With his decades in food service, George Shum has learned that the small details make a big difference. “We ensure our plates are preheated to keep the food warm,” said
Rita Van Meter of Lewistown was known as the “miracle lady” by staff at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital after she survived a medical episode in August of 2022. During her hospitalization, Rita
From her earliest years, Marilyn LaDieu had relatives who were artists and who always encouraged her in her artistic pursuits. “I have memories of people saying, ‘Oh, Marilyn’s an artist.
The Civil War (1861-1865) took our country through some of its darkest days as states and families found themselves on opposite sides of the fight. When the war ended on April 9, 1865, our country had lost more than 620,000
The Homeland resident known as Mr. Randy had a request. He likes country music – all of it. No particular artist. Just classic country. Music therapist Hannah Brezinski had just the thing. “Hank Williams,” she said. “We’re going to shake
Attention to detail is a hallmark of Homeland’s excellence, and it starts in the finance office. “A number, a letter, a point, or a dot somewhere can mean a mistake in the information,” said Sonia Miralda, a Homeland financial assistant.
Caring for family is important to Pat Wise, whether it was helping to look after her siblings, her own daughter and granddaughter, or children at the residential Milton Hershey School. Pat and her first husband, Robert Samuel Townsley, moved from
Caregivers who take good care of themselves are in a better position to take care of others. Caregiving is a meaningful and important role, but it’s often an around the clock job with multiple responsibilities, new demands, and challenges that leave little time for normal routines and self-care that are
Gloria Walters and her sister make the most of Homeland. Gloria Walters grew up as the youngest of six children, but she was never the stereotypically spoiled baby sister. “With six of us, the housework and the cooking, I don’t think Mom had any time to spoil any of us,”
“Here we have another polka,” Harry Minskey told his Homeland audience. “But this could be something strange to all of you, that we might play a song you never heard of, one called ‘The Beer Barrel Polka.’” The audience got the joke. Right away, they told Minskey that, of course,
Jennifer Parsons keeps residents moving forward! She is leading Homeland residents in exercises meant to maintain flexibility. “Feet in front of you, roll your ankles,” she instructs. “One, two, three.” They count up to 10. Then, she says, “Opposite way. One, two, three . . .” The ankle-rolling concluded, Parsons
As our parents age, as we age, life sometimes doesn’t go as planned. Mom may get sick and need around the clock expert nursing care. Dad isn’t the same after Mom passed and needs some assistance, but still wants to live his life as independently as he possibly can. They
As Homeland Center celebrates its 150th anniversary, its future lies in continuing to provide excellent care at its historic Harrisburg location as well as expanding to meet the growing healthcare needs throughout the Central Pennsylvania region. Quality, continued growth and full commitment to Homeland’s founding principles was the message delivered
For three years, Henry Weaver’s mother-in-law lived at Homeland Center, and she always had visitors. Weaver’s wife, Peggy, visited Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Henry Weaver came on Sundays, joining her for lunch in the dining room. “She was well-loved by people here,” Henry Weaver says. Though her husband had
Carmella “BJ” Williams brings artistry and heart to Homeland’s kitchen! Carmella “BJ” Williams was standing by the flea market booth at Homeland’s annual summer fair when a resident’s son approached and said, “I just want to thank you for everything that you do.” It meant the world to her. “It
In 1917, Homeland Center celebrated its 50th anniversary. It was a time of compassion and progress. The facility was expanding, even installing Harrisburg’s first elevator. Also in 1917, Genevieve Culbertson Cutshall was born in Mt. Union, Pennsylvania. It was the beginning of a life that would include trips to all
When it comes to childhood memories of fish dinners, opinions are divided. “When my mom made fish, I didn’t like it,” said Gloria Walters. “I always liked fish, and I used to love to go fishing,” said Sarah Lewis. However, on a pleasant, sunny September day, Homeland residents found common
