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Michael Shaw says he's confident White Horse Village is in a strong strategic position
This month we are excited to welcome new President & CEO Michael Shaw. A Bucks County native, Michael started his career in senior living in Pennsylvania more than two decades ago, so this is a homecoming of sorts for him, his wife Julie, and their two teenage sons. He has guided nonprofit life plan communities in states from Texas to Kansas and Florida.
Michael emphasizes active listening, and plans to begin his tenure hearing from residents and team members about the needs of this community. He also looks forward to meeting prospective residents.
One of his top priorities is hiring and retaining quality team members. “We are in the business of relationships, and the care we offer is only as good as the people who deliver it. We have to invest in our team members,” he says.
Michael sees opportunity for White Horse Village as the senior population continues to grow, and cites its family atmosphere and amenities as strengths that will attract new residents.
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“I’m confident in White Horse Village’s ability to build on its history and reputation as a top senior living community in the region, and I believe we are in a strategic position to take advantage of opportunities for growth in the coming year,” he says.
Servant leadership is a theme for Michael. “Over my years in this industry, I’ve learned the importance of the Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated. We need our culture to be oriented around respect for each other and a determination to treat each other well, placing a priority on people.”
In the coming months, Michael will draw on his experience successfully guiding a community through a master plan process to lead a reexamination of White Horse Village’s future. Stay tuned for more!
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Join us for a presentation by author Margit Novak, who will discuss her memoir “Squint: Re-visioning the Second Half of Life.” Novak worked for years helping seniors with the moving process, and says, “My goal is to create a positive perspective about getting older, not to sugarcoat reality, but to combat pervasive negative stereotypes about aging and to share the potential for growth and possibility.” Light refreshments will be served.
When: Tuesday, February 13th, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Auditorium at White Horse Village
RSVP to Terri McCabe at 610-675-2054 or tmccabe@whitehorsevillage.org by Friday, February 9th.
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For these sisters, the choice was obvious | |
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For Jeanne Overton and Audrey Bedford, the search for a senior living community didn’t last very long.
“We were sold when we walked in the door,” Jeanne remembers of their introduction to White Horse Village.
Until about a year ago, the sisters shared a home at Hershey’s Mill, a large 55-plus community just northwest of White Horse Village.
It was Hershey’s Mill that connected Jeanne and Audrey to White Horse Village. They went out to a farewell dinner with some good friends who were leaving the community to move into White Horse Village. “They’re telling us all about this place, and Audrey and I looked at each other and thought, you know what, we’ve never made any plans (for this kind of transition),” Jeanne says. “Maybe we need to look at that.”
Following in the footsteps of their friends, the sisters arranged a visit and tour.
“We were so impressed,” Jeanne says.
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Octofair builds on its success | |
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Despite gray weather, Octofair brought in more than 750 people this year, keeping up the momentum from 2022, which saw a similar turnout. Organizers have made an effort to put up promotional signs in the community that have drawn in numerous visitors.
Led by co-chairs Perry Durkin and Pat Hibschman, volunteers invested many hours preparing crafts, activities, the silent auction, and more. Cute pups from All 4 Paws Rescue also brought smiles this year!
While the funds raised for the Residents Association are still being counted, more than $40,000 has been tallied already (before expenses). Organizers will release a final total later. Last year, the event brought in $34,000 after expenses.
Fundraisers like these support the Residents Association’s many activities, like arts and entertainment, sports tournaments, educational speakers, and more.
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Musical heritage comes full circle | |
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One of our residents recently got to enjoy a concert by a musical group his family helped shape decades ago.
The Haverford School’s male ensemble, the Notables, a group of high-schoolers from freshmen to seniors, sang a variety of a cappella songs then interacted with the audience in a question and answer session on October 21st. It was their first performance here.
In a sense, the Notables owe their existence to the love of music in the family of resident John Stetson. Years ago, he sang in a different a cappella group at Haverford and later the Yale Whiffenpoofs, and his son Scott, who became president of Haverford’s glee club, was key in starting the Notables.
Music, John says, is in his DNA. “My mother was a trained opera singer, my grandmother was a concert-level pianist, and several of my mother’s sisters were also very good vocalists.” Her brother was also part of the Mask and Wig Club musical comedy group at Penn. John still sings with the Whiffenpoofs regularly at class reunions, and is planning for the 65th anniversary reunion next year.
The Notables made a good impression—“I’ve heard nothing but positive comments,” John shares.
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Team member spotlight: Pastoral
Care Coordinator Nancy Burke
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Throughout life, people have a deep need to feel valued, find meaning in their lives, and make rich connections with others. They turn to beliefs and ethical principles as a compass to navigate the ups and downs of life.
At White Horse Village, one team member with a specific focus on spiritual and emotional wellness is Nancy Burke, the pastoral care coordinator at White Horse Village.
Nancy recognizes the important role religion plays in many people’s lives, but emphasizes she’s not a pastor and she works to support nonreligious people as well. She’ll meet them where they’re at on life’s journey, addressing their own unique spirituality, such as family relationships, music, art, life’s mission and purpose, experiences in nature, and religious faith too. She sees it as a way to care for the whole person, not just their physical health.
Nancy has spent decades working with seniors and says she loves her vocation.
“I love the relationships that you establish with people, getting to know their life stories, and helping them bring peace to their lives in different circumstances.”
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Zumba Gold:
A popular option in Wellness
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By Adam Klepfer, wellness manager
The Wellness team at White Horse Village is constantly looking for innovative and fun group exercise classes for our residents. One of the most popular fitness classes is the Zumba Gold fitness dance class, which we added earlier this year.
Zumba, a dance exercise class that features Latin and world rhythms, is regarded as one the most popular group exercise classes in the world. The Zumba Gold class design incorporates easy-to-follow Zumba dance choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion for joints, and coordination. The Zumba Gold class format was specifically designed to reduce the impact on joints that typically accompanies most dance fitness classes.
This class is ideal for active older adults and those just starting their health and fitness journeys. Residents say they enjoy the dance class because it’s fun and doesn’t feel like exercise.
Group exercise instructor Elizabeth Streit leads Zumba Gold on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the Wellness Center multipurpose room or auditorium.
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Here’s a look back at some highlights from our fall events! | |
Halloween brought out costume creativity from spooky to cute. We held a parade and a party to mix, mingle, and see who had the best outfit. | |
Lower photo contributed by resident Duane Thurman | |
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The Village Singers set the stage for the holiday season with their concert in early December. In a time of global upheaval, they performed pieces reflecting on peace, bringing the focus back to the meaning of the season.
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To commemorate Veterans Day, multiple residents who are veterans came together to share stories and enjoy refreshments. In a moving tribute, young children from the area brought thank-you cards for the veterans. | |
At the end of each growing season, volunteers pitch in to help tidy up the Harvesters Garden. | |
One of the regular wine and cheese gatherings in the Clubhouse in November featured “Sip and Sparkle” at the Gift Corral, a chance to learn more about this shop run by resident volunteers that sells gifts and necessities. Proceeds from the shop benefit the Residents Association. | |
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Keep up with more news, photos, and information about community events on White Horse Village's official Facebook page!
Search White Horse Village Inc. and “like” our page.
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