Stories

Music therapy sparks memories, fosters communication

August 19, 2014

Melanie Isaac is handing out musical instruments, of a sort – hand chimes, turkey calls, paper towel rolls wrapped in fuchsia and green duct tape. Preparing to sing “Jimmy Crack Corn,” she faces the eight Homeland Center residents who are gathered in a semi-circle and pulls out a plastic ear…

Homeland volunteers keep its popular Ted Lick Room library up to date

August 13, 2014

Marie Andrews is perusing the books on the shelves in Homeland Center’s newly renovated library and activities room. “We have John Grisham books, and we have Tom Clancy,” says Marie. “We have Patterson. We have Debbie Macomber, who is very popular. Nora Roberts.” “We have a lot of Nora Roberts,”…

Homeland’s CEO makes a big splash at Summertime Fair

August 10, 2014

Homeland resident Mary Peterson, assisted by caregiver Chris Fulton, gets ready to dunk center President and CEO Barry Ramper II. Barry S. Ramper II begged Mary Peterson not to hit the button that would send him into the dunk tank. The center’s president and CEO playfully wagged a finger and…

Emergency preparedness keeps Homeland Center’s residents safe

July 14, 2014

It’s an unfortunate reality in today’s world that organizations of all types must imagine – and prepare and train for – the worst emergency scenarios. Detailed disaster and emergency planning is at the heart of Homeland Center’s commitment to the safety and security of our residents and staff. Preparation begins…

Sports talk at Homeland with Herm Minkoff covers all the bases

June 24, 2014

Herm Minkoff asks the group: Should colleges pay their athletes? After all, schools make millions. Coaches make millions, plus bonuses for steering their teams toward championship games. Dick Simons believes in a “reasonable reimbursement,” after accounting for scholarships and such. Verna Tarasi isn’t sure. Stanley Fabiano agrees with Simons that…

As Homeland Center celebrates its 147th year, a former administrator recalls challenges and triumphs

June 12, 2014

It was 1975, and Homeland Center’s first paid administrator had a lot to do – implement strict state safety codes, adopt city fire regulations and restructure how care was provided to qualify for Medicaid and Medicare. But Isabelle Smith added another task to the serious safety and financial issues on…