The Westminster Canterbury Tales

Aging Matters: Wellness, Purpose & the Power of a Positive OutlookWhat if aging isn’t something to simply manage, but an opportunity to live with greater purpose, connection, and vitality?In the inaugural episode of Aging Matters, we sit down with Sarah McClure, a wellness and health coach, for an engaging conversation about what it really means to age well. Sarah shares practical insights on the powerful connection between mindset, movement, gratitude, sleep, breathwork, and everyday choices that can influence how we experience life as we grow older.From the surprisingly simple habits that can transform your outlook to the importance of getting comfortable with moments of stillness, Sarah offers an encouraging perspective on wellness that goes beyond exercise and nutrition. She also explores the impact of technology and isolation, the importance of human connection, and why sometimes the smallest gesture, like a smile or a moment of genuine interaction, can create a ripple effect far beyond what we realize.Whether you're looking for ways to feel more energized, reduce stress, strengthen your connection with others, or simply approach each day with greater intention, this conversation offers plenty to think about and put into practice.Aging is inevitable. How we approach it is something we can influence.Tune in to the first episode of Aging Matters and discover practical ideas for living well at every age.

Twenty-five years later, September 11, 2001 remains a day that lives vividly in the memories of those who experienced it. In this special episode of Westminster-Canterbury Tales, members of the Westminster-Canterbury community share their firsthand memories of 9/11 and the moments that changed their lives forever.From Virginia Beach and Washington, D.C., to the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and even far from home, these personal stories offer a powerful and deeply human perspective on how the September 11 attacks unfolded.Hear stories of shock and uncertainty, survival and loss, family and friendship, as well as remarkable acts of compassion and resilience. Among the voices are a 9/11 survivor at the Pentagon, a former FBI special agent who immediately became part of the investigation, an American Red Cross public relations director responding from Hampton Roads, and community members whose lives were touched by the events in deeply personal ways.More than a look back at a historic event, this episode is an oral history—a collection of memories preserved by the people who lived them. Through Westminster-Canterbury Tales, we remember September 11, 2001 not only as a pivotal moment in American history, but through the individual stories, experiences, and voices of our own community.Listen, remember, and hear September 11 through the voices of those who were there.

In the first episode of the newly renamed Tell Me Your Story, hosts Ben Frazier and resident co-host Sue Cunningham welcome Reverend Dr. Richard Keever, former pastor of Bayside Presbyterian Church and former chaplain at Westminster-Canterbury. Dick reflects on his journey from a small North Carolina town to the ministry, sharing stories about his calling, theological education, and decades of serving others. Along the way, the conversation explores the importance of listening, the power of simply being present during life's most difficult moments, the changing role of the church in a technology-driven world, and how faith continues to provide meaning amid distraction and uncertainty. Dick also discusses life as a resident and leader at Westminster-Canterbury, offering thoughtful advice on planning for the future, servant leadership, and discovering one's purpose. It's a warm and insightful conversation about faith, service, and the enduring value of human connection.

In this episode of Tell Me a Story, host Ben Fraser talks with Dr. Bill Peterson, a retired pediatric anesthesiologist whose life has been marked by medicine, family, and resilience. Born in Milwaukee while his father served overseas in World War II, Bill grew up in Illinois before pursuing medical training that took him across the country—from Chicago to Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, and finally Virginia Beach. He shares stories of raising four children (and now twelve grandchildren), navigating the challenges of medicine, and facing the harrowing moments of pediatric anesthesiology. Bill also opens up about a house fire that tested his family’s strength, his love of travel, and the humorous, sometimes perilous adventures of youth. With warmth and candor, Bill reflects on a life of service, perseverance, and the joys of family.

In this episode of Tell Me a Story, host Ben Fraser sits down with Westminster-Canterbury Early Advantage Resident Neil Helm for a remarkable journey through a life shaped by resilience, faith, and innovation. From growing up during the Dust Bowl and surviving a near-death experience at age five, to serving in the Army during the dawn of the space age and later helping pioneer satellite communications, Neil’s story is one of vision and perseverance. He recounts his work tracking Sputnik, his pivotal role at COMSAT, and groundbreaking contributions to disaster response, telehealth, and maritime communications. With humor, humility, and a storyteller’s gift, Neil reflects on the personal and spiritual moments that guided his path—from a childhood encounter with God to building technologies that connected people across the world.

Tell Me a Story: Laura DunaventIn this deeply personal episode of Tell Me a Story, host Ben Fraser sits down with Laura Dunavent, a resident of Opus Select, a sister community to Westminster Canterbury. Laura candidly reflects on her early years—from her childhood in Kentucky to a challenging family life marked by instability, betrayal, and resilience. As she traces her journey through trauma, healing, and eventually a career in nursing and advocacy for homeless veterans, Laura offers listeners a powerful narrative of perseverance.Laura also shares the inspiration behind her forthcoming memoir, As Dark As It Gets, a raw and faith-anchored account of surviving family trauma and finding strength through service and spirituality.⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised: This episode contains sensitive subject matter, including family conflict and emotional hardship, which may be distressing to some audiences.

Guided Meditation with Sarah McClure

In this episode of "Tell Me a Story with Ben Fraser," Ben Fraser interviews Michael Pawlukiewicz, a resident of Westminster-Canterbury, about his lifelong interest in birds. Michael shares stories from his childhood in Brooklyn, his time in the Coast Guard exploring the Pacific Ocean, and his career as a biologist and urban planner. The conversation delves into Michael's experiences with birding, starting from a young age where he hunted birds to his later appreciation and fascination with them.Michael discusses the diversity of bird species, both globally and locally in the Hampton Roads area, emphasizing the importance of observing nature with binoculars and taking the time to truly see the birds around us. He recounts his early birding experiences in college, where he learned about various seabirds and waterfowl. He also shares anecdotes from his time in the Coast Guard, encountering albatrosses and storm petrels in the middle of the Pacific.The conversation touches on bird migration, the concept of "seagulls" versus specific gull species, and the challenges birds face due to habitat destruction and development. Michael provides advice for those interested in getting started with birding, recommending bird feeders, binoculars, and getting out into nature. He also shares a story about a "Big Bird Day" fundraiser for a church organ where they identified 70 species of birds in a single day.The episode also features Adrian Fisher, who joins the conversation and shares his own birding experiences, including seeing an Osprey building a nest. The discussion covers various bird topics, from flightless ducks to owls, and the importance of wetlands for bird habitats. Michael also mentions the recent official designation of the American bald eagle as the national bird in December 2024. Overall, the episode is a delightful exploration of the world of birds and the joy of observing nature.Sources

Tell Me a Story - Inside the Life of an FBI Agent: John Tamm's StoryJoin us for another captivating episode in the Westminster-Canterbury Tales Podcast as part of the "Tell Me a Story" series with Ben Fraser. In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of John Tamm, a resident of Westminster Canterbury and a former FBI agent. John takes us on a journey through his illustrious career, from investigating labor racketeering and organized crime tied to the Mafia to handling high-profile armed robbery cases.He shares firsthand accounts of his work with the 9/11 Commission, unraveling the timeline behind one of history's most devastating events, and reflects on the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicated to justice. Packed with fascinating stories and historical insights, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the world of federal law enforcement and national security.

In this episode of the Westminster Canterbury Tales Podcast, Senior VP of Health and Innovation Tori Crenshaw hosts Beth Tan and Zella Byrd from Align Senior Care to discuss the tailored Medicare Advantage program available to residents at Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. The conversation highlights the program’s unique benefits, including personalized care, on-campus access to medical services, and coverage for essential health items and treatments. The episode emphasizes the program’s focus on reducing hospitalizations, improving quality of life, and supporting residents through seamless coordination between care teams, families, and Align Senior Care. For those interested, contact details for further information and assistance are provided.