Stories

Artist Kelly Charlesworth standing next to one of her paintings

Artist Kelly Charlesworth: Capturing a sense of place

A young artist’s mischief turned her family’s world purple when Kelly Charlesworth, a perfectly behaved child by all appearances, left behind an unexpected canvas — her bedsheets, transformed with a single crayon. What began as a childhood mystery would spark

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group of smiling runners at the 5k and memorywalk finish line

Homeland Hospice 5K and Memory Walk Set for Oct. 4

Homeland Hospice, a nonprofit outreach program of Homeland Center in Harrisburg, will host its 11th annual 5K and Memory Walk on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. at the Rossmoyne Business Center at 5000 Ritter Road in Mechanicsburg. The event serves to

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homeland residents bill and ellen wismer smiling together

Ellen and Bill Wismer: Making Homeland their home

Bill Wismer, a cherished resident of Homeland Center, passed away on November 7, 2025. We remember him with deep affection and gratitude for the passionate spirit he shared with our community. Ellen and Bill Wismer are lifelong gardeners whose passion

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resident art wiand

Homeland Resident Art Wiand: Focused on family

Art Wiand grew up in a family-oriented atmosphere, which is why he felt at home the first time he set foot in Homeland. “It’s one big happy family,” he said. “The majority of us socialize a lot.” Art is a central Pennsylvania native who grew up around Sunbury and Northumberland.

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blackjack dealer at casino day

Casino Day brings Lady Luck to Homeland

Two cards sat on the green felt in front of Geoffrey Davenport, a seven and a nine. The next card could put him over 21, for a losing hand, but he took a chance. Geoffrey declined another card when the blackjack dealer put down a three, bringing his hand to

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logo for the music and memory program

The Power of Music in the Lives of Hospice Patients

“You, my brown eyed girl.” The lyrics of “Brown Eyed Girl,” Van Morrison’s nostalgic and catchy song from 1967, is familiar to many and a portal to another time for others. For anyone growing up in the 1960s, this song and others from this era evoke memories of times with

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resident Pino Filardo and his wife Janet

Homeland Resident Pino Filardo: From Italy to Pennsylvania

World War II came directly to Pino Filardo’s childhood hometown of Catanzaro, Italy. The beautiful capital of Calabria, known as “the City of the Two Seas,” was under siege from bombings. Even his school was bombed, but young Pino wasn’t there that day because he was home sick. Most of

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homeland social worker amanda williams and director of social services daniqwa buckner

Homeland Social Workers Make the Puzzle Pieces Fit

What do social workers do? At Homeland, they help families navigate the complexities that are often involved with caregiving. “The hard work shouldn’t be on the family,” said Homeland social worker Amanda Williams. “They should just be coming to visit their loved ones. They shouldn’t have to worry about the

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employees organizing the staff pantry cleanse event

Staff Pantry Cleanse Fills Pantries, Bellies, and Hearts

“When was the last time you went through and cleaned out your pantry?” It was an excellent question, posted on the first Homeland Community Outreach Pantry Cleanse flier. Most people have extras or unwanted items in their pantries. The taco mix packet purchased when there were three at home. The

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homeland staff with wellness coordinator roxane hearn

American Heart Month at Homeland: Healthy staff, happy residents

When Homeland Employee Wellness Coordinator Roxane E. Hearn, PhD sees Homeland Center staff wearing scrubs that have grown baggy from weight loss, it warms her heart. “You see them moving faster,” she said. “They say they’re not as tired on their shift or feel they have more energy to spend

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barb and phil talarico smiling together

Barbara and Phil Talarico’s Carpool Love Story

A love connection often begins at the most unexpected time. An ordinary day can be the start of an extraordinary relationship. Call it destiny or luck, 40 years ago on a cold and wintry day, Phil Talarico saw his now wife Barbara waiting for the bus to go to work.

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Events

'two 5k participants crossing the finish line'

Homeland Hospice 5K and Memory Walk

October 3, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Rossmoyne Business Center in Mechanicsburg

EVENT DETAILS

'view from behind of two people sitting and holding hands'

Bereavement Six Week Support Group

October 13, 2026 - November 17, 2026
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Homeland Hospice Office, Suite 265B, 2300 Vartan Way, Harrisburg

EVENT DETAILS

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