Willow - Spring 2024

There Is Always Something Happening at Willow Valley Communities

I am delighted to share with you this issue of Willow, Willow Valley Communities’ lifestyle magazine. Throughout its pages, you’ll learn more about the extraordinary lifestyle Residents enjoy every day.

Here, we like to say, “There is always something happening at Willow Valley Communities.” And it’s true. If you’ve ever paged through our other magazine , Renaissance, which publishes several times a year, you’ll see hundreds of events, performances, classes, clubs, meetings, lectures, and presentations that are offered to Residents year-round.

But when we say there is always something happening at Willow Valley Communities, it’s not only all the opportunities featured in Renaissance. It’s also our philosophy of continuous innovation and excellence.

For 40 years, Willow Valley Communities has been creating reimagined 55-plus lifestyles. Rather than market research, we rely on our expert ability to be keen observers of how people want to live. Our culture of agelessness is summed up by the statement: “We don’t build for seniors; we build for people.” Willow Valley Communities’ most exciting and innovative practices come from outside the senior living industry, from us observing simply: “What do people want in their daily lives?” Those elements are consistently brought to Willow Valley Communities. Innovations like our 80,000-square-foot Cultural Center, 30,000-square-foot Clubhouse, and now, Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities, our next generation of exquisite residences rising 20 stories above the heart of Lancaster City, are all examples of our dedication to staying on the forefront of emerging trends and exceeding people’s evolving desires for 55-plus lifestyles.

In this issue of Willow, we are delighted to share with you the latest news about Mosaic. You’ll also “meet” Barb Bidding, Willow Valley Communities’ Mosaic Residence Advisor, who guides future Residents to their ideal Mosaic residence.

This issue also includes stories about honors that Willow Valley Communities recently received, unique new events

and programs, and other exciting updates on campus— and beyond—that demonstrate how something is always happening at Willow Valley Communities. Because we believe that the better side of 55 can truly be your best time of life.

Sincerely,

Craig D. Thompson President & Chief Operating Officer Willow Valley Living

contents

LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES | 3

There’s never been a better time to be over 55!

MEET BARB BIDDING | 5

Get to know our Mosaic Residence Advisor

TIM & STEPH SCHREYER | 7

Future Mosaic Residents who have come full circle

ANOTHER THING TO LOVE ABOUT LANCASTER | 9

Ranked Most Walkable City in Pennsylvania

WILLOW VALLEY VOTED NO. 3 CCRC IN THE NATION | 11

Newsweek’s first-ever CCRC ranking

INTRODUCING THE NEW PLAZA AT MANOR | 13

A reimagined culinary venue

VETERANS GOLF WEEK | 15

Facilitated by PGA instructor Sally Collins

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE | 17

When you give, you receive!

FUNDING THE FUTURE | 19

Team Member scholarships

THIS AMERICAN WAY | 21

Strong voter turnout

FINDING YOUR BALANCE | 22

The intruiging new stone labyrinth at Manor

INTEGRITYFORWARD HEALTH SOLUTIONS | 23

New on-campus health service

STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO EXCEPTIONAL CARE | 25

The Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center

NEW SEASONS BRING LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES

Each new season brings a fresh sense of excitement and anticipation, doesn’t it? At Willow Valley Communities, we feel it, too. In fact, as we share all our latest news, we can’t help but proclaim: There’s never been a better time to discover exceptional living for those over 55.

Nearly 2,600 Residents from 40 U.S. states and several countries have already made Willow Valley Communities their home. They’ve moved here not only for resort-style amenities and service, stunning residences, and the assurance of Lifecare, but also because of the extraordinary lifestyle that Residents experience. Quite simply, days on campus are filled with limitless possibilities and joy, which has made Willow Valley Communities a national leader in 55-plus communities for 40 years.

Award-winning, world-class amenities like an 80,000-squarefoot Cultural Center and 30,000-square-foot Clubhouse are hubs for hundreds of opportunities for social, physical, and educational engagement. Residents can choose from more

than a dozen unique culinary venues and over 100 wellappointed floor plans throughout our rolling 210-acre campus. All of this makes up what we at Willow Valley Communities refer to as Life Lived Forward.

And now, our latest expansion means there are even more choices to experience Willow Valley Communities’ culture of Life Lived Forward.

Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities is our next generation of 55-plus residences, rising 20 stories above the city of Lancaster. A vibrant, walkable, and welcoming small city located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Lancaster is consistently ranked as a top place in the nation to retire. Mosaic promises to bring 55-plus living at its absolute finest to the heart of the city. Its 146 exquisite single-level, two- and three-bedroom residences will create a new city lifestyle vibe, allowing Residents to open their front door to diverse shops, lively restaurants, cultural venues, and

exciting community events every day. Instead of making only occasional weekend visits to a city, Residents will experience vibrant Lancaster City’s magic as their daily lifestyle.

Besides all that the city brings, Mosaic will offer even more, including rooftop gardening and dog run areas, a wine cellar and tasting room, a ballroom, a movie theater, full-service restaurants, outdoor lounges with commanding views, a pool, a day spa, and many other exciting amenities.

Willow Valley Communities invites you to embrace this next season, and the rest of 2024, by discovering all that we have to offer. Whether it’s at our gorgeous suburban campus in Lancaster or just four miles away at Mosaic in Lancaster City for a walkable, culturally rich small-city lifestyle, we’d be delighted to share more. View upcoming tours and events at WillowValleyCommunities.org/Upcoming-Events.

Mosaic's culinary venues include al fresco spaces.

Each apartment maximizes one-of-a-kind Lancaster City views.

Community Garden & Dog Park

Mosaic Resident Library will be the perfect place to curl up with a good book.

MEET BARB BIDDING, MOSAIC RESIDENCE ADVISOR

Barbara Bidding, Willow Valley Communities’ Mosaic Residence Advisor, says, “I love it when guests become clients and clients become friends.” And once you get to know her, it’ll come as no surprise that she has a lot of friends!

A Lancaster native, Barbara—who goes by Barb—is a decades-long sales and marketing entrepreneur for premium products. During college, she worked in sales at Lancaster’s Casual Corner clothing store, a role that led to this hardworking and driven professional’s career quickly taking off. Barb was soon inspired to open her own boutiques: first, The Clothes Tree in Millersville, PA, then most recently, TAUPE Clothing, a women’s specialty boutique in Lancaster. She was previously the General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Lancaster, where she led the team at the multimillion-dollar dealership to win Mercedes-Benz’s Best of the Best Award.

You may think that after 20-plus years of working so hard and achieving so much, Barb might be ready to slow down just a bit.

Not a chance!

Barb recently started her next chapter at Willow Valley

Communities in the newly created role of Mosaic Residence Advisor. Mosaic, Willow Valley Communities’ next generation of extraordinary residences, is a 20-story, 55-plus residential high-rise coming to the city of Lancaster. As the Mosaic Residence Advisor, Barb works with clients who desire unique urban lifestyle experiences with unmatched attentive service and accessibility to Lancaster’s vibrant city life, right outside their front door. The high-rise will feature 146 single-level apartment homes ranging from 1,592 to 3,338 square feet in 16 different floor plan styles.

About her new role, Barb says she couldn’t be more excited. “I’m going to be selling a premier Lancaster City address: 17 West Vine Street—exquisite residences with a premier lifestyle. Mosaic will truly be best in class in luxury 55-plus living.”

To complement her more than 20 years of experience in relationship sales, management, and unparalleled customer experience and culture, Barb completed The Ritz-Carlton Leadership and Hospitality training. She is an expert in implementing the professional Ritz-Carlton Gold Standards in her selling relationships.

“I’ve worked with a very discerning clientele, people who

want the best of the best, people who appreciate impeccable service in exquisite surroundings. They are well-educated and experienced, and they know what to look for—and they know exactly what they want.” She adds, “This is the Mosaic Resident.”

Barb’s favorite part of her new job as Mosaic Residence Advisor is touring out-of-town clients through Lancaster City. “The fact that Mosaic is located in Lancaster makes it even more appealing,” she says. “It’s perfect for the vibrant 55-plus lifestyle our clients are looking for: inviting, walkable city streets, theater and entertainment, eclectic boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and stimulating art galleries and culture.”

Barb has also become well-versed on the wise value of Willow Valley Communities’ Lifecare, included for all Mosaic Residents. It provides Residents with a seamless continuum of care, if it’s needed in the future, with no increase to monthly service fees because care is needed later.

Barb loves having conversations with new clients. “In my career, I have met people at different stages of life while they are making important lifestyle decisions. We’ve connected and become friends over decisions like choosing a special

outfit for an important event, or a dream vehicle,” she says.

“Now with Mosaic, I get to talk to them about their future home in a fabulous location. Most importantly, I get to show them how life on this side of 55 can be their most spectacular chapter.”

Barb expertly helps her clients choose the perfect floor plan for their lifestyle.

Barb describes the many options available to her clients for their Mosaic residence.

TIM & STEPH SCHREYER: COMING FULL CIRCLE TO MOSAIC

Tim and Steph Schreyer have come full circle in the most wonderful of ways. As future Mosaic Residents, this Lancaster County couple is set to retire to Lancaster City, the city in which they have grown up, played, and worked—and still love.

Mosaic is the next generation of extraordinary residences from Willow Valley Communities. Rising 20 stories above the heart of vibrant Lancaster City, it will offer 55-plus living at its absolute finest.

The Schreyers have a long history with the area. Steph moved to Lancaster as a toddler and grew up there. She graduated from Penn State University and, through mutual friends, met Tim, a Bucknell University graduate originally from Connecticut. The couple married, then settled in the suburbs outside of Lancaster and raised their children.

Both Schreyers work for software companies in Lancaster City. Steph is the Director of Customer Experiences for Cargas, an employee-owned software company, and Tim

is an Engineering Team Lead for Industrial Resolution, a custom software solutions shop. Whether by going out to lunch, picking up something for dinner at Central Market, or meeting after work at a fabulous restaurant, they have passionately embraced the city lifestyle during the workday and beyond.

In fact, the Schreyers love city life so much that they dreamed of retiring to New York City. But when “buzz” about Willow Valley Communities’ plans for Mosaic became public several years ago, “We paid close attention,” Steph remembers. They attended the first Mosaic information session held at Willow Valley Communities and then became one of the first to select their exquisite residence overlooking miles of stunning views of Lancaster.

Referencing a New York Post article that called Lancaster “the new Brooklyn,” Tim says, “Lancaster is like a miniature version of the best of New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. You have the architecture, the

activities, the culture, the food, and the community. Except it’s all in a 10-square-block area. You don’t have to take the subway—you can walk everywhere and really ingrain yourself in the culture.”

Tim and Steph love the arts and Gallery Row, are season ticket holders at the Fulton Theatre, and also attend performances at the Ware Center and the Trust Performing Arts Center. They also sometimes enjoy baseball at the Lancaster Stormers’ Clipper Magazine Stadium and can’t get enough of Lancaster’s award-winning restaurant scene. By living at Mosaic, the couple will be able to do all the things they already love to do, and more, right outside their front door. This includes new hobbies they are picking up as they near retirement.

Tim is interested in architecture and enjoys the tours given by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. “I always loved buildings, but it was so cool to learn Lancaster has its own architectural history. It’s clear Lancaster is investing in itself as history and development are melded together. The city is only moving up. The best is yet to be, and it’s really quite compelling compared to other cities.” He chuckles, “I enjoy the tours so much I can see myself giving one of them one day!”

Steph is excited about the volunteer opportunities within walking distance of her future residence at Mosaic. Whether it’s volunteering at the YWCA, any of the local museums, or the library, “The possibilities are endless,” she says. “Living at Mosaic will give me more opportunities to be involved in the community. I can throw on my coat, grab my backpack, walk out my front door, and go help out.”

Besides all the fun of the city that the Schreyers are anticipating, their move to Mosaic also has a practical,

You have the architecture, the activities, the culture, the food, and the community. Except it’s all in a 10-square-block area.

Tim Schreyer, Future Mosaic Resident

serious side. “Both our parents had challenges,” Steph recalls. “They had few plans and relied on the stars to align for them to age in place. That didn’t work out, and they did not age on their own terms.”

“It changed our framing in what it meant to age and retire and all the things you really should be thinking about so much sooner than later,” she continues. “One of those things is ensuring that our children will never have to be our caregivers.”

At Mosaic, the Schreyers, like all Willow Valley Communities Residents, will have the benefits of Type A Lifecare, meaning if they ever need supportive care in the future, their monthly service fee will not increase because of that need. They also have the support of Willow Valley Communities, a leader in senior living for 40 years.

Now Tim and Steph are working ahead by getting ready for their move to Mosaic. With their plans established early, they can enjoy their last years of working without stress, just having fun and looking forward to retirement. The couple is grateful to be retiring to the city where they have made memories and enjoyed many experiences, knowing that the best is still yet to come.

“Lancaster has the arts, the food, the baseball, the festivals, the events, the parades—it’s the perfect small, great American city,” Tim says. “We just can’t wait!”

WALKABILITY: ANOTHER THING TO LOVE ABOUT LANCASTER CITY

Willow Valley Communities Residents and prospective Residents have one more reason to be enthusiastic about Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities, the 20-story highrise coming to the heart of exciting Lancaster City. In addition to spacious two- and three-bedroom apartment residences and extraordinary amenities—including rooftop gardening and dog run areas, a wine cellar and tasting room, ballroom, movie theater, full-service restaurants, outdoor lounges with breathtaking views, a pool, day spa, and more—future Residents will have another feature to relish in their Mosaic lifestyle: walkability.

According to Walk Score, a website that scores locations based on walkability, Lancaster is the most walkable city in Pennsylvania. The site looks at the number of walking routes to nearby amenities and awards points based on the distance to them. Population density and road metrics are also considered.

Walk Score ranks locations on a scale of 1-100, with 100

being the most walkable. Lancaster recently earned a Walk Score of 81, putting it at the top of the state’s 37 largest cities. Its central business district—where Mosaic will be located—received a score of 98. The ranking states, “Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and in five minutes, people can walk to an average of seven restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Walk Score labels Lancaster City as ‘Very Walkable.’”

Author and speaker Jeff Speck is an urbanist who works with city planning departments to design walkable cities. He says a walkable city provides many benefits to a community, especially in the areas of health and the environment. The best walks, he believes, have four things in common: They are useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. The area surrounding Mosaic has all of these qualities. In fact, with its Walk Score of 98, it is the most walkable neighborhood in Lancaster City.

Lancaster’s inviting streets, alive with theater and entertainment, eclectic boutiques, award-winning

restaurants, and stimulating art galleries and exhibits, are just right for the vibrant 55-plus lifestyle Mosaic will offer. Walkable Lancaster City attractions include Southern Market, a globally inspired food hall; Central Market, a farmers market; the historic Fulton Theatre; the Lancaster Convention Center; the Historic Lancaster Walking Tour; and First Fridays, where people gather on the first Friday evening of each month to enjoy art galleries, restaurants and bars, and other businesses throughout the city.

This is yet another reason why Lancaster consistently earns accolades from national organizations and publications. Year after year, the city is ranked in the top five of the nation’s best places to retire by U.S. News & World Report. It has also

been named among the Top 5 Coolest Cities to Live by Forbes and the Top 50 Places to Live by Newsweek. The New York Times called Lancaster “a hive of culinary diversity,” and The New York Post dubbed the city “the new Brooklyn, teeming with art galleries, indie boutiques, and restaurants.”

From architecture to design, to service, to worldwide cuisine, Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities is perfect for those who have a taste for the extraordinary. Mosaic’s future Residents will enjoy life in not only an extraordinary city, but also a culturally rich and walkable city.

The new Brooklyn, teeming with art galleries, indie boutiques, and restaurants.

The New York Post

WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES VOTED NO. 3 CCRC IN THE NATION

Willow Valley Communities is honored to have been named No. 3 in Newsweek ’s 2024 list of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Working with global research firm Statista, the news magazine ranked the top 250 communities in the United States by “reputation score,” based on surveys of CCRC residents, their acquaintances, and medical professionals.

This is the first time Newsweek has highlighted CCRCs in its annual health rankings. Researchers examined more than 2,000 communities in the United States, gathering survey results from the 20 states with the highest number of CCRCs: California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,

New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Newsweek published its plans for the ranking in August 2023, when it posted links to two surveys on its website— one for CCRC residents and their friends and family, and the other for medical professionals and others whose jobs associated them with CCRCs. Results were collected through September 2023, and an analysis of the findings accounted for 90% of each CCRC’s reputation score. The other 10% was determined by whether a community was accredited by CARF International, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. According to

Newsweek, the goal of the Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities ranking, which the publication says it plans to compile annually, is to help prospective residents make informed decisions.

This is not the first time Willow Valley Communities has achieved such a high ranking from Newsweek. The magazine named our supportive living community, The Glen at Willow Valley, the No. 1 nursing home in Pennsylvania for 2024—the fifth consecutive year The Glen has received this distinction.

For 40 years, Willow Valley Communities has been driven by a mission to deliver outstanding Resident experiences, and these rankings from Newsweek are strong validation that we are achieving that. As we embark on our next expansion, Mosaic, coming to Lancaster City, we will continue to lead national best-practice standards in senior living.

A History of Excellence & Innovation

Willow Valley Communities owes much to the legacy of John and Florence Thomas and their son, Marlin. In 1965, the family opened a 30-unit motel and 100-seat family restaurant, The Willow Valley Inn. This was the start of the spirit of hospitality and the nature of exceptional service that would expand into a senior living community. Willow Valley Communities opened in the spring of 1984. In 1991, John Swanson joined the organization and later served as President/CEO of Willow Valley Living, the management company for Willow Valley Communities. Together, Marlin Thomas and Swanson are credited with launching a new U.S. standard for senior living based on the philosophy of “building for people, not building for seniors.” Swanson oversaw many innovative advances at Willow Valley Communities, including being one of the first senior living communities to construct single-family multistory homes, building our 80,000-square-foot Cultural Center and 30,000-square-foot intergenerational Clubhouse, and developing a wide variety of culinary venues not typical at senior living communities. Now as CEO of Willow Valley Development Corp., he oversees real estate development projects on Willow Valley Communities’ main campuses, such as the state-of-the-art Memory Center, plus two major projects in Lancaster City: Southern Market and Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities.

The Garden Room at The Glen

INTRODUCING THE NEW PLAZA AT MANOR: A REIMAGINED CULINARY VENUE

Residents at Willow Valley Communities come from 40 states across the nation and enjoy an extraordinary lifestyle, with hospitality and service as its cornerstone. Resort-style amenities and hundreds of clubs, classes, and world-class performances, in many unique venues and spaces, provide a seemingly endless array of options for Residents to enjoy what we call Life Lived Forward in the most interesting ways.

Residents also enjoy life in a community that never stops growing, innovating, and staying one step ahead, exceeding the desires of those over 55. The Plaza at Manor, recently reimagined, is one of the most recent examples of this philosophy. Located at the previous main entrance of Willow Valley Communities’ first residence community, Manor, The Plaza at Manor is a unique, new, and exciting culinary venue created to satisfy Residents’ every palate—and every mood. Residents decide not only what they want to order, but how

they want to order and how they want to be served. Options include full-service menu dining, grab-and-go, dine-in, or ordering to-go and picking up from temperature-controlled food lockers. Residents can also order from a tablet at their seat and have their personalized meals served directly to their tables.

The Plaza at Manor includes five distinct restaurants:

y @The Ready – grab-and-go selections

y Fahrenheit – traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings

y Hickory Hearth – elevated home cooking

y The Piedmont – Italian cuisine served menu style

y Perk & Pint – coffees and full-service bar

The Manor community, constructed in 1984, has been completely reimagined with the addition of The Plaza at

Manor. The roof was raised to create an additional third floor, where a library, mail room, and fitness center were relocated. The abundance of natural light that subsequently flowed into the open lobby inspired Willow Valley Communities to design intentional gathering spaces for Residents to engage, converse, and connect. Landscaping around the entrance was also updated with stunning, environmentally sustainable plantings.

Willow Valley Communities believes that people don’t want to live programmed, regimented lives. The Plaza at Manor, with its increased offerings, choice, and flexibility, and inviting, light-filled gathering spaces, is an example of how Residents’ culinary experiences are elevated far beyond the traditional dining rooms so often seen at retirement communities. Instead, Willow Valley Communities strives to create occasions that delight all their senses.

We invite you to visit The Plaza at Manor at Willow Valley Communities to see for yourself how your culinary experiences can be innovative, reimagined, and anything but dull.

Willow Valley Communities is honored to have won second place in the national Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards, in the category of Dining Innovation, for The Plaza at Manor.

VETERANS GOLF WEEK: INSPIRED BY PGA HOPE

The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) recognizes the important role golf can play in the lives of our nation’s veterans. Through its program PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the organization introduces the sport to thousands of veterans and activeduty military each year as a way to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

A major component of PGA HOPE is spending time with others who share common experiences. Inspired by the program, Willow Valley Communities organized a Veterans Golf Week, held last fall. All Residents, regardless of veteran status and golf experience, were invited to engage in the special series of golf events.

PGA instructor Sally Collins ran the week’s sessions. A member of the PGA and Ladies Professional Golf Association Teaching and Club Professionals, she is an active instructor in the Gateway PGA Section and a golf pro at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. Raised in Lancaster, she graduated from Penn State University, and her mother, Audrey Slater, is a Willow Valley Communities Resident.

Sally’s weeklong program at the golf simulator in The

Clubhouse included private golf lessons, as well as short game clinics that taught proper chipping and putting techniques. Foursomes competed—on the simulator—at one of the best golf courses in the world, and to further help Residents get in top golf condition, Willow Valley Communities’ Fitness Team held an exercise class designed to help them get fit.

Residents were also able to learn more about Project HOPE from Courtney Curcio, Director of PGA REACH Philadelphia, who gave a presentation about the program and its benefits. PGA REACH is the charitable foundation of the PGA of America.

In true Willow Valley Communities spirit, Veterans Golf Week wrapped up with a 19th Hole Celebration at The Clubhouse. In addition to refreshments and contests, Residents enjoyed some final tips from Sally, including her recommendation to practice on Willow Valley Communities’ golf simulator.

“Residents are fortunate to have a golf simulator that offers practice and playing scenarios,” she said. “Whether you want to improve your long game skills or gain accuracy around

Golf pro Sally Collins instructs Resident Robin Roberts on her grip.

the green, the practice modules provide a challenge. After practicing, test your skills on the championship courses from around the world.”

Greg Pizzuto was one of the Residents who participated in Veterans Golf Week. Drawn to Willow Valley Communities by all the amenities offered, he was delighted to have the opportunity to improve his golf swing with a PGA teaching professional.

“Sally was patient, kind, and related well to all of the different skill levels presented to her,” he said. “After only one swing, she adjusted my grip, and I am now hitting the ball farther and straighter. She also adjusted my putting stroke, and I am much more comfortable when standing over my putt.”

Greg also took part in the golf fitness program coordinated by the Fitness Team. “The instructors gave me added balance and flexibility for my golf swing,” he said. After experiencing Sally’s professional instruction, the fitness program, and the simulator, Greg summed up what all the week’s participants expressed: “I can’t wait for golf season!”

The 2024 U.S. Women’s Open will be held at Lancaster Country Club, May 28 – June 2.

For general information and how veterans can receive complimentary tickets, visit USWomensOpen.com.

WGAL News 8 reporter Gabriel Thomas broadcasted live from the Willow Valley Communities Golf Simulator at The Clubhouse. She interviewed golf pro Sally Collins about the weeklong golf series.

Residents participate in a fitness class coordinated by Willow Valley Communities' Fitness Team to help their golf game.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE: WHEN YOU GIVE, YOU RECEIVE!

For those on the Willow Valley Communities Community Outreach Committee, it is sometimes difficult to decide who benefits more: the Lancaster organizations that the committee serves or the volunteers themselves!

Director of Resident Services Cori Steiner is also Director of the Willow Valley Communities Community Outreach Committee. She recently discussed some of the events this committee coordinates, which in 2023 alone raised $51,975 for various organizations throughout Lancaster. “Cornhole for a Cause provides funds to high school seniors so they can continue their education after graduation. Under the leadership of Resident Life Coordinator Kelsey Murray last year, we raised $8,600, the highest total ever!”

Kelsey explained what motivates her: “The School District of Lancaster has always had a special place in my heart, as my mother was a teacher there for 33 years. I know the stories and challenges of these students firsthand, and that has been a driving force behind what I do to make this event the best it can be.”

Willow Valley Communities has contributed to the Lancaster County Marine Toys for Tots Program for years, even receiving its Commander’s Award for our outstanding support. For the 2023, holiday season, Cori introduced a new “Stuff the Bus” idea for Toys for Tots. “Though Willow

The smiles from the children when they receive sneakers and socks and wrapped Christmas gifts are priceless.

Brenda and Steuart McCleaf, Residents

Valley Communities has long supported Toys for Tots, driving a bus across campus for donations was a new way to collect the toys,” she said. “They needed 18,555 toys this past year, and our ‘Stuff Bus’ helped them achieve that goal.”

Also during the holiday season, the committee welcomed Lancaster Children and Youth foster families to a fun night at Lancaster amusement park Dutch Wonderland. There were many fun rides and refillable hot chocolate mugs for the 236 guests that chilly December evening. Willow Valley Communities Residents raised $14,897 and donated over 600 for other various Lancaster organizations. They were all personally wrapped and delivered by 15 Residents and Team Members.

Lead Clinical Dietitian Kathleen Kreider chaired the committee’s Sneakers for School project and was delighted that Willow Valley Communities donated new sneakers and socks, bookbags, and wheelchair bags for 1,250 children to start the new school year.

“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose,” she said. “Being able to see the children’s faces light up and knowing you helped bring them that smile is a feeling I can’t begin to explain.”

Willow Valley Communities Residents Brenda and Steuart McCleaf are regular volunteers. “We volunteer for Community Outreach to give back to our Lancaster community,” they explained. “No child should be without new sneakers and socks for school or not have a wrapped Christmas gift from Santa Claus.”

But Steuart and Brenda also get a gift as they give. “The smiles from the children when they receive sneakers and socks and wrapped Christmas gifts are priceless; how could you not continually want to help them and support the outreach programs?”

LOOMING FOR OTHERS

The Willow Valley Communities Loomers started as a formal group in 2017, but its members have always had the desire in their hearts to give to others. They get together twice a month to match and organize the hats, scarves, and gloves they’ve created to donate to the many Lancasterarea organizations they serve. In 2023, the group donated 1,048 handmade items to help Lancaster men, women, and children in need.

One of those organizations is the Salvation Army, so the Loomers were delighted when they were asked to be Ambassadors for the 29th annual Coats for Kids Telethon.

Every year, Lancaster television station WGAL, a local NBC affiliate, partners with the Salvation Army to help families stay warm during the winter by collecting coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and money. The Willow Valley Communities Loomers hosted Anne Shannon, a WGAL reporter, who interviewed them several times during the news broadcast about their efforts and why they enjoy giving to others.

Bettyann Hall, leader of the Willow Valley Communities Loomers, said, “It was such a joy to partner with WGAL

The McCleafs also said that another benefit they receive while volunteering is meeting new friends—other Residents and Team Members.

Resident Betty Ann Zdep said volunteering has always been a part of her family. So, when she moved to Willow Valley Communities, she looked for opportunities to give back. “I come from a family of volunteers: grandparents, parents, siblings, and many other relatives. So, accordingly, when I moved to Willow Valley Communities, volunteering came naturally.” Betty Ann is a visitor to our supportive living communities and a volunteer at our Welcome Center. She has also helped with the Sneakers for School project. “It’s so rewarding,” she said.

Krista Aston, General Manager of Resident Life and Amenities, has served on the Community Outreach Committee for over 10 years and said she feels lucky to be part of the group. “Giving back to the community or leading projects that benefit others should be on everyone’s to-do list!”

in the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids Campaign. Between October and December, we donated over 100 children’s hats with gloves or mittens to match. And, because of the broadcast, nine new loomers joined us and are all busy looming now.

“I am so excited,” she continued. “Because of our new members, the Willow Valley Communities Loomers will be able to donate even more!”

From left to right: Loomers Jennie Henry, Connie Teachworth, Diane Murphy, Carolyn Thompson, Wanda Reed, Nanette Eisenhuth, Bettyann Hall, Ella Mae Eby, Johanna Wurster, and Heidi Felsner; WGAL News 8 Reporter Anne Shannon; and Willow Valley Communities Public Relations and Communications Manager Maureen Leader

FUNDING THE FUTURE: TEAM MEMBER SCHOLARSHIPS

Willow Valley Communities’ 1,600 professional Team Members come to work every day and selflessly dedicate themselves to serving our 2,600 Residents. They are the embodiment of our 40-year tradition of excellence, and a big reason why Willow Valley Communities continues to be a leader in 55-plus communities across the United States.

That is why we are extraordinarily gratified to award educational scholarships to our Team Members to help them pursue education in nursing and other fields of study.

Willow Valley Communities recently awarded $328,590 to 57 Team Members for the 2023–24 school year. The scholarships were distributed through two long-held funds, the Mathias J. Brunner Nursing Education Fund and the Willow Valley Communities Team Member Education Fund.

Started in 2000 by Resident Lillian Brunner, the Mathias J. Brunner Nursing Education Fund supports Willow Valley Communities Team Members in their nursing education. It also supports advanced training opportunities on-site for Nursing Team Members. Through Lillian’s efforts and

contributions, along with donations from Willow Valley Communities Residents, 10 Team Members were awarded $39,000 for the 2023–24 school year. To date, The Mathias J. Brunner Nursing Education Fund has awarded over 200 nursing scholarships totaling over $600,000.

The Willow Valley Communities Team Member Education Fund, started by Residents in 2008, helps Team Members finance their continued education in the field of their choice. For the 2023–24 school year, 47 Team Members were awarded a total of $289,590. Since the fund’s inception, 675 scholarships totaling approximately $1.5 million have been awarded to Team Members in varying fields of study, including computer science, education, marketing, occupational therapy, communications, social work, criminal justice, and many others.

Willow Valley Communities is delighted by the support and love Residents have toward our 1,600 Team Members. Through Residents’ generous financial donations, our Team Members can pursue their educational goals and dreams, no matter what they are.

Brynne Baker is one of the recipients of the Brunner Nurse Education Scholarship. She is currently studying at the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences in Lancaster to become a registered nurse.

Brynne started at Willow Valley Communities as a Resident Care Assistant in 2021. Although she was always interested in science and math, this was her first healthcare job. “It sparked a passion for nursing that I didn’t know I had,” she said. “Once I started, it solidified in my mind the rewards and the purpose of caring for others.”

Brynne added, “I cannot thank Willow Valley Communities enough for providing me with this opportunity to continue my education, and I look forward to continue serving the Residents—but especially as a registered nurse when I graduate in May 2024!”

It sparked a passion for nursing that I didn’t know I had.

Brynne Baker, Brunner Nurse Education Scholarship Recipient

THIS AMERICAN WAY: STRONG VOTER TURNOUT

When Willow Valley Communities Residents get involved, they do so wholeheartedly and in a big way. That’s why it came as no surprise to receive a phone call from LNP, Lancaster’s local newspaper, informing us that Residents from the Willow Valley Lakes Community had a very high voter turnout in the last election—and the paper wanted to know why.

LNP staff writer Ann Rejrat said the average amount of voters to turn out in Lancaster County in the fall 2023 election was 36%. Lancaster County voting precinct No. 5206, which includes the Lakes Community of Willow Valley Communities, had a 64.6% voter turnout on Election Day, a rate that dwarfed the county average, she wrote in her article “This American Way.”

Four Willow Valley Communities Residents, two from each party—Al Glover, Jean Maher, Jen Porter, and Jerry Henige—were interviewed by Ann about why Willow Valley Communities Residents are so politically engaged.

Al, chair of the Willow Valley Communities Republican Club and an elected committeeperson for the county Republican Party, explained how social Willow Valley Communities is. “Discussions and connections within the community happen easily,” he said.

“People are not sitting by themselves in their residence. They are up, and they’re communicating with other people,” added Jean, who helps with planning for the Republican Club and is also an elected committeeperson for county Republicans.

Jen, president of the Willow Valley Communities Democratic Club and an elected committeeperson for the county Democratic Party, agreed with Al and Jean. She said Residents know each other and interact often, which encourages voter turnout.

But it isn’t just around Election Day that Residents get involved in the political process. Jerry, who runs the Democratic Club’s Education Committee and is an elected committeeperson for county Democrats, said that year-round efforts of political groups at Willow Valley Communities lead to active, well-informed voters.

The two clubs offer plenty of opportunities for Willow Valley Communities Residents to get involved in the political

process, routinely engaging them by making phone calls, sending postcards, collecting signatures for candidates, staffing information tables at polling places and community events, and running educational sessions on topics such as campaign finances, changing tax codes, and the national debt. Each club also hosts local candidates on campus at Willow Valley Communities, where they discuss their stances on the issues.

“I think when you feel like you’re part of the process, then you feel like voting is important because you’ve been there all along,” Jen said.

The Willow Valley Communities Republican Club was formed in 2010, and the Democratic Club in 2011. While they do not always agree, the clubs do work respectfully side by side. Both plan to be quite busy during the 2024 election cycle, with information and education initiatives and preparing for the high voter turnout typical of a presidential election.

However, both groups are enthusiastically ready. As Jean said, “This is supposed to be our downtime, but there is no downtime. It is constant!”

FINDING YOUR BALANCE: THE LABYRINTH AT MANOR

A recent and extensive renovation of Willow Valley Communities’ Manor building, and the addition of the exciting Plaza at Manor culinary venue, included a reimagining of the adjacent Manor Courtyard outdoor space. One of its most intriguing new aspects? A stone labyrinth.

Visitors to the Manor Courtyard may find the labyrinth structure as interesting as they do beautiful, but they may not be aware of its purpose or its benefits to their well-being. And, initially, they may not understand that a labyrinth is quite different from a maze. The confusion is understandable because at first glance, a maze and a labyrinth appear to be similar: both seemingly puzzling pathways to be solved. However, it’s the maze that is a confusing puzzle—not the labyrinth. While a maze may have several different entry and exit points, a labyrinth has just one path from its entrance to its center.

Completely different reasons exist for walking the path of a labyrinth versus trying to solve a frustrating maze. Labyrinth walking can be surprisingly calming and clarifying. It can help you break free of thoughts or behaviors, allowing you to focus your intentions or clear your mind as you let your

body move through the predetermined pathway. Walking a labyrinth takes you on a journey toward wholeness, balance, and well-being.

There is no set ritual for walking a labyrinth, but some find it helpful to have a little guidance. Many would suggest that you enter the labyrinth slowly, calming and clearing your mind.

Open your senses and focus on the process of taking slow and deliberate steps. Bring to mind a thought to contemplate during the walk to the center. Once there, pause to reflect. Now begin the return journey. Reflect further. Upon exiting the labyrinth, absorb the experience with continued reflection or journaling.

Labyrinths are designed on an ancient geometric principle, existing in all of nature, to reveal the pattern of interconnectedness. Their design is like an analogy for life: The many twists and turns help us realize that so often what looks like an endpoint can also be a beginning.

Labyrinths help create balance and tap the subconscious, exerting a restorative force to connect mind, body, and spirit. For many Willow Valley Communities Residents, this makes the labyrinth at Manor an ideal stop on their journey to well-being.

I ntegr I ty F orward H ealt H S olut I on S :

NEW ON-CAMPUS HEALTH SERVICE

Willow Valley Communities is delighted to announce the opening of IntegrityForward Health Solutions VIA Willow Valley. Located next to Midrise on the Lakes Campus, the new office is led by nurse practitioner Pamela K. Bailey, CRNP, FNP-BC, Willow Valley Communities’ Senior Director of Resident Health & Wellness Services. The practice is staffed with another full-time clinical nurse practitioner, Rebecca “Becky” Poole, CRNP, and a PRN (“as needed”) nurse practitioner. Its services are, or will soon be, available to Willow Valley Communities Residents and SmartLife Members, and to assist newly hired Team Members in their onboarding process.

Enthusiastically explaining the benefits of this new convenience for Residents, Pam says, “IntegrityForward Health Solutions truly embodies Willow Valley Communities’ philosophy of wellness, well-being, and yes, Life Lived Forward, with a mind, body, spirit approach. IntegrityForward will provide primary care for Residents, but more importantly, it will help Residents develop individualized goals towards wellness and prevention.” She further explains, “We will treat acute illnesses as they

occur, but our hope and goal is that we will really get to know someone over time as their primary care provider. We want to have a relationship with them, building their health goals with them and working together towards those goals.”

Pam and the IntegrityForward Health Solutions Team will focus on taking the time needed to build those patientprovider relationships. “Our aim is to give patients quality service,” she says. “We don’t want to hold just 10- or 15-minute appointments. We want to make sure we give people enough time. We are not going to rush.”

Pam adds, “We don’t have a patient quota like other medical offices. I really want the team to feel like they can take the time to listen to the Residents. The main goal is establishing that relationship and that individual plan. We are not a factory.” In addition to in-person appointments, virtual visits may also be utilized to achieve this goal.

IntegrityForward Health Solutions embodies Willow Valley Communities’ long-standing philosophy of wellness in mind, body, and spirit. Because it is a part of Willow Valley Communities, the team has all the amenities and resources across campus to help meet Residents’ individual health goals.

“Our team has the resources that we need to make internal referrals, thus maximizing all the benefits of being a Willow Valley Communities Resident or SmartLife Member,” Pam explains. “For example, we can make referrals to the Fitness Center, Nutritionist, support groups, or Culinary Services. We want to make sure Residents take full advantage of everything we have here—there are so many opportunities, and we can bring all of them together.”

The IntegrityForward Health Solutions Team is passionate about education, prevention, and enhancing the well-being of Residents. “We are always thinking of things that would make quality of life better for Residents,” Pam emphasizes. She encourages Residents to check out the Health and Wellness Matters video broadcast that the team produces

on many different health-related subjects. It can be found on the Resident Intranet and is promoted in the Weekly Insider Pam is also excited about the benefits for new Residents moving to Willow Valley Communities. “Those who choose our practice won’t have to search for a new healthcare provider. They can start right away with us so their healthcare will be seamless.”

The IntegrityForward Health Solutions Team wants to get to know Residents, and they want Residents to get to know them. They have been holding information sessions and casual “meet and mingle” social events throughout campus and look forward to working with all on their journey to health and well-being at Willow Valley Communities.

The main goal is establishing that relationship and that individual plan. We are not a factory.

Pamela K. Bailey, CRNP, FNP-BC, Willow Valley Communities’ Senior Director of Resident Health & Wellness Services

Pam Bailey, CRNP, FNP-BC

Rebecca Poole, CRNP, checks on a Resident.

STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO EXCEPTIONAL CARE: THE MARLIN AND DORIS THOMAS MEMORY CENTER

Willow Valley Communities has announced plans for a state-of-the-art memory center to be constructed on our main campus. The Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center at Willow Valley Communities, anticipated to open in 2025, will support and care for those impacted by neurodegenerative disease by focusing on specialized programming, research, prevention, assessment, treatment, and education.

One critical aspect of the Memory Center will be providing Residents with a sense of normalcy, the feeling of being at home within a secure environment. Fourteen households, each with 10 private bedrooms and the amenities of a typical home, will be centered around a commons building.

To create a sense of community for Residents, multiple destinations to promote daily activity and engagement are planned. The new Memory Center at Willow Valley Communities will include a grocery store, bakery, ice cream shop, sit-down restaurant, dance and fitness studio, meditation room, salon and spa, performance stage,

greenhouse, and expansive outdoor courtyard. Free to explore and experience the entire seven-acre campus, Residents will be empowered to maintain an autonomous, active, and meaningful lifestyle, thus preserving their dignity and reducing the stigma associated with cognitive issues.

Within the Memory Center at Willow Valley Communities, a new Assessment and Treatment Center will offer essential components for memory loss prevention, early diagnosis, assessment, advanced treatments, and support. Plans are also being made to sponsor opportunities for better brain health. Additional features to prevent neurodegeneration, such as the Brain Tech Center, will aim to further research through self-assessment brain games and self-guided education, brain-healthy meals available for purchase, and a resource center.

The pursuit to create the new Memory Center began in 2017, with the vision of transforming the lives of those affected by dementia. The Willow Valley Communities team consulted

The Northern Neighborhood has views of the pond and outdoor dining located at the Bistro.

world leaders in dementia care and research while also completing 32 benchmarking visits to the best memory care centers in the United States and around the world— including The Hogeweyk, a top-tier dementia village in the Netherlands.

During this phase of concept development, the Willow Valley Communities Charitable Foundation launched a capital campaign and raised over $20 million toward the cost of building and operating the Memory Center. Achieving this initial fundraising goal allowed the design and construction process to begin on Willow Valley Communities’ main campus.

NORD Architects of Copenhagen, Denmark, has been chosen as the design firm for the Memory Center. John G. Swanson, CEO of Willow Valley Development Corp., the developer of the center, said, “NORD is known for its architecturally groundbreaking and eye-catching designs, but it aims to create recognizable spaces within a community in which residents can grow together as a family and feel safe.”

The Memory Center at Willow Valley Communities will be NORD’s inaugural project in the United States. Additional features will include person-directed programming,

Rebecca "Becky" Bumsted, President, Willow Valley Communities Charitable Foundation and Resident Co-Chair, This is Personal Capital Campaign

Northern Neighborhood Household will have beautiful willow trees in its landscaping.

The Memory Center will have a barbeque area for Residents, family, and friends to enjoy.

assistance with navigation, and increased freedom, dignity, privacy, and Resident interaction through individualized care.

John added, “For 40 years, Willow Valley Communities has been a national leader in the senior living industry. We are honored to be taking this monumental step in the research, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative disease. The Memory Center at Willow Valley Communities will lay the foundation for a much healthier aging population for generations to come.”

Craig D. Thompson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Willow Valley Living, the management company for Willow Valley Communities, celebrated this announcement, stating, “We are delighted to be on the forefront of this important endeavor. We look forward to achieving our goal of caring for those experiencing dementia, as well as being on the cusp of groundbreaking research to someday cure this insidious disease.”

Craig D. Thompson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Willow Valley Living

The Greenhouse at the Memory Center will immerse Residents in the benefits of horticulture therapy, and creatively support those who want to exercise their green thumb.

The Memory Center at Willow Valley Communities will lay the foundation for a much healthier aging population for generations to come.

John G. Swanson, CEO of Willow Valley Development Corp.

This seasonal rendering of the Northern Neighborhood shows beautiful foliage year-round to create a welcoming environment with built-in wayfinding cues.

The Meditation Room will be for peaceful reflection, meaningful reminiscence, calming sensory experiences, and programs to align the mind, body, and spirit.

The Southern Neighborhood Garden, complete with fruit trees, herb gardens, walking paths, and recreational features to engage Residents and visitors of all ages.

600 Willow Valley Square

Lancaster, PA 17602

Willow has been honored with a first-place Keystone Award and a first-place Pepperpot Award from the Central PA and Philadelphia Chapters of the Public Relations Society of America.

The Willow Valley Way

For 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.