Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home
Community Connections  Autumn 2013 
Dewhirst Methuen
In This Issue
Methuen Senior Activity Center - A Gathering Place
FREE Estate Planning Seminar Tuesday, October 22nd
Methuen Village at Riverwalk Park
FAQ: "What exactly is a green burial?"
Memorial Stone Donated to First Congregational Church
"Before, During and

After A Loss"  


Colizzi Memorials and Rick Dewhirst Partner for Latest Addition to First Congregational's
Memorial Garden

  

For the last ten years, the Memorial Garden at the First Congregational Church of Methuen has evolved to address the needs of the members and community at large.  

 

"I was chair of the board of directors at the church when the idea for the Memorial Garden was first proposed," said Rick Dewhirst.  Mem- bers of the congregation had expressed a desire to have an alternative for a final resting place and wanted an area where cremated remains could be interred on church grounds."

 

Over the years the MemorialMemorial Garden 

Garden has become not only a resting place for those who have died, but also a gathering place for the church.  

   The latest addition is a Memorial Stone, designed and fabricated by Colizzi Memorials. Michael Colizzi and Rick Dewhirst partnered to donate the stone which bears the scripture, "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." It is made of Barre VT granite, measures 24" x 12" and weighs a few hundred pounds.  
 

memorial stone Michael Colizzi said, "The con- cept was to design the Memorial Stone with a rustic look in keeping with the beautiful surroundings at First Congregational Church. Rick mentioned the Memorial Stone to me and I thought it would be fantastic to support the parish this way," he added.  The First Congregational Church is located at 26 Pleasant Street in Methuen. 

elder picnic
Methuen Senior  
Activity Center:     
A Gathering Place
Where
Lives Are Enriched
   

      

     Located at 77 Lowell Street, the Methuen Activity Center is where seniors gather to stay healthy and connected to their community. Many programs and activities are offered, including education and enrichment classes, multi-level fitness sessions, health screenings and clinics, support groups, outreach and information services, social events, and lots of recreational activities.

 

       Here are just a few of the special activities on the upcoming calendar of events:  

 

     At 10:30 am on October 18th, the first of two informational talks presented by Mayor Stephen Zanni will be held. The Utility Assistance Forum will provide information on assistance programs available to Methuen seniors. On October 30th the Tax Assistance Forum is scheduled from noon to 1 pm to present information on the MA Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. The program enables qualifying seniors who either own or rent to receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 on their property tax. The presentation will be followed by an Ice Cream Social from 1 pm - 3 pm. 

 

     The Methuen Activity Center Annual Holiday Fair is scheduled for November 2nd from 9 am until 3 pm. "This is our largest fundraiser for the year," said Corinne LaCharite, Director of the Methuen Activity Center. "Last year we raised $3,000 and we hope to do even better this year. The proceeds go directly to fund our activities here at the Methuen Activity Center so we can continue to present high-quality programming for our seniors. There will be holiday gifts, jewelry, and crafts. A highlight is the "giant raffle" that includes 35 prizes. "And don't forget to mention the wonderful lunch bar we offer," added Corinne. Admission is free and the public is invited.  

 

     "An important project for this year has been our Strategic Planning Survey," said Corinne. "We are surveying Methuen residents over the age of 45 regarding future programming at the Methuen Activity Center. The survey form has been distributed throughout the community via email and direct mail. The survey includes questions on personal safety in the city, lifestyle, and health care concerns. We are also asking about scheduling some activities or events in the evening," Corinne explained. Survey responses are to be submitted by November 30th and results are expected to be published in March. A cash prize drawing of $100 is being offered for those who complete the survey by the due date.

 

     As an "experiment" in nighttime programming, Finance 50 Plus has been scheduled for November 6th, 13th and 20th at 6:30 pm - 8 pm. Presented by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, the program is designed for individuals who are preparing for, or are currently in, retirement. It helps them to look at their finances, deal with debt, cope with living expenses, and find ways to save in this economy. The series is open to all city and surrounding community residents 50 years of age and over.  

 

      60s invasion An extra-special event is planned for Saturday, November 16th when the '60s Invasion presents an evening of music of the 1960s with tributes to one of the greats: Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, or Roy Orbison.  

 

Also planned are music and trivia segments from television shows of the 1960s. The band will play hits from this era with loads of fun, memories, and audience participation ... and of course, lots of groovy music! Tickets are $9 per person and are available at the Methuen Activity Center. Call 978-983-8825 for more information.     

 

 


Seniors at Seminar
 

FREE Estate Planning Seminar
Tuesday, October 22nd at
Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home.
Reserve Your Seat Now!

 

     Information vital to seniors and their families will be presented by a trio of experts on Tuesday, October 22nd at 2 pm and at 6:30 pm at the Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway in Methuen.

 

     The presenters will speak about key issues, including estate planning, asset protection, Veterans' benefits, preplanning a funeral, and options concerning cremation.

           
      Mary M. Howie, Esq., MBA of Howie Law Offices in Salem, NH, will discuss financial and legal strategies and requirements for effective estate planning and asset protection, including accessing Medicaid benefits.        

           

     Richard Dewhirst, funeral director, explains that those who are nearing or are in early retirement often include funeral arrangements as part of their overall retirement strategy. He says, "Getting started may be difficult because we don't want to think about our own funerals. But when the advance plan is done, people tell me they are thrilled ... it gives them a feeling of freedom. Later, when death occurs, the emphasis for family members shifts from making arrangements to focusing on the person and creating a memorable experience to celebrate their loved one's life."  Rick will speak about preplanning funerals, personalizing funerals, and options concerning cremation.  In addition, Veterans' Agent Tom Hargreaves will speak about Veterans benefits and services.  

 

     funeral guide Anyone interested in learning about these essential elder care concerns is invited to attend this free seminar. The session is an opportunity to explore options in a comfortable setting. You will be able to relax with your neighbors, enjoy a cup of coffee, and ask questions.  

 

     All participants will receive a complimentary Planning Guide. The seminar is free, but those wishing to attend are encouraged to register by calling (978) 687-1333.  



Methuen Village

 

Methuen Village  
at Riverwalk Park:
Two Levels of Care 
for Local Seniors  

  

       Methuen Village at Riverwalk Park serves residents needing two distinct types of care.  Both feature gracious accommodations and many amenities.  All residents receive individualized attention and assistance from a professional and caring staff.  Individuals at the Methuen Village Assisted Living community enjoy a service-enriched lifestyle and a full program of activities.  For those with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias,the residential Compass Memory Support Neighborhood provides specialized programming to meet each individual's needs.

 

       Located at 4 Gleason Street, Methuen Village offers a wealth of activities with everything from education lectures to brain-healthy cooking and GetConnected computer classes. Additionally, many of the programs are geared to the hobbies and interests of the residents, including art and culture, movement and exercise, spiritual nourishment, volunteer and inter-generational opportunities, and strictly-for-fun events like musical entertainment, parties, movies, bridge, bingo, word games, and trivia.  

 

       The 18 to 20 residents in the Compass Memory Support Neighborhood have their own special programming that begins after breakfast and continues through the evening hours. Individuals with memory loss benefit most from organized activities available at almost any hour. The innovative Reconnections Program at Methuen Village is a curriculum-based adult learning series based on research that cognitive stimulation may slow the progression of memory loss.  

 

       Karalyn Manfrate, Director of the Compass Memory program says, "Our activities are individualized for each resident. We try to reach them where they are, focusing on activities that fall into three areas: physical movement, mental challenges, or social conversation. We try to help residents remember their pasts, going into their world to lower their frustrations and provide a nurturing and stimulating environment."

 

       Methuen Village serves the residents of Methuen and the entire Merrimack Valley as well as southern New Hampshire communities. Enriched Life Director Kathleen Corey-Rahme and her assistant Kerry Charbonneau program the week's activities to include both routine and new and exciting events.  

 

       Kerry said, "Residents need some routine activities - like exercise every day at 9:30 am and word search games at 10:30 am. They look forward to them and depend on them. We also have Happy Hour every day at 4 pm when we serve soft drinks, beer, and wine." The afternoons and evenings offer different activities such as entertainment or computer class where residents learn to set up a Facebook page and email.  

 

       casino cards Earlier this month the biggest fundraiser of the year, Casino Night, was held to benefit Lazarus House in Lawrence. The event raised $5,000 and attendees enjoyed blackjack, slots, poker, and other casino games using "funnymoney" that earned them raffle tickets for prizes. Chef Victor Casado and his staff prepared a variety of hors d'oeuvres with the highlight being an ice sculpture shaped like a slot machine that was filled top to bottom with shrimp! slots sculpture

 

       Next up is their popular Ghoul's Parade at 4 pm on Halloween, Thursday, October 31st. Residents, families and staff are encouraged to wear costumes and take part in the Best Costume Contest, Halloween cookie baking and decorating, face-painting, and Trick or Treating.


Frequently Asked Questions
"What exactly is a green burial?"


     There are varying degrees of what is meant by a "green burial." In its strictest sense, a "green" burial is one that ensures that the burial site remains as natural as possible in all respects.   A "green" cemetery only allows burials with interment of bodies in a bio-degradable casket, shroud, or blanket. No embalming fluid or concrete vaults are allowed.

     A natural burial site promotes the growth of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers which encourages the arrival of birds and wildlife to the area.
Water is not wasted, and pesticides and herbicides are not used in an attempt to control nature. Instead, a green cemetery allows nature to take its course.

A green burial can be a cremation alternative and a viable option to what we know as "traditional" burial practices in the United States.  

 

     A green burial is an earth friendly option when considering burial vs. cremation. Many families choose cremation because it is thought to be more environmentally friendly than a traditional burial. A green cemetery or green memorial park does not require sealed caskets and burial vaults. Many believe that nature has intended that our bodies be reunited with the earth. All organisms that have lived and died are returned to the soil to be recycled into new life. Nature creates no waste. Constant microbial activity in the soil breaks everything down; everything is recycled.  

          

     Until recently, interment in an environmentally friendly burial ground was not an option.  The Green Burial Council has established standards that distinguish between three levels of green burial ground. The GBC certifies cemeteries that meet these standards to be able to use the term "green cemetery."   

 

     If you want to do everything you can to plan an environmentally-friendly funeral, there are many ways to do that, short of planning a green funeral:   

 

1)   Consider a living marker instead of a quarried headstone. A tree or flowering bush can be a wonderful alternative.

 

2)   Ask friends and family to make a donation to a charity in lieu of cut flowers. Suggest a particular charity - perhaps one that promotes conservation and environmentally-friendly practices.

 

3)  Create a personal memorial tribute that honors a passionate "green" life well-lived.

 

4)  Consider the environmental impact when making arrangements for the service programs and after-service reception.

 

     If you are thinking of a green burial for yourself or a loved one, speak with your funeral director to make arrangements. He or she will be able to guide you to resources that will help you to make the necessary decisions.

 


About Us  

logo leaves The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home in Methuen, along with its three other locations in MA and one in Salem NH, offer over 100 years of combined experience in meeting your family's emotional, spiritual and financial needs.  We are available to answer your questions and welcome your call at 978-687-1333 or visit us at www.dewhirstfuneral.com