Hospice Hosts

Its Annual Summer Breakfast

By Tanjua Damon

The Newtown Chapter of Regional Hospice held its 13th Annual Summer Breakfast June 13 at the Fireside Inn. The breakfast is a fundraiser to help the organization continue its extensive services for the community’s terminally ill and their families.

Janet Hovious and Marg Studley co-chaired this year’s event. The room was filled with members of the community who enjoyed breakfast that was served by familiar faces.

“This morning is a Hospice day,” Ms Hovious said. “We have many special people. We are proud of each of you for the work you do and have done.”

Judge William J. Lavery, Jr, was the speaker for the breakfast. He shared two experiences he has had with the organization — the deaths of his uncle and his wife Flora.

“We are sure of two things in life, taxes and death,” Judge Lavery said. “The taxes come in the mail, but we do not know when death is to come to ourselves or to our loved ones.”

He told the crowd that Hospice helped his family with their needs at a difficult time and that the organization is one people can rely on when trying to deal with multiple situations.

“I will always be grateful to Hospice,” he said.

President of the Board of Directors for the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, Inc Thomas Arconti thanked those who were committed to the organization.

“We’re one that served our community in one of the intimate ways it can be done,” Mr Arconti said. “I’m very proud of the people who give that care. We’re committed to doing that, but we also know we can’t do it without you.”

Members of the Newtown Chapter Fundraisers are Janet Hovious, Marg Studley, Barbara Webb, Marilyn Alexander, Sara Carnrick, Ellyn Gehrett, Helen Herbold, Colleen Honan, Shirley Johnson, Pat and Ken Stroud, Marie Sturdevant, Donna Williams, and honorary member Pat Hayes.

Hospice will be offering a Bereavement Support Group at the C.H. Booth Library beginning July 24 from 5 to 6:30 pm. The group will meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. For more information call 888-357-3334 extension 37.