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Story Bank

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.

Painting 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 in Mechanicsburg, she continues, “I do surprise myself. That’s unbelievable!” Yes, she did paint the beautiful picture. “Art can be fun, and evidence shows it …

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 the COVID pandemic. Instead of staying indoors wearing masks and social distancing, residents, co-workers and guests enjoyed a variety of outdoor summer events at every …

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 is a perfect example. Raised in Mechanicsburg, Pa., today Dena, 105, lives at Country Meadows of West Shore, located just one mile from her family’s …

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 Cintra, who left Cuba shortly after the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, the communist nation holds mixed memories. “I left because it was a …

For many of us, our pets will be our Valentine on February 14. Last year Americans spent more than $751 billion on their furry valentines. For seniors, animals can provide a special connection to help alleviate loneliness on this special day as many recall a lost spouse or loved one. Kathryn Swartz and her cat, …

“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. When seniors from Country Meadows of Leader Heights in south York learned about hungry children living locally, they took action. Determined to be part of …

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. She, along with Gov. George Leader, founded Country Meadows Retirement Communities and Ecumenical Retirement Community upon treating people with kindness. In her honor, the Leader …

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 92. Mrs. Leader was born in Williamsport, Pa., but as a child her family moved to York, Pa. It was there that she met her …

Michael Leader and Governor George Leader

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 father, George M. Leader—founder of Country Meadows, Providence Place and Ecumenical Retirement Community—wore many different hats: Naval officer, poultry farmer, State Senator, Governor of Pennsylvania, …

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 Communities, shared a list of 10 things he learned from his father. He read the list in 2013 at Gov. Leader’s funeral in Hershey, Pa. …