Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley

Ensuring quality of life in any stage of illness

315-265-3105

Reservations Now Open for Tastes of Autumn

It’s that time of year – as we make the transition to another beautiful fall in the North Country, Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley is welcoming the change of season as we begin to plan Tastes of Autumn.  Our popular gourmet brunch fundraiser celebrates the important partnership of Hospice donors and volunteers.  Thanks to generous community support, participants enjoy an exceptional four-course meal and dining experience while raising much needed funds to support our important programs.  Tastes highlights the special talents of our friends and neighbors.  Everyone from the chefs preparing the entrees to the wait staff are volunteering their time and talents to support our important work. In addition to the main entrees, guests can expect to enjoy specialty soup, salad, bread and desserts all provided by local area businesses.

This year, Tastes of Autumn will take place on Sunday October 20th.  Tastes welcomes back many experienced volunteers who are committed to creating the same wonderful culinary experience guests have enjoyed for many years. Returning to Tastes are guest chefs Dr. Bill Orlando (Orlando Chiropractic, Massena), Chef John VanKennen (SUNY Potsdam) and Chef Amy Conger (1844 House).  More information about their mouth-watering entrées can be found below.

This year’s event brings one major change: a new venue.  Tastes of Autumn will take place at Vino Vidi Vici at the Quality Inn in downtown Massena, NY.

Reservations are being accepted from now until Wednesday October 16th.  To make your reservation, download a Reservation Form and send it to:

Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley

ATTN: Samantha Jones

6805 US Highway 11

Potsdam, NY 13676

Reservations may also be made by calling Hospice at (315) 265-3105 (8:00am- 4:30pm, Mon-Friday) or by emailing samj@hospiceslv.org.

Please be sure to include your entrée choices and two requests for seating times.  Payment in advance is suggested, however you have the option to pay at the door on the day of the event.

 

We hope you see you there!

Fall Grief Support Groups

 

Hospice Bereavement Services is offering an assortment of programs for those grieving the death of a loved one.  Upcoming grief programs include a Widows Support Group, Death of a Parent Support Group and our annual Coping with Grief During the Holidays workshops.

Widow/Widower Support Group 

This is a 6-week bereavement support group for those grieving the loss of a spouse or partner.  The group will meet every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:30 p.m. beginning October 23rd.

Participants may bring a lunch, if desired.  Coffee and cookies will be provided.

The group is free to attend, however pre-registration is requested by October 15th.

 

Death of a Parent/Grandparent Support Group

This six-week bereavement support program is intended for adults who are grieving the death of a parent or close grandparent.  The group will take place on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. beginning on October 22nd.

Individuals may bring their own dinner.  Light refreshments of coffee and cookies will be provided.

The group is free to attend, however pre-registration is requested by October 15th.

 

Coping Through the Holidays

This three-part workshop will offer tips, tools and strategies to help you navigate the demands of the seasons.  Each session will offer a different perspective for approaching the corresponding holiday.  The workshops will be held on Saturdays November 16th, December 7th and January 11th from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Hospice Center on Route 11.

 

Thanks to generous community support, all of these programs are free and open to anyone struggling with the death of a loved one, and to those offering comfort to the bereaved; a previous Hospice affiliation is not needed.

For more information about our grief support programs and to register for a workshop or group, contact Hospice’s Bereavement Counselor, Donna Trimm Calk at (315) 265-3105 or dtrimmcalk@hospiceslv.org.

Our Monthly Lunch & Learn Series Returns!

Our monthly Lunch & Learns will resume beginning September 19th.  These monthly  workshops were created with the intention of giving community members an opportunity to come together and engage in educational and meaningful conversation on a variety of well-being topics.  Each month features a new topic and guest speaker.

The Hospice Lunch and Learns take place on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:30am – 1:00pm at the Hospice Center on Route 11 between Potsdam and Canton.

 

Upcoming Lunch and Learns:

 

September 19th – Mindfulness for Fidgety Skeptics

Presenter: Liz Scarlett

October 17th – Finding Meaning at Mid-Life and Beyond

Presenter: Mary Jones, BSW C.T.

November 21st – Death Across Cultures

Guest Panel

December 19th – Stress and the Holidays

Presenter: Linda Potter

 

Pre-Registration is required by the Friday before each workshop.

For more information on our Lunch and Learns or to register for a workshop, contact Samantha Jones at (315)265-3105 or samj@hospiceslv.org.

End of Life Planning Resources

It may not be easy to think about dying and what you want from it and you may have a lot of hard choices to make. But if you plan for your end-of-life care, it can bring you peace of mind to know your wishes will be honored and it will reduce burdens on your loved ones.

A plan involves answering straight forward questions about the end YOU would want.  Straight forward questions such as:

  • Where do I want to be at the end?
  • What will I do if/when I can no longer be independent?
  • What do I want for medical treatments and interventions?
  • How long do I want to pursue interventions?
  • Who is going to make sure my plan is followed?
  • How can I make sure my loved ones are taken care of after I am gone?

A comprehensive end of life plan will provide answers to these questions and more, ensuring your wishes are known, understood and carried out by your loved ones and medical providers.

Here is a list of documents to assist you when making your End of Life plans:

 

In addition to these tools, you should complete an Advanced Directive.  There are several versions available depending on the state you reside. (learn more about the NY Advanced Directive here)

 

 

The Conversation Project provides tools and resources to get you thinking about and talking about your end of life wishes.

 

 

 

Contact Hospice for a FREE copy of the Five Wishes or a New York State Advanced Directive.