Episódios

  • E205 Sharon Habanec: From Hostess to WV Senior VP: A 39-Year Culinary Journey

    E205 Sharon Habanec: From Hostess to WV Senior VP: A 39-Year Culinary Journey
    Mar 5 2026
    Host: Carol MacAllister Guest: Sharon Habanec, WV Senior VP of Culinary Services Description: Sharon Habanec reflects on her 39-year career, starting as a part-time hostess. She describes the evolution of the organization’s dining philosophy toward "destination dining," which offers residents diverse choices across nearly 18 different venues. Habanec emphasizes a leadership culture rooted in internal mentoring and a team-based approach that proved essential during the operational challenges of the Covid pandemic. The discussion also covers the technical aspects of food safety, local sourcing from Amish farmers, and the logistical adjustments required during major community renovations. Ultimately, Habanec highlights her passion for professional development and her commitment to meeting the specific dietary and social needs of the residents she serves.
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    20 minutos
  • E204: Willow Valley Chorale Director

    E204: Willow Valley Chorale Director
    Feb 26 2026
    Host: Candace O'Donnell Guest: Jim Casler Description: In this podcast episode from Life Under the Willow Tree, host Candace O'Donnell interviews Jim Casler, the experienced director of the community’s chorale. Casler discusses his lifelong musical journey, which began in a boys' choir and led to a long career as a music educator before he transitioned to leading his fellow residents. The conversation highlights the inclusive nature of the ensemble, noting that auditions are not required for general membership and singers are encouraged to choose voice parts that feel comfortable. Looking ahead, the group is preparing an American musical theater extravaganza for their spring concert, featuring beloved medleys from classics like Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music. Because of the high demand for their previous sold-out performances, residents are urged to reserve their free tickets early. Ultimately, Casler emphasizes that the program provides a joyful and professional outlet for retirees to continue sharing their artistic talents.
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    18 minutos
  • E203: Behind the Scenes at Willow Valley With Two Vice Presidents

    E203: Behind the Scenes at Willow Valley With Two Vice Presidents
    Feb 19 2026
    Host: Carol MacAllister Guests: WV Vice Presidents, Jim Tracy and Terry Cain What does it really take to keep a community like Willow Valley running smoothly every single day? In this behind-the-scenes conversation, Vice Presidents Jim Tracy and Terry Cain share how facilities, construction, real estate, and essential services come together to support residents, team members, and visitors. From thousands of work orders and major renovations to sustainability efforts, emergency response, and long-term planning, Jim and Terry offer a fascinating look at the unseen work that keeps everything moving — and why people, purpose, and excellence matter most.
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    24 minutos
  • E202: Music and Theater in Lancaster County

    E202: Music and Theater in Lancaster County
    Feb 12 2026
    Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Lynn Neely Description: In this podcast episode from the Willow Valley community, host Dale Johnson and resident Lynn Neely explore the diverse cultural landscape of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They challenge the perception of the city as a small town by highlighting professional theaters like the historic Fulton Opera House and unique venues such as Sight and Sound, which features live animals in Biblical productions. The discussion covers a wide array of musical opportunities, ranging from the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra to seasonal outdoor concerts at Longs Park and international piano competitions. Beyond traditional stages, the duo details community-focused initiatives like the "pay what you will" Servant Stage and various dinner theaters that offer family-friendly entertainment. Ultimately, the conversation illustrates how local universities, churches, and residential communities collaborate to foster a vibrant arts scene.
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    26 minutos
  • E201: 2026 Willow Valley Team Member Scholarship Winners

    E201: 2026 Willow Valley Team Member Scholarship Winners
    Feb 5 2026
    E201: Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Deborah Greggs and Nathaniel Rivera This podcast features host Ray Loewe interviewing Deborah Greggs and Nathaniel Rivera, two Willow Valley team members who recently received educational scholarships. Deborah is an LPN in resident nursing who is pursuing her RN degree to eventually become a nurse practitioner, motivated by her mother’s memory and her desire to provide bilingual care. Nathaniel currently works in culinary services but is utilizing his scholarship to study psychology and nursing, aiming for a future career as a psychiatric nurse. The discussion highlights their personal backgrounds, including Deborah’s experience raising four children and Nathaniel’s family history of working at the Willow Valley community. Ultimately, the source illustrates how Willow Valley residents support staff development through financial aid, allowing employees to advance their careers while continuing to serve the senior living community.
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    15 minutos
  • E200: Willow Valley Resident Council

    E200: Willow Valley Resident Council
    Jan 29 2026
    Host: Ray Loewe Guests: Liz Forbes and Jim Whitehead Description: This podcast features an episode in "Life Under the Willow Tree," hosted by Ray Loewe and featuring guest speakers Liz Forbes and Jim Whitehead. The conversation highlights the Resident Council, an advisory body that serves as a vital liaison between the community and management. The guests describe the council’s mission to address safety and quality-of-life concerns, such as the installation of automatic doors, electric vehicle charging stations, and improved parking. They also explain the nomination and election process for the 19-member group, emphasizing that it is not intended for minor maintenance tasks. Ultimately, the speakers view their service as a meaningful way to advocate for their neighbors and give back to their community.
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    25 minutos
  • E199: The Many Talents of Tammy Eberly

    E199: The Many Talents of Tammy Eberly
    Jan 22 2026
    Host: Don Helin Guest: Tammy Eberly Description: Tammy Eberly is a woman with many talents, who lived in many places. She started out as a resident of Ohio, then lived in different areas in Pennsylvania and Virginia. She first worked as a nurse, and then started several businesses as a fashion fabricator for designers in New York and San Francisco. Later, she worked with Servant Stage in Lancaster, designing and fabricating costumes for actors in local plays. She is a woman who has many talents under her belt!
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    21 minutos
  • E198: SmartLife at Willow Valley

    E198: SmartLife at Willow Valley
    Jan 13 2026
    E198: SmartLife at Willow Valley Host: Dale Johnson Guests: Andrew Salotki, Grace and Ed Valentine This podcast episode introduces Smart Life via Willow Valley, an innovative continuing care at home program designed for seniors who wish to age in place. Hosted by Dale Johnson, the discussion features program manager Andrew Salotki, who explains how the initiative provides long-term care coordination and asset protection through a specialized contract. Listeners also hear from residents Grace and Ed Valentine, who share how the plan allows them to maintain their independence in a private residence while accessing the community's social amenities and health services. The conversation highlights the program's ability to offer future security without requiring an immediate move into a retirement facility. Ultimately, this podcast illustrates a growing trend in senior living that prioritizes personal choice, intergenerational connections, and proactive planning.
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    21 minutos