• E 221: Odd Jobs Part 2: Dale Johnson and Elaine Kurceba
    Jul 10 2026
    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.
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    18 mins
  • E225: LUWT: The Willow Valley Memory Center and Mission Director Lauren Renehan
    Jul 16 2026

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

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    14 mins
  • E220: Having Fun in Lancaster County-replay
    Jun 27 2026
    Fun in Lancaster CountyLancaster 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 near the Central Market offers guided walking tours that explore the area's architecture and history.First Friday (Dale), held in downtown Lancaster on the first Friday of each month, celebrates art, culture, and community. This vibrant event draws locals and visitors to explore the city's creative scene.Fulton Opera House (Ann), located at 12 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster, is the oldest operating theater in the United States. Its Broadway-caliber shows have become an institution in the County, home to many other theater groups and venues.Gallery Row (Tom), located in the 100 block of North Prince Street, is a vibrant arts district that showcases the city's rich creative culture. Home to numerous art galleries, studios, and shops, it's a hub for local and regional artists.Long's Park Summer Music Series (Dale) offers free concerts on Sunday evenings from June through August in Long's Park, located on Harrisburg Pike next to Park City Center. This popular community event attracts several thousand music fans each week. The park is also a delightful place for walking.County Park (Ann) is located just outside downtown Lancaster. It is a massive park with wooded trails, picnic areas, covered bridges, and beautiful streams and rivers—a wonderful oasis in the city.Root's Country Market and Auction (Tom), located at 705 Graystone Road in Manheim, is open every Tuesday year-round and offers a similar collection of goods as the Green Dragon Market. It's a truly unique experience.Strasburg Railroad (Dale), located at 300 Gap Road in Strasburg, invites visitors to ride an antique steam engine through Lancaster County's picturesque farmland. It also features a museum of classic trains.Village Green Mini-Golf (Ann), located at 1444 Village Road in Strasburg, offers a family-friendly mini-golf experience in the heart of Lancaster County. Set in a picturesque rural location, the course features beautiful landscaping, colorful flowers, ponds, and whimsical decorations, making it a relaxing yet challenging spot for golfers of all ages.Adamstown (Tom), located north of Ephrata on Route 272, is known as the Antique Capital of the USA. It boasts a concentration of antique shops, malls, and markets, attracting collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts nationwide.BB's Grocery Outlet (Dale), located at 581 Camargo Road in Quarryville, offers deeply discounted groceries, bulk items, and household goods. It often features closeouts, overstock, or slightly damaged packaging—a quintessential Lancaster experience.The Corn Wagon (Ann), located at 2169 Millersville Road, is a legendary produce stand in the area. It's a local favorite because it offers the freshest fruits and vegetables at incredible prices. There are many fruit and vegetable stands throughout the County.Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area (Tom), located near Lebanon, PA, is famous for attracting over 100,000 migratory snow geese every spring, making it a must-see for bird watchers.Ice Cream Dairies (Dale): Pine View, Lapps, and Down on the Farm are a few of the top places for ice cream in the County.Kitchen Kettle Shops (Ann) is located in downtown Intercourse, PA, at the heart of the Amish "tourist" area. Here, visitors can see many Amish buggies and Mennonite visitors.Covered Bridges (Tom), Lancaster County is home to 29 covered bridges, one of the largest concentrations in the United States. These iconic structures are an essential part of the County's history and a popular attraction for visitors.Clinic for Special Children Auction (Dale), held at the Leola auction grounds, raises money for a clinic specializing in genetic diseases among the Amish. This event is supported by the Amish and Mennonite communities and offers a great way to experience their culture.Amish Farmland (Ann): The beautiful Amish and Mennonite farms in Lancaster County, particularly around Quarryville, Strasburg, Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, Intercourse, and Leola, showcase preserved farmland that remains a testament to traditional farming methods.One-Room Schoolhouse (Tom): Many one-room schoolhouses still operate throughout the Amish and Mennonite areas, especially near Strasburg.Amish Dinner (Ann): you can check the Internet to find Amish households that provide group Amish dinners in an Amish home.Mandros Market, located at the corner of Lemon and Charlotte Streets in Lancaster City, is known for its exceptional selection of Mediterranean and European imported goods. This Mom-and-Pop Store exudes old-world charm, drawing food lovers seeking authentic ingredients for cooking and ...
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    29 mins
  • E219: LUWT Odd Jobs: Dale Johnson and Elaine Kurceba
    Jun 18 2026
    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. Each story transitions from these eccentric or labor-intensive roles to the person's eventual professional career, showcasing the impressive backgrounds of neighbors who became professors, attorneys, and psychiatrists. By sharing these humorous and surprising anecdotes, the podcast aims to foster deeper connections and appreciation among the residents of the retirement community. The narrative emphasizes that distinguished careers are often preceded by unique life detours and humble beginnings.
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    16 mins
  • E217: LUWT The Power of Storytelling and Building a Legacy
    Jun 11 2026
    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 Valley after the pandemic hit. The discussion highlights how the initiative grew into a collaborative club that fosters deep connections between neighbors by sharing their unique life experiences. Ray and co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer emphasize that these recorded conversations serve as a lasting legacy for families and a way to build meaningful relationships. The creators are now expanding their mission through storytelling dinners and public speaking events to help others document their histories. Ultimately, Ray Loewe illustrates how active listening and storytelling can transform a community and enrich the lives of everyone involved.
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    34 mins
  • E218: Supportive Living
    Jun 4 2026
    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 required to embrace a smaller living space. The participants emphasize that moving to supportive living provides essential services like meal preparation and medical management while allowing residents to maintain their independence and social engagement. By comparing the environment to a cruise ship, the speakers highlight the vibrant daily life, the intergenerational connections with staff, and the peace of mind that comes from having a safety net of care. Ultimately, this interview illustrates that transitioning early can lead to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle by removing the burdens of maintaining a household.
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    36 mins
  • E216: John Murphy Interviews the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper
    May 28 2026

    Web Page:

    www.lowerSusquehannariverkeeper.org

    www.lowsusriverkeeper.org

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    29 mins
  • E215: LUWT Changing the Rules of Photography
    May 21 2026

    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

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    25 mins