1670 JFK RoadDubuque, IA 52002

563.582.1220www.hospiceofdubuque.orginfo@hospiceofdubuque.org

Tree of Life Memorial Service

Spring 2011 Issue

Executive Director 2

BestFest Wrapup 3

Dancing With the Stars 4

Memorials/Honorariums 6

Special Thanks 8

Volunteers 10, 11

Throughout the last year of growth, the Tree of Life in Washington Park has gained another ring. Similarly, Hospice of Dubuque has encircled many new families with compassionate care. The Tree of Life stands as a symbol of the consolation drawn from the memories of a loved one.

The Hospice of Dubuque Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers invite the entire community to gather in Washington Park for the annual Hospice of Dubuque Tree of Life Memorial Service and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, May 24, at 7:30 pm. Each year, the Tree of Life is decorated with lights representing a person remembered or honored and remains lit through Memorial Day. Join us as we share music, reflections and companionship during the brief ceremony and let the memories of those we love be relived in our minds and hearts.

If you would like to remember someone with a light, send a tax-deductible gift of any amount, along with the name of the person who has touched your life to Hospice of Dubuque. All names received by Friday, May 20, will be included in the Tree of Life program. All donations are used to continue the mission of providing compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones in the tri-state area. On behalf of those members of the community who benefit from your continuing generosity, thank you.

Again this year, Behr’s Funeral Home is the sponsor of advertising for the Tree of Life Memorial Service. We thank them for their commitment to Hospice of Dubuque and to this event.

Volunteer WeekApril 10-16

Please join us for a retirement reception

The entire community is invited to an Open House in honor of the retirement of Hospice of Dubuque’s Executive Director, Barbara Zoeller. The Open House will be held Wednesday, April 13, from 2 to 4 pm in the Theisen Education Center at Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Road. Please join us to celebrate and thank Barb for her 24 years of dedication to Hospice of Dubuque.

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Thank youBarbara Zoeller, Executive DirectorAs I write this, the days are getting longer and the snow is melting. It is the time of year that we know we’ll make it through the last of the winter assaults and spring is near.

This expectation of spring, brings to mind how many times I have witnessed families learning to face adversity by taking the process one day at a time. When as staff, we have been challenged, our mantra has been, “this too shall pass.” Over my years as Hospice of Dubuque Executive Director, I have had the privilege of watching caregivers give and give, beyond exhaustion, when they needed to do so. I have seen dying individuals experience one loss after another, but do so with grace. I have seen volunteers generously give, just because someone needed help or support. I have worked with volunteer board members whom have added one more meeting to their busy schedules because they desired, for this community, the care that Hospice of Dubuque provides. And I have seen events that resulted from hundreds of volunteer hours that were freely given because the organizers and volunteers believed in the mission of Hospice of Dubuque.

These manifestations of care and support have been my experiences with Hospice of Dubuque families, volunteers and community members. Thus, how could I not be passionate about something so powerful and positive? In addition to the giving that I have witnessed, it has been my privilege to work with skilled and compassionate professionals and dedicated volunteers throughout the organization and community. When your work includes these experiences it is not work, it is a privilege to be involved with something that makes such a difference in lives.

This is my last newsletter article, thus I am taking this opportunity to say thank you to all those who have touched my professional life. You have taught me lessons regarding tenacity in the face of adversity as well as the many facets of love and true honor. Thank you for the many wonderful memories, the affirmations of the human spirit and the examples of genuine kindness. As I write this, I know the organization is in capable and dedicated hands and the transition will be smooth. Although I feel sad to leave, I am anxious to start the next phase of my life. I depart with an immense gratitude to all at Hospice of Dubuque who have touched my life and to all whom have supported Hospice of Dubuque in so many ways. Our combined efforts have enabled this organization to be what it has become. A final thank you must go to the Hospice of Dubuque staff. As we have worked to move

into the new era of hospice care, you have helped to maintain the essence of what the hospice pioneers gathered to establish as the gold standard model for end-of-life care in this community. The result has been hospice care with which I have been proud to be associated. Farewell and best wishes to all. My association with you and Hospice of Dubuque has been a true pleasure. Thank you.

Spring Bereavement Groups are currently being held and more sessions will be available in the fall.

If you are interested in attending an upcoming Bereavement Support Group, or would like more information, call Jessica, Bereavement Coordinator, at 563.582.1220.

Bereavement Support Groups

Medical DirectorsMark Hermann, MD, Co-Medical DirectorBrian Sullivan, MD, Co-Medical Director

Administrative StaffBarbara Zoeller, Executive DirectorLavonne Noel, Financial DirectorNancy Diehm, Psychosocial DirectorBonnie Hancock, Patient Care DirectorKaty Morrow, Nursing Services DirectorRenee Frith, Nursing Services Director

Officers, Board of DirectorsBrad Heying, PresidentSusan Bushman, Vice PresidentFr. William Joensen, SecretaryBruce Rehmke, Treasurer

Members, Board of DirectorsGreg BirkettCindy BurdtCarole CarrollLarry CremerVicki DirksenJared Freiburger, DOTom Giese Amy GilliganEileen LeMayAllen Meurer, MDRev. Kathleen MilliganFrancis “Chip” MurrayStephanie SavageChris Schiesl Betty Takes

Members, Foundation BoardDon FreymannRita HelleMike MartinBill MaiersBob MillerBruce RehmkeChuck Schrup IIIKen Snodgrass

You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”

- Dame Cicely SaundersFounder, St. Christopher’s Hospice

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BestFest 2011 proved to be another enjoyable event as a soldout crowd enjoyed samples from the “best” businesses at the Grand River Center on March 3. Thank you to the community for attending BestFest and to the winning businesses that participated in the event and/or provided raffle prizes. This event would not be possible without the many volunteers that donate their time counting ballots and working the night of the event.

Hospice of Dubuque is honored to be associated with BestFest and to have received over $26,000 from the proceeds. We appreciate the work of the dedicated members of the BestFest committee including: Carole Carroll Hospice of Dubuque; Bill Beutin, Greg Birkett and Cathy Fisher The Dubuque Advertiser; Jennifer Hanniford Dupaco Community Credit Union; Paul Gorrell Radio Dubuque; and Shannon Singsank OnMedia.

BestFest 2011 GOLD Sponsors: Budweiser/7G Distributing, Coca-Cola, Diamond Jo Casino, Dupaco Community Credit Union, Grand River Center, John Deere Dubuque Works, OnMedia, Radio Dubuque and The Dubuque Advertiser

BestFest 2011 SILVER Sponsors: A.Y. McDonald Foundation, Enterprise Fleet Management and The Finley Hospital

BestFest 2011 BRONZE Sponsors: Biechler Electric, Mercy Medical Center, Midwest Business Products and Sedona Staffing Services

Bowling for Hospice of Dubuque

BestFest 2011

Steve “Stooge” Then, and a group of friends, pooled their money to win the Bud Bus online auction. The package included 11 tickets to BestFest and a ride to and from BestFest via the Bud Bus. The Bud Bus was provided by Budweiser/7G Distributing. Additional prizes were donated by Dupaco Community Credit Union, Coca-Cola, Grand Harbor Resort, Miracle Car Wash, The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mindframe Theatre.

Bud Bus

Sponsorship of BestFest is a tremendous marketing opportunity for tri-state area businesses. Sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from $250 to $1,000. If you are interested in sponsoring BestFest 2012 please contact Hospice of Dubuque at 563.582.1220.

A large crowd enjoyed bowling at the Annual Bowling for Hospice of Dubuque on January 29 at Bowling & Beyond. After bowling, a party was held at Knicker’s, where bowlers were treated to Happy Joe’s pizza, thanks to a donation by Breitbach Construction. The evening also included the music of Marty and Brandon Bradley of Mobile Moosic. A silent auction was also held thanks to the generosity of many area businesses.

A special thank you to Wayne and Jodi Reinert, and their family and friends, for the time spent organizing the event. Thank you to Knicker’s, P.J.’s, Screaming Eagle, Jumpers, and Sandy Hook Tavern for registering the bowlers. Hospice of Dubuque also wishes to recognize Knicker’s for hosting the after party, Happy Joe’s and Breitbach Construction for providing pizza and Marty Bradley for donating his time and music. Hospice of Dubuque was pleased to receive $3,142 from these wonderful supporters.

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Dancing with the Stars Dubuque Style

Hospice of Dubuque is honored to have been chosen as the charity of Joey Anderson as she participates in Dancing with the Stars, Dubuque Style. The following letter, which was sent by Joey to her colleagues, supporters and friends, tells her story and why she chose to dance for Dubuque’s nonprofit hospice in memory of her unforgettable grandma.

As you may or may not have heard, I have been asked to participate in Dancing with the Stars, Dubuque Style on Saturday, April 16 at the Hotel Julien, an event sponsored by the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. I have been asked to dance the Rumba…please stop laughing! I have also been assigned a professional dance instructor, Mr. Adam Kieffer. Although I am NOT a big fan of going out in front of a crowd to make a complete fool of myself, I AM A HUGE FAN of raising money for charity, especially when every dollar I collect will be going to a local group that holds a special place in my heart…Hospice of Dubuque.

My grandmother Ruthie (Oneyear) Chapman and I had a very unique relationship. From as early on as I can remember, we were inseparable. Our lives were so intertwined, much more close to that of a mother/daughter relationship. We spoke nearly every single day throughout our years together and she was the first person I would call in nearly every instance. We were best friends, confidants and truly each other’s biggest cheerleader.

In early 2007, my grandma was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and given a very limited prognosis. Hospice of Dubuque came into our lives as a group of professionals to do a job, their task was to assist us as we took grandma home from the hospital and to keep her as comfortable as we could until her impending death. They left our lives as so much more…they truly were angels sent to care for, not only her but us, as we faced losing one of the most important cornerstones in our lives.

The next ten months were precious. Grandma loved her visits from her nurse, social worker and hospice aide who assisted with her personal care needs. She was graced with several visits from a music therapist who gave her the gift of music, something that she loved. She was assigned several volunteers and she was blessed with amazing volunteers. Whether it was someone that she could sit and share feelings with or whether it was someone who would sit with her while she slept and allow my grandpa respite time, they offered true friendship beyond words. We all cherished the amazing relationships that were formed and the gift of time that we were given. When my grandma died on December 7, 2007 she was at peace…we were at peace…I give Hospice of Dubuque all of the credit in the world for assisting us with the letting go process.

If your family has been touched with the compassionate care that Hospice of Dubuque provides, your story is probably similar to that of my family. If you have not experienced the remarkable assistance that this organization provides, chances are, sometime in your life, you will. I have chosen them as my organization so that your loved one will also have this care available to them, regardless of their insurance coverage or their ability to pay for the services. I will be dancing on April 16th in memory of my grandma Ruthie and would love the opportunity to dance in memory of your loved one as well.

Thank you, in advance, for your support!

Joey AndersonDirector of Community RelationsDubuque Racing Association/Mystique Casino

Mystique to match Dancing with the Stars donations!Each dollar raised for Joey (see article at right) will be matched by Mystique Casino in support of the Hospice of Dubuque mission and used to continue providing compassionate hospice services to those in the tri-state community. If you would like, you can also donate directly to Hospice of Dubuque. If you do so, be sure to mention Dancing with the Stars and let Hospice of Dubuque know if you would like Joey to dance in memory of a loved one. Their name will be listed on a display during her routine.

Every dollar equals one voteAll donations can be sent to:

Joey AndersonMystique Casino

1855 Greyhound Park RoadDubuque, IA 52001

Please make checks payable directly to Hospice of Dubuque.

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The Farley Commercial Club is sponsoring a Spring Fling, a night of fun and nostalgic music, with the Lemon Sisters. The performance will be held Monday, April 18, at 7 pm, at the Farley Memorial Hall. The Spring Fling will include popular music selections from the 50’s and 60’s by the Lemon Sisters, a group of local singers that perform at area nursing homes and community events. Admission to the event is a canned good or cash donation. All canned goods will be donated to the Epworth Food Pantry and cash donations to Hospice of Dubuque.

Spring Fling with the Lemon Sisters

The Hospice NurseBonnie Hancock, Patient Care DirectorI will never forget sitting in the interview chair. Barb Zoeller asked me, “Do you know what a hospice nurse does?” I was clueless. I knew this job afforded an opportunity to be a compassionate presence, but beyond that I had no idea the scope of care provided by a hospice nurse.

On a daily basis I observe nurses demonstrate critical thinking and analysis as they strive to assure every symptom is managed. They collaborate with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to determine the best possible intervention. They look at the patient as a whole person, assessing emotional and spiritual implications as much as the physical. They care as much for the family as the patient and strive to assure every question is answered, every need addressed. I know our nurses laugh and cry with patients, communicate with open honesty, and are willing to gently confront the hard discussions. These nurses think on their feet and make rapid decisions, even when sleep deprived from a busy on-call night. They are hometown people who can capably and in a non-judgmental way care for the rich, the poor, the neighbor, the stranger.

As I sat in the chair that day, Barb pointed to a poster hanging on the wall. The sign said “Hospice workers are not hired– they are called.” I will be forever grateful that Barb Zoeller was called and that she has role-modeled and encouraged each and every one of us to be the best hospice nurse we can be.

Plans are underway for the Hospice Big Duffer Golf Outing. The event will be held Saturday, July 23, at Lacoma Golf Course. This is an opportunity for individuals and families to participate and play golf in honor or memory of their own “Big Duffer.” The organizers are also accepting families to sponsor a hole for $100 in memory of a loved one. For more information, call Pat O’Neill at 563.583.4668, or check our website at www.hospiceofdubuque.org and summer newsletter for updates and details.

Hospice “Big Duffer” Golf Outing

“Hospice workers are not hired–

they are called.”

Hospice of Dubuque does not solicit donations over the telephone. If you do receive a call, claiming to be a Hospice of Dubuque representative, please notify the authorities.

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Spring 2011 Honorariums/MemorialsWe gratefully acknowledge these monetary donations, and donations made to our loan closet, received between January 9 through March 30. If a name is inaccurate or missing, please call Community Relations at 563.582.1220.

HonorariumsJoey AndersonBeam FamilyJim BreitbachMary FritzIrma GibbsHelen GriffenBarbara Zoeller

MemorialsWalter “Tony” AhernChristiane AllickCrystal AmbrosyEdith AndrewsJohn AndersenJune D. AndersonLenny BackesJean BallewBetty K. BassFlorabelle BassMarshall BassGene & Genevieve BasslerJohn BeatriceDavid BeecherJoseph BehnkeTheresa BensonShirley BerensMarguerite BerndtEmma BerningShawn BerthelMary BiverElaine D. BogeRita BonertLaVonne BonzerJoyce BorderdingBetty BoyerShirley BradfieldCarol BraytonMarion BrosiusMary BrownMonica BrownBurds & Willenborg FamilyPat BurgmeierLewis BurrowsMae and Joe BushmanGretchen BussanJane F. ButtNoel CallahanElizabeth “Betty” CaseyJohn CavanaughRoger Edward ChestermanMonica ChristThomas ChristGerene CollinsWilbert ConnollyEdwin ConradDale ConzettMargaret CotyAnn CoxDorothy Crowley

Loretta DavisDr. Edward V. DegnanMark R. DeMuthDon DerbyLeRoy DietrichMonica DigmanDenise M. DolterRichard A. DolterGeorge DoutHollis D. DukeDick “Richard” DutyVicky EhrlerMary A. EichhornGary ElginDominic & LouMae EnglishScott EnsignBernice ExstromJoAnn C. FangmanFlorence FeipelThomas L. FeipelMary Agnes FeltesMildred FesslerHenry FjellmanJean Ann FleegeMadonna J. FrainDale FrenchLaura FreyCyril & Edith FriedmanMyra FrithJoe FrommeltWilliam C. “Bill” FuersteFrances “Fran” GansenClara GartnerNicholas GermaineDonald GibbsMarcella GiellisRoman GinterCliff GodseyDavid GonnerDavid GratzGinny GrimesJames GruberRich GuellaGary GukeisenTom & Mike GulickBob HaisletJim HallMarsha HamiltonMerlin HansenArline HarmsJames HarrisonPeggy HarrisonCharles HartmanWilliam Hartmann, Sr.Howard HastingsRalph HaxmeierGenevieve HayJoseph “Joe” HayesRita HefelOlive HeimSue Harle-Heim

Jeanne HeinzelmanMaxine HeitzClara HeitzmanMerlin HelbingMatt HelleMark HermsenFlorence HirdWilliam “Bill” HoganMerlin F. Hohmann, Sr.Rita HoffmannWilliam HoffmanMarge HrynkowJoAnn HunstadHelen D. JannsenLinda JardingGeorge JecklinCarol JohnsonPauline M. JohnsonDavid Jones, IIJanell JostmeyerRalph Jungk, Jr.Robert KaesbauerJames E. Kane, Jr.Helen KehoeJane KehoeLinda KelleyKatherine “Kate” KenyonIola Mae KerperNadine KiefferBarbara KirkpatrickJames KirkpatrickH. Wayne & Marion KirmseCarol KleitschDonna Mae KnipperDelores KochMary KotzStella KrugHoward KuhlGail T. LaheyDorothy LammersRichard LampeShirley A. LangJeanette LanserJohn LaPageCeleste LarkinPatricia LauerRebecca “Becki” LeClereFrancis LeitzingerMarilyn LemmerLloyd LewisDennis LichtKenneth H. LindeckerLyle P. LinkAnn LochnerJames LuceyElizabeth LynchGarland LynchJeanette LynchRonald N. MaiersRichard MajerusFr. Albert Manternach

Marian ManternachCharles MartellMilton MaxsonNellie MayneImelda McDermottMargaret McDermottPatricia McDonnellDick McQuillenPhil MeyersShirley L. MillerDominic MiraMelba MoellerNathan MottetEvelyn MulvennaDiane NaumanJames NeuhausTom NeumeisterCarl NoelWayne NoelJulia O’BrienDel O’HeaAlois OberbroecklingPaul OberfoellMargaret OdemPatricia PapenthienJohn PattersonGeorge PaxtonMarcella PickelLoretta PitzSandra PloegerJohn & Rita PothoffJerry PriceHelen E. Province Margaret RauschJames ReiterDonna ReittingerClarke RieckGeorge RobeySusanna RobeyIrene RogersKathy RossOzzie RothHipolito SanchezLouis SchallerDon SchladerPatricia “Pat” SchlueterHarold & LaVonne SchneiderKay SchroederAl SchulteBernice M. SchumannIda ShermanDr. John SigwarthB. Michael SladeCletus SmithMarjorie Cushman SmithMarie SnyderGloria SpensleyDale SpieglerEdward F. SpoerreLaura K. StaffordClarence “Bob” Stecher

Eugene SteffensmeierClarence SteinesLorraine StephensAnna StevensJoseph A. StieberMarvin StokesColetta A. TiggesKenneth H. TiggesAlice TobiasAnna Mae TobinFlorence TranelDale TrentLana TrowRose TscharnerVelma Van Ostrand Robert VarleyWalter VoigtsLorraine Von FumettiHank WaechterPaul WagnerRay & Ryan WallenhorstDoris M. WalskeJoe WarehamPatricia WeidemannMarian WeisLynne WelterBob WernerMary Ellen WilkisonMark WinterLeRoy F. WubbenLorraine M. Young

Groups or BusinessesHoly Trinity Lutheran Church Church Women ELCAKathy’s KrystalsLuther ManorNew Melleray AbbeyMiller Funeral HomeRockwell Collins Employees United FundSt Elizabeth Seton Catholic Mother’s ClubShady Rest Nursing HomeTri-State Transportation ClubUnited Way of the Quad Cities

Matching GiftsIBM Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign

McGraw Hill Companies Community Partners Employees Giving Program

McKesson Foundation Matching Gift Program

Hospice of Dubuque is committed to respecting your privacy. You have received the Hospice of Dubuque newsletter because you or a family member have used Hospice of Dubuque services, have made a donation or have volunteered for one of our fundraisers. You can be assured we will never disclose our mailing list to anyone for any reason. If you would prefer to have your name taken off the list, or choose to receive the newsletter by email, please contact us at 563.582.1220 or info@hospiceofdubuque.org.

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It may surprise many people to learn that 25% of those who die every day in the United States are veterans. The nation is seeing many of the veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War die, and the number of Vietnam War veterans approaching the end of life is beginning to rise. In order to help provide the type of care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, Hospice of Dubuque has recently chosen to become a partner in the “We Honor Veterans” campaign, a collaboration developed jointly by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Participation in this campaign requires a commitment by Hospice of Dubuque to improve end-of-life care provided to veterans through staff and volunteer education, community outreach and the development of ongoing relationships with VA medical centers and veteran service organizations. Hospice of Dubuque is proud to be able to participate in such a worthy effort.

Campaign resources focus on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgement, coupled with veteran-specific education for hospice staff caring for veterans. In the words of J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, “America’s veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and we believe it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. Now it is time that we step up, acquire the necessary skills and fulfill our mission to serve these men and women with the dignity they deserve.”

For more information about the “We Honor Veterans” campaign, visit www.wehonorveterans.org.

We Honor VeteransNancy Diehm, Psychosocial Director

For some people living with a life-limiting illness, there comes a point when cure is no longer possible. While the possibility of a cure is gone that does not mean a patient and family must abandon all hope. Through hospice care, there is still hope for a peaceful death; hope to spend final months, weeks or days free of pain; and hope for quality time with loved ones in the familiar surroundings of home.

“While there isn’t one specific point in an illness when a person should ask about hospice care, many hospice professionals would suggest that a person think about hospice long before he or she is in a medical crisis,” advises J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “In fact, learning about palliative care and hospice as options is something that should happen early in the course of a serious illness and not just in the final days.”

Hospices utilize a team of professionals and trained volunteers to provide expert medical care, pain-and-symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support to patients and family caregivers. All care is tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes.

Hospice helps patients and families focus on living as fully as possible.

“Hospice professionals can be important resources for patients and families, they can help a person figure out what goals are important and help them get their arms around the fact that their life may be coming to a close,” noted Schumacher.

Considered to be the model for high-quality, compassionate care for people nearing the end of life, hospice offers the services and support that Americans want when coping with life-limiting illness.

Last year, hospices nationwide cared for more than 1.56 million patients. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization estimates that 41.6 percent of all deaths in the United States were under the care of a hospice program last year.

“Ideally, an individual would receive hospice care for the final months of life – not just the final days,” stated Schumacher. “One of the most common sentiments from families who have been helped by hospice care is that they wish they had known about hospice or been referred to hospice sooner.”

Reprinted with permission from National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Is it time for hospice?Hospice brings compassion, dignity and hope to people nearing life’s end

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Hospice of Dubuque welcomes employees ...

Tiffany Brothers joined Hospice of Dubuque as a Community Relations Facilitator in January. Tiffany graduated from Winona State University and worked with Mayo Clinic and The Finley Hospital. She has a strong eye for detail and creativity in design. Her responsibilities include community education, special events and fundraising for the organization. In her free time, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crafting and rooting for the Chicago Bears.

Jessica Finkenauer, LMSW, began her role as Bereavement Coordinator in March after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a MA in Social Work. Jessica was drawn to Hospice of Dubuque when she experienced firsthand the compassionate elements of the organization while her grandpa was in the program. In her free time, she enjoys designing and baking custom birthday, wedding and “anything” cakes. Jessica also keeps busy with her two cats, spoiling her nieces and nephews and spending time with her wonderful family and friends.

Vicki Dirksen is a graduate of Luther College. While attending college she worked as a CNA in a nursing home and has always had an interest in elder care. She is currently the Director of Media Communications at Mission Creative where she has worked for eight years assisting clientele with maximizing advertising dollars. Vicki has two daughters, aged 9 and 4, and is happily married to Rick who is a computer engineer at Relay Health. She is involved with Girl Scouts, Children’s Trust/Community Foundation of Dubuque, Advertising Club of Dubuque and serves as part of the Site Council and PTG at George Washington Carver Elementary School.

Tom Giese is a Dubuque native and Vice President of Giese Companies where he has worked for over 35 years. Tom is currently campaign co-chairman with the United Way and a member of the building and grounds committee for Holy Family and St Columbkilles Church. Tom also serves as the chair of the Mechanical Board for the City of Dubuque. Tom and his wife, Paula are the parents of a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Stephanie.

... and board members

Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer Coordinator, Mary Franzen, and Bereavement Coordinator, Sue Welu, retired from their positions in March. Mary worked for 10 years in her role as Volunteer Coordinator after first serving as a hospice volunteer. Sue began as a Hospice of Dubuque Social Worker in 2003 and has served as Bereavement Coordinator since 2008. We wish both Mary and Sue many happy days in the years to come.

Jennifer Cavanagh, RN, has achieved the credential of Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse (CHPN). This certification, awarded by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses, honors a nurse for their proven competency across the spectrum of hospice and palliative nursing care. Jennifer has been providing care to Hospice of Dubuque patients and families since 2008.

Congratulations to ...

Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer & Board Member ...Paula and Tom Giese, on their 30th wedding anniversary, February 14.

Hospice of Dubuque Staff ...Lisa Tyler, and her husband Nathan, on the birth of their son, Noah Christopher, February 11.

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Sympathy to ...

In the eight years I have worked in Community Relations for Hospice of Dubuque, my definition of community has expanded. Yes, community is a group of people living in the same locality and having common interests. As the “community” of Hospice of Dubuque has grown, I have witnessed Dubuque’s nonprofit hospice become one of the area’s most respected organizations. This is very apparent as you attend any community-driven fundraiser or visit with families who want to tell their hospice story. Our Executive Director, Barb Zoeller, has instilled in each of her employees a strong commitment to the continuation of the mission of Hospice of Dubuque. The mission of the organization goes far beyond the exceptional care provided to families. The mission would not be complete without those people who play a supporting role—the people who believe in what we do and reach out to show their appreciation. There are no donations or events too small—down to the 2nd grade boy who raised $13 because he wanted to help sick children. It is people helping people. It is community. For the past 24 years, Barb, and her husband Dick, have been familiar faces at each fundraising event. They could be seen following the Tour de Dubuque riders in their convertible, tasting the many delicacies at the Wild Game Feed or walking parade routes throughout the tri-states. Although they enjoyed attending the wide variety of events, it was Barb’s true appreciation for the time and effort put into these events that has instilled in me, and those at Hospice of Dubuque, the meaning of community. And, I believe in her years with Hospice of Dubuque, she has become more than an executive director to those she came in contact with. She has become a friend.

Community definedLinda Wolf, Community Relations Facilitator

Thank you to McGraw-Hill employees, Julie Aird and Lisa Portz, for obtaining grants through the McGraw-Hill Community Partners Program. The two grants provided the funding for technological tools to enhance end-of-life community education. These gifts allowed Hospice of Dubuque to purchase software for the creation of service brochures and interactive programs.

Special thanks to ...

• Big Apple Bagel, for the $243.20 from their canister campaign during November, National Hospice Month.

• Borders, for hosting the benefit day on behalf of Hospice of Dubuque and the donation for a percentage of the purchases.

• Honkamp Krueger & Co, PC, for the donation of $230 from their jean day held in December.

• The Rotary Club of Dubuque, for the $1,091 donation to purchase bedside equipment for patient care.

• Mary Hoelscher for the donation of a sphygmomanometer.

• Western Dubuque High School, for the donation of $1,784 from their Cancer Awareness Night. This fundraiser was held during the Western Dubuque versus Beckman volleyball match, September 28, in memory of Mark Hermsen.

• The band, Tapestry, and Cafe Manna Java West, for hosting the Music for Charity on March 8. Hospice of Dubuque was named charity of the month and received $302 from this fun night.

• Sybil White, for the donation of the book, The Year of Magical Thinking, to our lending library.

Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer ...Deb Ehrler, on the death of her sister-in-law, Vicky Ehrler, March 8.

Hospice of Dubuque Staff ...Renee Frith, on the death of her sister-in-law, Myra Frith, March 10.

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A note of appreciation to the Hospice of Dubuque VolunteersKathy Kitch, wife of Richard Hantelmann - Hospice of Dubuque patientI would like to let everyone know a bit more about the volunteers who generously give time and talents to hospice families.

Our Hospice of Dubuque social worker, Stephanie, offered our family an opportunity to create several touchable keepsakes. She suggested making hand molds. These molds are more than the flat hand impressions that children create and parents treasure. My husband, and a Hospice of Dubuque patient, has always been a hands-on task person and an encouraging teacher. The hand molds would be of family members grasping his hand. We would each grasp hands with my husband, similar to the praying hands we all have seen, and let the molding process capture our physical and emotional connection permanently. The result would be a perfect image of the strong hand that had reached out, guided or protected each of us in various ways through the years.

Volunteers Phyllis and Linda came to our home with all the required materials and a cheerful attitude about the messy project. We had several family members who wanted to participate. We did present challenges along the way, but they were intrepid volunteers who knew what they were doing. They prepped the materials, explained what works best, counted the minutes we would need to hold still in the cold gooey mix and helped clean up the mess when our hands had emerged. This process included several visits to our home to accommodate everyone. They took the molds with them and did whatever necessary to preserve the surface, mounted them on bases and carried them back to us when the drying process was done.

What a time consuming process they went through multiple times so we all could have our personalized keepsakes. Warning: this is not a process you want to initiate on your own. You need experienced people to help you; you need the helping hands of the Hospice of Dubuque volunteers. Thank you.

My ten plus years as Volunteer Coordinator came to an end on March 4, 2011. After much consideration I decided to follow the footsteps of many of my volunteers and retire.

I thoroughly enjoyed my role at Hospice of Dubuque. Working with volunteers was a pleasure. Hospice volunteers are the most giving, generous, loving, patient, dedicated and creative people. Thank you for all of the times you said yes to my many requests, especially those that seemed unusual or even difficult and stressful. Thank you for all of that paper work you sent in. Thank you for all you do for Hospice of Dubuque. I will miss each and every one of the volunteers.

It is my pleasure to introduce the new Volunteer Coordinator, Debbie Horch. Debbie has been employed at Hospice of Dubuque for 11 years. If you don’t recognize her face, you may recognize her voice. For ten years Debbie worked at the front desk as a receptionist and for the past year has worked with the finance department in data entry. I know that I am leaving the Hospice of Dubuque volunteers in very capable hands.

A thank you and goodbyeMary Franzen

Volunteers are seldom paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.

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VolunteersTwenty-eight years ago, a group of committed volunteers began Hospice of Dubuque, the community’s nonprofit hospice. Although the organization now has about 70 employees, Hospice of Dubuque’s volunteers continue to be an essential part in fulfilling the mission of providing compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones. Hospice of Dubuque would like to take this opportunity to honor and thank our volunteers whom we consider the best volunteers in the world.

Elizabeth Andrews said “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart”. Our volunteers take the time to show compassion to people in the final weeks and months of life, provide respite to families and caregivers and support in fundraising and administrative duties. While making a difference in the lives of others, Hospice of Dubuque volunteers find their own lives changed.

The week of April 10-16 is recognized as National Volunteer Week. We want to thank our volunteers for taking the time to care.

Thank you for taking the time to careDebbie Horch, Volunteer Coordinator

All meetings will be held at 6:00 pm in the Theisen Education Center,

1670 JFK Road, unless otherwise noted.

April 28, 2011Penny Thomsen, Spiritual Care Coordinator,

and Rosemary Cronin, Volunteer, present Tips on Alzheimer’s.

May 24, 2011

Tree of Life Service, held in Washington Park at 7:30 pm. All volunteers are

invited and encouraged to join the Hospice of Dubuque Board of Directors

and Staff at this memorial service.

2011 Volunteer In-Service Calendar

Debbie Horch, Volunteer Coordinator

15 reasons why Hospice of Dubuque volunteers are appreciatedbecause you provide...

• A Healing Touch • A Kind Word • Acceptance • A Warm Smile • A Hand to Hold

• Compassion • Support • Reassurance • Unending Patience • Courage to the Fearful

• Grace Under Pressure • Hope • A Bright Outlook • Daily Miracles • Gentle Heart

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Nonprofit OrgUS Postage

PAIDDubuque, IowaPermit No. 1052

RETURN SERVICEREQUESTED

A quarterly publication of Hospice of Dubuque Volume 24, Number 1Spring 2011

Our MissionProviding compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones

563.582.1220www.hospiceofdubuque.org

1670 JFK Road, Dubuque IA, 52002

Mark Your Calendar!

April 13 - Open House for Barb Zoeller

April 16 - Dancing with the Stars

April 18 - Spring Fling with the Lemon Sisters

May 24 - Tree of Life Memorial Service

July 23 - “Big Duffer” Golf Outing

August 27 - Irish Hooley and Tour de Dubuque

For more information on these events, please call 563.582.1220 or visit www.hospiceofdubuque.org

“The entire team that

supported our brother,

Mike, and our family were

great. At no time did we

feel like Mike was ‘just

a case’ or a ‘file.’ The

extra efforts by the team

and volunteers did not

go unnoticed. Thanks to

you all for being part of

Mike’s journey.”

Kathy N.