Community members of all ages came together to remember and honor those that they had lost whether recently or in the past.

The event was opened with a wonderful concert by the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Children’s Handbell and Chime Group. Throughout the afternoon activities provided the opportunity to celebrate someone’s life that had deeply touched another person.

Many tried their hand at finger painting with pudding in the purple and green colors of hospice, decorated a wooden star to have this holiday season, created a memory wreath with ribbons expressing favorite memories, and there was time to talk with others who knew of the experience of loss.

During the event a beautiful and most touching solo was performed by Linda Boyce, Social Worker for CHCS. She then led all the children in singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” as the tree was lit with everyone’s star on it.

The highlight of the afternoon was at the conclusion of the event when 75 balloons were launched with special notes of love and remembrance attached.

Bereavement services are available to anyone in our communities who have sustained loss either through illness or unexpectedly. PTH is volunteer-based and community funded. For more information about the free end-of-life and grief support services offered by PTH phone 564-4346 or access information online at www.pinetreehospice.org.