In the news

Country Meadows is honored to have dynamic residents and co-workers in all our communities. Frequently news stories capture these individuals as well as initiatives in our organization. Below are links to some of these stories from our media friends.

• Seven decades of love: Cumberland County couple makes it 72 Valentine's Days in a row

  Clyde and Mimi Ross, residents of Country Meadows Retirement Communities in Mechanicsburg, Pa., have shared seven decades of love.

  Like his favorite love poem, Elizabeth Barrett’s Sonnet 43 (How do I love thee?), the Messiah University Emeritus Professor of English has been counting the ways he has loved Mimi since he first laid eyes on her at a youth group in 1951. Their love story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration in today’s world.

  In this video from FOX43 News reporter Ryan Ye, the couple shares the secret to their lasting love as they celebrate their 72 Valentine’s Day together.

  FOX43
  February 13, 2024

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• Resident leads 17-piece ensemble in moving performance

  Throughout his career, Dr. James Steffy, a resident at Country Meadows’ York-South campus, dedicated his entire life to music. His journey took him from leading orchestras on grand stages around the globe to imparting his passion for music to students in the schools of York, leading the music program at Susquehanna University and serving as a university president in the Lehigh Valley.

  Recently Dr. Steffy asked Country Meadows’ staff members to provide him an opportunity to mentor a group of young musicians one last time. Dynamic Living Associate, Denise Wagner, took it a step further and arranged for Dr. Steffy to lead a 17-piece ensemble, the Unforgettable Big Band, through one song during a concert for his fellow residents. Dr. Steffy again picked up his baton and practiced weeks in advance for the big day.

  In this video from WGAL News 8, reporter Anne Shannon visits with Dr. Steffy during a practice session. Be sure to watch through to the end to see Dr. Steffy proudly waving his baton as he conducts the Unforgettable Big Band through “God Bless America,” leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance. As the music filled the room, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

   

  WGAL 8 News
  August 19, 2023

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• Virtual reality allows WWII veteran to travel the globe from his chair

  York campus resident, John Wolfe, can travel the globe right from his apartment. This is possible thanks to Country Meadows’ recent partnership with Rendever VR.

  York Dispatch
  Nov. 29, 2022

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• WWII veteran in York County uses virtual reality to travel without leaving home

  York campus resident, John Wolfe, can travel the globe right from his apartment. This is possible thanks to Country Meadows’ recent partnership with Rendever VR. Check out this story from WGAL News 8’s Ed Weinstock.

  WGAL-TV News 8
  Nov. 11, 2022

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• Couple featured on national talk show celebrates 76 years of marriage

  Frederick campus residents David and Sylvia Guralnik stole the show when they appeared virtually on the Kelly Clarkson Show, a nationally syndicated talk program. Featured as part of the show’s Veterans Day celebration, Clarkson spoke to Mr. Guralnik about his four years overseas during WWII. She also interviewed the couple about their 76 years of marriage.

  Kelly Clarkson Show
  Nov. 11, 2022

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• Her secrets to turning 107? Faith, good genes and a Yuengling beer every day

  Margaret Dilullo made her way down the impromptu red carpet of tissue paper, one slow, deliberate step at a time. She held onto a cane with her right hand, a caregiver with her left.

  Dilullo’s smile lit up the place — a trademark of this God-fearing, beer-drinking, positive-preaching woman who’s lived longer than nearly everyone, everywhere.

  In a tiara and matching sash, with her hair done just so, she surveyed the packed lobby of her Country Meadows Retirement Community on Dec. 13.

  Everyone began to clap. This was her 107th birthday, after all.

  
  Dec. 21, 2021

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• Seniors excited to spend time with family members this holiday season

  After spending last holiday season in isolation, seniors excited to reunite with family

  91-year-old Jacqueline King has spent Christmas Eve with her sister’s family for about 70 years.

  “It’s just a tradition that we do, we get together,” she tells CBS 21 News’ Samantha York. “I missed one Christmas here.”

  Meanwhile, this Christmas, King is looking forward to reuniting with her reason for the season: her family.

  “Because I love them and they all love me and it’s just wonderful to be together,” she says.

  
  Dec. 22, 2021

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• Residents give thanks at interfaith service

  Thanksgiving Eve, was truly a day of THANKS and GIVING as more than 85 residents & staff at Country Meadows of Allentown gathered for an interfaith worship service with representatives from the protestant, Catholic and Jewish communities. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring all faiths together to worship and give thanks for what we HAVE and what we’ve accomplished together over the last 20+ months.

  Rev. Diane McCready, M.Div., Chaplain-Country Meadows of Allentown, coordinated an Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship Service for residents and staff to give THANKS, regardless of faith. She was met with immediate support from local clergy members Monsignor John P. Murphy (recently retired St. Thomas More parish) and Rabbi Seth Phillips, Congregation Keneseth Israel. Audrey Nolte, Vice President, Jewish Family Services led us in song, Eileen Kutzler, Director of Marketing for Country Meadows provided accompaniment on her baritone and Rev. McCready played the piano.

  WFMZ-TV
  Nov. 24, 2021

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• The disruption of weddings, then and now

  As a teenager, Deany Keith’s brother was part of the brigade to storm Normandy Beach in WWII. While he marched through France and into Germany, he stumbled across an interesting war souvenir–a German parachute. He sent it home to his family for safekeeping. Little did young Deany know that this souvenir would play a significant role on the most important day of her life.

  When Deany became engaged shortly after the war ended, material was scarce. Recalling the parachute was made of silk, Deany’s mother used it to make her daughter a beautiful wedding gown.

  Today Deany, 93, lives at Country Meadows of York. To help others learn from the past and understand the bravery and sacrifices of Americans during WWII, Deany donated the wedding dress to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, La., where it will be on display.

  
  April 8, 2021

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• Country Meadows nurse to be honored at Philadelphia Phillies opening day for pandemic efforts

  Kerri Wenerick, LPN, has been selected by the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team as one of 41 Frontline Heroes to “surround” Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The honorees are spotlighted on street banners around the ballpark for the 2021 season. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is typically reserved for Phillies players.

  In addition to being featured on a banner, Wenerick will be honored on the field Thursday, April 1, as part of the team’s opening day ceremonies at the ballpark. She is the only Frontline Hero chosen from Central Pennsylvania.

  Wenerick was nominated by her employer—Country Meadows Retirement Communities’ West Shore (Mechanicsburg) campus. She had no idea her co-workers nominated her for this honor.

  CBS 21 News, WHP-TV, Harrisburg, PA
  March 29, 2021

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• Country Meadows sees decrease in COVID-19 cases after vaccine, looks ahead

  Since COVID vaccination clinics started at Country Meadows locations in mid-January, our campuses have seen a 60% reduction in COVID cases among staff and residents. We are pleased with the enthusiasm our staff and residents have shown toward getting the vaccine. However, we are concerned about obtaining vaccine when the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care program expires at the end of March.

  CBS 21 News reporter, Samantha York, spoke to Country Meadows’ Chief Operating Officer, Meredith Mills, and reports on the issue.

  CBS 21 News, Harrisburg, PA (WHP-TV)
  March 3, 2021

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• Use of 'lifesaving' experimental COVID treatment expanding in Lehigh Valley and beyond, available at Country Meadows

  Country Meadows Retirement Communities is among the first retirement communities in Pennsylvania to provide on-site monoclonal antibody treatments to residents who test positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms. The infusion treatment is available at our West Shore (Mechanicsburg) location and also was provided at our Bethlehem campus.

  We have seen “remarkable” results and have provided the mAb treatment to approximately 100 residents with a 97% success rate, helping these individuals avoid trips to the hospital and minimizing serious complications, including mortality.

  In this article from the Allentown Morning Call newspaper, reporter Leif Greiss explores the treatment’s availability and use in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

  Morning Call--Allentown, PA
  Feb. 21, 2021

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• Leader of group representating long-term care facilites takes shots at Pa.'s COVID vaccine rollout

  Country Meadows Chief Operating Officer, Meredith Mills, joined Pennsylvania Health Care Association CEO, Zach Shamberg, in raising awareness about the Commonwealth’s lackluster efforts to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to seniors.

  Reading Eagle Newspaper (This story appeared in newspapers and on broadcast news programs around the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.)
  Feb. 12, 2021

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• Operators see 'remakable outcomes' with COVID-19 infusion treatments

  Country Meadows Retirement Communities is among the first retirement communities in Pennsylvania to provide on-site monoclonal antibody treatments to residents who test positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms. The infusion treatment is available at our West Shore (Mechanicsburg) location and also was provided at our Bethlehem campus.

  We have seen “remarkable” results and have provided the mAb treatment to approximately 100 residents with a 97% success rate, helping these individuals avoid trips to the hospital and minimizing serious complications, including mortality.

  McKnight’s Senior Living is a national publication that reports on issues and trends in long-term care.

  McKnight's Senior Living (National)
  Feb. 10, 2021

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• York woman wins national art contest

  Vicki Friedman lives at Country Meadows of York and has been an artist since she began drawing as a child. She picked up a copy of CURE magazine at her doctor’s office and learned about a calendar art contest for those fighting cancer. Out of 120 entries, her drawing was selected as one of the 12 winning pieces of art.

  msn powered by Microsoft News, shared from Fox 43 News-York, PA
  Jan. 18, 2021

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• 'She had tears in her eyes': Lehigh Valley widow is reunited with scrapbook her husband kept as a boy

  Country Meadows of Forks in Easton resident Blanche Vargo received a nostalgic gift for the holidays: a scrapbook of her husband’s life as a child.

  Morning Call, Allentown, PA
  Dec. 24, 2020

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• World War II vet looks back on service; set up veterans group in retirement community

  More than 75 years ago, Country Meadows of Frederick resident David Guralnik was a soldier preparing for a land invasion of Japan. Today, at 99, he leads a veterans group, inviting residents from the surrounding area to gather, talk and share their stories and experiences.

  Frederick News Post
  September 24, 2020

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• Retirement communities get creative to offer visitation

  As areas relax restrictions, Country Meadows is slowly introducing supervised window visitation at some campuses. Our residents enjoy seeing their family members again, even if it is through the glass.

  abc27 News, Harrisburg, Pa.
  June 10, 2020

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• Resident recalls polio outbreak while adjusting to life under quarantine

  Mavis McCollam lives at our Mechanicsburg campus and remembers living through the Polio outbreak years ago. She shares her experiences then and now, living through the current pandemic.

  CBS 21 News WHP-TV
  May 13, 2020

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• Depression Reflections: residents share memories that parallel today’s unprecedented times.

  Country Meadows residents John Wolfe and Marge Farrell shared their memories of the Great Depression and other hard times throughout their lives with “The Burg” reporter Karen Hendricks.

  The Burg News, Harrisburg, Pa.
  May 1, 2020

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• Country Meadows weighs Medicare Advantage options, launches hospice

  Senior Housing News spoke with Country Meadows President & CEO, Michael Leader, about the organization’s history, its future plans and how it sees the future for senior living.

  Senior Housing News
  June 12, 2019

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• Veterans share lunch and laughter at shelter for homeless veterans

  As part of Country Meadows’ annual Practice Random Acts of Kindness campaign in honor of senior living co-founder, Mary Jane Leader’s legacy, co-workers and residents are inspired to express kindness and gratitude to the community at-large. Residents and co-workers at Country Meadows York-West campus collected personal care and non-perishable food items to make emergency care kits for homeless veterans. Then residents, who are veterans of WWII and Korea, delivered the kits along with a homemade meal, to homeless veterans for an afternoon of fellowship. It was as if the veterans had known each other for years!

  York Daily Record
  March 29, 2019

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• Country Meadows director shares expertise on Alzheimer's disease

  Country Meadows’ Executive Director of Memory Support, Joel Kroft, appeared on PCN-TV’s “Focus on Aging Adults” program. Kroft shared his expertise and insights on Alzheimer’s disease and shared helpful information for families coping with this diagnosis.

  PCN-TV (Pennsylvania Cable Network)
  Feb. 20, 2019

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• Love never dies, despite Alzheimer's disease

  Patrick and Joyce Bedner live at Country Meadows of South Hills near Pittsburgh. The couple lives in separate buildings on campus so each can receive specialty care: Mrs. Bedner for Alzheimer’s disease and Mr. Bedner for physical therapy. These high school sweethearts have been married more than 54 years and find a way to visit each other every day. Every night before he goes to bed, Mr. Bedner calls his wife to tell her that he loves her. What a beautiful love story!

  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  2/14/19

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• Retired Lancaster firefighter receives surprise honor

  Country Meadows of Lancaster resident, PJ McCracken, served the city of Lancaster for 37 years as a professional firefighter. He rose to the rank of captain and also trained many “probes” on firefighting techniques to graduate into the city program. He is receiving hospice care from Caring Hospice Services who contacted the Lancaster City Fire Department to bring a truck to campus to celebrate his life and service. Not only did a truck come, it was one he served on. Several dozen current and retired firefighters attended to honor him. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, including PJ.

  WGAL News 8
  April 10, 2018

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• Meet local "stellar senior" Major Nathan Kline, 93

  At 93, age is nothing but a number to Country Meadows of Allentown resident Major Nathan Kline.  Five days a week he can be found working out at the local Planet Fitness. He remains a active member of the Lehigh Valley community serving on numerous boards of directors and swears in and signs contracts for all recruits for the Air Force Reserves in the Lehigh Valley. Click to read more about this amazing man.

  Lehigh Valley Style magazine
  March 9, 2018

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• Retirement communities continue to fight off flu despite decline in cases

  Country Meadows prepares for flu season long before the first cases begin to appear in the US. Our efforts including offering free flu shots to every co-worker, hosting on-campus flu clinics for residents to get a flu shot, educating housekeepers on how to properly clean to reduce flu germs, to name a few. Click to watch a story from Fox 43 News about efforts to keep seniors safe from flu at local communities.

  WPMT Fox 43 News, York, Pa.
  Feb. 26, 2018

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• Pets an important part of retirement living

  More and more, seniors choose to bring their pets with them when moving to a retirement Community. Did you know Country Meadows is pet friendly? Click to read more about Country Meadows’ pet program which provides services to help seniors keep their animal companions as long as possbile.

  The Reading Eagle
  Feb. 11, 2018

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• Music studio students perform concert for Country Meadows residents

  Check out photos from a holiday harp music concert performed at Country Meadows of Allentown. The concert helped put residents in the mood to celebrate the holiday season.

  East Penn Press
  Dec. 27, 2017

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• Sharing love is essential for celebrating Christmas

  Written by Country Meadows residents, this essay shares how love of animals helps a couple cope with the loss of their daughter. Click to read how “Gem” the dog helps make the holidays bright.

  Reading Eagle
  Dec. 25, 2017

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• Alzheimer's cure would be Christmas miracle

  Country Meadows resident Grace Ketner knows the challenges facing those caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Her husband, Irv, was diagnosed 11 years ago, and show wishes for a cure. Click to read her essay.

  Reading Eagle
  Dec. 23, 2017

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• 'War bride' remembers first taste of turkey

  Country Meadows resident Gertrude Greenawalt met her husband during his service in her native Germany. Living in America nearly 70 years, she misses some of the German traditions she enjoyed during her youth.

  Reading Eagle
  Dec. 21, 2017

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• Program at Country Meadows remembers Pearl Harbor day

  Veterans gathered at Country Meadows of South Hills near Pittsburgh to share experiences from World War II and remember those lost at Pearl Harbor in 1941.

  The Almanac, Bridgeville, Pa.
  Dec. 8, 2017

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• Country Meadows women knit blankets for children in hospitals

  Every Tuesday morning, residents at Country Meadows of South Hills near Pittsburgh gather to knit. While they enjoy the craft and getting together, the group is making blankets as part of a nationwide initiative called Project Linus. The organization provides homemade blankets to sick children.

  The Almanac, Bridgeville, Pa.
  Sept. 18, 2017

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• Country Meadows featured on Pennsylvania Newsmakers TV Show

  (Corporate office) Pennsylvania Newsmakers, Pennsylvania’s premier politics and public policy interview and commentary television show hosted by Terry Madonna, features Michelle Hamilton, Senior Vice President and Chief of Senior Living Operations of Country Meadows, and W. Russell McDaid, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association. They discuss 2017 National Assisted Living Week and how to choose a personal care home and an assisted living residence.

  WGAL News 8
  September 10, 2017

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• On D-Day, local World War II veteran remembers time overseas

  Country Meadows of South Hills near Pittsburgh commemorates D-Day every year by inviting veterans to a luncheon event. Click to read some of the veterans’ memories and observations about their time fighting overseas more than 73 years ago.

  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  June 7, 2017

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• Finding a new home in Allentown

  (Allentown) In an interview with her daughter, a Country Meadows of Allentown resident shares her positive transition of moving in and her appreciation for the varied activities, especially the monthly Shabbat services, luncheons sponsored by Jewish Family Services and weekly Torah talks attended by residents of all faiths. 
  

   

   

  Hakol (Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley community newspaper)
  July 1, 2017

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• Hershey man’s book on dementia teaches kids about memory loss

  (All campuses) Country Meadows’ memory support expert authors a book about an awesome, cape-wearing grandma who bakes the best chocolate cookies and has a “forgetting” disease. Check it out!

  WGAL News 8
  May 10, 2017

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• Butterflies at Country Meadows of York

  (York-West campus) Residents get schooled about butterflies, enjoy an up-close experience meeting the beautiful bugs. Check out some beautiful photos from a fun afternoon.

  York Dispatch
  April 13, 2017

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• 100 candles—Lehigh Valley centenarians

  (Allentown campus) Ruth Van Leer is a proud centenarian with great advice for younger people. Click to read about her exceptional life.

  Lehigh Valley Style magazine
  Feb. 28, 2017

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• At 100, Country Meadows resident enjoying an independent life

  (Frederick campus) Resident enjoys 100^th birthday party, shares secrets to her longevity.

  The Frederick News Post
  Feb. 20, 2017

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• Bloodhounds train to find “missing” elderly residents

  (York-West campus) Drill helps bloodhounds practice search and rescue skills seeking older adults.

  York Dispatch
  Jan. 14, 2017

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• Bloodhounds train at York retirement community

  (York-West campus) Click below to see York residents help train bloodhounds to seek “missing” seniors.

  York Daily Record
  Jan. 13, 2017

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• “Medicare: In Plain English” workshop held

  (Frederick campus) Country Meadows expert shares insight for seniors to understand Medicare.

  WHAG-TV
  Jan. 11, 2017

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• Puppies ‘tie the leash’ in wedding at Country Meadows of Wyomissing

  (Wyomissing campus) Do we need a reason to share a story about puppies? Check out the happy “puptials”!

  WFMZ-TV News
  Sept. 26, 2016

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• Bocce ball is serious business at local retirement community

  (Bethlehem campus) The first-ever Lehigh Valley Senior Bocce Ball League gets underway at Country Meadows of Bethlehem, and competition is fierce!

  WFMZ-TV News
  July 11, 2016

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• Rolling Thunder honors Country Meadows vets

  (Bethlehem campus) Veterans living at Country Meadows moved by visit from organization dedicated to helping veterans. Click the link to read more about Rolling Thunder.

  The Morning Call
  June 6, 2016

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• Seniors lead singing flash mob in Easton

  (Forks in Easton campus) Seniors entertain and inspire farmer’s market customers during surprise flash mob to celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day.

  The Morning Call
  May 2016

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• Book helps kids understand their grandparents suffering from dementia

  (All campuses) Country Meadows teams with senior illustration students to create book for children to help them understand dementia.

  Lancaster Newspapers
  March 18, 2016

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• What is love? Senior citizens define the word (and melt our hearts)

  (All campuses) Videographers from a local newspaper met with Country Meadows residents to learn about love. Grab a tissue and click the link.

  Pennlive.com
  Feb. 10, 2016

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• Fox 43 News
  

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Media Contacts:

Primary Media Contact:

Kelly S. Kuntz,
Executive Director of Communications
Email: KKuntz@CountryMeadows.com
Office: 717-533-2474, ext. 10105
Cell: 717-460-7023

Secondary Media Contact:

Mandi Block,
Vice President of Communications & Advertising
Email: MBlock@CountryMeadows.com
Office: 717-533-2474, ext. 10168
Cell: 717-673-4467