Newsletter - Brattleboro Area Hospice

Brattleboro Area Hospice
Newsletter
Fall 2014
191 Canal Street, Brattleboro, VT | 802-257-0775 | www.brattleborohospice.org
“I choose to live until I die”
HOSPICE CLIENT SPEAKS PUBLICLY ABOUT DY ING
by Cindy Hutcheson, Hospice Volunteer
“How do you deal with the fact that you could die any moment?” asks a hospice volunteer
trainee. “Crying and anger came first,” Tammy says softly. “I had to make a conscious decision
to either be scared and anxious until I die or live until I die. I chose to live.”
It is unprecedented at Brattleboro Area Hospice for an individual in hospice care to
speak so publicly about dying, but Tammy Sauve, a Hospice client who lives in Guilford, feels
strongly about giving back to the community.
Tammy spent time with her hospice volunteers of two years, Lori Daniels and Cindy
Hutcheson, exploring how she could help others by talking about life with a terminal illness.
Cindy Hutcheson, Lori Daniels & Tammy Sauve
She initially considered speaking anonymously via phone at one of the hospice volunteer trainings. After much thought, she spoke with Patty Dunn, Hospice Program Coordinator, about wanting to share more openly. The two
agreed she would attend a hospice training to present her story. Arrangements were made through Cheryl Richards, Hospice Education
Coordinator, for Tammy to meet with trainees during the hospice volunteer training being held at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend.
Tammy was ready to speak her thoughts on death and dying.
Tammy is married with two adult children from her first marriage and four adult stepchildren with her second husband, Ed. She,
Ed and their youngest son, Charlie, reside in Guilford. Meeting the new trainees in Townshend was a pleasure for Tammy. People were
warm and welcoming, their questions personal and thought provoking.
“What goes through your mind after the lights go out? You are lying in bed—what is running through your mind?” asks a hospice
trainee. Tammy responds, looking down, “Will my husband wake up in the morning and find me dead?”
“What is one thing you regret most about dying?” another volunteer asked. Through tears, Tammy uttered, “My children. They
were three and eleven when they lost their father to cancer. And now they are faced with my death.”
Tammy is very grounded in her faith. She and Ed are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Tammy draws a great deal of strength from her
religion. “I know I will be in Jehovah’s memory and resurrected here on earth. It will be in a restored paradise on earth with no sickness
and death. I will be able to welcome back family and friends who have died.” She and hospice volunteer Cindy Hutcheson have had many
conversations about religious beliefs. Tammy has said many times, “I am not afraid to die. I’m afraid of the process.”
When given a diagnosis of a terminal illness, many people begin a “bucket list” of things to do. For Tammy, an avid craftsperson,
this meant organizing her craft area, which then led to rearranging her home! With BAH volunteers Lori Daniels and Cindy Hutcheson,
she was able to organize shelves, closets, and a large photo collection. After combing through boxes of newspaper articles, photos and
memorabilia, Tammy sent each of her siblings and her children a box from this vast stockpile. In the process, Cindy learned that Tammy
was a competitive roller skater and instructor when she lived in Washington State. She continued to skate after moving to Guilford, where
she was involved in the Guilford sports program. Tammy also hosted roller skating parties for over 20 years at the Guilford School.
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Brattleboro Area Hospice is a non-profit, community supported, United Way agency
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Also on her list of final wishes was a wonderful trip last fall with her youngest son, Charlie. They traveled by train across the country to
California to visit Charlie’s older brother, Roger. Their trip was made possible through The Dream Foundation, a program that honors
the wishes of adults who have life-threatening illness. The family visited the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Animal Park, SeaWorld, Disneyland
and Universal Studios. The trip was especially complex because Tammy, who requires supplemental oxygen most of the time, needed to
travel with a wide range of medical equipment. Her son Charlie was a tremendous help to his mom. He did have trepidation about their
journey, however. He was concerned about the possibility of her dying on their trip, even dying on the train. “I was nervous she might
die, and what would I do? It was a scary thought knowing that it could happen,” Charlie said.
Back at home again, Tammy enjoys her time with hospice volunteers Lori
and Cindy. Having adult companionship has meant a great deal to her. Some
visits might just be a chat over cool drinks or watching a movie. In getting to
know Tammy, Lori uncovered that she had never had s’mores. Lori said she
couldn’t believe that Tammy was 53 and never had the fireside snack. Soon
after that, equipped with sterno, Hershey’s bars, graham crackers and marshmallows, Lori was able to give Tammy the summertime favorite in the comfort
of her own living room.
One of the participants in the training at Grace Cottage wrote on the exit
interview feedback form: “The session that we spent w/ Tammy (hospice client)
was more valuable than any reading, sharing, video, or any learning tool we
Tammy & husband Ed make s’mores for the first time
could ever use. Her openness, honesty, her reality made everything sink in
and helped me to believe ‘I can do this—I can be there & be real for people like Tammy.’ ” Tammy’s generosity in sharing her experience
has clearly fulfilled another of her wishes—to give back to her community.
Hospice has so much more to offer, and volunteers are a big part of our organization. To learn more please visit our website at
www.brattleborohospice.org.
To listen to Tammy speak about her experience, visit our webpage and click on the top right YouTube button.
12th Annual Day of the Dead Celebration
Friday November 7th, 5–7 pm
NEW Location: Latchis 4 Gallery
Music, children’s art project and
placing mementos on a community altar
ANNUAL AUCT ION COMING RIGHT UP!
Following on our recent successful fundraisers in the last
years, Brattleboro Area Hospice is once again hosting an auction. The Cherished Goods Auction will be a little earlier this
year: on Saturday, October 25th at the VFW on
Black Mountain Road
in north Brattleboro.
Much like last year’s
amazing and eclectic
items, this year’s auction
will once again feature
many pieces of furniture,
works of art, jewelry and
other ephemera, all of
which will be available
for auction just in time
for holiday gifts!
The live auction with well-known auctioneer Kit Martin will
feature such interesting items as a handsome hand-carved
antique piano stool with back; an antique hand-painted fan in
original box from Casa de Diego, Puerta del Sol, Madrid; a lovely
1930’s dining room sideboard, plus many other high quality
pieces of antique and good-condition furniture, jewelry,
paintings, china, glassware, and decorative items. In addition,
an exciting African photographic safari will be available for
bid in the live auction.
There will be ample time to bid on the many silent auction
offerings throughout the evening. It boasts a host of interesting
items, gifts, get-aways, and services donated by local businesses
and supporters. Some specific items include ski passes and
catered dinners, along with many generous donations of items from
area businesses and community members. The silent auction
articles range in value, so there is something for every budget.
Many other unique offerings are still being acquired and will
serve to make this auction a not-to-miss event! For an
up-to-date list of items, go to the Hospice website at www.
brattleborohospice.org where you can also find photographs of some of the interesting items up for bid. This is
a chance to get an early start on holiday shopping!
The event starts at 5:00 with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails (cash bar) and a preview of items featured in the live
auction. During this time and throughout the evening,
guests are encouraged to bid on the many compelling
items in the silent auction, and to bid them up to help
support the Hospice services. We hope as BAH newsletter
readers you will consider coming out that evening to help
make it a success!
The Cherished Goods Auction lists as its Platinum
sponsor Brattleboro Savings & Loan; with other major
sponsors including Brattleboro Memorial Hospital,
Brattleboro Retreat, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical
Center, Entergy Vermont Yankee, Family Legacy Partners,
New Chapter, Inc., and The Bunbury Company / Windham
Foundation. (Silver).
Bronze sponsors are Bast Investment Company, Bayada
Hospice, Brattleboro Ford Subaru, Brattleboro Pharmacy,
Brown and Roberts Ace Hardware, Edward Jones
Investments, Eternal Blessings Cremation Service, LLC,
Green River Data Analysis, LLC, Holton Home, Inc.,
Ker-Westerlund & Fleming Funeral Home, Little House
Rug Hooking & Braiding, Lynn C. Rust CPA, PC,
Park Place Financial Advisors, People’s United Bank,
River Valley Credit Union, The Hotel Pharmacy, Wells
Fargo Advisors, Gordon and Jean Bristol, Ann Fielder
and Tom Yahn, and Robin Stern and Potter Stewart Jr.
Items needed for Upcoming Auction
Hospice is once again sponsoring the Cherished Goods Auction, this year on Saturday, October 25th at the VFW. We
are looking for donations of interesting and/or antique furnishings, particularly good furniture to be auctioned off by Kit.
So we ask that you scour your attic, basement, garage and dresser drawers for high quality, good condition jewelry, paintings, china, glassware, decorative items and, particularly, furniture.
To donate an item, call Greg Moschetti at 254-8714 for donation pick-up, or you can drop off smaller items at the
Hospice office located at 191 Canal Street in Brattleboro. Please do not drop items at the Hospice Experienced Goods
Thrift Shop on Flat Street.
Staying Connected—With Hu mble Appreciation
by Andrea Livermore, Development Director
Hospice has so many friends and supporters, many of you long-term allegiant friends. You’ve come to us through a wide
variety of venues; as clients, friends or family of clients, as volunteers. Some of you had one interaction with us and have
stayed by us since. Others of you have been involved with us in multiple ways over time, your commitment renewed with
every exchange. We are humbled by your allegiance, your openness to life and your willingness to give.
Death is a difficult topic; one that we tend to avoid. You, our friends and supporters are open to the reality that
end of life will come for all of us. And in keeping, you not only have helped us by personally seeing our mission through
but you have supported us financially and acted as ambassadors to the community.
As we entered into 2014, BAH vowed to move out into the community in an expanded way, engaging people
young and old in conversations and activities that move them to think about and plan proactively for the later chapters of
their lives. Research has shown that the more people are willing to explore their feelings about end of life, the better they
are able to deal with these challenges when the time comes.
With our upcoming 35th Anniversary Celebration, “Love Lives On”, the opportunity to consider death, dying
and grief through a variety of creative forms will be presented. First we sincerely hope that you will attend one or all of
our events. We believe there is something for every taste and we are confident that the quality and variety of offerings will
not be a disappointment. And next we encourage you to bring along a friend, perhaps someone less familiar or
comfortable with the topic of end of life. Offer them the opportunity to ponder the issues, engage in conversation and
get to know Brattleboro Area Hospice. There is always room for new friends at our table.
Fall Childrens’ Bereavement Activities
A Good Grief Group, an expressive arts program for children who have experienced the death of a family member or
friend, will begin October 2 on Thursdays, for 6 weeks, 4:00–5:15 pm. In this program, we will use a range of activities—
drawing, sculpture, collage, photography, writing, movement and music—to explore feelings, share memories, and
design and create mementos. Good Grief is designed for children of all ages. Contact Elizabeth Ungerleider, 258-0763
or [email protected] to learn more.
A Book Making Workshop for Teens, on Saturday, November 15, 10:00 am–3:00 pm. This workshop will provide participants the opportunity to find creative ways to understand, express and transform grief, and to meet others who have
also experienced a loss. We’ll provide a safe and supportive environment for each person to create a personal, handmade
book about his or her own experiences, using words, old and new photographs, collage and other art materials. No previous
art experience necessary. Lunch will be provided. Contact Elizabeth Ungerleider, 258-0763 or [email protected] to
learn more.
Love Lives On
A Celebration of our 35th Anniversary – All Activities Open to the Public
To celebrate our 35th anniversary this November we are offering our community ways to explore life & death and to
remember those we love through a variety of art events using music, film, theater and visual art. We invite you join us
on the journey, remembering that despite our losses, Love Lives On.
• SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 3:00 pm, GUILFORD COMMUNITY CHURCH
Rest in Peace, a concert for All Souls Day in collaboration with the Friends of Music at Guilford.
• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 5:00 pm, LATCHIS 4 GALLERY, 50 MAIN ST
Art Exhibit & Dia de los Muertos Altar. In collaboration with River Gallery School of Art, Brattleboro Area
Hospice held a series of workshops in September for clients and volunteers. Art of the participants will be shown in
the Gallery, along with a special Day of the Dead Community Altar. The exhibit and altar will remain until November 24th.
• DATE TBA, LATCHIS THEATER, AS PART OF THE BRATTLEBORO FILM FESTIVAL, 10/3–11/9
Alive Inside, a film shown in collaboration with the Brattleboro Film Festival. This stirring documentary follows
social worker Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, as he fights against a broken
healthcare system to demonstrate music’s ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those
suffering from it.
• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 7:00 pm, RIVER GARDEN
Vesta: Staged reading followed by dessert & discussion. Directed by Burt Tepfer, the play Vesta combines drama
and humor to explore the end of life of a grandmother. Written by Bryan Harnetiaux, the play examines illness and
family at this poignant time. Following the play, there will be cake and coffee, with an opportunity to discuss the play
with the cast, director and fellow attendees.
“Rest in Peace” A Concert
Sunday, November 2, 3: 00 pm at Guilford Community
In honor of All Souls Day, November 2, Friends of Music at Guilford and Brattleboro Area Hospice—celebrating its 35th
Anniversary in November—are collaborating on an afternoon concert fittingly titled “Rest in Peace.”
Beginning at 3:00 p.m. in Guilford Community Church, the program include two song series and a
number of instrumental interludes.
Eight songs in a variety of styles will be included from ten composed earlier this year for “Rest in
Peace: The Gravestone Epitaph Project” by Tom Baehr, a Putney resident. The texts, some rather
entertaining, are from New England graveyards. In addition to his composing skills, Tom is also a
multi-instrumentalist, sings in several regional choral groups, and has been conducting the Guilford
Chamber Singers since 2012.
The second collection of six songs comprises “An Untimely Frost: Songs from the Old Antrim Center Cemetery.” These quite poignant pieces, set in West Gallery style to suit the era of their texts, are
by Haverhill, Massachusetts composer Bruce Randall, another multi-instrumentalist and singer who
has performed in past Friends of Music holiday programs.
The songs will be performed by a group of regional voices gathered especially for this concert, as well as both composers. Musical interludes to suit the theme will be performed by an ensemble of Guilford Chamber Players, including Amy Cann, Jenny
Holan and Linda Hecker, among others.
A bountiful teatime reception follows the performance. Admission is $10 per person at the door.
ADVANCED DIRECT IVE CONVERSAT ION - PART 1
Monday, September 29 • 6:00–8:00 pm
Presented by: Joanna Rueter, Sustainable Aging, LLC
Location: BMH Brew Barry Conference Room
Modern medical advances often complicate end-of-life decisions. Learn how an advance care directive can help
you and your loved ones in a medical crisis. Understand the key elements you need to have documented.
Whether you’re contemplating Advance Care Planning for yourself or for an aging loved one, this workshop will teach
you what you need to know to get started.
For more information or to register please call 802-257-0775 or email [email protected]
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING —
DIGGING INTO THE DETAILS — PART 2
Monday, November 17 • 6:00–8:00 pm
Presented by: Joanna Rueter, Sustainable Aging, LLC
Location: BMH Brew Barry Conference Room
In a medical crisis, the decisions confronting you can be overwhelming. Learn ahead of time what the possibilities are.
Get familiar with the range of terms, (e.g. Proxy, COLST, Code Status, Quality of Life, Heroic Measures, Palliative Care)
and their consequences. This workshop will help you understand your choices and align them with your values and wishes;
learn how to discuss and record them.
For more information or to register, please call 802-257-0775 or email [email protected]
DEATH AND DY ING F OR BEGINNERS CLASS
Tuesday evenings, Sept. 16th thru Oct. 7, 6–8:30 pm
Parks Place Community Resource Center in Bellows Falls
This free class will provide opportunities for individuals to explore awareness, attitudes and feelings about death and
dying. Participants will learn how to provide emotional and practical support to individuals and families who are facing or
grieving a death. Class size is limited and a pre-course conversation with one of the leaders is required. To register or for more
information about the Death and Dying for Beginners class, please call Patty Dunn, Hospice Program Coordinator at 802257-0775 ext. 102, or Ryan Murphy at 802-257-0775 ext. 105. Registration deadline is Sept 9, 2014.
A Terribly Important
Volunteer Tea Party
Thursday September 18th from 5–6:30 pm
At The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace Street
Brattleboro
Significant others and Children Welcome
please RSVP by Wednesday September 10th
802-257-0773
Like Us on Facebook! Whether we’re sharing information, recruiting volunteers, announcing
a special event or offering an article, we need your help to spread the word! “Like Us” on Face
book and “Share” our posts. The more people know and understand, the more they can benefit
from hospice and help others to benefit as well.
Brattleboro Area Hospice
191 Canal Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Brattleboro Area Hospice
Board of Directors
Jean Bristol
Ann Fielder, President
Gloria Klein, Secretary
Theresa Masiello, Treasurer
David Miner
Cynthia Nims
Bobbe Ragouzeos, Vice President
Eaddy Sutton
Hospice Office
Connie Baxter, Bereavement Care Coordinator
Joyce Drew, Office Manager
Patty Dunn, Hospice Program Coordinator
Andrea Livermore, Development Director
Ryan Murphy, Hospice Care Coordinator
Susan Parris, Executive Director
Cheryl Richards, Hospice Care Coordinator
& Bereavement Care Counselor
Experienced Goods Thrift Shop
Karen Zamojski, Store Manager
Ellen Graham, Assistant Store Manager
Eric Cutler, Volunteer Coordinator
Christopher John, Clothing Manager
Gemma Champoli, Special Projects Manager
Jennie Reichman, Store Assistant
U.S. Postage Paid
Non-Profit Org.
BRATTLEBORO, VT
05301
PERMIT NO. 109
Calendar
September 10 & 24; October 8 & 22; November 12, Wednesdays, 5:00–6:30 pm
Spouse/Partner Loss Support Group, facilitated by Cheryl Richards
September 11 to October 16, Thursdays, 4:30–6 pm, Bereavement Support Group, facilitated by
Connie Baxter.
September 15, October 20, November 17, Mondays, 5:30 pm. Board of Directors Meetings.
September 16th thru October 7, Tuesdays, 6:00–8:30 pm, Death And Dying For Beginners Class,
Parks Place Community Resource Center in Bellows Falls. Facilitated by Patty Dunn & Ryan
Murphy. Contact the office at 257-0775 ext. 102 or 106 to learn more.
September 17, Wednesday, 5:00–6:30 pm. Volunteer Appreciation Party—this year an Alice in
Wonderland themed “Very Important Tea Party”! At the Gathering Place, Brattleboro.
September 29 and November 17, 6:00–8:00 pm, Mondays. Advanced Directives Workshops I & II
at Brew Barry Conference Room, BMH, call 257-0775 to register.
October 2 to November 2, Thursdays,4:00–5:15 pm. Good Grief Group, an expressive arts
program for children. Contact Elizabeth Ungerleider, 258-0763 or [email protected] to learn more.
October 25, Saturday, 5:00 pm 3rd Annual Cherished Goods Auction to support Brattleboro Area
Hospice at the VFW, Black Mountain Road, Brattleboro.
November 2, Sunday, 3:00 pm. Rest in Peace, An All Souls Day Concert in collaboration
with Friends of Music Guilford, All Souls Church, West Brattleboro.
November 7, Friday, Dia de los Muertos Altar & Art Opening, Latchis 4 Theater, Main
Street during Gallery Walk.
November 15, Saturday, 7:00 pm. Vesta, A staged reading. Directed by Burt Tepfer.
The River Garden, downtown Brattleboro.
Bereaved Parents Support Group, for parents who have lost a teenaged or young adult
child, began in August. Please contact Cheryl Richards at 257-0775 ext. 108 if you’re
interested in joining a future bereaved parents group.
Individual and family support is also available with trained bereavement volunteer and staff.
Please call Connie Baxter for more information, an appointment, or just a listening ear.