Annual Report 2012 - High Peaks Hospice

NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S.POSTAGE PAID
UPPER JAY NY
PERMIT NO. 18
PO Box 840 Saranac Lake NY 12983
Serving the counties of Warren, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton & St. Lawrence
Elvis and Edna - the hospice difference
Jeff Gray is Spiritual Care Coordinator in the
Tri-Lakes office of High Peaks Hospice &
Palliative Care. While visiting Edna one day he
discovered that she was a big fan of Elvis Presley.
What she did not know was that Jeff is an Elvis
impersonator! Jeff told her about being Elvis in
the Winter Carnival parade and showed her a
picture.
Edna asked Jeff if he would be willing to come
visit her dressed as Elvis - and so he did. He
brought a camera to have someone else take a
photo of the two of them. But a funny thing
happened. When Jeff went to kiss Edna’s forehead
the camera was not cooperating and it took
several tries.
But this was fine with Edna. Before taking the
photo Jeff had asked Edna if she minded him
kissing her forehead each time and she said “No,
I hope the camera never works!” Thus, the big
smile.
This is the hospice difference.
Our Mission
Dignity, comfort and peace at the end of life.
High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. provides end of life care that listens with respect,
cares with compassion, supports with choice, and comforts with understanding wherever you call home.
It’s about living...
2012 Annual Report
www.highpeakshospice.org
Page 11
Page 2
Executive Director
TylaAnn Burger, RN, CHPCA
Board of Directors 2012-2013
Frederick Oberst, President
Paul Benveniste, PhD, President
Vicki Morse, Vice President
Margaret Sorensen, Vice President
Meg Wood, Vice President
Philip Feinberg, Treasurer
Cheryl Tucker, PhD, Secretary
Ray Agnew
Rik Cassidy
Norma Goff
Rev. Jeffrey Palmer
Edgar Purcell
Rev. Monty Robinson
Dr. D. Tucker Slingerland
Mary Zellner
High Peaks Hospice
& Palliative Care, Inc.
Administrative Office
P.O. Box 840
Saranac Lake NY 12983
Phone 518-891-9631
Fax 518-891-5379
Tri-Lakes Clinical Office
19 Church Street
Saranac Lake NY 12983
Phone 518-891-0606
Fax 518-891-0657
Warren Clinical Office
79 Glenwood Avenue, 2nd Fl.
Queensbury NY 12804
Phone 518-743-1672
Fax 518-743-0544
Essex Clinical Office
12 Tom Phelps Way
Mineville NY
Mailing: PO Box 192
Port Henry NY 12974
518-942-6513
Fax 518-942-6516
Office Hours:
8:00am - 4:00pm
Monday through Friday
On call support 24/7
A Message from the Board of Directors
Saying Goodbye,
As members of the High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care Board of Directors we
take our commitment to the agency very seriously. We understand the difficulty
and complexity of overseeing a health care agency. Therefore it was with
tremendous sadness that we mourned the unexpected loss of Dr. C. David
Merkel. David founded the agency in 1986, sat on its board of directors in the
early years and served as its Medical Director for 26 years. We personally know
the commitment it takes in terms of time to sit on a board of directors and can
only imagine the effort it must have taken to establish a new health care agency.
David and his wife Ann’s dedication, commitment to bringing hospice care to the
region and the time it took to do so must have been astounding.
David knew how difficult - and rewarding - being on a board of directors is
because he lived it. But his commitment was not for one board term or two, but
for twenty six years. His knowledge of palliative medicine was unparalleled and
his mentoring of staff and his quiet leadership unwavering.
There are those who think that hospice staff and volunteers become so familiar
with death that they are less affected, or immune to the grief and loss. Nothing
could be further from the truth. After working with our patients and their families
to achieve the best possible quality of life, our hospice team members know there
will come a loss. The hospice team feels the loss on both a professional and a
human level and respond to the needs of the family and community on both
these levels as well. The hospice team feels the loss on both a professional and
human level and we respond to the needs of the family and community on both
of these levels as well.
Months later staff are still waiting for David to walk through that door, smile and
launch right into whatever needed to be done for our patients and families, our
agency, our community.
What all of us know is that while David is no longer physically present he is still
a part of our like and work. David worked hard to set the standard of care, to
ensure that he and other team members were as up to date as possible and that
we focused on the quality of life. The energy of his life continues to give energy
to us.
The ongoing compassionate work that High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care staff
and volunteers provide to our communities is David’s legacy.
Dr. John Stoutenburg
Ilyn Strong
Rich & Maggie Strucker
Harry Stuart
Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home
John & Margot Sturt
Sunmount,DDSO
Support-Link, Inc.
Swift Supply Group
Meredith Symonds
Roger & Lisa Symonds
Joseph & Beryl Szwed
Katherine B. Taylor
Richard Terry
Phil & Claire Thayer
Judith Tholl
Barbara Thomas
Jeffery & Carol** Thomas
Ramona Thomas
Ticonderoga High School
Thomas & Pamela Timbie
Randy Titsworth & Kathleen Leddy
James & Katharine Tomasi
Larry K. VanBumble
Gary & Anne Vanderhorst
Melanie VanGuilder
Jim & Colleen VanHoven
Lewis & Barbara Varney
Lee & Varada Vaughan
Verizon, CWA Local 1118
Millie Vorrath
Margaret Wagner
Sue Walling
Reta Wamback
Jeanne Warner
Drs. Daniel & Harriet Way
Ed & Lisa Weibrecht
Martha Weis
Katherine Welch
Well Dressed Food
Nathaniel & Lois Wells
Virginia West
David & Emily Wexler
Keith White
Whiteface Masonic Lodge #789
Elena Borstein & Ian Whitecross
Betsy & Bruce Whitman
Patience Whitman**
Michael & Joanne Whitney
Hynrich & Ann Wieschhoff
Lena Wigger
Poochie & Carol Willette
Gerard & Marilyn Williams
Thomas & Patricia Willis
Willsboro Congregational United
Church of Christ
Florence Winn
Bill & Betty Wise
Jim & Sonya Wolfe
David & Holly Wolff
Woman’s Civic Chamber
Women of St. Paul’s
Women United in Christian Service
Meg Wood*
Christopher Woodman
Marjorie Woods
Robert & Blaikie Worth
Tad & Martha Anne Zelski
Special Thanks
High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care would also like to recognize those in our communities for their 2012
efforts on our behalf. They organized and held fundraising events for us, provided a venue for our events
assisted in a variety of other ways to assure that our fundraising activities were successful. Your dedication to
High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care is priceless and we extend sincere and heartfelt thanks to each and
every one of you.
Heartfelt thanks go out to:

Everyone who made the 2012 Radio Day a success - Ted Morgan, Nicole Lewis, Jim LaValley, Rik
Knapton, Michelle Clement, Frank Turner, Anita Meserole, Karen Smith, Adirondack Medical
Center, the Saranac Lake Elks and all of the volunteers who helped out through those fourteen
hours! Also to Lakeview Deli and Pizza Hut and all those who donated food;

The extended Sweet Family, Tom Smack and the Top of the World Resort crew for another great
golf tournament in memory of Claire Sweet;

Bill and Frissie Reed for so generously providing their home for a summer evening gathering, to
the entire committee for their assistance throughout the process and for, once again, providing
such a delicious array of food, and to the hospice staff who gave up their evening to help out the
night of the gathering;

Bruce and Darcey Hale for opening up historic Scragwood in Willsboro for a summer gathering
and for being such gracious hosts;

Josh Clement for organizing Rockin’ for Hospice;
The High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care Board of Directors
What’s Inside
David Tomberline
Top Notch Forest Products
Bunny Torrance
Gerrie & Rollie Torrance
Peter Torrance Construction
Mark Totzke
Barbara Touby**
Darsie Townsend**
Mike & Meredith Treska
Tri-Lakes OB-GYN
Trillium Florist
Joan Trombley
Valarie & David Trost
Trudeau Sand & Gravel
Richard & Carolyn Trudeau
Tupper Lake Middle High School
Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Dept.
Frank Turner
Amy Tuthill
Chase Twichell
William & Mary Ughetta
Upstate Auto Service
Upstate Modular Transport

Scott & Ami Cook of Captain Cook’s for organizing a wonderful golf tournament on our behalf;
2012 Agency Highlights
page 2
page 3

Fundraising Highlights from 2012
LP Quinn School in Tupper Lake & Petrova School in Saranac Lake for (yet again!) their incredible
fundraising efforts for Radio Day;
page 4
Dr. Alan Wolfelt Bereavement Conferences
page 5
page 5
page 6

Ticonderoga High School and Westport Central School students and faculty for their participation
in the Essex County Hospice Challenge; and,

The United Methodist Women (and men!) of Essex Community Church for their fundraising on our
behalf during Essex Days.
A Message from the Board of Directors
2012 Financial Snapshot
High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care Staff
2012-2013 Volunteers and Helpers
2012 Giving
2012 Giving and Special Thanks
Elvis & Edna - A special story
page 7
page 8-11
page 11
Back cover
Page 10
Alice & Eileen Jaunch
Andrew & Wendy Jause
Roy & Nadine Johnson
John & Amy Jones
Liz Jones
Robert & Linda Jones
David & Dawn Judkins
Gerard & Kim Kaiser
Thomas & Marilyn Kempton
Kensington Road School
Ron & Peggy Keough
Benjamin Kernan
Barbara Kipp
Wilfred & Janet Klemperer
Knights of Columbus Council #194
Knights of Columbus Council #384
Knowlhurst Baptist Church
Edward & Anne Koch
Alan & Margaret Koechlein
Walter & Katrine Kretser
Miles & Joan Kulukundis
Barbara Kunzi
Roseanne LaFarr
Paul & Stepahnie Lafond
John LaHart
Lake George Steamboat Company
Ned Lamay
James & Mary Lamb
Walter & Cheryl Lamb
Winnie Lamb
Carl & Judy Lamm
John & Marilyn Lansing
Garry & Louise Lanthier
Jeff & Tina LaPell
Alta LaPine
Alan & Joann Latourelle
Ruth Laundry
Margaret Laurson
Roger LaVac
Dean LaVigne
Mark & Suzanne LaVigne
Wanita Lawrence-Blanchard
Richard & Barbara Leamer
Day & Nancy Lee
Pamela Leighton
Stuart Leinoff
Lemery Greisler, LLC
Roger Levac
Robert & Judith Lievense
Donald Lilley
Kenneth & Margaret Linton
Oscar & Kathryn Lirio
Kevin & Patricia Littlefield
Richard A. Locke
Emil LoPreto
Vincent & Rosario LoPreto
Cam Lorendo & Lynn Campbell
Alice Lowenthal
Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #640
Serge & Caroline Lussi
Bill & Janet Lyon
Madden’s Garage & Towing
Eileen Mader
Michael & Ruth Mader
Dr. Thomas Mainzer
Andrew & Linda Manchester
Myrna Mandeville
John & Helen Manne
Anthony Mantello
Paul Maroun
William C. Maroun
Bob & Ann Marshall
Diane Martino
Daniel Mason & Debra Rice
Dave Mason & Jim Hermann
Mary Maxwell
Georgianna May
Edith Maynard
David McClellan
Faith McClelland
Scott & Tracy McClelland
James & Denise McCormick
John & Anne McDonald
Thomas & Marianne McDonough
Richard & Clara McGuirk
Daniel & Grace McGraw
Harold & Beth McKinney
Dean & Janice McLear
Jerome & Elna Meader
Jeannette Meehan
Joseph & Mary Mercurio
Ann Breen Metcalfe
Methodist Women’s Whiteface
Community Church
Charles Metz, Jr.
Dorothy Metz
Miller’s Pond Homeowners Association
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Minehan
The Mirror Lake Inn
Alexander Mitchell
Mary & Paul Mitchell
Marjorie Moeller
Mary & Susan Moeller
Dr. Patricia Monroe
Wayne & Lynn Monroe
Carolyn & Mace Moody
Randy Moody & CaroLee Meserole
Shirley Moore
Steve & Marsha Morgan
Thomas J. Morhouse
Jim & Marcia Morley
Eric Mosher
Richard & Kris Moss
Mt. Moriah Presbyterian Church
George & Elizabeth Muller
Brian Nadel
Nash & Dana Nash
Charles & Dru Nason
David & Lisa** Nester
Carol Nevulis
Newcomb Lions Club
New York State Police
NYCO Minerals, Inc.
Thomas & Naomi Nicoll
Barbara Norman
Haile North
North Country Crafters
North Creek Rotary
North Star Funeral Directors Association
James Northrup
Dieter & Holly Nottembohn
David & Carla Nyquist
Peter Scott Oberdorf
Kathleen O’Brien
William & Carole O’Dwyer
Polly & Bengt Ohman
The ‘Ol’ Station, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Olmsted
William & Maxine O’Reilly
Michael & Donna O’Rourke
Eleanor Orsini
Oscars Hickory House, Inc.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Frank & Martha Lee Owen
Nancy Page
Peter & Patty Paine
William Paland
Sharon Palestri
Frank & Delores Parillo
Wendy Pariseau-Duby
Henry W. Parnass
Paul Smiths College of Arts & Sciences
Jason Pedu
Ben Peets
Steven & Cheryl Penney
Fredericka Pereau
Dorothy Perkins
Peru Pharmacy
Mary & Terry Petell
Scott & Charissa Petrashune
Dr. Arthur Phelps
Joseph R. Phillips
Timothy Pierce
Pine’s Country Store
Carol Jean Pinney
Kit & Peggy Plank
Plattsburgh Lion’s Club
Plattsburgh Memorials
Daniel Plosila
Donna Poirier
Mr. & Mrs. James Porpeglia
Tracy Posdzich**
Post Office Pharmacy
Steven Pounian & J. Haws
Alexandra Preston
Richard Preston
Quabbin Timber
R & L Towing
Sherman & Nancy Randall
Edward & Theresa Rayder
Reading Truck Body, LLC
Bill Redpath
Deanne Rehm
Walter & Therese Reichert
James Ries
Paul & Rosemary Reiss
Betsey Remington
David & Margaret Reuther
Reverend Peter Riani
Rice Furniture
Bill Rich
James Ries
James Riley
Road Dawgs Motorcycle Club
Michael & Vivian Robare
Regina Rockburn
Robert Rogers
Peter & Heidi Roland
Romano’s Saranac Lanes
John & Nancy Rosenthal
Neil & Cassie Rotman
Eleanor Rowan
Rozell Industries, Inc.
Peter & Judi Ruscitti
Ruthie’s Run
Timothy Russell
Gary & Lyn Ryan
Michelle & Dennis Ryan
Fritz Sabbow & Rob Hastings
George* & Judy Salg
W. David & Priscilla Sanderspree
Sandy Hayes Realty
Saranac Lake Police Benevolent Assn.
Saranac Lake Elks Lodge #1508
Saranac Lake High School
Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Dept.
Saranac Lake Voluntary Health Assn.
Leonard & Kathy** Sauers
Geraldine Saunders
Mr. & Mrs. Art Savage
Cheryl Sayles
Donald & Judith Scammell
Gary & Lorraine Schiavi
Lee Schiavi
Calvin & Christina Schmeichel
Stephen Schneider
Steve Schnibbe
Ken Scholl
Jeffrey & Sonja Schulten
Peter & Mary Anne Schultz
Scott & Barbieri Funeral Homes
Ned & Cree Scudder
Sharon Sears
Emily & Nate Selleck
Jeffrey Sellon
Serkil, LLC
Lawrence Shanley
Doris Shatraw
Steve Shatraw
Richard Sheft
Judith Shepherd
Larry & Leslie Shipps
Ricky Sica
David & Sarah Siegrist
Arnold Slawsby
Dr. D. Tucker* & Emily Slingerland
William & Darlene Small
Frank & Kathleen Smith
Normand & Judy Smith
Robin R. A. Smith
Nancy Trimm Sochia
Drs. Elias & Roslyn Socolof
Margaret Sorensen*
Phil & Claudia Sorenson
South Glens Falls United
Methodist Church
Daniel Spada
Joseph & Sally Spadaro
Betty Speicher
Kae Spoerl
S.A. & H.C. Spongberg
Mrs. Albert Squire
St. James Episcopal Church
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Ruth Stehl
Will & Liz Stewart
Curt & Susan Stiles
Michael & Joan Storey
2012 Agency Highlights
Page 3
2012 was full of passings and new beginnings for High Peaks Hospice & Palliative
Care.
Many new faces joined us in 2012. High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care hired a
number of new RNs and Hospice Aides. Two Community Outreach Coordinators
and a new Community Outreach/Development Coordinator were also among the
new staff joining us in 2012. The Coordinators of Volunteers were busy recruiting
and training many new volunteers to help with patients and families as well as with
administrative and fundraising efforts.
Mid-year, we started a Community Outreach and Education initiative to educate
people in the communities we serve about the variety of options that they have
regarding end of life by reaching people in the places that matter most to them.
Our founder and friend, Dr. David Merkel. These efforts include Caregiver support and caregiver training groups, Bereavement
support, and educational presentations and training sessions in Advanced Directives, Hospice Care 101. Our goal is to encourage people to share the way they want to live at the end of their
lives with their loved ones so their families can make choices that best meet their needs and wishes.
In September, we were preparing for the two Bereavement Conferences that we were hosting (see page 5)
when we experienced a deeply felt and personal loss with the passing of our founder and Medical Director Dr.
David Merkel. David was our medical expert, mentor but most important, our friend. He is deeply missed.
In November, we started the expansion of the training program for our clinical staff with a full day of training
on pain and symptom management for our hospice nurses. That same month, in order to take better care of
our families and staff, the Warren County office moved into new space on Glenwood Avenue, Queensbury.
By the end of 2012, the clinical staff of High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care made more than 10,000 visits to
individuals and families to provide hospice care. Amazingly they traveled over 300,000 miles to get there and
back. We took care of 379 families, providing close to 18,000 days of care - the most since 2009. In addition,
thousands of phone calls, visits and mailings were made to support families who experienced the loss of a
loved one.
All in all 2012 was a very busy year!
Each of our three clinical offices held two
remembrance services last years. Families,
friends and staff came together to celebrate
the lives of those who had passed.
Helen Muncil with three more generations
of Muncil women!
During National Hospice month a special
Caring for the Caregivers Day was organized for caregivers in the Tri-Lakes. The
afternoon offered practical support as well
as pampering the caregivers.
Page 4
Page 9
Fundraising Highlights of 2012
5K Run for Your Life: Damp yet
enthusiastic runners at the start of the
fun walk/run in Warrensburg.
Summer Gathering:
Frissie Reed enjoying the
delicious food during the
summer gathering at her
home.
Claire Sweet Memorial Golf Tournament: Dave Becraft, Rob Sweet, Thomas
Becraft and Jason Miller representing Robert J. Sweet Lumber and Lake
George Forest Products.

The 2012 fundraising calendar got off to a wet start in May with the 5K Run
for Your Life held in partnership with Warrensburg Elementary School. It
was in memory of a beloved WCS faculty member, Brent Bertrand, who
had died suddenly. Proceeds benefited High Peaks Hospice & Palliative
Care as well as the playground fund at the school.

Next up came Radio Day. On June 5th the 20th Radio Day was off and
running at 6am at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Fourteen
hours later the phones were finally quiet. Over $55,000 was pledged by the
generous Tri-Lakes community. As always special thanks go to the amazing
children and staff at LP Quinn School in Tupper Lake.

On an early-August evening a crowd of well over 100 partygoers gathered
at the lovely farm of Bill & Frissie Reed in Keene Valley. Supporters
enjoyed a wonderful evening of camaraderie and delicious food. Even a
quick downpour did not break their spirits!

On that same day another event was going on in Saranac Lake where a
small but dedicated group of bikers participated in the annual Tri-Lakes
Motorcycle Rally and enjoyed a beautiful ride through the Adirondacks

A week later a small but enthusiastic group of supporters gathered at the
rustic and historic Scragwood on Willsboro Point in Willsboro generously
hosted by Darcey and Bruce Hale.

The final event of the year, the Claire Sweet Memorial Golf Tournament
was once again held at the spectacular Top of the World Resort overlooking
Lake George. The extended Sweet family, as always, greeted and thanked
the players for their support of the event. 100 enthusiastic golfers enjoyed a
beautiful day of golf and raised over $22,000!
Summer Gathering: The lovely, historic Scragwood
on Willsboro Point hosted the second summer
gathering.
Radio Day: (photo left) Jim LaValley “interviewing” the kids at LP Quinn
Elementary School. (photo right) TylaAnn Burger with HPHPC board
member Rik Cassidy and Tupper Lake Mayor Paul Maroun.
Tim Stewart
St. Henry’s Church
St. John’s in the Wilderness
St. Therese Church
Richard Suttmeier
Robert & Amy Sweet
John & Sandra Taylor
Jill Toney
Tri-Lakes Home Medical
Jane Pauley & Garry Trudeau
Van Aernem
Verizon Foundation
Wallace Contracting
Thomas & Geraldine Walsh
Sarah Wardner
Jeanne Warner
Warren Ford Mercury
Craig & Connie Weatherup
Westport Federated Church
Wildwood on the Lake
Willsboro Essex Kiwanis
Donna Wilson
Daniel Woodman
Friends ($100-249)
A1 Landscaping - Roger Pratt
James & Kimberly Adams
Adirondack Daily Enterprise
Adirondack Dream Homes
Adirondack Explorer
Adirondack Tire Company
Annette Albright
Fred & Peggy Alexy
Cecilia & James Alsina
American Legion Post 504
Angel Action Program of
Washington County EOC
Chris & Stacey Angell
Anonymous
Associates in Radiology
Thomas & Patricia Auer
Ausable Valley Garden Club
Jacob & Pat Avnir
Burgess & Cindy Ayres
Bill Baker
Clyde & Suzanne Baker
Dean W. Baker
Dorothy Ball
David & Stephanie Banks
David Barcia
Wayne & Bea Bardin
Richard Bartlett
Nancie Battaglia
David & Ann Becker
Elaine Begor
Behan Communications
Peter & Honore Beletti
Ralph & Liz Bennett
Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Bergamini
Kathleen Bergamini
Corrie & Eric Bernow
Emmanuel Bernstein
Bruce Berra & Lorraine Duvall
Laura Bessette
Best Western Mountain Lake Inn
Gerard & Cheryl Bilodeau
William & Bunny Bitner
Gary & Charleen Bivona
Albert & Linda Bonaduce
Brad & Monica Bradbury
Jean Bradford
Beth Brake
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Breiseth
William & Wendy Brenner
Chip & Carla Brieant
James Brophy
Deborah & Neil Brown
Ken & Judy Brunette
John Brust
Ellen M. Buckley
TylaAnn Burger**
Paul & Mary-Lloyd Burroughs
Susan E. Butler
Bob & Sandra Callaghan
Denise Calvert
Margaret Cammack
Brenda Carpenter
James & Laura Carpenter
Lucy & David Carson
Rik Cassidy*
Catholic Daughters of America
Joseph Cavallo
James Cavanaugh
CBNA Insurance Agency
Jill Chandler
Jeffrey & Mary Cheney
Chicken Coop Forge
Joe & Iris Civalier
Monique Weston Claque
Kay Clarke
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton
Bob Coakley & Coakley Ace Hardware
David Coffin
James & Carol Blakeslee Collin
Thomas Conrad
Terry & Becky Cook
Diane Cote
R. Moses & Patricia Coventry
John & Maryann Cozzens
Michael & Deirdre Craft
Eileen Crary
John & Roseann Curran
Michael Curran
CVS Holdings
Robert & Lorraine Daggett
Karen Dailey
Dakota Supply Group
Virginia Daniels
Michael & Holly Dansbury
Marie Darrah
Eileen Dattola
Raymond F. David
Stephen & Arlene Davie
Frances Davis
Jody Deal
Robert & Marion Dedrick
Lucille DeForge
Charles & Ann Delair
David DeLorme
Jenifer Deming
Rick & Connie Dennis
Scott & Sylvie DePalma
Marie Derby**
Cathy DeSantos
Marshia Desourcie
Christopher & Eve Detmer
Lynne & Jim Detmer
Richard & Ellen Dinolfo
Peter & Virginia Dolan
Robert & Deborah Donaldson
Rocco D’Onofrio
Raymond & Donna Dora
John Dover
Milton Dudley & Kathy Kernan
James & Julie Dukett
Stephen Panik & Joanne Duncan
The Dunleavy Family
Peter & Anne Durkee
Joanne Dwyer
Egglefield Ford
Dennis & Joan Egglefield
James & Carol Edmonds
Janet Edwards
Robert Edwards
Elizabethtown Westport Garden Club
William & Carol Ellis
Engel & Voelkers Lake Placid Real Estate
Barbara Erickson
Ellen Eshchuk
Essex Association United
Church of Christ
Ben Everest
Exxon-Mobil Foundation
Eye Peek
Mini Falorca
Greg & Cathy Farrell
Nancy Larsen Farrell
Denise Ferrando
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Frances Filshie*
Finch Paper
Carol Finke**
Betty Finley
First Presbyterian Church of Saranac Lake
Sam Fisk & Linda Coe
Dr. Kathleen M. Foley
Frank & Frances Folise
Fortune Keough Funeral Home
Daniel & Elaine Frechette
John P. Freeman
Bernard Fried & Nina Gershon
Myriam & Roger Friedman
Howard & Angelina Frizzell
George & Beatrice Frost
Joseph & Connie Fusco
G & S Plumbing & Heating
Thomas J. Gabriels
Diane Gagnon-Fee
Thomasina Gallagher
Gene & Michelle Garcia
Robert & Jacqueline Gardner
Gordon Garlick
Paul Garrand & Nelson Smith
Donn Garwood
Henry & Michele Gasiorowski
Sharon C. Geerts
General Electric Foundation
Charles Giganto
Dean Gilbert
Albert & Mary Jane Gilet
Cory & Thomas Gillilland
Howard & Karen Glass
Ian & Heather Gniazdowski
Goetz, Loeher, Shields & Mittmann, Inc.
William Goetz
Anne Gohn
Charles Golluscio
Ed & Julie Good
David & Claire Gordon Foundation
Howard & Nancy Gordon
Wayne & Barbara Granish
Graycourt Motel
Wendy Grieser
Lyn & Harry Groome
Herbert Gross
Thomas & Eugenia Hadjis
Clea Hall-Smith
Eldon & Phe Hall
Rory & Melissa Hamner
Hamilton Funeral Home
Brendan & Karen Hanley
Hannaford #360
Robert & Cindy Hardzog
Gerald & Linda Hare
Harland Funeral Home
JoAnn Harriman
Linda Harris
Robert & Patricia Harris
Roland & Jane Harris
Dirck & Joyce Harrison
Richard & Deb Harrison
Greg Harvey
Haselton Lumber
Dennis & Nancy Hasso
Daniel & Janice Hazewski
Edmund & Jane Healey
Judith Healey
Richard & Nancy Heath
The Hedges & Wide River Antiques
John & Marilyn Heimerdinger
Brenda** & Dick Hewitt
Bob & Margaret Hickey
Hill Electric
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Hoffman
Mark & Cheryl Hoffman
Robert S. Hogan
Keith & Barbara Hollenbeck
Donald & Veronica Hollingsworth
Steve & Judy Hopkins
Edwards R. Hopple
Billie Houghton
Hudson-Sacandaga Post 5836
Elizabeth & Robert Hughes
Hulbert’s Tri-Lakes Supply
James & Carol Hunt
Edward & Elaine Huntington
Hurley Brothers
Patricia Hurley
Joan Hutson
Judy & Dale Huyck
Carol Hynes
Chris & Audrey Hyson
Courtney Iglehart
Elizabeth Jaques
We regret that we have room to list only gifts of $100 or more. Be assured that all donations, no matter the size, are greatly appreciated!
Page 8
Page 5
2012 Giving
Alan Wolfelt Bereavement Conferences
On September 20 & 21 High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care hosted two workshops featuring Dr.
Alan D. Wolfelt, noted psychologist, grief educator and counselor.
High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care gratefully acknowledges the individuals, foundations, agencies
and businesses whose generous support is so critical our mission. Your gifts form the foundation upon
which we are able to assure that hospice care will continue well into the future in our north country
communities.
Benefactors ($5,000+)
Joseph Arney
Community Health Charities of NY
Estate of Janet Decker
Janis Fallon
The Kinglsey Foundation
The McCutchen Foundation
LP Quinn School
Michael & Cynthia Suprenant
Charles R. Wood Foundation
Dorothy Thompson
Gene & Nancy Thorley
Toney Properties
United Methodist Church of Essex
Stephanie VanRhyn
Richard Wardwell
Warrensburg C.S. Dance Marathon
David & Candace King Weir
Barrie & DeeDee Wigmore
Tom Woodman
Angels ($500-999)
Advocates ($1000-4999)
Adirondack Community Trust Jack M. Davis Memorial Fund
Adirondack Community Trust Adirondack Regional Federal
Rock Bog Fund
Credit Union
Advisory Board Company
Adon Farms
Glenna & Dale Aldrich
Ray Agnew*
Aldrich-Sweet, LLC
Anonymous
Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Charitable Fdn.
Russell Banks
Anonymous
Bimbo Bakeries, Inc.
Brian S. Baker
Arthur & Sandy Bissell
Captain Cook’s Bar & Grill
Dale & Gretchen Boardman
The Community Foundation for the Capital
James Bormann
Region - Charles Friehofer III Fund
Peter & Barbara Brinkley
Douglas & Jane Collette
Sara M. Brown
Stephen Corvelli
Burnham Financial Services
Estate of Mildred L. Distan
Canoe Island Lodge, LLC
Gloria Drucker
Church of St. Luke the Beloved
Donna Fast
Physician
Genpak, LLC
Church of the Ascension
Glens Falls Foundation
Josh Clement
Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
D.A. Collins
Gordon Harris
Andrew Fortune, Jr.
High Peaks Hospice & Palliative
Glens Falls National Bank
Care Employees**
Sylvia Golbin
Hospice of the North Country
Samuel & Patricia Hoopes
Infant Jesus of Prague
Hospice Education Institute
JPC Management, LLC
HospiScript Services, LLC
Lee & Nancy Keet
Hyde Fuel Company
William Kelly
The Ironman Community Foundation
John Murray Dentistry
Carol Jackman
North Country Properties
Don Kirche
Northeastern Products Corp.
Lake Placid Lion’s Club
NYSCOPBA
Lamb Lumber Company
Petrova Elementary School
Marty Lawthers
Kalpana Reddy
Dyzie Marcinkevicius
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ritchie
McKesson
Mike & Sally Ritchie
Peter Mele
Sarah Rogers
Richard Nichols
The Sandy Hill Foundation
Frederick Oberst*
Shaheen’s Supermarket, Inc.
Michael & Deborah Payment
Estate of James E. Smith
Price Chopper’s Golub Corp.
Staritch Foundation, Inc.
Edgar* & Felicitas Purcell
Stewarts Shops
Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation
Jack & Mary Sweet
Rotary Club of Lake Placid
Robert J. Sweet, Inc.
June Reamer
* indicated Governance & Board of Directors members **indicates HPH&PC Staff
Charles & Jeannine Sporck
Sweet-Toney, LLC
Jack Toney Wholesale Meats, Inc.
Jacobs & Toney, LLC
Town of St. Armand
Robert & Cynthia Troop
Cheryl Tucker, PhD*
Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce
United Methodist Women of
Essex Community Church
Village of Saranac Lake Employees
Westport Central School
James & Ramona Whitelaw
Dr. Thomas Woodman
Clarence J. Zabriskie
Caregivers ($250-499)
Adirondack Community TrustWoods & Pearl McCahill Family Fund
Adirondack Bank
Adirondack Medical Center
Rip & Shirley Allen
Anonymous
Kenneth Armstrong
C.R. Bard, Inc.
Robert & Debra Beaty
Paul Benveniste, PhD*
Richard Betters
Bob & Tish Biesemeyer
Joe & Linda Bogardus
Paul Brandt
Wendy & Adam Brayshaw
James & Marcia Brooks
Jerry Brown’s Auto Parts Center
Robert & Maureen Buhrmaster
Bazil S. Burns, Sr.
Carcuzzi Car Care Center
Carleton Funeral Home
Kent & Linda Cauley
Kim Charland
David & Annie Childs
Church of the Good Shepherd
Sam Churco
Community Bank, NA
Jeffrey & Julia Cotter
Mike & Roseanne Davies
Bill Decker
Peter Donnelly
William & Patricia Dow
Charles Downs
Pauline Dumas
Pam Edwards
Christina Fontana
Fraternal Order of Eagles 2486
Chip Gallagher
Linda Gilbert
Ed Goetz
Norma Goff*
Priscilla Goss
Richard Grebe
Jim & Carol** Griebsch
Daphne Hallowell
High Peaks Dental
John & Cathy Hodgkins
Barbara Hofrichter**
Greg & Marion Jeffers
Krystal Chrysler Jeep Dodge
Lake George Forest Products
Lake Placid Animal Hospital
Byron & Joan Lapham
Natalie Leduc
Richard J. Leonard
Lotus Analytics
Peter & Patricia Lukens
Daniel & Carol Luthringshauser
Phyllis Magnus
Maynard Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.
Patrick & Hilary McDonald
Bub & Joanne McGrain
McKernan Stone Masonry
David & Amy McNamara
Medical Associates of Saranac Lake
Ryan Mellon
Lutz Micheels
Neil & Vicki* Morse
Mountain Medical
MM Hayes Co., Inc.
Sally & John Muldowney
Michael & Ellen Murphy
NBT Bank
Nickels Redemption
North Country Imports
Coralie North
Northstar Industries
Bennett Patrick
Paws-a-While Grooming & Pet Shop
Joseph & Shirley Pickereign
Gordon W. Pratt Agency, Inc.
Katharine Preston & John Bingham
Paul & Rebecca Preuss
Quad Graphics
Barrett & Stephanie Quinn
Raquette Lake Chapel
Nelson Rayder
Ralph Russell
Mr. & Mrs. John A. Sargent
Richard C. Saunders
John & Sharon Sayles
Renate & Hans Schachenmayr
Trip & Sharon Shannon
Bruce & Beth Smith
Mary Donohue Smith
Steven & April Spoerl
State Farm Insurance Companies
We apologize if we have inadvertently left out or misspelled anyone’s name.
On the evening of September 20th The Wilderness of Grief: Finding Your Way was held for those
dealing with grief in their lives. The standing room only crowd at Saranac Village at Will Rogers
benefited greatly from this opportunity to embrace hope and healing.
The next morning, September 21st, those in the professional caregiving community were given the
opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills surrounding grief and loss during a full
day conference at the Visitor’s Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths. Dr. Alan Wolfelt introduced the
concept of people Living in the Shadow of the Ghosts of Grief .
Dr. Alan Wolfelt talking about
Living in the Shadows of the
Ghosts of Grief with the professionals and others who work with
the grieving.
Dr. Wolfelt is the Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition located in Fort Collins, Colorado. He is a past recipient of the Association for Death Education and Counseling's Death Educator Award and speaks regularly throughout the U.S. and Canada in the areas of childhood and
adult grief.
The conferences were presented by High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care, Hospice of the North Country, Hospice & Palliative Care of
St. Lawrence Valley and the Wholistic Center at Alice Hyde Medical Center.
It is obvious that my aunt holds all of you in high esteem and with much affection...One of
the greatest gifts that we can give to others is the gift of ourselves...Thank you for all the
love and support that you have shown our family. In letter received from a patient relative in 2012
Financial Snapshot of 2012
Where the Funds Came From:
How the Funds Were Spent
Insurance Reimbursement
Direct Patient & Family Care
$3,026,112
Administration, development,
advertising and all other general
expenses
$845,131
Total Expense
$3,871,243
$2,822,631
(Medicare, Medicaid & commercial)
Community Support**
Other Miscellaneous
Bequests
Total Income
$359,346
$26,051
$26,467
$3,234,495
Administrative expenses comprised 21%
of total agency expenses in 2012.
Mileage Reimbursement to Staff
2012 Statistics
One of the extra financial burdens experienced by a rural
agency such as ours that gives care in the patient’s home
is providing mileage reimbursement for travel to our staff.
In 2012 High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care staff drove
304,006 miles to provide care at a cost to the agency of
$181,913.
Total Patient Days
17,721
Average Length of Stay
47.1
Total Patients Served
379
Non-Malignant 53.5%
**Community Support
Direct Mail Appeals & Grants
Memorial Donations
All Events & Activity
HPH&PC Employee Campaign
3rd Party on our behalf
Cancer vs Non-Malignant Diagnoses
$167,535
$83,735
$85,706
$ 4,759
$17,611
Cancer 46.5%
Patients Served by Age
1-64
17%
65-74 17%
75 and above 66%
2012-2013 Staff & Volunteers
Page 6
Page 7
Staff
Volunteers
High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care staff exemplify “Teamwork” - individuals working together
as a team, coordinating the various types of support, that provide the continuity of care and the all
encompassing care that is the hallmark of hospice.
Executive Director
TylaAnn Burger, RN, CHPCA
Administrative Staff in Saranac Lake
Susan Brumgard-Johr, RN, Quality Assurance Coordinator
Lee McClintock, FNP
Tina Moody, Business Manager
Lisa Nester, Billing Specialist
Marijke Ormel, NPc
Allison Rand, Information Technology Specialist
Kelvin Sapp, Quality Assurance Director
Elaine Sater, Compliance Officer
Kathy Sauers, Administrative Assistant
Darsie Townsend, Development Director
Warren County Clinical Staff in Queensbury
Dr. James North, Medical Director
Dr. William Tedesco, Medical Director
Carol Finke, RN, Hospice Care Coordinator
Julie Bauer, RN
Susan Brumgard-Johr, RN
Karen Conrad, RN
Kelly McQuain, RN
Michele Scally, RN
Phillip Pekar, RN
Jessica Simon, RN
Sue Gillingham, LPN, Professional Liaison
Brenda Gottlieb, LPN
Carol Thomas, LPN
Stacy Chapman, Aide
Julie Sommo, Hospice Aide
Keith Mann, Bereavement & Volunteer Coordinator
Diana Webster, MS, Bereavement & Volunteer Coordinator
Steve Smith, Spiritual Care & Bereavement Coordinator
Kimberly Pollock, BSW, Social Worker
Sunday Conine, Development Coordinator
Fran Feathers, Community Outreach Coordinator
Mary Schwalbe, Office Manager
Triage Team
Denise Plano, RN
Paula Sheridan, RN
Barbara Touby, RN
Bonnie Underwood, RN
In 2012 our volunteers drove over 32,000 miles and donated over 5,000 hours of their time providing care for our
patients and families in their homes as well as providing administrative support in our offices. Their generous gift
of time saved High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care over $129,000. In 2012 our cadre of therapy dogs increased
as well. Pictured at left are Cosmo - a veteran of many years - and Sophie the newest member of our canine team!
Tri-Lakes Clinical Staff in Saranac Lake
Dr. C. David Merkel, Medical Director
Dr. George Cook, Medical Director
Margaret Brown, RN, CHPN, Hospice Care Coordinator
Katie Callan, RN
Marie Derby, RN
Carol Griebsch, RN
Tracy Posdzich, RN, Professional Liaison
Barbara Touby, RN, Professional Liaison
Brenda Hewitt, LPN
Amy McKay, LPN
Gretchen Reid, LPN
Patience Whitman, LMSW, Social Worker
Barbara Hofrichter, Bereavement & Volunteer Coordinator
Pastor Jeff Gray, Pastoral Care Coordinator
Sandra Bandru, Development Coordinator
Jane Larkin, Community Outreach Coordinator
Marie VanNortwick, Office Manager
Essex County Clinical Staff in Mineville
Dr. Glen Chapman, Medical Director
Linda Leavens, RN, Patient Care Coordinator
Carol Finke, RN, Patient Care Coordinator
Carol Linder, RN
Amy Chandler, RN
Debbie,Cox, RN
Bobbie Jo Ezzo, RN
Jessica Gay, RN, Professional Liaison
Pam Schuler, RN
Paula Sheridan, RN
Bonnie Underwood, RN
Heather Walker, RN, Professional Liaison
Sue Bevilacqua, LPN
Carrieanne Bennett, Hospice Aide
Lacy Mallette, Hospice Aide
Joan Lilly, LMSW, Social Worker
Cynthia Fairbanks, Coordinator of Volunteers
Charles Bolstridge, Chaplain
Robert Harsh, Chaplain
Cam Brown, Bereavement Coordinator
Ingrid Roemischer, Development
& Community Outreach Coordinator
Alice Wright, Office Manager
“Cosmos” the veteran
Doris Shatraw, a volunteer since the beginning,
celebrating her 90th
birthday.
Ray Agnew*
Dan Albano
Janice Allen*
Deborah Ameden
Millie Anzalone
Annie Arthur
Gail AuClair
Jean Baltzly
Joyce Barry
Brenda Beadnell
Mary Kay Benham
Dr. Paul Benveniste*
Marilyn Bigelow
Jennifer Bird
Jim Brady
Eileen Brooks
J. Ted Brothers
William Burke*
Anna Carney
Rik Cassidy*
Maria Clara Castano
Carolyn Clynes
Joanne Collins
Cathy Craig
Virginia Daniels
Jody Deal
Don DeMaio
Jane DeMaio
Jenifer Deming
Leo Demong
Chip Devenger
Nina Dickinson
Rose Dolan
A patient being serenaded by the Chrysalis Singers.
Carolyn Madden
Jackie Mallory
Nina Matteau
Nancy McCormack
Robert McCormack
Marie McCotter
Amber McKernan
Amy McNamara
Ann Merkel*
Anita Meserole
Frank Montbriand
Anita Moore
Vicki Morse*
Nancy Murphy
Lisa Nester
Fred Oberst*
William O’Reilly
Rev Jeffrey Palmer*
Cheryl Patnode
Pat Peebles
Teddi Pereau*
Lynn Pontez
Elaine Popp
John Post
Dusti Pratt
Becky Preuss
Edgar Purcell*
Lisa Puchor
Diane Reandeau
Robin Robertson
Rev. Lamont Robinson*
Sarah Rogers
Sharon Rouse
Carole Ryan
George Salg*
Daniel Santerre
Guy Savio
Pam Scavera
Renate Schachenmayr
Carol Scofield
Doris Shatraw
Dr. D. Tucker Slingerland*
Margaret Sorensen*
Maureen Steciuk
Mary Stewart
Joan Storey
Jane TerLouw
Robert Thomas
Dr. Cheryl Tucker*
Anne Turek
Helene Vanderburgh
Colleen VanHoven
Dani VanNess
Sheila Venezia
Laurie Ward
Nancy Warner
Mona White
Meg Wood*
Margaret Worden
Jean Yberg
Mary Zellner*
Chrysalis Singers
Glenn Arnold
Mary Kay Benham
Shirley Bullard
Karen Butters
Carolyn Comegys
David Comegys
Ruth Couchey
Nina Dickinson
Karen East
Anita Gochenaur
Carole Harsh
Bob Harsh
Kathy Hyatt
Dianne Loeber
Rich Loeber
Fred Mader
Janice McCallie
Maynard Nelson
Pat Nelson
Sarah Prince
Bonnie Reid
Beryl Reneau
Christina Schmeichel
Mary Stewart
Amy Sweet
Jerry Treadway
Anne Turek
Polleen Tyler
Helene Vanderburgh
Larry Vanderburgh
Ruth Woodward
Bob Yoeckel
Therapy Dogs:
Cosmo
handled by Joan Lilly
Sophie
handled by Bonnie Monoski
Hospice Helpers
“Sophie”
Each year many individuals offer their assistance and support in our offices and with fundraising activities. They fold and stuff
letters, they put up posters, solicit participants for our events and help out during the events. While they have not gone through
formal training, the support they provide is invaluable to our efforts.
Adirondack Runners
Glenna Aldrich
Stacey Angell
Glenn Arnold
Ted, Devon, Jared &
Brianna Bandru
Liz Bennett
Nancy Brown
Pat Brown
Freddie Burger
Karen Butters
Kathy Cavallaro
Amy Chambers
Josh Clement
Carol Griebsch, RN enjoying Saranac Winter Carnival.
Dennis Dominick
Karen Fallas
Dawn Faller
Philip Feinberg*
Tina Finkowski
Fran Filshie*
Jackie Foster
Celeste Gabai
Norma Goff*
Tom Golden
Roxy Greismer
Renee Gross
Teresa Haley
Kathy Hall
Curt Harrington
Robin Harrington
Ken Harris
Barbara Hathaway
Darleen Herald
Linda Higgins
Barbara Hoffman
Jeanne Hummel
Peggy Hunn
Joan Hutson
Ann Kane
Joan Kelly
Helen Kentile
Laura Kinney*
Patricia Law
Robert LeBlanc
Lelia Lewis
Sara Lindsay
E. John Loucks
Michelle Clement
Carolyn Clynes
MaryAnn Cozzens
Derrick, Paisley &
Winnie Conine
Kay DePerno
Anne Downes
Mini Falorca
Karen Falles
Deb Ford
Anita Gochenaur
Lynn Goldman
Ed Griesmer
Darcey & Bruce Hale
Rik Knapton
Chris Knight
Jim LaValley
Lorraine LaValley
Beth Ligon
Dianne Loeber
Rich Loeber
Fred Mader
Gwen Mader
Pam Mannix
Janice McCallie
Lutz Micheels
Ted Morgan
Jennifer Nadler
We apologize if your name was inadvertently left off this list
Kalpanna Reddy
Ricci Redfield
Bill & Frissie Reed
Members of Saranac Lake
Elks’ Club
Candi Schermerhorn
Christina Schmeichel
Tom Smack
Karen Smith
Sally Spadaro
Amy Sweet
Laddie Toney
Jill Toney
Frank Turner
Jesse Tyree
Jill Van Loan
Geraldine Walsh
Jim Werthmuller
James Whidden & Staff
at Will Rogers
Ruth Woodward
Interns:
MacKenzie Bencze
Amy McKay
Rachel Anne Walsh
* Indicates Governance & Board of Directors members