In This Issue

A very special day of remembrance will be held this December. Cartmell-Davis Funeral and Cremation Service invites local residents to join them at 2 pm on Sunday, December 13th, at Christ Episcopal Church at 149 Court Street in Plymouth. A non-denominational candlelight memorial service has been planned in remembrance for all the loved ones who will be missed this holiday season.

Holiday grief is often unanticipated. As those around you seem to be lost in the revelry of the season, you may find comfort in another type of community; one that is sharing your similar feelings during this difficult time. Attendees will find the event a time to quietly reflect, pray or simply show support for one another in a calming environment.

"We understand the holidays are some of the most difficult times for families that have suffered a loss. This service is open to everyone in the community," said John Vincent, Funeral Director at Cartmell-Davis. Regardless of where your deceased loved ones' service was held, all community members are encouraged to gather together in an atmosphere of comfort and support. "We will honor those we have lost while acknowledging that life does indeed go on, but perhaps in a different way than ever before," said Joe Davis. 

Attendees will each receive a candle and musicians will play as another candle is lit in memory of each loved one. Every family will also receive a special memento to commemorate the service.  

This is a free event; refreshments will be served following the memorial. Please RSVP by calling 508-746-2162 or emailing cartmellcares@aol.com. "Grief can affect people in so many different ways," said John. "We hope this event will bring some peace and tranquility to those that attend."
  


Traversing the world of health insurance can often be frustrating and confusing. This is especially true for those that have Medicare.
The Massachusetts SHINE program is making it easier for Medicare holders and their caregivers to find the information and counseling they need. 

SHINE stands for Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone, and their mission is to do just that. SHINE has literally hundreds of local offices in Massachusetts. 

Plymouth and Duxbury residents can dial 508-946-2490. For a list of local numbers call 1-800-AGE-INFO.
 
"This time of year we are getting more than 500 calls a month!" said Mary Bessey, SHINE Regional Director. "October 15th through December 7th is open enrollment time. There are a lot of people that don't realize they should be checking their plan during this time. Every year the plans change. We look to see what they currently have, and if there is something better for less money, which there usually is." Beneficiaries can be saved $200 to $300 annually by switching plans to one that better suits their needs. "In instances its thousands of dollars," added Mary. "There are 26 plans to choose from next year. We get people the plan that is least expensive each year and has a contract with their pharmacy. 

Certified SHINE counselors can knowledgably assist callers with questions regarding Medicare Part A, B, and D, HMO's, retiree insurance plans, prescription drug programs, Medicaid and other assistance programs for people with limited resources. These committed counselors are supplied with up-to-date and accurate information and are happy to assist MA residents to understand it. 

For a list of local SHINE numbers, please call  1-800-AGE-INFO.  
(1-800-243-4696) 

Counselors are available to meetvia telephone, in person or email. "Our counselors are always getting thank you notes, they love us!" enthused Mary. "Many callers contact us year after year and they will ask for the particular counselor from the year before. If they can't remember, we can look it up." If preferred, in-person appointments can be made at your local office. 

Getting information is easy. "Many people don't understand that they can just call their local senior center and ask to speak with a SHINE representative," said Mary. Your local senior center can also tell you when the next SHINE presentation is coming to your area; they visit all the local senior centers.
 
If you would like more information on how you can help and become a SHINE volunteer please contact a local SHINE Program Director at 1-800-AGE-INFO. 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION 

"The holidays seem to intensify my grief, what can I do to ease these feelings? 

The holidays can be difficult for those of us who have lost a loved one, particularly if this is the first holiday season without that person. This usually joyous time of year is often accompanied by intensified grief and apprehension about how we will cope with the festivities all around us. 

"Holiday grief can start as early as Halloween," said Kathleen McAleer, Clinical Social Worker and Hospice Bereavement Coordinator at Cranberry Hospice. "It is a trigger that starts people thinking about Thanksgiving." Workshops such as Coping with the Holidays While Grieving highlighted in this newsletter are purposefully scheduled in November to give people practical tips on dealing with grief over the holidays. For more information on the Hope and Healing seminar series led by Kathleen, put on in conjunction with Hope Floats Healing & Wellness Center and Cartmell-Davis Funeral and Cremation Services, please call 508-746-2162. 

If your friend or neighbor is coping with the loss of a loved one this holiday season Kathleen suggests, "Be forgiving of the person, and accommodating." Realize that they may not be able to join in the normal festivities. If you offer an invitation, let the person know ahead of time that they don't have to answer right away, or at all.

The key to managing grief during this time is to give yourself permission to be flexible and to try to anticipate changes you may wish to make. "Only do the things that make you feel better," suggested Kathleen. 
Seniors Fulfill their Passion through Volunteering - 
Mayflower RSVP Brings Support Unity to Area


Retirement need not slow a senior down now-a-days. A growing population of the 55 and older community are using retirement as a time to follow their passion, rather than work simply for a paycheck. Volunteering promotes good physical and mental health and contributes to the positive image of seniors as a healthy and vital part of society. 

Numerous resources exist for seniors to match their specific interests and skill sets to a     need in the area, such as www.volunteermatch. org. Websites such as these provide the most up-to-date listings of a variety volunteer opportunities and activities. 

Local Massachusetts organization Mayflower RSVP, The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for Plymouth County, utilizes volunteermatch.org to offer meaningful opportunities to Plymouth County citizens. Old Colony Elder Services, OCES, currently has over 500 volunteers supporting their programs. Mayflower RSVP is a new OCES volunteer program meant to expand opportunities for volunteers who are 55 and older. 

They recruit and interview volunteers and align them with service partners. A dual objective is met when seniors experience a great personal fulfillment while improving the quality of life of Plymouth County residents in need. "Volunteers choose the opportunity, the amount of time to give, and whether to utilize their skills or develop new ones," said Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Coordinator at OCES.  "There are many needs. Volunteers have an enormous impact in the communities we serve. Volunteers deliver critical services, like Meals on Wheels, teach/ tutor, educate, assist at events, etc. Many non-profit agencies need the support of volunteers to deliver their services, unite services, unite communities and leverage resources to improve lives," she added. Many great volunteering opportunities exist, such as: 

Working with the Area Coalition for the Homeless 

Receptionist work at the 
Council on Aging 

Driving other seniors to 
medical appointments 

Driving for meals on wheels 

Leading classes and workshops at MCI Plymouth 

Tutoring 
 
Hospice volunteering 

Helping elders with bill paying and 
money management 

Greeting visitors at the hospital and assisting 
 in the gift shop

If you would like more information on how you can get involved call Mayflower RSVP at 508-584-1561 or visit www. volunteermatch.org. 

Brenda urged future volunteers to consider, "Most people find themselves in need at some point in their lives. So today you may be the person with the ability to help, but tomorrow you or someone you love may be the recipient of someone else's volunteer effort." 




For things such as decorating your home for the holidays, Kathleen adds "Recruit help. Grief affects people in many different ways; it's okay to pass the baton." 

We have listed even more suggestions which we hope will offer you practical coping strategies as you face the coming season. 

1) It is important to acknowledge that adjustments will be necessary in the traditions and celebrations of the holiday season. 

2) Use a journal to write down your feelings and fears concerning the holidays. Clarifying your thoughts will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.


3) Plan ahead to participate in certain holiday activities to avoid having to make decisions under pressure. If you are not sure about an invitation, be tentative. Explain that some days are better than others and you may attend if you feel up to it. 

4) Build in quiet time to your schedule so you don't resent having too much to do.

5) Getting into the spirit by decorating can bring warmth into your home. Ask family and friends to help if it all seems too much to do alone. 
Hope and Healing: 
The Grief Journey - 
A Series of Seminars for Our Community 

Cartmell-Davis Funeral and Cremation Service has teamed up once again with Hope Floats Healing & Wellness Center and Cranberry Hospice & Palliative Care to bring Plymouth area residents a special series of support and healing. "We have been doing these seminar series for three years now," said Kathy Cartmell Sirrico, Funeral Director at Cartmell-Davis Funeral and Cremation Service. "We are pleased each year with our attendance and proud to be able to bring this free public education to our community." 

"Some people want to come to a seminar for one night and hear from people that are experts in the field," said Denis Brack of Hope Floats Healing & Wellness Center. "Some people want to attend support groups, as well as one time seminars. It can't really hurt, give it a try."

Coping with the Holidays While Grieving will be held 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday November 12th at the Hope Floats Healing & Wellness Center at 4 Elm Street in Kingston. Kathleen McAleer, Hospice Bereavement Coordinator atCranberry Hospice, will present practical tips for coping with loss during the holidays and discuss how feelings of grief can be intensified during these times of year. "During workshops such as this I provide education about the topic, it's more informative. For holiday-coping we offer a very specific presentation on how to help people get through the holidays," said Kathleen. Kathleen brings practical experience to the table combined with her 20 plus years working hospice care. "The seminar session is like an encapsulated support group in a single session," Kathleen went on. "We encourage people to be mindful of how much sp
ace grief takes up in your life. Scale back, only do those things that are truly meaningful to you." 

A program to commemorate International Suicide Loss Survivor's Day will be presented from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday, November 21st, at the Hope Floats Healing & Wellness Center at 4 Elm Street in Kingston. This program is for anyone that has lost someone to suicide. Thousands of survivors gather on this day each year for mutual support. The presentation will offer practical guidance on coping with grief. "This is such a unique kind of loss," said Kathleen.

"We received really good feedback from last year's presentation and I suspect we will have some repeat attendees. People really connected and had a safe place to tell their stories."

The seminars are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information or to register please call Cartmell-Davis Funeral and Cremation Service at 
508-746-2162. 

For more information on suicide: understanding it, coping with it, and prevention, please visit www.afsp.org. 

Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service
150 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360


Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service
619 State Rd. Rt. 3A
Manomet, MA

5) Getting into the spirit by decorating can bring warmth into your home. Ask family and friends to help if it all seems too much to do alone. 

6) If you are not ready to celebrate this year, that's OK. If you have children, discuss holiday changes with them so they don't feel confused or punished. 

7) If you find yourself alone for the holidays, use the time to pamper yourself; do something you've wanted to do and haven't had the time for. 
8) If you don't want to be alone, make a plan not to spend the holidays by yourself. Call family and friends and tell them you'd like to spend time 
with them. 

9) Do for others: Put together a holiday gift package or basket of food for a needy family. 

10) Start a new tradition in memory of your loved one. 

At Cartmell-Davis Funeral Home, we offer a wide variety of helpful reading material on coping with grief. Stop by or call us at 508-746-2162. We'll be pleased to help you select one that is right for you. 

Remember that there is no right or wrong way to experience grief; nor is there a time limit for our feelings. We hope that the suggestions in this article will help you find coping strategies for this time of year that work best for you.




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About Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service:
Now in its third generation, Cartmell-Davis Funeral &
Cremation Service is an independent family-owned and operated funeral home. The legacy of care and compassion continues through personal experience and understanding, serving the people of the greater Plymouth area and surrounding communities.

Cartmell Funeral Home | | cartmellcares@aol.com | http://www.cartmelldavis.com
150 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360

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