Volunteers help in many ways at HVWA!

Most people think that becoming a Hospice Volunteer means they will be working with people who are dying or grieving. That, of course, may be true but it is not always the case. There are many other ways Volunteers help this organization... so if you want to make a difference but do not feel you are able to work with clients, this BLOG will give you an idea of SOME of the ways our Volunteers pitch in and help! Many hands and many hearts all make for a special kind of caring...

The column at your left includes pictures of the special events and programs described below. You can also give a donation, make reservations for special events or register for Camp Ray of Hope. We welcome your questions: Call (207) 873-3615 or email hospiceinfo@hvwa.org If you are purchasing tickets or making reservations, for a weekend event, after 2pm Friday you MUST print a reciept and bring it with you to be admitted. Thank You!

Hospice Memorial Healing Garden

Those who have driven by our Hospice Community Center at 304 Upper Main Street cannot help but see the Garden is under construction. This project has been one of our long-term goals for over 10 years. Thanks to the commitment and hard work of a few volunteers and members of the community it is finally coming to fruition.

We will share pictures with you as the project progresses so please do check back often! To enlarge the pictures in the slide show (below left) please double click on the picture that is currently showing and enjoy!

Hospice Community Center of Central Maine

HVWA held a 5-year strategic planning session in March 2009. Long term sustainablity for programs and services was the focus. The Strategic Plan includes goals for financial security, staffing, volunteer recruitment and retention and building and grounds needs. The Hospice Community Center will undergo updates and improved functionality over the next five years in three phases. These projects will allow us to enhance Hope's Place programming, community outreach and educational sessions, and adult grief support groups. Phase one began on August 10, 2009 when footings were laid for an addition on the west side of 304 Main Street. Check back often to see our progress....

The Hope's Place building then and now!

Hope's Place provides a safe and supportive environment to grieving children, teens and familes through peer support groups, which nurture and encourage safe expression of grief and loss. Hope's Place honors each child's individuality and their process towards discovery of resiliency and emotional well-being. To learn more about this program visit the web site http://www.hvwa.org/hopes-place.shtml. To see the picture album of the Hope's Place building and its evolution since it was acquired in 2007 see the slide show below, left.

Summer Solstice in the Garden Party

June 19, 2010 (raindate June 20th)
The third Saturday in June we hold this annual event at Fieldstone Gardens in Vassalboro. Guests of all ages enjoy gardening workshops, live music, the pristine gardens at Fieldstone Gardens. Children enjoy building a Fairy House Village and other activites. A gourmet buffet luncheon adds just the right touch to the day! Volunteers are needed to lead workshops, as vendors, to provide music and to help plan the event. Proceeds from this event support end-of-life and grief support services at HVWA.

Swing for Hope and Hospice Golf Tournament

Monday, August 2, 2010
The first Monday of August we gather at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro for our annual Golf Tournament. Proceeds from this event benefit Hope's Place for grieving children and teens. We welcome you to volunteer, provide a sponsorship - or better yet, gather a team and join us for the day. Whatever the case, we welcome your support!

If you would like to register NOW - look for Pay Pal in the left column on this screen. When you process your order please remember to click on "Add special instructions to the seller" and enter the names of your team members or any other information you would like us to have.
Thank You!!

The U. N. Children 1980 collectibles available for donation

This collection of 18 Franklin Porcelin collectables was donated to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area. Original certificates of authenicity accompany eight of the figurenes (as pictured). Original purchase price was $630.00. They are in MINT condition. HVWA is offering the entire collection for a donation of $250.00. Pictures of the entire collection can be viewed on the slideshow in the left column on the screen (you may have to scroll down the screen. Double click on any of the pictures to enlarge). Please email dmclark@hvwa.org or call 873-3615 x 13 FMI. Donor is responsible for shipping and handling costs. 100% of proceeds will support Hope's Place for Grieving Children and Teens.

Camp Ray of Hope

September 17 - 19, 2010
Camp Ray of Hope is an annual statewide weekend retreat for grieving families that was founded in 1995 as a place for children and their families to come together and learn new ways to cope with their loss, to meet others with similar circumstances to remember special times, to make new friends, and to have fun. Children write stories about their loved ones, draw pictures, participate in arts & crafts, and go on nature hikes. They also learn healthy outlets for anger and self care techniques. Adults of all ages spend time with other adults in a group setting as well as joining the children in some activities. Workshops offered on Saturday afternoon include fishing and canoeing, crafts to express your creativity or preserve memories, and self-care options. Childcare is available on site for infants and toddlers. More than sixty volunteers from all over the state help make this weekend possible by helping with activites, presenting workshops, facilitating peer grief groups for all ages, provide complementary care sessions and a myriad of behind the scenes tasks. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information about this program visit our web site http://www.hvwa.org/. Donations for this program are gratefully accepted.

BingSol Pig Roast and Auction

September 2010 (day TBA)The Sukeforth family and friends hold a fundraiser in the fall and proceeds from this event are divided between HVWA and Meals on Wheels. More than 60 volunteers help on this event, which raised $45,522 in 2009. This is a fun day for all ages - and the food is DELICIOUS! You can help by volunteering on the day of the event, donate a gift certificate or item for the auction, or contribute food or a sponsorship to help towards the Pig Roast. Don't forget to join us for a great time on the day of the event! Proceeds from this event support end-of-life and grief support services at HVWA

To pre-pay the entrance fee see the left column. Scroll down this screen until you see BingSol pictures and shopping cart... THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORT THIS EVENT!!

Bluegrass Show

Saturday October 16, 2010 The annual Bluegrass Show is held the third Saturday in October features three Bluegrass Bands that included in 2009 The Muellers (pictured at right) Blistered Fingers and Anna Mae Mitchell and Rising Tide. Volunteers are needed to work on the planning committee and on the evening of the event. FMI about volunteer opportunities contact Dale Marie Clark at dmclark@hvwa.org for more information.
To pre-buy tickets see the left column of this screen where you can also enjoy the slide show from previous years - just click on the picture and enjoy!
Proceeds from this event help HVWA provide free end-of-life and grief support services.

Annual Interfaith Memorial Service

20th annual Memorial Service on Hospice Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 4:00pm. Place to be announced (call 207-873-3615 FMI). Those who attend will be given an opportunity to come forward during the service to light candles in memory of loved ones. People are also free to share a meaningful poem or reading at that time. There will be someone available to light candles for those who are uncomfortable coming forward or who are unable to attend. If you want to attend but do not have transportation, or wish to have a name read in your absence, please call the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area Community Center at 873-3615 or email hospiceinfo@hvwa.org. A light supper will be served in the church fellowship hall directly after the service.

November is National Hospice Month and the first Sunday in November is chosen as Hospice Sunday because it is also All Soul’s Sunday. This is a time when many congregations remember those who have died in the previous year. Some congregations remember those who have died over the years. History indicates that this has been a celebration since the Middle Ages. It consists of two days. All Saint’s Day on November 1st, the eve of which is known as All Hallow’s Eve, translated into modern day Halloween. On both days the prayers of the church are offered for those who have died. In Buddism, a similar observance is held as an expression of filial piety for deceased family members. The Jewish memorial service for the departed is Yizkor. It is held in the Synagogue on Yom Kipper (the Day of Atonement) earlier in the fall.

Lights for Life Open House and Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 2, 2010
The first Thursday in December you are welcome to join us at the Hospice Community Center, 304 Main Street, Waterville for an open house 4:30-7pm. Guests enjoy refreshments prepared by the Lights for Life Committee (at right); Mellori Worthern of Uniquely Music soothes us with her harp; and guests enjoy a time of support and camaradarie. Activites for children are also part of the evening. A special tree lighting ceremony rounds out the evening, in commemoration of people we have loved and lost. Contributions can be made to HVWA in lieu of family or friend's holiday gift giving during this time as well as memorial donations. Your gits help support end-of-life and grief support services at HVWA