A JOURNEY OF CURIOSITY “I have always been curious,” says Joe O’Hara. W


hen he was young, Joe’s curiosity took the form of exploring photography with a Kodak “Brownie” camera. Ten came art school and a career in the photographic arts, where he took photos for the Ephrata Shopping News, Victor Weaver, Inc., and as a self-


employed wedding photographer. Joe’s passion for continual learning shows in a variety of ways, whether he is explaining how he captured the perfect photograph of Mohammad Ali coming out of the Wilbur Chocolate Factory in Lititz or marveling at the ability of the James Webb telescope to see back in time as it peers into the universe.


Joe has found a welcoming place and loves both the team members and the activities at Landis Adult Day Services (ADS), especially games and trivia contests. “I am pretty competitive,” he says. “Somehow lots of my curiosity pays off when I come up with the answers in the games.”


Joe was recently diagnosed with dementia, and his wife, Esther, sees ADS as an important part of his recent rebound. “It was a struggle for both of us when we hurried to sell our home and move to our new place in a retirement community. We had wondered if Joe attending now was needed, since he is still early in this journey, but are so glad he is there each week.”


“I really enjoy the team,” Joe comments. “They do so much and keep things moving and are very understanding.”


“We happily welcomed Joe,” says Christy Carpenter, Director of Landis ADS. “He is a wonderful addition to our discussions and shares lots of information from his vast experience.” She continued, “When a few weeks passed, and he seemed less engaged, we checked to see if something was not feeling ‘right’ for Joe. His wife suggested perhaps he was looking for an activity with added meaning and purpose. We began by asking if he was interested in helping to create comforters to be shared around the world with those in need. Not only did he help but he began making suggestions on how it could be done in the most efficient and productive way.”


Joe’s curiosity continues – sometimes seeking the answers in a trivia contest or watching another finished comforter head out the door and wondering who it will soon keep warm. Joe is one part of what makes Landis ADS a great place for clients, their families, and team members alike.


20 • Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2023


CULTIVATING GROWTH


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24