Submitted by Nancy Wynen, LOHO Board Chair

The Board of Directors of LOHO (“The Hamlet”) are excited to welcome Amy Hatchel as the Manager of Hamlet House. Hamlet House is an Adult Family Home providing assisted living for elderly residents. LOHO also includes cottages in Lopez Village for independent senior citizens that are 55 years old and up. The campus allows Lopezians to stay connected to their family and friends as they age in place.

Amy’s family dates back seven generations on Lopez, so having a place for locals to remain in their community as they age is important to her and her family. Her grandmother, June Scherer Forrester, participated in getting The Hamlet started on Lopez, and she proudly showed it off at the grand opening. “Being here to carry on her legacy means everything to me,” Amy said. “Thank goodness I was wired to be a caregiver” she explains of her own passion for caregiving. After graduating from Lopez High School, Amy worked as a nursing assistant. She then earned her BA in Business Management. That led to a 25-year career as office manager for a dental practice while working in various nursing homes as well as adult family homes. In 2020, she returned to Lopez full time and joined the Hamlet House caregiving staff. LOHO Board of Directors Chair Nancy Wynen reflects, “Meanwhile she raised five children! She has an amazing commitment to her family, the Island, and its residents.” In her free time, she works in her garden and enjoys walks on Lopez, especially Lopez Hill.

Amy is not only interested in continuing the past success of The Hamlet community. She has begun plans to expand the quality of life at Hamlet House. She sees opportunities for local talent to share their interests with the residents — offering art and music days to the residents of both Hamlet House and the Hamlet Cottages next door. Amy and Heather Harrison, Hamlet Cottage Executive Director, are envisioning sharing these programs and other social days with the whole Hamlet community. “I am thrilled to be working alongside Amy,” Heather shared. “She has wonderful energy and is truly committed to providing a top-notch home for seniors.”

“The first step will be to invite more people to join us as volunteers, as well as to gain support financially. Covid was a real drain on our financial and emotional resources,” said Nancy Wynen. “Our board and dedicated volunteers are looking forward to working alongside Amy to ensure The Hamlet thrives.”