Congratulations to our recent Patient Care Hospice Volunteer Graduates! The next training course will be in September at the Bereavement Center in Augusta. Call 973-383-0115 ext. 121 for more details.
Congratulations Graduates
Students help celebrate National Nurses Week
Nurses week is celebrated May 6 – 12 nationally. The purpose of this week-long celebration is to raise awareness of the value of nursing and help educate the public about the role nurses play in meeting the healthcare needs of Americans. The week ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale.
Students at the Ogdensburg Public School with the help of one of their teachers Lisa Bruning have been working hard to make “thank you” cards for the nurses at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. Lisa also enlisted the help of fellow teachers grades K-2 to help make cards as well.
When asked why they chose the local, not-for-profit hospice as recipients of the cards Lisa Bruning said. “I think it is important for the kids to have an understanding of how working together in a small community can be so impactful and Karen Ann Quinlan has been a staple in this community for many years.”
Chelsea Choma, RN, BSN, MSN, CHPN, Clinical Director at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice helped students kick-off the week-long celebration at Ogdensburg school at a special assembly for grades K-2 where she read the book, “Germs Are Not For Sharing,” by Elizabeth Verdick. After the reading, she did an exercise with the children about sneezing and covering their noses to avoid spreading germs. The kids all giggled as Chelsea sprayed them with a water bottle to imitate what it is like to be sneezed on.
“Lisa and I have been friends since the second grade and it was a wonderful experience to blend our two careers together to help spread education to the community. Engaging with all the students and being able to educate them on what a community nurse is and the types of things we do every day was a fulfilling experience.” At the end of the assembly Choma was presented with more than 40 handmade cards to be given to the nurses at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice.
“This will be such a personal and touching surprise for all of the nurses to receive these cards. The nurses at Karen Ann Quinlan give so much to their patients and families every day. I am so proud to be able to present them with individual notes thanking them for their hard work”
“Nurses help people when they are sick,” said student Delila Nardini with a smile.
Hospice nurses focus entirely on end-of-life care. A hospice nurse provides hands-on nursing care around the clock in the patient’s home or wherever the patient calls home. Hospice nurses manage pain and other symptoms, provide support to patients and families and assist in the process of death with dignity.
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice will hold a special breakfast in recognition of the special work that their nurses do. They also encourage everyone in the community to take time out to thank a nurse. “Nurses are at the forefront of improving patient care and transforming healthcare,” said Choma, “It’s nice to have a week to officially recognize all that they do to make our lives better.”
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. We are an independently owned hospice and proud to be the preferred hospice provider for Newton Medical Center and area Atlantic Health Care System. For hospice programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org.
Subaru World of Newton presents check for $16,685
We would like to thank Subaru World of Newton – a member of the World Auto Group for their generous support of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Mission. As recipients of this year’s “Share the Love” campaign, Chris Dexter, general manager, presented a check for $16,685 to Julia Quinlan at a ceremony held today at the dealership. Thank you!..and thanks to everyone who bought a Subaru during the promotional period.
Who will care for my pet when I am gone?
Q: Who will care for my pet when I am gone?
A: When facing a life-limiting illness many patients worry about who will take care of their beloved pets once they are gone.
Having a plan in place can help ease some of the worry and anxiety. Some options include: a will provision, a pet trust, a DIY pet protection agreement or an informal agreement with a family member or friend.
Every year between five and seven million companion animals enter animal shelters due to the death of their owners, reports the American Human Association. Of these, approximately three to four million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats) when adequate homes cannot be found for them. Older pet owners usually have older pets that can be hard to find adoptive homes for.
Placing a pet in a shelter who has spent most of its life in a loving home, sharing a bed, sitting on the couch surrounded by its toys and memories can be very stressful to the pet. If no provisions have been made and no family or friends are able to step forward and care for the pet, a “no-kill” pet rescue organization like Father John’s Animal House in Lafayette can be an option to help the pet find a new home.
If you are caring for a pet whose owner has already died it’s important to evaluate if you have the financial means, space or time to take care of the pet. Also, find out if there are any provisions made for the pet in the owners will. These provisions can be helpful in providing financially for a pet’s care over the long-term.
Also, since a will goes into effect only upon your death, it cannot provide care for your pets if you become seriously ill.
A pet trust is a legal process that transfers ownership of your pets to a trust, which includes instructions for their care and money to pay for it. You name a caregiver, and you appoint a trustee to oversee that care and any related expenses. If you do not name a caregiver and trustee, the State of New Jersey will do so. Pet trusts are valid in the state of New Jersey.
If you opt for a living pet trust, as opposed to one that kicks in after you die, you provide for your pets if you become unable to care for them because of serious illness.
A DIY Pet Protection Agreement like the one available through LegalZoom, is valid in all states. This legal document allows you to specify a caregiver for your pets and leave money for their care. A Pet Protection Agreement is a contract between the pet owner and the pet guardian. The signature of both parties on the agreement makes it legal.
You can also set up an informal arrangement with a trusted family member or friend to take your pets when you die. It cost nothing to come to such an arrangement. You should make sure all family members and friends know about the agreement and will not put up a fight for your pets too. With this type of agreement, you have no control over the care of your pets after you die.
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice sponsoring an “Our Pet, Advance Care Planning” Workshop on Friday, May 3, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Senior Life Center at SCCC. This FREE, informative workshop will host a panel of experts to review how to make sure your wishes for your pet are carried out if you are no longer with us. It will also cover topics on how to care for a pet who is facing a life-limiting illness, how to cope with your anticipatory grief and some options for honoring and memorializing your pet when they pass away. Those interested can register online at karenannquinlanhospice.org/OurPets or call 973-383-0115 ext. 145.
Winning Hospice Honors Number is…
SK Paper shred Fundraiser this Saturday 4/13
Paper shredding or document destruction is critical for safe keeping confidential and sensitive information. Most of us create and keep files with sensitive content; examples of which are bills, financial statements, marketing plans, employee files, and even delivery packages. Join us this Saturday 4/13 for the SK Paper shred fundraiser at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice located on 99 Sparta Avenue in Newton. The event runs from 9a – Noon. The cost is $6 per grocery sized bag. Bags can be purchased in advance for $5 at our office. Office hours are 8:30a – 4:30p Monday – Friday.
Businesses are welcome to participate!
There are laws that penalize improper disposal of documents with sensitive and confidential content. Organizations that hold personal data but neglect to protect it face financial and legal consequences. Employers for example use paper shredding services to get rid of employee files which are no longer in use.
Shredded paper gets recycled!
Numerous trees are cut down in order to make paper. To protect forests, people advocate a “paperless society”, and only use paper as a last resort. Reusing and recycling strips and bits from paper shredding machines is also another method of preserving forests.
Keep your personal information safe!
Identity theft cases are prevalent, and increasingly becoming a huge threat with the advent of the Internet. It’s considered ‘best practice’ for organizations and individuals to shred mail and delivery boxes to avoid identity theft and fraud.
It’s time to Spring clean!
Piles of papers cause clutter and increase the risks of fire. Offices need to constantly get rid of these papers as part of an organization-wide records management system. At home, clear away some of that clutter and paper to make space for something meaningful to you and your family.
Time to Shred and Help Others!
Time to Shred and Help Others!
NEWTON — March 9, 2019 — Now is the time to prepare for spring and cleanup around the home. One of the best types of cleanups is the shedding and shredding of old paperwork, bills, receipts, documents and anything with identifying information. Individuals and businesses are welcome and assured that their confidential paperwork will be professionally shredded on site.
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice along with its partner SK Shredding holds bi-monthly events at the hospice located at 99 Sparta Ave, (next to Tri-State Rentals and across from Quick Check). This is the first paper shred fundraiser of the year.
SK Shredding brings his Commercial/Computerized Shred Truck to the hospice parking lot that is centrally located with easy in and out access off of Newton-Sparta Road. Each grocery size bag is only $6.00 and you may also pre-purchase your bags to be filled for only $5.00 each when picked up in advance at the hospice office during regular business hours. The office is open Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 pm.
This is a fundraising event that benefits the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation. The foundation raises money to assure all in need of hospice care receive it no matter their ability to pay and to help build the new Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice expected to open this year.
The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Northwest 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 our area Atlantic Health Care System. For hospice programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org.
Schetting named Acting Executive Director
Marlina Schetting, MSW, LCSW, CT
Acting Executive Director
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice
Marlina Schetting, MSW, LCSW, CT, has been named the acting executive director at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice.
“Through her many years of dedicated service to the organization, Marlina has demonstrated the skills needed to assume the role of acting executive director,” said Julia Quinlan, co-founder and chairman of the governing board.
Schetting will be the key management leader of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice and the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center. She is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization. She will report directly to the governing board.
A longtime member of the hospice interdisciplinary team, Schetting has served the agency in several capacities for over 30 years and most recently as community administrator.
Schetting obtained her bachelor of science degree in human development from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and her master’s degree in social work from Marywood University. She holds a certification in thanatology from the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) and a certification in field instruction from Rutgers University.
Schetting began her tenure with the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice as a hospice volunteer in 1986. She was instrumental in starting early bereavement programs such as “Camp Connections” Teen Camp and the Children’s Art Bereavement Program. Schetting has worked as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University School of Social Work, where she lectured on death and dying. She continues to supervise student social work interns in the tri-state area as a certified field instructor.
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice was founded by the Quinlan family in 1980 to provide support to patients and families dealing with a life-limiting illness. This support allows patients to live life on their own terms and face the future with the dignity and comfort that we all deserve.
Share the Love Campaign to help Hospice
From November 15, 2018 to January 2, 2019, Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at more than 628 participating Subaru retailers nationwide to the customer’s choice of the following national charities: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®), Make-A-Wish®, Meals on Wheels America® and National Park Foundation.
In addition to the four national charity partners, Subaru retailers across the country have selected 681 local charitable organizations to support during this year’s Subaru Share the Love Event. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice was selected as the local charity recipient by Subaru World of Newton. Eleven years running, this year’s Subaru Share the Love Event marks the third consecutive year there will be no cap placed on the total donation from Subaru of America to its charitable partners. By the end of this year’s event, the automaker hopes to exceed a grand total of $140 million donated since the Subaru Share the Love Event started in 2008.
“For more than a decade, the Subaru Share the Love Event has contributed to improving the lives of those it touches and worked to fulfill our Love Promise,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “Working with local charitable organizations has allowed us and our retailers to support those in need across the country in meaningful ways.”
Subaru of America, Inc. marked it’s 50th Anniversary in the United States in 2017. Subaru World of Newton is located on 84 Hampton House Rd, Newton, NJ 07860
“We are so thankful for the continued support of Subaru World of Newton,” said Julia Quinlan. “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.
Winner claims Half for Hospice prize
Brian Williamson (l) and his wife Suzanne are presented a check for $9,097.50 from Cecelia Clayton,Executive Director, (c) Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice
Brian’s Williamson, a martial arts instructor with Hudson Valley HaganaH, was alerted that his lucky ticket #731 was drawn on December 31st and he would start of 2019 with a prize of $9,097.50 from the year-long 50/50 presented by the Friends of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice.
“It felt like a blessing from Dad,” stated Suzanne Williamson, Brian’s wife. Suzanne is a special education teacher in Hamburg. Suzanne’s father, Mr. James Zylstra was a patient at the award-winning Home for Hospice two years ago.
The Williamson’s, who reside in Milford, PA are both retired from the New Jersey Army National Guard shared their warm sentiment about the care extended to Susan’s father and their family during his days at the Home for Hospice.
They have no specific plans on how to spend the money, but are grateful to have won.
Friends of Hospice present check for $35,000
The Friends of Hospice presented a check for $35,000 to the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation on December 14th. The Friends of Hospice is a volunteer group that hold fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice – a not-for-profit organization. The money is used help patients and families who are experiencing financial hardships while coping with a life-limiting illness.
The signature Friends fundraisers include: Half for Hospice, a progressive 50/50 raffle, the Wine and Cheese Festival and High Tea for Hospice which will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2019.
The Friends are always looking for new members and membership is open to anyone in the community. They meet on the second Monday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice administration building located on 99 Sparta Avenue in Newton. For more information on how you can get involved please contact Jennifer Smith, special events coordinator, at 973-383-0115 ext. 106.
Milford Town Council to issue Proclamation to 100 year old resident
Stephanie Neugebauer who will turn 100 on December 24 will be issued a Proclamation from the Milford Town Council.
On December 17 at 7 p.m. the Milford Township Council will issue a proclamation to Stephanie Neugebauer.
The Proclamation will include some of the highlights of Stephanie’s life as listed below.
Stefanie Neugebauer, a resident of Milford, PA and a former resident of Yorkville, in Manhattan will be 100 years old on December 24, 2018.
She was born in the Austrian mountain village of Laas, in Styria, orphaned at age 7 with her twin sister Mitzi and brother Erich. Raised by her grandmother.
She grew up on a farm with the nearest one room school house several miles away.
At the age of 14 she left home to find work in the next big town in order to support her family.
She travelled to Vienna at 16 to work as a housekeeper for an accomplished young fashion designer, who also taught her how to cook Viennese style.
She eventually travelled to the Stuttgart area in Germany, where she worked during the day and continued her studies, taking accounting and stenography courses at night.
She then took a job with the German Railway. For most of her life she could decipher train schedules in her sleep. She was posted to various towns and met some very good people with whom she is still in touch with today. They are friendships that have lasted over 80 years and encompass several generations. Many of these friends have come to the numerous family reunions she and her husband Franz organized over the years in Austria.
After the war, she came to the city of Villach in Carinthia, where she met Franz Neugebauer. They eventually married in 1950 and began a life together. She also welcomed with open arms Franz’s daughter Heidi, who was as much a daughter to her as Ingrid and Doris.
She encouraged Franz to travel to New York in 1956, “for a few years” to see the city and earn some money with which to build a better home in Austria.
They both travelled to Hamburg to board a ship to New York City, which is where the second part of their life’s journey began, entering New York harbor and seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time.
After a few months in New York, Steffi became pregnant to her first daughter Doris, followed by Ingrid, two years later. Plans of returning to Austria were put on hold. Steffi and Frank concentrated all their energies on raising their daughters, working hard and saving to buy a small place in the country, which eventually became the little bungalow at Lake Quinn. Steffi had a tremendous garden and beautiful flowers and many fruit trees that she lovingly cared for.
Both Steffi and Franz invested in real estate in Brooklyn and Queens. Steffi took over all of the property management, often working weekends.
Over the years many trips to Germany and Austria were made to visit with relatives and friends, America had become their new home.
The girls (Doris and Ingrid) finished college and moved into their own places, Steffi convinced Frank to start travelling again. They toured extensively – North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the South Pacific and took in countless cultural sights and events which Frank captured on film. They make up cherished memories of a lifetime.
Steffi was not able to continue her skiing, hiking and mountain climbing in NYC, she was able to garden for a good part of the year. She loved swimming at the lake and taking the rowboat out to pick blueberries across the lake, picking for hours at a time. Even at 99, she continued to swim. A passion she never let go of. Of late, she enjoys walking with our family dog Kasey. Everyone in the neighborhood knows and recognizes her. Many leave a chair in their driveway so she can rest if she gets tired on her way home.
Steffi is admired for her love of life, her commitment to family and friends, her generosity and kindness to others and her overwhelming spirit to enjoy every moment that life gives us. Despite a very poor upbringing, she always believed and proved to all of us “that even a poor farm girl can make something of herself.”
The council meeting is open to the public and anyone wishing to attend the reading on the Proclamation is welcome.
Lights of Life to illuminate holiday season
Louis Ruggiero, President of Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home; Julia Quinlan, Co-Founder and President of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice; and Domenick Ruggiero, Manager of Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home gather at a former Lights of Life Tree Lighting Memorial Service at Sussex County Community College to embrace area families with this thoughtful holiday tradition. Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home has been the Event Sponsor of the Lights of Life Tree Lightings and Memorial Services for over a decade and continues to lead Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice with the presentation of this community outreach to area families. “Lights of Life is a thoughtful, comforting service at which participants can honor and remember their loved ones,” stated Louis Ruggiero.
At the conclusion of each of the Lights of Life presentation, a memorial tree will be lit to commemorate the shining place our loved ones have held in our hearts and minds. Warren County’s Lights of Life Memorial Tree will be featured on the grounds of the Wayne Dumont, Jr. Administration Building. Pike County’s Lights of Life Memorial Tree will glow at the Memorial Park, located on the corner of Catharine and 5th Street in Milford; and Sussex County’s Lights of Life campaign will illuminate several trees in the Newton Town Square. The thousands of white lights and decorative stars represent donations sent to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in memory of a family member or friend.
“The memorial service and tree lightings provide a meaningful way for people to come together and share the emotions commonly experienced throughout the holidays. Lights of Life is a thoughtful, comforting service at which participants can honor and remember their loved ones,” stated Louis Ruggiero, President of Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home. Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home has been the Event Sponsor of the Lights of Life Tree Lighting and Memorials for over a decade and continues to assist Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice with the presentation of this community outreach to area families.
For a $100.00 gift, participants are invited to remember a loved one this holiday season and will also receive a commemorative Lenox ornament chosen to highlight the 2018 event. With a $20.00 donation, donors will have their loved one’s name remembered. With each donation, participants are able to send an acknowledgement with a memorial keepsake to a designated recipient. To remember a loved one this holiday season, please visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org/lights or call 973-383-0115 for assistance.
Sparta Dental Designs to Host Dental Day for Hospice to Benefit Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice
Dental Day 1993 – Julia Quinlan, Co-Founder and President of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and Dr. Edward Tirpack share a moment at the first Dental Day for Hospice hosted in 1993. This year’s Dental Day for Hospice is scheduled for Monday, November 5 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sparta Dental Designs at 16 Lafayette Road in Sparta. To secure an appointment, please call Sparta Dental Designs at 973-729-2113. More information about Sparta Dental Designs can be found at www.SpartaDentalDesigns.com.
SPARTA/October 16, 2018 – The month of November is National Hospice Month. Since 1993 Dr. Edward Tirpack has been hosting Dental Day for Hospice with the Friends of Hospice. This annual event celebrates the amazing work of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. This year, Dr. Tirpack and Dr. Gilbert Tapia along with their highly-skilled dental team will be once again host Dental Day for Hospice. They will be donating the proceeds from dental procedures provided on Monday, November 5, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m to the Friends of Hospice. Sparta Dental Designs is located at 16 Lafayette Road in Sparta. During this event donations will be accepted; raffle tickets will be available for purchase and the Friends of Hospice volunteers will be in the Sparta Dental Designs living room to answer your questions about hospice. There will also be give-aways and light refreshments served. Thank you to longtime event sponsor Preston Hay from Benco Dental Company for the continued support of Dental Day for Hospice.
Dr. and Mrs. Tirpack have been longtime champions of the hospice mission serving as board members, committee chairs and volunteers committed to raising funds and awareness for hospice care. “Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is a not-for-profit organization and they will treat any patient regardless of their ability to pay,” said Dr. Tirpack, “That’s what inspires me. I hope to make the community aware of their outstanding hospice care and what services are in place to support patients and their family members.” Celebrating their dedication to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Sparta Dental Designs was the first recipient of the Heart of Hospice Award in 2012.
“The commitment to Dental Day for Hospice from the doctors and the Sparta Dental Designs team is truly appreciated and has helped many patients and family members throughout Sussex and Warren Counties in New Jersey and Pike County, Pennsylvania from the revenue it has generated since its inception in 1993,” stated Lisa O’Hara, President of Friends of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. To secure an appointment for Dental Day for Hospice, please call Sparta Dental Designs at 973-729-2113. More information about Sparta Dental Designs can be found atwww.SpartaDentalDesigns.com or like them on Facebook.