Moving to Willow Valley Communities Opens a New Season of Life pg. 17
willow Fall 2023
A W I L L OW VA L L E Y C O M M U N I T I E S P U B L I C AT I O N
Willow Valley Communities Life Lived Forward in Every Season Hello and welcome to this issue of Willow, Willow Valley
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Newsweek named Willow Valley Communities’
Communities’ lifestyle magazine where you will read
supportive living community, The Glen at Willow Valley,
stories of Residents enjoying their new season of Life
the Number One Nursing Home in Pennsylvania in its
Lived Forward on our campus.
ranking of America’s Best Nursing Homes for the fourth year in a row.
We are honored that Willow Valley Communities has enjoyed another season of recognition and accolades
And now, we are looking forward to our next season, which
from various well-known and respected organizations
is one of expansion, with our new Mosaic by Willow Valley
and publications:
Communities.
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U.S. News & World Report named Willow Valley
Rising 20 stories above Lancaster City, Mosaic is Willow
Communities Best Continuing Care Retirement
Valley Communities’ next generation of exquisite residences.
Community (CCRC), Best Independent Living
Mosaic’s 146 single-level, two- and three-bedroom residences
Community, and Best Assisted Living Community in
will create a new pattern of elegant city living, melding
its 2023–24 nationwide Best Senior Living ratings. The
the downtown vibrancy of Lancaster with Willow Valley
outlet also consistently ranks Lancaster, PA among the
Communities’ nearly 40-year award-winning tradition
top five best places to retire in the United States
of excellence. Mosaic will be ideal for those desiring an extraordinary urban retirement experience and who want
Readers of LNP, Lancaster’s local newspaper, voted Willow Valley Communities first place in the categories of Retirement Community, 55+ Community, and
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to fully engage in all that Lancaster City has to offer right outside their front door.
Personal Care / Assisted Living Facility in its Readers’
Thank you for welcoming Willow magazine into your home.
Choice Awards.
We are honored that you are a part of our almost 40-year history, and we look forward to continue serving you in the
For the 10th consecutive year, Susquehanna Style magazine’s readers voted Willow Valley Communities Best Senior Living Community in its 2023 Best of
years to come. Sincerely,
Lancaster poll. y
Willow Valley Communities was voted First Place Senior Living Community in Lancaster County
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Magazine’s Best of Lancaster survey. Willow Valley
Craig D. Thompson
Communities has won first place every year since the
President & Chief Operating Officer
category was added in 2017.
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content s
FALL 2023
A SEASON OF ALL IN THE FAMILY | 3 Families find their way back together at Willow Valley Communities.
WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES TEAM MEMBERS: SERVICE IN ALL SEASONS | 7 The 1,500 Team Members at Willow Valley Communities help create a Life Lived Forward for Residents.
THE NEW SEASON OF COMMUNITY LIFE | 11 The transition to community life is smooth for new Residents thanks to Willow Valley Communities’ Resident Life Team.
THE SEASON OF GRANDPARENTING: CAMP WILLOW | 14 “The best camp I’ve ever been to!” Camp Willow is back!
MOVING TO WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES OPENS A NEW SEASON OF LIFE | 17 The National Senior Games athletes give it their all in Pittsburgh.
SUSTAINABILITY DURING THE SEASONS | 21 Residents enjoy, and take part in, Willow Valley Communities’ stunning and sustainable landscaping year-round.
A SEASON OF TECHNOLOGY | 25 As featured in the Wall Street Journal: Residents stay up-to-date on the latest technology to enhance their Life Lived Forward.
NOW IS YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL SEASON OF LIFE | 27 Build your life around the things you love, at Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities.
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A SEASON OF ALL IN THE FAMILY Ah, families. It seems that we spend our growing-up years
the first Residents at Manor in the 1980s. Peter is also a
spreading our wings and trying to get away from them. But
legacy. His parents were Lakes Residents, and his mother is
then we come back around and spend the rest of our lives
currently residing at The Glen. Also, Jim’s brother and his
trying to get closer.
wife live in our SouthPointe community.
In our last issue of Willow, we featured Peter and Phyllis
Since meeting the Witmers, we have learned of other
Witmer, Willow Valley Communities’ first third-generation
Residents who have family ties to Willow Valley
Residents. Phyllis’s parents, Jim and Sally Witmer
Communities. Some have unusual stories—but they all found
(coincidentally, Phyllis’s married name is the same as her
their way back to each other, and they are enjoying Life
maiden name), are current Residents of our Lakes community.
Lived Forward together at Willow Valley Communities.
Her grandparents, Jacob and Naomi Good, were among
Jacob and Naomi Good (featured in portrait) were the first of three generations to move to Willow Valley Communities.
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The Haggerty sisters, along with their Aunt Winnie, are enjoying life at Willow Valley Communities.
and peaceful here. It’s certainly a very different experience
Lifelong New Yorkers? Sisters Susan and Barbara Haggerty, along with their aunt,
from what we had in New York City!”
Winnie Corton, had always identified themselves as lifelong
Once her nieces moved, Winnie, who had retired from her
New Yorkers—true city gals. Until one day they weren’t…
municipal agency job, quickly came to a stark realization:
Susan and Barbara were born and raised in New York City, just as their parents and grandparents were. They lived only two blocks away from their dear Aunt Winne, and as Susan described, “We were always hanging out.” After retiring—Susan from her position at a university in New York City, and Barbara from her federal government job—there was a pronounced shift in their thinking. “I don’t know what it was,” recalled Susan. “We just had had enough of New York City.” They then started to explore the idea of moving to a senior living community.
“There was literally nothing left for me in New York.” After hearing how happy Susan and Barbara were at Willow Valley Communities, she “un-dug” her heels and met with Laura. By January 2023, Winnie had moved into her apartment at Lakes, and she hasn’t looked back. She pursues activities at The Cultural Center, appreciating that it is a short walk from where she lives. She also appreciates that her residence is close to a culinary venue, but most of all, she likes having her nieces nearby. Since the move, Barbara and Susan have made several trips
Susan and Barbara researched for five years, touring communities in North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. During this time, Winnie kept her heels dug
back to New York City by car and train, saying Amtrak makes it easier. And no—Winnie has never joined them!
in and vowed never to leave New York City. “She’d say, ‘No, no, no!’” chuckled Susan. The Haggerty sisters were ultimately drawn to the Lancaster area for several reasons, among them, the region’s stellar healthcare. They also credit Willow Valley Communities Sales Counselor Laura Walker for taking the time to find the perfect residence for them. They moved into their apartment
It’s been so quiet and peaceful here. It’s certainly a very different experience from what we had in New York City!
in Spring Run in September 2022. “It’s gorgeous,” exclaimed Susan. “I’ve never lived in such a
Susan Haggerty, Resident
nice apartment!” She further explained, “It’s been so quiet
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Betty Anne watched and waited two years for the Eisenhuths
What? We’re Related?
to move into their SouthPointe apartment residence. Then
And then there’s Betty Anne Zdep and Ned and Nanette Eisenhuth—who are related but didn’t know it until they moved to Willow Valley Communities. Betty Anne has lived at the Midrise Apartments for seven years. In 2020, while volunteering at her regular post at the Willow Valley Communities Welcome Center, she was reviewing a list of future Residents moving to SouthPointe. She saw the names Ned and Nanette Eisenhuth from
she waited another month to give them a chance to unpack! In October 2022 she called them and explained the possible connection. They were equally intrigued and curious, and the three decided to meet to share research. Luckily there was a lot of research to share. Ned had received an Ancestry.com membership from Nanette as a Christmas present, so he already had a lot of information. Betty Anne was grateful to have information gathered from her Aunt
Orwigsburg, PA and was startled. Betty Anne knew her
Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s daughter, Gwendolyn. They had
roots went back to 1720, to an ancestor named Heinrich
done extensive genealogy research in the historical society
Eisenhuth who was her great-great-great-great-greatgrandfather. Heinrich was from Germany, and he settled in Orwigsburg, PA.
and libraries, poring over census and marriage records, death notices, and more.
Betty Anne’s grandmother, Anne Elizabeth Eisenhuth.
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Betty Anne’s Aunt Elizabeth, who started the family research.
Fall 2023
Ned and Nanette at their SouthPointe Village home.
“I give them so much credit for what they did,” said Betty Anne. “In their day, there was no internet!” It didn’t take long for the three Willow Valley Communities Residents, who had never met before, to learn that they were related. To their surprise—and delight—they learned that one of Heinrich’s sons, Bernhardt, had ten children. Two of those children were
It didn’t take long for the three Willow Valley Communities Residents, who had never met before, to learn that they were related.
sons, Jacob and George. Betty Anne is a descendant of Jacob, and Ned is a descendant of George. “This is incredible!” they all exclaimed. “We’re cousins!” They kept digging a little more and learned more fascinating facts about their shared heritage: Bernhardt was a Captain in the Revolutionary War and fought under the command General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. “A marker is on his grave in the Old White Church Cemetery in Ringtown, PA,” said Betty Anne. “Several years ago, I was delighted to go see it for myself along with my husband, Stan, and my cousin, Gwendolyn.” Ned and Nanette with Betty Anne.
Now the three “family members” get together regularly. They have “family dinners” and also enjoy meals at The Vitality Café at The Cultural Center. They volunteer together at various Willow Valley Communities charitable initiatives, too, like the holiday party and Sneakers for School. The Eisenhuths, along with their newfound relative, Betty Anne Zdep, want everyone to know that their common ancestor, Bernhardt Eisenhuth, lived to be 111 years old! And that is exactly what the three of them plan to do together at Willow Valley Communities.
Ned and Betty Anne pore over some of their research.
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WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES TEAM MEMBERS: SERVICE IN ALL SEASONS Willow Valley Communities’ 1,500 dedicated Team Members make Life Lived Forward possible for Residents all year and, yes, in every season. Keeping Our Surroundings Beautiful—All Year Round! It’s easy to notice the changes in routines throughout the year with our hardworking Maintenance and Grounds Teams in all sorts of weather: making sure snow and leaves are cleared, outdoor spaces are maintained, Resident garden plots are prepped for their future harvests, and also ensuring that the stunning landscaping throughout our 210 acres remains, well, stunning. Sales Counselors relish all the oohs and aahs they hear from prospective Residents as they tour the outdoor spaces throughout the campus.
Bert Hlubny, Lead Landscape Gardener
Brandon Lindstedt, Maintenance Technician
Bill Pedrick, Landscape Coordinator, and Hannah Metzler, Lead Landscape Gardener
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Creating Fun for All Generations The Team at The Clubhouse has fun working together and getting the amenities at The Clubhouse ready for activities all year long. Whether it’s maintaining the Har-Tru tennis courts in the spring, servicing the outdoor pool for the summer, or making sure the bowling alleys are always ready for a strike, The Clubhouse Team looks forward to joyful visits from Residents, along with their friends and families, utilizing all that is available at The Clubhouse. The Team says it’s a joy to watch grandchildren—very young and shy at their first Clubhouse visit—grow into more confident middle-schoolers and teens ready to take on Zoltar and Pac-Man after a round of bowling with grandparents.
Sue Adams, Concierge at The Clubhouse
Brian Huber, Lead Indoor Attendant at The Clubhouse
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Kristin Holloway, Assistant Manager Clubhouse Amenities
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Chris Echavarria, Line Cook; Greg Myers, Chef de Cuisine; and Jacob James, Sous Chef at Local Table
The Delicious Reasons to Visit The Clubhouse Residents’ friends and families also gather at The Clubhouse’s full-service gourmet restaurant, Local Table, to share special meals expertly and attentively prepared and served. In addition to being close to vibrant Lancaster City, Willow Valley Communities is located close to the rich, fertile farmland of Lancaster County, allowing our chefs to stretch their culinary talents far and wide, never missing a farm-to-plate recipe opportunity.
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Residents’ Friends & Families: Be Our Guest! The Team at Guest Suites say they never tire of hosting families and friends at the boutique hotel located on the Manor Campus. They are happy to provide such a welcomed convenience for all, and it’s gratifying for them to see so many come for visits, holidays, and special celebrations. No matter what department Team Members work in —they all agree that it is the memories made with Residents that are most meaningful year after year, season after season.
Amina Straub, Housekeeper
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Brittney Hemperly, Lead Guest Relations, Guest Suites
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THE NEW SEASON OF COMMUNITY LIFE Moving to a senior living community is far more than
Barry’s background in education and counseling makes
simply moving to a new location—it involves moving to
him well-suited for this role. He starts with a Resident’s
a new way of life. An extraordinary lifestyle awaits new
immediate needs. “Is it helping to set up their computer?
Residents at Willow Valley Communities, and in order for
Is it to help them register for an art or fitness class? Or
them to embrace and engage in that new lifestyle, Resident
maybe they need help deciding where to dine, or they need
Life Coach Barry Sipe and his team are available to make
assistance with the shuttle procedure,” Barry says. He can
the transition super smooth.
help with all those early questions about how things work
Barry’s Resident Life Coach role is a dedicated position that
and so much more. He covers it all.
offers support, serves as a resource, and offers a coaching
He tells the story of a new Resident whose dog was anxious
relationship to new Residents so that they have what they
about his new surroundings and was barking a lot. The
need to begin their Life Lived Forward at Willow Valley
Resident was apprehensive to leave her dog alone. Barry
Communities. Sometimes this relationship starts before
contacted the Willow Valley Communities Pet Club, which
move-in. Barry works closely with Resident Mentors and
offered to find a pet sitter to stay with the dog so the
Willow Valley Communities’ Senior Location Advisor, Erin
Resident could get out and explore her new community.
Weagly, and Relocation Specialist, Ali Wills.
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Barry also coordinates and trains Resident Mentors. This program is a sort of structured welcome wagon, where Mentors—current Residents—remain in contact with Residents for approximately six weeks after they move in. They will guide, answer questions, and help them get acclimated to Willow Valley Communities and the surrounding areas. They will also introduce them to others. Barry helps to present at the New Resident Orientation and holds New Resident Happy Hours and even a New Resident Support Group. “These are all ways new Residents can meet new friends and get everything they need to fully embrace Willow Valley Communities as their home,” he says. Barry’s involvement doesn’t end once the new Resident is no longer “new,” either. He is always available and relishes his role as a resource. He explains that as time goes on, there are more and more things to discover at Willow Valley Communities, and if Residents ever have questions, all they need to do is reach out to him.
Barry Sipe, Resident Life Coach
These are all ways new Residents can meet new friends and get everything they need to fully embrace Willow Valley Communities as their home.
Erin Weagly, Senior Relocation Advisor, and Barry Sipe, Resident Life Coach
Barry Sipe, Resident Life Coach
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Barry is also a resource for those who need help navigating a
Computer Club and the Apple Users Club of Willow Valley
major life change. “My role is to be aware and offer ongoing
Communities. “Both groups provide amazing support to
support. Often it’s just pointing Residents in the right
Residents who need help at any level. These are Resident
direction to what they need.” He works within the Resident
volunteers who are experts in their fields and can help with
Life Department headed by Stacy Musser, Senior Director
anything. They even make house calls!” he chuckles.
of Resident Life, so he is familiar with all of Willow Valley Communities’ current offerings and services and can easily facilitate those connections.
Barry says there’s nothing that makes him happier than to get an email or a phone call from a new Resident who says, “Thank you for that lead! That was exactly what I was
Barry says that one of the top points of anxiety he’s seen
looking for!” Reflecting, he says, “I so enjoy when a need is
with moves to Willow Valley Communities is getting
met and those connections are made. It’s truly an honor and
technology and all things electronic reconnected. He’s
a privilege to be a part of a new Resident’s life at this most
grateful for two clubs that new Residents can easily
exciting time.”
call on for assistance, the Willow Valley Communities
It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of a new Resident’s life at this most exciting time. Barry Sipe, Resident Life Coach
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THE SEASON OF GRANDPARENTING:
CAMP WILLOW
If you noticed an abundance of young people on campus
Valley Communities’ Model Yacht Club, and even recorded
the week of June 19, it wasn’t because Willow Valley
their own podcast! They also created some amazing
Communities lowered our entrance age. It was because
artwork, which was displayed in the Art Gallery of Willow
Camp Willow is back!
Valley Communities’ Cultural Center.
Camp Willow is Willow Valley Communities’ annual
Jen Rynier, Willow Valley Communities’ Events
weeklong day camp for Residents’ grandchildren. In 2023,
Coordinator, has managed Camp Willow since its inception
43 children, ages 7–12, came from across the country to
in 2009. She plans the 9:00-to-4:00 daily schedule for the
spend a fun-filled week enjoying activities at Willow Valley
entire week. There’s never a theme, she says, because that
Communities. Fifteen states were represented this year,
would limit the scope of the camp. “Themes are what every
with campers coming from Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA;
other camp does. Camp Willow is different. Willow Valley
Phoenix, AZ; Midland, TX; Ashland, MO; Charleston, SC;
Communities has a spirit of excellence, and so does Camp
and Greenwich, CT to name only a few.
Willow.” The award-winning amenities at Willow Valley
Thanks to the involvement of Residents from many of Willow
Communities also give her many outstanding options for
Valley Communities’ over 100 different clubs, campers had
the campers.
an amazing array of activities to fill their week. In addition
There are camp activities all day long, as well as
to the traditional ones like swimming, fishing, and bowling,
opportunities for grandparents to participate and bond
this year’s Camp Willow campers enjoyed a game truck,
with their grandkids. Breakfast is spent together, as well
learned about beekeeping, sailed model yachts with Willow
as the Grand Luncheon, which concludes the program. The
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Special guest Philadelphia Eagles’ Mark “Mighty Mouse” McMillian at Camp Willow.
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week also includes a day trip for campers and their grandparents to enjoy together; this year it was to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. A special guest to this year’s Camp Willow was the Philadelphia Eagles’ Mark “Mighty Mouse” McMillian, who ran through some fun football training drills with the thrilled campers. “It’s a busy, busy week!” says Jen. Jen estimates that approximately 500 Willow Valley
When you sit back and think about what this does for a family, it’s really quite amazing.
Communities Residents’ grandchildren have experienced Camp
Jen Rynier, Events Coordinator
Willow since its start. “It’s hard to put a number on it, though,” she says, because so many children return year after year. Over the years, Camp Willow has been recognized for excellence. LeadingAge, a senior industry professional association with over 5,000 members, awarded Camp Willow its Innovation of the Year award. The camp was also selected as Favorite Day Camp in the LNP (Lancaster Newspapers) Readers’ Choice Awards. Jen is not surprised by these awards. “That’s what we do at Willow Valley Communities… Excellence is our culture. We do it for seniors, why not for children?” However, the accolades Jen cares about most are the ones she receives from Resident grandparents and the campers’ parents at the end of the week. “I had a grandmother tell me this year that she really got to know her granddaughter in a different way.
She sees her often because she is from New Jersey, but during the week of camp, she didn’t have other family members here with her. It was just the two of them, and it was a very special bonding experience.” L-R: Resident Life Coordinators Amanda Stevens and Kelsey Murray with Events Coordinator Jen Rynier
Jen adds, “When you sit back and think about what this does for a family, it’s really quite amazing.” Camp Willow has allowed adult children of Residents to be able to spend quality time with their parents while their own children are enjoying camp activities. Other parents have been able to go on a vacation alone knowing their children were happy and spending time at Camp Willow with their grandparents. And of course, Jen relishes the thanks she receives from the campers themselves, saying, “When I hear from a camper at the end of the week, ‘This is the best camp I’ve ever been to,’ well, it doesn’t get any better than that for me!”
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Willow Valley Communities’ National Senior Games Team
Rachel Williams practices with her table tennis robot at Willow Valley Communities’ “Pong Zone.”
Trish Macvaugh trains in the Aquatics Center.
MOVING TO WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES OPENS A NEW SEASON OF LIFE After moving to Willow Valley Communities, it doesn’t
must first qualify at state-level Games to participate.
take long for Residents to discover that a whole new world
National Senior Games Association member organizations
of possibilities has opened up for them. It’s a world where
hold bi-annual State Games in the year preceding the
they now have the time, freedom—and opportunities—to
National Games, and athletes who meet specific criteria
pursue their passions, whether those are passions they
while participating qualify.
enjoyed long ago, or exciting new endeavors that piqued their interest at Willow Valley Communities.
When Willow Valley Communities first attended the National Senior Games in 2007, four Residents participated.
There’s probably no better example of this than the National
In contrast, the 2023 team was made up of 25 Willow Valley
Senior Games.
Communities Resident athletes and one SmartLife VIA
The National Senior Games, a 20-sport competition for men and women 50 and over, is the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. The Games take place every other year, and in 2023, they were held July 7–18 in Pittsburgh. Athletes
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Willow Valley Member. They were escorted by Willow Valley Communities’ Fitness Manager, Pam Schorr, and Lead Fitness Specialist, Delaney Houtz. The two coordinated travel arrangements and other logistics for the group and
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helped with training for the competitions.
It was Jim Thomas’s first time competing at the National Senior Games, and he won a silver medal in the Men’s
Willow Valley Communities Residents competed in
Swimming Relay.
swimming, pickleball, badminton, table tennis, and tennis, y
and brought home nine gold, six silver, and three bronze
Carol Church and Ann Willets were new to badminton,
medals, as well as 18 ribbons. Gold medals award first place,
and this was their first National Senior Games. They
silver second, and bronze third. Ribbons award fourth
won bronze medals in Badminton Women’s Doubles and
through eighth places.
ribbons in Badminton Women’s Singles. y
The Games Provide Opportunities for “Firsts”
Games, and she won a 5th place ribbon in Badminton
“It’s so amazing to cheer the athletes on during the Games,”
Mixed Doubles.
Pam says. “It inspires me to inspire others. It sparks interest and motivation for Residents to try—even if it is their first
This was Wanda Burnap’s first National Senior
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This was the first National Senior Games for Dennis Fisher and Helen Pannes, and they won a 5th place
time. It makes others think, ‘Hey, I can do that too.’”
ribbon in Pickleball Mixed Doubles.
Pam was so inspired by the 2023 National Senior Games y
team that she shared a list of “Firsts” that she noticed
Elaine Goldband’s first National Senior Games
among her athletes. These Residents used the Games as an
earned her a 4th place ribbon in Pickleball
opportunity to try—and to achieve—something new in this
Women’s Singles.
season of life. y
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Jane Koester earned an 8th place ribbon in Tennis
This National Senior Games was the first time Trish
Women’s Doubles this year at her first National
Macvaugh ever won a medal.
Senior Games. y
Suzy Davis’s and Elaine Howe’s (her first time at the
This was Rachel Williams’s first National Senior Games,
games!) medals were the first medals ever won by
and she won a 7th place ribbon in Women’s Singles
Willow Valley Communities in pickleball or tennis.
Table Tennis.
Multiple Records Broken at National Senior Games Janet Rushmere, 90, won a total of six gold medals in swimming and broke three long-standing National Senior Games records in the 50-yard Backstroke, 100-yard Backstroke, and 50-yard Freestyle. She was also featured on NBC’s Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist.
Janet Rushmere poses with her six gold medals for Sunday TODAY at Willow Valley Communities’ Aquatics Center.
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National Senior Games Medal Count Pickleball Elaine Howe & Suzy Davis Gold | Women’s Doubles 3.0 Elaine Howe & Suzy Davis 4th Place Ribbon | Women’s Doubles 3.5 Helen Pannes & Dennis Fisher 5th Place Ribbon | Mixed Doubles Suzy Davis & Hank Palmer 6th Place Ribbon | Mixed Doubles Elaine Goldband 4th Place Ribbon | Women’s Singles Kathy Ginett 5th Place Ribbon | Women’s Singles Badminton Ed Burnap Gold | Men’s Singles Ann Willets & Carol Church Bronze (Group 1) | Women’s Doubles Deb Dickinson & Suzanne Ranck Bronze (Group 2) | Women’s Doubles Ed Burnap & Wanda Burnap 5th Place Ribbon | Mixed Doubles Ann Willets 6th Place Ribbon | Women’s Singles Carol Church 7th Place Ribbon | Women’s Singles Deb Dickinson 8th Place Ribbon | Women’s Singles Deb Dickinson & John Schmidt 8th Place Ribbon | Mixed Doubles Table Tennis Irmi Nelson Bronze | Women’s Singles Rachel Williams 7th Place Ribbon | Women’s Singles Tennis Elaine Howe & Suzy Davis Silver | Women’s Doubles Elaine Eichner & Jane Koester 8th Place Ribbon | Women’s Doubles 19
Residents Anu Shaw and Roger Hartley practice with Rachel.
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Swimming Janet Rushmere
Trish Macvaugh
Gold | NSG Record | Women’s 50yd Backstroke
5th Place Ribbon | Women’s 50yd Breaststroke
Gold | NSG Record | Women’s 100yd Backstroke
6th Place Ribbon | Women’s 100yd Breaststroke
Gold | NSG Record | Women’s 50yd Freestyle
Gold | Women’s 200yd Mixed Freestyle Relay
Gold | Women’s 100yd Freestyle
Silver | Women’s 200yd Mixed Medley Relay
Gold | Women’s 200yd Mixed Medley Relay Gold | Women’s 200yd Mixed Freestyle Relay
Steve Wright 5th Place Ribbon | Men’s 50yd Backstroke
Ray Loewe
8th Place Ribbon | Men’s 100yd Backstroke
Silver | Men’s 50yd Breaststroke
4th Place Ribbon | Men’s 200yd Backstroke
Silver | Men’s 100yd Breaststroke
Gold | Men’s 200yd Mixed Freestyle Relay
Silver | Men’s 200yd Breaststroke
Silver | Men’s 200yd Mixed Medley Relay
Gold | Men’s 200yd Mixed Medley Relay Bob Locke
Jim Thomas Silver | Men’s 200yd Mixed Medley Relay
Silver | Men’s 50yd Freestyle 4th Place Ribbon | Men’s 50yd Backstroke Gold | Men’s 200yd Mixed Freestyle Relay
Trish Macvaugh
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SUSTAINABILITY DURING THE SEASONS It’s hard to decide which of the four seasons is most
Our campus landscape sustainability planning project will
stunning at Willow Valley Communities: winter, spring,
help in this effort.
summer, or fall. All of them have their own unique beauty that is appreciated by Residents and Team Members alike. Even through the grayest days of winter, Residents can still delight in the warmth and coziness of home—especially knowing that it is Willow Valley Communities’ Maintenance and Grounds Teams who are responsible for snow removal! Willow Valley Communities’ campus of 210 rolling acres is truly a gift to behold all year round. But as appreciated as our beautiful campus is, with that gift comes
Joel Schock, Willow Valley Communities’ Manager of Grounds, is working closely with Residents on this initiative. “Everything we need for our survival and well-being depends either directly or indirectly on our natural environment,” he explained. “This is important to me. I tell Residents, ‘Your backyard is also my backyard!’” In true Willow Valley Communities spirit, Residents have volunteered and are getting involved. They are coordinating educational opportunities in subjects like pollination
big responsibility.
and water conservation, and even a trip to the Southeast
Campus Landscape Sustainability Planning Project &
Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Manheim,
the Green Master Plan
PA. Residents are also getting down and getting their hands dirty—all to teach and show what can be done on campus in
As we build and maintain our gorgeous campus, Willow Valley Communities wants to be mindful of the environment.
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landscaping sustainability.
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Resident Holly List
I tell Residents, ‘Your backyard is also my backyard!’ Joel Schock, Manager of Grounds
Manager of Grounds, Joel Schock, in the Clifford Circle Demonstration Garden.
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L-R: SouthPointe Residents Chuck Beers, Susan Beers, Lynda Houck, and Holly List with Joel Schock in the Clifford Circle Demonstration Garden.
The Clifford Circle Demonstration Garden Residents of Clifford Circle at SouthPointe wanted to show fellow Willow Valley Communities Residents what could be done in their own neighborhoods to encourage sustainability in landscaping. Chuck and Susan Beers, Lynda Houck, and Holly List describe themselves as “enthusiastic naturefriendly gardeners.” They were all excited about partnering with our Manager of Grounds, Joel. With Joel, they planned and created a Demonstration Garden using native and pollinator-friendly plants to show how a garden can be beautiful, as well as provide food and wildlife habitat. The garden has a diverse planting of specific native shrubs, perennials, groundcover, and grasses known for their support of pollinators and birds, including those that serve as host plants for butterfly egg-laying. Holly explained that native insects lay their eggs predominantly on native trees and shrubs. Birds depend on these insects for the majority of their diet and for feeding their young. Susan said, “I have always felt passionate about living in harmony with nature. Before moving to Willow Valley Communities, we were involved with planting natural buffers along riverbanks, helping to clean waterways. So, it’s exciting to get to be a part of Joel’s efforts.”
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The other Clifford Circle neighbors have expressed enthusiasm for the Demonstration Garden in their neighborhood and are also getting involved in helping with its maintenance. “We need to do our part, no matter how small, to make the world better for future generations,” Lynda said. “We are all excited about the possibilities for Willow Valley Communities’ campus.” Pollinators Feed the World The colorful pollinator garden beside the Mylin House on the Lakes Campus is well-known for attracting huge numbers of bees, butterflies, insects, and birds. Resident Annabelle Simpson explained that the insects that are attracted to the garden should not be looked upon as pests. “They couldn’t give a hoot about us!” she said. She explained how these insects pollinate and feed the garden to help it grow, and its harvest enables Willow Valley Communities gardeners to share the bounty with area food banks in the greater Lancaster community. She and fellow Resident Susan Kelly maintain this garden, and the two worked together to have it Master Gardener Certified as an official Pennsylvania Pollinator-Friendly Garden by the Penn State Extension of
Annabelle Simpson in the pollinator garden.
Penn State University. Beautiful & Responsible Spring Run Resident Ed Mitchell said he’s glad Willow Valley Communities is taking steps to protect the environment. “Spending time in nature is good for everyone. I enjoy hearing and seeing birds along the flower meadows and rain gardens near Spring Run. But it goes much deeper than that. Willow Valley Communities’ wetlands vegetation slows down stormwater and erosion, develops roots that direct water into the ground, and provides habitat for
We need to do our part, no matter how small, to make the world better for future generations. Lynda Houck, Resident
wildlife. That helps Pennsylvania do its part to protect the Chesapeake Bay for food and recreation.” Willow Valley Communities’ efforts do not stop there. Joel and his team have also received a site-specific green master plan from LandStudies, a landscape architecture firm. This design will allow Willow Valley Communities to implement green infrastructure changes to improve wildlife habitat, increase native landscapes, and benefit water quality through the years. Susan Beers expressed her enthusiasm and hope for the Sustainability in Landscaping initiative and what Joel, his team, and her fellow Residents are working on. “I believe we can make a difference,” she said, “right here in our own ‘backyard!’” Ed Mitchell and Joel Schock
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A SEASON OF TECHNOLOGY
Trish Macvaugh
Willow Valley Communities offers Residents continuing
Valley Communities Fitness Center. She started swimming
growth and engagement as they explore their interests
competitively just three years ago.
and new opportunities. The use of technology is one area where Residents are particularly interested in staying current. As we all know, technology is constantly changing, and it takes effort and time to be on top of it all. Luckily, Residents have resources—often fellow Residents—who are knowledgeable and willing to help.
Trish explained how she learned a lot about her Apple Watch from fellow Resident Susan Culbertson. Before moving to Willow Valley Communities, Susan started a company called Kind Technology, through which she offered training in many areas of computer technology. And, as the name implies, she did so kindly and without judgment—a
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article,
philosophy she believes in passionately. Prior to setting up
written by Julie Jargon, Family and Technology Columnist,
her company, she worked as a Systems Analyst for the federal
about how Residents are using technology at Willow Valley
government, Campus Computing Associate at the University
Communities. Residents Trish Macvaugh, Susan Culbertson,
of Maryland, and Director of Academic Technology in several
and Al Williams were featured.
schools. Susan is a leader in the Apple Users Club at Willow Valley Communities.
Trish Macvaugh was interviewed about using her Apple Watch Series 6 in her swim training for the National Senior Games held this past July in Pittsburgh. The watch logged her heart and oxygen rate and her “SWOLF” score—the number of strokes taken plus the time it takes to swim a certain
Over the past few years, the campus Apple Users Club has grown tremendously; there are now 510 Resident members. This growth can be attributed not only to the increasing
distance. Trish also uses her watch to track her walking, balance, and her weightlifting performance at the Willow
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The Apple Users Club at Willow Valley
popularity of Apple products and services—especially in
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the areas of fitness, health, and accessibility—but also to
that show Residents ways to have both. He calls one of his
the club’s outreach through its programs and its website
presentations “But I Have Nothing to Hide!” Al says yes,
(AppleUsersWVC.club). By far, the small-group hands-
you DO have something to hide! He enthusiastically teaches
on workshops, which are offered several times a week
fellow Residents how to control who has access to their
on average, are the most popular. They are featured in
personal information.
Renaissance magazine (Willow Valley Communities’
The Apple Users Club at Willow Valley Communities and
quarterly magazine that describes all the classes,
the Willow Valley Computer Club both offer Residents
presentations, exhibits, and entertainment offerings
ongoing learning opportunities to stay up-to-date on
available to Residents) and typically fill up quickly.
computers and technology. In addition to their Renaissance offerings, each club has informative monthly presentations,
The Willow Valley Computer Club
newsletters, and websites where they encourage all
Over 870 Residents are members of the Willow Valley
Residents to find out more.
Computer Club. Its President, Al Williams, says the club welcomes all Residents to join no matter what their level of computer knowledge is. Al is a retired electrical engineer who worked on space satellites for RCA, GE, and Martin Marietta. He retired from his 39-year career with Lockheed Martin. His background is in hardware and software design, software development management, IT management, and program management, and cybersecurity is a topic he’s passionate about. He focuses on privacy and anonymity and regularly gives presentations and classes, and writes about topics,
Al Williams
Susan Culbertson
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Susan offers workshops on the many features of the Apple Watch.
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NOW IS YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL SEASON OF LIFE
Life after age 55 can truly be your best years. You’re able
who want to know more about the next generation of 55+
to transition from your career—or make plans to—looking
residences that will exceed expectations.
back with satisfaction. If you’ve had children, they are
Enter Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities—stunning
grown and independent, or close to it. You can reap the benefits of your years of smart financial planning by doing exactly what you want to do: traveling, taking up a new interest, or moving to a new, exquisite home that’s ideal for the years ahead. What makes being over 55 even more beautiful is that in this season of life, you know exactly what you love. And you’re now free to build your life around more of those things. An elegant home in the heart of a vibrant, culturally rich city. Superb hospitality. Activities that engage your mind, body, and spirit. And the peace of mind of knowing your future is secure while you live life richly today.
new construction coming to the heart of vibrant downtown Lancaster in 2027. Rising 20 stories above Lancaster City, Mosaic’s 146 single-level, two- and three-bedroom residences will be uncompromising in craftsmanship, beauty, and attention to detail. Crafted with an aesthetic of timeless, casual elegance, and exclusive amenities and service, Mosaic is the inspired work of renowned architects and interior designers. Mosaic will create a new pattern of elegant city living in downtown Lancaster, an exciting, very walkable, and manageable city. Outside your front door at Mosaic, inviting city streets are alive with live theater and entertainment, eclectic boutiques,
As a premier 55-plus community, Willow Valley Communities
award-winning restaurants offering worldwide cuisine, and
understands this mindset, and we’ve already met with
stimulating art galleries and exhibits. Forbes magazine calls
hundreds of visitors who also have these same desires: those
Lancaster “A Top 10 Coolest City,” and The New York Times
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names Lancaster “a hive of culinary diversity.” Best of all, U.S. News & World Report declares Lancaster “The Best Place to Retire (in America).” Mosaic will also offer the wise value of Willow Valley Communities’ Type A (extensive) Lifecare, which provides Residents with a seamless continuum of care, if needed in the future, at no increase to monthly service fees. Willow Valley Communities, with our tradition of excellence in 55+ living for nearly 40 years, is one of only nine communities in the nation to earn an “A” Fitch financial rating, as well as numerous national innovation awards. Many prospective Residents from near and far are considering their next season and have already traveled to Lancaster to attend Mosaic informational presentations at Willow Valley Communities. And with apartment selections available now, future Residents are getting their preferred choice of floor, style, and location in the building. If you would like to learn more, a rich array of information, including imagery and 2- and 3-bedroom floor plans, is available at MosaicLancaster.com.
What makes being over 55 even more beautiful is that in this season of life, you know exactly what you love. And you’re now free to build your life around more of those things.
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A ground-breaking opportunity to live above all else. Distinctive 55+ Living in Lancaster, pa
You know what you love. An
Mosaic will offer exceptional 55+
Willow Valley Communities'
elegant home in the heart of a
city living with 146 residences
Lifecare, which entitles you to
vibrant city. Superb hospitality.
that maximize one-of-a-kind
short-or long-term care, if needed
Activities that engage your mind,
Lancaster City views with
in the future, at no increase to
body and spirit. And the comfort of knowing your future is secure. If an exquisite home is non-
your monthly fee. Which means
LANCASTER, PA # 1 PLACE TO RETIRE
U.S. News & World Report, 2023
negotiable, you’ve come to the right place. At Mosaic, we’re uncompromising when it comes to craftsmanship, beauty, and attention to detail. Coming to the heart of Lancaster, PA,
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windows stretching from floor to ceiling. Choose from among 16 two- and three-bedroom styles.
the comfort of knowing your future is secure, while you live life richly today. Apartment selection is available now. For your personal consultation, visit: mosaiclancaster.com | 888.893.1423
Plus, the exceptional value of
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Artist renderings for illustrative purposes.
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600 Willow Valley Square Lancaster, PA 17602
The Willow Valley Way For almost 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 security 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.
800.770.5445 | WillowValleyCommunities.org | LifeLivedForward.org | info@willowvalley.org