June Volunteer Newsletter

Mountain Hospice

“Comfort & Compassion When It's Needed the Most”

Volunteer Monthly Newsletter

Issue 33 - June 2008

Message from the Volunteer Coordinator:

Mountain Hospice Volunteer Department is celebrating June as Pastor Appreciation Month. We will be offering a spiritual seminar focusing on End-of-Life Ministry. (See details below)  Remember -- I will be on vacation, June 23 - 27th.  I will be checking my email and voice mail every couple of days. If you have any questions or problems, please contact Jessica Humbertson at 1-888-763-7789. ~ Tia

2008 In-Services:

In May, the grieving in-service was mailed to all volunteers. Remember you must sign and return the form in the self-addressed, stamped envelope. If you didn't receive the May in-service mailing, please contact me ASAP.

New Service Area:

Effective March 2008, the Certificate of Need for Mineral County was approved. We can now service patients in that county. We are currently recruiting for volunteers and volunteer chaplains.

Fairs and Festivals:

Fair and festival season is here and we need help with parades and display set up. If you are available to help, please contact Shannon Gear. The schedule is as follows:

     -     June 3rd - 6th  -          Hick Festival (Tucker County)

     -     June 7th             -           Tucker County Health Fair at Canaan Valley Resort

     -     June 14th         -           Philippi Chili Cook-off

     -     June 20th         -          Camp Good Grief (Randolph County YMCA)

     -     June 21st         -          Coalton Days (Randolph County) & Randolph County Relay for Life

Camp Good Grief:

Camp Good Grief is specially designed as a bereavement day camp for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. The camp is offered at no charge, and is open to any child, ages 5-18, in West Virginia. It will be a day of fun activities, as well as coping techniques, and ways to manage grief. Every camper needs to bring pictures of their loved ones, themselves, family and/or pets for crafts. A pizza buffet lunch will be provided. The camp is scheduled for June 20, 2008, at the Elkins YMCA from 9:00am - 3:00pm. For more information contact Kim Wolfe at 1-888-763-7789.

Spiritual Seminar - End-of-Life Ministry:

This seminar is free to the community, and will include sessions about dealing with dementia patients, grief, funeral services, communicating during the dying process, and community opportunities. The seminar will also have an “ask the experts” panel. Please refer to the attached flyer for more information.

Announcements:

Volunteers that are past due on having TB tests performed will continue to receive monthly reminders.  Remember, if you are past due, you will not be able to visit patients. A number of volunteers stated they had the TB tests via their food handler's card. This is fine, but I must receive a copy of the food handler's card; copies can be faxed to: ATTN: Tia at 304-823-3926. TB reminders will be sent out three months in advance of your yearly due date. Mark your calendars and call the office to make sure we have vaccine on hand.

If you know anyone who is interested in becoming a part of the

Mountain Hospice Volunteer Team,

or if you need a question answered,

please call Tia Stevens-Hovatter at

304-823-3922 or 1-888-763-7789