Pine Tree Hospice helps the community through seasons of change
DOVER-FOXCROFT — For three and a half decades Pine Tree Hospice has served individuals and families, free of charge, during the time of dying and bereavement. The organization’s volunteers assist through all life changes — as stated with the theme “Seasons of Change” on the cover of the 2019 annual report — and those involved with and contributing to Pine Tree Hospice were honored during the annual meeting Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church.
“First and foremost I would like to thank each and every one of you for being here,” Pine Tree Hospice Executive Director Kristen Sutherland, who came aboard in late August, said in welcoming volunteers, board members, community partners and guests. “I want all of you to know it takes all of you here to accomplish what Pine Tree Hospice does.”
Sutherland also thanked her predecessor Jane Stitham for her years of work with the organization.
Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
15 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH PINE TREE HOSPICE — Sherry Corbin, right with Pine Tree Hospice Coordinator of Volunteers and Client Services Cheryl Crabtree, was recognized for her 15 years volunteering with the organization during the annual meeting on Nov. 21 at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church. The theme for the 2019 session was “Seasons of Change.”
“Our theme tonight is ‘Seasons of Change,’” Sutherland said. “We thought this theme tonight is so fitting.” She explained that there have not just been program additions in 2019 but new staff members coming aboard and other adjustments.
“We are an organization dedicated to supporting people through changes,” Sutherland said.
Pine Tree Hospice Bereavement and Education Coordinator Lisa Joy White said her new title is one of the changes made in 2019. She said her previous position was converted into two, with Cheryl Crabtree coming on as the coordinator of volunteers and client services.
“One of the new and exciting programs we were officially able to unveil this past year is advanced care planning,” White said. She said several advanced care planning facilitator training participants are now able to go out in the community and conduct seminars on the topic to help plan for final wishes.
Crabtree then presented 5-year service awards to Rita Corbin, Sue McNulty, Marsha Hansen and Jayne Sharrow. Sherry Corbin was recognized with a 15-year service award.
Sutherland said another change for Pine Tree Hospice will be the retirement of board members Alice Bunn and Rhonda Taylor. She said the two have each served three 3-year terms as directors.
The executive director said Gordon Contracting of Sangerville is being recognized for helping with the Pine Tree Hospice Golf Open.
Pine Tree Hospice staff were recognized. In addition to Sutherland, White and Crabtree, staff members include administrative assistant Sherri Jackins and program assistant Pamela Pultz.
“If you think about it, how many times has something happened that changed you?,” Sutherland asked those present, saying the answer is likely countless from big to small moments. “Any little change has made you who you are.”
With pictures representing the four seasons placed on the tables, Sutherland asked the audience to pick a season featuring a big moment in their lives and to write this down on the back so the images and responses could be posted on a display. She said her choice is late summer and she recalls picking blueberries with her late grandfather.
Crabtree shared her choice by saying “fall has always been my favorite season because the Earth slows in advance of winter.” She said her adopted daughter passed away in her sleep during autumn and Crabtree has since filled the hole in her heart with love and compassion for those served by Pine Tree Hospice.
“After this fall I thought of her with every leaf that fell and I smiled,” Crabtree said.
For more information on Pine Tree Hospice and its numerous services and many volunteer possibilities, please contact 564-4346 or wecare@pinetreehospice.org or go to www.pinetreehospice.org or www.facebook.com/PineTreeHospice.