At Luther Acres, we are privileged to have residents with extraordinary stories. Few are as inspiring as that of Virginia “Ginny” Musser. A retired social worker, seasoned hiker, trail volunteer, and lifelong independent spirit, Ginny is a woman who has spent her life carving her own unique path both personally and professionally.

Ginny Musser’s journey began in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she started college in 1966 while working part-time at a local hospital. This experience led her to pursue a master’s degree in social work at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, Ginny served patients for several years as a hospital social worker in Philadelphia before becoming the director of social work at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville. At Grand View, she discovered a passion for working with older adults and decided to transition into senior living. In her first role as the director of independent living, Ginny played a vital role in helping seniors stay active, engaged, and living their best lives. She continued this work at a different community, where she remained for ten years. In retirement, Ginny continued to serve—first working part-time and later volunteering at the Kissel Hill Outpatient Center, where she warmly welcomes visitors to this day.

Outside of work, Ginny discovered a love for the great outdoors in 1978 when she went on her first hike through St. Anthony’s Wilderness with the Allentown Hiking Club. She returned the following weekend to do it all again, and the rest is history. Over the years, Ginny has amassed many hiking achievements, including completing Pennsylvania’s 18 state forest trails, hiking over 500 miles of state trails, summiting all 48 peaks of the 4,000-Footer Club of the White Mountains, and completing the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine. “After a while, I had a piece here and a piece there, and then it became my mission to connect those,” Ginny said.

But Ginny didn’t just walk the trails, she helped maintain them. As a volunteer with the Keystone Trails Association for over 25 years, Ginny helped preserve the beauty of Pennsylvania’s trails by cleaning brush, cutting laurel, and reconstructing paths. Her designated section was a two-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail north of Allentown on Blue Mountain. Outside of Pennsylvania, Ginny also volunteered at Yellowstone National Park in 2016, where she worked in the Old Faithful Lodge and enjoyed hiking in the park and surrounding areas on her days off.

At Luther Acres, Ginny continues to be active and involved. She frequently enjoys nearby attractions, including walks through the Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve and visits to Hershey Gardens. She is also a faithful member of the Luther Acres Friday morning walking club. Later this year, she noted that she is eager to return to walks on the nearby rail trails and is especially excited for her annual September trip to Parker Dam State Park to witness the elk rut.

Ginny Musser is a remarkable testament to a life lived with intention, compassion, and a deep connection to both people and nature. From her early days in social work to her years of trail maintenance and outdoor exploration, Ginny has remained steadfast in her desire to make a positive impact wherever she goes, and we’re honored to have her as part of our community.

At Luther Acres, we’re proud to offer a vibrant environment where residents like Ginny can thrive—remaining socially, physically, and mentally active throughout their lives. To learn more about the many benefits and opportunities available, contact us today and discover how you too can become part of this dynamic community!