Public Relations & Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight   Lois Warme        Anyone who has visited Heartland this past year has noticed many decorating changes.  That is thanks in large part to Lois Warme, an interior design professor at ISU Extension Service.  Lois has volunteered countless hours in the pursuit of warmth, color, and comfort for Heartland’s participants and guests.       Last fall she was the major consultant for the Ames High Design Class project which revamped the living room section of the senior center into a hospitable, relaxing area for conversation, cards, and reading.  Then she undertook the entryway and added mirrors, paint and design to produce a welcoming effect.  For this project she had the help of several ISU Design Students.  The bathroom décor was improved; and architecture students were invited to design a more efficient floor plan.  With the need for upgrading due to ADA specifications, this university resource has been a most useful commodity for Heartland, coupled with generous business donations.  Lois’ special creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm for each project makes even the “working stage” a delightful experience for those involved.         Lois is not new to Heartland.  In fact she was called upon to help design the space for the senior center in 1974 when it was still at the Sheldon Munn.  After several senior centers united under one roof at 205 S. Walnut in the mid-80’s, Lois again was consulted about suitable furniture, décor and entry logistics.  It seems only fitting that she was again the renovation consultant for our 30th Anniversary projects.       Lois Warme was born and raised on a farm near Lytton, Iowa.  She attended Wartburg College and ISU, graduating in Interior Design. Her first job was with a design firm in Iowa City.  She then was selected for the International Foreign Youth Exchange and assigned to Australia, spending the next year making public presentations about life in Iowa.  She returned to graduate school at ISU and soon joined the staff as an Extension Specialist in Interior Design, where she has been for 33 years.  Her current position involves two components: teaching on campus and community outreach.  It’s her ability to effectively combine these two aspects which creates a superb advantage to all concerned.      Someone commented the other day, “Have you noticed how much happier the seniors seem to be at the Center since the renovations?”  That statement says a lot about the positive outcome of Lois’ work.  And it ultimately adds to the success of our organization.  Thanks, Lois, (and all students involved) for what you have done this past year to help make Heartland a better place…in many ways!