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Blue Christmas
Blue Christmas was started in the 70's in Hospice in Canada on Dec 21st, the darkest time of the year, and the darkest time of the year in many people's souls. The ceremony was meant to acknowledge the deep and painful losses, while remembering the joys still present.
Today, this ceremony has spread to many Christian Churches throughout the Country, as Christmas time seems to also be the loneliest time of the year for many. We watch as others seems to enjoy the comfort and joy that comes with being with family or friends, fireplaces inviting warmth and peace, songs that are filled with love and togetherness; and yet, we do not feel any of those things. The comparison makes this time more lonely and sad. This ceremony brings back the intent of this ceremony as started in the 70's.
All of our participants were invited, and we transported many with wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen. For many, this was the first time they have been around people, music, dining with others, sharing etc. for not months, but years.
We thank all the many volunteers, drivers, Santa Helpers, UK students, and Pastor Laura for making this day possible. The potluck and dessert caterers were awesome, as was the smoked turkey and hams. The music by Nathan Wilson was in tune with our spirits.
We will do it again!!!!!
Farewell
A Special and Sad Good-bye to Don Rapske on our Leadership Team. Don has been with us since the very beginning in 2018. We will miss his inspiring and intelligent direction as we wend our way forward, and hope Don continues to participate with us on the Virtual Welcome Center and Death Cafe which he initiated. We will have a luncheon for him in his honor on Nov 11th at the Olive Garden for anyone who is interested.
Blue Christmas was started in the 70's in Hospice in Canada on Dec 21st, the darkest time of the year, and the darkest time of the year in many people's souls. The ceremony was meant to acknowledge the deep and painful losses, while remembering the joys still present.
Today, this ceremony has spread to many Christian Churches throughout the Country, as Christmas time seems to also be the loneliest time of the year for many. We watch as others seems to enjoy the comfort and joy that comes with being with family or friends, fireplaces inviting warmth and peace, songs that are filled with love and togetherness; and yet, we do not feel any of those things. The comparison makes this time more lonely and sad. This ceremony brings back the intent of this ceremony as started in the 70's.
All of our participants were invited, and we transported many with wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen. For many, this was the first time they have been around people, music, dining with others, sharing etc. for not months, but years.
We thank all the many volunteers, drivers, Santa Helpers, UK students, and Pastor Laura for making this day possible. The potluck and dessert caterers were awesome, as was the smoked turkey and hams. The music by Nathan Wilson was in tune with our spirits.
We will do it again!!!!!
Farewell
A Special and Sad Good-bye to Don Rapske on our Leadership Team. Don has been with us since the very beginning in 2018. We will miss his inspiring and intelligent direction as we wend our way forward, and hope Don continues to participate with us on the Virtual Welcome Center and Death Cafe which he initiated. We will have a luncheon for him in his honor on Nov 11th at the Olive Garden for anyone who is interested.
Telephone Comfort Care and Home Visits It is amazing how friendships can be built by a telephone call. If you feel isolated, or log for someone to chat with, then you may benefit from a call to chat two or three times a week. People have bonded, and relationships maintained for years. So be a phone pal, see if this works for you. 
Read On!
We provide reading enjoyment to third graders by reading a book with them over the phone or by zoom. This engagement between young and old brings meaning into both lives. Testimonials indicate both child and reading buddy find this a satisfying and enjoying activity. Training is provided, if you would like to be a reading buddy! Death Cafe
Death Cafes are an open space for conversations about dying. Discussions can cover the gamut, but the topics come from the participants. Some will talk about losing loved ones or fear of dying, others may reflect on the ethics of euthanasia, beliefs about life after death, their hoped-for legacy, or how they wish to be remembered. The Death Cafe is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief-support or counseling session. We invite you to join us and give it a try. You may leave the Zoom meeting at any time. Here is the link to a recent discussion with a guest speaker. To register and obtain a zoom link, please email Don Rapske. |
Welcome Center
We are working with the Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's at the University of Kentucky and have implemented a Virtual Welcome Center. Currently we meet every Weds and Sat at 10 a.m. for one hour. Our zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8592728515 Meeting Code: 1111 Come join us!!!!
Free Movement
Therapy and Meditation Classes for anyone! On Mondays at 12:15 pm, a free Strength and Stability class is offered. This class focuses on strengthening core muscles and balance exercises. CDC research indicates that good balance and core strength can help prevent falls among the elderly. Particpants are asked to have a chair with no wheels handy for some of the stability exercises.Moving, stretching and meditating: Primary stress busters. Every Tuesday a qualified instructor holds a Tai Chi class at noon for 30 minutes. In a Wheelchair? Have problems with Balance? No problem, we can accommodate as all of our Tai Chi is done sitting down. Every Tuesday at 12:30, a qualified instructor holds a class which teaches the participant how to meditate or be mindful. You'll want to take a nap after this class lol. Please check out our YouTube Channel to learn more! One of our Tai Chi Classes can be found here. On Thursdays at 12:30pm we are starting a new group where strength, stretching, and core work will be the focus. In an effort to prevent slips, trips, and falls, we are helping participants work on the skills needed to maintain our balance. A playlist of helpful videos can be found here. |
