Back L-R: Martha Flewelling, Kathy Malatesta, Elise Templet, Kim Havea, Teresa Taylor, Ed Conroy, Beth Ranagan, Joe Ranagan, Sherry Corbin Front L-R: Peggy Seneca, Ardie Hacker (Not pictured: Shawna Toby and Kathy Castonguay)

“Pine Tree Hospice is training compassionate and informed volunteers. The services provided to the community through Pine Tree Hospice are invaluable. This experience has made me a better person,” said Shawna Toby. Joe Ranagan added, “What a great program! It provided information that everyone should know about end-of-life issues and was done in a comfortable setting with knowledgeable and effective presenters. The schedule was reasonable and the food was excellent! I recommend it to all.”

The Pine Tree Hospice Education Committee wishes to extend their gratitude to those who volunteered their time to present each of the state mandated topics as follows: CHCS Bereavement Coordinator, Lisa Delgado, Grief, Loss and Transition; CHCS Hospice Nurse, Michele Cole, Multi-disciplinary Management and Hospice Resources, Lary Funeral Home Owner, Eric Annis, Funeral Arrangements; Mayo Physician, Dr. Dave McDermott, Chronic Illness; and Retired Hospice Nurse, Peggy Seneca, Support During Stages of Dying. Those affiliated with Pine Tree Hospice also presenting include former Board Member, Elaine Bisbee, RN, Stress Management and Self-Care; Volunteer, Erin Callaway, CT, Children’s Grief; former Bereavement Coordinator, Linda Hall, Personal Death Awareness; PTH co-founder and Mayo Oncology Nurse, Kathy Malatesta, Ethics; PTH co-founder and Volunteer Medical Director, Dr. Lesley Fernow, Hospice Philosophy and Pain and Symptom Management; Volunteer Chaplain, Rev. Ray Beless, Spirituality, Board Member and Volunteer, Womancare Community Relations Coordinator, Art Jette, Psychological Perspectives and Family Dynamics; Coordinator of Volunteers and Client Services, Amy Madigan-Dube, Communication Skills and Personnel Issues; and Executive Director, Cynthia Scott, Volunteer Roles. PTH Volunteers, Sherry Corbin and Priscilla Higgins, served as hostesses; Isabelle Telesz, PTH Board Member and owner of “Soup’s On” in Rockwood, provided the meals served; and Ardie Hacker, PTH Board President presented the Certificates of Completion.

Following the training series, Beth Ranagan said, “The hospice training provided me with important information about death and dying. It taught me of the importance of preparing for a good death. It taught me that hospice is really about life. Regardless of the past or the future, we all need to live the best quality life we can until we die. A hospice volunteer does what he or she can with love to assist in that goal. The material was presented in an informal, pleasant atmosphere. Thank goodness for Pine Tree Hospice and all the wonderful people who participate in the volunteer program.”

To learn more about Pine Tree Hospice visit www.pinetreehospice.org. Anyone interested in attending the fall Community Hospice Education series may pre-register by calling PTH at 564-4346 or e-mailing wecare@pinetreehospice.org.