Meet Our Residents
Retirement homes are mistaken as places to grow old. These stories prove age is nothing but a number. As we age, we gain valuable life advice to share, have time to volunteer and find new adventures to enrich our experiences. Sit back, relax and read a senior resident’s story or two. And be sure to check back often as our residents have a lot to share.
Resident Fred Bonilla receives honorary degree from Commonwealth University
Fred Bonilla, a resident of Country Meadows of Mechanicsburg, will be the first to stress the importance of education. But, as he has learned in his long and adventurous life, …
Read MoreThe Daughters’ Mitzvah: Honoring Family Traditions and Embracing the Community
At Country Meadows of Allentown, when the smells of brisket and latkes fill the air, it doesn’t mean just a good meal—it means connection, memories, and tradition. Throughout the year, …
Read MoreJoan’s Passion and Purpose Found on the Road to Recovery
Life can change in an instant. In Joan Feskanin’s case, she harnessed her positive, purpose-driven attitude to overcome adversity and a long healing process after a serious fall that resulted …
Read MoreDream Flights Celebrates the Life and Service of Veteran Residents of Country Meadows
Giving back to those who gave. That is the mission of Dream Flights, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting flights to veterans living in retirement and assisted living communities. In …
Read MoreA Special “Twist” on Kindness
Twenty-two years ago, Janet had a decision to make. After spending a year being a caregiver for her husband, he passed away at a young age. She knew she didn’t …
Read MoreBetty Rothrock reminisces about career during National Nurses’ Week
The nursing profession may have looked different back in Betty’s day, but a nurse’s instincts to do everything in the best interest of the patient, maintain a kind disposition and …
Read MoreA snapshot of Norma’s life in her hallway shadowbox
At Country Meadows Retirement Communities, we celebrate the beautiful lives, legacies and experiences residents bring with them. From how residents decorate their apartments to the activities planned to foster each …
Read MoreJohn and Mary Ellen Little’s Love Story
According to Kathleen, the Little’s oldest daughter, there is an overarching theme of commitment to each other—no matter what and never wavering. John and Mary Ellen Little, residents at Country …
Read MoreA Sweet Love Story: Clair and Gloria
There are two very important days in Clair and Gloria Sterner’s love story: Tuesday, June 26, 2023 and Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024—the day they met and the day they got …
Read MoreLifesong Hospice and Palliative Care’s Legacy Project for resident Evie Hildebrand celebrates family traditions
As 2024 drew to a close, 103-year-old Evie Hildebrand and her two sons enjoyed a morning together preparing and sharing a signature family dessert at her home at Country Meadows …
Read MoreChristmas at Country Meadows: Enjoying cherished traditions and adding new ones
Throughout the holiday season, Country Meadows co-workers are just as busy as Santa’s helpers as they plan events and activities to get our residents into the holiday spirit. Across all …
Read MoreCountry Meadows’ oldest resident Margaret Dilullo turns 110
When asked what advice she has to share with the residents and co-workers at her home at Country Meadows Retirement Communities Wyomissing campus, Margaret raised her can of Yuengling lager …
Read MoreResident John Wolfe celebrates Veterans Day with local first-grader and WWII enthusiast
In June 2024, John Wolfe went on a ride of a lifetime thanks to AARP’s Wish of a Lifetime program. While John was piloting an airplane for the last time, …
Read MoreVeterans honored during Quilts of Valor ceremony at York-South campus
At Country Meadows Retirement Communities, we don’t have to wait until Veteran’s Day to celebrate the life, legacy and sacrifice of our veteran heroes. In our communities, we have residents …
Read MoreBob Barker proves it’s never too late to follow a passion
Country Meadows of Hershey hosts a monthlong exhibit of acrylic paintings by resident Bob Barker from August 30 – September 30, 2024. Bob Barker spent much of his professional career …
Read MoreAnna Lutz turns 108
Country Meadows of South Hills is celebrating resident Anna Dzurichko Lutz’s 108th birthday! Born on March 17, 1916, in Farrell, PA, Anna has lived much of her life in the …
Read MorePets make great Valentines in senior living communities
Why says your valentine has to be human? Country Meadows has many pets living in our communities and/or coming to work with their best humans. Americans love their furry, finned …
Read MorePainting of a tree sparks clarity despite dementia
“Did I do that?” asks Dottie as she looks at a painting of a tree. A resident of the Connections Memory Support Services Neighborhood at Country Meadows of West Shore …
Read MoreSummer may come to an end, but not the fun
It’s been said that summer is the height of being alive. Residents and co-workers felt particularly alive this summer after practicing safety protocols for the last 18 months thanks to …
Read MoreResident’s amazing life comes full circle
In philosophy, the “Circle of Life” means that we start at the end and end in the beginning. In other words, our lives resemble a complete circle. Dena Zugzda’s life …
Read MoreResident left Cuba a lifetime ago, but memories remain
Since a travel ban to Cuba was eased in 2016, many Americans are planning visits to the once forbidden destination. But for Country Meadows of Forks in Easton resident, Edmundo …
Read MoreResidents battle local child hunger
“Friday afternoon until Monday morning is a long time not to eat.” Elementary School Counselor Suzanne Howe says this is true for many children in the Northeastern York School District. …
Read MorePracticing kindness to remember a Leader
Throughout her life, Mary Jane Leader was a daily example of kindness to others and she inspired all who knew her to do the same for family and community members. …
Read MoreCelebrating the life of the Leader family matriarch
Mary Jane Leader, wife of the late Pennsylvania Governor George M. Leader, passed away on March 15, 2011. Mrs. Leader and her husband founded Country Meadows Retirement Communities. She was …
Read MoreCelebrating an exceptional life
Country Meadows President & CEO Michael Leader reflects on his father’s achievements and goals at Gov. Leader’s 2013 funeral in Hershey, Pa. By Michael Leader During his 95 years, my …
Read MoreTop 10 list of things I learned from my dad
David Leader recalls life lessons from his father, former Pennsylvania Governor George M. Leader By David Leader Gov. Leader’s youngest child, David Leader, president & CEO of Providence Place Retirement …
Read MoreDownward dog, upward goat
Set amongst fields of lavender at Mad Lavender Farm in Milford, NJ, hummingbirds feast on wild flowers, roosters greet the morning, and farm guests gather to find inner peace, breathe …
Read MoreElectronic bowling trims generation gap
As you round a corner at country Meadows of York, you hear happy banter and laughter. An animated bowling lane fills the large television screen as the opponents, Jim Diehl, …
Read MoreVeterans tribute unites old friends
It is a small world, after all. And Forks in Easton campus residents Dorothy Eck and her late husband, Paul, recently were reminded of that fact. The charming couple moved …
Read MoreResident helps medical students understand challenges that come with aging
Most of us agree that one of the most important traits a good physician needs is a kind bedside manner. But how does one teach understanding and empathy? Recently 103-year-old …
Read MoreFine Art Miracle program reaches residents with dementia in new ways
The “mother tone” in the resident’s voice stops co-worker Maureen Sirianni cold in her tracks. The woman, who does not speak due to advanced dementia, is having a loving discussion …
Read MoreResidents don costumes from eras past to raise money for Alzheimer’s research
A group of residents at Country Meadows of Hershey can add “calendar model” to their list of accomplishments. To raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association, co-workers came up with the …
Read MoreBloodhounds search for “missing” residents
It is a call feared by anyone who cares for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease: that person is missing. Recently that call was made for two “missing” residents during …
Read MoreResident and co-worker bond over writing and poetry
Dorothy Jacobs, 93, a former English teacher, loves to write letters and poetry. A resident at Country Meadows of Leader Heights, Jacobs corresponds with friends, family members and former students …
Read MoreResident takes sky-high leap of faith
Most of us celebrate birthdays with presents, parties and cakes. Country Meadows of York resident Allen Ziegler celebrated his 90th birthday by jumping out of a plane. “I thought to …
Read MoreFrantic call from son turns out to be a scam, seniors beware
Recently Bob Meckley, 89, a resident at Country Meadows of York-South, was in his apartment reading the newspaper when the telephone rang. As he answered, a voice cried out, “Dad, …
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