Resident Spotlight: Lou Hepschmidt sets example for women in philanthropy

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Lou Hepschmidt sets example for women in philanthropy!

He heard hints about a surprise birthday party.lou hepschmidt greeting guest

“I heard rumors, but nobody would talk,” she said.

Then came a Saturday-afternoon message that a package was waiting for her in the Homeland Center Ted Lick Room. That “package” turned out to be a room full of friends and relatives, wishing the Homeland resident a happy 90th birthday.

While Lou is known to friends and family for her generosity, she is also a recognized philanthropist, contributing to many central Pennsylvania causes and setting an example for women in philanthropy. Her many gifts to Homeland include her sizeable collection of Hummel figurines and plates, donated with custom-made display cases, and on display in the Gathering Room.

At her birthday party, Lou’s guests included three nieces who don’t live in the area but who visit regularly. As children, the girls would go to their aunt and uncle’s home for summertime stays.

“One day, she came home and told my uncle she had gotten a kitten, except there were two kittens in that box,” said niece Betty Hoffman with a laugh. “That’s how she got two kittens.”

No matter what, “She was always very good to us as kids, and now to our children,” Hoffman added.

For many years, Lou worked with her husband, John E. Hepschmidt, Jr., managing the finances of their tile business. Today, Lou channels her philanthropy through the HEP Foundation, which she and her husband created in 2003, before his death in 2008. She guides her beneficence to such bedrock causes as the Bethesda Mission homeless shelter, Friends of Fort Hunter and Wildwood, and public broadcasting station WITF.

In addition to Homeland, Lou is a fervent supporter of the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, the 30-county council covering central and northeastern Pennsylvania. She became interested in the Girl Scouts when her sister, Homeland resident Winnie Reese, worked for the Girl Scouts in their native Philadelphia.

For her many charitable works, Lou was recognized in 2011 as Philanthropist of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Fundraising Professionals, and as a Women in Philanthropy honoree by The Foundation for Enhancing Community’s Women’s Fund.

lou hepschmidt winnie reese

Lou’s positive impact on Homeland Center reaches into every corner. Visitors see her family’s impressive Hummel collection in the floor-to-ceiling custom cherry wood cabinets that were originally in her home and that she donated as well.

Outside, Lou donated the funds to create a beautiful butterfly pond in Homeland’s garden in honor of her late husband, John Hepschmidt. Through generous contributions from HEP Foundation, she makes it possible for Homeland to continue offering benevolent care and never asking anyone to leave because they have exhausted their resources.

A past member of Homeland’s Board of Managers, Lou was among the first to become a charter member of the 1867 Society of Homeland, created and tasked with raising $20 million by 2020 to support the $3 million in benevolent care Homeland provides annually.

“Other places did not have the same ambience and décor that Homeland has, and the same treatment of the residents,” Lou said of why she donated her Hummel collection and supports Homeland. “I am so pleased with the way they treat everybody here. I know I’m treated royally.’’

Homeland’s Lottery Calendar! Check here for the 2017 winners!

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A Homeland Center Lottery Calendar is truly a gift that keeps giving – to its owner as well as the community!

Through the end of December, 365 checks totaling more than $13,000 have been distributed to the winners of our daily drawings. Thanks to everyone who participated in our inaugural Anniversary calendar. 

2018 calendars are now available. To order online, please go to https://homelandcalendar.fasttransact.net/ (sold out) or contact Ed Savage at esavage@homelandcenter.org or 717-221-7885.

Not only will the money collected for every calendar benefit Homeland’s benevolent care fund, but calendar owners have a chance to win daily prizes ranging from $30 to $500. Another $13,000 will be awarded throughout 2018!

Thank you for your support of the 2017 Lottery Calendar for Homeland Center.  We started it as part of our 150th Anniversary Celebration and will be continuing it for 2018.  You can see a list of the 2018 winners by clicking here.

The 2017 winners are listed here.

Imaginative art in Homeland gallery energizes staff

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artist Judith Hummel

Judith Hummel hangs her paintings as part of Homeland Center’s program that features rotating exhibits from area artists.

When the art exhibits unique to Homeland Center go on the Florida room wall, it’s not just residents who benefit from exposure to great art. Staff, too, find a few moments in their busy days to rejuvenate and recharge.

“It’s something nice to look at when you’re walking through the hallways,” said Homeland Certified Nursing Assistant Kaneice Foster. “It’s not just plain walls.”

Homeland Center’s Florida room art gallery is devoted to quarterly rotating exhibits offered by members of the Art Association of Harrisburg. AAH selects artists whose works they believe will appeal to Homeland’s residents.

Foster was enamored of the textural, imaginative works of Judith Hummel as the artist herself was hanging her works on the wall.

“This is love!” she enthused. “I love it. I want one of these paintings in my house. They’re very unique and different, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.”

Kaneice Foster and Anna Marie Kraft

Homeland Certified Nursing Assistant Kaneice Foster and resident Anna Marie Kraft admire artist Judith Hummel’s paintings.

Hummel reaches into her imagination to produce her attention-getting works. She layers such materials as cardboard, cloth, papers, and paint additives to add sculptural dimensions, and then paints the images in vivid colors.

Many of her works put clever, modern-day twists on old stories and phrases. The old lady who lives in a shoe is selling her home. An ogre blocking a billy goat from crossing a bridge is wearing an E-Z Pass vest, in a work titled, “Troll Bridge.” The painting called “Pig in a Blanket” literally wraps the image of a pig in a multi-colored blanket.

The gallery brings the works of regionally recognized artists directly to Homeland’s residents, staff, and visitors. Hummel, of Shiremanstown, is a resident artist at CityFolk Gallery, on Lancaster’s Gallery Row, and many of the works displayed at Homeland were prize winners.

The Homeland exhibit was her first in a retirement facility. The concept is “wonderful,” Hummel said. Her works suit the residents because they feature animals, familiar stories, and past pop-culture figures, such as portraits of actresses named Shelley – Shelley Winters, Shelley Duvall – encased in shells.

“I hope the residents can get some enjoyment from it and have memories,” Hummel said. “The topics span the years. Hopefully, they can relate to them.”

A painting called “Ant Hill” featured three famous aunts – Auntie Em from “The Wizard of Oz,” Aunt Bee from “The Andy Griffith Show,” and Aunt Clara from “Bewitched.” Sharp-eyed Asia Goodbee, walking by as she finished her day as a member of Homeland’s dietary staff, caught the image of Aunt Emma from “The Jeffersons” glowing dimly in Aunt Clara’s crystal ball.

Goodbee and her colleague Unique Thomas had paused to view and discuss the works.

“It’s different,” Thomas said. “Each has got a story behind them.”

Hummel’s work is beautiful “because it just pops out at you,” Goodbee said. She enjoys the art exhibits, “especially how they change it all the time.”

“Everybody has their own take on it,” added Thomas.

CNA Foster was guiding resident Anna Marie Kraft through the exhibit.

“It’s beautiful,” Kraft said, adding with a laugh, “It’s something I can’t do!”

Juggler Chris Ivey awes Homeland residents

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Juggler Chris Ivey

One-time juggling world champion Chris Ivey delivers laughs and thrills during an hour-long show at Homeland Center.

The juggler knew what his audience wanted to see – the dangerous stuff. So he displayed a bowling ball, a garden rake, and “a very real ninja katana sword . . . case.”

Fifty-plus people filling the Homeland main dining room groaned. The actual sword would be much more dangerous. The juggler gave in, adding the sword to his rotation.

“You guys don’t let me get away with anything,” he mock-complained.

On the day before New Year’s Eve, Homeland gave residents a special treat. Character juggler Chris Ivey, a one-time juggling world champion, gave an hour-long show that delivered laughs, thrills, and audience participation.

A “character juggler” is an entertainer who juggles while spicing up the act with comedy and costumes, Ivey said as he set up for the show. The Marietta-based entertainer arrived with cases full of classic and unique items, from juggling pins and rings to that garden rake and a battle ax.

Ivey balanced the battle ax on his head while juggling several balls.

Chris Ivey juggles knives

Juggler Chris Ivey thrills his audience with an agile display of flashing knives.

“I have a splitting headache,” he told the crowd, earning another groan.

Juggling has been “a beautiful outlet” for his skills and personality since he first started practicing at 10 years old, Ivey said. “I was always the kid who couldn’t sit still. I love the movement.”

In 2002, Ivey and a partner won a gold medal at the World Juggling Championships. He has appeared on television and performed in theaters and world-famous venues, including Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Today, Ivey performs regularly and also teaches fourth grade. Retirement-community shows are a favorite.

“They’re so appreciative,” he said. “So kind. I love them.”

Throughout the hour-long show, Ivey kept the residents and staff fully engaged. They told Ivey he’d enjoy living at Homeland. They said “uh-oh” when he promised to catch a concrete bocce ball on his head (and he did catch the ball, but then showed that it was rubber).

When it was time for audience participation, he took the show to the residents. Running from one end of the room to the other, he kept plates spinning on slim poles he handed to three different residents. When all the plates were spinning at full speed, he collected them back and kept them spinning until, with a flourish, he let all three sets drop in unison to the floor.

“My wife won’t let me in the kitchen anymore,” he said.

After the show concluded with an agile display of flashing knives, Ivey told the crowd he had just presented his 73rd and last show of 2016.

“We get to end the year with you, and I can’t think of a better place to wrap up 2016,” he said.

Among residents, there were smiles all around. Harry Zimmerman said he enjoys getting out of his room for Homeland activities whenever possible. Joe Bowers said he never juggled – just “chinked things around.”

Mary Anna Borke remembered plate spinners who used to appear on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Ivey, she said, “did a variety of props, so there wasn’t all the same stuff.”

“He was very personable,” added Phoebe Berner. “He has a good sense of humor. You have to, I guess.”

 

 

 

Employee Spotlight: Teamwork is rewarding for activities coordinator Shari Yahner

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Shari Yahner

Homeland Center Activities Coordinator Shari Yahner

Teamwork is rewarding for Activities Coordinator Shari Yahner.

With an extensive career in long-term care, Shari Yahner knew that she wanted for work for Homeland Center. When a friend told her about an opening, she was thrilled to get the job.

“The staff is so caring and wonderful,” she says. “I feel so blessed to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Yahner first came to Homeland as a part-time dietary technician in June 2016, but soon, she was working full-time, spending one day a week on nutrition and the rest as a skilled-care activities coordinator. Some days, she’s helping residents make music by distributing homemade maracas to shake while a visiting musician sings familiar songs.

Other days, she works one-on-one, playing games or helping residents color adult coloring books. She’s always searching the internet for new ideas. She brought one favorite game from home – the classic Pass the Pig, when players toss plastic pigs like dice and earn points depending on how the pigs land.

“They really enjoy it,” she says. “It doesn’t take up much room, and it’s fun. It calls for adding numbers, to keep the mind working.”

Shari Yahner with a resident

“I feel so blessed to make a difference in someone’s life,” Shari Yahner says.

Homeland’s versatile staff members don’t draw boundaries on their roles but work as a team, ensuring Homeland’s continuity of care, Yahner said.

“Not only do we know the residents, but we interact with each other to make sure the quality of care is as good as it can be,” she says. “Instead of relying on agencies and contractors, Homeland is wise in using the people they have.”

With her dietary background, Yahner brings a nutritionist’s eye to Homeland’s many food-related activities. At a recent Chef’s Choice with Gill program, when residents gather in Homeland’s unique Olewine Diner to make delectable treats, the menu called for pizza bagel bites, but she helped those with difficulty chewing make little donuts, “and they really enjoyed that.”

“We have people on modified texture diets, or with disease-related illnesses, like diabetes,” she says. “I can keep an eye on those kinds of things to make sure they’re being safe while they’re having fun.”

Soon, Homeland might help Yahner learn some nursing skills, adding to her usefulness and demonstrating that Homeland “cares about the staff and helping us grow.”

“There’s a sense of caring all around, from the housekeepers to the laundry to nursing to the administrator,” she says. “It’s noticeable, and I’m so proud to be part of a team like that.”

Outside of work, Yahner enjoys walking along nature trails, reading, spending time with family and friends, and cooking especially Italian dishes or grilling chicken kabobs. Her daughter is a senior at West Chester University, studying business management and marketing.

Yahner loves hearing stories from Homeland residents. “It educates me, and it helps them reminisce,” she says. “Sometimes they’ll look at you and smile and say, ‘I love you,’ and that’s so rewarding.”

Even when she was giving manicures – “not one of my stronger suits” – she learned a lesson about Homeland teamwork when a nurse stopped to help, saying “You don’t have to be perfect at everything you do.”

“That’s the kind of care they give at Homeland,” she says. “People step in to give you a hand. The residents were laughing at us. We were like a bunch of women at the beauty parlor.”

Resident Spotlight: Ellen Warren devotes her life to community service

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Editor’s note: We are saddened to report that Ellen passed away unexpectedly and quietly on Saturday, Jan. 28. Our sincere sympathy to her husband, Bill, and her family.

Ellen Warren min

Ellen Warren

Ellen Warren devotes her life to community service!

When she was in first grade, Ellen Warren would sneak into the art room while her classmates went to recess. Ostensibly, she was helping clean the chalkboard erasers, but the teacher knew she just wanted to draw.

That introduction to art launched a lifetime of devotion to artistic endeavors and to supporting the performing and visual arts wherever she lived.

“I believe the soul needs creativity,” says Warren, a Homeland Center resident since late 2016. “The spirit needs creativity.”

Warren was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and grew up in nearby Scranton. Her father was a mining and metallurgical engineer. Her mother was a homemaker and community volunteer for “anything and everything” – American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, a local performing arts center, a health care facility.

The mother’s community spirit continued in the daughter. In Scranton, Warren was involved with the YWCA and the Everhart Museum. In neighboring Waverly, she chaired the F. Lamott Belin Arts Scholarship committee, fielding applications from artists worldwide seeking the prestigious award that helps them pursue their dreams.

“Whatever your child wants to do that is creative, encourage them,” she believes. “If it’s dance, if it’s violin, if they play the tuba, encourage them,” she says.

She moved to Harrisburg in 1988, when her husband, Bill Warren, joined the administration of his Scranton law partner, Gov. Robert P. Casey, Jr. In the capital city, she dove into a thriving arts scene. She has served as board president for Theatre Harrisburg and the Harrisburg Symphony Society, on the boards of Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and Harrisburg Art Association, and was very supportive of the Historical Society of Dauphin County.

Warren is most proud of her fundraising and “friend-raising” skills that have helped sustain the arts and community causes. With the Harrisburg Symphony Society, she co-chaired its first – and to date, most financially successful — Symphony Showcase, where local decorators display their works in a mansion, room by room.

Warren also had a long career in commercial interior decorating, helping businesses craft efficient workspaces. It started when she worked at Bloomingdale’s flagship store in New York City, where she haunted the renowned design and furniture floor. In her career, she has worked with the Palumbo Group in Scranton, as director of interior design for Harrisburg-area Benatec Associates, and with her own business.

All the while, Warren pursued her artistic talents, loving the immediacy of pencil on paper, or producing landscapes and seascapes in oil or acrylics.

“Three hours can go by on one painting, and I’ve no idea that time has passed,” she says. “I think most painters are like that.”

At Homeland, Warren enjoys the quarterly art exhibits. Homeland is another of her causes, with past service on the Homeland Board of Managers.

“It’s very friendly,” she says. “The aides and the nurses care about people on an individual basis.”

The Warrens have two grown children and “three beautiful granddaughters,” ages 12 through 25.

“They make me happy,” she says. “They tell me they love me all the time.”

Warren and her husband decided long ago to do most of their charitable giving locally, to help strengthen community bonds. As she learned from her mother, volunteering is “perfectly normal and acceptable. It’s part of who you should want to be in your community.”