This podcast episode from Willow Valley Communities discusses the Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center, a specialized facility dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with dementia. Host Don Healin speaks with staff members Lauren Renehan and Travis Adams about the upcoming grand opening and the social model of care that prioritizes holistic well-being over traditional clinical methods. At our Podcast, Travis Adams highlighted the new “Among Friends” Program. Among Friends is a Social Club that is licensed as an Adult Day Center. The program will benefit those with varying stages of dementia who live at Willow Valley or within the greater community, through socialization, opportunities for engagement, and building connections. This program will also benefit family and friends caring for these individuals by giving the opportunity for education and respite. Among Friends can involve up to 25 Members per day and we are optimistic it will open later this year. If you have questions about the Among Friends program, please call 717-464-6331 or email [email protected]

Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Dr. Larry Katz In this educational podcast episode, host Dale Johnson interviews Spring Run resident Dr. Larry Katz, an expert in animal behavior and former Rutgers University professor. The discussion explores the evolutionary history of domestication, highlighting how the bond between humans and animals was essential for mutual survival. Dr. Katz explains that while dogs and cats are our most familiar companions, the process of taming livestock relied on different triggers, such as the strategic use of salt. The conversation clarifies the scientific distinction between domestication and taming, noting that true domestication involves long-term genetic changes within a population. Finally, Dr. Katz examines why certain species possess biological pre-adaptations for living with humans while others remain inherently wild.

E222: Stories with a brass band, a circus pig,c and kindness features a Willow Valley resident podcast titled "Life Under the Willow Tree," which promotes an upcoming community storytelling event called "Coffee and a Story." Host Ray Loewe introduces three neighbors who share personal anecdotes to demonstrate that meaningful stories can be found in any life experience. Mary Ann Steinhauer recounts a serendipitous encounter in New Mexico with an Austrian brass band she had previously met while hot air ballooning in Europe. Former educator Susie Davis shares a moving lesson on kindness and inclusion observed during a youth field hockey game involving a student with cerebral palsy. Finally, resident Terry Lieb describes his unique background as a professional circus clown and tells a humorous tale about how his pet pig helped resolve a misunderstanding at a bank. These diverse narratives serve as an invitation for other residents to participate in summer sessions designed to foster neighborly connection through the art of sharing personal history.

1 source · Aug 13, 2026 The Willow Valley podcast highlights the upcoming September 15th opening of a new Memory Center designed to revolutionize dementia care. Hosted by Don Healin, the discussion features Mission Director Lauren Renehan and Home Life Administrator Julie Waters, who explain a holistic social model of assisted living. This innovative approach focuses on small households of ten residents supported by care partners who prioritize companionship and engagement over purely clinical tasks. The center aims to reduce the stigma surrounding cognitive decline by offering extensive educational resources and support groups for both families and the community. By shifting away from archaic medical regulations, the facility provides a supportive environment that emphasizes brain health and social connection through every stage of the disease.

E224: LUWT: Stories with Mortenson and Armstrong. This podcast captures a session from the Willow Valley podcast titled "Life Under the Willow Tree," hosted by Ray Loewe. The episode features two residents, Pat Mortenson and Jane Armstrong, sharing personal anecdotes to demonstrate how simple triggers can resurface long-forgotten memories. Featured stories include a humorous misunderstanding from a woman's college years, and a family’s encounter with a motorcycle group that provided unexpected roadside assistance. The host also discusses how modern technology helped him reconstruct a detailed narrative about his past travels in Romania. Throughout the program, the participants emphasize that everyone possesses compelling stories worth documenting and sharing with their neighbors. Ultimately, the session serves as an invitation for community members to participate in upcoming storytelling events to foster deeper social connections.

In this podcast, Maggie Stauffer interviews Willow Valley resident Ken Smith, whose life story illustrates the power of resilience, tenacity, and compassion. After a rocky start in higher education and missing out on his dream of attending the Naval Academy, Smith eventually found success as a distinguished naval aviator. During his military career, he survived a near-death ejection and unknowingly transported Oliver North during the Iran-Contra affair. Transitioning to the private sector, he became a commercial airline captain before dedicating his retirement to philanthropy and hospice volunteering. His journey is defined by a commitment to service, artistic pursuit, and a philosophy of living every day to the fullest.

E223: Don Helin and Travel: Eating Around Lancaster. This Willow Valley podcast episode features host Ray Loewe and travel expert Don Helin discussing a curated culinary tour of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area. Helin suggests starting the day at Rachel’s for unique, oversized crepes before heading to McCleary’s in Marietta for renowned Irish-style fish and chips. For an upscale dinner, the group highlights The Brasserie, a local favorite known for its outdoor seating and diverse menu featuring crab cakes and steak. The conversation also explores local dessert staples, specifically mentioning Long Johns pasteries from Achenbach’s Bakery, and also mentions specialized coffee beans. Ultimately, the source serves as a travel guide for residents looking to explore high-quality dining options within a short drive of Lancaster.

E225: The Willow Valley Memory Center: with Mission Director Lauren Renehan Jul 16, 2026 This podcast introduces the Marlon and Doris Thomas Memory Center at Willow Valley, a project developed over nine years using global best practices in dementia care. Host Don Helin and Mission Director Lauren Renahan discuss the personal nature of dementia, emphasizing the importance of recognizing a person’s remaining strengths rather than focusing solely on their losses. The conversation highlights a shift from traditional medical models to a more integrated social approach, featuring programs like the "Among Friends" social club to ease transitions for residents. The center aims to destigmatize memory loss by encouraging engagement and transparency through upcoming ribbon-cutting events and virtual tours. Listeners are encouraged to submit questions via a dedicated link to be addressed in future episodes by the facility's leadership and medical teams. The dialogue underscores a commitment to intentional design and personalized care for those living with life-limiting illnesses

The podcast Life Under the Willow Tree features residents of the Willow Valley community sharing the unusual and unexpected jobs they held throughout their lives. The hosts, Dale Johnson and Elaine Kurceba, interview various individuals who recount roles ranging from a movie theater attendant and a deodorant factory worker to a hypnotist's assistant and a secret spy. Some stories highlight dramatic life shifts, such as a civil engineer who once paddled a kayak to escape East Berlin or a music professor who spent decades as a mail carrier to preserve his creative energy. Other residents describe youthful endeavors like go-go dancing in a skating rink, serving as a sleep supervisor at a reform school, or handling pythons for a zoo. These narratives serve to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and rich personal histories of the people within the retirement community. The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their own experiences as an actress and a geographer who once dug graves and delivered meals by bicycle.

Host: Dale Johnson Guests: Ann Willets and Tom Gehr In this lively episode, we explore a variety of exciting activities to enjoy in Lancaster County, featuring attractions in both Lancaster City and the surrounding areas. The podcast highlights the first 21 items from the list below, with even more recommendations available in our show notes.