RUTLAND—2014 marks the 40th anniversary of Hospice in the United States, and two organizations are coming together to celebrate the milestone with month-long community events.
Beginning Nov. 2, 2014, Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (RAVNAH) and Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) will host a series of events aimed at raising awareness of the hospice and palliative care programs available to Rutland County residents. All events will be held at the Chaffee Art Center Mansion on S. Main Street and are free and open to the public.
Special screening of “The Bucket List” and the Bucket Tree
This classic movie is a story of two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die. Refreshments will be served and a discussion will follow the film, as will the introduction of the live Rutland Community Bucket Tree, on which participants may hang their own personal wish list. The Bucket Tree will be planted within the Rutland community at the end of Hospice Month. Look for colorful buckets all around the Rutland community to place your bucket list in! Your list will be added to the Rutland Community Bucket Tree, and presented at the screening. Paramount Theater, Sunday Nov. 2, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Chaffee Art Center art show: “The Art of Dying”
RAVNAH and RRMC partner with the Chaffee Art Center to present “The Art of Dying” exhibit. Various artists come together to display their works embodying this poignant theme. The show closes December 5. Opening night will feature the Hospice Trillium Singers and refreshments. Chaffee Art Center Mansion, Friday Nov. 7, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Hospice and Palliative Care Panel and Discussion at the Chaffee Art Center Mansion
Join a panel of health care professions for an informational evening on hospice and palliative care. The presentation will be followed by a discussion and Q&A with the panel. Topics will include medication questions, role of social workers, bereavement assistance, volunteering, and more. Chaffee Art Center Mansion, Tuesday Nov. 11, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
“Start the Conversation” presentation and workshop
In life we prepare for everything, but we seldom prepare for the end. Know your end-of-life care options and get help with advance health care planning. Learn how to take the first step. Chaffee Art Center hosts presenter Kay Jones, RAVNAH Hospice Social Worker. Chaffee Art Center Mansion, Thursday Nov. 13, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Death Café program
The international program, Death Café, provides participants with an opportunity to share in honest conversations about death, dying, and loss in a relaxed café atmosphere. Come and enjoy coffee, tea, chocolate, and other refreshments while joining in meaningful conversations guided by the program organizers. To register, call Ann at 802.770.1516. Chaffee Art Center Mansion, Sunday Nov. 16, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Healing Grief through the Creative Process
Artist Susan Farrow and psychotherapist Ann LaRocque will explore the many facets of grieving and the healing effect that artistic expression can have when re-creating a life after loss. Chaffee Art Center Mansion, Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Wake Up to Dying Audio Exhibit
The Wake Up To Dying Project gathers stories about death, dying and life, and supplements them with art exhibits and discussion, in effort to change the way we think and talk about dying. Come listen and consider what life and death mean to you. Chaffee Art Center Mansion, Thursday through Friday noon to 6:00, Saturday noon to 5:00 throughout November.
The Chaffee Art Center Mansion is located at 15 South Main Street in Rutland, directly across from the bandstand park. Parking is at the rear of the building.
