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homefields

Issue t wen t y-t wo • may 2007 Homefields Incorporated


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

Donations Founders Determan President’s Message


December 2006—February 2007 and Lyet Honored Homefields is in The volunteer Board
$1,000 Beginning this year on the warmest transition. It is an of Directors is manag-
Mrs. Caroline S. Nunan exciting time.... It is ing Homefields quite
of notes, 34 people representing the
$500 many facets of Homefields gathered at a time for reflection well. Recognition
Mark R. Fahnestock, M. R. Fahnestock a dinner on January 16 to honor and on the past.... It is a and support have
Fine Carpentry pay tribute to Mr. James Determan time for examination been received from
of the present.... It is foundations, legisla-
$300–$400 and Mrs. Dorothy L. Lyet, Founding
a time for vision for tors, politicians, and
Saint Mark’s United Methodist Parents. the future...what has county administra-
Church Mr. Determan is the parent of Mary been, what is, and tions. Mortgages
Beth Determan, a woman who lives what is possible. As are being reduced;
$100–$200
Determan Equipment Co., in the ranch house at Homefields. the first “non-found- equity is increasing.
James Determan Mrs. Lyet is the parent of Victor and ing” President of the The property is well
Jane Shipe Dunlop Theodor Lyet, residents of Home- Board of Directors, I maintained; Goodwill
Michael E. Sahd fields’ stone house and ranch house, am both honored and at Homefields is
Joyce S. Smedley respectively. challenged. flourishing. The office
Robert E. “Tack” Trostle Ms. Joyce S. Smedley, President, is almost ready for
Kay A. Welty What Has Been occupancy. The state
Board of Directors, Homefields spoke
Homefields is unique, of Homefields Incor-
$25–$50 of the remarkable decade plus years a prototype. It is a Joyce S. Smedley, President, Homefields
porated is good.
Cora Lynn Gingrich of dedication, unfailing support, and remarkable accom-
John Gregory devotion both Mr. Determan and Mrs. plishment by a small group of very TRANSITION
Hershey Groff, Jr. Lyet freely gave to promote the success dedicated founding members. They As original Board members decrease
*Cindy Jennings should be celebrated. Let’s have a involvement, the office must be fur-
Lloyd N. Miller party. Let us know if you will help to nished. Procedures and policies need
*Brandt D. Schuller plan it. to be formalized, committees need to
A. Tamasin Sterner The history of Homefields developed
Dennis Weber by volunteers should be documented
$5–$10 while the founders are still available.
We have already lost one.
Knowing that our
Tony Legenstein
*Fawn Lilly Archives of Homefields’ history
need to be established to be available
residents regard
John Meehan
for reference for others with similar
Endowment / Legacy Donation needs and dreams. This would be an Homefields as their real
interesting project for the right per-
$100
Judith S. Sandt son. Perhaps a student could fulfill a home reinforces me.
course requirement. Perhaps a history
$50 buff could incorporate it into Manor
William and Joyce Smedley, Township’s legacy.
In Honor of James Determan It is a story worth preserving. It be strengthened. Volunteers need to
and Dorothy Lyet needs to be told now. be increased; fundraisers need to be
Thomas and Linda Strauss, expanded. Change to the future plan
In Honor of James Determan and needs to be extended to the next 15
Dorothy Lyet years.

In Memory of Homefields. Although finan- THE FUTURE


$50 While the state of the Corporation
cial support was crucial at the
Joyce S. Smedley, In Memory of is good, the future requires our
outset, it was their continuing attention.
Nancy Neff Tanger involvement with the residents, The immediate need is for viability
board, and property that truly of the organic farm program, that is,
In-Kind
helped to make Homefields to increase the number of sharehold-
Carolyn Semedo-Strauss—material
support and web homes and fields the special ers. Additional acreage is required.
Reed Semedo-Strauss—web design places for special people our The Board must find a way to make
David Strauss—print design community knows it to be. this possible. This is a daunting task.
Linda Strauss—newsletter writer, Following the dinner, Presi- As the founding members found a way
editor, and photographer dent Smedley presented a special to develop Homefields, so must the
*Colin Wright—Power­Point plaque to each honoree, stating: present Board find a way to obtain
presentation for Homefields WHAT IS more land.
“This commendation is presented to
*Thomas W. Wright—Power­Point The residents are living in lovely To assure the existence of Home-
an individual who has performed fields in perpetuity, an endowment
presentation for Homefields homes where they are well served and
eminent service to Homefields or who where they thrive according to their needs to be established.
*Indicates new donor or new level of giving has made outstanding contributions own desires and abilities. (story continued on reverse)
to our missions”.

Good Board Members Come in Threes Currently, Jan works for


Community Services
time outside, gardening
and golfing.
ily. She has served as a provided lessons early Group (CSG) where she Jan looks forward to
volunteer to Homefields’ on that she embraces. has been employed more getting more involved to
Annual Golf Tourna- This background has than 28 years. continue the good work
ment for the past several promoted her passion for Jan lives in rural, Homefields has accom-
years. She expressed an issues related to conser- southern Lancaster plished over the past fif-
interest in getting more vancy and preservation County with David teen years. Working with
involved in Homefields. of our resources. Wiegand, her husband. people, to help people
As Jan openly discusses, Jan has also worked Over the past year, they is important to Jan. She
she wants to give back in the field of human have been active in believes that collaborat-
and contribute to causes services all of her life. the establishment and ing and partnering is
that are aligned with her Since graduating from growth of a non-profit key to achieving the best Suzanne Ollar
Jan Hartle values and beliefs. Being business school, she has watershed association: solutions.
raised on a family-run worked for Providers of Friends of Fishing Creek. On February 27, 2007 Sister of two of Home-
In January 2007, Jan dairy farm, working to- Mental Health and De- In her spare time, Jan the Board of Directors fields residents, Suzanne
Hartle was named to the gether with her parents velopmental Disabilities enjoys hiking with David ratified the nominations Ollar is a long-standing
Homefields’ Board of Di- and four siblings, and in numerous adminis- and with Phoenix, her of Suzanne Ollar and residents’ advocate. She,
rectors. Jan is no stranger participating in agricul- trative, programmatic Golden Retriever. She Barbara Spiegelberg. with her family, has been
to the Homefields’ fam- turally-focused activities, and management roles. also enjoys spending (story continued on page 3)
We’ve Got the Blues for You… Basic Milk Paint Recipe
Reds, Greens, and Yellows Too One gallon skim milk
Two cups Builder’s Lime also
It seems like we were just washing sunshine, and select their own picture called Hydrated Lime (Do
up the trays from last season a few perfect bounty. One surveyor’s farm not use Quick Lime)
days ago, and putting our hoes to highlight is: “That my children are One quart boiled linseed oil
rest. But here we are facing April able to do this with me—they love it!” ½ cup of salt
and harvesting is not far away. If you Members don’t have to find room in Dye (color) add in as needed
could peek in the greenhouse today their refrigerators for this part of the Strain with cheesecloth or fine
you would see the farm in miniature. bounty. We’re building community. mesh screen wire
Already the broccoli, cabbage and kale It begins with shareholders’ commit- Use within two days of mixing
are sprouting up, and calendula, asters, ment to support our farm and guaran-
and green onions are soon to follow. tee jobs for our farm trainees. Many Makes approximately 1½ gallons
These small flats of seedlings that are people choose to be here specifically milk paint
now sheltered in the greenhouse will so these jobs are possible. Some share- “The pioneer recipes for milk paint all had two things in common, milk and lime.
go on to fill the beds out in the field holders really get to know our trainees When combined, they form a natural binding agent that is, in some ways, un-
and mature to our first harvests. and enjoy their enthusiasm directly. matched by today’s modern coatings. Color can be added with any natural sub-
We are on the cusp of an amazing They experience first hand the pride,

Photo by Fleur Suijten


stance (rust, berries, etc.). The classic red barns are most likely the result of an
dedication and hard work that abundance of milk and the availability of red pigments in the form of rust (iron
our trainees give to make all oxide). Livestock blood was also added to milk to produce blood paint.
of our growing and harvesting For this recipe, I recommend powdered dyes found at art stores. Experiment
possible. Shareholders also want with dye quality to achieve the color desired” —painterforum.com
to support sustainable farming

President’s Message (cont’d.)


The question is: How can we I appreciate being a part of the
emphasize endowment when fund first and only program of its kind.
raising for current needs requires Frequent requests for information
all of our effort? If an endowment is from diverse individuals are indicative
to become a possibility, our circle of of the recognition of Homefields as a
growing season and it is truly exhila- supporters must be expanded. beacon of light, a ray of hope, for par-
rating. What could be better than to ents wishing the same for the future
be reminded of all the good things WHY VOLUNTEER of their son or daughter with special
that were mentioned in our end of AT HOMEFIELDS? needs.
season survey. At the top of the list as The person most aware of my efforts Knowing that our residents regard
everyone’s favorite crop on the farm: on behalf of Homefields, my husband
Blueberries! I don’t think you would Homefields as their real home, and
of 56 years, wonders why I do all of their parents’ home only as a place
find a bit of argument from your fel- this. “After 36 years in the field of
low farmers here. to visit, reinforces me. Providing this
education, you should rest on your kind of home for our six residents and
We are reminded that there is so
laurels,” he says. providing an opportunity for special
much that this farm is about. “I love
the whole concept,” one survey said. directly in their community. And ev- “I want to give back.” is the most individuals to be employed on our
What members take home, literally, is erybody benefits when we take time to frequently heard response from many organic farm are the reasons that the
food. Our shareholders appreciate that actually stop and talk to one another volunteers. Board and other volunteers are willing
this food is grown without chemicals as we cross paths on the farm, to swap The sense of accomplishment and to serve.
or pesticides, and they know exactly recipes, share food storage tips, and good feelings resulting from “giving I enjoy collaborative planning. It
where their produce comes from. make new connections. back” certainly are reasons enough keeps my brain from atrophying
They value that it is local, in season All of the comments in our surveys for volunteering. However, asso-
and freshly harvested. They enjoy the were welcomed and remind us how (hopefully).
ciation with Homefields for the past I value the opportunity to be a
adventure of being introduced to new this farm is able to nourish all of us in seven years has provided much more
foods. Our vegetables are admired for many different ways. It is wonderful part of the vision for the future. I am
for me. excited about helping to refine and
their beauty too, from the shocking to see the idealistic visions of com-
I am in awe of the accomplishment develop the organizational structure
red of a Carmen pepper to the grace of munity-supported agriculture actually
a petite bunch of baby carrots, greens take root and flourish here. Maybe of the volunteer founding members that will ensure that Homefields lives
attached. that is why we love the blueberries who nurtured Homefields from a on long after I am gone.
Many of our shareholders have cul- so much. Many of our shareholders trickling idea to the Corporation it We are always looking for volun-
tivated a love for the landscape of the saw them as they were planted, when is today. It required vision, audacity, teers. If you believe in our mission and
farm itself. They visit week after week, it seemed like it would be years ’til risk, physical work, unbelievable would like to be associated with us,
on glorious sunny days as well as rainy they would ever bear fruit. This year commitment and dedication. Only contact me: jwsmed@verizon.net  WE
ones. People are able to truly connect we look forward to another year’s outstanding individuals could have
with the land, watch the crops grow maturity and a bountiful harvest for ARE A GREAT GROUP!
done this.
each week and get to know the people the whole farm. I feel fortunate to know them and Joyce S. Smedley, PhD,
who are growing their food. We to be associated with the type of Professor of Psychology,
farmers are grateful to connect to the Elizabeth Swope
Assistant Farm Manager people who continue to be drawn to Emeritus, Millersville University,
people eating our food, too. It changes
Goodwill at Homefields’ Farm Homefields. and President of Homefields
what we grow, how we harvest, and
what we will plan for next year. Many
shareholders are glad to complete the
harvesting themselves. The pick-your-
own fields allow children and adults
to linger in the fields, take in the
Flatbed Mulch Layer
A flatbed mulch layer is a piece of farm equipment
specially designed to lay mulch over cultivated fields.
Mulching in the spring keeps weeds at bay and
—Vocational Schedule 2007— allows plants to grow.
First Distribution of Farm Produce Scott Breneman, Farm Manager, presented
Thursday, May 31st–Saturday, June 2nd Homefields with a list of much-needed equipment in
(weather-dependent) December 2006. This list included a mulch layer and
water irrigator, a total of $8,108. The cost of a new
Fall Potluck mulch layer as a separate item is $1,408.
Planning for Friday, October 5 Even though the first quarter is a fiscally thin time
of year for Homefields, it is our practice to purchase
Final Distribution of Farm Produce new farm equipment for the vocational program in
Saturday, November 10 (weather-dependent) the spring. Equipment availability redirects trainee
labor toward skills training productivity. make a business grow, from seeds to sales. Because
Holiday Gift Boxes This year we asked Goodwill Industries if they the horticultural vocational program focuses on
Orders taken in November would help defray the cost. As is their history, the farmer trainee, on the person, time to devote to
Final day to order—Friday, December 7 Goodwill said, “yes”. The new mulch layer was normal farming activity is often a luxury and the
Pick-Up Days—December 17, 18, 19 purchased in April 2007, a combined $908 donation weeds grow wild.
Contact Goodwill at Homefields’ Farm, from Homefields and $500 donation from Goodwill. Onions are planted just before the “onion snow,”
Scott Breneman, Farm Manager The vocational program at Homefields’ farm— an early-spring inevitability in Lancaster County,
(717) 871-3110 • sbreneman@yourgoodwill.org Goodwill at Homefields—is very special indeed Because of the Homefields and Goodwill coopera-
because it is designed to give people with special tive effort, the onions have a mulch bed to rest in,
All Proceeds Benefit Goodwill Industries needs a choice of employment otherwise unavailable the trainees can continue to focus on learning new,
to them. The skills learned are what is necessary to meaningful skills and Scott is humming along.

2.
HOMEFIELDS’ 11TH ANNUAL FALL Good Board Members (cont’d.)
CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT attending the annual Advocates Picnic Suzanne’s professional life, world
at Homefields and familiarizing herself experience, and commitment to family
Friday, September 21, 2007 good use of recreational time. Start
with our residential goals since 1999. bring a grounding respect for Home-
7:30 AM Tournament—12:30 PM Tournament now to assemble your foursome(s) and
“I attended Lancaster Country Day fields’ missions to the Board as well
Crossgates Golf Club to consider seriously how you might
1 Crossland Pass, Millersville, PA support Homefields and its fine work School until 10th grade; I graduated as the creative know-how to move us
Contact the Chair: Terry Blue in new, more creative, and even more from Bronxville High School, Bronx- forward.
(twb13@psu.edu) with ideas generous ways. ville N.Y. in 1973. I attended Elizabeth-
The planning committee town College where I met Peter. We
always is looking for were married in 1974.  I have 2 chil- Barbara J. Spiegelberg
novel ideas to keep the dren: Elizabeth aged 32 and Peter aged
interest in the outing 30. I have one grandson named Owen An active
right at the cutting edge. who was born 5 years ago to my son. I volunteer in
We’re happy to steal ideas have been with the Columbia Animal the Lancaster
from other outings you’ve Hospital since 1990. I’ve filled every community
attended so long as we for many
position from receptionist to surgical
don’t have to break any years, Barbara
laws to do so. Feel free technician to my current position as
Practice Manager. Peter and I love to lives with
to fire off clever ideas to
travel. We’ve been to Ireland several her husband,
twb13@psu.edu for our
consideration. We want times to visit our ‘adopted’ boys. We Bruce, in Mt.
With each year, the challenge of the you to leave Crossgates each year with met Joseph and Clarke through an Nebo. They
Homefields’ Fall Classic Golf Tourna- a smile on your face to match the exchange program trying to bring the are parents
ment planning committee becomes warm feelings in your heart. 2 sides of the Irish conflict together. of two sons, William, a resident at the
more formidable. Seeking always to Mark your schedule and look for- They were 13 years old at the time. Selinsgrove Center, and Tom, who lives
offer an interesting and enjoyable op- ward to receiving more information on They are now 35 and married with with his wife and son in Bothel, near
portunity for old friends to meet and the activities planned for September 21, children. We also traveled the Alaskan Seattle, WA. Both Bruce and Barbara
share an afternoon of fulfilling and 2007. Together, we can make the 11th grew up in New York City, but found
pipeline 2 years ago. Last summer we
rewarding good times, the committee Homefields Fall Classic Golf Tourna- themselves living happily in more and
offers appeal along with a measure of ment our best and most successful yet. traveled the Baltics including Sweden,
Norway, Estonia, and St. Petersburg, more rural settings. They learned to
precision and spontaneity.
Russia.” raise animals (goats, ducks, geese) and
At this early point in the planning, Terry Blue, Chair of Homefields’
the agenda for the 11th is not yet fully Golf Tournament Committee grow vegetables in their organic gar-
developed. The lessons of the past have den. Now that they are older, they have
been instructive, though. The 10th given up these activities and instead
offered morning and afternoon rounds
that moved along well. It, too, included Help Homefields to Grow happily participate in the Homefields
Farm Shareholder program.
some of the interesting twists that Before retirement in 2000, Barbara
give Homefields’ day on the links its Strategic Planning is a focused effort new board members are joining us, and
to produce fundamental decisions and we continue to appreciate strong com- spent many years as a real estate agent.
distinctive character. Special prizes on Since THEN (her retirement) Barbara
selected holes and the voluntary inter- actions that shape and guide what an munity support. We now will focus on
organization does, will do and why. It building sustainability, perpetuity, and has devoted her time to mediation,
mittent use of persimmon clubs helped both as a mediator and as assistant
shape the feeling of the day. Good requires a broad brush point-of-view, development into Homefields’ future.
information gathering, exploring This year we are expanding the director of the Lancaster Mediation
weather certainly helped, although the
shortened daylight hours posed some alternatives, and an understanding of Strategic Planning process beyond the Center. She has served on the Board
small problems with getting the morn- how today’s decisions might impact the boardroom and into the community. of both the Lancaster Mediation
ing group off in time. The Porsche was future. We will host a series of meetings with Center and the Lancaster Area Victim
enjoyed by two of the golfers and their The Board of Directors first met to stakeholders, including representatives Offender Reconciliation Program.
friends for a weekend, but the ZTR implement a Strategic Planning pro- from Community Services Group, Barbara has also been on the Martic
tractor made its way back to the show- cess in the winter of 1997. Ten winters Keystone Goodwill, shareholders, Lan-
Township Planning Commission for a
room. There’s always room for even later, that process faithfully continues. caster County Mental Health/Mental
It is on that day that we solidify a plan Retardation, the Office of Mental number of years. Raising William has
better luck this year. provided long experience working with
That luck, along with the skill that for the next 12 to 24 months. We also Retardation, neighbors and friends.
identify concepts for Futures planning, Be part of the process; let us grow the various agencies that oversee pro-
improves the odds, will be tested on grams available to the handicapped.
Friday, September 21. Again, we’re go- a vision that reaches beyond what we together! If you are interested in help-
can see in the next five years. This ing Homefields grow into the future, Barbara brings to the Homefields
ing to Crossgates Golf Club in Millers-
ville to see if everyone can improve on beneficial procedure is an important contact me at aghawthorne@comcast. Board her strong interest in advocating
last year’s scores. This short but very step to help assure a productive future net, or visit us at www.homefields.org for the needs of those in group homes,
interesting course seems to suit our for Homefields. and hopes to help expand the work of
Allison G. Hawthorne,
group, and the experience gained from Our Founding Board has been tran- Homefields and its excellent vision. 
Strategic Planning Chairperson
year to year has made it a continuing sitioning into a Development Board;

Raffles: Past, Present, and Future


February 10 was a fortunate day for B. Miller,
Raffle and Donations
forms also available online at www.homefields.org
NJ. It’s the day he won Homefields’ 2006
Harley-Davidson Custom Harley raffle, with
ticket #0331. Mary Beth turned the drum a Yes, I’d like to help Homefields with my tax-deductible contribution:
handle, stopping for housemate Lisa to pull ___ $25  ___ $50  ___ $100  ___ Other
the lucky ticket. Board members and friends
gathered around Joyce Smedley, Homefields’ a  Please send me _____ tickets for the Harley-Davidson raffle at $5 each.
President, who made the call to announce
the win and explain details. We congratulate Total enclosed $ _______
Mr. Miller and thank everyone who gave to
Homefields by buying a raffle ticket. Name_ ________________________________________________________________

Homefields’ New Two-Tone Harley-Davidson...Check It Out! Address________________________________________________________________

2007 XL 883C SPORTSTER® 883 CUSTOM ______________________________________________________________________


d Color: Two-Tone Suede Blue Pearl

d Chrome Bullet Headlight City____________________________________________ State_____ Zip__________


d Flat Handlebar on Pullback Risers

d 4.5-gallon fuel tank Telephone______________________________________________________________

Drawing: February 9, 2008 email address___________________________________________________________


d $5.00 donation per ticket

Please fill out enclosed form and mail to:


Homefields, P.O. Box 41, Millersville, PA
Method of Payment:
17551, or purchase tickets online at www.homefields.org
a Check   a MasterCard   a Visa   a Discover/Novus   a American Express
Proceeds Benefit Homefields
Homefields is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization providing homes for people who Card # _____________________________________________ Exp. Date ____ /______
have mental retardation, and is a benevolent landlord to an organic cooperative farm
program that provides job training for adults with special needs. All proceeds from a Signature ______________________________________________________________
Homefields’ event benefit Homefields, Inc.
a Please add me to your mailing list a Please remove me from your mailing list

3.
A Day in the Life...
I am often asked what a day in the life
of the residents at Homefields may be
like and I simply reply, “The same as it is
for you or me on any normal day.” They
awaken around 6:00 a.m. to start a full
day with a long journey ahead. Everyone
carpools in the same van daily, going
in different directions, with their own
destination.
Our residents get home around 4:00
p.m., the end to a long day, and a car ride
on Friday that is just traffic jam after traf-
fic jam. Once home it is dinner, household
responsibilities that need to be done, per-
sonal time and outings. So, again, when
asked, “What is a day in the life of one of
the residents at Homefields like?” I smile Members of Homefields, clockwise from
and say “A normal day just like yours and top left: Megan Ham and Lisa Strauss
smile for the camera; Mary Beth Determan
mine”. But now that I think about it, it sounds awaits her dad to see an Elvis imperson-
like the residents have a much more demand- ator; Ted Lyet greets a visitor to the ranch house; Edie Ford
ing life then we do, don’t you think? enters data into the daily residential log; Brian Bixler, Victor Lyet,
Stefan Latshaw, and LeAnn Hildebrand, shopping for groceries at
Melody Edwards John Herr’s Market.
Residential Supervisor 
Homefields
Mission Statements
RESIDENTIAL  To create
financially secure, long-term
homes for adults with mental Board of Directors
retardation in safe, family- Joyce Scout Smedley, Pres.
like settings where there is Allison G. Hawthorne, V.P.
respect for the individual Dennis Dougherty, Treas.
in a holistic sense, and fun Linda Strauss, Sec.
and creativity are revered as Janet M. Hartle
basic human needs. Christian R. Herr, Jr.
VOCATIONAL  To provide Cindy Ledwith
horticultural facilities for Suzanne Ollar
individuals who prosper with Barbara Spiegelberg
Thomas E. Strauss Homefields is a non-profit organization, 501(c)(3). Donations are tax-deductible.
supported employment, to Letters to the Editor can be sent to: Homefields, 150 Letort Road, P.O. Box #41,
nurture integration through Millersville, PA 17551, (717) 872-2012, or to info@homefields.org
community interaction, and Honorary Board
to cultivate a spirit of volun- James Determan The official registration statement and financial information of Homefields Incorporated may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free,
within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
teerism within our community. Dorothy L. Lyet
Non-Profit Organ.

Issue TWENTY t wo • May 2007


Permit No. 1928
Lancaster, PA
U.S. Postage
PAID
Millersville, PA 17551
150 Letort Road
P.O. Box #41
Homefields

A view of the ranch house through the magnolia tree.

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