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.
In partnership with SOAR (Supporting Older Adults through Resources), Country Meadows of Frederick residents, along with two other senior living communities in the area, packed more than 200 meals that were donated to low-income seniors throughout Frederick County.
Frederick News PostCountry Meadows of Frederick was highlighted among the International Council on Active Aging’s (ICAA) Spirit Award applicants. During Active Aging Week, senior living communities across the country organize activities and programs that celebrate and highlight the positive aspects of aging. This year, Frederick focused the seven dimensions of wellness.
International Council on Active AgingBob Barker, a resident of Country Meadows of Hershey, was a graphic designer by profession but always had an interest in painting. After receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis, he gave himself the permission to explore this passion and has created a beautiful collection of his paintings.
50 Plus LifeMargaret Dilullo, Country Meadows’ oldest resident, celebrated the milestone birthday at her home at the Wyomissing campus. The party included her favorite things: cake, music, and Yuengling beer.
Reading EagleMargaret Dilullo celebrated her birthday at her home at Country Meadows’ Wyomissing campus and enjoyed her favorite beverage thanks to a special delivery by Yuengling.
ABC27For years Margaret Dilullo has credited God, good genes, and Yuengling Beer as her secret to a long life. On her 110th birthday, she raises a can to celebrate.
WFMZWyomissing resident achieves birthday milestone and celebrates with her friends and family.
CBS-PhiladelphiaTwo co-workers were among 13 long-term care professionals who were inducted into the inaugural class of PHCA Rising Stars. Jacob Kaufman, Connections Club coordinator at Country Meadows’ York-West campus, and Craig Lonesky, float cook at Ecumenical, were nominated by their managers for the skills they demonstrate in their roles and the compassionate interactions they have with residents.
Pennsylvania Health Care AssociationMeredith Mills has been elected as an at-large representative on the board of directors for the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Through her leadership in this organization, she is working to ensure seniors have access to quality and choice when they evaluate living options.
Reading EagleFirst grader TJ Hake became close friends with WWII Navy Air Force Veteran John Frank Michael Wolfe over the summer. They spent Veterans Day together at Country Meadows York-West.
WHTM ABC27TJ Hake knew he wanted to meet John Wolfe after seeing him on TV. It was a News 8 story about Wolfe going on a plane ride.
WGAL NBC 8This Veterans Day, a first grader is reflecting on the special day alongside his best friend— a World War II veteran. Seven-year-old TJ Hake visited his friend and veteran. John Wolfe, 98, Monday at the Country Meadows Retirement Home, which honored veterans with a commemorative lunch.
WHP CBS21TJ Hake, is fascinated by World War II and he wanted to meet a veteran of the greatest generation who served during that global conflict. After seeing him on news segment on WGAL, the next day, John received a letter. In the letter, TJ’s mother, Kate, writing for her son, wrote that TJ wanted to meet John. They met a few days later, and TJ’s mother said, “They hit it off like two old buddies.” And that began an unlikely friendship between the 98-year-old veteran and the 7-year-old boy who says one day he’s going to be president of the United States.
York Daily RecordAn unlikely friendship between a first grader and a World War II veteran has a York County retirement center rallying together on Veterans Day.
WPMT FOX43Veterans took a walk and gathered around Country Meadows in Wyomissing to share stories in the name of Veterans Day. The idea behind the walk was inspired by a resident at Country Meadows.
WFMXIn keeping with the spooky season, residents at Country Meadows of Forks community enjoyed guided tours with 360-degree photographs of haunted and harrowing locations courtesy of Rendever Live, a virtual activity platform intended to allow seniors to “experience the sights and sounds of new places, and build new relationships as you compete in engaging games.”
LehighValleyNews.comSeniors at a Northampton County retirement community got a spooky experience with the help of virtual reality. Residents were given interactive ghost tours of paranormal places. No headsets were necessary. The company, Rendever, shows what you normally see through VR glasses up on a TV. Staff managed the controls, giving residents a chance to be scared, in a fun way.
WFMZDining is undoubtedly central to the senior living experience, and operators have long emphasized dining as a critical part of its offerings. In recent years, senior living providers have grown increasingly sophisticated – and varied – in the dining experiences that they provide and how they provide them. The evolution figures to rapidly continue.
Dining simply is a “huge” part of the overall resident experience in senior living, and it’s only becoming more vital to residents, said Kathy Thomas, vice president of dining and culinary services for Country Meadows Retirement Communities.
Senior Living ExecutiveBob Barker is a 76-year-old Country Meadows of Hershey resident. He started painting about four years ago. “I don’t know what art does for other people, but it gives me a reason for being here and finding my own voice in a limited situation,” Barker said. “I just want all people to consider the fact that they’re not done yet. I mean, you may be here, you may be in bad shape, but you’re not done,” said Barker. Although Barker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 14 years ago, it has not stopped him from pursuing his passion.
WHTM ABC 27Country Meadows of Allentown celebrated the Dog Days of Summer! People who live at Country Meadows gathered with family and friends. Some hairier than others. “We do it because our residents absolutely love it,” said Lindsay Steele from the Country Meadows staff. Nearly 300 two-legged residents came out to watch their four-legged friends in the second annual doggie parade, which soon turned into a social hour, with drinks. “We had awards we had silly awards, we had pupparitas,” said Martie Haller, Marketing Director at Country Meadows.
WFMZCountry Meadows of York-West resident, John Wolfe, 98, received a “Wish of a Lifetime” through AARP this week. Wolfe served as a naval aviation mechanic during WWII and, after retiring from his career as a mechanical engineer, worked as a commercial pilot. His Country Meadows apartment is a testament to his love of flying, adorned with aviation memorabilia and model WWII planes. He even wrote a book on York County aviation which was donated to a local museum.
Wolfe expressed his desire to fly over his beloved hometown of York one more time to Dynamic Living Director Bonnie Geisinger. Ever dedicated, she reached out to the AARP “Wish of a Lifetime” program, and the organization made his dream come true, soaring in a private plane experiencing a bird’s eye view of the city he loves.
WGAL 8 NewsClyde 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.
FOX43Many of us are looking forward to making new memories this holiday season, but for some people, those memories aren’t as easy to hold on to. Country Meadows in Mechanicsburg provides care to those dealing with memory loss. As they help their residents through the holidays, they bring back their memories of joy through the sounds of the season.
WHP CBS 21Throughout 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
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 DispatchYork 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 8Frederick 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 ShowMargaret 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.
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.
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-TVAs 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.
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, PASince 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)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, PACountry 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.)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)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, PACountry 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, PAMore 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 PostAs 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.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-TVCountry 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.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 NewsAs 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 RecordCountry 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)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-GazetteCountry 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 8At 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 magazineCountry 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.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 EagleCheck 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 PressWritten 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 EagleCountry 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 EagleCountry 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 EagleVeterans 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.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.(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 8Country 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(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)
(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(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(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(Frederick campus) Resident enjoys 100th birthday party, shares secrets to her longevity.
The Frederick News Post(York-West campus) Drill helps bloodhounds practice search and rescue skills seeking older adults.
York Dispatch(York-West campus) Click below to see York residents help train bloodhounds to seek “missing” seniors.
York Daily Record(Frederick campus) Country Meadows expert shares insight for seniors to understand Medicare.
WHAG-TV(Wyomissing campus) Do we need a reason to share a story about puppies? Check out the happy “puptials”!
WFMZ-TV News(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(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(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(All campuses) Country Meadows teams with senior illustration students to create book for children to help them understand dementia.
Lancaster Newspapers(All campuses) Videographers from a local newspaper met with Country Meadows residents to learn about love. Grab a tissue and click the link.
Pennlive.comPrimary Media Contact:
Megan Weber
Communications Relations Manager
Email: MWeber@CountryMeadows.com
Office: 717-533-2474, ext. 10105
Cell: 223-361-1387
Mandi Block,
Vice President of Communications & Advertising
Email: MBlock@CountryMeadows.com
Office: 717-533-2474, ext. 10168
Cell: 717-673-4467
