Nanette Eisenhuth loves her kitchen at Willow Valley Communities and describes it as “the nicest kitchen I’ve ever had.”
Photos courtesy of Willow Valley Communities

Meet the Eisenhuths

Nanette and Ned Eisenhuth come to Willow Valley Communities from Schuylkill County, where they were both teachers. They’ve been married for 43 years and have one son, Kent. In the newly constructed SouthPointe Village, where the Eisenhuths live, Nanette is famous for her recipes that she brings to the community’s monthly “Happy Hour” gatherings. Nanette often shares her Polish heritage through the dishes she prepares for her neighbors during these get-togethers, explaining that she learned how to cook as a child from her grandmother, who lived next door to her family in Marion Heights. “Back then, we didn’t have technology to look up recipes,” Nanette recalls. “We had Gram!”

Nanette says she is delighted that in retirement she now has the time to pursue her much-loved passion for cooking. She shares that the kitchen in her SouthPointe residence is “the nicest kitchen I’ve ever had,” adding, “I love this kitchen. It has plenty of workspace and storage for all my appliances.”

Ned and Nanette, both of whom are retired educators, moved to Willow Valley Communities from Schuylkill County.

The Importance of Kitchen Design at Willow Valley

No matter your stage in life, the kitchen is regarded as the heart of your home. At Willow Valley Communities, residents can make all the decisions regarding this vital space by selecting the layout, finishes and appliances they desire. 

Dining Options on Campus 

Should you choose to eat out, Willow Valley Communities offers 12 distinctive culinary venues across its campus. From cozy coffee shops and wine bars to food halls and a full-service gourmet restaurant (Local Table, located in The Clubhouse, is the Eisenhuths’ favorite for special occasions), the choice is yours.  

Residents can also choose from flexible food-plan options to meet their individual needs. 

Food Culture 

Willow Valley Communities residents enjoy the abundance of farm-to-table offerings thanks to the rich farmland of Lancaster County. Fresh produce and other local products help to define our menus. 

Residents are also able to secure plots in community gardens that are found across the campus. Robust donation programs managed by residents provide bountiful harvests to food banks in the county. 

Visitors planning to attend the Explore Retirement Living Open House Tour on October 21 will want to make Willow Valley Communities a must-see stop. The new Plaza at Manor, an innovative culinary space with six distinctive restaurants, will be a highlight on their tour. In addition to the wide variety of food offerings satisfying every mood and every palate, the Plaza gives residents a multitude of ways to order and have their meals served. 

Kitchen options includes amenities such as islands with waterfall styling.

Overview 

Type of Community

Premier 55-plus Life Plan Community 

Range of Services

Willow Valley Communities is a premier 55+ community located 4 miles from Downtown Lancaster. It offers award-winning amenities, 12 distinctive culinary venues and a plethora of world-class entertainment, presentations, classes, lectures and more. All Willow Valley Communities residents receive the financial peace of mind of a Type A Lifecare contract. This means if an enhanced level of care is ever needed in the future, the monthly service fee does not increase because of that need.

Residential Options

Willow Valley Communities offers over 100 different floor plans that range from studio apartments to spacious townhomes. Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities will be a 20-story tower located in the heart of Downtown Lancaster, where residents will enjoy a truly extraordinary urban senior lifestyle. 

Clubs/Activities

Willow Valley Communities offers over 100 different clubs and organizations for residents’ participation. Residents enjoy pursuing new passions or those they would like to revisit. At Willow Valley Communities, residents can truly make life after 55 their own. 

Population

Willow Valley Communities is home to 2,600 residents who hail from some 40 states across the country. Our diverse population represents all walks of life, professions, talents and lifestyles. 

600 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA, 17602

717-464-6800 • info@willowvalley.org

willowvalleycommunities.org 

While cookies await packaging, Nancy Enders prepares one of her “welcome” coffee cakes for a new resident of Homestead Village.

Meet Nancy Enders 

Nancy lives with her husband, Jay, at the Farmstead at Homestead Village. Nancy is known around Homestead for providing new residents with “welcome” coffee cakes. Her mission is to bring joy and happiness to others through her baked goods, as was evidenced when Nancy organized a small team of residents to bake more than 3,000 cookies and other treats to brighten the days of staff who continued to work diligently throughout the pandemic. She also contributes to community bake sales to raise funds for initiatives such as the Homestead Village Auxiliary. Beyond baking sweets, Nancy recently prepared 12 pans of lasagna for community meals at Zion Lutheran Church in Landisville. 

The Importance of Kitchen Design at Homestead

Universal Design is a concept that calls for spaces to not only be beautiful, but also accessible and functional. Utilizing that concept, Homestead opens and brightens spaces as residences are renovated. In designing their homes, residents are not limited to a small showroom of options, rather they can work with our in-house renovations team to customize their new spaces in many unique ways. 

In the realm of kitchens, cabinetry is locally sourced and is ordered from a select line of stylish options. We have partnered with the cabinetmakers to incorporate standard touches such as slow-close drawers and pull-out shelving. Homestead Village also supports the business community by partnering with local suppliers and vendors. From fully renovated kitchens to artistic wallcoverings or tile, Homestead Village residents are assured of moving into an apartment, cottage or carriage house they will be proud to call home. 

Dining Options on Campus 

The Plow and Pineapple Café is sometimes casual, sometimes formal (The Pineapple Room), but always excellent. Chef-prepared specials, made-to-order breakfast offerings and action stations will keep you coming back for every meal. Our newest upscale café-style eatery, Stauffer Spring House, offers fresh, made-to-order breakfast and lunch fare.

Food Culture 

Unidine, Homestead Village’s new dining service, creates hand-crafted meals on a daily basis. Each fresh-to-order meal is prepared and finished to the taste of individual residents and guests. 

Overview 

Type of Community

Life Plan Community 

Range of Services

Homestead Village offers Residential Living, Dual Licensure for Personal Care (in apartments), Skilled Nursing Care, Inpatient/Outpatient Therapy Services, Secure Memory Support, Home Care and more. 

Residential Options

From cozy cottages to our spacious carriage homes, there is a wonderfully broad range of choices at Homestead Village. Our campus has a welcoming feel of driving into a residential neighborhood, complete with tree-lined streets and friendly residents. 

Fitness Opportunities

Homestead Village recently partnered with Les Mills Fitness to bring a wide range of online fitness classes to staff and residents. In addition, Les Mills fitness equipment was purchased for residents’ use. 

Population

Homestead Village is home to approximately 575 residents in all levels of care. 

1800 Village Circle, Lancaster, PA 17603 

717-397-4831 

Homesteadvillage.org 

Jim and Beth Leaman have traded working at Landis Homes for living there. The large kitchen allows Beth to continue cooking, baking and canning.

Meet the Leamans 

Beth and Jim Leaman moved into a recently renovated cottage in May 2022; however, they were not new to Landis Homes. Beth had worked for a decade in nursing and Jim for nine years as chaplain. 

Beth enjoys cooking and baking and incorporates the fresh ingredients she grows in her on-campus community garden plot into her dishes. She also loves to can fruits and vegetables, with sweet dill pickles being her specialty.  She and Jim continue to host the family’s holiday meals and other special occasions.  

The Importance of Kitchen Design at Landis Homes 

Landis Homes is answering the growing desire to make aging in place convenient and comfortable by providing kitchens that offer easy accessibility with open layouts that allow for simultaneous use by multiple people. Furthermore, older cabinetry is also being replaced and, in some apartments and cottages, kitchens are undergoing complete redesigns to offer amenities such as islands and peninsulas that add functionality and aesthetic appeal. During such renovations, residents can now choose from standard options such as quartz. 

Dining Options on Campus 

The Owl Hill Bistro is open to residents, guests and the community! Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées (savory roasted meats, rotisserie chicken and fish) and desserts are perfect for lunch or dinner. Pizzas are prepared from scratch and baked in our Woodstone oven (gluten-free options are available). 

The newly renovated Gather restaurant offers made-to-order breakfast and lunch, including a variety of delicious daily specials, plus 24-hour grab-and-go options.  

Food Culture 

Whether you are seeking homecooked favorites, a cozy bistro, a quick cup of coffee or a more elevated gourmet experience, Landis Homes dining options will exceed your expectations. Our dedicated and professional team expertly balances taste and appearance with nutrition, responsible sourcing and excellent customer service.  

Overview 

Type of Community

Continuing Care/Life Plan 

Range of Services

Landis Homes offers Residential Living, Personal Care and Healthcare, as well as Rehabilitation, Home Care, Adult Day Services and Memory Care. 

Residential Options

Residential Living choices include apartments, cottages, hybrid homes and suites. 

Fitness Opportunities

Fitness is easy to maintain or achieve with our state-of-the-art fitness equipment (for cardio and strength training), the beautiful pool and spa and the outdoor Life Trail stations that dot the campus. The wellness program offers instructor-led classes such as Mat Mania, Functional Fit, Power Circuit, Rhythmic Drumming and Balance, as well as Country Line Dancing. Aquatic classes include Aqua Fit, Tai-Chi and Smart Moves.

Population

Landis Homes population is 856 across all levels of care. 

1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA  17543 

717-584-9123 

Landishomes.org 

Darlene and David LeFevre fell in love with Lancaster County through frequently visiting the area and ultimately chose to retire at Quarryville Presbyterian.

Meet the LeFevres 

Darlene and David LeFevre, who have been married for 61 years, moved to Quarryville from Berwick, Columbia County, almost two years ago. Darlene has always enjoyed cooking. “What is more enjoyable than sharing the results with others?” she asks. David, of course, is more than happy to serve as her taste tester! 

The Peach French Toast she is seen preparing is a longtime favorite that she first sampled at a Lancaster County bed & breakfast. It’s become her signature dish for the holidays and for brunch.     

The Importance of Kitchen Design at Quarryville Presbyterian

Many new residents are afforded the opportunity to personalize their kitchens through selecting the color and style of cabinetry and counters. Currently we offer three cabinet choices and 100+ countertops. For residents with disabilities or who use wheelchairs, Quarryville will work to create safe and comfortable kitchen designs. 

Dining Options on Campus 

Our Windows on Park dining room features a fine-dining experience with delicious menu items created by our executive chef. The Bistro Café is a popular spot for breakfast and made-to-order lunch. At the Joyful Scoop, a ’50s-themed ice cream parlor, you can enjoy fresh, hand-scooped ice cream and other treats. 

Food Culture 

Quarryville strives to source local food as much as possible, as well as take advantage of Lancaster County’s bountiful fresh food offerings, notably fruit and vegetables. All meats are roasted in-house, while soups, sauces and gravies are made from scratch.    

Quarryville Presbyterian’s Great Rock kitchens are adjoined by dining spaces.

Overview 

Type of Community

As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Quarryville provides residents with all levels of care. Founded by the Reverend Dr. Franklin S. Dyrness in 1948 on the property next to his home and the church he pastored, his vision was to create a haven where seniors could live without having worldly concerns about shelter, food and care. Today, our vision remains focused on being a premier Christian retirement community known for its warm, gracious and secure environment and attractive facilities that allow residents to continue growing spiritually while enjoying their retirement. 

Range of Services

Our services include Independent Residential Living, Personal Care, Skilled Nursing and Memory Support. In addition, we offer a wellness center, on-site physical, occupational and speech therapy, rehabilitation, laboratory, podiatry and audiology. Home-care services are also available.

Residential Options

We offer a wide selection of Residential Living accommodations, including spacious apartments with multiple layout options and award-winning cottage homes in our Great Rock neighborhood.

Clubs/Activities

Resident-led interest groups provide a wide array of activities, including sports like pickleball, swimming, water volleyball, tennis, golf, etc. Activities include Bible studies, Christian ministries, hymn sings, poetry, card and board games, sewing and knitting, trains, woodworking and much more. There is truly something for anyone who wants to learn new skills, make new friends, rekindle an old interest or just have fun!

Population

About 420 people – across all levels of care – call Quarryville Presbyterian home. 

625 Robert Fulton Highway 

717-786-7321 

Quarryville.com 

Photo courtesy of Pleasant View Communities

The Importance of Kitchen Design at Pleasant View 

Since Residential Living does not include a meal plan, residents are responsible for providing their own meals when not dining out. The kitchen, as well as the rest of the apartment or cottage, is always carefully planned with the resident in mind. As in any home, a lot of life happens in the kitchen! Thanks to the fact that Pleasant View works with a local custom cabinetmaker and offers finishes like quartz counters and fully tiled backsplashes, residents are able to design their dream kitchens. 

Dining Options on Campus 

The campus restaurant, Hearth and Harrow, which is known for its brick-oven pizzas, a variety of burgers and sandwiches, salads, breakfast items and famous house-made chips, is open to residents and the public alike. The restaurant is a hub of activity on campus, where residents, staff and members of the greater community can interact.

Another popular choice among residents and the public is the Pleasant View location of Manheim favorite, Mill 72 Bake Shop & Café. Coffee, specialty drinks and baked goods are served in the atrium beside H&H and enjoyed by many!

Food Culture 

Pleasant View’s agricultural roots are evident in its food culture. Hearth and Harrow, which buys products and ingredients from Lancaster County food vendors, is starting to implement more farm-to-table techniques. Residents help to maintain a hydroponics garden, where herbs and microgreens are grown to be used in the restaurant or donated to the local food pantry. Residents also oversee a community garden in which fruits and vegetables are grown and shared.

Future plans call for growing produce on farmland owned by Pleasant View to help with food insecurity in the community; fruits grown on the land will be sold or donated. This is part of a planned project to transform the original farm that gave way to Pleasant View into a cultural center that will benefit the entire community. 

Overview 

Type of Community

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) 

Range of Services

Our wide range of services includes Residential Living, Personal Care, Memory Support, Skilled Nursing Care and Rehabilitation. 

Residential Options

For those seeking Residential Living options, 100 apartments are located in the Town Square buildings. The West Lawn is home to 36 newly constructed apartments. In addition, 52 cottages are settled around the beautiful country atmosphere of the campus. 

Fitness Opportunities

The PVFIT fitness center provides residents with the opportunity to exercise independently or with a trainer on various strength and cardio machines. Group fitness classes are held in the studio. The heated pool is a great place to exercise, rehab from an injury, take a water-spin class or play water volleyball.  

Population

400 residents across all levels of living. 

544 Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545

717-665-2445 • Info@pvcommunities.org 

Pleasantviewcommunities.org 

Ruth Bare (right) welcomes neighbors, Mary Wenger (left) and Ruth Wanner (center), to her apartment at Fairmount’s Wheat Ridge neighborhood.

Meet Ruth Bare 

Ruth Bare and her husband, Jake, lived on the same farm in Bird-in-Hand all their married life. Many of their children and grandchildren still live in that area. Ruth loves to cook and bake and enjoys working in her Wheat Ridge apartment’s bright, open and functional kitchen. 

The Bares’ friends and neighbors, Ruth Wanner and Mary Wenger, hail from Churchtown and Farmersville, respectively. Ruth, a former nurse, likes the openness of her cottage’s kitchen and is grateful for the ample cabinet space. Mary loves cooking for her family, who appreciates her good cooking.  

The Importance of Kitchen Design at Fairmount 

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where everyone seems to gather. Our open floor plans are conducive to large gatherings and allow hosts to both cook and take part in conversation. 

Dining Options on Campus 

The self-serve Cat’s Back Café (Wheat Ridge campus) is open to residents, visitors, volunteers and team members for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Those who dine at the Farm Crest Dining Room are served by staff. 

Food Culture 

Our rural setting seems to attract many farmers and folks with green thumbs. As they’ve discovered, it’s the perfect place to continue “playing in the dirt.” Many apartment and cottage dwellers maintain pocket and container gardens at their residences. For those who wish to garden on a larger scale, Fairmount offers a variety of gardens to tend through our Adopt-a-Flower-Bed program. Many residents continue the tradition of canning, while others share their bounty with our dining team. 

Overview 

Type of Community

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) 

Range of Services

Fairmount offers Residential Living, Personal Care, Short-term Rehabilitation and Health Care/Skilled Nursing. Fairmount also offers a Plain Community Rehab Program for those who chose no insurance due to religious beliefs. 

Residential Options

Residential Living accommodations include 52 cottages, ranging in size from cozy one bedrooms to spacious two bedrooms/two-and-a-half bathrooms (plus other amenities). All our cottages have at least a one-car garage. Fairmount’s 103 apartments range in size from studios to roomy two bedrooms.

Spiritual Connection

We welcome those from all denominations and walks of life, and we remain rooted to our faith-based mission. Our chaplain stays very busy visiting and praying with residents, teaching Bible studies and offering Communion. Local pastors provide Sunday chapel services for residents who cannot attend their home church. A group of our residents conducts weekly prayer walks throughout Fairmount, praying for our residents and the staff who serve them.

Population

Fairmount is home to nearly 400 residents in all levels of care.  

333 Wheat Ridge Drive, Ephrata, PA 17522 

717-354-1800

Fairmounthomes.org     

Photo courtesy of Cornwall Manor

The Importance of Kitchen Design at Cornwall Manor 

It’s a well-known fact that kitchens are the most-used spaces in homes. Whether you live in an apartment or a home at Cornwall Manor, be assured that we provide the best kitchens in the area. Our Independent Living accommodations provide all residents with large kitchens offering plenty of storage and counter space. State-of-the-art appliances are provided; maintenance is a phone call away if an appliance is not working or needs to be replaced. The ample cabinets include such amenities as Lazy Susans, adjustable shelves and pantry spaces. Additionally, most kitchens are designed to include eat-in spaces. 

Dining Options on Campus 

If you don’t feel like cooking, a variety of dining options are available at Cornwall Manor. No meal plan is required! The Freeman and Skylight dining rooms provide full menus for lunch and dinner and offer fresh salad bars, daily soups and specials. The Manor Café offers breakfast and lunch with full menu and items like specialty coffees, pastries, ice cream and more. The Gateway Snack Bar offers breakfast pastries and coffee, as well as light fare for lunch (Grab and Go). Meal delivery and catering services are available. Personal Care and Skilled Nursing Care communities have their own dining areas.

Food Culture 

We are proud to partner with the Rodale Institute, which is a nonprofit research and education institution focused on growing the regenerative organic movement through research, farmer training and consumer education. This collaboration led to the development of the Trailside Organic Farm, a 2-acre, certified organic vegetable farm on our campus, which provides fresh, nutrient-dense produce to residents via all the dining areas on our 190-acre campus. Through this endeavor, we provide our residents with healthy, hyperlocal food choices, a thriving natural environment and overall wellbeing. Such projects also help to heal the planet. 

Overview 

Type of Community

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) 

Range of Services

Our full range of services includes Independent Living, Personal Care, Skilled Nursing Care and Rehab Therapies. Amenities include a physician’s office and services relating to pharmacy needs, maintenance, housekeeping and transportation. 

Residential Options

Options for Independent Living include one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as single and duplex homes. 

Fitness Opportunities

The campus offers a fitness center, indoor pool, exercise and dance classes, pickleball, walking trails, putting green, bocce-ball courts, billiards, table tennis, senior competition games,  gardening and more. 

Population

Cornwall Manor is home to 550 residents in all levels of care. 

1 Boyd Street (P.O. Box 125), Cornwall, PA 17016 

717-274-8092

Cornwallmanor.org