Life Under The Willow Tree

E236 This episode of the "Life Under the Willow Tree" podcast features host John Gardner interviewing Ray Lowe—alongside contributions from Ray's wife Sandy and resident Maryanne—about the storytelling initiative they established for residents of the Willow Valley community. Ray was originally inspired by storytelling dinners at Hearst Castle (where guests were required to bring two anecdotes) and...

This Podcast episode was hosted by Don Helin. In this episode, Don interviewed Lauren Renehan (Mission Director of the Memory Center) and Eddie Murray (Movement Manager for the Memory Center NeuroFit Studio) to discuss brain health, memory care, and specialized wellness programs for older adults living in the Willow Valley community. Eddie Murray explained how applied neurology and physical/cognit...

E234: Eerie Expeditions Gettysburg. Interviewer: Don Helin. Guest: Jim Rada In a podcast interview on Life Under the Willow Tree, host and author Jim Rada shares his writing journey and highlights several fascinating locations featured in his book, Eerie Expeditions. Rada explains how his background in historical writing and ghost tours led him to explore local paranormal sites, noting that Gettys...

E233: Ray Loewe Interviews Rob Reed, Development Director of the Lancaster Science Factory. The Lancaster Science Factory is an interactive nonprofit children's museum in Pennsylvania dedicated to fostering curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math for youths ranging from preschool age through the eighth grade. Mr. Reed explains that the facility features roughly 80 hands-on exhibits...

E232: Don Helin, Lauren Renehan, and Dr. Henry Mahncke. This Podcast features a discussion with neuroscientist Dr. Henry Mahncke to explore the science of cognitive fitness and introduce Brain HQ at the Willow Valley Memory Center as a complimentary community resource. The conversation emphasized that the adult brain exhibits neuroplasticity, meaning it can continually reorganize, strengthen, and...

Volunteerism: Who Says You Have to Retire Your Talents? Host: Dale Johnson Guests: Bridget and Joe Kasinskas This podcast episode of Life Under the Willow Tree highlights the vibrant culture of resident-led volunteerism at the Willow Valley community. Host Dale Johnson interviews Joe and Bridget Kasinskas, a musically gifted couple who have established various concert series and performance groups...

This episode highlights the opening of the new Alzheimers and Memory Clinic at the Willow Valley Memory Center. The Alzheimers and Memory Clinic is in partnership with Penn Medicine. Host Don Healin and co-host Lauren Renehan interview Connie Metzler, who explains that the clinic offers early diagnosis, specialized teamwork, and cutting-edge anti-amyloid therapies to slow disease progression. The...

Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Tom Gehr Tom Gehr talks about his experience of teaching for five years in one-room Amish schoolhouses in Lancaster County. He discusses his work and relates anecdotes from this experience.

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. A...

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 dog...

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...

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 res...

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...

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 unknowingl...

Notes: Restaurants Covered in This Podcast Rachel's Crepes McClearys in Marietta Achenbach's Bakery in Marietta The Brasserie in Lancaster

Link to the Memory Center Web Page: https://www.willowvalleycommunities.org/care/supportive-living-communities/marlin-doris-thomas-memory-center/

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 dramati...

Fun in Lancaster County Lancaster Central Market (Ann), located at 23 North Market Street in downtown Lancaster, is the oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the United States. It is open year-round on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and offers everything from local produce and meats to cheeses, crafts, and handmade items. Walking Tours of Downtown Lancaster (Tom): The visitor center n...

E219: The provided text is a transcript from the Willow Valley podcast, "Life Under the Willow Tree," where hosts Dale Johnson and Elaine Kurceba explore the unconventional previous jobs held by community residents. The episode highlights a diverse range of early employment experiences, such as working as a car hop on roller skates, assembling body bags, and even caretaking for a rabbit colony. Ea...

E217: The Power of Storytelling and Building a Legacy. This podcast episode features Ray Loewe, the founder of the "Changing the Rules" podcast, and Jim Rose, an engineer who steps into the hosting role to explore the evolution of the show. Originally started as a marketing tool for Ray’s business, the project transitioned from an internet TV show to a successful podcasting community at Willow Val...

E218: Supportive Living. Dale Johnson and Maggie Stauffer have a discussion at Meadow Ridge, a supportive living community at Willow Valley Communities, focusing on the emotional and logistical transition from independent living. A social worker and two residents share personal stories regarding the decision-making process, the challenges of downsizing possessions, and the initial shift in mindset...

Web Page: www.lowerSusquehannariverkeeper.org www.lowsusriverkeeper.org

Links: Dale's Web Site: Airphotos.wordpress.com Willow Valley Through the Seasons https://youtu.be/Cm0_By9mq5o Biking Through Amish Country Video https://youtu.be/NplGjkyURu0

Tap Dancing

In Columbia Pennsylvania, you can visit: Wrights Ferry Museum National Watch and Clock Museum Hinkle's Ice Cream Columbia Crossing River Trail Center