November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to reflect on the hope, dignity, and love at the heart of both hospice and palliative care, according to the National Hospice Foundation.

November 15 is Children's Grief Awareness Day, which is observed the third Thursday of every November and "strives to remind grieving children they are not alone," explains the National Alliance for Grieving Children.

Earlier this year, Assemblyman Gary Finch introduced a resolution calling for New York to officially recognize the day.

Hospicare is committed to providing bereavement support to the entire community, and our Good Grief Program addresses the unique needs of children and teens.

Bereaved children ages 5-12 and their caregivers are invited to join us at the Nina K. Miller Hospicare Center on Friday, November 16, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.

Kira Lallas, LMSW, and Earth Arts Director Julie Kulik will guide participants in creating clay pots in memory of loved ones.

The evening will include time to share about the loved ones who died, and to enjoy a light supper together.

The event is free, and all are welcome whether or not their loved ones were on hospice services, but please register with Kira (607-272-0212, klallas@hospicare.org) by November 14.

Join us Tuesday, December 4 in the Nina K. Miller Hospicare Center Great Room for music, refreshments, a candle-lighting ceremony, and a special display of the names of those being remembered.

Refreshments will be served at 5:30 PM, and the program will begin at 6:00 PM.

Attendance is free, but if you wish to make an online gift, please specify "Light the Landscape" and the name(s) of the person(s) you are honoring.

To RSVP, please call 607-272-0212 or stop by the office.
 

In recognition of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and in celebration of this season of thanksgiving, 15 STEPS on the Ithaca Commons will be donating to Hospicare 10% of sales from Friday, November 23 through Sunday, November 25.

And there's more -- visit the store one of those days, let us know what you are grateful for, and you can enter a drawing to win a $25 gift certificate for 15 STEPS!

The names of the lucky winners will be drawn on Monday, November 26.

What are we grateful for? We are grateful for our community -- for all of you who support our end-of-life work, and who inspire us with your kindness and generosity.

November dates include:

• Women Singin' - no November meeting 
• Evening Bereavement Support Group - 11/7 & 11/20 (meeting Tuesday due to Thanksgiving); 5:30-7 PM
• Mindfulness Practice - Wednesdays; 7:30-9 PM
• Tuesday Lunch Group - 11/13; 12 PM
• Registration deadline for Good Grief Program: Memory Pots - 11/14 (meets 11/16; 5:30-7 PM) 
• 15 STEPS Community Fundraiser - 11/23-11/25 
• Registration deadline for Grief 101: For Grievers - Coping with the Holidays - 11/26 (occurs twice 12/3 for different groups; 1-2:30 PM & 5:30-7 PM) 
• Wednesday Breakfast Group - 11/28; 8:30 AM