Kellie Hitchman

50th Annual Community Bank Charity Golf Tournament

COMMUNITY BANK ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT HOSPICE TO BE HELD JUNE 18^th

Community Bank, N.A. is celebrating a major milestone as their annual golf tournament approaches on Friday, June 18^th. This will mark the 50^th year of charitable giving through this event. Since 1995, Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley has been the beneficiary of the tournament proceeds and that tradition will continue this year.

Longtime tournament Chair, David Peggs continues in his role, even after retiring as the Canton Branch Manager. The dedicated tournament committee also includes Randy Pray, Brenda Rand, Gina Boyd, Dori Warren, and Sherry Stone. Activities the day of the tournament are carried out by a team of volunteers from various Community Bank branches around St. Lawrence County.

“The committee couldn’t be prouder of this achievement. This golf tournament is just one example of the many ways Community Bank gives back, supporting programs and services that are important to all who live here,” Mr. Peggs remarked. “We are truly appreciative for the sustained commitment that our players and corporate sponsors make each year in helping us raise much needed funding for the invaluable services Hospice provides. Their generous support allows Hospice to continue to provide special care for seriously ill patients and their families.”

“Hospice would like to congratulate the many individuals who have made this tournament a success over the last 50 years. We are honored to have been selected as the beneficiary for more than half of those years,” said Kellie Hitchman, Director of Development and Community Relations for Hospice. “The committee and volunteers do a fantastic job each year organizing the tournament. We are grateful for the Bank’s dedicated support, as well as the generous support of the golfers and sponsors.”

As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to be felt in June of 2020, the committee made the difficult decision not to host the annual tournament. Knowing the cancellation of the event would mean a deficit in support raised for Hospice, many sponsors continued with their traditional donation. In addition, Community Bank provided a significant gift to Hospice in lieu of hosting the tournament.

“The support, not only from our sponsors, but also Community Bank in a time that was challenging for so many is a prime example of the relationships created by this tournament. We are thrilled to be returning to the course this year. We have missed the volunteers, golfers and sponsors we have grown accustomed to seeing each year. A heart-felt thank you to all of them is long overdue,” said Ms. Hitchman.

The day features a 11 a.m. shotgun start with dinner and awards immediately following play. The $85 per person or $340 team entry fee includes prizes, greens fees, cart and dinner. Flights for the captain and crew format will be determined by the combined team handicap, and there will be prizes for the longest drive and closest to the pin, along with a hole-in-one giveaway sponsored by TJ Toyota.

For more information on playing in the tournament or sponsorship opportunities, contact Kellie Hitchman at Hospice at 315-265-3105. All tournament proceeds will support the work of Hospice in our community.

Coakley’s to Support Hospice Through Special Promotion

For nearly 20 years Coakley Home & Hardware of Canton has been a loyal support of Hospice in a variety of ways, most frequently by offering special promotions giving their customers an opportunity to support Hospice, just by shopping! This year, they are teaming up with Bonide, a New York based lawn and garden company to once again provide important support to Hospice. Throughout the weekend of May 17^th and 18^th, Coakley’s will donate 50% of all Bonide purchases to Hospice in support of the important care they provide to our community members.

In addition to donating a percentage of purchases throughout the weekend, Hospice staff and volunteers will be on hand at Coakley’s during the lunch hour on May 17^th grilling hot dogs and greeting customers. Donations for hot dogs will also be donated to Hospice. Stop in to Coakley’s located at 2535 SH 68 in Canton for all your Bonide lawn and garden products and support a great cause May 17^th and 18^th!

We are deeply grateful to Coakley’s for the many years of support they have offered Hospice and the community!

New: Monthly Lunch and Learns at Hospice

Lunch is on us!

With a new year upon us, Hospice has organized a series of free monthly lunch and learns to give community members an opportunity to participate in education and meaningful conversation on a variety of topics. Join us on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Hospice Center!

Upcoming Sessions Include:

February 21st – Coffin Club: Lunch and Conversation with a Funeral Director

We all have them – ordinary and not so ordinary questions about funerals, cremation vs. burial and many other curiosities that are so difficult to ask. This is your chance! The first Coffin Club was held this fall and was incredibly successful, we wanted to give community members another opportunity to get their questions answered.

March 21st – The Art of Condolence presented by David Hornung

Following the death of his wife, David learned just how difficult it was for some people to effectively express their condolences. This workshop will present ideas for the right things to say (or not say) when you want to be supportive of someone experiencing grief.

Lunch will be provided at each workshop. These are free workshops open to anyone.

For more information or to register please contact Samantha Jones at 315-265-3105 or samj@hospiceslv.org.

We hope to see you there!

Hospice Memory Trees

2017 Hospice Memory Trees

Each year, Hospice offers a special opportunity for community members to honor their loved ones while supporting the work we do. Throughout the holiday season, the Hospice Memory Trees will be on display at our office building. Hundreds of names will be listed on stars that lovingly blanket the Trees. We invite you to be a part of this thoughtful remembrance by sending the names of your loved ones and a small donation to support Hospice services in St. Lawrence County.

Those wishing to view the Memory Trees are invited to the Hospice Center Monday through Friday from 8am until 4:30pm. To purchase your star online, please click here or for more information on purchasing a star in memory of your loved one please contact Kellie Hitchman or Samantha Jones at 315-265-3105.

2017 Hospice Memory Tree Order Form