NewsLine - November 2012 - (Page 5)

bugle performance of Taps. At the conclusion of the formal program, “Amazing Grace” will be played on bagpipes while the Patriot Guard Riders surround the Veterans Garden, each holding a flag. The garden is situated in front of our Hospice House, which is located on the CareCenter’s 14-acre wooded campus. Its centerpiece is a flagpole that is embedded in a large boulder, upon which the emblems of the five branches of military service are engraved. The flagpole is surrounded by a raised flower bed and four custom benches, designed and handcrafted by sculptors from our community under the guidance of local artist, Jan Detter. The benches feature beautiful mosaic designs (Jan’s specialty), some made from actual bullet casings. The garden is designed for wheelchair accessibility, with the goal of being a special place for reflection and respite while also being a tangible expression of thanks to all Veterans who have served our country. Of special note was the overwhelming support we received from the community. The fundraising efforts were swift and successful, illustrating our community’s shared passion for this project. A significant portion of the funds were raised by reaching out to local Veteran organizations like the VFW, Patriot Guard Riders, Oak Ridge Military Academy and the American Legion. I presented “Hospice 101” sessions during their meetings and received donations for the garden afterwards. We also reached out to the families of the patients we have served. Additional donations were made by corporate donors, including a major corporate grant from Wells Fargo. As we look upon the finished garden, we see so many benefits that have come from it. Our president/CEO, Brian Payne, wanted a way to openly demonstrate our support of all Veterans, and it surely accomplishes that. But it has also served as a way for many members of our community to express their thanks through donations and has helped us, as an organization, develop valuable relationships with the VA, the VFW, Patriot Guard Riders and the Oak Ridge Military Academy. Tina Stearns is the director of community outreach for the Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, where she has worked since 2005. Opposite: The Garden’s centerpiece as it takes shape. Above: The back of one of the benches where bullet casings were used to create a starburst design. continued on next page NewsLine 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NewsLine - November 2012

NewsLine - November 2012
WHV Partners Give Thanks
A Message From Don
Free Distance-learning Sessions on Serving Veterans
ACOs Today: Are You Ready?
AchieveLinks: Introducing a Rewards Program (display ad)
Simione: Solving Your Hospice Challenges (display ad)
In the Continuum: KCHPC
The Voice of NCHPP
How a Veteran’s Experience Can Inform Bereavement Practice
Free Bereavement Section Activities
Now Live: eHospice
A Free Tool to Help Evaluate Your Service to Veterans
Member News and Notes
CTC Sponsors (display ad)
Compliance Tip
2013 MLC Plenary Speakers (display ad)
Videos Worth Watching
News From FHSSA

NewsLine - November 2012