Meeting Minutes

June, 2010

Welcome Members!

Thank you to everyone who attended this meeting at Steve and Paula Montgomery’s home for Music Therapy with Harry Beckett.

We want to extend a very special thank you to Steve and Paula for being such gracious hosts.  Not only did they welcome us into their beautiful home but they served wonderful salmon and hors d’oeuvres.  What a way to show Harry Beckett’s musical talents but on their new baby grand piano.

Introductions, Kim Morelock

Mission and Case Statements

Mission Statement - The Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community awareness of end-of-life issues and promoting quality care for individuals at life’s end. Our members are an alliance of healthcare professionals, educators, and members of religious, business and civic communities throughout the Ozarks region.

Together we strive to improve the quality of life for dying persons and to support healthy bereavement experiences for families and friends.

Case Statement - We Believe that people at the end of life have the right to receive the same quality of compassion, communication, care, dignity and respect they would expect in any other phase of their lives -- from their healthcare professionals, from their families and friends, and from their community.

Announcements from Members 

Jan Badgett, Community Alliance Board Member

Jan announced the One Year Anniversary of Kim Morelock with the Community Alliance.  Congratulations Kim!

Announcements from Kim Morelock

Policy Summit for MEOLC

      September 29 – 30 in Jefferson City

Join Springfield Dinner Club!  Get Discounts and Support the Springfield Community

      3022 S. National Ave., Suite 334, Springfield, MO 65804

      417-882-1196, Fax 417-882-1619

“The Springfield Dinner Club’s goal is to help boost our economy whilst contributing to local non-profit organizations that really need help.  We do this through the sales of our Dinner Club cards that allow our customers to dine at select restaurants at discounted prices.” – David McCoy, President/Proprietor

      Call to receive more information on this community supporting program.

Guest Speaker

      Harry Beckett, Board Certified Music Therapist

      417-886-6775. Email h2beck@juno.com

Music Therapy has been nationally recognized as a viable mobility profession since 1950.  The 2004 AMTA definition clarifies that “Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.  Interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation”. 

Harry Beckett explained the functions and suitability for Music Therapy in the palliative and hospice settings.  Harry involved the members on the musical segment by having them play different instruments as they rocked the house with “Great Balls of Fire” to “What a Wonderful Life” by Louis Armstrong.   It is obvious as Harry plays and sings the he is very talented professional and is compassionate about what he does.

We would like to extend our appreciation and applause

to Harry Beckett for such an educational, entertaining and inspiring performance. 

Next Meeting:

July 15^th, Thursday

5:45 PM

Monica Koetters, BSW, Hospice and Palliative Care

“Storytelling”

Ozark Community Hospital

National at I-44 (No exit on National and I-44), North Entrance, Conference Room

Thank you, from the Community Alliance Staff…

Kim Morelock, Acting Executive Director

Sharon Snow, Data Analyst

Deanna Brown, Administrative Assistant

EASY WAYS TO HELP NOW:

USE GOODSEARCH: If you use www.goodsearch.com as your search engine, you can help us raise money! It’s easy to do….simply designate the Alliance as the charity you choose to receive the proceeds from your internet search!

      Check out Goodshop ~~another way the Alliance can earn money.

DONATE MONTHLY: via our ACH system (Auto Withdraw from your Bank Account). Contact the office for a simple form….one time effort/easy to do!

WISH LIST:  Locking Large File Cabinets, Small Office Filing Cabinet,  Office Shelves, Couch, Chairs, End Tables, Coffee Table, Lamps (Note:  Trying to create a warm and friendly place to welcome the community.  We would like to keep within the look of the current office décor.  If you have any of these items and would like to donate, please contact us first.)  
 

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COMMUNITY ALLIANCE FOR COMPASSIONATE CARE

AT THE END OF LIFE 

January 15, 2009

Meeting Minutes 

Members Present:  Jan Badgett, Julie Boyce, Cindy Burks, Don Clear, Kay Dulaney, Bradley Fisher, Marilyn Garrett, Ina Graham, Robin Grothoff, Debra Harlan, Rob Hulstra, Jack Irwin, Linda Leicht, Brenda Manasco, Arlene McCormack, Rev. Bro. Joseph McCormack, Paula Montgomery, Mary Newman, Ann Orzek, Earl Russell, Krissy Sinor, Judee Steward, Donna Vermillion, Donna Willoughby. 

Mission Statement/Case Statement: Read by Krissy  Sinor 

Mission Statement

The Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community awareness of end-of-life issues and promoting quality care for individuals at life�s end. Our members are an alliance of healthcare professionals, educators, and members of religious, business and civic communities throughout the Ozarks region. Together we strive to improve the quality of life for dying persons and to support healthy bereavement experiences for families and friends. 

Case Statement

We believe that people at the end of life have a right to receive the same quality of compassion, communication, care, dignity and respect they would expect at any other phase of their lives -- from their healthcare professionals, from their families and friends, and from their community. 

Marilyn Garrett: Welcome, Introductions, Announcements

• We had a good turn out even with the temperatures in the single digits. Thanks to everyone who was able to attend and a special welcome to newcomers.
• January 20 � First meeting of the hospice committee at the Alliance Office at 6 pm. Committee will meet for first time to select a chairperson and talk about objectives and goals. The main purpose of the committee is to develop generic hospice presentations suitable for general public. Please let us know if you are interested in helping.
• January 27 � First meeting of 2009 of the Advisory Board at the Alliance Office at 6 pm. Advisory Board consists of chairpersons from each committee.
• Grants in to Missouri Foundation for Health and to Community Partnership of the Ozarks. Two key areas they look at when giving grants: the unserved/uninsured/underserved and cultural diversity. The definition of culture is broad and getting broader and we must keep this in mind when we go into committees to look beyond ethnicity when considering culture.
• Circles of Care:  Rev Bro Joseph announced a Circles of Care training being planned in the near future. Healing Quilt projects are beginning in North Carolina and Arizona.
• April 16 � National Healthcare Decision Making Day. We are doing a program with the Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks. We are going to be presenting the play. We are hoping to have Kim Crosby participate as well. We hope it is a very exciting evening. We will be doing the play and have some music. There will be a panel discussion about advance directives, and a discussion about what the day means. I will be talking to Linda about getting as much press in the paper as we can. The program will be held at First and Calvary. They have a stage and lighting in their gym. Hospice Foundation will be helping with the majority of use of the room and equipment. Dinner will be served. Time is from

7-9 pm. 
 

Program � Julie Boyce and Kay Dulaney

• Julie � We wanted to present a program that helps us understand our own values and goals and what we bring to our activities with people at end of life. How does my cultural background influence the way I interact with others? We will have several activities to help you become more aware of your own cultural background. Kay Dulaney will start. Arlene and Robin are also a part of our committee.
• Kay � We want you to get engaged in this activity, personalize it, and make it useful for you. We also would like for you to be thinking about what would make this presentation better. What we can add or change to make it work better for you.
• What does culture mean to you? Culture is learned, shared, and it is transmitting values, beliefs, norms, and life ways of a particular group that guides the thinking, the decisions, and the actions of that group.
  • The group came up with the following terms for culture (may not be a complete list): beliefs, traditions, way of life, customs, celebrations, foods, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, communication (verbal/nonverbal), abilities, language, spirituality/religion, law, ethics, arts, economy, politics, age/generational, education, health, occupation/vocation, socioeconomic factors, geography, rural/urban, technology, housing, nationality, citizenship, family ties/bonds, personhood, end-of-life.
    • Abilities � this is a big issue and we often overlook it.
• Focus on what your personal influences are.
• Julie � Six Cultural Areas; we selected 6 major areas to use for an exercise.
  • professional affiliation, family of origin, socio-economic status, ethnicity, generational period, religion/spirituality
• Handout:
  • Small groups were formed to discuss two of the six cultural areas. Groups were asked to identify the values and rituals that are personal for each individual in that particular area. The groups then shared their information with the rest of the participants.
    • It is important to understand yourself so you can better understand others. Learn to care for others with no boundaries. Do not impose your values on others, especially someone in your care.
  • Each participant was given paper circles of different colors and sizes. They were then asked to select a different color/size circle to represent the influence one of the cultural areas listed above had on them. After labeling each circle with one cultural area, participants then arranged the circles to represent their own unique perspectives.
• End of Life Issues: what cultural influences are present?
  • Medical Decision Making � Who makes the decisions? What is the decision-making process? Is the emphasis on autonomy or will it be a group decision?
  • Withdrawing/Withholding Treatment � These are culturally-burdened terms. Can mean so many different things. Food and hydration have been medicalized.
  • Pain � Is the purpose to relieve pain? Is the culture to endure suffering? Identify physical and emotional suffering.
  • Symptom Management � How to handle discomforts such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, etc. while maintaining cultural preferences.
  • Ask patient/recipient of your care:  What is important to you? What can I do to help?

 

*NEXT MEETING IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AT THE GREAT SOUTHERN OPERATIONS CENTER, 218 S. GLENSTONE, SPRINGFIELD.  WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

January's Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

    January 17, 2008 

5:45pm  Great Southern Bank � Operations Center 

Members Present:  Marilyn Garrett, Traci Smith, Earl Russell, Don Garrett, Bradley Fisher, Richard Kennedy, Donna Willoughby, Linda Leicht, Tiffany Smith, Carol Shoptaugh, Donna Vermillion, Sharon Young, Russ Smith, Sheila Freeman, Sandy Beder, Joyce McNeill, Sharon Farmer, Kay Dulaney, Julie Boyce, Karen Scott, Kelli Tennison, Karen Scott 

Welcome new members and Welcome Members we haven�t seen for awhile! 

6:00 pm                                      Mission Statement / Introductions  Traci Smith 

The Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community awareness of end-of-life issues and promoting quality care for individuals at life�s end.  Our members are an alliance of healthcare professionals, educators, and members of religious, business and civic communities throughout the Ozarks region.

Together we strive to improve the quality of life for dying persons and to support healthy bereavement experiences for families and friends  

6:05 pm    Announcements        Marilyn Garrett

Jamon Lewis, our administrative assistant will be back with us once she�s back on her feet after surgery.  She is working from home, working hard to pull back in old lists of members and contacting them to invite them back to the Alliance.  With our attendance tonight, it seems that effort is paying off!   

If you have NOT gotten updates via email, please let us know what your email address (or other ways to communicate with you) is so we can get reports, reminders and other business conducted.  We want to keep in touch with you! 

We are in our new office!  We were located downtown at the Vandivort Center, now we�ve moved to Lambeth Center, directly across from Corporate Center on E. Sunshine (1944 E. Sunshine, Ste C, 65804).  We will have enough room to have our morning meetings there in our own office space.  Next monthly meeting will be there!  7:00 am in February. 

We have been having trouble with our website.  Alvin Vaughn, previous webmaster, was military in Iraq and Long distance web hosting was not successful.  We have had some issues occurring, and our great team of Earl Glen and Sharon has purchased every domain name www.missouriendoflife except gov and edu to help us solve.  Our new website is www.missouriendoflife.com but old address of .org will now funnel into the .com until we can get the old website back under our control in May when they release the domain name.  Thanks for your patience as we go through this challenging time with our website.  Please change your bookmark to the new site�..www.missouriendoflife.COM.   

Advisory Board:  Rob Hulstra is the co-chair of the Advisory Board and will step in and be the interim chair of the committee as Barb Stock (Chair) is spending important time caring for her sister in Kansas City.   

6:20 pm     Committee Reports  

Circles of Care � Sheila Freeman.  We are trying to move forward to see if we can have a training session soon.  February is a possible date.  We will still have training for APO and perhaps a church too.   

Diversity Committee - Julie Boyce

Committee has not been active for awhile.  Committee has several members and will meet in a few weeks and start planning training.   

Special Events - Don Garrett

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• National Teleconference on Grief is coming up April 16th at Cox Health Hulston Cancer Center.  3rd Floor Magnolia, Dogwood and Redbud Rooms.  We will be presenting in conjunction with Lost and Found organization since the topic is �Living With Grief:  Children and Adolescents.

      More info will be coming out.  SAVE THE DATE!  April 16, 2008  12:30 � 4:30pm 

• April 16th is also National Healthcare Decision Day.  This is a national program designed to help Americans make plans and prepare their Advance Directives.  Despite increased awareness of advance directives/living wills, etc, Americans are still not filling them out and communicating with loved ones about their wishes.  This is a national effort with 50 states participating.  We will have lots of PR and press release activity closer to the date. 

      More info will be forthcoming.  SAVE THE DATE!  April 16, Evening.  Time TBD. 

PAST EVENTS:

• New Year�s Eve�..some of us spent the night at the Vandivort Center at the New Year�s Eve Ball.  The Alliance was the charity designated by the Ball�s coordinators, Dance With Me.  $626 was made for the Alliance that night through silent auction and raffle tickets.  We thank Board Member, Mary Newman for helping us get involved. We also thank �Dance With Me� for choosing us as the charity!  Kay Dulaney reported that some of her friends attended and had a WONDERFUL time!  In addition to raising money we also have gotten exposure with new folks who might not have been aware of our organization.

• TRIVIA NIGHT�$6,400 was raised for Trivia Night 2007. We had record attendance and record fundraising amounts for this event!

SAVE THE DATE FOR NOVEMBER 7, 2008 Trivia Night.  Theme is �PROM NIGHT�..DRESS for the prom that SUITS your team.�   Cost for teams is $80 through September 30.  October 1 the team fee will be $100.  This year we invite individuals to attend $15 per person and $20 at the door.  PLAN NOW TO ATTEND, TEAM OR INDIVIDUAL AND HAVE FUN!!!   
 

EASY WAYS TO HELP NOW:

1. USE GOODSEARCH  If you use www.goodsearch.com as your search engine, you can help us raise money!  We received $109.86 for 2007 activity!  It�s easy to do�.simply designate the Alliance as the charity you choose to receive the proceeds from your internet search! 
2. Check out Goodshop ~~another way the Alliance can earn money
3. DONATE YOUR sellable items for E-Bay!  Call the office and let us know you have items.
4. Save your TONER AND INK CARTRIDGES for the alliance.  We will pick them up and a donation box will be available in the office and at meetings.  Also keeps them out of the landfill.
5. DONATE MONTHLY via our ACH system (Auto Withdraw from your Bank Account).  Contact the office for a simple form�.one time effort/easy to do!

6:40 pm     PROGRAM     

Dr. Karen Scott, Executive Director � LOST AND FOUND                 www.lostandfoundozarks.com 

In the 80�s, Karen started working with terminally ill teens which lead to bereavement counseling for their families.  Karen has been in the Springfield school system for years in various capacities, but seems to have always had �one foot in grief~ one in counseling�.  Lost and Found was started in January 2001 using a program in Portland Oregon called The Dougy Center as a guide.  Karen partnered with Springfield attorney, Shawn Askinosie whose own father died when Shawn was young to start Lost and Found.   In January, 2001 the first group began with a group of hand picked facilitators.  It was a true case of �If you build it they will come�.  Fast forward 7 years later, Lost and Found is now in their own new facility at the corner of Cedarbrook and Pythian.  There are currently 6 children�s groups and 6 adult groups with over 155 people being served in 2007.  The demand continues to grow and the word continues to spread that support is available.  The program is free for anyone and individuals determine how long they need to be there.  Donations are encouraged and accepted if a family can afford to contribute. 

The stories are sad, yet it�s incredibly rewarding work�it�s not a sad place. Children become bonded with each other, become close friends, and play and laugh.  There�s something magical about being in a group of people who are bonded together by grief. They �get it� and understand each other.  They discuss whatever issues come up.  In the kids group, it is structured and consistent; these kids need to know what is going to happen when they come to Lost and Found especially since other parts of their lives may be chaotic.  They �Chat about death��..draw the questions out.  Some of the most amazing philosophical discussions occur in these groups of little kids.  Activities are designed to work through complex emotions of grief.  Feelings, hearing the news, challenges, where they find support, what�s changed in families are examples of some of the topics of discussion.  Kids come to Lost and Found at various times after a death.  Some as early as a week after the death and one person started 3 years after her mother�s death.  They come along as they need to come.  They decide when they are done.  A lot of what they do is help children and adolescents learn how to hold that person in their heart and move grief to a place where it�s not front and center but moved to side.  Lost and Found serves families from a 14 county area.  The need is there and it�s amazing how far people will drive. 

A young adult group (college level) is being started.  They also hope to start group of older adults who have experienced death of a spouse of many years or adults who experience the death of a child.  These areas can be a long grief process.  These programs will probably be around lunchtime. 

A moving video about Lost and Found was shown.  Many children spoke with great impact.   

Karen has been a member of the Alliance for many years and will be working with the Alliance on the grief teleconference in April since it is about children and adolescent grief.  Keep this in mind and invite anyone you think would benefit from attending. 

Keep Lost and Found in your thoughts as they were hit by the recent tornado and received damage.  Now would be a great time to donate time or financial support to help out.  Volunteers of all types for various projects are always needed.  A position is currently open for Director of Development.  Forward interested resumes to Karen ASAP.  417.832-9423. 

Thanks to Karen Scott for presenting our program.

7:15pm      ADJOURN

NEXT MEETING:

Thursday, February 21, 2008        7:00am

ALLIANCE OFFICE

New Location!  1944 E. Sunshine, Suite C        Lambeth Center

(2 blocks east of Sunshine/Glenstone on South Side Across from Corporate Center) 

TOPICS:

Celebrate our new space

Moving Forward:  Board Member(s) will be there to define roles:

      Governing Board

      Advisory Board

      Committees, etc. 
 
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BRING YOUR IDEAS ABOUT WHAT YOU�D LIKE TO SEE THE ALLIANCE DO IN 2008!

Meeting Minutes
February 21, 2008
7:00am Alliance Office

Members Present: Don Garrett, Marilyn Garrett, EG Russell, Rob Hulstra, Breita Church, Stacy Ferguson, Donna Willoughby, Aimee Fry, Chuck Dowin, Paul Reinert plus a couple of new folks that didn't get on the sign in sheet. It was so exciting to see new faces on such a horrible weather morning. Our Alliance is going to be booming.

It was wonderful being in our new digs on Sunshine Street. As we grow, we will present the morning meetings using chairs. Very exciting


7:15am Mission Statement / Introductions Don Garrett
The Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community awareness of end-of-life issues and promoting quality care for individuals at life's end. Our members are an alliance of healthcare professionals, educators, and members of religious, business and civic communities throughout the Ozarks region.
Together we strive to improve the quality of life for dying persons and to support healthy bereavement experiences for families and friends.

Organizational Structure
Advisory Board � Rob Hulstra
Rob Hulstra was the first to report as acting chair of the advisory committee. The advisory committee will be responsible for the programs of the Alliance and the oversight of events planned by each committee. Rob has a wonderful vision for the coming events of the Alliance and will plan one day (constant) per month that the advisory board will meet.

Governing Board � Paul Reinert
Paul gave an overview of the responsibilities of the Governing Board of the Alliance. As we have grown in programs and financial needs, it was apparent that the overall structure of the Alliance needed to be more organized. Paul presented a brief overview of the new by-laws that will be filed with the Secretary of State in conjunction and compliance with our corporate structure. Doug Nickell, Attorney at Law was consulted on the by-laws and necessary changes were made to satisfy the requirements of the 501c3 status of the Alliance. The Governing board will have these main purposes. 1.) Fiduciary responsibilities governing the financial structure 2.) Reviewing and changing the by-laws as needed 3.) Hiring and Firing of the Executive Director and 4.) Making sure the board has the proper amount of board members with a minimum of 9, and a maximum of 13. 5.) The board will also insure that the Executive carries out his/her responsibilities and duties and has reports at each board meeting.

Committees:
Multi-Cultural Diversity � Julie Boyce
Due to the ice storm, Julie Boyce, chair was unable to attend this mornings meeting. We recapped the many accomplishments of this committee for the benefit of our new attendees showing the importance of cultural sensitivity especially at life's end. We explained the cultures that had presented programs for the public and interest has been expressed to renew these programs and bring back many of the same cultures with new programs. The importance was expressed for the need to expand the base of the Alliance by putting forth the effort to invite any and all cultures to be members of the Alliance.

Circles of Care � Sheila Freeman / Tiffiny Smith
Shelia was unable to attend as was Tiffiny, co-chairs of the Alliance. Donna Willoughby and Don Garrett explained the basic principle of the circles program and the organizational methods to attain the most help from the least amount of volunteers. Paul Reinert said that Integrity was doing similar projects but a different name. Hopefully by fall 2008, Shelia and Tiffiny will be presenting with the help of Charlotte Phillips and Kelly Tennison a train-the-trainer program on Circles of Care. We acknowledged that the effort of a train-the trainer program would through a ripple effect reach many more people and there was simply not enough time and volunteer hours to try to accomplish Circles with Alliance members.

Story Keeping � Ann Payette / Peter Browning
Again, the weather kept Peter Browning and Ann Payette, co-chairs, away from the meeting this morning. For the benefit of new members, story keeping was talked about in terms of first person; "If it were your family". It ties so well with Cultural issues and is a very important way to make sure personal cultural feelings and rituals remain as heirlooms to families.

Health Care Education � Donna Willoughby
Donna Willoughby explained our health care education programs. Using personal experience and stories made it a lot easier to grasp the importance of the work that this committee and the volunteers do. It would be impossible to raise enough money to equal the contributions made by both local teams and added instructors as we deliver the programs state wide with the help and support of sponsors in those locations. The schedule was passed around of the upcoming programs and all is invited to attend. Donna has been a trainer since 2001 for the EPEC program. A physician is required to teach during each EPEC program. Both health education programs provide continuing education hours for most disciplines.

Advance Directives � Barb Stock
Barb Stock is in Kansas City and has been for several months caring for her sister. Barb has traveled the state teaching the importance of filling out the advance directive. Paul Reinert spoke on how important this document was to him and his family during the recent death of his mother. It opened the door for compassionate conversation between family and friends including his mother who could give her wishes during this time of her life.

At this time Marilyn Garrett also talked about the National Healthcare Decisions Making Day April 16, 2008. It will be a very busy day both here and in Jefferson City. The Governor will sign a proclamation of "National Health Care Decisions Making Day," in Jefferson City. In addition, EPEC/EDNA trainer Michael Hendrix and Marilyn Garrett will be working on a 4 act play that will be presented in the Capitol Rotunda. There will be legislatures and media from the Jefferson City area, and hopefully will be able to get media from Springfield. During the evening in Springfield we will be hosting "National Healthcare Decisions Making Day."


Special Events � Don Garrett
Don Garrett reviewed the ongoing "Power of Five" as can be view on our website at www.missouriendoflife.com, and the other ways you can contribute to the Alliance.
Goodsearch and Goodshop. If your search engines at work are set to something other than goodsearch, you can simply type www.goodsearch in the address bar and go to goodsearch and put your charity in as the Community Alliance.
Ebay is now ready to go. A challenge is made to bring one item to be put on the ebay auction by next meeting. Earl Glen Russell has donated a fur coat from Linda Fite, and D.A.T. recorder. It is a digital audio tape recorder. It is used in recording studios and they are be selling well on ebay right now. Look through your unwanted good items and see what you might have to bring to sell on ebay. Go to the ebay site and see how many different things they sell. Golfing, fishing, designer purses and shoes and clothes. Memorabilia is a item right now.
The National Hospice Foundation teleconference on grief will be held at the Hulston Cancer Center April 16 beginning at noon. Lost and Found is joining us this year and the topic is childhood grief. Please plan to attend this event. Information and flyers will be sent out.
April 16 during the evening the Community Alliance will be presenting "National Healthcare Decisions Making Day in Springfield. It will be in the evening with the time TBA. We are working with the governor's office to see that we have a proclamation by our governor. We will have advance directives and notaries available. You will be receiving further information.

The meeting was adjourned.




Next Meeting
Thursday, March 20 5:45 PM
Great Southern Operations Center
Glenstone @St. Louis Street

Program: Hospice House�Presented by Hospice House, Harrison Arkansas�Deb Schaefer, Hospice Director and Lori Youngblood, PR/ Projects Coordinator

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Members Present: Julie Boyce, Heather Brown, Pat & Dorelen Crocker, Sharon Farmer, Helen Fochler, Aimee Fry, Lisa Gardner, Donna Irish, Don Garrett, Marilyn Garrett, Sandy Garrison, Annell Haase, Renne Jenkins, Elizabeth Lee, Brenda Manasco, Neil Marshall, Rev Bro. Joseph �Rick� McCormack, , Joyce McNeal, Bruce McNeely, Denie' Patrick, Franklin Reagan, Earl Glen Russell, Krissy Sinor, Donna Willoughby

 Marilyn Garrett: Welcome new members and Welcome Members we haven�t seen for awhile! 

6:55 pm: Mission Statement: Rob Hulstra

The Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community awareness of end-of-life issues and promoting quality care for individuals at life�s end.  Our members are an alliance of healthcare professionals, educators, and members of religious, business and civic communities throughout the Ozarks region.

Together we strive to improve the quality of life for dying persons and to support healthy bereavement experiences for families and friends  

Introductions: Marilyn Garrett

7:00 pm Executive Report: Marilyn Garrett:   

Krissy Sinor has been recently hired as the new education coordinator/ office administrator. She will be working full time on public relations and building membership. Brenda Manasco was also recently hired as administrative assistant.

7:05 pm     Committee Reports  

Circles of Care � Sheila Freeman: absent   

Some Committee � Peter Browning 

Multicultural Diversity Committee - Julie Boyce

Committee is working on materials for EDNA.

 Special Events: Don Garrett:

Aug. 9; 11a � 1p: The 2008 Community Alliance Super Bowl. This event is sponsored by Hospice Palliative Care and Cox Health. Sponsorship levels: Event sponsor $500, T-Shirt Sponsor $250, Lane Sponsor $100. Prizes still needed. Press release for the event was distributed today. Each member is requested to raise $20 each, anyone raising $50 or more is eligible for a T shirt.

Action Items:

• Form teams

• Seek out sponsors to donate prizes

April 29, 2009: The Alliance will again be sponsoring the 16th Annual Bereavement Teleconference, �Diversity and End of Life Care: Impact of Culture on Death and Bereavement.� Hosted by the National Hospice Foundation of America.

Nov. 7: Trivia Night. Members are requested to put together teams and come in appropriate attire for prom night of your ere. The theme is �Prom Night.� The Knights of Columbus Hall will be used again this year. Prizes are needed.

Action Items:

• Form teams

• Seek out sponsors to donate prizes

EDNA and EPEC programs: Donna Willoughby:

Community Hospices of America sponsored the last EPEC at Branson. We had 55 people registered; 48 participants present, of these 15 were physicians. The facility and food both of outstanding quality and the event was quite successful. Cox health will be sponsoring the next EPEC in Springfield on Aug. 16-17.

Story keeping

Membership

 EASY WAYS TO HELP NOW:

1. USE GOODSEARCH  If you use www.goodsearch.com as your search engine, you can help us raise money!  We received $109.86 for 2007 activity!  It�s easy to do�.simply designate the Alliance as the charity you choose to receive the proceeds from your internet search! 

2. Check out Goodshop ~~another way the Alliance can earn money

3. DONATE YOUR sellable items for E-Bay!  Call the office and let us know you have items.

4. Save your TONER AND INK CARTRIDGES for the alliance.  We will pick them up and a donation box will be available in the office and at meetings.  Also keeps them out of the landfill.

5. DONATE MONTHLY via our ACH system (Auto Withdraw from your Bank Account).  Contact the office for a simple form�.one time effort/easy to do!

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AUGUST MEETING:

Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life
Meeting Minutes
August 21, 2008

Members Present: Darice Auguston, Harry Beckett, Julie Boyce, Mary Clapper, Aimee Fry, Don Garrett, Marilyn Garrett, Mila Harris, Emmale Judycki, Elizabeth Lee, Brenda Manasco, Neil Marshall, Jill Norton, Cliff Rawley & Pumpkin, Franklin Reagan, Krissy Sinor, Donna Willoughby.

Marilyn Garrett: Welcome and thanks to all attendees. Meeting called to order at 5:56 pm.

5:56 PM Mission Statement read by Franklin Reagan

The Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community awareness of end-of-life issues and promoting quality care for individuals at life�s end. Our members are an alliance of healthcare professionals, educators, and members of religious, business and civic communities throughout the Ozarks region. Together we strive to improve the quality of life for dying persons and to support healthy bereavement experiences for families and friends.

Introductions: Marilyn Garrett

We had a special guest attending with long-time member Donna Willoughby. Donna�s granddaughter, Jennifer, was celebrating her 10th birthday. All attendees sung Happy Birthday to her.

6:00 PM Committee Reports

Special Events: Don Garrett

Twelve teams and 46 bowlers participated in our first bowling event. We raised $2,078.50 after expenses (plus an extra $150 from chase volunteers). The winning team was �JAG,� consisting of Barry Patrick, Chip Wagner, John Gafner, and Kenny Smulski. Coming in second was �Who Knows,�, captain Gale Wickel. Our third place team was one of Hospice and Palliative Care representatives, �M and M's,� with Stacy Weames, captain. Our top fundraising team was �JAG�. They raised $200. Thank you. The top score by an individual was 573 for the three games and was by Kenny Smulski. Barry Patrick finished with a 547 for the second best score.

Thank you to our following sponsors:

Event Sponsor---Hospice and Palliative Care of Springfield
T-Shirt Sponsors--- Health MedX and CoxHealth
Lane sponsors---Integrity Health Care, John A Heitz, Preferred Hospice, Alzheimer�s Association, and Community Hospices
Prizes, In-kind, and Donations--- Young Sportswear, Battlefield Lanes, Donna Willoughby, Rob Hulstra,
Great Southern, Dunton and Associates, Mary Newman, Chase Bank, Marilyn Garrett, Andy's Frozen Custard, Oxford Hospice, and the San Francisco Oven

Next event is Trivia Night on Friday, November 14. See the website for details.

Action Items: Form Teams and Seek out sponsors to donate prizes.

Healthcare: Donna Willoughby

EPEC training was in Springfield on August 16-17. We had 34 attendees. Thanks to Oxford Hospice for hosting this successful training. Next EDNA training is September 24 in Jefferson City. The next EPEC training is scheduled for October 25-26 in Rolla.

The committee plans to begin working on Ellfie (Education for the Life Limited and Families In End-of-Life Care) modules in the coming months.

6:10 PM Complementary Therapies Presentations:

Pet Therapy � Clifford Rawley and Pumpkin with Oxford Hospice. Clifford demonstrated many ways that pets can enhance the healing process. The process goes way beyond physical pain, and a pet therapy can lower blood pressure, take your mind off your illness, but most importantly put a smile on your face

Music Therapy � Harry Beckett, MT-BC with Collage Music Therapy Services. We were wowed by Harry's talent. Music brings us memories of good times. Harry also described how music can stimulate the brain in dementia patients and help our elders with precious memories.

Harps for the Heart � Darice Augustson and Jill Norton. The soothing music of the harp is so relaxing. Darice Augustson played music to relax by and Jill explained how important the relaxation techniques of music can be to suffering.

Quantum Touch � Emmale Judycki and Mary Clapper with Energy in Motion. Emmale and Mary spoke on energy touch, it's use in pain and symptom control. They also demonstrated how touch can heal the spirit by showing people that they are cared for.

7:18 PM Meeting Adjourned

Easy Ways to Help with Our Mission:

Use GOODSEARCH. If you use www.goodsearch.com as your search engine, you can help us raise money! We received $109.86 for 2007 activity! It�s easy to do�simply designate the Alliance as the charity you choose to receive the proceeds from your internet search!

Check out Goodshop. Click on the Goodshop link on our website to learn how to help.

Donate your sellable items for E-Bay and Craig's list!. Call our office and let us know you have items to donate. Large items sell well on Craigs List. Clean, Usable items will sell well in this economy. Nicer items will sell well on the silent auction trivia night. Let's all pull together and build this program for the benefit of the Alliance.

Save your Toner and Ink Cartridges for the Alliance. We can pick them up and a donation box is available at the office and at meetings. Recycling also keeps them out of the landfill.

DONATE MONTLY via our ACH system (automatic withdrawal from your bank account). Contact our office for a simple form. One time effort and easy to do! Every dollar helps. Please give what is comfortable for you.

--

Marilyn Garrett
Executive Director
Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life
1944 E. Sunshine St. Suite C
Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 881-5521
Fax: (417) 865-5725

"Never doubt that small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
-- Margaret Mead

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SEPTEMBER 2008

Members
Reminder of Alliance Meeting

Cox Walnut L:awn Ozarks Room (Please note that this is a change of locations)
Thursday, October 16 5:45 PM"
"Coming to your Census"
All Hospices will be honored
The meeting will not be exclusive to hospices and hospital palliative care departments, home health agencies, and long term care will be a part of the
discussion.
Please send someone from your organization as you might be the one to tell about you area of expertise. Maybe it is direct care, maybe it is billing, maybe
it is social care. We need your input
This is a time for learning and exploring ways to help direct patients to the appropriate care as their lives and health care require a more aggressive
approach.
How can we come together and educate both the health care providers and the public about the needs of the life limited patients.
See you there!!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Members Present: Mary Clapper, Kay Dulaney, Bradley Fisher, PhD, Don Garrett, Jeannette Green, Rob Hulstra, Donna Irish, Elizabeth Lee, Brenda Manasco, Joyce McNeal, Paula Montgomery, Denie' Patrick, Earl Glen Russell, Stacy Willhoit
Denie' Patrick: Welcome everyone!
5:55 pm: Mission Statement: Denie' Patrick
The Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community awareness of end-of-life issues and promoting quality care for individuals at life�s end. Our members are an alliance of healthcare professionals, educators, and members of religious, business and civic communities throughout the Ozarks region.
Together we strive to improve the quality of life for dying persons and to support healthy bereavement experiences for families and friends
Denie' Patrick: Introductions
6:05 Denie� Patrick: Executive Report
The organization is working on financial issues, grants, and funding for the upcoming year. We are also working on building membership, and getting our name out to the public.
6:10 pm Committee Reports
Special Events: Don Garrett:
Our next special event is Trivia Nite on Nov. 14, 2008. Doors will open at 6pm, and the game will start at 7pm. There will be a silent auction and other prizes. This year�s theme is �Prom Night.� You may come dressed for prom night of your era. The event will be located at the Knights of Columbus Hall 2340 W. Grand. They will be providing a cash bar. Don passed out a sheet of rules which are enforced by the Knights of Columbus.
Action Items:
Form teams - Tables are $80 and will accommodate 1-8 players. To reserve your table, send registration with payment to: Community Alliance c/o Don Garrett, 2056 E. Woodhaven Pl, Springfield, MO 65804.
Seek out sponsors to donate prizes - To make a donation for the silent auction, or team prizes, sponsor a table, or for more information about Trivia Night, call 881-5521.
April 29, 2009: The Alliance will again be sponsoring the 16th Annual Bereavement Teleconference, �Diversity and End of Life Care: Impact of Culture on Death and Bereavement.� Hosted by the National Hospice Foundation of America.
Program: Presentations and Q & A with:
Paine IS a Medical Emergency � Kay Dulaney
Pain in the Demented Patient � Donna Irish
Beyond Physical Pain (the Hospice Patient) � Elizabeth Lee
Advocate for Yourself, a Patient�s Perspective � Don Garrett

EASY WAYS TO HELP NOW:
USE GOODSEARCH If you use www.goodsearch.com as your search engine, you can help us raise money! We received $109.86 for 2007 activity! It�s easy to do�.simply designate the Alliance as the charity you choose to receive the proceeds from your internet search!
Check out Goodshop ~~another way the Alliance can earn money
DONATE YOUR sellable items for E-Bay! Call the office and let us know you have items.
Save your TONER AND INK CARTRIDGES for the alliance. We will pick them up and a donation box will be available in the office and at meetings. Also keeps them out of the landfill.
DONATE MONTHLY via our ACH system (Auto Withdraw from your Bank Account). Contact the office for a simple form�.one time effort/easy to do!

--

Marilyn Garrett
Executive Director
Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life
1944 E. Sunshine St. Suite C
Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 881-5521
Fax: (417) 865-5725

"Never doubt that small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
-- Margaret Mead

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Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life

Meeting Minutes

October 16, 2008 

Members Present: Jan Badgett, Julie Boyce, Ellen Florang, Aimee Fry, Don Garrett, Marilyn Garrett, Richard Kennedy, Jan Massey, Joy Mello, Krissy Sinor, Judee Steward, Phyllis Wiley, Stacy Willhoit, Donna Willoughby 

Marilyn Garrett: Welcome and thanks to all attendees. Meeting called to order at 5:50 PM. 

Mission Statement read by Don Garrett 

The Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community awareness of end-of-life issues and promoting quality care for individuals at life�s end. Our members are an alliance of healthcare professionals, educators, and members of religious, business and civic communities throughout the Ozarks region. Together we strive to improve the quality of life for dying persons and to support healthy bereavement experiences for families and friends. 

Introductions 

Announcements: 

1. Marilyn asked others to share information so that we could be mindful of issues in others� lives, and we could be thinking of each other in times of need.
   1. Donna shared news of her husband�s stroke and her challenges in placing him in a rehab facility.
   2. Marilyn shared that founding board member Tobias Meeker was leaving the board and moving to California. His wife is having some health issues.
   3. Marilyn and Aimee shared that Aimee�s brother died recently in an accident.
   4. Marilyn shared that she will be starting chemo in January, insurance willing.
2. Lost & Found will be hosting a one-day seminar �Tinsel & Tears � For the Bereaved and Those Who Care About Them� on Saturday, November 22 at Schweitzer United Methodist Church in Springfield. We have posters and brochures at the Alliance offices if you would like to help spread the word about the seminar. Get some posters and put them up at your business or your church. This seminar can benefit everyone. The information is also available at the Lost & Found website www.lostandfoundozarks.com.

Committee Reports: 

Healthcare Education: Donna Willoughby reported on the latest EDNA training on September 24 in Jefferson City. There were 33 attendees. Donna read very positive comments from two of the attendees. EPEC training in Rolla for October 25-26 was cancelled due to lack of confirmed registrations. The next EPEC training (and last training of the year) will be December 6-7 in Independence. We expect this to be a large training. 

Multicultural Diversity: Julie Boyce reported that the Diversity committee will present a program for the January Alliance meeting on personal cultures. Julie is working with planning group to produce next EDNA module on cultural diversity. Mary Newman and Krissy Sinor are also a part of this group.  

Marilyn added that the cultural diversity module is one of eight new modules planned for EDNA.

Special Events: Don Garrett reminded members of all the ways to contribute to the Alliance

• GoodSearch � every time you use www.goodsearch.com as your search engine, you generate revenue for the Alliance. Make it your homepage and help us every time you�re on the Internet.
• GoodShop � access from the GoodSearch main page. Use GoodShop when shopping online at participating stores and the Alliance will receive part of the proceeds from every purchase you make.
• Legends Car Wash � Once we are signed up, members can enter number assigned to the Alliance at Legends Car Wash locations and the Alliance will receive 20% of the proceeds from each car wash. Legends is currently open at the corner of Battlefield and Kansas Expressway and at 1146 S Glenstone. We will distribute the number as soon as we have it.
• TRIVIA NIGHT!! � Friday, November 14. The doors open at 6 pm and questions start at 7 pm. The theme is �Senior Prom� so dress and decorate accordingly. Prizes will be awarded for costumes and decorations. We are still in need of donations for prizes and for the Silent Auction. Certain items will be placed on the website beginning on November 1 for advanced bidding. If you cannot make it to Trivia Night, Don will be happy to take your bid via the website (www.MissouriEndofLife.com). Form a team and sign up today! Please try to have your registrations in by November 7th; it helps with set-up the following week. If you want to play but don�t have a team, come on out and Don will find a team for you! Everyone is welcome to join the fun!

Presentation: Coming to Our Census

• Marilyn read a story to begin the discussion:

Simple

A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging her wash outside. �The laundry is not very clean,� she told her husband. �She does not know how to wash clothes correctly. Maybe she needs to use better laundry soap.� Her husband looked on, just being quiet.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments. About a month later, the woman looked out and saw nice, clean laundry on the line and said to her husband, �That woman must have learned how to wash her clothes correctly. I wonder who taught her this?�

The husband said to her, �I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.�

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the clarity of the windows we look through. Before we give criticism, it might be a good idea to check our state of mind and ask ourselves if we are ready to see the good rather than looking for something to judge.

• Jan Badgett, board member, acted as moderator as the members in attendance discussed how we, as an Alliance, can increase awareness and use of hospice and palliative care for everyone. There was in depth and lively discussion on how best to approach the issues.

- Education was the number one idea of those in attendance. We need to help educate people before they need hospice and/or palliative care.

- Change the mindset in the medical community from curing to caring. Again, education is the way to accomplish this.

- Will Alliance members give presentations to different groups in the area, educating about hospice and palliative services? Will we offer our services as Alliance members and not as a hospice or hospital employees? We are all working toward the same goal: Everyone faced with a life-limiting situation should have hospice and/or palliative care.

- Some groups who would benefit from more education about what is available include support group leaders, college students, CNAs in long term care.

- Develop a generic hospice/palliative care presentation (fact sheet, brochure, PowerPoint?) for our members to use for any group they may present to.  

Each attendee received a Certificate of Appreciation from The Alliance. We thank everyone for all you do! 
 

Next Meeting:   November 20, 2008 at the Great Southern Operations Center, 218 S Glenstone, Springfield, MO. 
 
 
 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

November Meeing Minutes

Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life

Meeting Minutes

Nov. 20, 2008 

Members Present: Jan Badgett, Dan Cobb, Bradley Fisher, Sheila Freeman, Aimee Fry, Kate Gabel, Don Garrett, Marilyn Garrett, Ina Graham, Mary Ann Hale, Rob Hulstra, Gwen Lloyd, Brenda Manasco, Melanie Markham, Jan Massey, Mary Newman, Marsha Oberstrom, Denie' Patrick, Earl Glen Russell, Krissy Sinor, Marty Sinor, Judee Steward, Sara Tamburrino, Betty Thomas, Donna Vermillion, and Tricia Wagner  

Marilyn Garrett: Welcome and thanks to all attendees. Meeting called to order at 5:56 pm. 

6:00 PM Mission Statement read by Rob Hulstra 

The Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at the End of Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community awareness of end-of-life issues and promoting quality care for individuals at life�s end. Our members are an alliance of healthcare professionals, educators, and members of religious, business and civic communities throughout the Ozarks region. Together we strive to improve the quality of life for dying persons and to support healthy bereavement experiences for families and friends. 

Introductions:  Marilyn Garrett 

6:05 PM Announcements:

      NO December meeting 

      Tinsel & Tears � presented by Lost & Found Nov. 22 at Schweitzer United Methodist Church 2747 E. Sunshine. $10 registration. Keynote Speaker: Darcy Sims nationally recognized thanatologist. 

      Memory Lane Holiday Bowl � presented by the Alzheimer�s Association Dec 13, 2008 1-3pm Participants may enter individually or in teams of 4.  

      Divorce Support Group � St. Johns Hospice is starting a new support group for divorced individuals. Contact Gwen Lloyd at St. Johns Hospice for more information 820-7550.  

6:05 PM Committee Reports 

Circles of Care: Sheila Freeman � On Dec. 7, Sheila will be speaking at Community Christian Church. They meet at the Executive Conference Center, 910 W. Battlefield. She will be outlining the basics and a training session for caregivers will be coming up in Jan. She is hopeful that there will be 2-3 trainings before summer. 

Special Events: Don Garrett 

Trivia Night � Held Nov. 14 and raised over $4000. Thanks given to committee members: Donna Vermillion, Barb Stock, Donna Willoughby, Jan Badgett, Mary Newman, Don and Marilyn Garrett, and Krissy Sinor.

Thanks given to businesses and individuals who donated items:

Winning teams, Wrench Works, Barb Stock�s team, and Donna Willoughby�s team tied for 1st place. 80 questions answered correctly. 

No other committee reports were given 

6:25 PM Program: Denie� Patrick moderated an open discussion on plans for 2009:

How can we as an Alliance increase awareness of end-of-life issues for all ages among the general population?

7:18 PM Meeting Adjourned

ACTION ITEMS

• Find out if your organization is listed in all categories with the new 211 service directory.   www.211missouri.org
• Please sign up for committees by contacting Marilyn at mardongar@aol.com or contact the office at 865-4501.

Easy Ways to Help with Our Mission: 

1. Use GOODSEARCH. If you use www.goodsearch.com as your search engine, you can help us raise money! We received $109.86 for 2007 activity! It�s easy to do�simply designate the Alliance as the charity you choose to receive the proceeds from your internet search!

2. Check out Goodshop. Click on the Goodshop link on our website to learn how to help.

3. Donate your sellable items for E-Bay!. Call our office and let us know you have items to donate.

4. Save your Toner and Ink Cartridges for the Alliance. We can pick them up and a donation box is available at the office and at meetings. Recycling also keeps them out of the landfill.

5. DONATE MONTLY via our ACH system (automatic withdrawal from your bank account). Contact our office for a simple form.  One time effort and easy to do!