Stories

‘They just love people’: Homeland Center and Homeland Hospice volunteers honored

April 26, 2016

When Ronald Brinkley visits Homeland Hospice patients, he believes he gets more out of the encounters than they do. “It’s been a blessing and truly a privilege,” said Brinkley. “You get to know them well. Most of them are very gracious and thankful that somebody came to see them.” Brinkley…

Homeland residents, separate but together, keep their love alive

March 10, 2016

On the rainy day when Don and Lorraine Englander first met, he was whistling “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.” That was around 1978, and it has been their song ever since. Today, the Englanders live in separate Homeland wings but they get together every day to talk, laugh, watch…

Homeland Center’s Kings and Queens of Hearts warm a February day

February 23, 2016

In their 67 years of marriage, Flora and Jeff Jespersen have discovered a thing or two about lasting relationships. “It takes a little bit of tolerance for each other,” said Jeff Jespersen. The Jespersens also enjoy the unexpected, and for Valentine’s Day, they got a real surprise – their election…

Homeland Center’s staff get a well-deserved ‘thank you!’

February 21, 2016

While Homeland Center’s role has changed since it was founded almost 150 years ago, one thing has remained the same – the commitment of the staff to those who depend on them for care. More than 200 Homeland Center and Homeland Hospice staff gathered this month for the annual recognition…

Holiday door decorating contest brings winter wonderland indoors

December 24, 2015

2015 Homeland Door Decorating Contest Winners: 115 – Martha Finley & Wanda Kardos 207 – Harold Hixon & Raymond Caldwell E6 – Wanda Berger & Agatha Goodwin 1N2 – Eleanor Allen Nativity scenes and reindeer. Snowmen and penguins. All brightened the hallways of Homeland Center this Christmas, as residents adorned…

With Herm Minkoff, the news is never dull

December 16, 2015

Herm Minkoff stands in the Homeland Diner before a group of residents. On the table are news clippings and books. “Who has been following the stock market?” he asks. “It’s up,” says one resident. “About 300.” It’s been a volatile couple of weeks, Minkoff agrees. “The stock market right now is…