Learn something new with Pine Tree Hospice’s ‘Betcha Didn’t Know’ series
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Pine Tree Hospice invites community members to attend upcoming installments of “Betcha Didn’t Know”, a free monthly speaker series held on the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Center Theatre. The next three presentations will take place on July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16.
Pine Tree Hospice is committed to providing educational opportunities that inform, support and strengthen our community. The “Betcha Didn’t Know” series offers attendees the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics while connecting with local experts and neighbors. The series is free, open to the public and requires no registration.
On July 15, Cheryl Crabtree will present “Dementia Basics”. Guests are invited to learn about the fundamentals of dementia, common misconceptions and ways to better support caregivers and loved ones living with dementia. Crabtree, retired volunteer coordinator for Pine Tree Hospice, says she is passionate about improving support for caregivers.
“Caregiver emotional stress impacts health,” Crabtree said. “There are basic ideas that can make a difference for caregivers and those who support them.”
As volunteer coordinator, Crabtree helped create Pine Tree Hospice’s “Knowledge Is Power” series. She was also a trained presenter for Savvy Caregiver through Eastern Area Agency on Aging. Her educational background includes a master of science in human relations, with a focus on aging and caregiver challenges.
On Aug. 19, Cavenaugh Kelly, Ph.D., MS, OTR/L, occupational therapist and associate professor at Husson University, will present “Capturing Life Stories”.
“I have always been passionate about reading, writing, and listening to stories,” Kelly said. “I was a newspaper journalist for 10 years, writing numerous stories about local individuals, before becoming a home health occupational therapist. As an OT, working primarily in Piscataquis County for more than 10 years, I have always emphasized understanding each patient’s story as the foundation for treatment planning.”
Participants will learn about the role of life stories at the end of life, how to interview someone about their experiences and techniques for summarizing and writing meaningful life stories. Whether you are interested in writing your own story or interviewing a loved one or neighbor, Kelly will offer practical tools for capturing and preserving life stories. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen.
On Sept. 16, Chaplain William Sheppard, a retired emergency medicine physician assistant, commissioned pastor and ordained minister, will present “Medical Miracles”. Drawing from decades of experience in emergency medicine and his personal faith, Sheppard will share remarkable real-life events and explore the meaning, hope, and wonder they inspire.
“My faith gives me passion for this subject,” Sheppard said.
For more information, contact Pine Tree Hospice at info@pinetreehospice.org or 207-802-8078. Follow Pine Tree Hospice on Facebook to learn about future speakers and upcoming “Betcha Didn’t Know” presentations.
Pine Tree Hospice is a volunteer-based non-profit organization serving Piscataquis County and parts of Somerset and Penobscot counties. For more than 40 years, Pine Tree Hospice has provided compassionate, non-medical support to individuals facing life-limiting illness, their caregivers and those who are grieving. Services include volunteer companionship and support, respite for caregivers, bereavement support, educational programs and community outreach. All services are offered free of charge, helping neighbors care for neighbors through some of life’s most challenging transitions.