Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice invites the community to an Open House on Saturday, October 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the new location of their Milford Office, 200 Third Street. All appropriate CDC and state mandated guidelines regarding social distancing will be in effect at this event.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice has served the community since 1980. Julia and Joseph Quinlan, pioneers of the Hospice movement opened the first hospice in Sussex County on April 15, 1980, the fifth anniversary of their daughter Karen Ann tragically slipping into a coma. The Hospice started with money donated by the Quinlans from proceeds of a book and television film documenting their experience.

The Hospice expanded into Warren County, NJ on 1988 and in 2008 opened an office in Milford PA located on 315 West Harford Street. After several years the office relocated to 104 Bennet Avenue and is now housed at 200 Third Street.

At the open house there will be light refreshment, give-away items, virtual tours and information will be provided regarding the services that we offer. Hospice isn’t a place. And hospice care is not just about those who are dying. Hospice is a comprehensive kind of care that focuses on living—it’s about living as fully as possible, surrounded by family and friends, up until the end of life.

Last year, more than 1.6 million dying Americans were served by the nation’s hospice providers, reports the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Yet there are many myths about hospice that keep people from getting this compassionate care when they need it most.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is proud to be part of the Pike County Community especially the Milford Community. At the larger facility the Hospice, also the home of the Milford area Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center, will host community education seminars, children’s bereavement workshops, group bereavement sessions and more. “We look forward to being a more active and visible member of the community,” said Lee Ellison, director of marketing for the Hospice.

“We hope to see everyone on Saturday at the open house,” said Ellison. “We wanted an opportunity to re-introduce ourselves the community and let them know that we are here for them so we decided to host an open house.”

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and bereavement counseling for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Sussex and Warren Counties NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800-882-1117 to reach any of our services at either office; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and  Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 200 Third Street, Milford, PA.  Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and proud to be the preferred hospice provider for Newton Medical Center and area Atlantic Health Care System.  The award-winning Home for Hospice is located in Fredon, NJ. The Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center is open to hospice families and the community for bereavement support, counseling and educational opportunities; it is located at 5 Plains Rd. in Augusta with satellite offices in Pike and Warren Counties. For hospice programs, events, and more information at www.karenannquinlanhospice.org or Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org.

Memorial Service Program – click here

Interfaith Memorial Service 9.15.20

Click on image above to view video. We apologize in advance for the shakiness of the video.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Pet Memorial that was presented by Abbey Glen such a huge success.

Click here for a copy of the Pet Memorial Program Booklet

Robert A. Vandenbergh has been named President of the Karen Ann Quinlan Charitable Foundation Board of Directors.   Recently retired as Chief Operating Officer of Lakeland Bank, Vandenbergh has served on the Charitable Board since its inception in 1999.

Stepping down as President is Julia Quinlan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, who will remain as a Trustee.  “Bob has been an integral part of the success of the Karen Ann Quinlan Charitable Foundation since the start.  His hard work formulating policy, procedures and mission has been invaluable.  It is reassuring to know that Bob’s commitment to assuring the sustainability of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice as an independent, not for profit, patient centric Hospice will continue into the future,” said Julia Quinlan.

“It is an honor to be assuming the role of President of the Charitable Foundation but clearly, I am not replacing Julia as that just isn’t possible,” said Vandenbergh. “I will however work diligently with the other members of the Charitable Board to protect and grow the financial resources of the organization to ensure continued support of the Hospice’s programs, the excellent staff and administration and the strategic mission.”

“Having had first-hand knowledge of the compassion and deep caring provided by Hospice, I am happy to contribute in this way to show my gratitude for that service and to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Julia Quinlan over the years,” continued Vandenbergh.

Vandenbergh lives in Byram Township with his wife of 47 years Barbara. They have one son, Eric and two grandchildren, Holly and Travis. “Everything that I do is focused back to my family,” said Vandenbergh. In his spare time Bob enjoys golfing and relaxing at the couples’ home on Shelter Island.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is a nonprofit organization that serves the public by providing a full continuum of high quality medical, emotional and spiritual services to hospice patients, their family members and the community. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice never refuses anyone based on ability to pay. More information about the services provided to the community can be found online at KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org or by calling 973-383-0115.

AUGUSTA – The fifth annual Celebrate A Life Walk will be held virtually this year. Participants are urged to walk, run, dance, do housework…it all counts as activity and can be converted to miles for this 26.2 mile virtual walk. Unlike a traditional walk/run/bike race, this virtual event uses technology and takes social distancing into account; allowing you to participate on your own, with a friend, work mates or your whole family, showing your support whenever & wherever you are day or night; rain or shine, inside or outside.

“We used Racery to host our virtual race“, said Jennifer Smith, Special event manager. Once registered walkers will be able to either manually enter their daily activity or download the Racery app, log their activity and it will automatically sync to the walk dashboard. As a walker logs activity their walk icon moves along the route. So you can see how you are doing and compete with other walkers for weekly prizes…in addition to the overall event prizes.

“Well this is officially my first marathon! BUT I’m so excited to be a part of this exciting event to help raise awareness and much needed funds for the Bereavement Center,” said Diana Sebzda, MA, LPC, FT, Director of Bereavement. “COVID-19 can’t keep us down! Our doors never closed and we make sure that no one has to walk alone on this path of anticipatory grief and bereavement. I am so very proud of each and every walker, as they walk for a loved one and with purpose!”

The “virtual” walk route starts at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center on 214 Washington Avenue in Hackettstown, meanders past the Karen Ann Quinlan Home from Hospice in Fredon and ends at our Bereavement Center headquarters in Augusta. Remember, this is the “virtual” route, you can walk, run, jog, dance, wherever you want to move your icon along on the walk route. There is a $25 registration fee to join the walk and all funds raised will benefit the programs and services at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center. The walk started as a way to help those dealing with a loss celebrate the life and memory of loved ones who have passed.

The Bereavement Centers offer individual counseling and ongoing support groups for those suffering the loss of a loved one.  Anyone may use the bereavement services; you do not need to be part of our hospice program to participate.

Participants are encouraged to send us a photo of their loved one to place on the memory wall sponsored by Biggs Kids.  A closing celebration with the lighting of a symbolic memorial light, memory wall acknowledgement, virtual vendors and an awards presentation will be held on Saturday, September 26 at 10 a.m. via ZOOM.

Last year Team Dominator led by Dana Noll raised more than $1,500 with a large donation from the BPO Elks #1388. The team walked in memory of Dominick Noll.

Registrants are encouraged to form a team to raise funds. There will be prizes awarded to individuals and teams who raise the most money. All money raised will stay in the community and benefit the Bereavement Center.

Please call 973-383-0115 ext. 145 for more information on how you can get involved. You can download complete instructions on how to join, start a team, ask for donations, and get a pledge sheet online at karenannquinlanhospice.org/Walk.

Newton, NJ – Subaru World of Newton presented a check for $21,461.75  to Marlina Schetting, Chief Operating Officer of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice at the dealership showroom in Newton. Subaru World of Newton has proudly donated more than $100,000 to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice since 2015. Over the last 12 years, through the Share the Love Event, Subaru of America and its participating retailers have donated more than $176 million to charity, with customers choosing between four national and over 1,220 hometown charities.

The donation was the result of the “Subaru Shares the Love” Campaign.  2019 marked the twelfth anniversary of the event. “We believe in being a positive force in the communities where we live and work, not just with donations from initiatives like the Subaru Share the Love^® Event, but with actions that set an example for others to follow,” said Chris Dexter, General Manager at Subaru World in Newton.

The “Subaru Shares the Love” Campaign had a kick-off “Dealer Appreciation Night” in early November 2019, presented by Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and hosted at the dealership located at 84 Hampton House Rd, Newton. The public was invited to stop by for great discounts and incentives during the annual Black Friday Car Sales Event. Subaru World of Newton also held several buyer incentives at the kick-off.

From November 14, 2019 through January 2, 2020, Subaru donated $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at more than 632 participating Subaru retailers nationwide to the customer’s choice of a national charity or a pre-approved hometown charity. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice was selected as the hometown charity to be the recipient of the campaign. This year, Michael Fernandez was recognized as the top salesperson during the Subaru Share the Love Event.

“Subaru World of Newton is a committed partner in the local community. We believe in building lifelong relationships with our customers, earning their trust and exceeding their expectations by providing customer service with integrity and compassion,’ said Dexter. “It’s our aim to spread the Love Promise as far as possible. That’s why we work with an organization like Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice who through the important work they do touch the lives of so many people in the community.”

Subaru of America is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide.

“We are so thankful for the continued support of Subaru of Newton,” said Marlina Schetting. “There are so many families in the communities we serve that will benefit from this generosity.”

The Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is a not-for-profit organization which provide a full continuum of high quality medical, emotional and spiritual services to individuals requiring hospice, family members and the community.

Special Events Manager for the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Jennifer Smith, and Director of Foundation, John Quinlan fold flag according to Flag Etiquette. The used flag will be delivered to Newton VFW for proper disposal.

Marlina Schetting, Chief Operating Officer of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice raises new flag to full mast as per Governor Phil Murphy’s orders.

Special Thanks to Deana and our great friends at Seely Brothers Flags in Andover, who have been donating flags to both the Hospice Office and the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice for many years.

Dennis W. Peachey 1943 – 2020

In Memorial
Dennis W. Peachey
1943-2020

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Board Member
Development Committee Chair

Click here to register!

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice will host its 20th annual Butterfly Release Celebration with three virtual events held via ZOOM for Sussex and Warren Counties, New Jersey and Pike County, Pennsylvania on the weekend of June 13 and 14.
“This beautiful event honors the life of family and friends who are still with us and celebrates the memory of those loved ones we have lost,” explained Jennifer Smith, Manager of Special Events for Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. “With all that is going on in the world today, we will pay special emphasis on the celebration of life, recognizing those who are still with us and the heroes among us at this year’s celebration,” said Smith.

Since its inception, Smith-McCracken and Wood Funeral Homes have been central to the success of the event, leading the way as the Event Sponsor. “We are very proud to support hospice and the annual Butterfly Release Celebration. This event and the hospice exemplify the importance of friends and family,” stated Robert McCracken.

In light of current events and the COVID-19 Pandemic Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is keeping safety at the forefront for this year’s release. Three virtual release ceremonies will be hosted on ZOOM for Sussex, Warren and Pike Counties. Viewing times will mirror the same scheduled event times:  Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 14 at 2:00 p.m.  Event participants will be forwarded a password to enter the ceremony and be able to see and hear the reading of names, view the virtual release ceremony, and download the commemorative event program on ZOOM.

For the last two decades, the event has been designed as a celebration of those we love… those who are have passed on, those who are with us and our future. The iconic symbol of the butterfly lends itself to the vision of rebirth, transition, hope and strength; all positive attributes to the loved ones being remembered, honored and celebrated.  Participation begins with the purchase of a butterfly for $20.00 in the name of a loved one. Included in the purchase is a memorial keepsake which will be sent along with a personalized acknowledgement card to the designated recipient. Monarch Sponsors donating $100.00 receive a stunning butterfly sun catcher. A new design in the series is featured annually offering a thoughtful collection opportunity. Participants are encouraged to visit our website to register and purchase a butterfly in advance at www.karenannquinlanhospice.org/butterfly. Once registered, a memorial keepsake and acknowledgment card will be mailed to designated recipients and the celebrated name will be printed in the event program.

This year’s  celebration will integrate music with the reading of each name being celebrated and concludes with the release of dozens of butterflies. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, currently celebrating its 40th year of providing hospice care to patients and their families, is pleased to welcome the community to take part in this community outreach.   For additional information about the Butterfly Release Celebration or to celebrate the name of a loved one, please visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org/butterfly or call 973-383-0115 or 800-882-1117.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and bereavement counseling for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Sussex and Warren Counties NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800-882-1117 to reach any of our services at either office; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., Milford, PA.  Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and proud to be the preferred hospice provider for Newton Medical Center and area Atlantic Health Care System.  The award-winning Home for Hospice is located in Fredon, NJ. The Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center is open to hospice families and the community for bereavement support, counseling and educational opportunities; it is located at 5 Plains Rd. in Augusta with satellite offices in Pike and Warren Counties.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is a  Level 5 Partner with We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Level 5 is the highest level WHV partners can attain and includes several new required activities and yearly recertification.

As a partner, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is providing specialized care to Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness. Aside from existing partner requirements, Level 5 partners place a greater emphasis on staff education and caring for Vietnam-era and combat Veterans. Additionally, Level 5 partners take on the role of regional mentor to other WHV partners working to enhance their programs.

“When we set out to create the Level 5 program we knew that it had to be different to truly showcase the efforts needed to go above and beyond. Not only Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice demonstrated commitment, but your organization has helped shape the program and continue as an example of what all hospice partners should strive to be,” said NHPCO President & CEO Edo Banach.

It is our mission at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice to provide diligent care that displays the gratitude, respect, and honor that everyone deserves at the end-of-life. Being a champion for Veterans means more than just shaking hands and saying “thank you” on Veterans Day. Our efforts relay a message not only to the Veterans under our care but to the family, caregivers, and community that we strive to provide the best to our nation’s heroes.

For more information on how Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice can help your family, or help you care for a Veteran facing a life limiting illness please call us at 973-383-0115 or send us a message by clicking here.

Facing and/or experiencing the death of a loved one can be one of the heaviest weights we bear. The current COVID-19 pandemic may be one creating an even heavier burden as we navigate this unprecedented situation. It is our hope that you find something here which will resonate with you and be helpful as you supportyourself and your loved ones during this difficult time. Please read this in small doses or all at once, as you feel able. This is your time to do what’s best for you. Please know that you don’t have to walk this road alone.

Click here to download the COVID-19 GPS

We would like to thank Sandra Polizzo from FEED THE FLOOR & Patrick Duffy and Claudia Bellino both of SKYVIEW GOLF and BANQUETS for donating 75 meals for our staff at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice and the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center! Thank you it was a perfect way to kick off National Nurses Week! We are very appreciative! #kaqstrong

The ATHLETES and COACHES of the Kittatinny Softball Team look for ways to give back to the community.  Last season, they participated in softball games and/or tournaments that directly benefited Pediatric Cancer.

As a team last season, they were able to get all of the spring teams at Kittatinny to buy into the community imitative and participate in the Lace Up for Pediatric Cancer.  Not only did the Kittatinny Teams participate but their opponents did as well.  For these charity games, each player purchased  a set of GOLD laces and wore the laces in their cleats for their designated game(s).  The proceeds raised from these games went to benefit a local family in NJ.  They also played in a Strike Out Cancer benefit game for St. Judes Pediatric Cancer for our final game of the season.

As they went into the 2020 softball season their team was set to play in more charity games, but COVID threw them a curveball.  With the spring seasons currently on hold, they wanted to find other ways in which they could make a difference.  As a team they created and posted a “Thank You Video To those on the Frontlines,” to let them know that their efforts and passion to help others was truly appreciated This video can be found on Twitter at @HMateSoftball and on Instagram at heather.mate.

Their next team inspired initiative was a “Thinking Of You Box.”  The team expressed that while the current situation has been tough everyone, they knew that it was extremely difficult for others.  They delivered letters and cards from the “Thinking Of You Box,” to the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice with the hopes that their small gesture will bring smiles and let everyone know that even though they can’t be there with us, they are thinking of us everyday.

Kittatinny Softball Team Members include:

Yesterday the entire staff of the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice was provided meals by our friends at Perona Farms.  This is in keeping with the decades long tradition of the Avondoglio family’s deep commitment and support of our community and our nonprofits.   For generations the Avondoglio family has been a standard bearer, setting the bar for local philanthropy.

In a delicious irony the meals will be prepared in the Mark Avondoglio, Janice Stevens, Perona Farms Dietary room at the Home for Hospice.  Mark and Janice generously purchased the naming rights to this important part of the Home in 2019.  Janice is a valuable member of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice’s Governing Board.

Julia Quinlan
Chief Executive Officer
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice