by Shelley Bennett
Last Saturday was the successful return of the Hospice Tea, which had been sidelined since Covid cancelled it in 2020. Organizer Dawn Lightsey was very happy with the outcome, which included 118 guests drinking tea and partaking in delicious savory and sweet treats at eighteen elaborately decorated tables.
Local businesswoman, Laura Roberts, is charged with choosing quilts to decorate the venue. This year’s selection featured seventeen coverings created by quilter Martha Ede, a 92-year old resident who started quilting in 2020.
While many of our local activities and clubs were on hold, Country Pines Quilt Shop was open and this is where professional seamstress Ede found solace. Encouraged by granddaughter Brittany, the two started to construct quilts for all of their family members.
Martha was quick to point out that Brittany “cuts and I quilt.” Either way, it’s quite the labor of love and everyone in attendance admired their intricately beautiful creations.
Lightsey was recognized for her service with a bouquet of flowers and many thanks from Andria Cuypers, coordinator of Honey Lake Hospice.
In reflection Dawn said, “[Hospice] is something people don’t realize they need until they need it. It’s so valuable in our community because palliative care is a gift. The caretaker develops a relationship with the patient and their family. They give them dignity and safety in their own home. They provide comfort.”
Lightsey took over the helm from Mimi Rena in 2019. She refers to Mimi as the matriarch of the tea. The two have a special bond because Mimi was the caretaker who was there for Dawn and her family when they needed it.
Honey Lake Hospice was the inspiration of Claudia Dunlavy, who with the help of many others, started this organization in 2004 to provide compassionate care to terminally ill patients, either in their home or hospital.
Coordinator Andria Cuypers explained that the patient care volunteers are trained in caring for the hospice patient, techniques to improve communication, and basic symptom management.
She emphasized that the volunteers do not provide skilled nursing, but work in conjunction with all disciplines (physicians, nurses, pharmacies, therapists, clergy, and funeral directors) to best support the patient and their family.
Office manager Kathy Barker shared that like many others in the community, she associated Hospice with the yearly tea, but didn’t really know what they did until her husband was terminally ill. As she spoke, it was clear to me that she was greatly touched by the care and compassion provided by volunteers like Mimi and Andria.
Andria said they would like to bring on more patient care volunteers and invited those interested to attend Hospice 101, taking place on May 20th, 9:00-4:00 in Chester. This training is presented in collaboration with Honey Lake, Plumas, and Sierra Hospice. If you are interested, please contact Sierra Hospice at 530-258-3412.
The Good Grief Support Group is another service provided by Honey Lake Hospice. The group, led by Mike Boretz, meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 6:30-8:30 at the Comfort Inn.
Hospice would not exist without the help of their volunteers and our generous community. They are completely funded through donations and fundraisers, like the tea and “Light Up a Life.”
Light Up a Life begins in October with the sale of dove-shaped ornaments. When purchased, the doves are personalized with a loved one’s name and put on a beautiful Christmas tree in front of the Methodist Church.
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the tree is lit and presented to the community. All of the names are read aloud, the hand bell choir performs, and there is usually a vocal presentation. Both Cuypers and Barker said that last year Deb Sokol did a wonderful job.
Afterwards, the attendees gather in the church’s social hall for warm drinks and conversation, often telling stories and remembering their loved ones.
As our conversation ended, Andria reiterated how grateful they are for anyone who has provided support for the Hospice Tea. From the volunteers who prepared food, decorated tables, and served to the individuals who donated items to the silent auction and basket raffle.
This includes the many businesses who donated items needed for the event: IGA, Tea of Life, Lassen County Fairgrounds, Susanville Christian Fellowship, Debbie Lucero, Lassen Addressing, Country Pines Quilt Shop, LDS Young People’s Group, and Martha Ede, quilter extraordinaire.
If you would like more information about Honey Lake Hospice, their office phone number is 530-257-3137.
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