Winter Newsletter - Talbot Hospice Foundation, Inc.

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Relationships Flourish into Special Friendships
wi th l:Iospice VoI unteers
By Nancy Mullen
Winter 2009
f
here is a story behind every relarionship. People
I meet, learn about each other, and grow together,
and there is a story in that, but when a relationship
is special, it becomes its own story. That's how it is
between Bruce Richards and Alda Myers. Bruce is
one of the volunteers assigned by \fendy VanNest,
Director of Family Services at Thlbot Hospice, to
care forAlda, who lives at Heartfields. Since meeting
her in June of 2008, Bruce visits Alda at least once
a week, u'hen they read poetry, pray togethet and,
of course, tell stories. At ninery-eight and with a
sharp memory, Alda has a lot of them to tell. And
as a former librarian in the Dorchester schools, it is
her calling.
Bruce seems to have a calling, too - to engage
with Alda right where she is. That's where the stories
come in: Alda shares a memory, and Bruce answers
with an event from his own life. This is how they've
bonded; this is the story of their friendship.
"It's all about the relationship," says Bruce, who
calls Alda his "surrogate mom." He and Emma
Johnson, another volunteer, were assigned to Alda
when she arrived at Heartfields a bit at loose ends.
She had been hosoitalized several times and it was
felt that a team of caregivers might minimize the
hospital trips, which had become disruptive and
traumatizing. A social, dynamic person by nature,
Alda needed tender care and vital socializing. This
she got in her team of Bruce, Emma and Nevin
Crouse, the Hospice Chaplain.
Once her team came into the picture, Alda's
sunny personality returned and her health improved,
as often happens when a patient's spiritual and
emotional needs are being properly met.
"Her life was enriched - and now she is enriching
the lives of those around her," says Bruce, who is sure
that it is Alda who has blessed her caregivers, and
not the other way around.
Emma looks forward to the everyday conversation
she has with Alda. They talk about Aldas years as a
librarian, because Alda is full of memories, but aiso
Alda Myers and Hosoice uolunteer Bruce Richards share
stzries 0n life during their weehl uisits.
about their husbands and families, and about
their shared love oftravel.
"She knows a lot about the world," Emma
says. "She wants to know other people's stories
and see how their lives are similar to hers."
This is where the relationshio comes in. It's a
mutual srory.
"lt's not just about the visit," says Bruce.
Vendy mentions the way that volunteers
have of becoming attached to their patients, who
become a oart of their lives.
"They give us their stats, so we know
something about them," she says, speaking of
the medical and oersonal histories that foilt-,w a
patient into the program. "But when we meet
them...that's when we fall in love."
"Alda is always gracious, always thankful that
I come to visit," remarks Nevin, who calls Alda a
"people person."
Hospice volunteers are surely also "people
persons," with stories to tell about each of their
Hospice relationships.
"tr's t[[a6ottt tfie refatiotsftip. sd)s Brucr,
: u,fio ca{kAffd fiis "surrogate mom."
!
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Message from
the Executive Director
Julie
Crocker, MSN, RN
Board of Directors
2008-2009
Adrienne -M Rudge, President
Albert L. Smith, Vice President
Rebecca V Peter', Tieasurer
Susan F-. Haddaway, Secrerary
Alice R. Bower
Joan \fl Cox
Ludrvig J. Eglseder, MD
Alex N. Fritzsche
Albert B. Gipe
'$(illiam J. Hughson
Frances H. Maifitt
R. Michael S. Menzies, Sr.
James K. Peterson
Frances D. Seymour, MD
Shirlynn M. Shafer
Michael D. Sheridan
Lon H. Smith
James M. Vermilye
Patti K. lWillis
Bertha B. -Wilson
Directors Emeriti:
Margaret B. Ferree, Eugene H. Guthrie, MD
Staff
Julie L. Crocker, MSN, RN - Executive Director
jcrocker@talbothospice.org
Kate \( Cox - Director of Development
kcox@talbothospice. org
'Wendy VanNest - Director of Family Services
wannest@talbothosPice.org
Nevin Crouse - Chaplain
ncrousePtalbothospice. org
Peg Fitzgerald - Communications Coordinator
pfi tzgeraldPtalbothospice.org
Lucy Tepper - Volunteer Coordinator
Itepper@talbothospice. org
Ly'n von Spaeth - Adminstrative Coordinator
lvonspaeth6;talbothospice. org
Sheila Monahan, Development Administrative Assistant
GuestWing Sta{f
Donna Stone - Guest $/ing Manager
dstone@talbothospice.org
Ruth Ann Murral'- Assistant Guest Wing Manager
infoPtalbothospice.org
Lida Klunk, RN,CHPN - Nurse Eduator
info@talbothospice.o rg
Mission
The Talbot Hospice Foundation offers hope, compassionare supporr and
services to all members ofthc community flcing end-oillife issues \ile
provicle patient/lamily care, commutrity etlucation ancl advocacv whjle
respecring both curarive and pallitave treatment choices.
'TLis issue of Talbot Hospice's newsletter highlights the remarkabtre
and special relationships that develop benveen our volunieers and
those they serve. Their srories are hearr rending and tfuly demonstrate
what a vaiuable asset $/€ have in ollr vollrnteers, as rnany of our
patienrs and their farnilies r'vill attest. flur volunteers come to Taibor
Hospice fbr a variety of reasons" l)fien their reasons include p€rsonal
hospice experiences which result in their need to give back in some
lvatr Becarise w'e have such highly l-notivated volunteers, thev are willing
to passionatelv devote their rime, energv and ]reart to ti"iose \ve serve. It is
rruly a \.vin-win &rr our volunteers and those for n'horn thev cate.
Having been in the hospice business in"i"aibot Count'r for over 28
years. we are extremely prolid to have vc|:nre€rs \\'hc ha".€ a long hisrory
rvith us, some \,vho irave been with Talbot Hospice since irs inception.
Included in this issr"re is an artifle abont -Jean Lrving. :r

'{/ows to funyw, Coup{e sa}s "I rUo".,. Again
Married in 1965
by Ch n Crouse
\Tearing a pressed blue oxford shirt with a pink
boutonniere, Leroy tenderly held Shirley's left hand as she
held a bouquet of pink roses and yellow daisies in her right.
The pink bow in her hair matched her pink gown. The
pillow upon which Shirley rested her head had matching
pink flowers.
With familv, friends and neighbors looking on, Shirley
and Leroy Baynard renewed their love and wedding vows
with Hospice Chaplain Nevin Crouse. It was precisely
43 and a half years since they were originally married by
Reverend Crouse in July of 1965. Sister of the bride, Ethel
Kirwan, stood in, again, as maid of honor, as her husband,
Philio Kirwan. reenacted his role as best man.
Shirley was 18 years old when she fell in love and
married Leroy in 1955 and the love is still strong todav.
"They are the most loving couple," commented Hospice
Pathways volunteer Phyllis Peddicord. "The way thar they
look at each other, and their interactions are so lovely.
There was not a dry eye in the house."
Phyllis brought a wedding cake which was frosted with
white icing and pink flowers. A friend to Shirlev for many
years, Phyllis holds her in great esteem. "I have worked
with some amazing people, but she stands out. She is a
delightful lady and she's my honey."
Judy Risher, Shirley's niece, snapped photos, while her
extended family watched with smiles. Shirley's sisters Jean
Milligan Weaver and Dottie Bryan were in attendance
Shirley and Leroy Bdynard renew their wedding uous
uith Hospice Chaplain Neuin Crouse at their home in Trappe.
Brown, great niece of the bride, caught the bouquet. Neighbors
Bill, Betsy and Chris Redmond joined the celebration as did a
friend, Pearl McNeal.
Shore Home Care Hospice Nurse Donna Lyons, and Talbot
Hospice volunteers Fran \(/o1fe, Anne Brennan, CathyThompson
and Susan Haddaway also work r.vith Shirley.
"She is a delightful lady; a fighter who takes what life gives
her and does not give up. Shirley is an inspiration." On this
auspicious occasion, surrounded by love, vou can bet that all in
attendance would agree.
IN TH E WCRDS CF TH E VCLUNTEERS
In a recent survey our volunteers were asked what keeps them coming back to Talbot Hospice.
In their own words' a few responses:
"lt is one ofthe best things I can do wlth my life ."
"l recognizethe value ofthis orEanization in my community. "
"Thelove ofwhatldo. Yougetmore thanyougive. lt'saioytobeaHospicevolunteer."
"The good feeling when I realizea minimal sa*ifice on my par-t means so much tothe pttrent '
"l enioy working in the garden. The staff ls positive 4ndappreciative, *eating a warm environment. "
"The opportu n ity to ease the hearry bu rden o( my neig h bor, however brief it may be."
" My fun|ness for the whole staff, the ambiance is positive, always.'
"The satisfaction o{providing service to others. "
"l love to he lp there all ofthe time, I neelyoul"
"From time to time, we all need a fttend."
410-822-6681 Talbot Hospice www. talbothospice. org

Volunteers Make The Difference
TheVolunreerClassof200SposesforagroupphotointhebackgardenofHospiceHouse. Frontrow(/tor)FrartcesPyles,ClalreAusrirt,susieDial;
Row two-Franklin Hawkins, Lorna Dutclt, Mary Anne Ringwold, JoAnn O'Reilly, Donie Srnith, Claudia Knox, Becky Jones, Susanna Zafere
and Bonnie FoxwelJ. Back row-Linda \Yillliamson, Pat Price, Deb McGuire, Darlene Planner Elizabeth Schaefer Thlisha Mason, Debi Schaefer,
Shelley Stone, Tina Basel, Betsy Greaney and Sigrun Munns. Congatulations and welcome to Thlbot Hospice!
Trainin g for New Volunteers
A comprehensive 1S-hour training which will address a
variety of end-oflife issues will begin in April for new
volunteers. The class will meet on April 14 and 16 from
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and April 18 and 25 from 8:30
a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The rewards for being a hospice
volunteer are immeasurable. For more information call
Lucy Tepper at 410-822-668\.
April22, 2009
Volunteer Events
i'?us Erip l* *;-.ge",.ssil il"::"ii,*rs+
Please join us on Earth Day, take in the beauty of the
outdoor gardens and indoor greenhouses and stroli
through acres and acres of spring blossoms. Bus will
depart from and return to Hospice House.
May 6,2OO9
1'+;*c:**l**': r &-1pr*":*:i et:*e-r. 1,;.ee:::h*:::':
The Oaks, in Royal Oak, Maryland will be the location
for this year's annual appreciation luncheon. Mark your
calendars for this festive event. The program begins at
noon with an awards ceremony and recognition of the
volunteers who have donated 100+ hours.
Let There Be Music!
Eilery Adams, the Mayor of Preston and his lovely wife
\X/endy play the bass and accordion in the Guest \fing.
Various types of music are played almost daily at Hospice
House including
harp, hammered
dulcimer, piano,
gospel vocals and
guitar.
Mary \Wolfe,
Hospice music
organizer, quoted
Mahatma Candhi
in a recent music
schedule when she
wrote, "The best
way to find yourself
is to lose yourself
in the service of
others. Music is
such a terrific way
to spread cheer -
and you all do it
soooo welll"
4r0-822-6681 Thlbot Hospice www. talbothospice. org

Executiae Direttor Graduates fro*
Leadersltip Maryland
_recenr graduate of the Leadership Maryland
Class of 2008, Julie Crocker, Execurive Director of
Talbot Hospice is a catalyst for positive change.
Leadership Maryland, an independent, educational
development organization, irrforrn, executives
from public and private sectors about the critical
issues, _challenges
and opportunities facing the
State of Maryland. After participating in a lroad
range of experiences, and an eight month program,
these leaders are prepared to address issues in a
unified effort to shape the future of Maryland.
"These are the leaders to watch now and in the
future," said Leadership Maryland president Nancy
Minieri. "Their experience confirms that the qualirv
of leadership affects rhe success of the ,ol.rtiorrr.
Problems are solved when commitred, dynamic
leaders with vision and passion take the risk to lead.',
.
Leadership Maryland honored Julie along with fifry
other sratewide classmares, ar a black-tie reception held
in Baltimore.
Guest Wing Manager Graduates
fru* CERT training
Donna Stone, Guest 'Sfing Manager, recently
completed the Community Emergency Response
3"-
training (CERT) through Thlbot Counry
Emergency Management.
This program educates people about disaster
preparedness for hazards that may impact their area
and trains them in basic disasi., ,.rporrse skills.
Using the training learned in the classroom and
during exercises, CERT members can assisr others
in an event when professional responders are not
immediately available to help. CERT members
support emergency response agencies by taking a
more active role in emergency preparedness projects
in their communiry.
Donnawill use rhis training to give critical support
at Thlbot Hospice in the event of a crisis. \7e are so
proud of Donna for completing this training and
remaining on the forefront in safery.
f
J
Iean Euting
Dedicated Volunfter for
20 Years, Rerires
Jean Ewing's smile and optimism
have heen part of THF for 20 years.
ean Ewing,
ro retrre.
a volunreer since 1989, has decided
"\X{hen I first joined, tlbot Hospice had a small
cubicle in the Thlbot County H.alih Department.
Now you have the beautiful Hospice House,', Jean
commented.
In her time serving as a volunteer, Jean has been
a companion caregiver. In the early years she also
did adminisrrarive work, which included secrerarial,
telephone duties and a bit of marketing in helping to
spread the word about Hospice House.
\7e are grateful for Jean's dedication, optimism
and service ro Thlbot Hospice. Her .".-plrry
commitment to helping us carry our our mission
of offering hope and compassionate support to all
members of our community is a true gift.
"\X4ren I can, I will be using my Hospice learned
skills with those in need. I thank you for the good
years and lessons learned," said Jean. ,,It has been a
marvelous experience."
410-822-6681
Thlbot Hospice
www. taibothospice. org

Berea
Losing a loued one leaues us u;ith a taide range offeelings tuhich is ofien deterrnined by tbe unique relationship
with the one who has died. We all haue the right to grieue in our own tDd)l and in our otun time. Acknou.,ledging
and sharing our feelings diminishes the loneliness dnd supports the healing process.
Bereauement seruices at Thlbot Hospice dre open to all mernbers of the community and ffired at no charge. All
grlups Tneet d.t Hospice House on Cynwood Driue in Easton, unless noted. P/ease call Norma Trax, Bereauement
Coordinator dt 410-822-66S1for additional information and confrmation of the schedule.
/- . /r"l
Lilregraers uroaP
For caregivers who are taking care of a loved
one with a life-limiting illness, this group offers the
opportunity to listen for solutions to challenging
situations and a chance to share frustrations in a
compassionate environment. The group meets eYery
Thursday from 1 p.m-2 p.m. Reservations are not
necessary.
LoohingAhead
A bereavement group which offers support and
education for family and friends who have lost a
loved one. This 8-week class addresses the sorrow
and heartaches that accompany a loss and how to
gather the strength to move forward once again. A
winter class is underway; please call to reserve a place
in the spring class starting in May.
Return to Laughter
Laughter is therapeutic and an especially valuable
form of social support that helps us deal with stress
in our lives. Enjoy this contagious therapy as we help
each other find the laughs in everyday life. Open to
all, this program meets at 11:00 a.m. on the second
Tiresday of each month at Hospice House.
Tlte Next Chapter
Losing a spouse turns life upside down. This
group is designed specifically for widows to share
experiences, learn ways to deal with grief and
loneliness, and receive positive support as they begin
a new life. The class meets on Tuesdays from 4:30
p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Call for more information on the
new class beginning in April.
Suraiuors of Suicide
For individuals, families and friends who are
dealing with the wide spectrum of feelings following a
death by suicide. No reservation necessary. The group
meets the 4'r'Monday of every month from 6:30 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m.
'Wine and Cheese' Social
Gathering
For widows and widowers, this social gathering
is an opportunity for supportive and compassionate
conversation in a private setting. This informal gettogether
is held in a different home the second
Saturday of the month from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Call for
the most up-to-date location.
For Children and Adolescents
Death is a part of everyday life, yet for adolescents
and children it can be very confusing. Working in
conjunction with Talbot Counq' schools both public
and private, Thlbot Hospice offers grief support for
children and teens who have had a loved one die. Ifyou
are interested in having your young person participate.
please call the guidance counselor at your child's
school or Norma Tiax, Bereavement Coordinator at
Talbot Hospice.
410-822-6681 Talbot Hospice wvu.rv.taibo thospice.o rg

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DebbieVilkeng 2008 Fesriual oJ'Trees Chairman; Shirlynn Shafer Friends of Hospice President; Monica Heinsohn,
2009 Festiual of Trees Chalrman; Julie Crocker, Exe cutiue Director Thlbot Hospice Foundation and Kare Cox, Director of Deuelopment
for Hospice proudly dispky rhe rotal dolLtr amount raked by 7he Friends of Hospice ar rhe Festiual of Trees euenr.
-T-h.2008 Festival ofTiees raised $101,000 for patient
I care services for the Thlbot Hospice Foundation.
The entire staff of the Foundation and the medical staff
of Shore Home Care Hospice extend a huge thank you to
the Friends of Hospice and the extraordinary community
ofvolunteers for their heartfelt enthusiasm and dedication
that produces the Festival oftees.
"\(/e are inspired to strive for excellence every day in all
we do, just as the Festival ofTiees has done for us these past
rwenty-three years." said Julie Crocker. "Their support is
significant, and has changed the end of life experience for
countless Thlbot County citizens. The proceeds from the
Festival, throueh the efforts of the hundreds of volunteers,
represent the single largest annual donation to the Foundation
and aliow us to continue this labor of love of ours called
'Hospice'."
A special appreciation of gratitude goes to Debbie Wilkens
and Monica Heinsohn, for their enormous commitment.
So many wonderful hospice hearts make this annual event a
Thlbot Counry tradition and always foremost are the Festival
volunteers' desire to help support families in our counry who
are facing end-of-life issues. 'J7hat a true blessing for the
Foundation.
Planning for Festival ofTiees 2009 is underway; please call
Monica Heinsohn at 410-820-2\66 to participate.
Your Financial Gifts Make A Difference
Thlbot Hospice programs cost $750,000 for fiscal year 2009. All of our services are provide d uitbout charge
to patienrs and families. Below are examples of how your financial gifts support our programs.
$200/patient/doy - Cost of care for one patient in
our six-bed Guest \Wing at Hospice House.
$1))/patient/doy - Cost of our in-home hospice
program, which allows individuals to stay at home
in their final days.
54.200/month - Cost of bereavement services to
our patients, families and community members
who have suffered a loss.
$ 1 ,000/month - Cost of family grants and charity
care for medicines and exoenses.
410-822-6681
'lalbot Hospice
www. talbothospice. org

l'alL:ct Fl*''''ro*n=
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586 Cynwood Drive
Easton, MD 21601-3805
Non Profit Org
U.S. Postage Paid
Easton, MD
Permit No. 280
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TheTalbotHospiceFoundationisanindependent,col-nmLlnity-based.nonproftorganizaLionltlurrdedinl98l.A11
SA\M,THE DATE!
March 10, 2009
The 2nd Annual Robbie Shortall Reunion Dinner
On Tiresday, March 10, from 4:00 p.m. until closing,
Tlte Crab Claw Restaurdnt, in St. Michaels, will
hold a fundraiser for The Thlbot Hospice Foundation
to remember Robbie Shortall, the much beloved General
Manager for 30 years who died nearly two years
ago.
Former waitresses and busboys will return to the
popular local restaurant for this event to act as servers
and will donate their tips to Thlbot Hospice Foundation.
Robbie died in the Guest \Wing at Talbot Hospice
House in July 2007. "This event will give us all
a chance to remember Robbie and raise money for a
great cause," said TraceyJones--Wass, co-owner of The
Crab Claw Restaurant.
Tiacey Jones-Wass, (lef), co-owner of 7he Crab Claw Restaurant,
and Barbie Andrews, aformer staf member, display
a photo collage of Robbie Shortall.
Last year's event was a huge success) raising more than
$6,000 for Thlbot Hospice. \7e are deeply grateful to
Tracey and to her mother, Sylvia Jones, for their exceptional
commitment to the Foundation.
For reservations, call The Crab Claw at 410-745-2900.