A team of 14 Pleasant View residents is serving on behalf of all residents to plan a Makerspace.
The Makerspace at Hoffer Farm will:
- feature 5 Studios—Art, Ceramic/Pottery, Fiber/Textile Arts, Technology, & Woodshop
- offer classes & studio time
- be utilized by residents, staff, & the Manheim community
- foster connections and good health as people of all ages learn & create together
- be built in 2027 if funding is provided
Penn Township approved the approximately 8,200-square-foot building, which will be next to the Kreider Farms Cultural Center, as part of The Heart of Community project.
As we plan the Makerspace, we will share the stories of some of the residents and staff who are artists.
Valerie and Ed
Resident Ed Yanowski teaches watercolor classes at Pleasant View. He is pictured with his wife, Valerie, who is a quilter.
Valerie is coordinating the Makerspace Fiber/Textile Arts Studio team. She says: “Residents desire to teach fiber arts to younger generations. They also want to create items for children facing illness, veterans, & others in the community.”
Ed is coordinating the Makerspace Art Studio team with resident Joan Halbach, who also teaches watercolor classes.
Joan and Ken
Pleasant View resident Joan Halbach was a physical education teacher who began her journey as a watercolor artist & teacher very unexpectedly.
Joan had a stroke at age 53 followed by two years of recovery. Several years later, she was invited to a watercolor class while camping. Joan explains: “The colors, movement of the water, & creative process felt natural to me. This artistic ability seemed to emerge after my stroke.”
She says: “Today, after twenty years of painting, I have the privilege to teach watercolor classes at PV. It is rewarding to help beginners to discover their own creativity.”
Joan shares: “Every time I pick up a brush, I am reminded that recovery, creativity, & growth are lifelong journeys.”
Joan taught her husband, Ken, watercolor painting. Ken is coordinating the Makerspace Technology Studio team, along with resident Bill Kauffman.
Bill
Resident Bill Kauffman explains: “Advances in AI now allow for easy creation of 3D images or items such as figurines & structures without CAD/CHEM. UV laser technology allows for easy engraving onto glass, plastic, wood, leather, and other materials. You can apply a 3D image inside a glass sphere/cube to create personalized items.” This Hoffer Farm animal image was made with AI and is an example of what could be made in the Makerspace technology studio.
Cheryl
Like Joan, resident Cheryl Long has experienced the healing power of art. Cheryl studied at the Pennsylvania School of Art & Design. She has been an art teacher and a designer and currently enjoys teaching art journaling. Cheryl took the photo at the top of this blog of the PV art journaling class (pictured with Care Navigator Kristen Heisey).
Cheryl shares that art journaling helps her to live with ADHD. Cheryl’s husband, Bill, is a pastor. Cheryl discovered that art journaling helps her to focus during church meetings and at other times.
Scott and Jan
Residents Scott Rowand & Chip Hoffman are chairing the Woodshop planning team. Scott shares: “Woodworking has been a hobby for me, and I look forward to learning woodworking skills from others in the shop.” Scott’s wife, Jan, worked at Pleasant View in the rehabilitation department. She recalls weaving with occupational therapy clients in the past and looks forward to weaving & other opportunities as she serves on the fiber arts team.
Pam and Chip
Residents Pam & Chip Hoffman made a multi-year pledge to name the Ceramic/Pottery Studio. Pam shares: “I love the creative process—taking raw materials and transforming them into a finished product. That’s why I especially enjoy pottery, sewing, reupholstering, cross-stitch, gardening, and learning new forms of art.”
Chip says: “I joined the woodshop and everyone shares skills, tips, & techniques that have helped me learn. I’ve been able to make things that people appreciate, use, and love: a cabinet for my son, cutting boards, table for my wife, boxes, bowls, & coasters.”
Pam is coordinating the Makerspace Ceramic/Pottery Studio team and Chip is co-coordinating the Makerspace Woodshop team (along with Scott Rowand).
Pam’s parents, Barb and Bob Wash, are also Pleasant View residents. Pam says: “My mother exposed us to many forms of art and design. She has an incredible eye for design and a deep art appreciation as well as artistic talent. We were ‘makers’ and had dance lessons throughout childhood. My father was very adept at home repair, car repair, and building. I used to love helping him with projects. He taught us how to renovate and reuse.”
YOU can help to create the Makerspace
Because the Makerspace will serve residents & the Manheim community, Pleasant View is applying for state and local grants. The estimated budget is $3 million to build and equip the Makerspace. We remain grateful for the Hoffman’s generous gift to name a studio. There are naming opportunities for 4 studios & for the Makerspace building.
We are working to raise $350,000 via gifts from individuals and businesses as explained in this brochure.
Our goal is 100+ gifts of $1,000 (and 26+ larger gifts). Your tax-deductible gift will build the Makerspace! Or consider inviting your family to make a gift in your honor.
Please contact Mindy Fetherman, Development Director, with questions at 717-664-6266 or mfetherman@pvcommunities.org.
