St. Joseph volunteers

BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare honored 86 volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon April 22. Volunteers donated 20,258 combined hours of service, which represents a value of $335,075. They are:

. 45 years – Gloria Cyr.

. 27 years – Constance Kelsey.

. 20-24 years – Thomas Healy, Milly Ranney, Phyllis Smith and Clara Swan.

. 15-19 years – Christine DiPompo.

. 10-14 years – Anne Fecteau and Charles Rich.

. 5-9 years – Susan Everett, Mary Glans, May Pardy, Ellen Pelletier, Jason Picard, Minerva Proctor, Albert Ross, Marianne Ruhrold, Stephen Stout, Jeannette Treworgy and John Werdt.

Other volunteers honored include Patrick McDonough, Kristin Weeks, Marjorie Robinson, Helen Dentici, Timothy Arbuckle, Albert “Joe” Ayotte, Kevin Carman, Susan Everett, Grace Nugent, Mary Brockway, Robert Danils, David Danielson, Lewis Fye, Martha Hsu, Catherine Maher, Joan Tremble, Sister Mary Columba, Eleanor Dann, Sterling Dymond III, Gladys Ewing, Danielle Gamblin, Megan Harnish, Kathleen Hill, Jacqueline Kenney, David Knights, Randy Lackovic, Donna Maynard, Chelsea Mucciarone, Glenna Rush, Anne Smith, Dorothy Symanski, William Vandegrift, Lillian Begin, Joan Day, Rebecca Kolenik, Theresa Maher, Mike Noyes and Peter Stone.

Those who volunteer in Helen’s Gift Shop, located in St. Joseph Hospital, also were honored. They include Marion Bailey, Sonjia Bernier, Hazel Clewley, Betty Cobb, Margaret Cote, Beth Dalton, Lena Gilleland, Phyllis Goss, Valerie Higgins, Eleanor Israel, Shirin Khavari, Nicole LaPointe, Catharine Lebowitz, Marilyn McLeod, Joanne MacIntosh, Shirley Rinard, Ellen Sargent, Mary Searway, Alice Shannon, Dawn Simpson, Marguerita Sullivan, Carolyn Weber and Norma Wilks.

Alzheimer’s teleconference

Many families in this region are affected by the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease. Hospice of Eastern Maine is pleased to be the local host for Hospice Foundation of America’s 11th annual teleconference, which this year is titled “Living With Grief: Alzheimer’s Disease.”

It will be held 1:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Mason Auditorium in Bangor. The cost is $10. The local teleconference is being sponsored in part by Dignity Memorial.

An expert panel will discuss what is known medically about the diagnosis, progression, and treatment of the Alzheimer’s disease.

With Cokie Roberts as moderator, the televised panel will explore some innovative programs for patients and caregivers coping with Alzheimer’s; focus on the particular grief issues that patients and families face during the course of illness; and examine the challenges and opportunities that Alzheimer’s disease presents to clinicians, caregivers, hospice workers, and policy advocates. The panel will also discuss dementias other than Alzheimer’s.

A post-teleconference discussion will be held 4-4:30 p.m. with a panel of experts from Maine: Elizabeth Weaver, program director for the Maine Alzheimer’s Association; Sally Smith, Alzheimer’s care manager at Mount Desert Island Hospital; and Elizabeth Grantham, director of social services at Westgate Manor. To register for the conference, contact Alicia Guite at 973-6550.

Rape Response Services

BANGOR – Rape Response Services invites the public to attend the sixth annual “Take a Stand Against Sexual Assault” 5-6 p.m. Friday, April 30, at Borders in Bangor.

Borders also will host benefit days April 30 and May 1. The Clothesline Project will be on display, and participants will have the opportunity to design their own paper T-shirts.

For 16 years, Rape Response Services has been providing support to those affected by sexual violence. Support groups and educational programs for schools and community groups are offered free of charge in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. The 24-hour, confidential hot line is available by calling (800) 310-0000.

Health fund applicants

BANGOR – Organizations seeking to improve the health and welfare of the Greater Bangor community are encouraged to apply for funding from the Maine Community Foundation’s Penobscot Valley Health Association Fund. Application deadline is May 15. Only nonprofit and public organizations with 501(c)(3) tax status are eligible to apply.

The fund’s advisory committee, which reviews proposals, is interested in supporting efforts to address overlooked health needs, especially those that target the physical and mental health needs of youth that are not adequately met. Priority also will be given to proposals that involve the targeted population in design, implementation and evaluation of the project, draw upon the strengths of the community and foster collaboration between community groups.

Last year, the PVHA Fund awarded $78,386 to Penobscot Community Health Center, Penquis Community Action Program, the River Coalition in Orono and Opportunity Housing in Hermon.

To learn more about the Maine Community Foundation and the Penobscot Valley Health Association Fund, call toll free (877) 700-6800.

Hospice volunteers

BANGOR – Hospice of St. Joseph is seeking volunteers to provide companionship, assistance and support to hospice patients and their loved ones.

Hospice volunteers are a vital part of the hospice team, which is dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care to patients in a comfortable home setting. Team members provide spiritual, emotional and physical support to terminally ill patients and their families.

Those interested in volunteering should call Hospice of St. Joseph at 262-1810 to request an application. Hospice volunteers are required to complete training before providing care. Training will begin in June and will take place at Home Health and Hospice of St. Joseph, 900 Broadway, Building 2.

Blaine House Silver Tea

AUGUSTA – To increase awareness of alcoholism and its relationship to women’s health problems, Gov. John Baldacci has proclaimed May 11-17 as Women and Alcohol Awareness Week.

In conjunction with the week, The Women’s Addiction Services Council will hold the annual Silver Tea at the Blaine House from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13. Women who are in treatment or recovery, service providers and community members are invited.

The Silver Tea recognizes and celebrates the efforts of women who are engaged in recovery. The event also raises awareness throughout Maine of the public health issues and the multiple problems of women and their families affected by the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

The Women’s Addiction Services Council comprises seven member agencies that share a commitment to support women in recovery. They are: The Maine Association of Substance Abuse Programs; The Women’s Project, an initiative of People’s Regional OpportunityProgram; Wellspring Inc.; Crossroads for Women; New Directions-HealthReach Network; Supported Journey into Recovery, a program of Community Concepts; and Healthy Generations-The Addiction Resource Center.

Reservations are required to attend the Silver Tea at the Blaine House. RSVP to Bobbi at (800) 698-4959, Ext. 336.