Around The Table With Vickie

How does someone go from an activities assistant in a nursing home to founding one of the region's leading senior living organizations? In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie Runk shares the remarkable story of how her career in senior care began while studying psychology and social work at Liberty University. What started as a part time activities position became the foundati...

What does it look like to walk beside someone through Alzheimer's with unwavering faith, friendship, and love? In this heartfelt continuation of our conversation with David Benoit, we explore the daily realities of caring for Dr. Elmer Towns, co-founder of Liberty University, author, professor, and lifelong servant of Christ. David shares powerful stories about helping Dr. Towns continue teach...

In this heartfelt episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie Runk and Chris Runk welcome David Benoit for a powerful conversation about friendship, faith, and walking alongside someone through Alzheimer’s disease. David shares his decades long friendship with Dr. Elmer Towns, cofounder of Liberty University and author of more than 200 books. From golf outings and family vacations to helping n...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie, Chris, and Brian Runk share the exciting story behind the acquisition of the historic Oakwood Country Club in Lynchburg, Virginia. From preserving generations of family memories to creating new opportunities for connection, hospitality, golf, dining, and community, this conversation explores the vision for Oakwood’s future. The family discus...

Loneliness is one of the most overlooked challenges facing seniors today, and it is impacting more lives than many people realize. In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, we dive into the emotional, physical, and spiritual effects of loneliness and social isolation. From the loss of routine and independence to the quiet struggles of pride and disconnection, this conversation sheds light o...

The “silver tsunami” is no longer coming, it’s already here. In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie and Chris dive deep into one of the most important (and urgent) conversations facing families today: the massive shift in our aging population. From the rapid growth of Americans over 65 to the overwhelming demand for caregivers, facilities, and family support, this episode unpacks...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie, Brian, and Chris continue their conversation about the realities of senior living and how families can navigate the transition with confidence. They break down the levels of care in assisted living, what “aging in place” really means, and when a move to nursing care may become necessary. They also discuss how communities partner with home he...

Senior living can feel overwhelming when families begin searching for care. With terms like independent living, assisted living, memory care, and adult day programs, it is easy to feel unsure about where to start. In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie, Chris Runk, and Brian Runk break down the different levels of senior care and how families can begin preparing before a crisis ha...

No family dreams about the day they must consider changes for Mom or Dad, but avoiding the conversation often creates crisis decisions. In this heartfelt and practical episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and co-host Chris Runk dive into one of the most important conversations adult children can have: planning ahead for senior care. From early warning signs like medication mismanagement...

On this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and co-host Chris Runk welcome Jimmy Ayers, Sheriff of Amherst County, for a powerful and timely discussion about senior safety. With over 40 years in law enforcement, Sheriff Ayers shares practical, real-world guidance on how seniors can protect themselves while continuing to live independently at home. From home lighting and security camera...

Go brew your favorite cup of coffee and pull up your comfiest chair. This is a conversation that matters. On this powerful episode of Around the Table with Vickie, we sit down with special guests Charles Billingsley and his father Clyde Billingsley to share a deeply personal journey through Alzheimer’s, caregiving, faith, and the transition into professional senior care. From the first signs of me...

In this heartfelt episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and Chris welcome longtime team member and regional director Mary Beth Wilbon to talk about one of the toughest parts of caregiving: navigating sibling disagreements, care decisions, and family conflict with grace. From differing opinions about when it’s time for senior living… to guilt over “promises” made years ago… to the emotion...

In this heartfelt episode of Around the Table with Vickie, we continue a powerful conversation about what truly matters in senior living. Joined by Patrick Daly, Administrator at Liberty Ridge, and Carolyn Wooten, Administrator at Pearls of Life, we pull back the curtain on the emotional realities of caregiving, family trust, and leading with heart in a highly regulated industry. This episode dive...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, we take a deeper look inside what truly defines exceptional memory care and it’s not just the buildings or amenities, but the people, trust, and heart behind it all. With over three decades of experience, today’s conversation with Patrick Daly and Carolyn Wooten explores how modern memory care communities are intentionally designed to help residents...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and Chris kick off a new year by challenging one of the biggest misconceptions about senior living. They talk openly about fear, transparency, and why senior communities are no longer the last stop but a place where life, connection, and purpose continue to grow. From innovative technology and music therapy to leadership, staffing, and listen...

As the holidays approach, families often notice changes they cannot ignore. In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, we sit down with trusted experts, Carolyn Wooten and Mary Beth, to talk honestly about dementia, depression, and the added stress the season can bring. We share practical guidance on safety, routines, redirection, and protecting independence while still stepping in when it m...

In this Christmas episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and Chris sit down with longtime team members Carolyn Wooten and Mary Beth to talk about what the holidays really look like inside their communities. They share the stories, traditions, and small moments that have shaped Christmas for generations of residents and families, and why these simple touches matter so much. From themed tre...

We talk about the meaning behind the name Willow Ridge and why willow trees represent safety, healing, and hope for Vickie. Patrick shares how the team has reimagined the building with brighter spaces, updated dining, and intentional renovations to make it feel like home. We also dive into the heart of their care philosophy—reminding staff that this is the residents’ home and they are guests who s...

This week on Around the Table with Vickie, we’re serving up a full plate of stories, surprises, and holiday cheer! Join Vickie and Chris Runk as they welcome returning guests Brian Runk and Mark Creasey—the creative minds behind the monthly specials and culinary innovations at Corner Burger—to unpack the full journey of how Corner Burger went from a beloved local spot to a thriving, family-operate...

The holidays are almost here, and the team at Entwined Events is busy helping families and businesses create unforgettable celebrations across Central Virginia. In this festive episode, Vickie Runk and Chris Runk sit down with Caitlyn Runk, Director of Entwined Events, and Mark Creasey, General Manager of Bella Vista Hotel, to talk about holiday parties, Christmas weddings, and the joy of creating...

What does it really take to grow your business, build trust, and make a lasting difference in your community? In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and Chris dive deep into the power of collaboration and partnerships—from local nonprofits to small businesses and even pageant systems. You’ll hear how partnerships can fuel growth, spark new opportunities, and bring unexpected joy,...

In this episode of  Around the Table with Vickie , Vickie and Chris sit down with  Rich Gilman  of Day Law Group to discuss the realities of aging, estate planning, and protecting your loved ones. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney, advance directives, and the tough family conversations that come with caring for aging parents, Rich shares practical steps every family should take now — bef...

What does it take to reimagine a restaurant — and a career — without losing the heart of hospitality? In this conversation, Alex Richardson joins Vicki and Chris to share how God’s timing, entrepreneurship, and community vision converged at just the right moment. Whether you’re a foodie, a leader, or someone who cares about people, this one will inspire you.

Why does this mission matter so much to me—and to our community? In this episode, I sit down with Brian and Chris to share the heart behind our Alzheimer’s work, tease what’s ahead for our Alzheimer’s Golf Tournament and Lynchburg’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and talk about how our memory care, adult day care, and open support groups at Runk & Pratt fit into a larger, ongoing effort to support f...

The legendary John C. Maxwell joins Vickie and Chris around the table for a powerful conversation on leadership, faith, and living with courage. Together, they explore the personal side of leadership—from friendship and family lessons to never-before-asked questions that reveal the heart behind his influence. This episode is filled with: Simple, practical tips to grow as a leader today Fresh insig...