Épisodes

  • 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 min
  • E 197: The Universal Rape Kit--Where did it come from?

    E 197: The Universal Rape Kit--Where did it come from?
    Jan 8 2026
    Host: Ray Loewe Guest: Carol MacAllister Carol MacAllister was a social worker in 1978 for the State of New Mexico Mental Health Bureau when a new law, "The Sexual Crimes Prosecution and Treatment Act," was passed. Carol was assigned to assemble a team that was charged with implementing the act. One part was to create a standardized rape kit that would provide hard evidence for the courtroom. That eventually led to the rape kit used universally to this day. Carol says she was just in the right place at the right time to be a part of such an important change that has helped so many victims see their assailants brought to justice.
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    16 min
  • E196: Semester at Sea

    E196: Semester at Sea
    Dec 31 2025
    Episode 196: Semester at Sea Host: Elaine Kurceba Guests: Maggie and Barry Stauffer Description: In this episode Willow Valley residents Maggie and Barry Stauffer describe their transformative experience with the Semester at Sea program, a 100-day global voyage. Their ship functioned as a floating university, traveling to ten different countries including Brazil, South Africa, and India. The speakers describe the program’s unique structure, where college students earn academic credit alongside lifelong learners who audit classes while exploring diverse cultures. Throughout the conversation, they highlight profound personal moments, such as visiting Nelson Mandela’s prison cell and witnessing extreme poverty in local townships. Ultimately, the podcast illustrates how international travel and immersive education can broaden worldviews, foster empathy, and encourage people of all ages to step outside their comfort zone.
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    35 min
  • E195: Living With Dementia, Part 3

    E195: Living With Dementia, Part 3
    Dec 23 2025
    Life Under the Willow Tree E 195:Living with Dementia, Part 3 Host: Don Helin Guest: Mary Schreiber This podcast is a "Life Under the Willow Tree" podcast, hosted by Don Healin and featuring Mary Schreiber, a memory care staff person at Willow Valley. The discussion is the third part of a series focusing on dementia, particularly emphasizing the critical role and challenges of caregivers. Schreiber explains that dementia is a broad set of symptoms, not a specific disease, and the pair use the analogy of a "bookcase" to describe how memory loss progresses, with short-term memories (top shelf) fading before long-term memories and emotions (bottom shelf). The podcast outlines several resources available to caregivers, including a Dementia Friends information session, a caregiver support group, and the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline, stressing that taking care of oneself is essential for effective caregiving. They also discuss the importance of respite care and how even small acts of support from friends and neighbors can significantly help those who are caring for a loved one with dementia.
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    19 min
  • E: 194 WV Maintenance: More than Plumbing: replay

    E: 194 WV Maintenance: More than Plumbing: replay
    Dec 17 2025
    Host: Carol MacAllister Guests: Tim Ryan & David Clingan Description: Tim Ryan (Lakes) and David Clingan (Manor) are the Managers of Maintenance on our two Willow Valley campuses. They share with host Carol MacAllister the breadth and depth of the work their departments do. Residents can SEE that they fix what is broken and replace what can’t be fixed in their homes, but in fact, they do so much more. Everything that has to do with the Brick and Mortar of WV, inside and out, is their domain. For every activity, function, or special event that requires setup and teardown (e.g., Cultural Center and Chautauqua Hall), the maintenance department is present. Holidays such as Christmas double their workloads, although the staff does not increase. They put up all those Christmas Trees, live and artificial! Winter snows create round-the-clock efforts. This is a well-oiled operation, often invisible to the residents.
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    21 min
  • E193: Living with Dementia, Part 2

    E193: Living with Dementia, Part 2
    Dec 12 2025
    E193: Living With Dementia, Part 2 Don Helin Mary Schreiber This episode is Part 2 in a three-part series on Life with Dementia, hosted by Don Healin and featuring Mary Schreiber , a memory care staff person at Willow Valley. The conversation centers on understanding and connecting with individuals who have dementia, with Schreiber offering practical advice on topics including why human connection is essential for those with the condition. They discuss the "bookcase analogy" to explain how dementia affects the brain. This podcast provides conversation tips, such as approaching a person with dementia at eye level, and using shared history and common ground in conversation. The segment concludes with a brief mention of the challenges faced by caregivers, which will be the focus of the next episode. Schreiber also encourages listeners to attend Dementia Friends information sessions to learn more. Please listen to Episode 184 to hear the first part of this series, Living With Dementia.
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    19 min
  • E192: An Interview with Judge Ted Borek: A Life in Military Law, Federal Court, and the State Bench

    E192: An Interview with Judge Ted Borek: A Life in Military Law, Federal Court, and the State Bench
    Dec 4 2025
    Host: Dale Johnson Guest: Ted Borek Description: This episode features an interview with Willow Valley resident Ted Borek, a man with a long and distinguished legal background. Borek details his early career, which began with 24 years of military service, including roles as an Army prosecutor, where he gained initial experience trying a high volume of cases. After his military retirement, Borek transitioned to civilian life, serving as an Assistant US Attorney in Arizona, where his work encompassed both criminal prosecution and civil litigation defending federal agencies. He subsequently became a trial judge in the Pima County Superior Court, rotating through civil, criminal, and juvenile benches for nearly 14 years. Throughout the discussion, Borek stresses that preparation and respect are central to the rule of law, recounting significant cases, including one traffic stop decision that was ultimately upheld by the US Supreme Court.
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    41 min
  • E191: Living With Low Vision at Willow Valley

    E191: Living With Low Vision at Willow Valley
    Nov 27 2025
    E191 John Murphy interviews Rich and Peg Wurst: Living with Low Vision at Willow Valley Willow Valley resident John Murphy interviews fellow residents Rich and Peg Wurst, to discuss how to navigate life with vision impairment within the Willow Valley retirement community. Rich details his usage of Meta AI glasses, describing how the technology functions as a vital aid for those with low vision by enabling hands-free calling, texting, and real-time environmental reading. In turn, Peg discusses the challenges and necessity of patience as the spouse of someone experiencing progressive vision loss, noting the ways their lives have become more intertwined. Both interviewees stress that moving to Willow Valley provided essential support and community involvement, alleviating the anxiety and isolation previously experienced at home. The segment concludes with a strong endorsement of Vision Corps, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals with visual impairment.
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    22 min