Pine Tree Hospice celebrates 40th anniversary at Peaks Kenny State Park

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Sixty-plus volunteers and their family members gathered on Saturday, Sept. 20 to celebrate Pine Tree Hospice’s 40 years of providing free care and comfort to families in the greater Piscataquis County community.

Past and present members of the PTH Board of Directors, staff and volunteers gathered to share memories and a luau feast, served by members of the Foxcroft Academy Key Club. The Penquis Ukelele Players and students from volunteer Beth Weatherbee’s dance school provided entertainment. Special guests included three of the group’s founders: Dr. Leslie Fernow, Ken Dale and Kathy Malatesta.

Executive Director Kristen Wortman credits the group’s longevity to the devotion of its volunteers to serving isolated and often house-bound neighbors in their communities, caregivers and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Pine Tree Hospice continues to focus on neighbors helping neighbors. Services are free and provided to clients without medical referral.

Incoming President of the PTH Board of Directors Clare Lizotte recounted how when her family moved to Dover-Foxcroft five years ago, she was immediately invited to join non-profit boards in the community. She declared that Pine Tree Hospice was and continues to be a great choice to serve. She thanked everyone for their service over the past four decades and encouraged attendees to help grow the organization to serve more clients.

“It takes a lot to be a PTH volunteer,” Lizotte said. “Our rural communities need your commitment, your devotion and your time.” 

A 25-year service pin was presented to long-time volunteer Ardis Hacker of Dover-Foxcroft and a special “Commitment to Mission” award to Stacy Shaffer of Sebec.

Attendees were treated to a special sneak preview of the upcoming community fundraising campaign “Butterflies of Hope”. 

“This name was adopted because it is a good analogy for what PTH does. A butterfly has long symbolized hope in many cultures. When the tiny-winged creatures visit a person, they always bring smiles. They never fail to brighten someone’s day and lift their spirits. That is just what our PTH volunteers deliver to their clients … smiles and hope,” Wortman said. “In our most recent year, through our direct care program, volunteers made over 1,200 visits to clients, providing companionship, respite, transportation and sharing information and resources. It is a genuine, local, uncomplicated service you support when you donate to Pine Tree Hospice.”

The campaign will kick off in October. In addition to the incredible recurring donors, the campaign aims to reach new donors who may not have been aware that free non-medical care is available through PTH. Interested volunteers and businesses who would like to help with the campaign are welcome to connect with Pine Tree Hospice by calling 207-802-8078 or emailing info@pinetreehospice.org.