The Village at Gainesville Connections

SantaFe Senior Living•www.thevillageonline.com

The Village at Gainesville, an amenity-rich senior living rental community, is pleased to offer listeners our new podcast, “The Village at Gainesville Connections.”

We’re looking forward to upcoming episodes where we’ll share stories about fascinating residents during their interviews with host Chris MacLellan.

We’ll be also introducing you to terrific team members who work at The Village and have such a passion for helping improve residents’ lives. We hope you’ll enjoy listening to our guests’ stories in their own words.

To learn more about this amenity-rich senior rental community visit us online at TheVillageOnline.com or call us at 352.354.3089

Last refreshed: July 3rd, 2025 at 6:15 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Putting Gratitude to Work During the Holidays

The opportunity to give back to others is the mission behind The Village at Gainesville Foundation. Join us in this episode as David Kremer, the Foundation’s Director, talks about the good work being done by grateful residents and how they are showing their gratitude that is especially meaningful during the holiday season.

Dec 20, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 12

Loving Retirement and Finding Fulfillment in Each Day

In this episode of The Village at Gainesville Connection, resident Mike Katovich shares how he and his wife decided when the time was right to make the move to the retirement community. The former faculty member with University of Florida talks about his fascinating work with NASA and as a member of the science working group of the International Space Station. Hear how he channels his talents into volunteering and about his passion for bowling.

Nov 29, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 11

The New Stage of Life

Nancy Klokke shares a wonderful story about being a “solo senior.” This engaging resident at The Village at Gainesville believes the transition to a new stage of her life is enhanced by being part of the community where groups, friends, neighbors and activities are so beneficial. The security knowing people have her back and who know and care for her makes her feel she has found her “happy spot.”

Oct 25, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 10

Creating Remarkable Cuisine and Dining Experiences

Dining Services Director Alan Sayles draws on his diverse experience in food service and love of culinary experiences in innovating and managing the dining venues of The Village at Gainesville. Hear how this passionate traveler and food explorer innovates the exceptional dining services found at the community and the gratification he finds in the role. Forging partnerships with organic and biodynamic local farms means farm-to-table cuisine and a new farmer’s market.

Sep 27, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 9

Creating an Engaging Lifestyle

Residents at The Village at Gainesville begin a new chapter of their lives, having moved to the retirement community. Life Enrichment Manager Josh Wilson discusses the community’s life enrichment program which is geared to residents living in independent, assisted living and memory support. In this episode of The Village at Gainesville Connections, he talks about the connections and purpose offered through the community’s lifestyle and how he helps people share their talents with their neighbors...

Aug 30, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 8

The Innovative Vitality Program

Residents at The Village at Gainesville benefit from the community’s innovative Vitality Program. Learn how Senior Director of Health Services Kimberly Giberti brings all of the components together, helping people live well in mind, body and spirit. Also, hear how a successful response to COVID-19 included a partnership with the Alachua County Health Department to quickly immunize The Village at Gainesville’s residents and associates.

Jul 26, 2021•22 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Meet Gail Long: Bingo Boss Lady

The Village at Gainesville offers residents many volunteer opportunities to feel involved and engaged in the community. A unique opportunity calling bingo piqued Gail Long’s interest and has become her trademark. A longtime employee of a phone company, Gail talks with podcast host Chris MacLellan and recalls the vital role a long-distance operator played long before cell phones.

Jun 28, 2021•22 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Sharing in the Joy of Woodworking with Terry Morrow

Retired educator Terry Morrow and his wife Patricia support their community, The Village at Gainesville, in many ways, including sharing Terry’s love and leadership for the community’s woodworking shop. This fascinating episode may encourage you to take up the hobby or want to acquire one of the unique handmade objects that are for sale by The Village Woodworkers.

May 24, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Channeling Talents in Retirement

Educator and author Dr. Bill Chamberlin’s skills as a college professor are serving him well in retirement as he graciously volunteers as president of the Residents’ Advisory Forum. He shares how he and his wife selected The Village at Gainesville when they wanted to downsize and how he continues to find fulfillment in life.

Apr 26, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Dementia Demystified: Connecting with Sira Botes

Dementia specialist Sira Botes explains the Botes Memory Method used at The Village at Gainesville for the retirement community’s newest “neighborhoods” for memory support. Her training method allows associates to focus on the strengths, talents and personal preferences of each resident while giving support and hope to families. She shares how a different approach can unlock the heart that is so vital as a person’s needs change. To learn more about The Village at Gainesville and our amenity-rich...

Mar 22, 2021•25 min•Season 1Ep. 3

From Space to Gainesville: Dan & Ellen

“The Village at Gainesville Connections” podcast features residents Dan and Ellen Schmidt. The long-married couple, who met as teenagers, share a love of orchids and have carved out time for their individual interests at The Village at Gainesville. Listen as Dan talks about his fascinating career in the space industry, and Ellen discusses the opportunities afforded them by the maintenance-free lifestyle found at The Village at Gainesville with host Chris MacLellan. To learn more about The Villag...

Mar 18, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Connecting with Rebecca Catalanotto

The first episode of “The Village at Gainesville Connections” podcast is launched with an interview with Executive Director Rebeca Catalanotto, who has been guiding the senior living community through the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, during the successful vaccination program. She has advanced in her career at the senior rental community and spearheaded many wellness initiatives. With host Chris MacLellan, she shares insights into her typical and non typical day at the community. To lear...

Mar 10, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Connect with Alexis Harwood, Director of Community Relations

Join us and meet Alexis Harwood, the talented Director of Community Relations at The Village at Gainesville, a beautiful senior living rental community. She shares a glimpse into the wonderful and enriching lifestyle residents enjoy every day with The Village at Gainesville podcast host Christopher MacLellan. She explains the many benefits of the amenity-rich community on a 104-acre campus which epitomizes “Living Well.” Tune in to upcoming podcasts featuring community residents and associates. ...

Feb 23, 2021•8 min

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