Stories

On the home front: Homeland Center residents did their part for the war effort

On the home front: Homeland Center residents did their part for the war effort

  May 19, 2021

All it took to reunite two childhood friends was a World War II-era photo and the Homeland Center newsletter. As Memorial Day 2021 approaches, it is also a reminder that America’s veterans who once served in uniform were backed to the hilt by those doing their part at home –…

Board of Managers member Deborah Brinser McDivitt: A place called home for generations of moms

Board of Managers member Deborah Brinser McDivitt: A place called home for generations of moms

  May 5, 2021

The last big gathering at Homeland Center before COVID-19 changed everything was a sock hop featuring a performance from the lively Elvis Presley tribute artist Dennis Heckard. He recognized resident Jean Brinser, a neighbor from Newport, and lavished her with attention. Jean’s daughter, Deborah Brinser McDivitt, said her mother was…

Activities Coordinator Diomaris Pumarol: Brings the spice of life to Homeland residents

Activities Coordinator Diomaris Pumarol: Brings the spice of life to Homeland residents

  April 16, 2021

Looking to change up your exercise routine? How about cardio drumming? “You hit a big ball,” says Activities Coordinator Diomaris Pumarol. “We play music from the ‘50s and ‘60s that residents connect with and they drum along.” The cardio drumming is one example of how Diomaris brings boundless energy and…

Infection control at Homeland: Strict attention to safety without disrupting quality of life

Infection control at Homeland: Strict attention to safety without disrupting quality of life

  April 16, 2021

When a housekeeper suggested to Homeland’s Infection Preventionist Emile Shumbusho that the clock in Homeland Center’s Main Gathering Room would be a good, centralized place for a hand sanitizer station, he readily agreed. “That’s a fantastic idea,” he told the housekeeper. “Let’s do it right away.” Teamwork, agility, and communications…

Homeland resident Lyn Russek: A wonderful life

Homeland resident Lyn Russek: A wonderful life

  April 16, 2021

Lyn Russek likes to say that she’s lived a full life – and has the stories to prove it. As a Homeland Center resident, she enjoys attentive care and her personal care suite’s serenity. She is happy to share memories of her years stretching from department stores’ heyday to a…

Homeland Dietary Supervisor Jermaine Simmons: Serving up respect and passion

Homeland Dietary Supervisor Jermaine Simmons: Serving up respect and passion

  March 16, 2021

For Dietary Supervisor Jermaine Simmons, working at Homeland Center is more than a fulfilling job – it’s a family tradition. He heard great things about Homeland from his grandmother, Amelia Hope, who worked in the laundry, and his aunt, Melody Flemming, a receptionist. When longtime Assistant Director of Nutritional Services…