It has been 159 years since President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. What he said that day in
Bob Timpko appeared lost in thought as his fellow Veterans commented after seeing a short film depicting a soldier’s first-hand account of fighting in World War II’s Battle of the
Eufemia Cruz-Santana loves her sweets. A candy jar sits enticingly on her windowsill, and she offers a visitor a cherry Life Saver. A few minutes later, she digs through the
Hannah Sprow is Steelton born and bred, but her heart belongs to a cabin in the woods. From childhood, Hannah and her family would spend summers amid the forests of Pine Grove Furnace. “I loved that place,” she says. “It
Bravery and honor are words reserved for the select few who have risked their lives in service of our country. For United States Air Force and Navy veteran Donald McClarren of Boiling Springs these are the words he lived by
For Jeff Mattern, post-surgery rehab at Homeland Center was eye-opening as well as physically recuperative. “It was one of the most enlightening experiences I’ve had,” Jeff says. “I learned a lot about what goes on in a nursing facility. I
Overheard at Homeland Employee Appreciation Day 2021: “They have chicken tacos and chicken and beef.” “Oh, no! Where’s the strawberry?” “That’s the best milkshake I ever had.” It was a bounty of food and treats, with a generous side helping
Everyone loves the signs of summer. Fresh strawberries. Flowers in bloom. Music in the air. Homeland Center residents and staff enjoyed them all as they welcomed the warm weather during the “Signs of Summer” gathering under the Chet Henry Memorial Pavilion. Balloons and decorations in bright blues, greens, pinks, and
Homeland Center resident Ray Caldwell remembers the joy of French fries on a warm night. “As a kid, I’d go to local fairs in the street,” he said. “In the summertime, people had fairs, maybe a block fair or carnival. Fries were always one of the main items. It was
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
As published at “Moments of Life,” National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, April 2016 Karen, a long-time Homeland Hospice volunteer, was assigned to visit Mary Frances shortly after she was admitted to hospice services. Mary Frances lived in a skilled nursing facility, and although she had family who visited and
In 2012, Andy Lank’s parents died within eight months of each other. In the midst of caring for them and then grieving their deaths, Andy and his wife, Sherry, found consolation from the people of Homeland Hospice. “They really helped us through the grieving process and were able to ask
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
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
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
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
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
