Letter from the CEO

Living Life Forward, Today and Tomorrow

Reflecting back on the summer that has now yielded to fall, I am struck with how we’ve experienced yet another season of memorable moments fueled by a way of living that we call Life Lived Forward. This philosophy was evidenced in many instances here at Willow Valley Communities in recent months. The outdoor pool at The Clubhouse was in full swing with family members of multiple generations taking in all the magic that shared time together brings. The VUE, our rooftop lounge at The Vistas, was another space where families and friends gathered to enjoy views of summer sunsets, food, fun, and live music.

Willow Valley Communities welcomed former NFL football great, Ron Jaworski, for an inspirational talk and meet and greet. Residents danced well into the night to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock with several 60’s tribute bands. In August, our annual Lobster Fest at Chautauqua Hall, always a festive event, was enjoyed by hundreds of residents. You’ll see in this issue of Willow how our Willow Valley Communities Culinary Services Team coordinates this event— along with so much more—every day.

Our award-winning Camp Willow, now in its 10th year, welcomed 75 of our residents’ grandchildren for a week-long visit in June. It’s always rewarding to observe these children engaging in activities with their grandparents and other residents from the many clubs at Willow Valley Communities. Later in this issue, we’ll take a look back at how it got started and what it has evolved to today.

As we look ahead, autumn is a favorite time of year, with Willow Valley Communities’ campuses glowing in the colors that only this season can bring. Changing leaves and the beautiful mums planted by our capable Landscaping Teams provide a pop of color at every turn. Autumn, seen by some as a new beginning, is the time when our annual Health Expo hosts hundreds of residents and guests to learn about the latest research in health and wellness.

Soon, the holiday season will fast approach. Twenty-five decorated Christmas trees will adorn our campuses, along with tens of thousands of twinkling lights to usher in the season, all arranged by team members and residents working together in the true spirit of the season. The annual Holiday Bazaar, held in our Cultural Center, is the perfect start to the holiday shopping season. Showcasing hundreds of crafts and the talents that our residents bring, it offers truly unique gift buying opportunities.

And along with the change of seasons, the many events, activities, and celebrations, our 35-year history of innovation and growth continues at Willow Valley Communities. A significant renovation at The Glen is nearing completion. Plus, excitement continues to build with the very recent ground breaking at our newest addition to the community, SouthPointe at Lakes, where 88 new villa homes and up to 120 deluxe apartments will be constructed, with first move-ins occurring next summer.

As always, with our focus on the future and paving new paths, we have looked to downtown Lancaster, three miles from Willow Valley Communities, for our newest project just announced in June, an urban expansion in Lancaster City.

I invite you to visit Willow Valley Communities—in any season—to witness our traditions, our celebrations, and our special way of living. Come and learn about our exciting plans for the future as an innovative leader in senior living and learn what Life Lived Forward is all about.

Kind regards,

John G. Swanson

Chief Executive Officer Willow Valley Living