“Craft Lady” & “Paper Girl” earn Civic Leadership Awards, as small acts of kindness make a big impact in Camp Hill senior living community
CAMP HILL, Pa. – Meet “Craft Lady” and “Paper Girl,” two residents of The Woods at Cedar Run making a big impact in small, meaningful ways.
Bonnie Miller, 81, and Irene Schmalz, 91, are more than familiar faces at the senior living community in Camp Hill. They’re cherished pillars of The Woods. Whether organizing craft events, dealing poker hands, or delivering the morning paper with a smile, these two residents brighten daily life for everyone around them.
In recognition of their dedication and kindness, Miller and Schmalz recently were honored with The Woods at Cedar Run Independent Living Community Civic Leadership Award — each receiving a $1,000 one-time credit toward their monthly rent.
“Both Bonnie and Irene are familiar faces to everyone in our community,” said Jenn Kipe Executive Operations Officer at The Woods at Cedar Run. “They are always there to offer a sweet smile, helping hand or words of encouragement to others. Both of these ladies received multiple nominations from their fellow residents.”
Twice a year, The Woods at Cedar Run celebrates the outstanding contributions of its Independent Living residents through the Civic Leadership Award. For the first award cycle of 2025, six residents were nominated by their peers, with the honors presented during a special ceremony on April 29.
In addition to Miller and Schmalz, residents Ann Houser, Micki McCabe, Gail Potts and Doris Stupi received nominations.
“The Civic Leadership Award started in 2023 as a way to recognize the positive things that our Independent Living residents were doing, both inside our community and in the greater Camp Hill community,” Kipe said. “We have our residents vote twice per year, focusing on the good deeds done by their fellow residents. Two winners are chosen every six months, and we hold a ceremony honoring both the winners and the nominees.”
Miller is vice president of the Independent Living Auxiliary. She organizes special craft events, which earned her the nickname “The Craft Lady.”
“Bonnie actively attends Poker Pals and Bingo, and she works in our library,” Kipe said. “She is helpful and patient with her fellow residents and makes a great new Resident Ambassador. Bonnie always is willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs it.”
Schmalz serves as The Woods at Cedar Run “Paper Girl,” delivering print newspaper editions of The Patriot News to her fellow residents every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
“Irene gets up early to do this,” Kipe said. “She makes sure the papers arrive by 7 a.m. so that they can be enjoyed with a cup of morning coffee. She is also a cancer survivor and a great example for our residents.”
The Civic Leadership Award highlights how even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression — not only within the senior living community but also beyond its walls, inspiring both residents and team members alike.
“It’s an honor for the residents to be nominated and recognized by their fellow residents,” Kipe said. “It also is an incentive for our residents to continue to help others and be stewards of their community. It’s nice to be validated and honored for doing things for others. The $1000 rent credit is also a great incentive.”
The award presentation has evolved into a much-anticipated event at The Woods.
“The nominees are thrilled to be a part of this,” Kipe said. “We make sure to give each nominee a certificate of honor and a hand-delivered invitation to the Civic Leadership ceremony.
“All Independent Living residents also receive a hand-delivered invitation to the ceremony, and the staff make sure to encourage attendance,” she said. “Everyone is genuinely excited when the winners are announced. It’s a special day in our community.”
For more information, contact Jenn Kipe, Executive Operations Officer, The Woods at Cedar Run, at jkipe@integracare.com or call 717.737.3373.