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Anniversaries

Continued on page 3

Jamocha almond fudge ice cream, a specialty coffee drink and a family recipe for something called “floured bacon” may not sound like powerful tools for healing, but they can be.

Elisabeth “Lib” Allgood, a long-time hospice volunteer and mother of four, died in April 2014. This summer, she would have celebrated her 91st birthday. To mark the milestone, her daughters Martha Adams and Linda Allgood decided to honor her by enjoying some of her favorite things. Doing something joyful to honor their mother turned into a special outing for the two sisters.

“Anniversaries are important markers,” said Marcia Vanard, director of the Counseling and Education Center at Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG). “Although they can be very painful reminders of our loss, they also offer us the opportunity to celebrate our loved one’s memory and be thankful for the role they played in our lives.”

Realizing their mother’s birthday may be difficult to face, the sisters chose to celebrate the day. As they reflected on happy memories of their mother, they recalled how much she loved outings for Baskin-Robbins ice cream and Starbucks coffee. Their planned tribute to their mother began to take shape.

“We all find our own ways to acknowledge the anniversaries that are meaningful to us,” said Vanard. “Some mark the day with quiet reflection, prayer or the lighting of a candle. Others share the memory of their loved one by going to their

favorite restaurant, baking their favorite cake or contributing to a charity or cause that was important to them.”

In addition to the ice cream and coffee, Linda Allgood made something extra special for the occasion, her mother’s famous floured bacon. “Our mother used to make this for us when we were growing up,” she said. “Later she made it for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.” The sisters laughed as they recalled how family members would

often fuss over the last piece. Sometimes that last morsel had to be split many ways so no one missed out.

On their mother’s birthday, August 31, the sisters headed to the ice cream shop. They brought along their mother’s

favorite specialty coffee drink and the famous floured bacon. They even chose to wear one of their mother’s blouses and a special pansy necklace.

“I don’t think either of us could have anticipated how healing this was going to be,” said Adams. “We honored our

“The holiest of all holidays are those kept by ourselves, in silence and apart, the secret anniversaries of the heart.”—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

of the Heart

Martha Adams and Linda Allgood celebrate their mother’s birthday by enjoying some of her favorite things.

Pat Soenksen

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Our touching cover story about anniversaries rings true for many people. How many of us get misty-eyed on the birthday or anniversary of the death of a loved one? Those we have lost and now miss deeply may have been our parent, grandparent, sibling, child, friend, neighbor, co-worker or even a beloved pet.

But on that anniversary, we travel back to a different time and place, sometimes even decades ago. We might be flooded with vivid memories of the person’s face, touch, scent, sage advice or even silly jokes. For me, the anniversary of Dad’s death, more so than his birthday, conjures up his crooked smile and beautiful blue eyes. How I miss him!

Barbara Lusk, whose husband Dr. John Lusk is the namesake of the Lusk Center, the newest building on campus, honors his memory every year by baking authentic German plum cakes. Then she thoughtfully delivers the warm, aromatic cakes to our staff at each of the four facilities on our campus—the main building, Beacon Place, Kids Path and the Lusk Center.

As we savor the delectable plum cakes every year, we each recall our favorite “Dr. John” memories—his thoughtful mentoring, his passion for hospice and palliative care education or even his delightful and distinctive whistling in the hallway. Barbara Lusk has found a creative way to celebrate a “ritual of the heart” with many of us at

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG).

Anniversaries were also on my mind in May 2017 when I announced to the board of directors that I plan to retire as president and CEO of HPCG on February 17, 2017. Many people have asked, “Why did you choose that date?” That month I will turn 65 years old and will celebrate my 10th work anniversary at HPCG. And I will also be completing an amazing 40-year career in health care—as a clinician, administrator and consultant. So anniversaries can also be powerful symbols during times of transition such as a retirement.

For an update on HPCG’s search for my successor as president and CEO, I hope you will turn to page five. Please stay tuned for more information on our new leader as it becomes available.

Contents:Anniversaries of the Heart..................................pg. 1

A Message from Pat Soenksen............................pg. 2

Capturing Moments...........................................pg. 3

New Board Members Elected.............................pg. 4

We Honor Veterans Makes a Difference............pg. 4

Commemorative Bricks.....................................pg. 5

Update on CEO Search.......................................pg. 5

Honorariums and Memorials.........................pg. 6-8

Giving Matters.....................................................pg. 9

Soenksen Receives Leadership Award............pg. 10

HPCG Achieves Reaccreditation....................pg. 10

Light Up a Life...................................................pg. 11

Gifts of Gratitude........................................pg. 12-13

CEC Calendar of Events...................................pg. 14

Kids Path Calendar of Events...........................pg. 15

Volunteer Calendar of Events...........................pg. 15

HPCG Board of Directors

OfficersMary Bernard Magrinat, ChairJim Roskelly, Vice-ChairRick Morgan, Secretary/TreasurerPatricia Soenksen, President and CEOJames “Tab” Haigler, Assistant TreasurerLori Shaw, Assistant Secretary

Directors

The Rev. Dr. Eric Cole, Mary Copeland,Lisa Duck, Dr. Vanessa Haygood,Dr. Robin Remsburg, Dr. Haywood Ingram,Sharon Coulter James, Ron Johnson, Jeff Jones, Anne Macner, Dr. William “Bill” Morgan,Ellen Pancoast, Barbara Ruby and Youland Williams

HFGG Board of Trustees

OfficersRonald P. Johnson, ChairRyan Newkirk, Vice-ChairD. Hayes Clement, TreasurerBonnie McAlister, SecretaryPatricia A. Soenksen, President and CEOJames “Tab” Haigler, Assistant TreasurerPaul J. Russ, Vice President of Marketing and DevelopmentKim Stakias, Assistant Secretary

TrusteesFrances Bullock, Ross Harris, Kim Ketchum, Gail LeBauer, Matt Logan, Justin Outling, Pat Sevier, Linda Sloan, Mark Watson and Sue D. White

Pat Soenksen

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A Message from Pat Soenksen, President and CEO

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Chef Follows a Recipe for HealingIn the fall of 2015, Lynn Warlick Wells experienced the deaths of her parents within 55 days of one another. Simultaneously, her newly established personal chef business, Thyme Well Spent, was just taking off.

Several months after her parents’ deaths, the cards and telephone calls began to dwindle. Feeling weighed down by her sorrow, Wells reached out to a counselor for help.

Wells shared lots of stories with her counselor, many of which involved her parents’ kitchen. She explained that her father, Fred Warlick, came from a long line of fabulous scratch cooks, while her mother began marriage with very few cooking skills. But Dottie Warlick was a determined woman and grew to be an excellent cook.

As the oldest of three girls, Wells loved being in the kitchen by her mother’s side. She credits her mother as being her greatest teacher. Not only did she share valuable cooking techniques, but her mother also demonstrated the joy of serving food to those she loved—especially when it was her famous vegetable beef soup.

These stories prompted Wells’ counselor to suggest a book entitled “Tear Soup.” This beautifully illustrated

children’s book tells the story of a woman named Grandy who has suffered a great loss and is stuck in her kitchen, overwhelmed by grief. After reading the first few pages, Wells understood the recommendation. “As the tears

rolled down my cheek onto page three, I knew I would have to buy the book. And I bought a second one to give my sister.”

Some cooking requires that ingredients be measured exactly, but soup-making is very different. It is an art form that encourages one to improvise and follow instincts. And making soup can get pretty messy. What is true about soup-making is true about grieving as well.

On October 8, 2016, Wells marked the one-year anniversary of her mother’s death by making an enormous pot of

vegetable beef soup. As a way of honoring her mother’s memory, Wells divided the soup into portions, making deliveries to family members and a few close friends. Wells smiled broadly as she received rave reviews. “I guess seasoning my soup with a few tears made all the difference!”

mother’s memory, but we also created a new memory as sisters.”

Acknowledging anniversaries of birth, death and other important dates can serve as a ritual for many. Finding constructive ways to remember loved ones helps to honor their memories. There is no right or wrong way to honor a loved one. The important thing is that people listen to their own feelings and allow themselves to have the kind of day necessary to make it through as gently as possible.

Author Peter V. Fossel writes, “Anniversaries serve as a chance to take stock; to see where the river of time and circumstances has left, to review some lessons and to plan what lies ahead. And, if nothing else, to celebrate the fact that that we’ve made it this far.”

Anniversaries continued from page 1

The book, “Tear Soup,” provides a recipe for healing after a loss.

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HFGG Board of Trustees

Justin Outling is an attorney with Brooks, Pierce, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP focusing on business and health care litigation. He is also a member of the Greensboro City Council, representing District Three. Outling holds a J.D. from

Duke University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).

Gail LeBauer is a psychiatric nurse practitioner at LeBauer Behavioral Medicine. She has held many leadership roles in the community, including the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, the North Carolina School

of the Arts and the Greensboro Jewish Federation. She earned her nursing degree from Duke University.

New Members Elected to Board of Directors and Board of Trustees

October 1 marked the start of a new fiscal year for Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG), including the election of two new board members. In addition, the Hospice Foundation of Greater Greensboro (HFGG) elected two new trustees. HFGG supports HPCG through sound investment management, fundraising engagement and donor cultivation and stewardship.

Dr. Robin Remsburg is the dean of the School of Nursing at UNCG. Previously, she served as director of the School of Nursing at George Mason University and is a past president of the National Gerontological Nursing Association

(NGNA). She holds a B.S.N., an M.S.N. in nursing education and a Ph.D. in nursing research.

HPCG Board of Directors

Dr. Vanessa Haygood is a physician at Central Carolina Obstetrics & Gynecology. She received her B.S. in biology from Stanford University and her M.D. from Harvard University. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology

at Duke University. Haygood is a long-time supporter of HPCG and its Kids Path program.

We Honor Veterans Program Makes a DifferenceVeterans continue to represent a significant percentage of patients at Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG). This past year, 22.5 percent of admissions—nearly 300 hospice patients—were Veterans.

Veterans often carry experiences from their military service that present unique health care challenges. By recognizing the distinct needs of Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, HPCG staff are better able to guide them and their families toward a more peaceful ending.

In addition to serving patients and families who are Veterans, HPCG’s We Honor Veterans program reached out to serve the needs of homeless Veterans in the community. In September, HPCG staff collected hundreds of ChapSticks, individual bottles of hand sanitizer, chewing gum, rain

ponchos and individual packs of tissues for the 2016 Triad Veterans Stand Down.

The Stand Down is annual event that provides access to social services to area Veterans. Informational resources available at the event included employment services, transitional housing, physical and mental health services and access to benefits. HPCG’s We Honor Veterans program provided an information table at the event.

HPCG’s We Honor Veterans program was also recognized by the Greensboro Grasshoppers during their annual Military Appreciation Night on August 19. As part of the evening’s celebrations, HPCG provided an information table about We Honor Veterans and received recognition on the Jumbotron. Special patriotic game jerseys were donated to Veteran patients and volunteers at HPCG.

Supplies were collected for homeless Veterans.

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Corks for10th Annual

Save the Date!

Wine Tasting Event

Friday, March 3, 2017

Empire Room at Elm Street Center

203 South Elm Street

Sponsorships are available!

For more information, please call 336.621.2500 or visit www.corksforkidspath.org.

Commemorative Brick Creates a Lasting Tribute to a Beloved Sister

There’s not a day that goes by that Larice Canoy White doesn’t think of her sister, Carollyne. You see, Carollyne Canoy was not just White’s only sibling, but her hero as well.

When the sisters experienced the death of their mother, White was only 13 years of age. As the older sister, Canoy was already living on her own so she immediately rearranged her life to make a home for White. “She was my everything!” White reflected.

Sadly, Canoy died of lung cancer at the age of 47. Her last few months of life were spent at Beacon Place, where the gardens and the birds brought her comfort. It was also a place where family gathered, often spreading a quilt on the floor for her nieces and little grandson to play.

After Canoy’s death, White felt compelled to do something positive as a way of making sense of her sister’s death.

She contacted the American Cancer Society, eventually becoming a well known volunteer leader with the local Shine

a Light on Lung Cancer educational campaign. She also sought to mark

the sacred time spent with her sister at Beacon Place by purchasing an enscribed brick for the garden. “Now when I visit the garden,” shared White, “I am uplifted by the assurance my brick offers. Carollyne

Canoy’s life mattered, and she will never be forgotten.”

For information on how you can purchase a commemorative brick for the gardens at Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG), contact Mary Anderson at 336.621.2500 or manderson@hospicegso.org. Information is also available at www.hospicegso.org/brick.

The search for the new president and CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG) is well underway. Patricia A. Soenksen will retire as the current president and CEO effective February 17, 2017.

Mary Magrinat, chair of HPCG’s board of directors, has appointed a search committee of seven experienced HPCG board members to oversee the search process. Elinvar, a highly recommended North Carolina firm, was then selected to conduct the search. Elinvar has posted the CEO position on significant local, state and national hospice websites. HPCG board members have also sent the posting to their professional networks.

Magrinat is pleased to report that the search process is yielding many qualified applicants. The search committee will begin interviewing candidates shortly, with a goal to make a final selection by December 31, 2016.

HPCG Searches for a New President and CEO

Larice White (right) purchased an HPCG brick (above) in memory of her sister.

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Remembrances July 2016 - September 2016The following list represents those individuals who have been honored or remembered by donors during the past quarter.

HonorariumsMaura Barber*Mark Barker and the Hardin/Barker FamilyTol Broome Jr.Karen BurnsJonni CatlettRegina Clark Chavis*Dr. ClanceHayes and Clem ClementLisa ColemanRyan Colgan*Barbara CrossChristie DeMossMary Easton*Melanie Fuqua*Jane Gibson*Risa Hanau*Hospice Southwest Team*Linda KlippsteinFran and Jim NaborsRoland and Barbara NorrisSherry Diane QueenMartha Robison SpanglerSarah Turner*The Rev. Lou Wallace*Linda Workman

* Indicates HPCG staff member honored by a gift.

MemorialsMax G. Abernathy Sr.Charles F. AcquistoVirginia Brawley AlexanderJerry Wayne Allen Sr.Josephine “Jo” Purgason AltonKristi K. AmendRickey Anderson’s sisterMae Lee AndrewsKaren Phyllis Spong ArnoldElias K. AssafEtheline Norris AtkinsJean Stuart Rhodes Ayers

Carole Wood BadgettMurray “Carson” BainThe Rev. William D. C. BakerClaude V. BarbeeHerbert Lee BarhamCharles David BarnesWorth Bagley Barnes Jr.Avery F. BarrierJames Lawrence Eugene BeardenBeckyEdward “Ed” BellenkesMichael BernardStanley Bruce BeuchlerHerman Dillard BlackwellEleanor A. BlereauGeraldine Greeson BlumLarry James BolickCheryl Hines BowmanErskine Miller BradleyGregory Miller BradleyLillian Aleen BreedloveJudithe Bald BriggsAndrew Thomas “Tommy” BristowMary Nicholson BroomePauline “Pat” Wall BroomeRobert BrowerLucille C. BryantSylvia and Harvey BurroughsThomas James Campagnolo IIRalph J. “R.J.” CampbellWilliam “Will” John Carr Jr.Richard “Dick” W. CartlandJeanette Melvin CatesJames “Jim” Levi CatlettDeborah Burnette CauseyMarie Johnson ChambersLeah ChelmMarianne W. ClintonElfriede “Sue” CobbPatty “Pat” Bare CobleImogene Nichols CockmanMary Frances Vaughn CockmanHelene Harris CoeGlenn Franklin ConradVernon F. CopelandCarole Louise Dawn Spade Holmgren

Curtiss CostelloMarie Aida Briscuso CostelloRobert Leo CostelloToni Poplin CraddockJoanne Brantley CraftWilliam Hugh “Bill” Craft Sr.Gerald Lynn CrossJames B. Curl Jr.The Honorable William “Bill” Louis DaisyNancy Lee Bland DanielSybil Harris DavenportEvon Welch DeanFrank Thomas DelfinoChristie Dawn Tucker DeMossCatherine “Cathy” H. DevaneyWayne Gene DillonDr. Owen W. DoyleCharles Calvin Drye Sr.Carol Overcash DudleyWillis Benjamin “Ben” DurhamMarjorie Wallace DworakDonna Marie EasterMarilyn Ranzenhofer EddyJennifer M. EdwardsVictor Bernhardt EvansAllen Wilburn Everhart IIAllen Wilburn “Bill” EverhartDavid Clem “D.C.” FairclothPorter Frazier “Bob” Florence Jr.Larry Wayne FoglemanMichael J. FoleyThe Rev. John Charles FoltzBillie Joe FortsonBessie Mae Murph FosterFlorence Sue Pike FoxMelva McNeill FraleyRalph W. FrenchKatherine Townsend FryeDr. Daniel “Dan” GarfinkelBruce Emmett GarrettMarguerite M. GarrettEllen Young GavelGilJohn M. GlinskyDr. Bert Arthur Goldman

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Remembrances July 2016 - September 2016

Lucile Davison GormanAdrienne GraggSarah Garrett GrayStarling Murray GraydonChristine L. GreenThomas “Leroy” GriffinBarbara “Bobby” L. Zaleon GuthmannRobert J. Guthrie Sr.Jasper Claudius “J.C.” HairVera Sue Ellis HairrGano and Ida HallJanice Elaine Graham HallCatherine V. HallidayBobby Lee HannahRobert Glen Hardin Jr.Frances Gail Walker HardyInez Dixon HarringtonRuby Henrietta Bundy Hester HarrisCaroline J. HarrisonAvis Wood HawkinsJames Stimson “Stimp” HawkinsGeneva Wagner Boland HawleyJeffrey Lynn HerndonBurry Little “Chip” HicksLilian Gerda HicksIrene Busick Lee Pearman HobbsGeorge HoffRandolph “Randy” E. HollandsworthGary Lee HoltPhillip Edgar HoltRebecca Eloise Bostick “Teny” HoltBillie Douglas HooksBurdell E. HooverViola Evans HopkinsRichard Scott HoppoughFarisa M. HortonGarnet “Jerry” Leeson HowdyshellLydia Jean Pleasants HudsonWoodrow J. HuffTheresa Diane HugginsDorothy Mae Reeves HunterVeada Hayes IngoldDru Richard JarrettBrenda K. JohnsonNancy Taylor JohnsonPatricia “Pat” Gordon Johnson

Ronnie Moore Russell JohnsonLarry Eugene Johnson Sr.The Rev. John Daniel JollyHelen Pitts JonesEleanor Zwicky JusticeRandolph “Randy” M. Kabrich Jr.William A. Kanoy Jr.Tobee Wynne KaplanLyles Hoover KearnsElizabeth “Ann” Thornton KeyCoy Irvin “Irv” KimbroBrenda Lee Miller KingJames “Bruce” KirkmanJohn Barry KluttzDeborah Ruth KnowlesGerald “Jerry” Edward LacosseRuth Coble LambW. Austin LanePaul “Clem” Wayon LangleyThe Rev. and Mrs. R. Cole Lee Sr.Eugenia Leggett-FrankJames Clarence “J.C.” LeonardCharles Frederick LindsayPatricia Grady LoringHomer Lee Lowdermilk Sr.Dr. John Alexander Lusk IIIPatricia Ford MackallKathleen Oates Nance ManessVirginia West ManessLinda Lowe MarionJanice Patricia “Pat” MartinH. Robert “Zeke” MartineauMary GraceJoseph Edwin MatkinsStephanie Irene MatusRobert J. McBrydeJosie Pauline Davis McClainDawn Holmes McClintockHarvey McDanielCharles A. “Mac” McFeeDorothy Harrison McGheeSarah Louise Moore McMichaelDaughter of Phyllis McNultyMary Moira McQuadeRita MedoffJerry C. Messick Sr.

Gladys Virginia Stonestreet MetzMadelyn E. MillerWayne E. MillerMartha Rowland MillicanPeggy Murrell MooneyLarry Wayne Moore Sr.Mildred “Millie” Hitchcock Mauldin MoorefieldDorothy “Dot” Smith Sharp MorrisCharles “Chuck” Earl MortimoreDean Byron MurrayCatherine I. MyersSherrill MyersThomas Lee “Tommy” MyersWilliam “Bill” Edgar MyersDoris Moore NantzRichard “Dick” David Neighbors Sr.Helen Veronica “Vera” Johnson O’ConnorCarl C. OsborneJohn Robert OxenfeldNancy Jane Oldham PardueWilliam James Parham Jr.Billy Frank Patterson Sr.Lucinda Smith PeelerJames “Jim” Ethan PellThomas “Thom” Alexander PeñaRachel Vallie Crutchfield PerryMae “Mae Jack” Weaver PilandMary Watson “Watty” Flora PinsonJames Carlyle Prescott Jr.Jeffrey “Jeff ” Lynn PressleyEmma Carter PriceEula Gannon PughKevin Michael PulaskiJames Duncan Puller IIIJosephine Thom QuickCatherine “Katie” Elizabeth RainesEldon “Bud” ReeseKim Breedlove ReidJacqueline M. RellaRobert RiceJessica Anne RichardsClemontene RichmondLeslie Ulmond Ricketts Jr.Dorothy Maynard Riddle

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Remembrances July 2016 - September 2016

Rebecca “Becky” Sue Wilson RiersonAnne Patton RingWilliam Walter RobersonHubert Daniel RobertsonLynette RobertsonEva G. RobinsonCatherine Beatrice Zagrodnik RoseDr. William Thomas “Tom” RoweRoney RowlandJames Chandler RundeFrank J. RuppertGlenda Kaye RussellCarla Sue Hunt SchenkerAnnie Janette Nichols ScottCol. Carl Lewis SharpeJoe Ann SheltonRalph K. SheltonRosemary B. SiskThe Smith FamilyGerald “Gerry” Lee SmithJ. Dennis and Nell SmithJosephine R. SmithDr. Larry C. SmithLisa Jean SmithPearl Newman SmithDana Gibson Smith IIIGrace SoenksenZelig SokollDarrell Martin “Marty” SouthardMary Louise “Lou” Gibson Stadler

Helen Lewis StanfieldSusan L. StanleyDr. Henry Frank Starr Jr.Millard StewartFairy Davis StraderMichael “Mike” H. SullivanEvelyn Preston SummersDavid Surgeon Jr.William “Bill” Curtis Sutton Jr.William “Bill” Douglas SwaimCarolyn Royal SweeneyZiaolmolouk TavassoliIrene Crabtree TeagueOla Corley TemplesJohnny Jackson ThibodeauxStanley “Stan” David ThomasCharles Warner ThompsonMarvin and Mary Lea ThompsonRoger Murphy ThompsonTed J. Thompson Jr.Nancy Jean Knights TildenGeorge Michael TotterweichAllen Gunn “A.G.” Travis Jr.William “Bill” A. Treadway JrAnn King TrullForrest A. TuckerRebecca “Becky” TuckerVirginia Katherine Baldwin TuckerThurneze H. VereenRuth E. Victor

Elaine Tolan WadeEmma Jane WalkerGloria Sharp WalkerSusie and Carl WallElle “Rio” Hoff WatsonMildred “Mickey” P. WeaverAnne Carter WebsterMarie Hutton Foley WeidenJames H. Weikel Jr.Dorothy “Dot” Siegmund WeillMarty WhitakerHerbert “Hub” Lenior WhiteKathleen Darr WhiteJuanita Gordon Maness WhitfieldCarl E. WhitmanThomas K. WilkinsonJames E. WillcoxMarjorie Ruth McKinney WillcoxCarol Ann WilliamsCarolyn “Sue” WilliamsSally WilliamsCharles “Chuck” WoellnerElvira J. WoodLinda WoodRex E. WoodGeorge Cleveland Wood IIIEdward “Ed” F. WrennBernard F. WrightF. David Wyrick Sr.William “Bill” Harrison Zednik

Every effort has been made to include and correctly list all of the names of persons honored or remembered since our last issue of Newslines. This list represents those tributes received between July 1 and September 30, 2016. If we have made an error, we hope you will give us an opportunity

to correct our mistake in our next issue. Please call the resource development department at 336.621.2500.

Newslines Story Wins Award From NHPCOThe story, “Transformed By Love,” has won second place in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Creative Arts contest, in the essay/blog category. This article orginally appeared as February 2016 cover story of Newslines, the newsletter for Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG).

Special thanks to Melanie Harless for sharing her powerful story of healing as well as HPCG’s Jane Gibson, who told her story so well.If you would like to read “Transformed By Love,” visit www.hospicegso.org/news-events/newsletters.

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Giving Matters

This coming March, Corks for Kids Path will celebrate a decade of bringing people together to support medically fragile and grieving children. Since its creation, the event has become Greensboro’s premier wine-tasting experience, generating more than $830,000! Eager to build on that success, volunteers are hard at work planning the 10th annual event.

From the beginning, Zeto Wine and Cheese Shop has been its lead partner. “This project holds a special place in our hearts,” said Su Peterson, co-owner of Zeto. “Nine years ago, when we first learned how Kids Path benefits children, we knew it was something we wanted Zeto to support.”

Peterson’s business partner, Penny Demetriades, agrees. “Corks for Kids Path is a first-class event,” said Demetriades. “Everyone has such a

heart for Kids Path, and it shows in the many volunteers who work tirelessly to create this special event. Zeto is proud to be a partner, curating all the wines and donating all profits from any wine sales to the program.”

Kids Path is known as a model program. However, this vital community resource is vulnerable. More than 75

percent of the program’s operating budget comes from fundraising, which means the program wouldn’t exist without events like Corks for Kids Path.

“In an effort to make our 10th

anniversary truly special and to ensure this program continues to meet the unique needs of children, we have set a stretch goal to raise $170,000,” said Paul Russ, vice president of marketing and development. “This goal is 22 percent more than we have ever raised in a single year, but when we reach that goal, our 10-year total giving will surpass $1,000,000!”

The 10th annual Corks for Kids Path will take place on Friday, March 3, 2017, at the Empire Room in downtown Greensboro. “I am confident it will continue to raise awareness and funds for Kids Path,” said Russ.

Penny Demetriades and Su Peterson own Zeto Wine and Cheese Shop.

Volunteering has been a passion for Pat Soenksen, president and CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG). Her career encompasses 40 years in health care management, including her first role in hospice when Soenksen served as executive director of Triangle Hospice in Durham, NC (1985-1988). As she moved on to other health care administration and consulting roles, Soenksen continued to serve as a trained hospice volunteer in Greensboro, Minnesota and Durham.

“She has a special fondness for volunteers and remembers her many years as a hospice volunteer with great pride,” said Mary B. Magrinat, board chair of HPCG.

In recognition of this passion and in honor of her retirement, an endowed fund has been renamed “The Patricia A. Soenksen Endowed Fund for Volunteer Services.” Originally

established in 2012, this fund recognizes volunteers who generously provide 20 years of service. Each year, honorariums have been placed in this fund to honor these outstanding volunteers.

“I have known Pat to volunteer for multiple organizations and causes,” said Ronald P. Johnson, board chair of the Hospice Foundation of Greater Greensboro. “And throughout her tenure, she has been a champion of our volunteers who are an integral part of our care teams. Our board of directors and board of trustees both felt this would be a fitting tribute to an incredible career.”

This fund will generate resources to support recognition and continuing education for HPCG’s volunteers. In addition, it will support self-care programs to keep volunteers refreshed for their challenging work.

Volunteer Fund Renamed to Honor Soenksen

Corks for Kids Path To Mark Its 10th Year

Hospice Foundationof Greater GreensboroSupporting Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro

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Pat Soenksen Receives the 2016 Peter Keese Leadership AwardPat Soenksen, president and CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG) and the Hospice Foundation of Greater Greensboro (HFGG) was honored at the 40th

Annual Hospice and Palliative Care Conference in Charlotte with the Peter Keese Leadership Award.

“I am excited to announce that Pat has been named the 2016 recipient of the Peter Keese Leadership Award,” said Mary Magrinat, chair of the board of directors at HPCG. “Pat has been a tremendous asset to HPCG, inspiring and challenging our staff and board to rigorous standards of excellence and compassion.”

The award is presented annually by The Carolinas Center (TCC), a trade organization promoting quality end-of-life care and representing an extensive number of hospice and palliative care providers in North and South Carolina. This year marks TCC’s 40th anniversary.

In addition to providing leadership for HPCG for nearly a decade, Soenksen has been an active member of TCC and an engaged advocate of hospice care. Additionally, she is recognized as a wise and experienced leader, having held leadership roles in both acute and post-acute care settings. This broad knowledge has enabled her to advocate effectively for the integration of hospice into the broader health care continuum.

Under her watch, HPCG has continued to solidify its distinguished reputation among hospice programs locally, statewide and nationally. “Pat has managed our growth against a backdrop of challenging economic times, increased regulatory burden and rising competition,” said Magrinat.

Soenksen’s career encompasses 40 years in health care management, including her first role in hospice when she served as executive director of Triangle Hospice in Durham from

1985 until 1988. As she moved on to other health care administration and consulting roles, Soenksen continued to serve as a trained hospice volunteer in North Carolina and Minnesota. She has a special fondness for volunteers and remembers her many years as a hospice volunteer with great pride.

“Throughout her career, Pat has mentored emerging talent, including many hospice leaders. She embodies the leadership qualities and characteristics appropriate for recognition of the Peter Keese Leadership Award,” said Magrinat.

HPCG Achieves Reaccreditation Status

Peter Keese and Pat Soenksen

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG) received reaccreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for hospice and home health with recommendation for continued deemed status.

“By achieving ACHC accreditation, HPCG demonstrates its commitment to delivering the highest quality of products and services by complying with ACHC accreditation standards and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation (CoPs),” said Matthew D. Hughes, director of business management and customer service at ACHC.

“On behalf of the board of directors, staff and volunteers of HPCG, I am proud that our organization has again received this high honor and has been recognized by ACHC, a national accreditation body. It demonstrates that we continuously strive for excellence and we have achieved compliance with rigorous national quality standards and requirements for hospice, home care and inpatient hospice services” said Pat Soenksen, HPCG’s president and CEO.

The ACHC gold seal indicates an organization’s commitment to quality and patient safety.

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6Notification cards will be mailed beginning

November 14, 2016.

Make a Light Up A Life Donation

Please place a light on our Hospice Tree of Remembrance.

In Memory of _____________________________________

In Honor of ______________________________________

My donation of $ _______________ to HFGG is enclosed.

Donor’s Name(s) _____________________________________

Address ___________________________________________

City __________________ State ______ Zip Code __________

Phone ____________________________________________

Email ____________________________________________

Please send a notification card to:Name(s) _____________________________

Address ______________________________

City _________ State ___ Zip Code _________

Phone _______________________________

Mail your Light Up A Life donations to:

Hospice Foundation of Greater Greensboro (HFGG)2500 Summit Avenue | Greensboro, NC 27405

You may also make your Light Up A Life donation online at www.hospicegso.org/light.

Gifts may be made to Light Up A Life throughout the months of November and December. Gifts arriving in the office after November 29 will not be in the service program, but will be acknowledged by a card. A minimum donation of $10 is suggested; however, all gifts are welcome. Contributions to Hospice Foundation of Greater Greensboro and Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro are tax-deductible as allowed by IRS regulations. Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919.807.2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State of North Carolina. If you no longer wish to receive fundraising communications from HFGG, please contact the vice president of marketing and development at 336.621.2500.

Please print clearly.

Join Us for Light Up a Life on December 4, 2016You are invited to attend the 32nd Annual Light Up a Life Service on Sunday, December 4 at 5 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, located at 3600 West Friendly Avenue. Presented by Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG), this interfaith service offers guests a meaningful way to honor the memories of special friends and family members.

The featured speaker will be Alan Sherouse, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Greensboro. Previously, Sherouse was pastor of Metro Baptist Church in Manhattan, New York. He earned his degree in religion from Palm Beach Atlantic University and continued his theological education at Wake Forest University School of Divinity and Vanderbilt University. He and his wife, Jenny, have four young children.

“I am very pleased to be a part of this year’s Light Up a Life Service,” shared Sherouse. “Both personally and professionally, I have experienced the grace and care of hospice. I’m so grateful for what you mean to our church family, First Baptist Church, and to so many individual families in Greensboro.”

Musical selections will be organized by Melissa Burris, First Lutheran’s accompanist and traditional worship coordinator. Featured musicians will include harpist, Laura Goldstein, and the

First Lutheran Hand Bell Choir.

After the service, you are invited to view the Hospice Tree of Remembrance that stands

in front of the VF Jeanswear Building at 400 N. Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. The tree will be lit during

the Festival of Lights on Friday, December 2, and remain lit through December 31.

You are encouraged to place a light on the Hospice Tree of Remembrance by making a contribution of $10 or more in honor of a loved one. HPCG will acknowledge your gift and notify those who are being remembered with a lovely seasonal card. All proceeds benefit children and adults receiving patient care and counseling support at HPCG.

The Rev. Alan Sherouse

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6

Gifts of Gratitude

It was another successful year for the Greensboro Elks Charity Golf Tournament, held on September 16 at Bryan Park. The Greensboro Elks Lodge raised $22,660 for Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro!

The event began with a silent auction and sponsor’s cocktail party, followed by tournament day and a full field of golfers. Key to the tournament’s success were generous donors and sponsors. In addition to the Greensboro Elks Lodge #602, the 2016 major sponsors included Apple Tree Academies, Forbis and Dick Funeral Services, Heath Amusements, Matthews Amusements and the Michel Family Foundation. Special thanks goes to Biscuitville, Brixx Pizza and What’s Cooking Catering for their generous in-kind donations.

Lodge president, Doug Cockman, praised the hard work of Kim Fuquay and the 2016 tournament committee, as

well as the many lodge members who supported this event. Cockman also offered his appreciation for the 2016 tournament being played in memory of Larry Barham and Ace Kirkman, two members who held leadership positions within the lodge and on previous tournament committees.

“The Greensboro Elks Lodge is very proud to have raised $126,860 for Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro over the past six years,” said Fuquay, the 2016 tournament chair. “The opportunity to partner with sponsors, players and local businesses in support of hospice is

something we all look forward to. Together we are building a stronger community!”

Doug Cockman and Kim Fuquay present the check to Pat Soenksen and Jane Gibson.

Jersey Mike’s Day of Caring Supports Kids Path

Greensboro Elks Lodge Raises $22,660 for HPCG

On Wednesday, September 28, four local Jersey Mike’s restaurants chose to donate half of their gross sales to Kids Path. The day, known as Jersey Mike’s Day of Caring, saw a huge outpouring of support from the community, Jersey Mike’s patrons, as well as staff and volunteers of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG). This support translated to a sales total of $8,835.29—of which Kids Path received $4,417.65!

When Jeremy Jinghree, owner of several local Jersey Mike’s restaurants, began searching for a new fundraising project, he looked to his team for recommendations. Jackie McCoy, who has worked at Jersey Mike’s for 16 years, was quick to recommend Kids Path because she and her children had benefited so greatly from their counseling services.

Thank you to all who came out to support Kids Path on September 28. Special thanks to Jersey Mike’s for choosing Kids Path as the recipient for this special day.

Jersey Mike’s staff, community members and HPCG representatives take part in Jersey Mike’s Day of Caring.

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6

Gifts of Gratitude

As previously reported, 2016 commemorates the 20th anniversary of Beacon Place. Over the past two decades, more than 3,700 patients have found comfort and peace at Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro’s (HPCG) inpatient hospice facility. To mark this milestone, minor capital upgrades have been made.

One highlight has been the replacement of the sleeper chairs in the patient rooms. These are the chairs that family members can unfold and turn into beds if they want to stay overnight with their loved one. The new chairs are larger and easier to clean and maneuver.

To date, 26 donors have pledged more than $36,000 to support the Beacon Place upgrades. Thanks to these generous donors, all 14 chairs have been replaced. “The new chairs have been so well received by the families,” said Angela Syphaseut, director of inpatient services. “They really enhance the patient-family experience at Beacon Place.”

Additional upgrades are planned for the Beacon Place quiet room.

Beacon Place 20th Anniversary Upgrades Underway

Church Members Sing for Beacon Place Patients

Thank you to members of the Silver Connection from Mount Zion United Church of God, who visited Beacon Place on Sunday, October 2. The group brought joy and encouragement to Beacon Place patients and visitors as they sang several gospel hymns.

Westminster Presbyterian Organizes Day of Service“One Great Day of Service” was held on Sunday, September 25, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. This special day offered members of all ages the opportunity to divide into groups and select a volunteer project of their choice.

One of those groups chose a cooking project to benefit Kids Path patients and their families. Volunteers spent hours in the church kitchen creating a variety of homemade delights. They prepared 30 large casseroles, which included creamy chicken and pasta, macaroni and cheese and baked spaghetti. All were frozen and carefully labeled so they could be delivered by Kids Path nurses later in the week. These meals, along with bags of homemade chocolate chip cookies, provided enjoyment as well as encouragement to all who received them.

Teresa Beaupre, Westminster Presbyterian Church member, shared, “I have chosen to lead this project for many years because Kids Path really touches my heart! Our team always feels as if we are making a difference.” Thank you to everyone who made it a really great day!

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6

Counseling and Education Calendar of Events

November

When Grief and the Holidays Collide

This is a program to help adults plan for and cope with the holidays.

Choose the time that works best for you:

Daytime: Thursday, November 10, 1 - 2 p.m.Evening: Thursday, November 10, 6 - 7 p.m.

We also invite you to stay with us for an extra few minutes to create a Hope Pot to take home. We will plant pansies and bulbs in small pots. Early next spring, our pots will come to life with new growth and flowers. Our Hope Pots can serve as a reminder that better days lie ahead. Materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own pot if you prefer.

January

Grief: What to Expect and What Can Help

A one-hour information session for adults who are newly bereaved to better understand and cope with grief. Choose the session that works best for you:

Evening: Monday, January 9, 6 - 7 p.m.Daytime: Tuesday, January 10, noon - 1 p.m.

Winter Support Groups

Please call our Counseling and Education Center at 336.621.5565 for information about winter support group offerings.

All events are free of charge and held at Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, located at 2500 Summit Avenue, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register, please call 336.621.5565 or email thecenter@hospicegso.org.

Suicide Loss Support Group for Persons Who Are Grieving the

Suicide Death of a Loved One

This is an ongoing support group, led by grief counselors from HPCG’s Counseling and Education Center. The group offers the opportunity for participants to talk about their loss with those who have had a similar experience, face the unique challenges of suicide grief, find ways to cope and care for themselves and give and receive comfort by supporting each other.

First and third Tuesdays of the month, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

2016 Schedule: November 1 and 15 2017 Schedule:January 3 and 17February 7 and 21March 7 and 21April 14 and 18May 2 and 16June 6 and 20

December – No Meetings

July – No MeetingsAugust 1 and 15September 5 and 19October 3 and 17November 7 and 21December – No Meetings

Comforting a Grieving Friend at the HolidaysFor many grieving people, the holiday season is a long-dreaded, difficult period. If you know a friend or loved one who is grieving this time of the year, your support can be very meaningful and help make a painful time easier. Here are some quick tips.

Ask Questions.Ask your friend how they are doing and how you might be of help. Your friend’s needs may change frequently; remember to be supportive by asking more than once.

Be a Good Listener. If your friend does want to talk about grief, supportive listening is the key. Sometimes there is no right thing to say and being present with your friend is enough.

Be There.The most meaningful way to help a friend is to be there through the ups and downs of grief. Even if time has passed since the loss, you may ask how she or he is doing during this holiday season.

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Volunteer Services Calendar of Events

Kids Path Calendar of Events

December

Hope at the Holidays

A workshop for families with children who are grieving the death of a loved one. Join us for an evening of hope and remembrance. This workshop is open to current Kids Path clients and families as well as the larger community.

$10 Materials Fee

Thursday, December 8, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

January

Teen Make-A-Memory Bear Workshop

A creative workshop for teens (6th - 12th graders) coping with the death of a loved one. Participants will create a keepsake bear to memorialize their loved one.

$10 Materials Fee

Thursday, January 26, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

February

Connecting Rainbows

A support program for K - 5th graders and their caregivers coping with the serious illness or death of a loved one.

$15 Materials FeeTuesdays, 6 - 7:30 p.m.February 7, 14, 21, 28March 7 and 14

Pathfinders

A support program for teens (6th - 12th graders) who are coping with the serious illness or death of a loved one.

$15 Materials Fee

Thursdays, 6 - 7:30 p.m.February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Are you interested in volunteering with Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG)? Contact volunteer services at 336.621.2500 for more information or to register. For additional volunteer training events, visit www.hospicegso.org/volunteer.

December

Volunteer Information Session

Thursday, December 1Choose the time that works best for you:

• 1-3 p.m.• 6-8 p.m.

January

Volunteer Information SessionThursday, January 5Choose the time that works best for you:

• 1-3 p.m.• 6-8 p.m.

Orientation Part 1Saturday, January 21, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

February

Orientation Part 2: Specialized TrainingThursday, February 2, 6-8 p.m.

All Kids Path support groups are open to the public and registration is required. Call 336.544.5437 to register for a workshop or to schedule an individual counseling session.

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 714

Greensboro, NC2500 Summit AvenueGreensboro, NC 27405336.621.2500 phone336.621.4516 faxwww.hospicegso.org

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Our Mission

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro enhances quality of life by providing expert interdisciplinary care,

consultation, support and education for those affected by serious illness,

death or grief.