Sharing Homefields

Attention all Homefields Supporters:

homefields
Issue twenty-sIx

June 2009

Homefields Incorporated 150 Letort Road P.O. Box #41 Millersville, PA 17551 www.homefields.org

Do you enjoy stopping at Homefields to pick up your fresh produce? Do you enjoy Homefields farm, experiencing the subtle and amazing seasonal changes of the gardens and fields throughout the growing season? Do you enjoy the people you meet at Homefields or at Homefields events? Would you like to share your Homefields experiences with others? Do you believe in the Mission of Homefields and have ideas about expanding our activities? Homefields Board of Directors is looking for volunteers to join our committee called: sharing homefields The Homefields Board of Directors has established a standing committee to expand the mission, property and resources of Homefields. The purpose of sharing homefields is to benefit our Community, benefit Homefields, and benefit individuals in the larger Community. Some of the initial ideas sharing homefields will focus on relate to the preservation, development and enhancement of our beautiful property and environment that we can share with others. We are also interested in sharing our service model. If you are interested in hearing more, call us at (717) 872-2012 or contact Jan Hartle at info@homefields.org. Janet Hartle

Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it. Plan more than you can do, then do it.
Anonymous

Spotlight on Residents
While our hands-on Board works to advance Homefields and better provide for our residents, our residents themselves are out in the community, taking their Homefields identity with them. The Sixth Annual Arc Walk was held April 16 at Clipper Stadium, and Homefields was there. Representing us were Brian Bixler, resident, and Joyce Smedley, President. They enjoyed the beautiful spring weather along with more than 100 other walkers to support Arc (Advocacy and Resources for Citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families). Brian received recognition for the highest number of sponsors for his work. He was accompanied by Josh Anspach, a Millersville University student who was fulfilling a service learning requirement for a freshman course. Congratulations, Brian! Victor Lyet, a resident, is employed by EARS (Ephrata Area Rehabilitation Services). At EARS 2009 Fundraising Auction and Dinner, held at the Revere Tavern on March 8. Victor was chosen to attend as representative of his program at EARS, the Vocational Unit at Cloister Avenue, Ephrata. We know you had a great time, Victor. Congratulations! We are so fortunate to have residents like Brian and Victor, who are recognized by the community as outstanding and valuable individuals who go out into the greater community, make their contributions and carry the Homefields name with them. Brian and Victor, we are very proud of YOU! Lee Eastwood The residents were recognized for their efforts during the past year in the area of physical fitness, a challenge that they had chosen to take on, and successfully completed. Each received a certificate of achievement and a medal. The staff members work under the auspices of Community Services Group, and those who have provided their exceptional support to the residents for five, ten, or more years, received applause and gifts. Those who know them bestthe parentsgave a brief appreciative description of their special talents which create the
(story continued on reverse)

In 1998 that is just what the founding board members of Homefields, Inc. did. During a board meeting in February of 1997, members discussed the future of Homefields. We wondered about our value in the community. Our initial goals had been accomplished, members wanted to move forward into vision refinement. By January 1998 we had a plan, founding board member Dee Walton, formerly Dottie Lownes, contacted Kirby Martzell, then of Life Management Associates and LMA Consulting Group. Kirby worked with board members Dee Walton and Allison G. Hawthorne to plan and conduct our first Strategic Planning session, which was held in May 1998. Our Strategic Planning process began with four questions, one of those questions being Why does

goals, and talked about ways to share Homefields with our community. Still, we wondered, were we marching off confidently in the wrong direction? How can we help the farm, Goodwill at Homefields, grow? What are the plans for future leadership of Homefields? In 2008 we contacted Mr. Martzall again and asked him to partner with us in our Strategic Planning process. He joined the board at a planning session in February of this year. Kirby brought new energy to our board, helping us to re-focus and identify areas for leadership and planning. He is continuing to support Homefields in our efforts to bring stability, growth and vision to the organization, and to our community. Some of the areas we are working on include Advocacy, Fundraising

2009 AnnuAl Recognition DinneR HelD

Once a year, members of the Homefields community gather to honor those who have made special contributions during the past year. On January 21, 2009, staff, board members, parents, and supporters met at Millers Smorgasbord for a delicious meal, lots of good fellowship, and with hearts full of gratitude. One of Homefields purposes is to provide

Homefields exist? Each January Homefields Board of Directors sets aside a day for Strategic Planning. In January 2007 we believed that we had arrived at an intersection of accomplishmentwhere do we go from here? The board decided to meet with some of our strategic partners; representatives of Lancaster County MH/MR, Community Services Group, Keystone Goodwill and others. By the time we held our January 2008 session, we had welcomed new board members and planned to bid farewell to Chris Herr and Linda Strauss, two of the founding board members. We set organizational

Events, Harley Raffle, Golf Tournament, Property and Grants. If youre interested in working with a grass roots organization, we have time limited projects and ongoing service projects. Wed like to meet you; you can reach us at (717) 872-2012 or info@Homefields.org Allison Hawthorne

Kirby founded kl martzall in 2002 and works exclusively with owners, CeOs and Presidents of organizations. He facilitates and frames the development of strategic plans, as well as succession plans. Visit him at www.klmartzall.com

Board of Directors
Joyce S. Smedley, President Jay M. Groff, Vice President Barbara J. Spiegelberg, Secretary Bennett F. Berhow, Treasurer Terry W. Blue W. Lee Eastwood Janet M. Hartle Allison G. Hawthorne Suzanne Ollar Thomas E. Strauss

Co-founder Linda Strauss congratulates long-term staff member Elise Abbato.

Residential Mission: To create financially secure, longterm homes for adults with special needs in safe, family-like settings where there is respect for the individual in a holistic sense, and fun and creativity are revered, as basic human needs. Vocational Mission: To provide horticultural facilities for individuals who prosper with supported employment, to nurture integration through community interaction, and to cultivate a spirit of volunteerism within our community.
The official registration statement and financial information of Homefields may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

the residents with a varied, nurturing and family like settings where there is respect for the individual in a holistic sense, and fun and creativity are revered as basic human needs, as stated in our mission statement. Our extended family includes all the people who participate in the various aspects of our activities, and this yearly gathering is an important means of strengthening our ties.

Honorary Board
James Determan Dorothy L. Lyet

Non-elect Members
Scott Breneman, Farm Manager, Goodwill at Homefields Melody Edwards, Residential Supervisor, Community Services Group at Homefields Tricia Warfel, Recording Secretary, Homefields

Melody Edwards, staff supervisor, Community services Group (foreground), faces Victor Lyet, Homefields resident.

A New and Homegrown Board Member

My name is Jay Groff. I have been married to my beautiful wife Becky for nearly two years and I enjoy my two step-children, Josh and Emily, immensely. I currently am living in Manheim Township, but my heart is in southern Lancaster County. I grew up in the small village of Nine Points in Bart Township. It was there that I came to appreciate Lancaster County as its finest. I enjoyed open farm land, fresh air (unless our Amish neighbors were spreading manure) and the simple joys of being a kid and playing in corn fields, splashing in the local creek and riding bikes on the back roads. I have traveled throughout the United States and I love experiencing the American way of life. I have rented a cabin in the woods of North Carolina and driven through the vineyards of Sonoma, California. I have walked the Grand Canyon and the paths of Central Park in New York City. I have watched the sun go down from a pier in Key West and I have seen it come up over Lake Michigan in Chicago. Never would I have imagined as a kid that I would have been to the places I have seen. My parents went to Florida once when I was young, to visit my brother who was in the service at the time, and this was the furthest they ever were or ever have been away from home. My parents were hard workers and instilled upon me a strong work ethic. For all of my adult life, I have been in the foodservice industry. I started washing pots and pans in a large tourist restaurant on Rt 30 right out of high school. Within a year, I went from the pot and pan sink to being the assistant manager. Since then, I have held every restaurant position that there is but I love the job Im doing now. I am currently the purchasing agent for Millers Smorgasbord and Plain and Fancy Farm Restaurant. It allows me to meet people, travel a little and to bargain for the best deals possible. Its challenging and rewarding. I came to know the Homefields organization through Tom and Linda Strauss. They were involved with the Golf Tournament foodservice in the past, and the Harley Davidsons which we award can be seen setting in our lobby. Through the Strausss, I was able to see the dedication and passion that the Homefields Board put into the activities that they produced, and I wanted to help in any way I could. I was fortunate enough to be asked to sit on the golf tournament committee. I have enjoyed helping put the event together and, hopefully, to help it grow. The cause touched me personally, because I have an uncle who is an adult that has mental challenges, and my family had to find a place for him to live. Luckily we found a great place south of Willow Street. I came to appreciate the group home environment and the work that goes into running such a place. This past year, I was asked to sit on the Homefields board of directors and I was honored to even be considered. I have enjoyed working with the other board members, and I am looking forward to our future, working together. Jay Groff

Recent Friends of Homefields

During the fall and winter of 20082009, these Friends of Homefields have made contributions and supported our mission. Many thanks to these individuals, who understand so well the work we do. Without your support, it would be difficult to provide the services and activities which enrich the lives of our residents.

$500 Caroline S. Nunan $100$200 Joseph R & Anna Wallace-Digarbo Margaret J. Neff John Herrs Village Market, Inc. Kay Welty United Way Nabil Bouaname $25$50 Carol Carter Harold & Beverly Farmer Fred Lefever James & Sharon Roberts Shirley C. Richardson

2009 AnnuAl Recognition DinneR (contd.)

Two special events were the roasts of two of the original Board members who have retired this year. Linda Strauss and Christian R. Herr, Jr. were part of the original group that formed Homefields and have sat on its Board ever since. Their contributions and guidance were essential to the success of Homefields. We know that their hearts remain with us and that they will continue to contribute to the Homefields community in many ways. Our gratitude for their long efforts on Homefields behalf is unending. Barbara Spiegelberg

President Joyce Smedley presents certificate of achievement to Theodor Lyet, resident.

atmosphere within which the residents flourish. Honored were Melody Edwards10 years; Megan Ham5 years; and Elise Abbato10 years. A slide presentation by Board member Allison G. Hawthorne was an interesting quick journey through the history of Homefields, including its residents and special activities. Beautiful pictures of the organic garden, presided over by Goodwills farm manager, Scott Breneman, and the restoration of the historic shed, which is now Homefields office and board room, completed the survey.

Stefan Latshaw receives his certificate from Melody and Joyce.

Donations

Please make checks payable to Homefields Inc. Forms are also available online at www.homefields.org

Spring is Here, and How!

Another springtime is here: planting seeds in flats in the greenhouse, transplanting onions and leeks, planting beet, carrot, and pea seed in the field, pruning the blueberry bushes and peach trees ...just a few of things that mean spring here at The Farm Program. This is our tenth season of growing fruits and vegetables for shareholders, and it is interesting to see how the farm has changed over the years. We started out in spring 2000 as a four-day program for trainees, with a group of 28 shareholders who committed to trusting us for the season. Now, ten years later, we have a five-day training program for trainees, with over 100 trainees having participated in the farm program and 160 or more families as shareholders. In many ways, not much has changed, but if you look closely, you can see the differences: small fields have been joined together, the second greenhouse contains plants instead of a tractor and shop tools, there is an equipment shed, the Asian pear trees are blooming, the persimmon and pawpaw trees are leafing out, and the 2

a Yes, Id like to help Homefields with my tax-deductible contribution: ___ $25 ___ $50 ___ $100 ___ Other a Please send me _____ tickets for the Harley-Davidson raffle at $5 each. Total enclosed $ _______ Name ________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________________ State_____ Zip _________ Telephone_____________________________________________________________ email address __________________________________________________________

Method of Payment:
a Check a MasterCard a Visa a Discover/Novus a American Express Card # _______________________________________________________________ Exp. Date ____ / _____ Security Code (3- or 4-digit number on front or back) __________

berry hill contains blueberries, red raspberries, black raspberries, and blackberries. Grape and kiwi vines grow on trellises and the pergola. We now use a transplanter to plant the tens of thousands of transplants that we grow, having outgrown the plugger, a hand tool which makes divots for the plants to be planted in by hand. A precision seeder plants seeds at set intervals so that carrots are spaced at 1 seed per each, or 1 pumpkin seed every 5 feet. Something new that started in the fall is chickens! They were hatched out in an incubator in October, and five months later, they are laying eggs. They will add to soil fertility, eat compost items and reduce pests and weed seeds and of course, lay eggs. We are excited about the integration of plants, animals and systems that complement each other. We are going full speed ahead on the planting and transplanting these weeks. We anticipate a fruitful harvest once again, and we are looking forward to seeing you in June! For further information, please contact me at: sbreneman@yourgoodwill.org Scott Breneman, Farm Manager

Signature _____________________________________________________________
a PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST a PLEASE REMOVE ME FROM YOUR MAILING LIST

registration Form for the

HOMefields 13TH AnnuAl fAll ClAssiC GOlf TOuRnAMenT
fRidAy, sePTeMBeR 18, 2009 B

How to assemble your very own

Choice #1: Complete the form below and mail it by August 31 with your check to Homefields, P.O. Box 41, Millersville, PA 17551 or Choice #2: Register online at www.homefields.org Groups or persons interested in being a sponsor should contact Terry Blue at 717 684-2379 (leave a message) or at twblue@comcast.net o Morning round, $80.00, registration and breakfast at 7:00 AM, golf at 7:30 AM followed by lunch and prizes. o Afternoon round, $80.00, registration starting at 11:30 AM with lunch available to purchase, golf at 12:30 PM followed by dinner and prizes. o Morning and Afternoon rounds, $140.00, registration and breakfast at 7:00 AM, golf at 7:30 AM followed by lunch; golf at 12:30 PM followed by dinner and prizes.

. CuT AlOnG line A AT BOTTOM Of THis PAGe. . fOld inwARds AlOnG line B. . AdMiRe yOuR HAndiwORk BRiefly. Try not to gloat. . ATTACH TO RefRiGeRATOR wiTH MAGneT. or . PlACe On niGHTsTAnd And COunT dAys unTil 9/18, or . lAMinATe And CARRy in HAnd unTil dAy Of TOuRnAMenT sO yOu dOnT fORGeT.

Golfer name 1

City/state/Zip

Phone

email

Total enclosed $_______ a Check a MasterCard a Visa a Discover/Novus a Amex

Crossgates is a soft-spike golf course. Current iRs regulations say you may only deduct the amount of payment that exceeds the benefit you received. A receipt will be provided for all contributions exceeding $250. The official registration statement and financial information of Homefields may be obtained from the Pennsylvania dept. of state by calling toll free, within PA, (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Card # _____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date ____ / _____ Security Code (3- or 4-digit number on front or back) ________

Signature ___________________________________________________________

Editors Notes And the Spotlight Should Focus Upon.

Being my first issue as editor, I want to place the spotlight on a man who makes it possible for you to learn and enjoy news of Homefields many programs, activities, and newsworthy goings-on. His name is Dave Strauss, and as he lives and works in New York, he may not be well known to you...but he should!! One of the boards standing committees is Media, and Dave is chair of this important arm of Homefields. Many of us, including me, write the stories and reports which comprise our Spring and Fall Newsletters, yet there is an arduous and time-consuming journey between our word processing and the folded Newsletter we deliver to you. Dave is a volunteer who makes that journey twice a year, and it takes tremendous skill and sophistication to make the trek. He takes our copy, designs and lays out the map of the published piece youre reading now, and visits any number of other stops along the way. It requires extensive education and knowledge of the publication business, and Dave has a broad background in it. With an English degree from Vassar College, and a Master of Science degree in Communication Design from Pratt Institute, he has traveled all over the Publications map to be where he is now, as Creative Director of Teachers College Press at Columbia University. He has designed book covers, signage, newsletters, direct mail pieces, trademarks, identity systems, websites, and catalogs. Underwriting (no pun intended) all of these, he has written copy, lectured for Pace University, been a Marketing

Assistant, and handled order fulfillment. His personal journey has been rich with variety. One might view him as a jack of all trades and a master of most! Dave has other lives as well. He, his wife Tamiko and daughter Samantha live in New Rochelle, New York. He also grew up in Lancaster County, being the son of Linda and Tom Strauss, who, since originating Homefields in 1993, have worked tirelessly to bring our mission statement to life. Daves dad remains on the board, still. Lisa Strauss, his sister, is a resident of Homefields, so when younger Strausses visit Lancaster, Dave invariably visits the farm. We are deeply indebted, and words cannot express the appreciation we hold for Dave and his work with Homefields through the years. Its said that all of us are expendable, but Dave is a challenge and is nearly irreplaceable. And, while publishing this very article might cause Dave slight thoughts of embarrassment, I know I speak for the entire Homefields Community when I respectfully recognize and thank him for so many jobs well done, and say how great a heart he has in bringing Homefields to you with each Newsletter. I ask you to remember Dave Strauss, who truly deserves that spotlight! Lee Eastwood

Victor Lyet resident, pulls the winning Harley raffle ticket, as board member Jay Groff looks on.

Love Homefields, Will Travel....

All the way to Long Island, that is! The 2009 Valentines Day Bike Raffle winner, whose ticket was drawn at the farm on Valentines Day, was Ted Hughes, of Massapequa, New York. Ted bought four tickets at Millers Smorgasbord while visiting Lancaster County with his wife and two children. Mr. Hughess bike experience has been limited to dirt bikes until now, as the kids arent old enough to hold a license. He may venture out to the road soon, however, because his wifes cousin and two friends at his workplace love riding bikes. Funds raised from the raffle support Homefields homes, which provide housing for residents with mental retardation. They also support Homefields farm, and farmers with developmental disabilities or other special needs. These funds support the horticultural vocational program, Homefields land, buildings, and equipment, all of which are the result of Homefields visionary leadership. Ted Hughes can take a chance again, already, on a Harley-Davidson, and you can, too! Just visit the Homefields website at www.homefields.org, or wait for an order form in the next issue of The Homefields Newsletter With his new Harley-Davidson 2008 XL 883C Sportster, Ted can spread the word of Homefields work wherever he goes. Now that would be true love! Jay Groff

Homefields Hostess

Gail Hawthorne, hostess for our strategic planning day, is pictured in the kitchen with her daughter, Allison, in her historic Mt. Joy farm house. Gails delicious cooking and hospitality provided a wonderful setting for the hard work of the Board. Not only is Gail a delightful hostess, the 1897 farm house is a picturesque setting. Thanks, Gail, for having us for the third consecutive year! Joyce Smedley

FeaturIng: Special #13 activities 4 Hole-In-One prizes regular contests and prizes unusual activities youve come to expect from Homefields aM round PM round Play all day Fun, Friends, Food

With Homefields, you cant miss.

(I mean, seriously. How could you?)

13

fRidAy, sePTeMBeR 18, 2009 7:30 AM OR 12:30 PM

CROssGATes GOlf CluB 1 CROsslAnd PAss MilleRsville, PA

Non-Profit Organ. U.S. Postage PAID Lancaster, PA Permit No. 1928

Issue twenty sIx June 2009

Homefields newsletter

Address Service Requested

sAve THe dATe! Homefields 13th Annual Golf Tournament is friday, september 18, 2009

Homefields 150 Letort Road P.O. Box #41 Millersville, PA 17551

see inside fOR deTAils