for Kids, making hundreds of loomed hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves to go along with the coats donated to the program.
Every year, WGAL Channel 8 partners with the Salvation Army in the Coats for Kids initiative to help children in need stay warm over the winter.
WGAL News reporter Anne Shannon interviewed the Loomers at the Southern Market global food hall in Lancaster City. Developed and operated by Willow Valley Communities, Southern Market is located across the street from the future site of Mosaic, Willow Valley Communities’ urban campus.
Anne introduced the Willow Valley Loomers to WGAL’s viewers and showed some of their stunning creations. During her interview, members of the group spoke about the special care they take looming the beautiful hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves they donate to Coats for Kids.
“The best part,” Anne stated at the end of her broadcast, “is that the Willow Valley Communities Loomers do it with love for the Lancaster community.”
WGAL News 8 reporter Anne Shannon interviews the Willow Valley Communities Loomers.
Every year, Willow Valley Residents donate hundreds of loomed accessories to the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids program.
EXPLORING VOLUNTEERISM IN LANCASTER CITY
Willow Valley Communities is home to 2,600 Residents from 42 states across the nation. Many of them had no connection to Lancaster before moving here, but when they visited, they fell in love with the area and decided to stay. Those of us who were born and raised and continue to live in Lancaster also understand exactly why it’s so easy to love. For many, there’s special fulfillment in giving back to the city.
That’s why Willow Valley Communities Residents are so willing to give freely of their resources — in time and money — to support Lancaster. We’ve always strived to be a good neighbor. After all, Lancaster has always been a good neighbor to us!
Giving Back
Being so close to Lancaster City makes it easy for Residents to not only enjoy its fabulous lifestyle but also to volunteer
and give back to the community. Made up of Team Members and Residents, the Community Outreach Committee at Willow Valley Communities supports Lancaster organizations that provide services to those in need. The committee is creative in its endeavors, coming up with numerous fun events throughout the year.
For instance, Willow Valley Communities’ Sneakers for School project donates hundreds of pairs of new sneakers and socks each year to help children be ready for that first day of school with excitement and pride.
Our annual Cornhole for a Cause competition raises funds to help School District of Lancaster high school seniors cover transition costs for their next step to college or technical school after graduation.
Residents also connect with their neighbors to collect gently used suitcases during the Suitcases for School drive,
Volunteers deliver Sneakers for School at Carter & MacRae Elementary School in Lancaster City.
which helps those graduates have a much more positive experience on college move-in day. A small thing like a suitcase can make a big difference for a new college freshman.
During the holiday season, Residents and Team Members gather again to help Stuff the (shuttle) Bus with donations to Toys for Tots and wrap presents for the children’s Santa Breakfast.
Willow Valley Communities also welcomes Lancaster Children and Youth foster families to a fun night at an amusement park over the holidays, complete with rides, games, and plenty of hot chocolate.
The Stevens & Smith Center
In addition to the incredible array of volunteer opportunities already available, Residents can look forward to even more throughout Lancaster City. Organizations like the Lancaster Public Library, Carter & MacRae Elementary School, and Fulton Theatre, all within walking distance from Mosaic, love having Willow Valley Communities Residents help out.
Another opportunity will arrive with the completion of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, just across Queen Street
from Mosaic. Located in the former law office and home of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and his confidante Lydia Hamilton Smith, the center is being developed by the nonprofit LancasterHistory. It will combine historic buildings with a state-of-the-art museum examining the lives and legacies of Stevens and Smith, as well as their social and business circles. Set to open in early 2026, the Stevens & Smith Center is looking forward to meeting more Willow Valley Communities Residents and welcoming them as volunteers.
Near Mosaic and across Lancaster City, Residents have a multitude of opportunities to volunteer and support the community they love — Lancaster!
Our Residents feel a sense of pride in giving back to their community. They find purpose in providing opportunities for people and supporting organizations they believe in.
Cori Steiner, Director of Resident Services & Chair of the Community Outreach Committee
Residents and Team Members Stuff the Bus for Toys for Tots during the holiday season.
Reporter Gabriel Thomas of WGAL News 8 (center) produced a television news story about Suitcases for School.
MEET MOSAIC
Excitement for Willow Valley Communities’ next expansion, Mosaic, has been building. Featuring 146 beautiful residences and resort-style amenities, the 20-story high-rise will truly be a jewel in the heart of Lancaster City.
Of course, no one is more excited for Mosaic than its future Residents. Meet just a few of the people who can’t wait to call Lancaster City home — and see what makes Mosaic the perfect choice for them.
Russ & Louise Feroe | “We are having a hard time waiting for Mosaic to be done!”
Russ and Louise Feroe say that age is just a number. So, when they first heard about Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities, the Pennsylvania natives jumped at the chance to move back north from Florida.
“Florida is not just warmer,” Russ explained. “It’s a whole different world.”
Describing themselves as having young attitudes, the Feroes knew that Mosaic, and Lancaster, would be an ideal fit for them.
“We said, ‘That is exactly the kind of place we want.’ We wanted to be in a high-rise kind of apartment in the middle of a city. We prefer an urban center. We both went to grad school in New York City, and we like that vibrancy. Lancaster fits the bill.”
The couple was also drawn to Mosaic by Lancaster’s walkability, varied culinary scene, multitude of outreach opportunities, and energetic diversity.
“I read in The New York Times about Lancaster being a certified Welcoming City,” said Russ. “It really appeals to
us to not only be in a small town, but in a very ethnically diverse kind of community.”
The Feroes are looking forward to other aspects of their future lifestyle too. Russ added biking in Lancaster, swimming with Louise in Mosaic’s pool every day, and enjoying time on the high-rise’s rooftop lounge. For Russ, it will be to watch the sunrise, and for Louise, the sunset.
“We also can’t wait to get to the Lancaster Symphony, concerts at the Ware Center, shows at the Fulton Theatre,” Russ said, “and there is a slew of musical offerings downtown that we can’t wait to see.”
“We are having a hard time waiting for Mosaic to be done!” Louise added.
For the Feroes, their Mosaic lifestyle means an ideal combination of a high-rise, a walkable city, and diversity in people and cuisine — and all the rich experiences that they bring!
Bob & Kay Borden | “Our friends are all asking if our residence will have a guest room!”
Current SouthPointe Residents Bob and Kay Borden are used to moving. Originally from Virginia. the couple moved to Willow Valley Communities from York, Pennsylvania, and have enjoyed finding homes they can fix up and call their own over the years. Bob even jokes that his wife doesn’t just like to redecorate, “she likes to DECORATE.”
The Bordens have one son. He leads a busy life in Washington, D.C., and they did not want him to ever have to think about their future care. They started exploring senior living communities, touring many around northern Virginia and beyond before ultimately moving to Willow Valley Communities. They were impressed by our Lifecare Type A contract, which means monthly service fees will not increase because of a need for an enhanced level of care, such as personal care, skilled nursing care, or memory support.
Future Mosaic Residents Louise and Russ Feroe
“We like knowing we have the full continuum of care at Willow Valley Communities if we ever need it,” said Bob. Kay added, “We don’t want our son having to worry about making decisions for us.”
But in addition to Lifecare, what really caught their attention was Willow Valley Communities’ proximity to the diverse culinary scene in Lancaster. The Bordens, along with their friends, had been traveling from York to dine at the city’s award-winning restaurants for years. Their top pick is Josephine’s, but the couple quickly named a long list of other favorites, including Barberet, Kefi at Yorgos, Himalayan Curry, The Exchange, 401 Prime, Lombardo’s, Altana, and Southern Market.
The couple laughed. “We eat out a lot!”
When Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities was announced, the Bordens got excited. This was another opportunity to move to a new place to make their own, with a new, vibrant lifestyle, all within walking distance of Central Market and so many of their favorite restaurants.
“We selected a residence on the 14th floor with windows on the north and east side,” explained Bob. “We wanted to see the sunrise, and we wanted to be able to look down on
We like knowing we have the full continuum of care at Willow Valley Communities if we ever need it.
Bob Borden, Future Mosaic Resident
Lancaster Square and see all the action of the city.”
Bob is also looking forward to exploring the city’s history. Both he and Kay enjoy walking through the neighborhoods, admiring the beautiful historical architecture.
“This is a new adventure for us. We’ve never lived in a highrise, and we always wondered what it would be like,” Kay reflected. “And, with our favorite restaurants within walking distance, our friends are all asking if our residence will have a guest room!”
Future Mosaic Residents Bob and Kay Borden love dining out with friends in Lancaster City.
Dan & Linda Schmierer | “One very cool place!”
Dan and Linda Schmierer are current Willow Valley Communities Residents, and it was the maintenance-free and carefree lifestyle that enticed them to move here.
Lifecare, also, was a big reason, as Linda’s parents were Residents, and she saw the excellent care they received and the quality of life they had. The Schmierers did not want their three children to worry about making future care decisions for them.
The couple has been loving life in their beautiful Willow Gables townhome for the past two years, but when they heard about Mosaic, “we got very excited,” recalled Linda. “We’ve lived in four high-rises in our lives, and we loved it. It’s always been our dream to retire to one.”
“We’re addicted to cities,” Dan said with a smile. The couple has moved many times and lived, or worked, in most of the big cities on the East Coast, as well as large cities in Europe. When thinking about their move to Mosaic, they are most excited about the vibrancy just outside their front door in Lancaster City.
Lancaster has all the advantages of a city, without the disadvantages.
Dan Schmierer, Future Mosaic Resident
“Rural rolling hills are not us. When we walk out of the door, we want to see something happening. We like to be near shopping, and we will probably go to a few Stormers baseball games — we can walk to the stadium. And we are not too far from the Amtrak station, so we will probably go up to New York for a few days, which we like to do.”
Linda envisions that a typical day for them as Mosaic Residents will be having a coffee and a treat at the Barberet Coffee Shop at Southern Market across the street and then walking to Central Market to pick up fresh items for her favorite recipes. Since Mosaic is only 10 minutes away from Willow Valley Communities’ suburban campus, they still plan to spend time with the many friends they have there.
The couple is also looking forward to visiting the Fulton Theatre, Gallery Row, and all the restaurants near Mosaic. “Lancaster has all the advantages of a city, without the disadvantages,” said Dan. “Crowds or concern about safety are not part of the Lancaster scene.”
Summing up his and Linda’s feelings about their move to Mosaic, he added, “The whole Lancaster ambiance is one big wow. It’s one very cool place!”
Cedric Barberet of Barberet Coffee Shop in Southern Market serves future Mosaic Residents Dan and Linda Schmierer.
Harrison & Marlene Potts | “The city is right there.” Harrison and Marlene Potts live in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, about a half hour from Philadelphia, and are also looking forward to their move to Mosaic.
“I first learned about Lancaster in a magazine that reported that it was the top place to retire in the country,” Marlene recalled. “Lancaster was added to our list to check out for continuing care retirement communities, along with North Carolina, South Carolina, Savannah, Hilton Head, and others.”
After research and visits, the Pottses concluded that Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities was the perfect choice.
“What we like about Mosaic is that the city is right there,” said Marlene. “We will be moving to a place with much more to do right there in Lancaster City — outside our front door. The urban environment is very appealing to us. Now, when we go out to shows or movies, we must drive, usually to Philadelphia or New York City.”
We will be moving to a place with much more to do right there in Lancaster City — outside our front door.
Marlene Potts, Future Mosaic Resident
Harrison chuckled. “And where we live now, there are no sidewalks. So even if we wanted to take a walk in the park, we’d have to drive to the park to take that walk!”
“I like the idea of not having to get in the car,” added Marlene, who looks forward to taking the shuttle from Mosaic to Willow Valley Communities’ suburban campus, just four miles away, to enjoy the amenities there. She is also excited to meet new people and experience the diverse food scene in Lancaster.
Harrison can’t wait to explore the city on foot. “I’m sure as time goes on, we will find our favorite places, like restaurants and bakeries and other spots, to go to. I look forward to waking up in the morning and walking downtown to my favorite coffee shop.”
The couple is excited about the newness and freshness of this next chapter of their lives. “We are looking forward to a taste of the city life,” Harrison said. “Where we are now is quiet, but sometimes it can be a little too quiet!”
Above: Bistro Barberet & Bakery. Below: Fulton Theatre
Lancaster City is full of eclectic boutiques and cafés to enjoy.
THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM: 25 YEARS OF TELLING THE STORY OF THE WAR THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Article and photos courtesy of The National WWII Museum
We’re excited to announce that, in September, Stephen Watson, President and CEO of The National WWII Museum, will give a presentation at Willow Valley Communities! There will be more information about his presentation — and exclusive tour opportunities — in upcoming editions of Renaissance.
On June 6, 2025, The National WWII Museum in New Orleans will celebrate its 25th anniversary, a major milestone for the institution dedicated to telling the story of the American experience in World War II. The three pillars of its mission — why the war was fought, how it was won, and what it means today — have guided its efforts to educate and inspire generations of visitors, students, and lifelong learners.
The Museum’s beginnings date back over three decades ago, when University of New Orleans professors Stephen Ambrose, PhD, and Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, PhD, discussed plans for a modest D-Day museum. Through his research as a history professor, WWII scholar, and bestselling author, Ambrose had collected more than 1,200 firsthand accounts
from WWII veterans across the nation. He began to envision a place that would tell the story of the war and preserve the accounts of the everyday Americans who fought against fascist tyranny — especially in the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
On June 6, 2000, the 56th anniversary of the Normandy landings, The National D-Day Museum opened as a single exhibition hall in the heart of New Orleans’s Warehouse District. Soon, the Museum began expanding to cover the entire war effort, the Home Front, and the war’s lasting impacts. In 2004, Congress designated the institution as America’s National WWII Museum, and the Museum officially adopted a new name and mission to reflect its bigger mandate.
Since then, The National WWII Museum has transformed into a seven-acre, seven-pavilion campus with immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of powerful artifacts and first-person oral histories. Today, the Museum takes visitors through America’s entire WWII
journey — from the Pearl Harbor attacks and Home Front efforts in The Arsenal of Democracy exhibit through the brutal military action around the globe in the Campaigns of Courage: European and Pacific Theaters pavilion. Its capstone exhibit hall, Liberation Pavilion, opened in 2023 to explore the end of World War II, the Holocaust, the postwar years, and the war’s impact today. Visitors will find iconic WWII-era tanks, weapons, and soaring warbirds in US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, which pays tribute to all branches of the US military, while PT-305, the Museum’s restored patrol torpedo boat with a colorful history, is the centerpiece of John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion.
The Museum also pays special tribute to the critical roles that the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana played during World War II. Higgins Industries in New Orleans designed and built more than 20,000 boats that were used in all major amphibious landings of the war — most notably D-Day in Normandy. Cited by Supreme Allied Commander and eventual US President Dwight D. Eisenhower as playing a central role in Allied victory, this contribution served as inspiration for The National WWII Museum’s location in New Orleans.
Additionally, the Museum offers new ways to connect to history — both on its campus and digitally — by leveraging its galleries, collections, and experts to produce original, thought-provoking educational content, programs, and events. The Museum’s student and teacher resources, higher
Expressions of America outdoor sound and light show
The America Responds gallery
Opening day for the National World War II Museum, June 6, 2000, the 56th anniversary of D-Day
education initiatives, conferences and symposia, and trove of scholarship engage audiences worldwide. This breadth of educational outreach positions the institution as the most accessible resource for trusted knowledge on the American experience in World War II.
At the heart of The National WWII Museum are the people it was built to honor: the servicemembers storming beaches across Europe and the Pacific, the factory workers on the Home Front, and the Holocaust survivors who experienced the horrors of war and the joys of liberation. But with the passage of time, direct connections to the history of the war are fading. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. With less than half of a percent of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the conflict still living, the Museum’s work documenting their memories, preserving their artifacts, and sharing their stories is more critical than ever. The institution’s mission unfolds in powerful, personal ways through these firsthand stories of the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of everyday Americans who contributed in World War II, offering a better understanding of the true cost of victory — and why it’s so important to ensure that the lessons of the war are never forgotten.
The National WWII Museum has accomplished a great deal over the past 25 years. As it looks to the future, the institution will ensure its campus, programs, and educational resources reach new audiences and keep pace with emerging technologies to continue inspiring audiences for generations to come. To learn more about the Museum, its mission, and the history of World War II, visit NationalWW2Museum.org.
A restored P-40 Warhawk fighter plane, part of the Island Hopping: Footholds Across the Pacific gallery
The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center honors the innovations of American manufacturers.
NEWSWEEK RANKS WILLOW VALLEY
COMMUNITIES NO. 2 IN THE U.S., NO. 1 IN PA & THE EASTERN U.S.
Willow Valley Communities is honored to have been ranked the No. 2 Continuing Care Retirement Community in the nation, and No. 1 in Pennsylvania and the Eastern U.S., in Newsweek ’s 2025 list of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The goal of the rankings, Newsweek says, is to “provide people looking for guidance on CCRCs with a comprehensive resource for informed decision-making.”
Newsweek interviewed Willow Valley Communities’ President & CEO, John G. Swanson, and Chief Marketing Officer, Helen Foster, in their article about the national rankings, What Makes America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities Stand Out.
“[We] don’t design for seniors; [we] design for people. And that’s one of the differentiators for us,” John stated. “That’s one of the things that has allowed us to operate and develop outside of the traditional CCRC box and allows us to innovate and have the organizational courage to do things that are not in conformance with traditional industry wisdom.”
For more than 40 years, Willow Valley Communities has been driven by a mission to deliver outstanding Resident experiences, and we are delighted to receive this strong validation from a well-respected national organization. Accolades like these bolster our commitment to continually meet or exceed national best-practice standards.
To read the entire Newsweek article online, visit: WillowValleyCommunities.org/WhyWeStandOut
[We] don’t design for seniors; [we] design for people. And that’s one of the differentiators for us.
John G. Swanson, President & CEO, Willow Valley Communities
The Vistas at Willow Valley Communities
EXPLORE LANCASTER ’ S MARKET DISTRICT
Mosaic’s location makes it a foodie’s delight! Situated in Lancaster’s “Market District,” it’s just steps from Southern Market and Lancaster Central Market, with an easy, convenient walkway connecting the two culinary destinations. No matter what whets your appetite — and whether you prefer to prepare your favorite recipes from the freshest ingredients or you’d rather watch a talented professional chef cook them for you — Southern Market and Central Market have all your gastronomic desires covered!
Both Markets Have a Long History Southern Market, built in 1888, has served the Lancaster community in various capacities throughout its history, including as a farmers market and as office space for city agencies. Now, Southern Market has been reimagined into a fun, diverse international food hall, developed and operated by Willow Valley Communities.
In 2022, Willow Valley renovated the market — without changing its beautiful and historic architectural elements — to feature emerging and established chefs working in individual stations, each serving up their own specialty fare. Guests can choose from a wide variety of worldwide offerings, including Asian, Moroccan, German, French, Middle Eastern, Latin, Greek, and American.
Anchoring the food hall is a lively central bar, Bar 1888, with award-winning mixologists at the helm serving wine, beer, and a variety of specially crafted cocktails. It’s become one of the most popular gathering places for downtown Lancaster.
In addition, Southern Market’s second floor features community coworking desks, conference rooms, and offices, along with numerous meeting and event spaces available for professional or personal gatherings.
Good food, good friends, good fun at Southern Market
Central Market: Nearly 300 Years of Food & Community
After dining at Southern Market, Mosaic Residents may be inspired to purchase ingredients for their own recipes. In that case, they can take a short, easy walk to Central Market, the oldest farmers market in America. Since 1730, people have come together at Market to purchase the freshest produce, meats, breads, flowers, and dairy right alongside a unique selection of local ready-to-eat foods and specialty groceries.
Today, more than 60 welcoming standholders — many of whom have served Central Market customers for generations — look forward to serving Mosaic Residents with their curated assortment of foods and products perfect for all of their creative recipes or on-the-spot cravings.
Donna Langley, Executive Director of the Central Market Trust, can’t wait for Mosaic Residents to move in. “I welcome the Mosaic community to our community! It’s an easy fiveminute walk from Mosaic to Central Market to purchase the freshest ingredients for whatever you need: meats, cheeses, vegetables, fresh breads, baked desserts, salads, and coffees — and for those new to Lancaster, we also have adorable Lancaster souvenirs.”
Extending a special invitation to all Residents of Mosaic, she added, “Take the easy walk to Central Market — your market bags are waiting!”
Above and below: Central Market
Southern Market food hall anchored by the always lively Bar 1888
Southern Market
“YOU CAN’T BEAT LIFECARE TYPE A”
Don Doolittle Jr. is Vice President, Fiduciary Business Development, of Ephrata National Bank, a 140-yearold Lancaster County bank proud of its local roots and “down-to-earth” culture. He’s been in banking more than 20 years and in wealth management for 17 years.
Don has done a lot in his career, but one of his favorite aspects is meeting one-on-one with clients. “My entire department is 10 people in one building, so my clients can meet the whole team,” he said. “We really like the personal touch. I love helping people — it’s a great, great financial institution.”
Don especially enjoys meeting Residents of Willow Valley Communities. When he first started working with them, one thing always intrigued him.
“I got to meet some incredible people — brilliant people — with amazing stories. I was always fascinated that these
people could live anywhere in the country without a problem, but they chose to live at Willow Valley Communities. So I would always ask them, ‘What brought you here?’”
Don learned that in addition to our stunning campuses, beautiful residences, and award-winning amenities, there is one aspect of Willow Valley Communities that sets us apart: our Type A Lifecare contract. Should a Resident’s level of care increase — whether to personal care, skilled care, or memory care — Lifecare guarantees that their monthly service fee will not increase as a result. Willow Valley Communities is the only 55+ community in Lancaster County to offer the Lifecare Type A contract exclusively.
Don remembers one Resident telling him, “We could have lived anywhere. We traveled around and shopped the other communities, but we always came back to Willow Valley because of the value and the way things are done here.”
Don Doolittle Jr., Vice President, Fiduciary Business Development, Ephrata National Bank
Another Resident said, “We traveled the country and the world, and I made a spreadsheet and compared everything. Over and over again, Willow Valley kept coming to the top.”
Don heard these kinds of stories so often that when his parents were considering a move to a senior living community in South Carolina, he strongly encouraged them to first take a look at Willow Valley Communites.
He explained why very simply: “Your initial expenditure varies depending on your residence style. But your monthly fee is pretty much fixed except for a cost of living increase, which is easy to plan for. So you know pretty much what you are going to pay for every month for the rest of your life.”
This is different from some of his clients’ experiences. “I’ve had other clients in other communities where you are paying $2,500 a month, and then you have a stroke — then you are paying $15,000 a month for care. And that can happen the day after you move in,” Don emphasized. “And you can’t plan for that.”
He continued, “I can sit down with my clients at Willow Valley, and I can plan and show them how their monthly fee is going to work — no matter what happens, you’re going to be okay. You’ll never deplete your nest egg.”
In addition to the financial security, the emotional peace of mind provided by Lifecare is priceless.
“My grandmother lived with us for 20 years,” Don recounted. “It was great in the beginning when I’d come home from school on a Wednesday and there would be fresh pasta hanging from all the kitchen cabinet doors and she was making sauce all day. That was awesome — awesome until she got dementia, and then it was just awful.”
Don’s parents took a lesson from that experience — and took his advice to check out Willow Valley Communities. In 2018, Don (Sr.) and Vivian Doolittle officially became Residents.
“They didn’t want that to happen to myself, or my brother and sister,” he said. “My mother says all the time, ‘Willow Valley Communities is the gift we give our children.’”
Location, amenities, residence types … there’s a lot to learn about when choosing a senior living community. But for Don, one thing in particular stands out: “For the security and safety and the peace of mind that it gives the Residents and their families, people need to know about Lifecare Type A. You can’t beat it.”
For the security and safety and the peace of mind that it gives the Residents and their families, people need to know about Lifecare Type A.
Don Doolittle Jr., Vice President, Fiduciary Business Development, Ephrata National Bank
Don Jr. with his parents, Vivian and Don
There is a growing group of Willow Valley Communities Residents who use their residence as a second home. These are folks who have multiple homes or who love extensive travel. It enables them to have a “lock and go” lifestyle, giving them the freedom to come and go as they please without worrying about home maintenance while they are away. They may see it as a sort of “hotel” in Lancaster at first, but in time, it will become their permanent residence. All the while, this residence provides a very important feature.
The Lifecare Type A Contract
All Willow Valley Communities Residents receive a Lifecare Type A contract, which guarantees that their monthly service fee will not increase because of a need for an enhanced level of care (such as personal care, skilled care, or memory care). This helps Residents feel more secure in planning their financial futures.
Anna Katherine (AK) Moody, JD, LLM, Senior Vice President, Global Tax Advisory at BNY Wealth, commented on the additional financial benefits of this strategy.
“Planning for long-term care is an essential part of wealth and estate planning. We emphasize an early focus on
planning in order to maximize wealth preservation and reduce risks in relation to long-term healthcare needs. One possibility for early planning could be to establish a secondary residence at Willow Valley Communities to lock in care costs, even before relocating primarily to Willow Valley. In the right circumstances, this type of planning could provide generous financial savings by paying the entrance fee at today’s rates and creating more certainty of overall costs.”
Anna Katherine (AK) Moody, JD, LLM, Senior Vice President, Global Tax Advisory, BNY Wealth
Lock & Go with Lifecare!
Exceptional Residences. Unparalleled 55+ Living.
Mosaic is centered in the urban charm of Lancaster, PA, which consistently ranks among the nation’s best places to retire. Here, your daily adventure might take you to a historic market or modern food hall, a new art exhibit, or baseball game. Mosaic offers world-class service, premier amenities, and a walkable, one-of-a-kind location, along with the proven excellence of Willow Valley Communities — recently named by Newsweek as the #2 Continuing Care Retirement Community in the country. Sitework is now underway. There has never been a better time to learn more about the exceptional lifestyle waiting for you at Mosaic.
mosaiclancaster.com/look 888.893.1423
The Willow Valley Way
For more than 40 years, Willow Valley Communities has been dedicated to helping people pursue exceptional lives. Our mission is simple: to inspire each person to embrace the possibilities of a Life Lived Forward. We are committed to innovative programming, operational excellence, and prudent financial practices.
Our communities provide the peace of mind of Lifecare, which includes short- and long-term care, should you need it later, with no change to your monthly service fee due to the increased level of care.
And we are grateful to have been affirmed for our efforts. In addition to the many awards and recognitions we receive every year from various organizations, we consistently receive an “A” rating from Fitch Ratings, affirming our proven financial stability. Our most important recognition, though, comes from the people who live here.
Please call for more information. We look forward to welcoming you.