Willow Valley Communities'
Press Release

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Willow Valley Communities Recognizes Unsung Heroes of Lancaster City

October 2, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Three Heroes Featured in FiG Magazine

Lancaster, PA – Willow Valley Communities recognized several individuals they named among “The Unsung Heroes of Lancaster City” at a special presentation that took place at Carter and Macrae Elementary School on Wednesday. The three heroes, Matt and Jessica Pavelko, Dr. Clark McSparren, and Tammy Shertzer, were previously featured in ads placed in FiG Magazine. All three heroes have a coincidental connection to Carter and Macrae Elementary School in Lancaster.

In its year-long 2018 ad campaign in FiG Magazine, Willow Valley Communities, a premier 55 plus senior living community located three miles outside of Lancaster City, sought to acknowledge those who help make Lancaster a better place with little desire for recognition. The heroes have all been involved with Carter and Macrae Elementary in various capacities. Matt Pavelko is a music teacher at the school; he and his wife, Jessica, offer tremendous support to his students outside of the classroom. Dr. Clark McSparren volunteers his time as the school’s medical officer. Tammy Shertzer volunteers in a special needs student classroom along with teacher, Deb Glenn.

The three ads were reproduced on a display and presented to Dr. Damaris Rau, superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, and Rachel Esh, principal of Carter and MacRae, by Willow Valley Communities’ chief marketing officer, Brian T. Rutter. The heroes of the ads, Matt and Jessica Pavelko, Dr. Clark McSparren, and Tammy Shertzer, were also present and received their individual ads on displays.

At the presentation, Rutter described the importance of the connection between Willow Valley Communities and Lancaster City. “Because we recognize the richness of Lancaster, we must also recognize those who give of themselves—often without any desire for accolades—through their time and talents.”

Willow Valley Communities’ CEO, John G. Swanson said he was delighted that Willow Valley Communities was able to honor some of those who make Lancaster City a better place. He also remarked on the ongoing relationship between Willow Valley Communities and the children of Carter and MacRae. “Willow Valley Communities’ residents thoroughly enjoy all that downtown Lancaster has to offer. They also look for opportunities to get involved. Programs at Carter and Macrae such as Sneakers for School, Cornhole for a Cause, and our resident academic and music tutoring program allow them to do this. It’s a meaningful partnership for everyone involved.”

View a downloadable PDF of Willow Valley Communities’ press release.

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Quick Facts

Always refer to us as Willow Valley Communities. We are a 55+ community, not a retirement home, a nursing home, or a facility.

  • 2600 residents
  • 1600 team members
  • 210 acres

Campuses

Willow Valley Communities features three campuses: Manor, Lakes, and our next generation of exquisite residences: Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities, coming soon to vibrant Lancaster City.

Manor Campus: Includes Manor, Manor North, Providence Park, The Vistas, North Garden Apartments.

Lakes Campus: Includes Lakes Manor, Spring Run, Willow Gables, Mid-Rise, Lakes Villas, SouthPointe at Lakes.

Mosaic Campus: A 20-story high-rise coming soon to Lancaster City’s Market District, will feature 146 residences with luxury amenities and will be conveniently located close to arts, museums, shops, live entertainment, and dining.

Supportive Living: Includes Meadow Ridge, The Glen, Lakeside, Cedar Brook at the Glen.

Lifestyle & Care: Willow Valley Communities offers over 100 different residence floor plans to choose from along with resort-style amenities. Willow Valley Communities is an exclusively Lifecare Type A contract community, meaning if an enhanced level of care is ever needed in the future, a resident’s monthly service fee does not increase because of that care. This provides predictable future fees and financial peace of mind for residents, and their families.