Posted on June 9, 2016
Kids age 6 to 12, who have experienced a loss are invited to attend Hospice of Guernsey’s Kids Kamp on June 27 to 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Deerassic Park. The camp allows children to express their grief and to share and learn from others who have had similar experiences.
This year’s theme is “Inside Out”. Kids will create masks that are similar to the characters in the Disney movie and the feelings they represent. Attendees will also enjoy a drum circle, games, crafts, hiking and fishing. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Kids should wear old clothes and shoes for exploring the woods and creeks.
Preregistration required by Friday, June 26. Contact Lois Merrill or Terri Wootton with questions or registrations at 740-432-7440.
Posted on June 9, 2016
June 2016
I just now looked ahead at the weather forecast for the week. It promises to be warm and sunny on the outside, but I know that all of you are not feeling its warmth on the inside. Because it may be stormy in your present circumstances, you may have to dig deep to find some hope of sunshine. But without hope, our spirit withers and dies! I am here to remind you that there is also hope in the stormy season of grief. The following sums it up for us:
The Hidden Power of the Heart
When the heart is enlivened again, it feels like the sun coming out after a week of rainy days. There is hope in the heart that chases the clouds away. Hope is a brighter heart frequency and as you begin to reconnect with your heart, hope is waiting to show you new possibilities and arrest the downward spiral of grief and loneliness. It becomes a matter of
how soon you want the sun to shine. Listening to the still, small voice in your heart will make hope into a reality.
– Sara Paddison
I particularly like the line that says : “It becomes a matter of how soon you want the sun to shine.” We do have control over much of it. I pray that you will listen to the small voice in your heart as you move towards healing. And remember, we are here to help.
June events:
June 13: “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. Come share lunch with others who have suffered a loss, and make a new friend.
June 14: Lunch Support Group @ NOON @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
June 16: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 p.m. at Mr. Lee’s. Must RSVP.
June 23: Breakfast Support Group @ 9 am at Patty’s Place in Caldwell.
June 27: Friends of Faith support group meets @ NOON @ Annie K’s
June 28: CANCELLED Support Group at 5:30 pm at the hospice office.
June 27-June 29: Kids Kamp at Deerassic Park from 10-2 each day.
Kids ages 6-12 eligible. Call Lois or Terri for details at 432-7440.
I pray God’s blessings on you as you continue to “reconnect with your heart”.
Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on April 26, 2016
Just as we have always heard that April showers bring May flowers, it is also true that we grow as we walk along the path of grief. Buried inside each of us is the potential to blossom into something beautiful after we have come through the rain. As I write this, I am taking time to look back over the last few years and reflect on the losses I have experienced. You see…I have lost my dad and my dearest friend since working here at hospice; BUT I have learned that I must leave the rains and storms of yesterday behind me and move into a new season where there can once again be flowers in bloom. My life must go on, and I have concluded that my loved ones would want that for me. It is my desire for you to learn the meaning of this as well.
May brings with it Memorial Day and a time of honoring those we love. For the average person, Memorial Day means a three-day weekend, and a time of rest or relaxation. But you probably do not feel like the average person at this time in your life, so I encourage you to do something that will honor the one you love in a different way than might be the norm. You may choose to plant a tree or shrub in your garden… one that will remind you of the one who is no longer with you. In time, it will be a comfort and a joy to behold. It is a living, breathing thing-something with life… just like you will remember your loved one as it ushers in precious memories of your times together. Plant it and water it with love! Enjoy it for years to come!
Upcoming events:
May 9: “Lunch Bunch” Support Group at Mr. Lee’s noon. Join us for fellowship.
May 10: Barnesville Lunch Bunch @ 12:00 pm @ Annie K’s
May 19: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group 6:00 pm at Mr. Lees
May 23: Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s in Barnesville
May 24: Support Group @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice office
May 26: Support breakfast @ Patty’s Place @ 9:00 am in Caldwell
I hope to see you soon. And as always, I’m available by phone at 740-432-7440.
God Bless!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on April 7, 2016
Staff and volunteers at Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. are sprucing up their flamingos to get ready for the 3rd Annual Flamingo 5K – a 5K run and 1-mile walk on Saturday, August 6, at 8 a.m. The pink birds that have been associated with Hospice of Guernsey for years, because of their Flamingo Flocking fundraisers, are pulling double duty by marking the route of the Flamingo Run.
Last year the Flamingo 5K had nearly 200 participants, in their third year they hope in draw an even bigger crowd.
The event includes a 5K run, 5K walk and a 1-mile memorial walk. There will be medals for the top overall runners, and top three in each age range, and a medal for the top overall walker. This year, there will also be several ‘fun’ awards presented, including ‘Best Dressed’, so don’t be afraid to embrace your inner flamingo.
After the race, stick around for some fun family activities, as the race results are being tabulated.
Pre-registration prior to July 15 guarantees a T-shirt. The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under. Event day registration is $25.
Race packets may be picked up early on August 3 and 4 at the Hospice Office from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Registration the day of the Flamingo Run will begin at 7 a.m. at Pavilion #1, corner of Edgeworth Ave. and North 8th St.
For information, call Jenna Conaway or Kathi Williams at 740-432-7440 or email jenna@firewireinternet.com.
Click here for the 2016 registration form.
Posted on April 4, 2016
Hospice of Guernsey is excited to announce its 2nd annual Touch A Truck, which will take place at Deerassic Park on Saturday, June 4 from 10am to 2pm.
Touch A Truck is a FREE family event that allows children of all ages a hands-on opportunity to explore various vehicles and meet the people who build, protect and serve our community. (Donations will be accepted, but there is no admission cost.) Along with the ‘trucks’ there will be food vendors, raffles and face painting.
“Last year we had nearly 20 ‘trucks’ including a fire truck, law enforcement vehicles, a big pink concrete truck, helicopter , tow truck, car hauler and an ice cream truck. We’re hoping to have an even bigger line-up this year!”
For more information, contact Jenna Conaway at 740-432-7440 or visit our facebook page here.
Posted on March 30, 2016
April showers bring May flowers…March excites me for it brings with it the promise of spring. Then comes the rainy season! April, for me, is the tunnel through which I must pass to reach the other side of winter. It may be dreary and cold, and at times a little tiresome; but it is necessary to get me to the warmth and joy that summer offers. So, here I go. Follow me if you will.
As you move into the summer of your grief journey, you will have left behind cold and rainy days. You will experience hard times before experiencing the joy and sunshine of tomorrow, and those times will change the person you are. They will mold you into the person you are to become. I pray that as you begin that journey and continue to walk along the pathway, you will have a hope of better tomorrows and sunshiny days. Allow someone else to walk beside you and be your friend. Let them hold your hand or cry with you. Allow someone else to be your strength if needed. Allow yourself to change. Also, remember we are here if you need us in the months to come. There are always events offered to lend support. Feel free to take advantage of them. We want to help you on your journey towards healing.
Upcoming events: There are many things happening in the area of bereavement. Check them out!
April 11: “Lunch Bunch” 12:00 noon at Mr. Lee’s. (own expense) This is a group that lends itself to fellowship, support and food. Join us.
April 12: Lunch Group in Barnesville @ 11:00 am @ Annie K’s. (Come and join us. The SNOW is gone! Missed you the last few months!)
April 21: Suicide Survivor’s Support Group @ 6:00 pm @ Mr. Lees in Cambridge.
April 25: Friends of Faith @ noon @ Annie K’s
April 26: Grief Support Group @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice Office
April 28 : Breakfast Support group @9:00 am at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
As always, if you have any questions or if you need to talk, I am available. With warm thoughts…
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on February 24, 2016
Patty’s Place in Caldwell is the place to be on Thursday, March 10 from 5 to 7pm. The restaurant will be hosting a “special waiter night” for Hospice of Guernsey, Inc.
Patty’s staff and Hospice volunteers will be working together to serve you, with the tips during those two hours going to Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. All donations raised will help with patient care and bereavement services.
Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and serves Guernsey, Noble and western Belmont counties. For more information about the event or Hospice services, call 740-432-7440.
Posted on February 16, 2016
So far the promise of cold weather has been a reality…SNOW, SNOW, and more SNOW! I so long for the first hints of spring! Hopefully March will bring with it the sunshine I so love. The days are becoming longer and I would love to begin to think of outside chores and activities. I am already decorating the outdoor patio in my mind. One of my favorite spots is the old porch swing. I love to sit on it and watch the world go by. It gives me great peace, and occasionally I’ll grab a nap after a busy day at work. It is my get-a-way for a few needed moments.
As March brings springtime, I hope it also brings for you sunshine and hope in the new season. It is only natural to have dreary days mixed in with the sunshine, so don’t be discouraged when they creep in. Just try to stay focused. Plan an activity that will bring you joy, and act upon it. Have lunch with a friend, feed the ducks, or take a walk. But whatever you do, look for that moment or activity that gives you a few minutes of peace, and bask in its warmth. It may be what gets you through to the next season.
But no matter where you find yourself as you read this, remember that we at Hospice are here to lend you support along the way. Our upcoming events for the month of March are as follows:
March 8– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s (Barnesville) at noon. Anyone who may enjoy eating and talking with others, please join us.
March 14- “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own. Everyone welcome.
March 17– Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 pm at Mr. Lee’s.
March 22-Support Group @ 5:30 p.m. at the Hospice Office.
March 24– Breakfast support group meets @ 9:00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley.
March 28– “Friends of Faith” meets at noon at Annie K’s in Barnesville.
If you have questions about any of the events, or you just need someone to talk to, call me at 432-7440. May spring shine upon you!
Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, AHPC-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on January 28, 2016
By now you have had time to settle in to the new year just a little bit. Christmas decorations are down and tucked away for another year. To many, that may seem like a relief. Many emotions are flying at the thought of what the new year might hold. To some, it may mean a new beginning…this year has to be better than the last. Others might wonder how they can possibly go on…face the new year without their loved one. By now you have come to the realization that the world does not stop for you, no matter if you feel that it should. I am here to encourage you that things will get easier. You will in some way adjust. But I want to encourage you not to go at it alone. Find someone that will be a support and encouragement to you in the days and weeks ahead. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.” If you feel you need someone to talk to, I am available for one on one time. There are also many events that take place throughout the month that you might find helpful. Give some of them a try.
February events:
February 8– “Lunch Bunch” at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of
fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own.
February 9– Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s @ noon. Anyone who may enjoy
eating and talking with others, please join us.
February 18– Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 pm at Mr. Lees.
February 22– Friends of Faith meets at noon @ Annie K’s.
February 23-Support Group at 5:30 pm at the hospice office. Please RSVP.
February 25- Breakfast Support Group @ 9:00 am @ Patty’s Place in Belle Valley
If you have any questions about any of the events, or you find yourself just needing a listening ear, call me at 432-7440. Blessings!
Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Posted on January 4, 2016
A new year is upon us! Where does the time go? When I was young I hated it when someone said how fast the time went, for as I child, I didn’t believe it and I couldn’t wait for the years to pass! Now it is sometimes just a reminder of what was. It is sometimes hard not to wish those days and years back. But, as we are so aware, we cannot! We do, however, need to remind ourselves to make the most of today and pray for a happier tomorrow.
For many of you, this New Year may only be a reminder of who will not be with you as you face tomorrow. A friend once shared four little words with me that might help to make a difference in your days. They are “I have a choice”. We can choose to worry and be upset at life’s circumstances, or we can choose to move ahead one day at a time, making our life count for something. I hope we can do that together in the coming year.
Upcoming events:
January 11– Lunch Bunch at Mr. Lee’s at noon. We meet for a time of
fellowship and sharing. Lunch is on your own.
January 12–Lunch Bunch at Annie K’s at noon.
January 13– NEW 9 WEEK SUPPORT GROUP. This group will meet at 5:30 at the Hospice office and will meet every other week. Please contact me if interested. Once the group starts, it will be closed to others.
January 21–Suicide Survivor’s Support Group at 6:00 at Mr. Lee’s
January 25-Friends of Faith meets at Annie K’s at noon.
January 26- Support Group @ 5:30 pm at the Hospice Office…(also a painting party with Lois for those who would like to participate. CALL FOR DETAILS.)
January 28- Support breakfast at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley at 9:00 am.
If you have any questions about an event, call me at 432-7440. I am also available for one on one time. Remember that together and with support, we can make it through each new day.
God Bless you in this New Year!
Terri Wootton LISW, ACHP-SW
Bereavement Coordinator
Call 24/7