Crossroads Hospice News

Lawrence social worker helps patients live their own lives

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 EST

Lawrence Journal World
By Giles Bruce

Felicia Shockey isn't your average social worker.

She has arranged for a patient to ride on a Harley Davidson alongside the Patriot Guard. She helped another fly in a hot-air balloon, checking an item off the top of his bucket list. She lets patients drink alcohol or eat steak — if that's what they want. It's all part of her mission to assist local people direct their own care. She says it's the best way to keep them happy, healthy and stress-free.

Shockey, the director of social services at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence, is the inaugural winner of the Crossroads Hospice Caring More Award, which will be presented at The Oread, 1200 Oread Ave., at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The recognition honors social workers who go above and beyond the call of duty. A $500 prize will be given to her chosen charity, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department's Project Lively, which promotes senior independence.

That's a major goal of Shockey's, in fact: to help as many elderly people as possible remain vibrant, in charge of their own decisions, and, above all, living the lives of their choice, no matter their physical or mental limitations.

"A large part of my job is advocating for residents," she said. "Moving from the medical model of health care, which is very stale and static, to resident-directed care, and letting people know they don't have to take their medications, is very different."

Shockey isn't one to tell patients what to do, or to schedule their meals, activities and sleeping patterns. No one wants to live like that in youth and middle age, so why would they as seniors? Plus, the people she treats are especially vulnerable, as they're undergoing the difficult transition from living in a house with family members and belongings to a retirement community with a bunch of strangers.

"I think a huge thing in working with the elderly community is getting to know them as people," said Jeannie Thomas, executive director of Lenexa-based Crossroads Hospice, which gives out the Caring More Award. "A good social worker finds out who each person is and what's important to them, and knows that they're a person, not just a number or someone who fills a bed."

Shockey said she knew she wanted to go into social work after living in Germany, where her husband was serving in the military, and seeing the joy Afghan refugees had even in the most difficult of circumstances. She also discovered that she was able to communicate with people of different cultures and tongues simply by showing them she was there to help.

And she isn't just giving at work: The 32-year-old mother of two is a foster parent for homeless animals from the Lawrence Humane Society, and acts as a guardian for local elderly and disabled residents with no one left to speak for them.

Bartlett woman wins hospice’s ‘Caring More’ award

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST

Bartlett Express
By Kim Steele
Bartlett Express Editor

Mable Barringer couldn’t have been more excited when she was recently named the recipient of Crossroads Hospice’s local Caring More Award. Barringer, a Bartlett resident for 12 years, was given the award March 22 for being “a social worker who goes above and beyond for his/her patients and community.”

At the awards breakfast, Barringer received $500 to present to the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee, where she has served as executive director for 14 years. “I was really surprised and honored to get the award,” said Barringer. “In fact, I was taken back. I do my work naturally, not for reward, and it’s my passion. I’ve always had an innate desire to serve others. I always wanted to be a social worker, and I’ve never regretted my decision to pursue it.”

The “Caring More” Award began in 2010 at two Crossroad Hospice locations. The company has hospices in Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Tennessee. This year, social workers at 10 hospices – including Memphis — were honored. Locally, social work and healthcare organizations nominated social workers with a proven track record in delivering patient care and sharing a commitment to the community. Five judges scored the nominees on professional accomplishments, advocacy for patients and community involvement.

Jean Harrison, executive director of Crossroads Hospice in Memphis, said social workers like Barringer are the unsung heroes who connect patients with resources and counsel families. Harrison said Barringer exemplifies what it means to go the extra mile for people in West Tennessee facing or at risk for kidney disease. “Mable is phenomenal and beautiful in her field,” said Harrison. “She goes above and beyond, is extremely active and works hard to give back to the community. She is very motivated and passionate about what she does, and we are delighted to honor Mable for her work.”

Barringer began her career as a social worker in 1970 in foster care and protective services at the Tennessee Department of Human Services. After 10 years, she moved to the University of Tennessee Rehabilitation Services, where she worked with patients who had strokes and post-polio syndrome. Later, she moved on to St. Joseph Hospital in Memphis. In 1989, Barringer got a job at the University of Tennessee Medical Group and Dialysis, where she stayed for 10 years. There, she discovered a passion for assisting dialysis patients and their families as they learned what to expect during their treatment and how to deal with it, as well as what resources were available for them. “I found that so many were being impacted by kidney disease,” said Barringer. “Dialysis is a lifestyle change, and the whole family has to accept it because the patient is going three times a week and spending the day there. It’s a big change for the patient and family, and they have to want to do it and get it in their heads that they can do it.”

Barringer said she served on the board of the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee during her time at the dialysis center, and became convinced that awareness and prevention were keys to fighting kidney disease. Barringer campaigned to locally implement the national organization’s Kidney Early Evaluation Program, or KEEP.

KEEP is a free health screening for people at increased risk of developing kidney disease. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, and millions more are at risk. Barringer said West Tennessee has 3,500 people on dialysis, with 2,400 of those located in Shelby County. People with diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as a family history of it or a family member with kidney problems, are at greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The test takes about an hour and includes blood pressure and weight measurements, as well as blood and urine tests for signs of diabetes and kidney disease.

In 1999, the job of executive director opened up at the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee, and Barringer jumped at the opportunity to lead an organization she loved. Barringer said she was a good fit because she was on the board, knew the needs of social workers assisting patients with kidney disease and had become an advocate of prevention. “Most people who are at risk of kidney disease don’t realize it,” said Barringer, noting the symptoms are high blood pressure, diabetes, protein or blood in the urine, frequent or difficult urination, and swelling of the hands and feet. “They don’t pay attention to the symptoms. But it’s so important for people to know whether they’re at risk.”

For more information about early screening, call 901-683-6185 or visit nkfwtn.org.

http://bartlett-express.com/2013/04/03/bartlett-woman-wins-hospices-caring-more-award/

‘Deserving’ Cobblah receives ‘Caring More’ Award for work

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

By Bob Satnan
Democrat Editor
SEDALIA DEMOCRAT

The words of praise for George Cobblah were flowing freely.

Charli Ackerman said, “There is good, better and best — and there is George, who is outstanding.” Charlis Allen said he is known as “dedicated, caring and reliable.”

Cobblah, social services director at Four Seasons Living Center, was honored by Crossroads Hospice with its “Caring More” award during a breakfast event Tuesday morning at Hotel Bothwell. The honor recognizes a social worker who exhibits exemplary effort for patients and the community.

Crossroads Hospice Executive Director Janet Hassenflow said Cobblah is “committed to making all residents feel at home.”

To that end, he has recruited more than 20 volunteers to serve as companions for residents.

“George helps residents find peace at the end of life,” Hassenflow said.

Cobblah was nominated for the honor by Ackerman, Pettis County administrator.

Upon hearing about the award, she said, “George was hands down the first person who came to mind. ... He is so deserving.”

Ackerman got to know him when she became administrator in 2004, and said she “can always, always rely on George.”

Allen, resident care coordinator at Four Seasons, shares an office with Cobblah.

“He is very caring to his residents, very dedicated to his job,” she said.

Cobblah began his career at Four Seasons as an intern in 1992. A native of Ghana, he served as a teacher and an insurance underwriter in Africa before moving to Kansas City. He earned his master’s degree in gerontology from the University of Central Missouri and triple majored in economics, sociology and geography at the University of Sciences and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.

Cobblah said working 20 years at Four Seasons is an indication of how much he loves his work. He thanked Ackerman for nominating him for the award, and his wife of 26 years, Denise, for her loyalty and patience when he has to start his days early and finish them late.

He also thanked a group who was not present at the breakfast — his residents.

“Every day they teach me a life lesson,” he said. “They want to talk with you, and if you spend time with them, you will learn so much about them. ... Everybody I have met in my life has made me who I am.” With the award came a $500 donation to the nonprofit organization of the recipient’s choice. Cobblah presented the check to the Sedalia Area Literacy Council, an organization he’s volunteered with as a pen pal for nearly two decades.

He joked that he has been involved so long that “some of my former pen pals have grown taller than me,” but added that students he works with through the council “enrich my life.”

Ackerman said one of her favorite things is to walk through halls of Four Seasons with Cobblah, because “everyone knows him and trusts him.” Addressing him, she added, “Anyone who has made your acquaintance is blessed for knowing you.”

Cobblah sees the honor as much more than a trophy.

“With this award comes more responsibility,” he said. “It means that I have to be more caring ... I have to advocate for my residents more, and with your help, I know I can do this.”

Man shares artistic talent

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

By Bob Coupland

Tribune Chronicle

AUSTINTOWN - The walls of Willie Lane's room at Austin Woods Nursing Home are covered with sketches of both famous and not-so-famous people.

Lane, 75, a Crossroads Hospice patient, recently shared his passion and talent for art with other residents at a recent art party "Gift of a Day," in which he led a group of other residents in drawing.

Drawing has been a lifelong passion of Lane's, and he has created many pieces of artwork that cover the walls of his room.

The walls are covered with sketches, drawings and watercolor paintings of people, scenery and landscapes and some abstract pieces.

Christine Ford, activity director at the nursing home, said Lane spends all his free time sketching, and often is seen drawing or painting in his room. She said the art party was his way of sharing his passion with other residents.

Among those at the party was Lane's sister, Wilda, who also is a resident of the nursing home, his brother, Roland, and six of his friends. Ford said the group was able to paint, sketch and share stories while creating lasting memories and works of art together.

Kate Davis, provider-relations director with Crossroads Hospice of Youngstown, said the organization presented Lane with one of his favorite sketches in a commemorative frame.

She said the art celebration is possible through the Crossroads Hospice.

"Gift of Day'' program is designed to have patients share their idea of a perfect day, and staff and volunteers work together to make it a reality.

Lane, a seven-year resident of the nursing home who has been receiving hospice care for about six months, said he started sketching people and characters in his youth, starting with such popular comic characters as Dagwood and Blondie.

"When I was a kid, I always liked to draw faces. Now people will pose for me and I draw their face. I am always able to find a new face to draw," he said.

While some of the drawings are famous people, such as Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Alfred Hitchcock, he has also drawn residents and staff of the nursing home.

Lane said he also remembers the person's face and sketches it.

"I draw some people from memory," he said in his room where a small art area was set up in the corner with sketch pads and paint, brushes and artists' pencils and other drawing utensils.

Lane said he used to write poetry but now relaxes by painting.

"It makes me feel good. I draw so many people each day," Lane said.

Lane grew up in Youngstown and Campbell. He said he enjoys also drawing in the nursing home's activity room where there are other people.

''I like to be around people," he said.

Valley artist in hospice draws on life full of passions

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

By Sean Barron

Vindy.Com

AUSTINTOWN

If anyone ever wondered about Willie Lane’s main passions, one look at his room would quickly satisfy their curiosity.

“We draw with him and he draws us,” said Samantha Gregoire, a state-tested nurse’s aide with Crossroads Hospice of Youngstown and one of Lane’s caregivers.

Gregoire is among those who give high marks to the watercolor paintings, drawings, sketches and other artwork that cover nearly every bit of wall space in the 75-year-old Lane’s room at Austin Woods Health Care Center, 4780 Kirk Road, where he’s a seven-year resident.

He also was the main attraction during Friday’s “Willie’s Starving Artist Party” at the health-care facility, made possible by the hospice center’s “Gift of a Day” program, which seeks from residents their ideas of a perfect day.

Lane, an artist since a young age, has received hospice care for about six months.

Gregoire and fellow Crossroads aide Abbey Perhach visit Lane three times a week and assist him with dressing, feeding and other needs. They also take time to admire his renderings of people, scenery and landscapes as well as scrapbooks filled with more abstract pieces.

Various staff, family members and friends attended Friday’s gathering to honor Lane. Also joining the party to create a few paintings of their own were Austin Woods residents Margaret Mahlic, Carol Kane, Lillian Bathory, Charlene Veltri and Angie Cittidini, who painted everything from colorful flowers in vases to ocean scenes.

Lane may have spent decades delving into and giving others some of his art, but that’s certainly not to suggest he can’t be on the receiving end.

“We talk about his artwork and I gave him one of my pictures of Michael Jackson,” said Chester Johnson of Akron, a Crossroads volunteer and a 50-year artist who spends time with Lane at least once a week.

Johnson, also known as “C.J.,” titled the ink piece, “In Memory of the King of Pop.”

“He’s a straightforward man who knows what he’s doing and what he likes,” Johnson said of Lane.

Crossroads Hospice is a patient-centered facility that provides social workers, physicians, bereavement counselors, home-health aides, volunteers and others to address residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs, noted Kate Davis, Crossroads’ provider-relations director.

Despite his health challenges, Lane remains upbeat and doesn’t allow them to thwart his efforts to continue exercising his artistic abilities, Davis explained.

“He’s always smiling and he’s very optimistic,” she added.

Gift of A Day: Program Offers Joy and Purpose to Hospice Patient

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

By Ginger Porter

Good Health Magazine

Terry Pollan, 62, will tell you he’s the healthiest man you’ll find dying of cancer. In stage four liver cancer, he has been cleared to drive, as long as there is adequate time between pain medications. He walks a little and is able to live with roommates. His attitude is even healthier.

“The sickness is a gift. It’s a God-given thing. Sometimes it’s not the gift we want, but it’s the gift we’ve been given,” Pollan said. “We don’t get to choose how we die. I feel fortunate that I have the disease I have, and I can see things I couldn’t see before and feel things I couldn’t feel before.”

Pollan has only had a short time to look at things so differently. His adventure began last spring when he felt he had kidney stones, which he had experienced before. He was in intense pain and had just had all his teeth pulled as well. The painkillers he was given for his teeth got him through the weekend. Monday morning the guy he was working for told him he was in no condition to work and he needed to go to the Veterans Administration hospital. He went for tests and CT scans with and without dye injections. The doctor said he wasn’t going to like the news at all and reported the liver cancer. The tumor was outside the liver instead of inside it, so there was no jaundice. It was pushing against the stomach and kidney.

The doctors only estimated he had a couple of months to live.

“The next thing I know is I am in the hospital on a lot of drugs to stabilize me, and they found the cancer had made it into my spine, causing 11 lesions there. I had 10 sessions of radiation treatment and I could tell when it hit and cured it. My back did not hurt anymore,” said Pollan.

He went to stay with a friend and then was sent back to the hospital with a blood clot on the lung. Sometime after treatment for that, he woke up at St. Peter’s Rehabilitation and Nursing Home. He was there three to four months.

During his stay at St. Peter’s, a volunteer named Teresa would sing for the residents. Pollan got his guitar and would play and sing with her. They became good friends. When it came time for him to leave St. Peter’s, Teresa had a friend set him up with roommates in a rental home. Crossroads Hospice had been called to work his case, and when the social workers saw his talent and asked him about his singing, they found he used to perform for audiences at parties, restaurants and large gatherings. This got them thinking.

Crossroads, as part of their Ultimate Gift program, has a “Gift of a Day” for their patients. The “Gift of a Day” is based on the question, “If you only had a day to live, what would it look like?” The workers decided that they would recreate one of Pollan’s old gigs at Otherlands Coffee Bar.

A bonus was that his son Justin and wife and newborn grandson of Fayetteville, AR, were coming to see him for the weekend, and some special arrangements were made.

“There were several weekends it could have happened, and it kept getting put off until it all fell into place when his son and wife and grandson were coming up for the weekend. We had received word Friday night was the night he could come play at Otherlands. It worked out for his son to surprise him and pick him up. Terry knew about the outing and going to dinner, but Justin was a surprise,” said Mary Dollar, social worker, Crossroads Hospice.

The Crossroads team who knew and worked with Pollan went to dinner with him and his son before the Otherlands excursion. About nine people from Crossroads attended the music event and there were about 15-20 people from Pollan’s church in Somerville traveling from as far as Moscow, TN, and probably logging 100 miles round trip to see him perform. Even his duet partner from St. Peter’s, Teresa, came to see him and sang with him when he got off to a shaky start. “Then he did just fine,” said Dollar. “His son Justin said he really ‘knocked it loose.’”

Pollan performed a 30-minute set of his old “piano bar” tunes as he called them—songs from John Denver, Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton among others. Out of five singer/songwriter acts, he went first due to his health. The rest of the night was just visiting with everyone.

“The whole experience was one of the most uplifting things that happened to me through this ordeal. I felt so unworthy. Being there and watching these people I love so dearly come walking in one right after the other. It took me a while to get my composure,” he said.

But for one night, he was a star. The kid who wanted piano lessons but his parents couldn’t afford them, who picked up a guitar and taught himself, whose first paid gig was at a restaurant called Villa Castrioti in Cordova in 1991, was a star—just like in the old days when he played parties of 300-plus people.

As Pollan said, you find out how much you mean to people and how much they mean to you. His journey with cancer, however short, has made him re-evaluate his requests to God. Instead of “keep me alive until the baby comes,” it is now “please keep me around to hear some of Shep’s ‘Papas’ and have him climb into my lap.” It has changed how he views things, which is why he can call his illness a gift.

He recounted a time at the VA when his brother, brother’s son and daughter and his son Justin were all surrounding his bed. “It got my family together. It had been years since that had happened. Then I’m getting phone calls and my brother is stopping by. There is more to this process than being sick,” he said.

His advice to someone with a terminal illness: “I would want them to trust in God. Not just pray to God to heal them, but trust in Him for His decision. And use it. Use everything you have to give you the best you can get out of your life—or what’s left of it. If you look at it on the right side, there’s some good stuff that can come out of this.”

“I’m not afraid of dying. That’s the least of my worries,” he said.

Pouncer helps patient’s last wish come true

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

Commercial Appeal

Crossroads Hospice patient Lou Etta Street, 96, was a lifelong fan of the University of Memphis basketball team. She'd rooted for the Tigers from home hundreds of times, but had never made the trip to join the fans in the stands. Street was visited recently by team mascot Pouncer at the Allenbrooke Nursing and Rehabilitation Center through the Crossroads Hospice Gift of the Day program.

The program is based on the simple question, "If you only had one day to live, what would it look like?"

Staff and volunteers work together to make that wish a reality.

Surrounded by University of Memphis memorabilia, Pouncer held Street's hands and comforted her as he knelt by her bedside. She passed away a few hours later.

"We were so moved by the warmth and compassion Pouncer, a young college student, showed to Ms. Street," said Jean Harrison, executive director for Crossroads Hospice's Memphis office.

"It was an honor to collaborate with the University of Memphis and Allenbrooke Nursing in coordinating Pouncer's visit, and we are thankful for their support."

The Crossroads Hospice Gift of a Day program was inspired by Jim Stovall's novel, "The Ultimate Gift."

Blind from age 29 due to a degenerative eye condition, Stovall went on to become an International Humanitarian of the Year, a national Olympic weightlifting champion, Emmy-award winner, world renowned author and speaker.

For more information on Crossroads Hospice, call 901-382-9292 or visit crossroadshospice.com.

Mary Landey is the volunteer coordinator for Crossroads Hospice.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/nov/28/gift-of-the-day/

Crossroads Hospice Honors Veterans

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

Democrat Staff

Crossroads Hospice recognized dozens of Sedalia veterans for their service in patriotic ceremonies held Friday and Monday at local nursing homes.

On Monday afternoon, Crossroads visited Four Seasons Living Center. Bill Douglas, chaplain with Crossroads Hospice, thanked veterans for their service. Mayor Elaine Horn presented each veteran with an American flag.

“Thank you to all of our veterans for everything you have done to keep our country so great and wonderful. You are the elite of the elite and we are very proud to have you here in our community,” she said.

Tony Gallagher, commander of 40 & 8, Voiture 333, gave each veteran a certificate of appreciation.

“It’s an honor to be here with other veterans. We thank each one of you for your service to your country and I personally salute each and every one of you,” he said.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/news/article_6ca811ec-2d45-11e2-84d7-0019bb30f31a.html

Rocky River Veterans Honored by Crossroads Hospice

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sun Newspapers

Several dozen residents of Rocky River's Normandy Manor gathered in a large room and listened to patriotic music and poetry.

With Veterans Day looming, leaders at Crossroads Hospice reached out to honor local veterans at Normandy Manor. Their time in the U.S. Armed Forces varied across decades in the first half of the last century.

But their commitment to their country has not wavered. As Thursday's recognition ceremony showed, time does not erase memories of sacrifice and

"This is a very important event here," Arthur "Doc" Zimmerman said. A veteran himself, Zimmerman said that duty to one's country becomes a definable trait in one's life. For the veterans at Normandy Manor's ceremony this week, that much was very true.

http://www.cleveland.com/rocky-river/index.ssf/2012/11/rocky_river_veterans_honored_b.html

As darkness arrives, take note of depression clues: Letter to the Editor

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sun Newspapers

October is Depression Awareness Month — a time to recognize a condition that affects nearly 10 percent of the population, according to the CDC. Each year, an estimated 8 to 10 million people experience the loss of a loved one. In addition to death, people experience the loss of a job, a child leaving home, or other major life changes such as a divorce.

Each of us experiences grief through a range of emotions such as sadness, confusion, and anger, and the grief process is unique for each person. But sometimes intense feelings of hopelessness and guilt do not go away and are accompanied by physical symptoms like loss of appetite, sleeping problems, and trouble concentrating on daily tasks.

When the emotions of grief persist for a prolonged period and affect all aspects of a person’s life, this is known as “complicated grief.” If untreated, complicated grief can lead to health conditions like depression, substance abuse, and heart disease. People who are at the highest risk for depression are those with a past history of the condition or those who lack a strong support system.

Whether it’s spending time with family and friends, joining a local grief recovery program, or seeking treatment from a professional, no one should experience grief alone. If you know someone who is grieving, let the person know you are there for them. Simply showing your support can make all the difference.

John Monnin

Bereavement coordinator

Crossroads Hospice, Cleveland

http://www.cleveland.com/sun/all/index.ssf/2012/10/as_darkness_arrives_earlier_ta.html

LETTER TO EDITOR: No person should experience grief alone

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EST

Neighbor Newspapers

October is Depression Awareness Month — a time to recognize a condition that affects nearly 10 percent of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, an estimated eight to 10 million people experience the loss of a loved one. In addition to death, people experience the loss of a job, a child leaving home or other major life changes such as a divorce.

Each of us experiences grief through a range of emotions such as sadness, confusion and anger, and the grief process is unique for each person. But sometimes intense feelings of hopelessness and guilt do not go away and are accompanied by physical symptoms like loss of appetite, sleeping problems and trouble concentrating on daily tasks.

When the emotions of grief persist for a prolonged period and affect all aspects of a person’s life, this is known as “complicated grief.” If untreated, complicated grief can lead to health conditions like depression, substance abuse and heart disease. People who are at the highest risk for depression are those with a past history of the condition or those who lack a strong support system.

Whether it’s spending time with family and friends, joining a local grief recovery program or seeking treatment from a professional, no one should experience grief alone. If you know someone who is grieving, let the person know you are there for them. Simply showing your support can make all the difference.

Sandra Karem, LCSW

Bereavement Coordinator, Crossroads Hospice, Tucker

http://neighbornewspapers.com/view/full_story/20523548/article-LETTER-TO-EDITOR--No-person-should-experience-grief-alone

Hospice patient has ‘gift’ from miniature horse

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EST

Times Reporter

NEW PHILADELPHIA

Crossroads Hospice patient Marcia Halchuck, 57, recently enjoyed a visit from a miniature horse named Angel through the Crossroads Hospice Gift of a Day program at the Schoenbrunn Healthcare facility.

Created by Crossroads Hospice, the Gift of a Day program asks patients their idea of a perfect day, and staff and volunteers work together to make it a reality. Halchuck loves horses, but is not able to visit a farm, so Crossroads brought her favorite animal to her in the form of a 25-inch-tall horse that can smile on-command and play fetch. Throughout the afternoon, Angel greeted Halchuck with “hoofshakes,” and welcomed the residents to pet her.

“The Gift of a Day program brings out the best in the community, with Crossroads staff, volunteers and area businesses coming together to create special moments for these seriously ill patients,” said Dean Leupold, executive director for Crossroads Hospice’s Green office. “The requests are as varied as the patients we serve, challenging us to find creative ways to bring about a perfect day. The gifts have brought smiles, tears, laughter and joy to countless terminally ill patients and their families.”

The Gift of a Day program was inspired by Jim Stovall’s novel, “The Ultimate Gift.” Blind from age 29 due to a degenerative eye condition, Stovall went on to become an International Humanitarian of the Year, a national Olympic weightlifting champion, Emmy-award winner, world-renowned author and speaker.

http://www.timesreporter.com/newsnow/x670725951/Hospice-patient-has-gift-visit-from-miniature-horse

Crossroads Hospice Honors Strongsville Veterans in Patriotic Pinning

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EST

Strongsville Patch

Crossroads Hospice recently joined Pearl Crossing Senior Living Community and Caring Tree Senior Health to honor its veterans in a patriotic pinning ceremony on September 11 in Strongsville. All veterans in attendance were individually presented with a certificate, pin and words of recognition by Crossroads Hospice. Following the ceremony, guests participated in a balloon release in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11.

“We recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made and believe we owe a debt of gratitude for the security they have provided by defending our nation,” said Stacie Beck, Executive Director of Crossroads Hospice. “Whether we’re honoring a veteran patient at his bedside with his family, or recognizing fifty veterans at an assisted living facility in a group ceremony, we take the time to say ‘thank you’ and show our support for their tremendous service.”

Throughout history thousands of men and women have proudly served our country, leaving family and friends behind to defend our great nation and its ideals.

Recognizing their bravery, Crossroads Hospice has developed the “Honor Our Veterans” Recognition Campaign to acknowledge our veteran patients, staff members and veterans in the community.

Crossroads Hospice is currently seeking compassionate volunteers, ROTC cadets, members of our armed forces, and their loved ones to participate in these ceremonies honoring local heroes. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer this fall, please contact Cindy Billideau at 216-654-9300 or cindy.billideau@crossroadshospice.com. Applications and training information are also available online at http://crossroadshospice.com/volunteering/default.aspx.

Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers. For more information on Crossroads Hospice, call (216) 654-9300.

http://strongsville.patch.com/announcements/crossroads-hospice-honors-strongsville-veterans-in-patriotic-pinning-ceremony-on-911

Hospice program honors veterans

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EST

Community Press

Crossroads Hospice seeks compassionate volunteers, ROTC cadets, members of the armed forces and their loved ones to participate in a special project honoring veterans in Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland and Warren counties this fall.

Crossroads Hospice has developed the “Honor Our Veterans” Recognition Campaign to acknowledge veteran patients and veterans in the community.

“For members of the armed forces and their loved ones, there are special opportunities to connect with veterans, whether you’re an ROTC cadet who’s beginning their journey, an active member of the military, a veteran who’s served in the Vietnam War alongside many of our patients, or the wife of a soldier looking for ways to show your support,” said Cindee Tresslar, executive director of Crossroads Hospice’s Cincinnati office.

“We recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made and believe we owe a debt of gratitude for the security they have provided by defending our nation. By taking the time to say ‘thank you’ through simple gestures, our volunteers can make a world of difference for our patients and local veterans in the community.”

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer this fall, please contact Jenn Ruter at (513) 793-5070 or jenn.ruter@crossroadshospice.com.

Applications and training information are also available online at crossroadshospice.com/volunteering/default.aspx.

For more information on Crossroads Hospice veterans volunteer opportunities, call (513) 793-5070.

http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/article/C2/20120911/NEWS05/309110026/Hospice-program-honors-veteranshttp:/bit.ly/OIZUoo

Working Caregivers Deserve Our Support

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EST

The Intelligencer

It’s fitting that we have a day like Labor Day to honor workers for their contributions to our nation’s strength and prosperity. First celebrated in 1882 by a labor union and declared a legal holiday by Congress in 1894, Labor Day has evolved from a day of honor to the unofficial end of summer. In Pennsylvania, our labor force of over 5.7 million workers celebrates with neighborhood barbecues, family get-togethers and other final hurrahs.

But let’s remember Labor Day’s real meaning and use it as a time to recognize issues facing today’s employees. Among the most serious: working while providing care for elderly family members. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, over 60 percent of caregivers are juggling these two huge responsibilities. For caregivers, there is no day of rest.

In fact, the job of caregiver comes with a serious price. From higher levels of depression and anxiety to coping with feelings of despair to apathy, the emotional toll is significant. Physical pains such as headaches and back pains are common. Together, the emotional and physical stresses can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.

Naturally, there’s a huge impact for U.S. businesses. Research conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute and National Alliance for Caregiving estimates that those with elder care responsibilities cost employers $13.4 billion a year in excess medical costs. Lateness, absenteeism, employee turnover and loss of efficiency add up to $25 billion in lost productivity. For some caregivers, lost wages, Social Security benefits and pensions due to dropping out of the labor force to care for a loved one full-time averages $143,000. The financial impact is staggering.

The bottom line: Caregiving is a vital business issue. Employers lose output and face increased health care costs. Employees lose jobs, opportunities for advancement and, in many cases, their health.

Help is available for both the employee and the employer. One good source is the Caring Connections program. Created by the NHPCO, it gives working caregivers tips, from advice on managing finances to creating a safe home environment for an ill loved one. It also provides guidance for all employees to support someone who is grieving.

For employers, there’s a guide to work-life programs and policies, suggestions on helping employees cope after a serious event and even how your company can deal with grief when an employee dies.

Without a doubt, working caregivers need and deserve our support. Let’s show them that the selfless tasks they do for loved ones and their diligent work on the job is appreciated, not just on Labor Day but on every day of the year.

Gloria Allon, executive director
Crossroads Hospice
Plymouth Meeting

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer_news/opinion/working-caregivers-deserve-our-support/article_5079b591-e9eb-5fc0-b1be-92edc5f672a6.html

Korean War veteran honored for his service

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 EST

Western Hills Press

Kurt Backscheider

There was no fanfare for Edward “Eppie” Beck when he returned home from the Korean War.

He’d spent nearly three years in prisoner of war camps, but the only thanks he received when he got back home was a small party his family and friends threw for him.

His son, Pete Beck, said his father has finally received the recognition he rightfully earned.

Edward Beck, a resident of the Three Rivers Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Miami Township, Hamilton County, was recently honored by Crossroads Hospice. Surrounded by three generations of his family, he was presented a certificate, a hat and words of recognition by Crossroads Hospice Chaplain Paul Burden, who also serves as a chaplain in the Air National Guard.

“It was great,” Pete Beck said. “I think dad was a little shocked, but he was honored to get it.

“It’s kind of bittersweet in some ways because he’s nearing the end of his life,” he said.

Crossroads Hospice recognized the 80-year-old Korean War veteran through its Honor Our Veterans campaign.

Cindee Tresslar, executive director of Crossroads Hospice, said the program acknowledges the bravery of their veteran patients, staff members and veterans in the community.

“We recognize the sacrifices of our veteran patients like Edward Beck have made and believe we owe a debt of gratitude for the security they have provided by defending our nation,” Tresslar said.

“Whether we’re honoring a veteran patient with his family, or recognizing 50 veterans at an assisted living facility in a group ceremony, we take the time to say ‘Thank You’ and show our support for their tremendous service.”

Pete Beck, a Monfort Heights resident, said his father wasn’t always the easiest person to live with, but the circumstances of his father’s life justify his tough demeanor.

“Dad has had a difficult life,” Pete said. “He’s been through hell and back.”

A Camp Washington native, Edward Beck had to grow up without a father – his father died when he was only 2 years old.

He dropped out of high school at age 16 and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

“My dad wanted to see the world and he figured that was the best way to get out,” Pete said. “Little did he know the Korean War was going to break out.”

In 1950, he found himself in the 8th Division of the Army’s 1st Cavalry, fighting alongside his fellow soldiers in Korea.

Three months into the fighting he was taken prisoner by the North Koreans. He was captured Nov. 2, 1950, and was moved around to three different prison camps until his release Aug. 23, 1953.

“Not until later in life did he talk about his experiences in the war,” Pete Beck said.

“It was always hush, hush.”

He said his father had a hard time adjusting to civilian life after he came home from Korea. He eventually re-enlisted in the Army, and served at bases in Massachusetts and Virginia and reached the rank of sergeant before being honorably discharged. In total, he served nine years in the Army.

It was during his second stint with the Army that he met his wife, Thelma (Ritter) Beck. The couple married, settled in Monfort Heights and raised three children – Pete and his two older sisters, Gwen and Terri.

Pete Beck said he and his father didn’t always see eye to eye, but he came to understand why his father was so hard to grow up with after he started attending P.O.W. reunions with his father and hearing stories from the war.

He said his father survived two different death marches when he was transferred between prison camps, and he overcame hunger, dysentery, tapeworms and cruel guards in the deplorable conditions of the wartime prisons.

“There are some stories I don’t think I can tell,” Pete said. “But I can tell you he was not one to bend or flex or fold for the guards. Dad was a tough cookie.”

He said he always thought his father deserved more recognition for the sacrifice he made for this country.

“I have a lot of respect for him,” Pete said. “He’s my hero, and I wouldn’t trade him for all the tea in China.”

http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20120821/NEWS05/308210002/

Hospice in need of volunteers for veteran’s project

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 00:00:00 EST

Commercial Appeal

Crossroads Hospice is seeking compassionate volunteers, ROTC cadets, members of our armed forces, and their loved ones to participate in a special project honoring veterans in Tipton, Fayette and Shelby counties this fall.

Throughout history thousands of men and women have proudly served our country, leaving family and friends behind to defend our great nation and its ideals. Recognizing their bravery, Crossroads Hospice has developed the "Honor Our Veterans" recognition campaign to acknowledge veteran patients and veterans in the community.

There are many ways to support local heroes as a volunteer, including visiting with patients in their homes, nursing homes or assisted living facilities, assisting with group ceremonies of recognition, and collecting personal memories from veterans and their loved ones.

For members of the armed forces and their loved ones, there are special opportunities to connect with veterans, whether it involves ROTC cadets beginning their journey, an active member of the military, a veteran who served in the Vietnam War alongside many of the patients, or the wife of a soldier looking for ways to show your support, says Jean Harrison, executive director of Crossroads Hospice's Memphis office. "We recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made and believe we owe a debt of gratitude for the security they have provided by defending our nation. By taking the time to say 'thank you' through simple gestures, our volunteers can make a world of difference for our patients and local veterans in the community."

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer this fall, contact Sandy Wilson at 901-382-9292 or sandy.wilson@crossroadshospice.com.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/aug/19/hospice-in-need-of-volunteers-for-veterans/

Westlake Woman Celebrates Special Birthday

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 00:00:00 EST

West Life

Meagan Steed

Over the past 105 years, Emilie Krause has lived through the sinking of the Titanic, the Great Depression, two world wars and the first man to walk on the moon. On Thursday, Krause celebrated her 105th birthday with three generations of family, as well as friends from her current residence at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living in Westlake.

On Krause’s big day, she was treated to birthday cake and a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung by her loved ones, friends and staff of Brighton Gardens. To commemorate her love of gardening and nature, 105 pink yard flamingos decorated the front lawn of Brighton Gardens in addition to the large helium flamingo balloons that were on display throughout the party.

“I’m still just blessed to have her with us, but it’s very difficult with recent setbacks in her health,” said Juanita Pariano of Fairview Park, and Krause’s only child. “Most days when we see her and she is awake, we have those hugs and kisses, which just really mean a lot. It’s those moments that I just cherish.”

Krause was born Aug. 6, 1907, to German parents who had recently migrated to the United States and settled in the city of Cleveland. Shortly after her birth, the family made the decision to return to their native country, where Krause remained until age 21. She returned to America in order to retain her American citizenship, and began working as a nanny for several families.

At a German-American organization function, Krause met the love of her life, Richard Krause, whom she married in 1941. After several years of marriage, Emilie put her nanny skills to the test when their daughter entered into their lives. She was a dedicated, loving mother and wife; she always made sure her husband had a packed lunch during the work day, served as Juanita’s room mother and was also a Girl Scout leader.

After Richard Krause died in 1977, Juanita and her husband, Len Pariano, advised Emilie Krause to move from her Cleveland home to a residence in Fairview Park, closer to Juanita and Len. Len and Juanita have two sons, Anthony and Andrew, and Anthony and his wife have given Emilie Krause two great-grandsons, Nicholas and Joseph.

“The best thing is to always see her perking up, and when she’s surrounded by people she loves you see that awareness come back,” said Anthony. “She’s really a loving and stubborn person, and that combination will keep her going.”

Krause’s birthday celebration was provided by Crossroads Hospice’s Gift of a Day program. The program was inspired by the book “The Ultimate Gift,” which asks, “If you had one day left, how would you spend it?” The hospice’s staff will make each patient’s wish a reality. Krause had simply asked to have a birthday celebration that allowed her to be surrounded by her loving family, which Crossroads Hospice made possible.

http://westlife.northcoastnow.com/westlake-woman-celebrates-special-birthday/

Former teacher celebrates 104th birthday

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 EST

Hudson Hub Times

Laura Freeman

Hudson -- Friends and family helped former teacher Geraldine Robinson celebrate her 104th birthday July 13, two days early, at the Laurel Lake Retirement Community.

Geraldine wore her signature color of pink, and the decorations matched, including a sash with "fantastic" printed on it and a pink corsage. Although she had trouble hearing, Geraldine smiled for the cameras and enjoyed all the attention.

Friends like Eleanor Horning stopped by Geraldine's table to wish her a happy birthday.

"We had dinner together every week," Horning said. "She's an amazing friend. She's been a kind person all her life."

The Little Leapers performed some dance and gymnastic routines and presented her with a bundle of cards. The Mayor of Cuyahoga Falls, who did not attend, sent a proclamation naming July 13 Geraldine Robinson day, and the Mayor of Hudson, represented by Council member Dennis Hanink, gave her a proclamation naming July 15 Geraldine Robinson day.

The celebration was part of a "Gift of a Day" program based on the question "If you had one day, what would it look like?" created by Crossroads Hospice. Caring Hands, a department of Laurel Lake Retirement Community which provides daily health care for is residents, staff and volunteers at Laurel Lake worked with Crossroads Hospice to make the wish a reality.

Geraldine was given a Life Journal created by Hiram College students majoring in health care. They interviewed her and compiled old photos with major events in her life.

Born in Barberton July 15, 1908, Geraldine obtained a teaching degree from Kent State University, and in 1934 married Roy Robinson, who taught industrial arts and history at Barberton High School. They had no children except those they taught in the classroom.

Geraldine taught for 52 years, first at Barberton High School and then with second-grader and children with special needs in Cuyahoga Falls at Lincoln and Grant schools.

When she retired in 1978, she was named a "Staff Member Emeritus" for her dedication by the Cuyahoga Falls School District.

Roy taught for 50 years at Barberton and was a consultant of the University of Akron for 10 years. He built their home on Chestnut Boulevard in Cuyahoga Falls.

Geraldine's niece, Judy Snow of Texas, said Robinson helped her learn to write cursive and how to make numbers.

"She liked to read 'The Boxcar Children' books about four orphan children living in a boxcar," Snow said.

She was a good cook, and succotash was one of her standard dishes, Snow said. She also made pickled eggs with beet juice to create pink eggs.

Geraldine's Chestnut Boulevard neighbor and best friend for 45 years, Evelyn Armstrong, also is a resident of Laurel Lake and arrived at the party first.

"Gerry decided she wasn't going to move out of her home in the Falls until she was 95, which she did," Armstrong said.

Armstrong recalled how Robinson would wear white gloves to rake the leaves at her home in the falls.

"She'd always dress up and look beautiful," Armstrong said.
The Robinsons were members of the First United Methodist Church in the Falls and would go out to eat after church and then play cards at Robinson's home.

"She's a person I never once heard complain," Armstrong said. "[She's] quite an outstanding person."

Robinson was presented with flowers, everyone sang "Happy Birthday" and she enjoyed a piece of cake with her guests.

http://www.hudsonhubtimes.com/news/article/5203692

Fishing on Lake Erie was one man's 'Gift for a Day'

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:00:00 EST

Strongsville Post

Strongsville hospice patient Joseph Capanna, 49, has fond memories of fishing with friends and family as a boy. But one fishing trip he'd never taken was in his own "backyard" on Lake Erie. For his "Gift of a Day," Crossroads Hospice arranged a memorable fishing excursion for Capanna and his loved ones.

Created by Crossroads Hospice, the "Gift of a Day" program is based on the simple question: "If you only had one day to live, what would it look like?" Staff and volunteers work together to make that perfect day a reality.

Capanna has committed his life to giving back to others as a recovery counselor and youth mentor for the Salvation Army, so his loved ones eagerly joined in planning his day of well-deserved relaxation. The team set sail on a beautiful spring day from the Vermilion Port Authority Dock with the hopes of catching just one walleye. It was Capanna's lucky day when he reeled in a 26-inch fish. The team caught a total of four walleye and enjoyed a feast that evening in celebration of the trip.

The Gift of a Day program was inspired by Jim Stovall's novel, "The Ultimate Gift." Blind from age 29 due to a degenerative eye condition, Stovall went on to become an International Humanitarian of the Year, a national Olympic weightlifting champion, Emmy-award winner and a world-renowned author and speaker.

http://thepostnewspapers.com/gift-for-a-day-fishing-S-7-14--submit-

Hospice patient fulfills dream of hosting voter registration drive

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EST

Clayton News Daily

Kathy Jefcoats

LAKE CITY — William Thompson always wanted to run for public office but never got the chance.

For some, that chance is still viable, a dream that could one day be attained but Thompson has reached the end of his shot at "one day."

Thompson, 63, has advanced liver disease and is under hospice care at Lake City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

With the help of the center and Crossroads Hospice and its Gift of a Day program, Thompson was able to fulfill a dream to host a voter registration drive Wednesday. The Gift of a Day program is based on the question, "If you had one day left, how would you spend it?" Thompson said he wanted to make a positive impact.

Center workers decked out the cafeteria in red, white and blue, displayed the U.S. flag throughout and grilled all-American hamburgers and hot dogs in his honor. Lake City Mayor Willie Oswalt also showed up to give a patriotic speech about making informed decisions. He said voters have the power to make a difference in the county.

"With the situation in our county, do you think Dell Computers would locate here?" he said. "I don't see that happening, them or any high-tech companies. And the biggest reason for that is people voting for people while they are uninformed. We have a very important election coming up and you need to make an informed decision if you are going to vote."

Oswalt also offered residents a chance to meet with him any time to get the facts on a particular issue.

"If there is any way I can help inform you, I'd be glad to sit and talk with you," he said. "I applaud you and this young man here for getting involved. You know, voting is a right, not a privilege and you need to know who you're voting for. Some people running for office shouldn't be running. For them, it's a 'me' thing when it needs to be a 'we' thing."

Soft-spoken and unable to hold the microphone in his hands for long, Thompson reiterated what Oswalt said.

"If you'd just listen to what the honorable mayor had to say, I think you can see he's trying to do everything he can for us," said Thompson. "There are so many things I'd like to do, there are so many things we need."

After his brief speech, residents were helped with filling out either a voter registration card or an absentee ballot. While they filtered out of one room into another, Thompson again talked about the importance of what he was trying to achieve.

"Voting is very, very important and it's very serious," he said.

http://www.news-daily.com/news/2012/jul/26/hospice-patient-fulfills-dream-hosting-voter-regis/

Hospice patient works J.C. Penney store once more

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EST

Akron Beacon Journal

By, Jewell Cardwell

Crossroads Hospice often asks its patients their greatest heart’s desires, how they would like to spend their perfect day.

Not surprisingly, some patients take to the sky, opting to go up in a helicopter, airplane or the Goodyear blimp, if that can be arranged.

When the question recently was posed to 92-year-old Louise McCaskill — a resident since November at Meadowview Healthcare Center in Seville — she was quick with an answer.

She wanted to go shopping.

But not just anywhere. She was very specific.

She wanted to go to J.C. Penney to relive what she often calls her glory days.

In other words, it was as simple as going back to work.

The Jackson, Tenn., native worked 26 years as an assistant manager at J.C. Penney’s store No. 419 in Jackson, in the dress and women’s sportswear departments.

“I helped a lot of women buy beautiful clothes,” she proudly announced as she prepared to shop J.C. Penney’s Market Square store in Copley Township.

In a grand effort to make her experience memorable, store leader Peggy Senger and lead service expert Alyson Miller greeted Mrs. McCaskill with a large bouquet of flowers.

Mrs. McCaskill’s granddaughter, Melissa Purdy of Wadsworth, and Crossroads Hospice social worker Rosalind Skinner accompanied her.

Actually, they were just along for the ride, as this seasoned shopper knew what she wanted.

“I need pants in a size 14 petite,” the Southern-drawling Mrs. McCaskill said.

“Do you still have Alfred Dunner? Because that’s all I wear.

“I’ll need something bright!” this animated fashionista continued. “Old folks don’t have to wear black. And I don’t like folks who look slouchy in their clothes!”

“I’m going to need some bras, too. Ever since I had that heart surgery, my chest has dropped.”

Not a problem, said the professional bra fitter on hand to lift her into a new chapter in life. “You know, nine out of 10 women wear the wrong size bra.”

Louise McCaskill is no longer going to be in that club.

As she gathered up a few Alfred Dunner clothes to take to the dressing room, Mrs. McCaskill began dispensing her own work philosophy.

“You must always cater to the customer,” she said matter-of-factly. “And you must be nice at all times.

“But that works both ways,” she wanted me to know. “The customer needs to be nice, too.”

As she emerged from the dressing room in lilac slacks and a coordinated blouse, she eyed herself in a three-way mirror and happily offered this assessment: “I really like this. It makes me look little.”

There would be many ins and outs of the dressing room, followed by much applause and thumbs up from the growing coterie of onlookers.

One of the store’s representatives pulled a vividly printed top with a parrot motif for her to try.

“Well, I think I can do that as long as the parrots don’t talk back,” Mrs. McCaskill joked as she allowed this columnist to pose her like a fashion model.

“I’m having fun,” she announced, seeming to surprise herself.

Well, she was until she looked down at the shoes she chose to wear for the shopping experience. A tan, lace-up style. Comfortable, yes.

“Why, these are the tackiest things I ever did see!” she railed as if seeing them for the first time.

Mrs. McCaskill had earlier lunched at the nearby Cracker Barrel as part of her special day. “She said she wanted Southern cooking,” her granddaughter said. “What could be more Southern than Cracker Barrel? … She ordered chicken salad, a baked potato and, of course, sweet tea … We were surprised she ate everything!”

Three weeks ago, she was treated to a new hairdo at the Tangerine Parlor in Seville.

Skinner, of Crossroads, said $250 was set aside for the whole experience, including the shopping spree. The funds for Crossroads’ Ultimate Gifts comes from its charitable foundation.

Purdy called the shopping spree for her grandmother just what the doctor ordered. “Moving her here from Tennessee [where she had lived the first 91½ years of her life] was very traumatic,” she said.

This experience seemed to move the needle in the right direction.

“I feel good today,” declared Mrs. McCaskill, who had to lean only a few times on her walker. “Now I don’t know how I’ll feel tomorrow, but today is good. Real good!”

When she’s not dreaming about her past life, when she was independent and waiting on customers at J.C. Penney, Mrs. McCaskill busies herself with crossword puzzles and word searches.

“I also play bingo two times a week,” she said. “I win a lot of quarters. And I save them, too.”

Asked about her biggest challenges in dealing with customers, Louise McCaskill replied, “It was probably trying to talk a size 22 into not thinking she was a 16.

“Usually, I was able to talk them out of that,” she said, still congratulating herself.

Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/jewell-cardwell-hospice-patient-works-j-c-penney-store-once-more-1.315200

Crossroads Hospice celebrates Sellersville veterans in honor of Armed Forces Day

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EST

The Reporter

Crossroads Hospice recently joined Hidden Meadows on the Ridge to honor its veterans on Armed Forces Day. During the ceremony at the senior living community in Sellersville, veterans were individually presented with a certificate, hat and words of recognition by Crossroads Hospice.

We recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made and believe we owe a debt of gratitude for the security they have provided by defending our nation,” said Gloria Allon, Executive Director of Crossroads Hospice. “Whether we’re honoring a veteran patient at his bedside with his family, or recognizing 50 veterans at an assisted living facility in a group ceremony, we take the time to say ‘thank you’ and show our support for their tremendous service.”

Throughout history thousands of men and women have proudly served our country, leaving family and friends behind to defend our great nation and its ideals.

Recognizing their bravery, Crossroads Hospice has developed the “Honor Our Veterans” Recognition Campaign to acknowledge our veteran patients, staff members and veterans in the community.

Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers.

http://www.thereporteronline.com/article/20120619/NEWS01/120619613/crossroads-hospice-celebrates-sellersville-veterans-in-honor-of-armed-forces-day

Social Worker Honored for Going Above, Beyond

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EST

Commercial Appeal

By, Meghan Laverty

Memphis social worker Terry Durham has been chosen as the recipient of the Crossroads Hospice "Caring More" award.

In a move to honor social workers and their advocacy for those in need, Crossroads Hospice launched the "Caring More" award for a social worker who goes above and beyond for his/her patients and community.

At a breakfast in her honor, Durham received a $500 cash prize and $500 to present to the nonprofit organization of her choice -- the Church Health Center, which provides affordable health care for working, uninsured people and their families.

As director of social services, Durham provides counseling to residents and families, discharge planning, referrals to support services and staff education. She has served as an administrator of several area nursing homes, and credits these experiences for her expertise on providing quality care to residents and families, as well as staff support.

She also served as volunteer program director of the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association, overseeing grant maintenance, volunteer recruitment and planning its annual Caregivers Conference.

Despite her range of administrative experience, her true passion is with direct resident care.

"My career has come full-circle," Durham said. "I began as a social worker at a nursing home, and now I'm back where I'm supposed to be -- with residents."

Durham is committed to taking a holistic approach to resident care. "There are people who come to us with heavy loads and not a whole lot of support, but we're committed to connecting our residents with the resources they need," she said.

Sometimes it's a pair of shoes, or it can be discussing end-of-life choices. "We can't change some outcomes. But we can make it so no one feels they are taking a journey by themselves."

She co-developed a youth-education program, which works to instill the value of having older people as friends and mentors in students. The program won the Innovative Programming Award from the Tennessee Health Care Association and is being applied at select private schools in Memphis through Signature Healthcare.

Durham has been named THCA's Social Worker of the Year and was given Signature Healthcare's Champion Award for excellence in performance two years in a row.

Active in her church, Durham serves as chairwoman for the Spiritual Formation Committee and the Administrative Council. She teaches adult Sunday school and participates in various outreach programs such as serving meals at St. John's Soup Kitchen and the Wesley Foundation serving teens in Tennessee.

She is also an active member of Memphis' Council of Aging to promote services for seniors in the community.

"Social workers are the unsung heroes we depend on every day. They go out of their way to connect the ill to resources, counsel their families and give them the special time and attention they need," said Jean Harrison, executive director of Crossroads Hospice in Memphis. "Terry exemplifies what it means to go the extra mile for her clients, their families, her colleagues and community, and we are delighted to honor her as the recipient of the Caring More award."

Meghan Laverty is with Simon Public Relations Group.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/service-social-worker-honored-for-going-above/

Social Worker Receives Award for ‘Caring More’

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EST

Stow Sentry

By, Holly Schoenstein

Stow -- During his 12-year career as a social worker, Stow resident Greg Kovach has worked in a variety of roles for the National MS Society, Ohio Buckeye Chapter, and has helped thousands of patients who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis.

Crossroads Hospice, of Valley View, recognized his accomplishments by presenting him with its "Caring More Award" during a ceremony May 25 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Independence.

"I never expected to receive such a recognition for doing what I enjoy doing," said Kovach, who has worked as director of outreach services for the organization since 2007.

"I feel that this award is such a great opportunity to acknowledge the countless individuals who are involved in the daily care of people with MS, including family members, friends, neighbors and other caregivers," he said. "I encourage anyone who needs help and support to connect with the National MS Society for additional resources and relief through our Respite Care Program."

Crossroads Hospice created the award last year to honor a Cleveland-area social worker who goes above and beyond to improve the lives of his or her patients and community.

"Social workers are truly the unsung heroes in health care. Every day, they go out of their way to connect the people they serve to resources, counsel patients and families, and give them the time and attention they need," said Stacie Beck, executive director of Crossroads Hospice. "They do difficult work without seeking special recognition, but we believe they deserve to be thanked and honored."

The award includes a $500 cash prize and $500 to the charity of his choice, the National MS Society. He also was the guest of honor at a breakfast during the ceremony.

Administrators at the organization nominated Kovach for the award, and an independent panel of judges, which consisted of local experts in the field of health care, reviewed his professional accomplishments, patient advocacy efforts and contributions to the community.

"The judges panel was impressed by his commitment to connecting people with MS with resources like medical equipment, transportation, and financial assistance; his advocacy efforts to establish policies to meet the needs of people with the disease, both newly diagnosed and those in long-term care; and his dedication to connecting people with MS with volunteers to assist with household projects through the Society's 'What a Difference a Day Makes' initiative," Beck said.

Kovach serves as a policy advocate for several of the Society's committees, including Governmental Relations and Clinical Advisory, and every year he facilitates the "What a Difference a Day Makes" day of service that brings volunteers together to help clients with tasks, like household chores.

During his career, he also has worked as outreach services manager, program manager, program administrative manager and program administrative coordinator for the agency.

Kovach is a 1994 graduate of Niles McKinley High School in Niles. He earned a bachelor's degree from Kent State University in 1998 and a master's of social work from the University of Akron in 2000.

http://www.stowsentry.com/news/article/5195243

Crossroads Hospice and Madison Health Care give 'Gift of Wedding' to Violet and Robert

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EST

News Herald

By News-Herald staff

Crossroads Hospice patient Violet Elliott fell in love at first sight when she met Robert Tscherne almost 15 years ago at a nearby independent living apartment complex. Violet and Robert, who had never been married or had children, were inseparable for several years until falling out of touch when both were transferred to separate nursing homes.

Robert was determined to reunite with Violet. With the help of his social worker, he found her at Madison Health Care in October 2011. Within days, his belongings were packed, and he on his way to be with the love of his life. The moment Violet and Robert locked eyes was a heartwarming sight; they held hands all day and caught up on the years they'd been apart. Since moving to the facility, Violet and Robert became even closer. Recently, Robert held Violet's hand, told her he loved her with all his heart, and asked her to spend her life with him. Without hesitation, she smiled and said yes.

Crossroads Hospice and Madison Health Care joined together with the support of local business to make Violet and Robert's commitment ceremony a day they would never forget. For Violet, the ceremony was truly a "Gift of a Day." Created by Crossroads Hospice, the Gift of a Day program asks patients what their perfect day is and staff and volunteers work to make it a reality.

Salon PS of Chagrin Falls styled Violet's hair and gave her a manicure to match her purple dress and white veil. A gorgeous bouquet of flowers and matching boutonniere were provided by Daughter's Florist and Gift Shoppe of Madison.

"The Gift of a Day program brings out the best in the community, with Crossroads staff, volunteers and area businesses coming together to create special moments," said Stacie Beck, executive director for Crossroads Hospice's Cleveland office. "We're proud to partner with Madison Health Care to celebrate Violet's love story with Robert."

Crossroads Hospice Chaplain Patrick Plunkett performed the ceremony, kneeling in front of Violet's and Robert's chairs. They grasped hands the entire time. Following the vows, Robert and Violet sat at the "head table" in their facility. They proudly cut a tiered white wedding cake together, which was provided by Walmart of Madison, and enjoyed their favorite songs performed by Crossroads Hospice social worker and guitarist Tony DiCesare with vocalist Lauren Fenton.

http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2012/06/02/life/community/nh5293148.txt

Making a Difference: Katie Licklider

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EST

Kansas City – Independence Examiner

By Jeff Martin - jeff.martin@examiner.net

Independence, MO - Katie Licklider goes above and beyond her duty as a social worker at Centerpoint Medical Center. Providing discharge planning, crisis management and therapy services to patients and their families, Licklider said most, if not all, people who come to the hospital are experiencing a high level of emotion.

“Most people don’t want to come to a hospital, so I am happy to be there when they are concerned or confused, frustrated or depressed,” she said. “We do whatever we can to help a patient feel more comfortable and to connect them with resources as they transition home or to a facility we’ve identified that serves their needs.”

Working closely with the palliative care team, Licklider serves on the ethics, cancer and discharge committees.

In the community, Licklider, who lives in Raytown, volunteers with the Kansas City Zoo and is a supporter of the San Diego Zoo and World Wildlife Federation. She also volunteers for programs at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

On Thursday, Licklider received the Crossroads Hospice Caring More Award, which was started in 2011 as an award that recognizes a social worker in Kansas City who goes above and beyond for patients and in the community. She received a $500 cash prize and $500 to present to the nonprofit of her choice. She chose the American Cancer Society, which she plans to support in Centerpoint’s first Relay for Life on June 22.

You’re a social worker, but you also volunteer in other ways. Could you tell us a little bit about those volunteer activities? Volunteering isn’t just clocking in hours or donating things. Volunteering for me is when people present problems that can’t be done on the job or don’t have a 1-800-socialwork number they can call.

Why do I volunteer outside my hours of being a social worker? Because I work with cancer survivors daily, I watch families’ lives changed instantly with a test result. Caring more means being a social worker in my community as well as my job.

Social workers are already busy. What made you volunteer even more in the community?
Helping your community is an investment. Community is shared by your family, friends and co-workers. Improving my community from any effort helps those I care about and their loved ones.

How can others volunteer in the capacity you are?
We have numerous volunteers at Centerpoint Medical Center who add value to our patients’ stay and care. One of my loves is the arts and Nelson-Atkins, the Kemper Museum, Kauffman Center, all have ways to volunteer. I also love animals from the zoo variety to the household pets. Any animal organization would welcome someone to walk a dog, donate items or help bring awareness to issues.

Why is it important to volunteer?
Helping others is not just a profession but a passion. With the help volunteers provide, everybody gains.

http://www.examiner.net/news/x624619808/Making-a-Difference-Katie-Licklider

Solon woman reunites with sister at Hudson retirement community

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

Cleveland – Sun Newspapers

By Sun News staff

Sisters Nettie King and Laura Pantale, both in their 90s, had not seen each other in over a year.

Nettie, a Solon resident, was determined to visit Laura, who lives at the Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson. Crossroads Hospice of Cleveland arranged the surprise reunion for its two patients, which became an unforgettable event for the sisters.

The moment Nettie arrived at Laurel Lake and locked eyes with Laura, they were inseparable. Pulling their wheelchairs close, they embraced and held hands, overcome by the long-awaited reunion.

Created by Crossroads Hospice, the “Gift of a Day” program is based on the simple question: “If you only had one day to live, what would it look like?” Staff and volunteers work together to make that perfect day a reality.

The Gift of a Day program was inspired by Jim Stovall’s novel, “The Ultimate Gift.” Blind from age 29 due to a degenerative eye condition, Stovall went on to become an International Humanitarian of the Year, a national Olympic weightlifting champion, Emmy-award winner, world-renowned author and speaker.

“The Gift of a Day program brings out the best in the community, with Crossroads staff, volunteers and area businesses coming together to create special moments,” said Stacie Beck, executive director of Crossroads' Cleveland office. “We’re proud to partner with Laurel Lake Retirement Community to reunite Nettie and Laura.”

To celebrate the day, Nettie and Laura were joined by Nettie’s nieces Pam Vitale and Denise Lacobacci, Laura’s daughter Loretta, and Crossroads Hospice staff and volunteers. Violinist Jamie Vaughn serenaded the guests as they enjoyed spaghetti and meatballs from Zeppe’s Pizzeria. After lunch, Laura ordered a surprise birthday cake, decorated in Nettie’s favorite color, purple, to celebrate her sister’s upcoming birthday June 13.

Crossroads Hospice, along with the activities, social work and music therapy departments of Laurel Lake, assisted in making this special day happen.

http://www.cleveland.com/solon/index.ssf/2012/05/solon_woman_reunites_with_sist.html

Aging Oklahoma veterans can use your help

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

Oklahoma City – The Oklahoman

BY RANDY WHEELER

On Memorial Day we honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our nation. First observed in the years following the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” soldiers placed flowers on the graves of their fallen comrades. Today, we spend this day of remembrance with patriotic parades, memorial services and family get-togethers. We stand with the more than 324,000 veterans in Oklahoma as they honor fellow servicemen and women and reflect on their own service to the country.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, one in four dying Americans is a veteran. No matter how much time has passed, veterans carry the experiences of their military service with them, presenting unique challenges at the end of life. Many veterans feel a deep sense of pride about their service. But some veterans have never shared their stories of combat with others and face private battles caused by the lasting psychological wounds of war.

In some cases, veterans at the end of life experience post-traumatic stress disorder for the first time as their physical and emotional defenses weaken due to serious illness. For some, they cope with the loss of their comrades or remember vivid memories of combat decades later. Others feel hesitation about taking pride in their service or feel lingering guilt about the sacrifices they made. Veterans of each war have been exposed to diseases, environmental factors and personal and public sentiments about their service. A veteran of the Vietnam War doesn’t have the same needs as a veteran of the Korean War or World War II.

It’s important to create a trusting environment for veterans to share their experiences, and understand that each veteran views his service in a unique way. “We Honor Veterans,” a partnership between the National Hospice and Palliative Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs, is devoted to addressing the needs of aging veterans. Joined by hospices, veterans’ partnerships, VA facilities and volunteers across the country, partners in the program learn ways to honor veterans for their service, collect and preserve their military history, and show appreciation to their loved ones. At Crossroads Hospice, all of our veteran patients are honored in a patriotic pinning ceremony where they are presented with a certificate, pin, hat and flag honoring the sacrifice they have made for our country.

http://newsok.com/aging-oklahoma-veterans-can-use-your-help/article/3678684

Crossroads Hospice seeking volunteers

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

Atlanta – Times Herald

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Crossroads Hospice is looking for compassionate volunteers to join its team of “Ultimate Givers,” who strive to provide extra love and comfort to terminally ill patients and their families throughout the greater Atlanta region.

“Ultimate Givers” visit with patients in their homes, assisted living facilities and nursing facilities, and help with clerical duties at the Crossroads office, said Kristen Copes, volunteer coordinator of Crossroads’ Atlanta office. The volunteers provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for those caring for terminally ill loved ones.

Crossroads Hospice is also seeking volunteers to support its signature programs inspired by Jim Stovall’s novel, “The Ultimate Gift.” The “Gift of a Day” program asks patients what their perfect day is — then staff and volunteers work to make it a reality.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Copes at 770-270-9898 or complete an application online at www.crossroadshospice.com — select volunteering from the menu list.

Before becoming a Crossroads Hospice “Ultimate Giver,” participants must complete an application, TB skin test and a training session lead by members of the Crossroads team. Volunteers must wait a minimum of one year after the death of an immediate family member or loved one before applying.

http://www.times-herald.com/religion/20120519CrossroadsHospice_Again-MOS

Artists Pitch in to Complete Mosaic Mural

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Saint Louis Suburban Journals

Perched in a wheelchair in her Webster Groves back yard, Ethel Koeppe, 92, looked on as the final piece went into her artistic piece de resistance.

"It makes me happy looking at it," Koeppe said quietly. "These folks are very nice people and were good helpers."

Those "helpers," Mary Bournstein-Duban of South St. Louis and Kathy Rickermann of Hillsboro, could only smile as they helped Koeppe install a tile image of a sea horse to complete her "Heavenly Bodies" mosaic mural project.

In the making for about 40 years, the mural spans an expanse of garage wall in Koeppe's back yard.

Tiles, stones, pieces of mirror, broken plates and mugs, costume jewelry, sea shells, marbles, and even "found objects" from various vacation destinations surround molded ceramic images of a gold sun and a blue moon, made by Koeppe from clay that was fire-glazed in her home kiln.

"It was so exciting to see Ethel help put the last piece in," Bournstein-Duban said.

Rickermann agreed, "It wasn't hard to help Ethel finish, it was fun."

Koeppe had worked on the mural for almost 30 years, but quit work when her husband, Ralph, died at the age of 88 in 2000, said Jo Ellen Rosenkoetter, Koeppe's daughter. The couple had been married since 1942.

A mosaicist tried to complete the mural, but the effort fell apart, she said.

Completion of the mural came about almost by accident when Koeppe fell ill in February and became a home hospice patient through Crossroads Hospice of Maryland Heights, said Rosenkoetter, who lives in University City.

Bournstein-Duban became involved in the mural through Crossroads' Art of Living Program, which she started.

Art of Living recruits area artists to display their work at an art show at Crossroads. In exchange, the artists donate their time as volunteers during the three-month span of the show.

One of the hospice workers told Bournstein-Duban that Koeppe had lots of artwork at her home, and she asked whether some of the items could go into this year's show, which starts this month and runs through June 15 at Crossroads, 2380 Schuetz Road. Bournstein-Duban, who is Crossroads' volunteer coordinator and an artist, went to visit Koeppe and discovered not only a house filled with art, but the mural in the backyard.

"I'm very grateful that Mary and Kathy got involved to pop the mural to life," Rosenkoetter said.

The mural might not have come into existence except for a room that was added at the same level as the house and the garage below it, said Rosenkoetter, a music teacher at Forsyth School in Clayton.

"My mother ended up looking at a gray concrete wall facing on to her beautiful backyard. And she wasn't going to live with that!" Koeppe, who was born Ethel Meyer in Brooklyn, N.Y., admits "it bothered me that wall was so empty, and it seemed to me it needed something on it."

After arranging to have some of Koeppe artworks exhibited at the show, Bournstein-Duban then recruited Rickermann to help work on the mural.

Bournstein-Duban dubs the mural "awesome."

"Ethel had it about 85 percent finished before her husband passed away, and we were determined to help her finish," she said. "As an artist, I know what it's like to have that large of a project to work on and not to have it finished. I felt it was the right thing to do."

She found a butterfly windchime among Ethel's things and put the butterfly into the mural. Rickermann pointed out tiny blue tile buildings in the mural, possible representing New York skyscrapers.

"Ethel was the first patient I got to visit through the Art of Living program, which started in February," Rickermann said. "Ethel's cute and funny and very talented. When I saw her mural, I was amazed."

Ethel is just happy the mural's done.

"Somebody had to finish it," she said. "Anything a person does can get to be a lot of work, but, if you want it, you do it."

http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/life/artists-pitch-in-to-complete-mosaic-mural/article_85750151-2003-5d6a-a13c-e00da5fa01e1.html

Awareness Day Puts Focus on End-of-Life Wishes

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Kearney Courier

National Healthcare Decisions Day on Monday, April 16, is the perfect time to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with your loved ones, according to a press release from Crossroads Hospice in Kansas City.

Crossroads Hospice invites the community to learn more about advance care planning and to complete advance directives, a free document that specifies a person’s end-of-life health care wishes to loved ones and health care providers. Kansas and Missouri state advance directive and guidelines are available online anytime at http://crossroadshospice.com/nhdd.

Only one in four Americans has an advance directive in place, according to the American Medical Association. That’s why Crossroads Hospice is among more than 1,000 national, state and community organizations participating in NHDD, a movement started in April 2008 to raise awareness of the importance of communicating and documenting healthcare decisions.

“One in four people will be forced to make a life-altering decision for a loved one,” Janet Hessenflow, executive director of Crossroads Hospice in Kansas City. “These decisions are among the hardest to make, and should not be determined at the time of a crisis. On National Healthcare Decisions Day, we encourage all adults to communicate their end-of-life wishes with loved ones through an advance directive.”

Advance care directives allow people to name someone to speak on their behalf if they are no longer able.

The document spells out what types of treatments a person wants and when to choose other options such as hospice care, which focuses on improving the quality of terminally ill patients’ lives.

http://www.kccommunitynews.com/kearney-courier-news/30873803/detail.html

Resident Presented Caring More Award

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Tallmadge Express

by Jeremy Nobile | Reporter

Tallmadge -- Lynn Werbecki said her perspective on social work changed when her twins were born three months early.

The children spent several weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit before she could bring them home.

"It was that time when I truly realized what it meant to advocate for someone who couldn't speak for themselves," said Werbecki, noting her children, Gage and Karleigh, are now 2 and in good health. "Since then, I've felt myself trying to become a mouthpiece for people who can't put into words what they're trying to say."

Werbecki, a social worker with 10 years of experience serving the Uniontown Area Agency on Aging as a transition care manager, is known for the effort she puts forth in caring for her clients, said Dean Leupold, executive director of the Akron/Canton Crossroads Hospice.

Because of her outstanding qualities as a social worker, Werbecki was presented with the inaugural Crossroads Hospice Caring More Award for the Akron/Canton region March 29 at Prestwick Country Club in Uniontown in honor of National Social Worker month.

"Lynn has always gone the extra mile and goes above and beyond to help my staff and to make sure our patients are getting what they need," said Leupold.

Recognizing elite social workers like Werbecki is important, Leupold said, because the significant role they play in people's lives often goes unnoticed.

"They really don't get enough recognition," said Leupold. "Social workers are doing so many amazing things on a daily basis, but you don't ever really hear about them. When you think of hospitals, people think of nurses and doctors, but you might not think about all these people doing community support services and helping people with end-of-life decisions."

Along with the award, Werbecki was presented with $500 for herself and $500 to be given to a non-profit of her choice -- she chose the March of Dimes Foundation Northeast Ohio Division.

Werbecki, 31, lives in Tallmadge with her husband, Erick, and attends the Stow Alliance Fellowship Church where she has been an active volunteer.

Werbecki was drawn to her field, she said, because of the "different hats a social worker wears."

"The job of a social worker is to try to promote change, but sometimes it's difficult to get a person actively engaged in doing that," she said. "On the flip side, whenever you're able to encourage someone or empower them, that's one of the most rewarding things that can happen."

Werbecki said the most important quality of a good social worker is being a great listener. As a transition care manager, Werbecki's job is to help people make the change from living on their own to living with assistance or vice versa.

"I want everyone's situations to be good and safe," she said, "but my main job is to give someone their choice."

Werbecki said earning the Caring More Award gave her some appreciated positive reinforcement.

"You can get in some low times when you feel like you're not making a difference," she said. "But just receiving the nomination gave me the 'oomph' I needed to keep going. When I was chosen, I was completely humbled because I know so many social workers in the area that are so deserving of it, so I was honored they would choose me."

Although no social workers get into the field for praise, Werbecki said recognizing any person for what they do will make them feel good.

"Everyone needs to hear they're doing a good job," she said. "It's what helps keep you going."

http://www.tallmadgeexpress.com/news/article/5173485

Hospice cited for supporting Guard families

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

Memphis

Commercial Appeal

Crossroads Hospice was recently honored for its outstanding support of spouses of reserve members.

The Patriot Award was presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Defense Department agency.

Registered nurse Audra Lewis nominated Crossroads Hospice for the award for supporting her while her husband, Sgt. Chris Lewis, is deployed with the Tennessee National Guard's 913th Engineer Company.

"While Chris is away, it can feel like I'm a single parent," she said about raising her 3-year-old twins. "Crossroads is so supportive of service members' families. My managers work with me if I have an emergency or need extra help with a task. Staff members leave encouraging notes in my mailbox and have given me care packages to mail to my husband. I have incredible support here, and I'm consistently reminded that I'm not alone."

In recognition of veteran patients, staff members and veterans in the community, Crossroads Hospice developed the "Honor Our Veterans" campaign to recognize local heroes in patriotic pinning ceremonies complete with certificates of appreciation, a medal of honor and veteran's cap. As part of the ceremony, Crossroads presented Lewis with a deployment pin, honoring her husband for his service.

"My grandmother wore a pin like this when my grandfather was deployed. This is a longstanding, heartfelt tradition," Lewis said.

During November 2011, more than 550 veterans were recognized in 40 assisted-living facilities, nursing homes and community centers throughout Tipton, Fayette and Shelby counties with the help of volunteer ROTC cadets and service members.

"We're committed to honoring our service members and the sacrifices their families make while their loved ones are serving the country," said Jean Harrison, executive director of Crossroads Hospice's Memphis office. "Whether we're honoring a veteran patient at his bedside with his family, or recognizing 50 veterans at an assisted-living facility in a group ceremony, we're proud to say 'thank you' and to show our support for their service."

Crossroads Hospice is committed to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide comprehensive and compassionate hospice services to people experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers.

For more information on Crossroads Hospice, call (901) 382-9292 or visit crossroadshospice.com.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/mar/11/awards-hospice-cited-for-supporting-guard/

KV Challenge nets more than $48,000

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Philadelphia

The Intelligencer

By Rich Pietras Staff Writer

The Keith Valley Challenge, the annual floor hockey fundraising marathon held this year on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, raised $48,478 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Crossroads Hospice was among the dozens of organizations that joined together for the event hosted by Keith Valley Middle School's eighth-grade students.

Crossroads was one contributor who gave the highest level of corporate sponsorship and was recognized with a bulletin board and banner in its honor.

"It's an honor for Crossroads Hospice to participate in this year's Keith Valley Challenge. We're proud to contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and support its mission of giving hope to children with life threatening illnesses," said Crossroad's Hospice volunteer coordinator Kim Mumper in a press release.

The Keith Valley Challenge began in 1977 to honor the memory of eighth-grade student Billy Whitehead. Each year, administrators, faculty, staff and eighth-grade students sponsor a hockey marathon to raise money for charity. Keith Valley students, with the support of local businesses throughout Hatboro and Horsham, have raised more than $700,000 for charities to date. Crossroads Hospice is in Plymouth Meeting and serves the greater Philadelphia area.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/willow_grove/kv-challenge-nets-more-than/article_53cdd756-9577-54ae-a5bb-0bd602826794.html

Crossroads Hospice seeks volunteers

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis

Crossroads Hospice is seeking compassionate volunteers to join its team of "Ultimate Givers," who strive to provide extra love and comfort to terminally ill patients and their families in St. Louis County and other areas.

"Ultimate Givers" visit patients in their homes, assisted living facilities and nursing facilities, and help with clerical duties at the Crossroads office, 2380 Schuetz Road, near Creve Coeur. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for those caring for terminally ill loved ones.

To volunteer, call Mary Bournstein at (314) 801-6960 or visit www.crossroadshospice.com.

http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/life/crossroads-hospice-seeks-volunteers/article_09f3c9da-5b3b-52cf-b649-bce6b77ef05f.html

February is American Heart Month

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Lee’s Summit Journal

By Vickie Mears, Bereavement Coordinator, Crossroads Hospice, Kansas City

February is American Hearth Month, a time to recognize the importance of keeping your heart healthy. If you’ve recently lost a family member or close friend, the pain of a broken heart may be devastating – from the inside out.

Losing a loved one can bring overwhelming feelings of grief, depression and anger. It can also lead to changes in sleep and eating habits. Together, the emotional and physical effects of grief can put a great deal of stress on your heart.

According to a recent study by the American Heart Association, the loss of a loved can dramatically increase a person’s risk for a heart attack. In the days immediately following a loss, heart attack risk jumped to 21 times the normal rate.

Now, during American Heart Month, is a good time to take simple steps to take care of your heart. Working through the grief process can be as hard on your body as it is on your spirit. The wise advice about paying attention to what you eat and maintaining some form of moderate exercise is especially important now.

In all cases, what’s healthy for your heart is also healthy for your mind.

http://www.lsjournal.com/2012/02/08/79267/february-is-american-heart-month.html

Hospice patient’s wish takes flight at Akron airport

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Akron Beacon Journal

By Marilyn Miller
Beacon Journal staff writer

It was perfect flying weather: sunny skies, temperatures in the upper 40s and little wind.

Former pilot Spasoje “Spike” Miskovic, 73, got his “Ultimate Gift” Friday afternoon at Akron Fulton International Airport.

His first attempt to fly one last time was scrapped Tuesday because of a loose cable on the airplane.
Crossroads Hospice in Green arranged the flight. Spokesman Bob Pontius said the program grants hospice patients a perfect day, something they always enjoyed doing.

Miskovic flew in the plane he once owned, a six-seat Beechcraft Baron 58. Pilot Bob Headley said the last time he took his longtime friend for a ride was eight years ago.

Wearing his brown leather jacket with a Yugoslavia patch on the right side and an East Central Ohio Pilots Association patch, Miskovic got out of an ambulance in his wheelchair, but walked to the plane.

“Sometimes he will fight you to get up out of bed, but today he got right up and said he was ready to go,” said Najiyyah Brown, a nursing assistant at Wyant Woods Care Center in Akron, where Miskovic resides. “He knew what he was going to do today.”

As aides helped him get in the plane, he waited patiently for Headley to take his seat.

He gave caregivers a thumbs-up sign as the plane taxied on the runway.

“I built this place,” he said, then pointed to his left: “That’s the old terminal.”

Headley, who has known Spike for 35 years, said the garage/maintenance facility for airplanes, now Summit Air, was named Airspect Air Inc. when Miskovic owned it in the 1970s.

Miskovic’s nurse, Marian Presto, also went along on the flight. She said she had never been in a small airplane before.

“I was born in a small airplane,” Miskovic joked. “This used to be my airplane.”

As the pilot pulled back on the throttle, Miskovic yelled, “You’re all right.”

Spike looked down the runway and told the pilot: “OK, you’re clear.”

Headley asked his friend where he wanted to go.

Miskovic said he didn’t care and enjoyed looking out the window.

After a bit, Miskovic said, “Bob, I’m ready to go back now, you can turn around.”

When the plane landed, Headley helped his friend off the plane. But Miskovic insisted on walking back to the waiting ambulance.

Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com.

http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/hospice-patient-s-wish-takes-flight-at-akron-airport-1.263076

Crossroads Hospice Opens in Maryland Heights

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis

Crossroads Hospice recently celebrated the opening of its new location at 2380 Schuetz Road in Maryland Heights. The hospice will provide comprehensive care to patients and their families in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties. Marala Horan is the executive director. She joined Crossroads after serving as senior regional director of Coventry Health Care in Hazelwood. Sue Fenlon is the clinical director.

http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/article_b2380b45-bd07-59b8-b4b8-090312a093d1.html

Crossroads Hospice Named Best of Dayton

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Crossroads Hospice was named a 2012 Top Workplace in the Dayton and Springfield metro areas by WorkplaceDynamics’ series on employers demonstrating excellence in the fields of law, healthcare & medicine, social services, business, finance, technology & education.

Crossroads Hospice is a leader of innovative hospice and palliative care serving the Greater Dayton region. Whether our services are provided in the home, a hospital, or long-term care facility, we are 100% dedicated to helping patients and families access more of what they need. Our team will take immediate action to bring the services, medications, and supplies to make life more comfortable.

Crossroads offers a highly skilled hospice team that provides MORE individuality and greater satisfaction. Our highly compassionate nurses and aides offer MORE time with patients through low nurse-to-patient ratios and a higher frequency of visits. We offer one-of-a-kind programs that maximize patients’ lives like the Ultimate Gift©, Watch Program©, Evenmore Care©, Veterans Recognition, and pet therapy.

Peggy Richardson, Executive Director, and her team uphold the mission of Crossroads Hospice by providing highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to patients and their families.

Holiday Toy Drive

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Commercial Appeal

Crossroads Hospice patient Tommy Beck started the Midtown Secret Santas Toy Drive out of his home 12 years ago to help children in need during the holiday season. Growing into a community event complete with an appearance by Santa Claus, the annual toy drive for the Salvation Army draws dozens of residents of all ages.

For his Crossroads Hospice Gift of a Day, Beck wanted to continue this tradition of giving with his family and friends by his side, but Beck passed away one week prior to the event. His friends Amy and Dennis McGivern and many others hosted the toy drive in his memory.

Created by Crossroads Hospice, the Gift of a Day program creates patients' ideas of a perfect day with the help of staff and volunteers. Crossroads Hospice staff honored Beck's Gift of a Day wish by presenting toys to his family at the now-renamed "Tommy Beck Toy Drive."

"Because this toy drive meant so much to Tommy, Crossroads Hospice wanted to honor his memory and request by participating," says Mary Dollar-Shapiro, social worker for Crossroads Hospice. "Tommy's friends did a wonderful job carrying on his legacy."

"The Gift of a Day program brings out the best in the community, with Crossroads staff, and volunteers coming together to create these special moments," says Tonya Wales, psychosocial coordinator for Crossroads Hospice. "The requests are as varied as the patients we serve, challenging us to find creative ways to bring about that perfect day.

"The gifts have brought smiles, tears, laughter and joy to countless terminally ill patients and their families."

Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, and to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide unique, comprehensive and compassionate hospice services to people experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers. For more information about Crossroads Hospice, call (901) 382-9292.

Amanda Lieberman is an account executive with Simon Public Relations.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/11/community-supports-holiday-toy-drive/?print=1

Crossroads Hospice Honors Veterans

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Sedalia Democrat

Frank Taylor, 83, a Navy veteran who served 30 years in the Navy after joining in 1947, is given an award of honor by Bill Douglas, a chaplain with Crossroads Hospice. Taylor was among the 21 military veterans, all residents at the Four Seasons Living Center, who were recognized for their service to the country by representatives from the hospice.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/articles/hospice-38447-taylor-veterans.html

Inaugural ‘Caring More’ award goes to beyond-the-call social worker

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Tri-State Defender

Catherine Logan, director of Resident Support Services at the King’s Daughters and Sons Home in Bartlett, has been chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Crossroads Hospice “Caring More” award.

In a move to honor social workers and their advocacy for those in need, Crossroads Hospice launched the “Caring More” award for a social worker who goes above and beyond for his/her patients and community.

At a breakfast recently held in her honor, Logan received a $500 cash prize and $500 to present to her non-profit of choice. She selected the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center of Memphis in honor of her fourteen-year-old nephew who passed away from the disease.

Logan manages the development and implementation of care plans for her residents. She is touted for working closely with clinical staff, loved ones, and health and welfare agencies to provide the highest level of care while meeting patients’ physical, emotional and social needs.

In addition, Logan counsels new residents and their families to inform them of services to residents, their rights and responsibilities, and facilitates regular resident council meetings to address resident and family concerns. She has served as president and vice president of the Tennessee Health Care Association’s Social Service Workers Association, both at the state and district levels.

“There’s no greater feeling than helping someone, whether it’s a resident or their loved one, colleague, or member of my church,” said Logan. “Social work is what I was called upon to do, so to receive this award is a true honor.”

Ron Arrison, executive director of the King’s Daughters and Sons Home, said Logan’s “positive energy and tenacious attitude has helped make nursing home living a positive experience for our residents. She has helped to improve the quality of services to not only our residents but members in the community and social work professionals.”

An active member of the Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church, Logan serves on several ministries, including the Health Ministry, Senior Ministry, Usher’s Ministry and Volunteer Ministry. Through these programs, she’s provided guidance to senior members on options for long-term care and social security benefits, organized disaster relief assistance for hurricane and flood victims, and facilitated blood drives and annual health screenings.

“Social workers are the unsung heroes we depend on every day. They go out of their way to connect the ill to resources, counsel their families and give them the special time and attention they need,” said Jean Harrison, executive director of Crossroads Hospice in Memphis.

“Catherine exemplifies what it means to go the extra mile for her clients, their families, her colleagues and community, and we are delighted to honor her as the inaugural recipient of the Caring More award.”

http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/6872/1/Inaugural-Caring-More-award-goes-to-beyond-the-call-social-worker/Page1.html

Navy retiree to lead Vets Day program

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Canton Repository

Minerva students will learn about the importance of honoring veterans in a presentation at 9 a.m. Friday featuring Crossroads Hospice Chaplain James Scalf, a Master Chief of the US Navy (retired).

He’ll recognize veteran staff members at Minerva Area Christian School for their service to the country in a pinning ceremony, presenting each veteran with a certificate honoring their service.

Scalf, a Canton resident with three decades of naval service, will present the school with a new American flag, and teach the students how to properly fold and display it. Scalf was drawn to hospice volunteering after losing his first wife to cancer. Committed to honoring veterans and providing “vet-to-vet” support, he became certified as a chaplain.

With Crossroads Hospice, he’s championed a Veterans Recognition Program honoring veterans with pinning ceremonies throughout Stark, Tuscarawas, and Summit County.

Minerva Christian School is at 300 W. Lincoln Way.

http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x54278456/Navy-retiree-to-lead-Vets-Day-program

Fairborn resident honored by Crossroads Hospice

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Fairborn Daily Herald

Paul Collins, Staff Writer

The American psychologist and philosopher William James once said, “The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.”

Nobody understands the truth of James’ words better than Fairborn resident Debbie Conn. For 12 years, she has been using her life to give the imperishable gift of love, participating in the lives of the elderly as a social worker. Conn’s work received the attention it deserves on Tuesday, Nov. 1, when the Crossroads Hospice honored the Fairborn social worker with the Caring More Award. For Conn, her selection for the award was a surprise.

“I was a little shocked,” said Conn. “I get a little bit embarrassed when I receive an award. It’s nice to be recognized, but it’s a bit difficult because I am not always expecting recognition. For me, working in this field is my award.”

Conn first wanted to enter social work when she was 21, but her husband at the time dissuaded her, claiming that the field’s monetary reward was lacking. For 11 years, the Fairborn resident worked in hospitals, doing blood work and conducting EKG’s. While it was not Conn’s first choice, hospital work provided the Fairborn resident with several different opportunities to help others.

“I realized that these people were coming in with bills they could not pay,” said Conn. “I would sit there and try to figure out how to help these people out.”

Determined to move into the realm of social work, Conn eventually returned to school, putting in long hours at Sinclair Community College to earn an associate degree in gerontology. The Fairborn resident successfully obtained the degree in 2000 and moved on to tackling a Bachelor’s degree in social work at Wright State University. In 2002, Conn received her Bachelor’s degree and went to work for Life Essentials, Inc. a Dayton-based organization that helps people who slip through the cracks in community services. Conn serves as a programs director with Life Essentials, Inc.

Among her many duties, the Fairborn social worker oversees “Chums,” a program that allows volunteers to spend their time with someone who is living with a mental illness. She also manages Life Essentials’ Guardianship program, a program made up of volunteers who speak for those who are no longer able to make important health care and living decisions. According to Conn, working with the elderly and lonely never grows old or bland.

“If you would just take the time to listen to these people, you would find that they have such wonderful stories,” said Conn. I’ve been doing this work for nine years and every day is different. There’s not one day that’s the same.”

From 2000 to 2002, Conn worked with the Greene County Council on Aging, where she initiated the “Adopt a Grandparent” program wit Cedarville University students and local seniors. The Fairborn social worker’s main focus has always been on the elderly. She expects the need for support for the aging to only increase as the baby boomers grow older.

“We’re an aging population,” said Conn. “We’re going to have a problem as baby boomers get into that age range. If you could imagine an empty rocking chair that’s rocking back and forth with no one there, that’s our elderly population. They have so much to tell us and nobody is listening.”

Conn’s next major goal is to return to school. She hopes to obtain her Master’s degree in social work. According to the Fairborn resident, the social work field has given her a greater appreciation for the value of volunteerism. She encourages others to find the reward in donating their time to another.

“Everybody needs volunteers,” said Conn. “I encourage people to volunteer in their community. Start giving back. When you give, you receive back more than you expected.”

http://www.fairborndailyherald.com/main.asp?ArticleID=174195&SectionID=138&SubSectionID=580

Crossroads Hospice opens first Kansas location in neighboring Lenexa

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

Shawnee Dispatch
By Staff Report

Crossroads Hospice has opened its first Kansas location in Lenexa, at 11150 Thompson Ave.

Since its opening in 1997, Crossroads had been serving Kansas patients from its office in Kansas City, Mo. The Lenexa location serves patients and their families in Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Douglas and Miami counties with plans to serve patients in Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Lyon, Osage and Shawnee counties.

Executive Director is John Carney, who joined Crossroads from the Center for Practical Bioethics in Kansas City. According to an announcement from Crossroads, Carney has worked as chief operating officer for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, at America’s Health Insurance Plans and as president of a regional Kansas hospice company in his hometown of Wichita.

http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2011/oct/26/crossroads-hospice-opens-first-kansas-location-nei/

Talented beyond measure

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

Akron Beacon Journal
By Jewell Cardwell Beacon Journal columnist

At 96, Frances Aileen Elizabeth Strabley Krieger Rebenack is the real-life embodiment of that wise adage “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’ ”

Indeed, Frances Rebenack’s life’s resume is just that inspiring.

She uses a wheelchair these days; but oh what roads she’s been on. The less traveled, of course.

Some of her posse gathered Sunday to toast her uncommon appetite for life at quite the appropriate venue: Roses Run Golf Course in Stow.

This special, red-carpet-like outing was arranged by Bob Pontius from Crossroads Hospice and its Ultimate Gift program which asks of its clients “If you have one day left, what would it look like?”

The answer for Mrs. Rebenack was a no-brainer. Golf.

Before frailness and dementia set in a couple of years ago and she moved into Arden Courts of Bath Assisted Living for Alzheimer’s, Mrs. Rebenack literally lived to golf, said her 69-year-old daughter Dianne Demko of Copley Township.

Fortunate for her family and friends, Mrs. Rebenack’s dementia is not a constant. “There are some days I feel I have my Mom back!” Demko said, counting her blessings.

“She started golfing as a teenager. That meant she was on the golf course long before women were welcomed there.”

“Well, let me tell you, they still aren’t,” the petite woman with the snowy white hair deadpanned.

“She was so good that she was told she could have turned pro,” her daughter and sometimes caddy said.

The plan this day, said Pontius, was to get the honoree and her golf buddies out on the green.

But it proved a tad too cold and rainy. So, Mrs. Rebenack kicked back in the clubhouse, ordered a beer, talked about old times and enjoyed the royal attention.

Before retiring her putter in 2007 — her last golf trip to Florida “with the girls” — she had racked up 72 years of playing golf; continuously.

“Whenever there was a nice day in January with no snow you could find Mom on the golf course,” Demko said.

League still active.

So dedicated to the sport, she started her own traveling women’s league “The Bag Ladies” 40 years ago. The league — which is still active and led today by Vera Pedigo and Mary Ann Plonsky — is known by a more upscale name “The Fairway Ladies.” They number 24; 12 of whom are in a pinochle card club, too.

“You couldn’t keep Mom down until a few years ago,” Demko marveled at her mother’s energy.

Lest you think otherwise, Sunday’s honoree didn’t come from a charmed-life background. She had to work for every dime to put food on the table, to take care of her daughter and her golfing habit.

Of course, she always had a strong assist from her own mother with meal preparation and Dianne who shared some of what her Mom has meant to her in a mini biography:

“Mom was born March 21, 1915, and was always proud to be life-long resident of Akron, Ohio,” Demko wrote. “She attended St. Mary Grade and High schools, graduating in 1933, and is the last living member of her class of 26, (13 boys and 13 girls). She then completed Akron Hammel Business School with a two-year degree in business in 1935. Mom has never quit learning; she loves uncovering knowledge, and still uncovers new tidbits today.”

“The two most important things in this life to my Mom are her Catholic faith and her family, and she can be a charging lioness about both when she feels it necessary,” Demko continued. Rounding out the family unit are four grandchildren and 12great-grandchildren. Always quite the athlete, Mrs. Rebenack played guard on St. Mary’s girls basketball team, and after high school was a catcher for the Firestone Girls Baseball team. But golf was always her passion. “She always says the highlight was getting to play on the New Course and the Eden Course at St. Andrews Golf Course, Fife, Scotland (where golf was born),” Demko shared. Part of that original golf league were Vera Pedigo, Rosemary Veith, Mary Ann Plonsky, Marjane Nettling and her oldest friend Roseann Wright. Diverse background A true renaissance woman, Mrs. Rebenack learned to drive when she was 16. “Her first car was a 1933 Plymouth sedan, which she and two (identical twin) friends purchased with already over 100,000 miles on it and a top speed of 35 miles per hour,” Demko said. Even so, the trio took it on a three-week trip in 1937to California. “They left Akron with $60 and arrived back home with 35 cents, eating peanut butter crackers the last days of the trip,” Demko continued, labeling her mother as a real “wheeler-dealer” for her travel smarts. “They saved money on hotels by going in as two people. Mom went in with one twin, came out alone and a few minutes later would go in again with the other twin. It worked the entire trip!” While on that trip, the trio got to be extras in a street scene in the movie The Bucaneer, starring Fredric March. If that’s not enough of a window on this woman’s extraordinary spirit, consider the following: “Mom’s first job was stocker/floor sweeper at Roush’s Market on Thornton Street, a couple of blocks from her home on LaCroix Street, receiving a grand salary of 35 cents a day.” She was also a member of two all-girl orchestras – the “Musical Maids” and “The Colleens.” She played the drums, saxophone, piano, organ, accordion, harmonica, guitar, electronic keyboard, and even the bottles. “She met my father John Krieger while playing at a dance at the downtown Akron YWCA,” Demko said. “He offered to carry her drums to her car after the dance.” They married in 1941 and divorced in 1952. “Mom drove for Yellow Cab Co. during the 1940s war years, and her most famous passenger during that stint was Dinah Shore.”

Mrs. Rebenack was a mechanic as well, taught by her Dad, she even did the repairs on her own taxi. She owned and operated Krieger’s Confectionary at the corner of Bowery and Bartges in the early 1950s. And she was a barber; self-taught. “I don’t recall in her 34 years of marriage to (her second husband) John Rebenack him going once to a barber,” Demko said. John Rebenack was director for several years of Akron-Summit County Public Library before his death in 2006. And there’s this. Frances Rebenack has a patent for a suitcase organizer called the Neat Packer; “was paymaster at the original Motor Cargo Inc. and kept that position after it became Consolidated Freightways, from 1945 until 1958. She then was employed at the Akron Public Library as clerk-treasurer until her retirement in 1977,” her daughter said. Also an artist, carpenter She was also an exceptional artist. “She made the skylight in St. Hilary’s worship center and the windows for the chapel doors at Hospice on Ridgewood Road in Copley in honor of her deceased golfing buddy Barbara Van Horn,” Demko said.

Mrs. Rebenack was a skilled carpenter, too. “When I was 16, she decided I’d be safer at home than out with boys, so she built from the ground up a pool table, complete with automatic ball return, in our rec room,” Demko noted. “The boys flocked to our house. And I thought they came to see me. She wisely never told me they didn’t. She also single-handedly remodeled two recreation rooms complete with lighted bars, and built a screened-in back porch onto our Hardesty Boulevard home … Mom offered to build a back porch onto our Copley home in 1981, and was more than offended when we declined to let her, banning her from rooftops at age 66.” Mrs. Rebenack — who has managed to visit all 50 states, Europe and Asia — “delved into French, Chinese and even sign language in order to help deaf library patrons,” her daughter noted. Ruth Pelyhes of Fairlawn — Dianne Demko’s best friend — joked that Mrs. Rebenack is very much a comedian. “Just the other day I was visiting with her, standing in front of the window and she said to me, ‘there’s a halo around you. But I’m not too sure you earned it.’”

Inarguably, Frances Aileen Elizabeth Strabley Krieger Rebenack certainly has earned hers! This really is as good as it gets.

Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or emailed at jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/talented-beyond-measure-1.238559

Crossroads Hospice is seeking volunteers for its “Honor our Veterans" recognition campaign

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Akron Beacon Journal

Volunteers needed

GREEN: Crossroads Hospice is seeking volunteers for its “Honor our Veterans” recognition campaign.

The hospice, with offices at 3743 Boettler Oaks Drive, Suite E, Green, is looking for compassionate volunteers, ROTC cadets, members of the armed forces, and their loved ones, in a project to honor veterans in Carroll, Harrison, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties this fall.

Volunteers would visit patients in their homes, nursing homes or assisted living facilities, would assist with group ceremonies of recognition and collect personal memories from veterans and their loved ones.

To volunteer, contact Kasey Rippel at 330-342-3328 or email kasey.rippel@crossroads hospice.com. Or go to www.crossroadshospice.com/volunteering.

http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news-briefs-sept-22-1.236421

Crossroads Hospice launches veterans recognition campaign

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Examiner

Kansas City, MO — Crossroads Hospice is looking for volunteers, ROTC cadets, members of the armed forces and their loved ones to participate in a special project to honor Kansas City metro area veterans.

The “Honor Our Veterans” campaign acknowledges Crossroads’ veteran patients and other veterans in the community. Help support local veterans by assisting with recognition ceremonies, visiting veteran patients and collecting personal memories from their time in the service.

For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, call 816-333-9200 or email volunteer.kc@crossroadshospice.com. Applications and training information are online at www.crossroadshospice.com/volunteering.

http://www.examiner.net/newsnow/x462609423/Crossroads-Hospice-launches-veterans-recognition-campaign

Travelling Vietnam Wall Comes to Fairlawn

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

By Jim Carney
Beacon Journal staff writer

FAIRLAWN: Scores of motorcycles and the truck carrying the pieces of a traveling Vietnam memorial wall rolled past Joseph “Zak” Zakrzewski and into the Catavolos Funeral Home and Rose Hill Burial Park on Tuesday.

Seeing the wall brought on a flood of memories.

“Every time I see the wall, it is a very emotional experience,” said Zakrzewski, a retired federal employee who decades ago was drafted into the Army and served 30 months in Vietnam.

Zakrzewski, 63, of Norton, was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds he suffered in the Army. He was among the spectators to witness Tuesday’s construction of the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall.

The wall, a traveling three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., was erected on funeral home property at 3653 W. Market St. It will be open for public viewing Friday through late Sunday, 24 hours a day, then will be taken down Monday morning.

George Catavolos, general manager of the Fairlawn funeral home and cemetery, said the arrival of the wall followed 3› years on a waiting list.

“I thought it would be nice ... to show we support those who gave their lives in Vietnam,” Catavolos said.

His Fairlawn business is part of the Dignity network of funeral homes and cemeteries. That organization owns the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall.

Volunteers took several hours Tuesday to construct the faux granite replica that is 240 feet long and 8 feet high. It is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam.

Shortly after the motorcycles and truck arrived in Fairlawn, Robert L. Gilbert Sr., father of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II, placed a Purple Heart and a Gilbert commemorative coin on the ground at the base of the memorial.

Gilbert II, 28, was killed in Afghanistan in March 2010.

“The freedoms we have are because of people who served, just like my son.” Gilbert Sr., a Richfield police officer, said. Those who have died in battle “give up their todays so we can have tomorrows.”

A Purple Heart float, made by Jaye Watson of Cuyahoga Falls and the men’s auxiliary of VFW Post 1062, will be on display along West Market Street while the wall is open to the public.

Watson initially made the float to honor her friend Richard Stoltz, a Vietnam veteran from North Canton and a double Purple Heart recipient, and others.

The Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter 699 gave Watson a plaque Tuesday to recognize her efforts.

Paul Suscinski, 64, commander of the local Purple Heart chapter and a Marine Vietnam veteran with two Purple Hearts, said returning home was difficult for Vietnam veterans. The Vietnam Wall pays respect to them, he said.

“This is our time,” Suscinski said. “We didn’t get it then.”

Catavolos said as many as 3,000 to 5,000 people are expected to visit the replica wall each day. He said his company paid for more than half of the $20,000 cost to bring it to Fairlawn, and that many local businesses, individuals and organizations helped raise the remainder of the money and contributed to bringing the memorial to Summit County.

“The community stepped up,” he said.

Sponsoring the wall, Catavolos said, is his company’s way to “give back to the community.”

There will be many activities during the weekend wall appearance, he said, including a raffle drawing for a new 2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Money raised during the weekend activities will be split between Crossroads Hospice, the Fisher House and the Wounded Warriors Organization, Catavolos said.

Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or at jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.

http://www.ohio.com

Ultimate Givers Needed

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST

Johnson County Sun

Crossroads Hospice seeks compassionate volunteers to join its team of "Ultimate Givers," who strive to provide extra love and comfort to terminally ill patients and their families throughout the Kansas City area.

Ultimate Givers visit with patients in their homes, assisted living facilities and nursing facilities, and help with clerical duties at the Crossroads office.

Crossroads Hospice is also seeking volunteers to support its signature programs inspired by Jim Stovall's novel "The Ultimate Gift." The "Gift of a Day" program asks patients what their perfect day is and staff and volunteers work to make it a reality.

For more information or to sign up as an Ultimate Giver, contact Karen Goodson at 816-333-9200 or complete an application online at www.crossroadshospice.com/volunteering.

Family Reunion is Perfect Gift for 83-Year-Old Couple

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST

By Jon Baker

Times Reporter

DOVER — Hospice patients Herman and Mary Weigand couldn’t think of anything they wanted more than to spend the day with their six children, including their son Johnathon, who they hadn’t seen in seven years.

So thanks to Crossroads Hospice of Green, the Weigands, both 83, will have a reunion today with their children and their spouses at School House Winery on Schneiders Crossing Road outside of Dover — a place filled with memories for the family.

The Weigands, residents of Schoenbrunn Healthcare in New Philadelphia, are receiving their reunion through Crossroads’ Gift of a Day program. They are Crossroads patients.

“We want as perfect of a day as we can give them,” said Dean Leupold, executive director of the organization.

Asked what kind of a special day Crossroads could put together for them, the Weigands responded that they would like to have Johnathon come for a visit, Leupold said.

A social worker and volunteer coordinator then did research on flights and paid for Johnathon to fly to Ohio from his home in Houston.

Johnathon Weigand has cancer and hadn’t been able to travel for the past seven years to visit with his parents.

“It was tough,” he said. “I wanted to see my family, but I couldn’t go.”

Leupold said Crossroads has been doing the program for 14 years.

In that time, it has put together family reunions, limousine rides, Cleveland Browns tailgate parties and arranged for a younger patient to sit on the sidelines at an Ohio State football game with his family.

School House Winery — housed in the former Oak Grove School, built in 1886 — was the perfect spot for the Weigand reunion. Herman Weigand attended school there for six years and grew up in the area.

In fact, the school sat on his family’s farm.

In 1940, he met Mary Wiegand (their last names are the same except the “i” and the “e” are reversed) at St. Joseph Elementary in Dover.

Mary’s father, Paul, was born in the house where Herman grew up.

The couple was married Aug. 30, 1947, and their reception was held at Oak Grove School. They often attended square dances at the school.

“It has lots of memories for both families,” Mary said.

Altogether, about 20 people are expected to attend the reunion today, including someone from Crossroads Hospice.

“They’ve been real helpful in putting it together,” Herman Weigand said of Crossroads.

Asked about his feelings on the reunion with his parents, Johnathon Weigand said, “It’s different this time. Life has changed for them and life has changed for me. But it’s a good thing.”

http://www.timesreporter.com

Nursing Home Resident Treated to Special Circus

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST

By,Brandon Smith-Hebson

Springfield News Sun

SPRINGFIELD — “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Phil Goltzene, 77, as baby exotic animals were shepherded out the door of Eaglewood Village Care Center at the conclusion of his specially requested circus.

Goltzene speaks softly when he does speak, the victim of old age and its diseases. Betty Goltzene, his wife of 56 years and lively as ever, enjoys taking care of him.

Which is why she, too, had such a good time Tuesday afternoon, when she sat next to him through the popcorn, cotton candy, clowns and animals provided by Crossroads Hospice.

“You just want to thank everybody,” Betty said, “because it was so wonderful.”

The organization tries to provide a “perfect day” to all its patients, a spokesperson said, and this was the one Betty chose for her husband.

Goltzene was a lover of circuses when he could get to them, she said. The lobby of the nursing home, crowded with other residents and staff members during the show, was plastered with circus posters Goltzene had collected through the years.

As the Columbus Zoo can only bring smaller animals to its traveling events, their chipper staff members mostly handled baby animals.

First came a curious dingo, who brought smiles to the faces of  rows of people in wheelchairs. Then a shy 10-month-old black-footed African penguin. Then a baby wallaby in a pouch imitating its mother’s.

When time came for the leathery-brown armadillo, the handler offered it to Goltzene to touch first.

“I don’t want no armadillo,” Goltzene said.

His family, seated around him, laughed along.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0353 or at bsmith@coxohio.com.

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com

Center puts together model day to honor 89-year-old resident

Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

By Paula Schleis
Beacon Journal staff writer

SAGAMORE HILLS: As a hairdresser made some final touches to Dorothy Novak's white locks and rosy cheeks, about 80 people assembled in the lobby of the Elmcroft of Sagamore Hills to await her entrance.

The staff of the assisted-living center passed through the seated crowd carrying trays of juice, wine, cheese and fruit while they waited for the start of a fashion show to be headlined by one of their own.

Suddenly, the years fell away as Novak, who will turn 90 next month, briefly returned to her life as a model for Halle Brothers Department stores and took her place on the runway in a black skirt and jacket featuring silvery roses.

The gathering applauded and cheered ''Yay, Dorothy!'' while Novak beamed before flashing cameras. An announcer shared that Novak was born and grew up in Bedford, was a cheerleader, raised three children and traveled extensively with her husband, Wally, before he died.

Novak's son, Dale Kocab of Wadsworth, said he knew he was coming to see a fashion show but had no idea a two-hour event had been planned to celebrate that part of his mother's life.

''I didn't expect all this,'' he said. ''I'm really impressed.''

He said he had no doubt his mom, an Alzheimer's patient, loved the attention.

''She always liked to dress up.

She was a clothes horse,'' he laughed.

The idea for the fashion show, which continued with other models in fashions from the 1500s to present day, came from Elmcroft staffers, who have been trying to create special days for individual residents.

Their Second Wind Dreams program, launched six months ago, has treated one resident to cooking classes and another resident and his pals to a day at the races.

''For Dorothy, we wanted her to be able to revisit her modeling days,'' said Amanda Champa, Elmcroft marketing coordinator.

That idea also fit in with a program operated by Crossroads Hospice of Green, which helps look after Novak at the center.

Crossroads' program, the Ultimate Gift, asks patients: ''If you had one day to live, what would it be like?''

So the two agencies teamed up to plan the fashion show.

The first half of the show featured Elmcroft residents modeling modern gowns from Twila's Treasures. Then the residents took a seat for the second part of the show: the history of women's clothes, put on by Hatpins & Hemlines.

Show founder Terry Willingham led the audience through the functional layered clothing of the 1500s, the 40-pound gowns of 19th-century Southern plantations, bustle dresses, flapper styles and the time-honored little black dress.

As Willingham dropped names, events, books and toys from each era, members of the audience responded with claps and shouts as their own memories were jarred.

Friday's fashion show may not be the final dream made true for Novak.

After Kocab casually mentioned his mom's lifelong love of the Cleveland Indians, a staffer noted the center has been trying to arrange a day at Progressive Field for some other lady fans, and Novak might find herself on that trip as well.

Ohio.com

Crossroads Hospice announces 'Caring More' award

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

Kansas City Nursing News

In a move to honor social workers and their advocacy for those in need, Crossroads Hospice announces the first "Caring More" award for a social worker who goes above and beyond for his/her patients and community. Nominations are currently being accepted.

The award includes a $500 cash prize for the winner and $500 to the charity of his or her choice. It also includes a breakfast in the winner's honor. The award will be given to the nominee who "does more" to improve lives through their work and beyond. Judges will consider the candidate's professional accomplishments, patient advocacy efforts and contributions to the community.

Judging will be based on a two-page narrative and up to five letters of support. The application is available at www.CrossroadsHospice.com/SWKC. All entries must be received by July 15.

http://www.kccommunitynews.com

Crossroads Hospice announces opening of Kansas office

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

Crossroads Hospice has chosen Lenexa as its first location in Kansas and has named hospice industry leader John Carney as executive director. Carney will oversee a staff of 40 at the new office, initially serving the greater Kansas City area including Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Douglas and Miami counties, with plans to serve patients in Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Lyon, Osage and Shawnee counties.

Set to open in May, the Lenexa office is Crossroads' 10th location. Since opening in 1997, Crossroads has been serving Kansas patients from its office in Kansas City, Mo.

A patient advocate and policy expert on aging, hospice and end-of-life care, Carney joins Crossroads from the Center for Practical Bioethics in Kansas City, where he co-wrote a report to Congress on "Advance Care Planning in the United States."

He has worked in the nation's capital as chief operating officer for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and at America's Health Insurance Plans, where he directed education programs.

His experience also includes 15 years as president of a regional Kansas hospice company in his hometown of Wichita.

"John's long-standing commitment to serving those at the end of life, his vision for the future of hospice and his local ties make him the perfect choice to open our first Kansas office," said Janet Hessenflow, RN, executive director of Crossroads Hospice of Kansas City and the Northland. "We couldn't have found a better fit."

Carney will continue his work as a fellow at the Center for Practical Bioethics, co-directing the Kansas version of a national initiative designed to match patient advance directives and treatment preferences with physician orders, called Transportable Physician Orders for Patient Preferences.

Carney has served on Kansas City Cancer Centers' palliative care team, the advisory board of St. Luke's Hospital Hospice in Kansas City, and presented at more than 50 regional, state and national conferences on topics of end of life. He received a master's of education from Wichita State University and bachelor's degree from Newman University.

Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered.

The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide comprehensive and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers.

http://www.kccommunitynews.com/kc-nursing-news/

Bethel Hospice Patient Gets Visit from Cincinnati Zoo

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

Consider This Clermont

Written by Mary Dannemiller

Crossroads Hospice patient and 85-year-old Bethel resident Kathryn Beighle is fascinated by all creatures with scales, feathers and fur.

Crossroads Hospice social worker Teresa Henson and patient Kathryn Beighle look at Chris the armadillo held by Peggy Munson of the Cincinnati Zoo’s Wildlife Comes to You program. (Thanks to Crossroads Hospice for submitting this photo.)

As a resident of Morris Nursing Home, her favorite activity is watching the Animal Planet network and learning more about animals from around the world. For Beighle’s Gift of a Day, Crossroads Hospice brought the animals to her with a visit from the Cincinnati Zoo’s Wildlife Comes to You program.

Created by Crossroads Hospice, the Gift of a Day program asks patients what their perfect day is and staff and volunteers work to make it a reality. The process begins as soon as a patient is admitted.

Throughout the day, Beighle and fellow residents interacted with reptiles, birds and other creatures. While some residents were timid, she volunteered to touch a baby alligator, armadillo and snake without hesitation.

“The Gift of a Day program brings out the best in the community, with Crossroads staff, volunteers and area businesses coming together to create special moments for these seriously ill patients,” said Lee Ann Taylor, executive director for Crossroads Hospice’s Cincinnati office. “The requests are as varied as the patients we serve, challenging us to find creative ways to bring about a perfect day. The Gifts have brought smiles, tears, laughter and joy to countless terminally ill patients and their families.”

The Gift of a Day program was inspired by Jim Stovall’s novel, “The Ultimate Gift.” Blind from age 29 due to a degenerative eye condition, Stovall went on to become an International Humanitarian of the Year, a national Olympic weightlifting champion, Emmy-award winner, world-renowned author and speaker.

To read more about Ultimate Gift experiences visit crossroadshospice.com. For more information about Crossroads Hospice, call (513) 793-5070.

http://cincinnati.com

KC hospice patient honored with 'Star Wars' celebration through Crossroads Hospice Gift of a Day program

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

KansasCity.com

Kansas City resident Tom Allison grew up watching the original Star Wars trilogy, following the epic adventures of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker and acting out lightsaber battles with his friends. A hospice patient at age forty-one, he wanted to spend his “Gift of a Day” reliving favorite memories as a lifelong fan of the series. Darth Vader, his infamous Stormtroopers, and over 100 of Allison’s family and friends gathered to celebrate his life.

“The Gift of a Day program brings out the best in the community, with Crossroads staff, volunteers and area businesses coming together to create special moments for these seriously ill patients,” says Janet Hessenflow, Executive Director for Crossroads Hospice’s Kansas City office. “The requests are as varied as the patients we serve, challenging us to find creative ways to bring about a perfect day. The Gifts have brought smiles, tears, laughter and joy to countless terminally ill patients and their families.”

To read more about "Ultimate Gift" experiences visit www.crossroadshospice.com. For more information about Crossroads Hospice, call (816) 333-9200.

Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry. To continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers.

End of life planning eases pain, suffering for all

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

Atlanta Journal Constitution

By John Bishop

If you’ve ever tried to talk with teenagers about drugs or sex, you know how difficult it is to broach a sensitive topic with a loved one.

But as difficult as these conversations are, there’s one that’s even tougher.

According to a national survey by the National Healthcare Decisions Day coalition, Americans are less likely to talk to a seriously-ill parent about their end-of-life wishes than they are to have the birds and the bees or “just say no” talks with their kids.

It’s no surprise that people avoid talking about the end of life. But it’s a conversation that’s too important to dismiss.

In the past five years, four out of 10 Americans had a friend or relative suffer from a terminal illness or go into a coma. Most of them had to deal with the medical crisis along with the issue of withholding life-sustaining treatment.

Unfortunately, waiting until there’s a medical emergency is often too late. At that point, many patients are unable to communicate their wishes.

But it’s not that they haven’t thought about it. According to a Pew Research Center study — 71 percent of Americans have considered their end-of-life treatment preferences. The problem — they haven’t communicated them to loved ones or to doctors.

That’s why April 16 next week is designated as National Healthcare Decisions Day — a time to encourage everyone to think, talk about and document your wishes with an advance directive.

It lets you name someone to speak for you if you’re unable. It also spells out what types of treatments you do or don’t want and when to choose other options such as hospice care, which focuses on improving the quality of terminally ill patients’ lives until the end.

An advance directive can be completed without hiring a lawyer. It’s easy to do and it’s free.

More than 1,000 local, state and national organizations — including Crossroads Hospice in Tucker — are participating in National Healthcare Decisions Day. Many will be wearing white ribbons — a reminder for everyone to take the first step in talking about end-of-life issues.

While public discussion around end-of-life care has certainly increased, the fact remains that only one in four Americans has completed an advance directive.

On April 16, I encourage you to visit nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org, where you’ll find free advance directives forms for every state, along with other resources.

The simple act of expressing your wishes on paper can turn out to be an incredible gift for your family. When the time comes, they won’t face panic or indecision in regard to your care. Rather, they’ll be there to celebrate a lifetime of love and happy memories.

John Bishop is the executive director of Crossroads Hospice in Tucker.

www.ajc.com

Marine pilot honored for decades of service to U.S.

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Western Star

By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer

TURTLECREEK TWP. — For 25 years, Maj. Leonard Mapes, 88, flew enemy skies and spent long periods of time away from his family in order to protect his country. Even today, he proudly wears a Marine cap and colors and speaks freely of what a life as a serviceman meant to him.

“I was always honored to be a Marine and serve my country,” Mapes said.

Mapes was honored by the U.S. Marine Corps, friends, neighbors and Crossroads Hospice on Tuesday at the Otterbein Retirement Center. Mapes served as a pilot in the Marine Corps from 1943 until 1968, including flying planes and jets in both World War II and the Korean War.

“This was a great surprise,” Mapes said after the ceremony.

Many other residents who were also veterans attended the ceremony to salute him and reminisce about various tours of duty.

Mapes, who was born in Michigan, entered the Marines in 1943 at the heart of World War II. Mapes had always wanted to fly and soon fulfilled his wish by becoming a pilot.

His most harrowing experience occurred during the Korean War when he was shot down over the Pacific Ocean while on a mission.

“It wasn’t much fun,” Mapes said of his crash. “We picked up a couple of rounds in our tail. Nothing flies too well after that.”

Mapes was rescued by American forces shortly after the crash.

Between wars, Mapes married Dora, who is still his wife to this day. They met at a church party and became inseparable thereafter, Dora said. They had three boys together. The two sat together at the ceremony.

Dora carried a Chinese document that Mapes said was presented to him by Chinese military leader Chiang Kai-shek and Kai-shek’s wife.

After all this time, neither Mapes nor his wife have ever had the document translated.

Tuesday’s ceremony was arranged by Crossroads Hospice. Mapes was given a special pin from the Marines as well as a plaque and an American flag.

“This was absolutely great,” said Capt Jason Schrage, who presented Mapes with the award.

“I wish we had time to do more events like this on an individual basis. It’s an honor to make time for an event like this,” he said.

http://www.western-star.com

Salute, lobster meal part of 76-year-old’s ‘Gift of a Day’

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST

Dayton Daily News

By Mark Gokavi, Staff Writer

TROTWOOD — This was the military career send-off Frances Greene deserved.

The 1952 Dunbar High School graduate and 30-year Air Force veteran was honored with her “Gift of a Day” on Feb. 10 at Friendship Village.

“Thank you all for being here, I love you all,” Greene told the friends and family who came to honor her. “Thank you for coming out in this weather to see an old lady like me.”

Greene, 76, suffers from dementia, according to family members.

The initiative is part of Crossroads Hospice’s program to honor its patients with end-of-life celebrations, events or ceremonies. They can be simple meals or attending events or something elaborate such as a performance by a Frank Sinatra impersonator.

Volunteer coordinator Michael Sanders said patients are asked, “If you only had one day to live, what would it look like?” For Greene, who retired as a lieutenant colonel, her day involved a lobster meal and being honored for her three decades as a military nurse.

Greene’s day included the national anthem; the pledge of allegiance; a letter from Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown honoring her during Black History Month; a patriotic poem; a pin honoring her military service; a plaque; and a salute.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base personnel attending included Col. Sandra Tynes, Maj. Jason Ekberg, Maj. Jennifer Lovato, Maj. Katrina Terry and ROTC Cadet Juliana Nine.

Though details of Greene’s service were not readily available, the emotions of gratitude were obvious. Tynes teared up when talking about the importance of military service from black women such as Greene.

“Probably during the time she was serving, she probably faced a lot of challenges,” said Tynes, who also is black. “For that, I’m truly grateful for those sacrifices she made, because it truly paved the way for myself and other people.

http://www.daytondailynews.com

An issue we need to talk about

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST

By MARTHA EPLING

Executive Director of Crossroads Hospice’s office in Cincinnati

Despite the debate about whether or not Medicare should pay for end-of-life conversations between physicians and patients, one thing remains abundantly clear: These discussions must happen if we're going to respect people's wishes and provide the quality of care that everyone deserves.

And despite the perception that Americans don't want to talk about the issue, the facts say otherwise.

Among the quality-of-life options for those facing a terminal illness is hospice. A recent national survey from Crossroads Hospice found that when it comes to their own loved ones, one out of every three consumers and physicians said they would like to start the hospice conversation at the time of diagnosis or the start of treatment. Yet only one out of five physicians actually starts the conversation then.

Being ready to discuss hospice is clearly a very personal matter. Sadly, many physicians and patients wait until all treatment options have been exhausted to even bring up the subject.

It's no wonder that half of hospice patients today receive care for less than three weeks, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Another reason: 68 percent of consumers (68 percent) and a surprising number of physicians (36 percent) were unaware of the Medicare hospice benefit according to the new Crossroads survey. It's a coverage option that has been around for more than two decades and has not changed with the new healthcare policy.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit meets the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill, Medicare-eligible patients. It covers 100 percent of many services, including doctor visits, nursing care, medical equipment and supplies, hospice aides, medications, homemaker services, physical and occupational therapists, and chaplaincy services. This is not just end-of-life counseling. Hospice care helps the terminally ill live the remainder of their lives with comfort and confidence.

Patients and their families can choose any Medicare-recognized hospice they want. More than 90 percent of hospices in the U.S., including Crossroads Hospice in Cincinnati, are certified by Medicare. The benefit lasts for as long as the patient is certified as terminally ill by a doctor or hospice medical director.

Another little known fact: Benefits continue after the patient passes away with support services for the family.

There are many resources available to learn more about hospice care. Medicare's web site, medicare.gov, has comprehensive information on the hospice benefit. To find local, Medicare-recognized hospice organizations, visit ohpco.org, the Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's free online resource.

Martha Epling is Executive Director of Crossroads Hospice's office in Cincinnati.

http://www.timesgazette.com

Over 230,000 Ohioans living with Alzheimer's

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST

Chagrin Solon Sun

Next week is Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Week, and a time to recognize the over 230,000 people in Ohio living with Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that causes a severe loss of memory, difficulty completing tasks and changes in behavior. As a loved one declines they may forget childhood memories or names of family members, and may lash out in anger and confusion. For more than 435,000 caregivers in Ohio, these changes can feel like losing the person they knew, over and over again.

It’s normal to feel a sense of grief when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. From abandonment to guilt and anger, caregivers experience a range of emotions around a disease that slowly takes away their grandparent, parent, spouse or friend.

As a caregiver, it’s important to accept that the progression of the disease is beyond your control. Focus on the positive memories you share with the person: a holiday tradition, trip to the beach or laughing at a movie. And remember, there are thousands of people in your area who are facing the same challenge.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Talk with a close friend or family about your feelings. Connect with other caregivers in community support groups. Sharing your emotions will help you come to terms with the disease and provide better care for your loved one.

John Monnin

Bereavement Coordinator

Crossroads Hospice, Valley View

http://www.cleveland.com

Inpatient hospice services now offered at GMC

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST

Gwinnett Daily Post

By Tyler Estep, Staff Writer

LAWRENCEVILLE — Gwinnett Medical Center has entered a partnership that allows it to offer inpatient hospice services.

Staffed by employees from Tucker-based Crossroads Hospice and newly-trained GMC workers, inpatient hospice beds with around-the-clock support for patients and families are now available.

“We are thrilled with our partnership with Gwinnett Medical,” said John Bishop, the executive director of Crossroads Hospice of Atlanta. “We believe that our staff, working side by side with the GMC hospital staff, will truly give patients the most compassionate and expert care available.”

Patients taking advantage of the service will receive care and treatment by an interdisciplinary team including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, aides, pharmacists and psychosocial support staff. In addition, a Crossroads nurse manager, social worker and chaplain will provide on-site care while being on call 24 hours a day.

GMC staff members received months of lead training in hospital and palliative care.

Crossroads Hospice will also provide grief support to family and friends for a minimum of 13 months following their loss. Bereavement support groups on the Lawrenceville campus will be available for all local residents that have lost a loved one.

“This is about much more than pain management,” GMC Director of Palliative Care Services Donna Hyatt said. “This is about helping seriously ill patients and their families avoid the back and forth to the hospital, make the most of their time together, celebrate life and find peace in letting go.”

For more information on Crossroads Hospice, visit www.crossroadshospice.com.

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com

World Heart Day - A day to recognize the importance of keeping your heart healthy

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

September 14, 2010

Dear Editor,

September 26 is World Heart Day – a day to recognize the importance of keeping your heart healthy. But what do you do if your heart feels broken?

For some people who have lost a family member or close friend, the sensation of a broken heart isn’t their imagination. It’s called broken heart syndrome, and it’s caused by a rush of stress hormones and it feels like a heart attack. For others, feelings of depression and hopelessness as they’re grieving can actually increase the risk of heart attacks and heart disease, according to a study done by Johns Hopkins Hospital.

As World Heart Day approaches, it’s a good time to take simple steps to take care of your heart. Working through the grief process can be as hard on your body as it is on your spirit. The wise advice about paying attention to what you eat and maintaining some form of moderate exercise is especially important now.

In all cases, what’s healthy for your heart is also healthy for your mind.

Sincerely,
Shannon Good
Bereavement Coordinator
Crossroads Hospice, Hudson, OH

PDF Version

Op-Ed: Elderly Americans in nursing homes should have hospice instead of agressive treatment

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

Two studies published today in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest that a surprising number of elderly Americans in nursing homes should have hospice care instead of aggressive treatment.

Unfortunately, a large number of people who are eligible for hospice won’t take advantage of it. The reason? They have no idea that Medicare takes the financial strain completely off patients and their family caregivers.

Hospice care alleviates the many needs of patients as they approach the end of their lives. It also relieves the burden of family members and friends that have sacrificed much in caring for their loved ones. Hospice can be provided in a nursing care facility, in a hospital, or at home.

According to a recent survey by the National Hospice Foundation, 90 percent of Americans don’t know the Medicare Hospice Benefit exists, although this extraordinary coverage has been around for more than two decades. And while there are many reasons why people remain in the dark, one thing is clear: we need to shed the light on a benefit that is a godsend to many families.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit meets the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients. It covers 100 percent of many services, including doctor visits, nursing care, medical equipment and supplies, hospice aides, homemaker services, physical and occupational therapists, and chaplaincy services. This is not end-of-life counseling. Hospice care helps the terminally ill live the remainder of their lives in dignity.

Patients and their families can choose any Medicare-recognized hospice they want. More than 90 percent of hospices in the U.S., including Crossroads Hospice in Cleveland, are certified by Medicare.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit lasts for as long as the patient is certified as terminally ill by a doctor or hospice medical director. Many believe that after six months, the benefit ends. In fact, if a patient lives longer than six months and is still deemed terminally ill, they can continue to receive hospice services at no charge.

Another little known fact: the Medicare Hospice Benefit continues after the patient passes away. The patient’s family is cared for through support services, such as grief recovery programs and chaplaincy services.

Full PDF

Op-Ed: According to the NHPCO, more than 13 million people juggle the huge responsibilities of working full-time while caring for family members

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

It’s fitting that we have a day like Labor Day to honor workers for their contributions to our nation’s strength and prosperity. First celebrated in 1882 by a labor union and declared a legal holiday by Congress in 1894, Labor Day has evolved from a day of honor to the unofficial end of summer. Here in Oklahoma, our 1.8 million full time-workers celebrate with neighborhood barbecues, family get-togethers and other final hurrahs.

But let’s remember Labor Day’s real meaning and use it as a time to recognize issues facing today’s employees. Among the most serious: working full-time while caring for elderly family members. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), more than 13 million people juggle these two huge responsibilities. For them, there is no day of rest.

In fact, the job of caregiver comes with a serious price. From higher levels of depression and anxiety to coping with feelings from despair to apathy, the emotional toll is significant. Physical pains such as headaches and back pains are common. Together, the emotional and physical stresses can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.

Naturally, there’s a huge impact for U.S. businesses. The National Alliance for Caregiving estimates that those with eldercare responsibilities cost employers $13.4 billion a year in excess medical costs. The NHPCO found that lateness, absenteeism, employee turnover and loss of efficiency add up to $25 billion in lost productivity. The financial impact is staggering.

The bottom line: care giving is a vital business issue. Employers lose output and face increased healthcare costs. Employees lose jobs, opportunities for advancement, and in many cases, their health.

Help is available for both the employee and the employer. One good source is the Caring Connections program. Created by the NHPCO, it gives working caregivers tips, from advice on managing finances to creating a safe home environment for an ill loved one. It also provides guidance for all employees to support someone who is grieving.

For employers, there’s a guide to work life programs and policies, suggestions on helping employees cope after a serious event, and even how your company can deal with grief when an employee dies.

Without a doubt, working caregivers need and deserve our support. Let’s show them that the selfless tasks they do for loved ones and their diligent work on the job is appreciated, not just on Labor Day, but on every day of the year.

Perry Farmer is the President and Co-Founder of Crossroads Hospice, headquartered in Tulsa, OK.

PDF Version

Seriousillness.org Launched to Support Family Caregivers

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST

Seriousillness.org Launched to Support Family Caregivers

Atlanta, GA –August 6, 2010—If you’re one of the 30 million adult daughters and sons caring for a seriously-ill family member, you’re the backbone of the health care system. The average caregiver spends more than 20 hours a week taking care of a loved one, making personal sacrifices to provide the support that is needed.

“Living with Serious Illness” is a new caregiver support website that provides practical information to make the family's job easier. The site features an online directory of local services—like support groups, transportation services, and in-home health. Also included are articles about medical concerns, emotional–spiritual issues, and important legal and financial decisions. Visit www.seriousillness.org/atlanta to learn more.
Researchers have found that family caregivers turn to the Internet as a resource, even before physicians and friends. A study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project also showed that almost four out of 10 individuals on the Internet have used it in the last 2 years to help someone dealing with a major illness.

In addition to providing support for caregivers, “Living with Serious Illness” can serve as a resource for local physician offices and other professionals that help families of the seriously ill. Office staff can look up local services for patients, or familiarize themselves with recent research reports by leading organizations in the field.

Press Release PDF

Crossroads Hospice Announces Call for Nominations for First-Ever "Caring More"

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST

Crossroads Hospice Announces Call for Nominations for First-Ever “Caring More” Award

$1,000 Goes to Extraordinary Social Worker in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Nominations due August 6

PHILADELPHIA — July 23, 2010 — Social workers give so much to our communities every day, but seldom get special recognition for their tireless efforts. In a move to honor social workers and their advocacy for those in need, Crossroads Hospice announces the first “Caring More” award for a social worker who goes above and beyond for his/her patients and community. Nominations are currently being accepted.

The award includes a $500 cash prize for the winner and $500 to the charity of his or her choice. It also includes a breakfast in the winner’s honor. The award will be given to the nominee who “does more” to improve lives through their work and beyond. Judges will consider the candidate’s professional accomplishments, patient advocacy efforts and contributions to the community.

Press Release PDF

Crossroads Hospice Cuts Ribbon on New $1.8 Million Home, Celebrates New Jobs

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 EST

Crossroads Hospice Cuts Ribbon on New $1.8 Million Home, Celebrates New Jobs
Company grows from 10 to 80 employees, will continue hiring

WHAT
A celebration of job creation and business growth. Established in 1995 and serving the Dayton area since 2007, Crossroads Hospice officially cuts the ribbon on its new home, marking a significant addition to the local economy. In 36 months, Crossroads has grown from 10 to 80 employees, contributing $6 million annually in payroll. It is currently hiring 10 employees and expects to add another 25 within the next 12 months.

Crossroads invested $1.8 million to build its new 10,000 square foot home, creating 20,000+ hours of construction work. Synergy Building Systems of Beavercreek, OH constructed the building.

WHO
Washington Township trustee Dale Berry and members of the community will gather for an open house and celebration.

WHEN
Thursday, May 20
Ribbon cutting: 4:30 pm

Open house continues until 7 pm

WHERE
8069 Washington Village Drive, Dayton, OH
BACKGROUND

Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers.
Press Release PDF

Beautiful Balloon Launch and Community Cook-Out Honor Loved Ones' Memories with Joy

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 EST

Beautiful Balloon Launch and Community Cook-Out Honor Loved Ones’ Memories with Joy

WHAT:
Cotton candy, popcorn, sidewalk chalk and colorful balloons are not typical fare at a memorial service. Crossroads Hospice hosts a casual and festive memorial picnic for those who have lost family members in the past year.
•   The goal: to help the bereaved remember their loved ones with joy.
•   The highlight: everyone writes messages of remembrance, ties them to balloons, and launches them skyward en masse.

WHY:
With Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings and Memorial Day, this is a particularly difficult time of year for anyone who has lost a family member or other loved one. Crossroads hopes to ease the pain by offering an upbeat opportunity to remember family and friends.

WHO:   From strollers to wheelchairs—dozens of toddlers, teens, adults and seniors gather to create a supportive community with staff members from Crossroads Hospice.

WHEN/WHERE:
Kansas City: Tuesday, May 11th—C. Lee Kenagy Park, 79th & Raytown Road
Northland: Wednesday, May 12th—Oak Grove Park, 800 NE 76th St., KCMO 64118
Sedalia: Thursday, May 13th—Liberty Park, 1500 W. 3rd Street

6 pm      Dinner
7 pm      Balloon Launch

VISUALS:
   Dozens of colorful balloons—each tied with a message—float to the heavens as tots, school-aged children and adults watch and remember beloved family members.

BACKGROUND:
   Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers.

Press Release PDF

Stress Awareness Month - A great time to take control of the things that cause you strain and anxiety

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST

April is Stress Awareness Month—a great time to take control of the things that cause you strain and anxiety.

According to Mental Health America, most of us feel stress. We’re faced with a multitude of challenges in our busy lives. We’re worried about money, our jobs and our health.

The good news is that there are dozens of ways to cope. Take some time for things that give you joy: go out with friends, read a book, work in your garden. Take a nap or a walk. Allow yourself time for privacy and quiet.

For many, these simple acts are just what are needed. For others, especially those who’ve lost a loved one, the answers aren’t as simple. People in mourning experience multiple losses—broken dreams and expectations, changes in income, and the question of what do I do now that I’m not a caregiver?

For those who are grieving a loss of any kind—a job, a friend, a spouse—remember this: don’t go it alone. There are support groups for the unemployed, the recently widowed, and those facing illness. At Crossroads Hospice, we offer a grief recovery program to help people move beyond the pain of any loss and achieve healing.

Reach out and ask for help. It’s a great first step to reducing stress of any kind.
Sincerely,

Bent Jones
Bereavement Coordinator
Crossroads Hospice, Georgia

PDF Version

Op-Ed: Americans less likely to talk to a parent about end-of-lie wishes than a "just say no" talk with their kids

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST

If you’ve ever tried to talk with teenagers about drugs or sex, you know how difficult it is to broach a sensitive topic with a loved one. But as difficult as these conversations are, there’s one that’s even tougher.

According to a national survey by the National Healthcare Decision Day coalition, Americans are less likely to talk to a seriously-ill parent about their end-of-life wishes than they are to have the birds and the bees or ‘just say no’ talks with their kids.

It’s no surprise that people avoid talking about the end of life. But it’s a conversation that’s too important to dismiss.

In the last five years, four out of 10 Americans had a friend or relative suffer from a terminal illness or go into a coma. Most of them had to deal with the medical crisis along with the issue of withholding life-sustaining treatment.

Unfortunately, waiting until there’s a medical emergency is often too late. At that point, many patients are unable to communicate their wishes.

But it’s not that they haven’t thought about it. According to a Pew Research Center study—71 percent of Americans have considered their end-of-life treatment preferences. The problem—they haven’t communicated them to loved ones or to doctors.

That’s why April 16 is designated as National Healthcare Decisions Day—a time to encourage everyone to think, talk about and document your wishes with an advance directive. It lets you name someone to speak for you if you’re unable. It also spells out what types of treatments you do or don’t want and when to choose other options such as hospice care, which focuses on improving the quality of terminally ill patients’ lives until the end.

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Hospice Volunteers help provide a system of care for patients and families

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Crossroads Hospice Seeks Compassionate, Caring Volunteers Hospice volunteers help provide a system of care for patients and families

Crossroads Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to hospice patients and their families in Oklahoma, Lincoln, Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Logan, Pottawatomie and McClain counties.

Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes, hospitals or nursing facilities once a week. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands, or provide respite for those caring for terminally ill loved ones.

“Volunteers make a world of difference in the lives of hospice patients and their families,” says Emily Hart, volunteer coordinator. “By doing the little things such as helping with basic household chores, being a friendly voice to patients, and giving caregivers a much needed break, volunteers can make a big difference to families during a difficult and strenuous time.”

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Emily Hart at (405) 632-9631.
Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers.

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