Stories

Resident Carl Barna grows a community garden

July 20, 2023

Carl Barna is looking over the Homeland vegetable garden when he spots a tomato, ripe and red. “Oh, my gosh,” he said. “Did you see that? Look at that. Holy cow.” Carl is a lifelong gardener who never ceases to delight in his creations, and now, he gets to share…

Homeland resident Katherine Harrity: Self-sufficiency and a sense of humor

July 6, 2023

Katherine Harrity calls herself a smart aleck, but in reality, she is a satisfied Homeland resident with a quick, self-deprecating wit. “I’ve been here for a while, and they haven’t put me out on the street with a sign that said, ‘Take me,’” she said with a laugh. In her…

Homeland receptionist Kristen Tate: Giving with love

June 27, 2023

When Kristen Tate accepted a part-time job as a Homeland receptionist in August 2022, she loved it so much that she wished it could be full-time. Two months later, a full-time position opened. Now, Kristen is the friendly voice and smiling face greeting family, staff, and visitors from 6 a.m….

Homeland resident Margie Welby: Seeing the world and raising a family

June 21, 2023

Just back from living in Germany and Japan, where her father was stationed, 16-year-old Marjorie Welby and her family in the late 1950s moved to her dad’s new posting: Fort Dix in New Jersey. One day when Margie was working in the post-exchange men’s department, a young soldier asked for…

Afternoon Tea Party Fit for Royalty

June 16, 2023

Afternoon tea is a quintessential English custom and fashionable social event. It is a time to pause in the afternoon for refreshments, petite sandwiches, desserts and conversation with friends. Homeland Center residents recently donned handmade fascinators or boutonnieres for a special tea party hosted by Homeland Center’s Board of Managers,…

Artist Phiroza Kapadia: Subtle layers bring serenity to Homeland gallery

June 8, 2023

Maybe it brings to mind a patchwork of scrap paper made by a schoolkid in art class, but Phiroza Kapadia elevates the art form into seamless, peaceful works of art. Serene lotuses. Elegant geishas. Twittering birds and gliding swans. Phiroza’s works are on display at the Homeland Florida Room Gallery,…