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A New Generation in Hospice Care

Board ofDirectors

Edward G. SchroederBoard PresidentPresident & CEOO’Connor Woods

Gayle Riley, R.N.Vice PresidentNurse, HealthcareAdministrator

Chris McCaffereyTreasurerVice-PresidentMorgan Stanley

Diane ParkSecretaryExecutive DirectorMary Graham Children’s Foundation

Officers:

Members:Jaqueline Bagatta, RN

Deputy Director SJ General Hospital

Scott Beattie, Esq. Partner/Lawyer Calone Law Group

Rev. David BennettUnited Methodist Church

Evia Briggs Moore, Ed.D.Retired College Admin.

Gary Giannini Principal Schwartz Giannini

Jack Gilliland, MD

Retired Margo Kozina

Teacher St. Mary’s High School

Steve Larson Grants Officer Port of Stockton

Lou MeyerRetired EMS Executive

Chris OlinCommunity Volunteer

Kelly Stump, RN, MSNPalliative Care Serv. Coord.Lodi Memorial

Leandro Vicuña, J.D.VP, Sr. Trust & Investment OfficerCommunity Bank of SJ

Stephen Guasco Executive DirectorHospice of San Joaquin

Professional Staff:Robert T. Browne, MD

Medical Director Emeritus

James Saffier, MDOn-Site Medical Director

Mobin Ghavami, MDStaff Physician

Steve Parsons, CPADir. of Finance/Operations

Rebecca Burnett, RN, BSN, CHPN

Dir. of Clinical Services

Jo E. Paganini, MSWDir. of Social Services

Barbara Pombo, MBA Dir. of Development

Gene Acevedo, MBA Dir. of Comm. Outreach

Pam Byrne, Ph.D, RNTransitions Prog. Mngr.

Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN, CHPN , Education Coord.

Carolyn Gomes Events Coordinator

Cheryl Berglund, RN, Hospice House Mngr

Becky Freeman Volunteer Manager

Carrie M. Lane, M.Div. Bereavement Manager

Patty A. RieberHuman Resource Mngr

Leo RonquilloInformation Systems Mngr

Jim R. Russow, M.Div/D Min., Chaplain

Ulmer Photo (Tim Ulmer)Volunteer Photographer

The Mission of Hospice of San Joaquin, a not-for-profit organization, is to provide comprehensive and compassionate medical care, counseling and support to terminally ill patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay, and to educate and collaborate with health care providers and the public in promoting quality end-of-life care.

Hospice of San Joaquin is governed by a community Board of Directors and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization. Hospice of San Joaquin is licensed by the State of California as a Hospice Agency and is certified by the Centers for MediCare and MediCal Services to provide the Hospice Medicare /Medi-Cal Benefit. The Joint Commission has accredited Hospice of San Joaquin.

For more information or referrals, call(209) 957-3888.

Joint ComissionAccredited

Our Mission

A nonprofit agency serving the community since 1980

The community, in 1980, established Hospice of San Joaquin to support those whose cure is no longer an option with the next level of care. This month, Steven Guasco, the Executive Director of Hospice of San Joaquin extended a welcome to two staff members, stepping into leadership roles of the 30-year old agency. The two new members include Dr. James Saffier as an on-site Medical Director, and Rebecca Burnett, BSN, RN, CHPN as Director of Clinical Services.

“The expansion of an on-site Medical Director is in response to the community’s needs,” said Stephen Guasco, Executive Director of Hospice of San Joaquin. Dr. Saffier specia l i zes i n I nt e r na l Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine.

“Hospice of San Joaquin has benefited from Dr. Saffier’s exper t i se , and ongoing suppor t of the agency’s mission, in his prior role as staff physician,” highlighted Guasco, “Dr. Saffier will play an important role in our continual growth.”

A mong t he dut ie s of the Medical Director are; consulting with the patient’s at tend ing physician , as requested, with regard to pain and symptom management; serving as a member of the Inter-Discipl inary Team (IDT); ensuring the quality and

3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204-1953 • 24-hour main-line: (209) 957-3888 • www.hospicesj.org

A New Generation in Hospice Care

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safety of all program services; and, providing education of hospice and palliative care services.

Dr. Saffier is a long term resident of San Joaquin County where he has practiced since 1983 and his affiliation with local hospitals will continue. Currently, Dr. Saffier serves San Joaquin General Hospital as Chief of Geriatrics and Co-Director of Palliative Care.

Rebecca Burnett, Director of Clinical Services follows Gail Wigley, RN who retired on October 21, 2011. “We are fortunate to have Ms. Burnett’s experience and expertise,” said Guasco.

“Her d iverse nursing background and experiences made her an excellent candidate for the position of Director of Clinical Services.” As the Director of Clinical Services,

Burnett is responsible for the oversights of clinical services, compliance, education, and family support services.

Since 1996, Burnett has been providing hospice care at multiple hospice agencies. She was instrumental in the development and opening of Hospice House in Austin in Texas. Throughout her career, she has served in numerous positions including Case Manager, Admissions Nurse, Hospice Liaison Nurse and Hospice House Manager, Hospice of San Joaquin.

Rebecca Bu r net t i s a graduate from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Prior to attending University, she was a member of the active duty Army stationed in Baumholder, Germany. She remained in the Army as a registered nurse in the reserves until 1999.

Hospice of San Joaquin was established in 1980 serving San Joaquin County and neighbor communities as a not-for-profit, community-based hospice organization. Hospice of San Joaquin is honored to be accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading health care standards-set t i ng and accred it i ng organizat ion. For more information about Hospice of San Joaquin’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call (209) 957-3888 or visit our website, www.hospicesj.org

By Stephen GuascoExecutive Director

I have had the privilege of knowing and working

with Dr. Browne throughout my professional career. We attend the same Church and we have served together on various medical committees over the years. What does one say that stands as an adequate tribute to a person like Bob Browne? One can start by saying that he is one of funniest individuals

that I know. You can go on to say that he is a dedicated physician and a true servant to the people. That said, there is much more to Dr. Browne. Below is my humble attempt to summarize the life and work of a very great and humble man.

Dr. Browne is a life long resident of Stockton. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Physicians as well as a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Browne has had a long and d is t ing uished career as a Family Practice Physician throughout San Joaquin County. He is a renowned leader in the Medical Community and has continuously demonstrated

his dedication and service as a leader. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Browne has been:•Assistant Clinical Professor

Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine

• Past President, Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Stockton

• Past President, San Joaquin Medical Society.

• Chief of Staff, St. Joseph’s Me d ic a l C e n t e r of Stockton

• Past Chair, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, St. Joseph’s Medical Center of Stockton

Robert T. Browne, MDMedical Director

Emeritus

The glimmering light of the holiday season brings

a glow of warmth to a chilly season; in the case of Hospice of San Joaquin’s Tree of Lights, in addition to lighting shorter days, the dedicated lights carry warm memories for families throughout the community.

“The holiday season is a time of celebration, a time to reflect and a time to think of our family, special friends and loved ones who are, or have been, an important part of our lives,” said Stephen Guasco, Executive Director Hospice of San Joaquin, “each light at the Tree of Lights represents a loved one, a memory, of a person who will never be forgotten.”

This 23-year old tradition begins with community

members choosing and dedicating a light, or lights, in honor of a living or in memory of a lost loved one. Each celebration gathers local community members to sha re wa r m d r in ks , cookies, music and Tree lighting ceremonies in each of the participating locations. Tree of Lights ceremonies will be held in Stockton on Tuesday, November 22nd, Lockeford on Wednesday, November 30th, Lodi on Thursday, December 1st, Tracy on Friday, December 2nd, Rio Vista on Saturday December 3rd, Manteca on Wednesday, December 7th. Donations are received and names updated weekly at all locations through December 20th and remain up through the 31st.

This year, a seventh tree has been added to the repertoire of partnerships as Hospice of San Joaquin is collaborating with the City of Galt. “We have events in Galt that are successful, “said Ines Kiriu, Finance Director City of Galt, “Tree of Lights expands

this event to offer families a warm occasion to remember thei r loved ones dur ing the holidays.” The Galt community will incorporate the Tree of Lights ceremony into its annual City tree lighting preceding the Old

Tree of Lights 2011Welcomes the

City of Galt

HOSPICEAwareness November 2011

HOSPICE

November 2011

Continues on Pg 2

Continues on Pg 4

From Left to Right: Rebecca Burnett, RN, Director of Clinical Services; Stephen Guasco, Executive

Director; Dr. James Saffier, Medical Director

City of Lodi residents enjoyed the Tree of Lights Lodi City Hall lighting ceremony preceding the Parade of Lights, in 2010

Message from the Director

Janis Peek, Stockton Resident signs-in at Coping with the Holidays 2011 at Hospice of San Joaquin during the morning of Saturday, November 12, 2011

Following the death of her mother, Janis

Peek, Stockton resident, learned about Hospice of San Joaquin’s grief support. Although her mother passed away in March 2006 Janis found the courage to attend a support group a year ago. She also only opted to attend many of the bereavement workshops.

“I attended Coping w i t h t he Hol id ay s because even though it’s been this long [since 2006] it is still hard,” shared Peek.

“Also, my mom’s birthday is on Christmas Eve which makes it extra hard,” she remembered w i t h a s of t vo ic e . Loosing a loved one was not a new experience for Janice, she had lost her father when she was eight years old.

Ho s pic e of S a n Joaquin’s grief support i s ava i lable to t he community with many p r o g r a m s t h r o u g h out the year. During the holiday season a series of workshops titled “Coping with the Holidays” are available for anyone who needs help. “The holiday

Coping with the

Holidays

The National Association o f S o c i a l Wo r k e r s

certified Terasa Dannecker, LCSW, a Hospice of San Joaquin Social Worker, as an

Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW).

Dannecker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and

Terasa Dannecker, LCSW Earns ACHP-SW

a National CertificationAs I write this, there is a new crispness to the air. The foliage throughout our beautiful Hospice of San Joaquin gardens is changing as the days become shorter and the nights cooler. In the office, there is increased staff and volunteer activity, as preparations for this year’s seven Trees of Lights celebrations get underway. All of this speaks to the changing seasons. Fall, probably my

favorite time of year, is upon us. Change is inevitable and to be celebrated. Hospice of San

Joaquin has not been exempt from this spirit of change, as this Fall has brought about several changes to our agency, all of which we do indeed celebrate.

First, we congratulate Cheryl Berglund, RN on her recent promotion to Hospice House Manager. Cheryl has been with Hospice of San Joaquin for five years. Prior to her promotion, she had several hats – as Case Manager RN, Admitting Nurse, and Back-up RN for the Hospice House. Cheryl replaces Becky Burnett, RN, BSN, CHPN.

We continue our congratulations by recognizing Becky for her promotion to Director of Clinical Services. Becky has been with Hospice of San Joaquin for the last three years. Most recently, as mentioned above, Becky was our Hospice House Manager. In her new capacity, Becky is responsible for all of Hospice of San Joaquin’s clinical services.

Becky replaces Gail Wigley, RN. Gail, who retired mid-October, had been Hospice of San Joaquin’s Director of Clinical Services for nearly seven years. Prior to that, she helped guide the agency as a Board member for six years – including the position of Board President. In fact, it was during Gail’s Presidency, that we acquired the property upon which our beautiful campus sits.

Throughout my healthcare career, I have had the privilege to “moonlight” as an Adjunct College Instructor. Universities have long granted the revered title of Professor Emeritus to those few professors who embodied a University’s ideals. The Emeritus title, freed the Professor from the rigors of a full teaching schedule, as well as the rigors of academic research. The Professor Emeritus often maintains an office at the University, teaching an occasional class and maintains a more relaxed research schedule.

Hospice of San Joaquin, albeit not a University, has an individual who truly embodies our agency’s highest ideals. Dr. Robert Browne was one of Hospice of San Joaquin’s founding Board members. He has served as our Medical Director for over thirty years – volunteering his time, talent and friendship to all for these many years. It is my privilege to bestow upon Dr. Robert Browne the esteemed title of Medical Director Emeritus. We look forward to many more years with Dr. Browne – but in an environment free of the rigors required of a Medical Director.

This leaves us with our Medical Director position. I am pleased to announce that Dr. James Saffier has accepted this position. Dr. Saffier comes to us from San Joaquin General Hospital where he has been the Chief of Geriatrics and the Co-Director for Palliative Care. Dr. Saffier is Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Care; Geriatrics; and Internal Medicine. Welcome, Dr. Saffier, to your new position here at Hospice of San Joaquin.

We are in the last months of our thirtieth anniversary celebration. Our special thirty year logo will soon be retired. We have had a rich and remarkable history – a history of which we have a right to be proud. It all began because a group of community volunteers believed that San Joaquin County would be a better place with an agency designed to care for terminally ill patients and their families.

For over thirty years, Hospice of San Joaquin has been true to our founders’ vision to establish an agency “that celebrates life” with the “hope and belief that through appropriate care and the promotion of a caring community, sensitive to their needs, the dying and their families are helped to attain a greater mental and spiritual freedom. This freedom is the garden in which acceptance and preparation are nurtured.”

During our thirty years, we have had many touchstones attesting to the excellence that is Hospice of San Joaquin. Among them include:

• In 1985, our Bereavement Program initiated its first Adult and Children’s Bereavement Groups. Last year our Bereavement Groups were expanded to include programs for teenagers.

• We were, in 1987, one of the first hospices nationally to be accredited by the Joint Commission. Our most recent accreditation review granted another three year Joint Commission Accreditation commencing May 6th.

• In 1990 Hospice of San Joaquin was selected as the first Presidential Daily Point of Light in Northern California by President George H.W. Bush.

• In 1996 Hospice of San Joaquin initiated services for patients residing in Skilled Nursing Facilities.

• Hospice of San Joaquin has always maintained an active and robust Volunteer Program. Throughout 2010, 265 Community Volunteers, inclusive of the HSJ Butterfly Auxiliary, contributed 10,380 Volunteer Hours - benefiting our Agency and the patients/families we serve.

• In 2004 Hospice of San Joaquin opened our current campus. The campus includes San Joaquin County’s first residential Hospice Care Facility – “Hospice House.”

• In 2010 our Transitions Program was adopted as a Hospice of San Joaquin Core Service. Over 100 participants are served each day through our Transitions Program.

We salute and thank those who have contributed to Hospice of San Joaquin’s remarkable thirty year history. We look forward to the next thirty years and beyond.

Sincerely,

November 2011

season is a time for sharing among the family. We understand the difficulty of not having a special loved one during this important season,” shared Carrie Lane, Manager of Bereavement Services as she explained how the programs reach individuals f rom t h roug hout t he county.

Steve Lockard, Lodi resident lost his wife Mary Ann Lockard during the spring of 2010. “I remember going to the workshop and knowing that this was a whole new ocean for me and that I was going to learn to float on it,” shared Lockard as he highlighted, “what Hospice did for me was point me in the right direction.”

C o p i n g w i t h t h e Holidays and the other bereavement programs provide those in grief tools to better cope with their loss. “I don’t even remember what I did last year for Christmas —that’s why I’m coming this year— because I want to remember,” noted Lockard.

Everyone is invited to the bereavement programs. Similar to Janice and Steve, the program addresses to the needs of those who seek support and guidance. As

Janis reflects, “there are very few safe places to cry she shared “hospice is one of those places,” and added, “Your friends sometimes don’t want to hear about your grief; it is nice to know there are other people who care.”

I n a d d i t i o n t o bereavement workshops and support, Hospice of San Joaquin offers Tree of Lights for the community to have a personal moment to remember their loved ones during the holiday season. In the case of Janice, she had seen the Stockton Tree, located at San Joaquin Delta College

but she did not relate the Tree to Hospice of San Joaquin. “It really touched my heart – like having a little piece of them (both parents) with me,” she noted as she received an invitation to Tree of Lights.

Hospic e s of Sa n Joaquin’s bereavement programs are available to everyone regardless of the time and causes of the loss of a loved one. To learn more about Hospice of San Joaquin and its bereavement programs you may contact Carrie Lane at (209) 957-3888.

has worked at Hospice of San Joaquin since 1992. “Hospice of San Joaquin is proud to have Terasa as a member of our interdiscipl inary team,” said Hospice of San Joaquin’s Executive Director, Stephen Guasco, “and her certification demonstrates her commitment to better serve our patients and families.” Guasco added.

This credential highlights t he p rofessiona l i sm of social workers who have received post-educat ion specialty training in hospice and palliat ive care, and demonst rates the social worker’s commitment to and exper tise in end-of-life services1. “Terasa’s accomplishment reinforces the agency’s strategic plan,” Jo Paganini, Director of Social Services explained that Hospice of San Joaquin’s vision includes having staff members cer t if ied with

National standards of Hospice and Palliative care.

In 1998 the Nat ional Association of Social Workers along with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization launched the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker credential (ACHP-SW). The credential in hospice and palliative care is tailored to capture the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities of professional social workers in hospice and palliative care settings.

“By earning the ACHP-SW Dannecker demonstrates our agency’s multi-level professionalism and reassures Hospice of San Joaquin’s commitment to best practices in quality end-of-life care,” Rebecca Burnett, Director of Clinical Services

1. http://www.nhpco.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=5914

Dr. BrowneContinues from Cover

• Founding Board Member, Hospice of San JoaquinFollowing graduation from

Medical School, Dr. Browne interned in New York. He then accepted a staff physician position in the United States Indian Health Service where he cared for Native Americans in Claremore, Oklahoma. It was there, according to Dr. Browne, he first saw the need for delivery of health care to disadvantaged adults and children. Eventually, Dr. Browne returned to the Stockton area and began his private practice as a Family Practitioner. Soon after, Dr. Browne started visiting migrant farm worker family campsites – providing much needed medical care from the trunk of his car.

Recognizing the special needs of the terminally ill,

Dr. Browne was one of the founding Board members of Hospice of San Joaquin. In addition, Dr. Browne has served as Hospice of San Joaquin’s Medical Director since its November 5, 1980 founding. In his capacity of Medical Director, Dr. Brow ne i s r e sponsible for the development and i mplement a t ion of t he

Medical protocols necessary for the care of the terminally ill patients seen at Hospice of San Joaquin. For thirty years, in addition to his regular practice, Dr. Browne has directed the medical care of up to 120 terminal patients at any given time. It is important to note that Dr. Browne has never accepted any payment for services performed for the

care Hospice of San Joaquin’s terminally ill patients.

Dr. Browne is the recognized voice of teacher and mentor to both the Medical Community and the public in end-of-life care. His depth of knowledge, compassion and dedication to service of the terminally ill and their families is unsurpassed.

The time has come for Dr. Browne to slow down a bit. To that end, he will be assisting Dr. James Saffier, our recently named Medical Director, as Hospice of San Joaquin’s Medical Director Emeritus. The term Emeritus is used in business to honor an individual who was significant in moving an organization to new heights. Dr. Browne clearly meets that definition. Thank you for all that you have done for Hospice of San Joaquin as well as the thousands of hospice patients to whom you have provided care over the years.

Dr. James K. Saffier, Medical Director (Left) joins Dr. Robert T. Browne, Medical Director Emeritus at Hospice of San Joaquin

▪

Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN, CHPNEducation Coordinator

November is National Hospice and Palliative

Care month, a time to draw attention and raise awareness of this very special kind of care. Most people have heard about hospice care. They may have friends who have

been helped by hospice or know first hand about the supportive nature of hospice regarding a family member facing serious illness. But there is so much more to know.

Hospice care provides pain management and symptom management, psychological support, and spiritual care to patients

and their families when cure is no longer an option. We call this comfort care because the emphasis is on living every day fully, and improving the quality of life for the patient and family. Many people think hospice is only for the final days or weeks of life but hospice care is ideally suited to provide care to patients and their families during the final months of life. Care can be provided in the home setting, nursing home or assisted living facility and is covered by Medicare, MediCal and most insurance.

Over 1.5 million people receive hospice services every year. Hospice is available for people of all ages with any life-limiting illness, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS or ot her l i fe -l imit ing illnesses. In addition, hospice offers grief support to surviving families and others in the community

who are grieving. Knowing there is “someone to care for those left behind” is very comforting for patients as they face life closure.

Palliative care is also comfort care and brings the same “team approach” to care earl ier in the course of a serious chronic illness. Palliative care can be provided along with other treatments a person may be receiving from their doctors, and helps to normalize the disease process. Our Transitions Program offers support to those still navigating therapies and treatment options and is offered at no cost to our Participants.

Together, hospice care and palliative care combine to provide the highest level of medical care, emotional support, and spir itual support for patients and their family caregivers. They can make a profound difference in maximizing quality of life for all who are cared for.Source: NHPCO

Hospice and Palliative Care: Making a Difference

If you are 70½ or older, the extended charitable

IRA rollover legislation benef its you! The gif t may be made in place of an individual’s required minimum w it hdrawa l without federal income tax impact.

W h i l e e a s y t o accomplish, this tax-smart gift option enables you to jump-start your legacy and witness the benefits of your generosity to Hospice of San Joaquin. Take a moment to rev iew the questions and answers here to see if this arrangement is right for you.

You may contr ibute funds this way if:

• You are age 70½ or older at the time of the gift.

• The gif ts total any amount up to $100,000 in 2011.

• You authorize your IRA administrator to transfer funds directly from your IR A to a qualified charity, such as Hospice of San Joaquin.

• Y o u transfer the gifts outright to one or more q u a l i f i e d c h a r i t i e s , b u t n o t t o s u p p o r t i n g organizations, o r f o r g i f t a n n u i t i e s , c h a r i t a b l e trusts, donor advised funds or a ny g i f t f rom wh ich you re c eive a p e r s o n a l benefit. Q. I’ve already named your organization a s t h e beneficiary of my IRA. What

are the benefits if I make a gift now instead of after my lifetime?

A. By making a gift this year from your IR A, y o u c a n s e e y o u r philanthropic dollars at work. You are jump-starting the legacy you would like to leave and g iv ing yoursel f the joy of watching your p h i l a nt h r o p y t a k e shape. Hospice of San Joaquin recognizes donors of IR A gif ts a s L e g a c y L e a g u e Members.

Q. I’m turning age 70½ in a few months. Can I make this gift now?

A. No. The legislation requires you to reach age 70½ by the date you make the gift.

Q. I have several retirement accounts—some are pensions and some are IRAs. Does it matter w h i c h r e t i r e m e n t account I use?

A. Yes. Under the legislation, gifts can be made from I R A s on ly. O t her forms of retirement

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Special IRA Opportunity Expires December 31ST

funds, pensions, profit sharing, 401(k), 403(b), do not fall under this tax legislation.

Q. Can my gift be used as my minimum required distribution under the law?

A . Yes, absolutely. I f y o u h a v e n o t y e t taken your required minimum distribution, t he cha r itable IR A rollover gift can satisfy a l l or pa r t of t hat requirement. Contact your IRA custodian to complete the gift.

Q. Do I need to give my entire IRA to be eligible for the tax break?

A. No. You can give any a mount under t h is provision, as long as it is $100,000 or less this year. If your IRA is valued at more than $100,000, you c a n transfer a portion of it to fund a charitable gift.

Q. I have two charities I want to support. Can I give $100,000 from my IRA to each?

A. No. Under the law, you can give a maximum of $100,000 annually. For example, you can give each organization $50,000 this year or any other combination that totals $100,000 or less. Any amount of more than $100,000 in one year must be reported as taxable income.

Q. My spouse and I would like to give more than $100,000. How can we do that?

A. If you have a spouse (as defined by the IRS) who is 70½ or older and has an IRA, he or she can also give up to $100,000 from his or her IRA. *The charitable IR A

rollover legislation allows you to transfer lifetime gifts up to $100,000 using funds from your individual retirement account (IRA) without undesirable tax effects. This opportunity is only available through December. 31, 2011.

For more on how you can use your IRA to make tax-smart gifts to Hospice of San Joaquin and provide for your family, order our free brochures:

– WHY GIVE RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS TO CHARITY? Avoid Paying 35 Percent or More in Taxes

– WHO SHOULD INHERIT YOUR IRA?- How Family and Friends Lose Out

– THE THREE EASIEST WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LEGACY --Beneficiary Designations

Free brochures are available online: www.hospicesj.org – Donate/Planned Giving; or you may e-mail or call

Barbara Pombo at (209) 957-3888 or bpombo@hospicesj.org with your order.

It is wise to consult with your tax professionals if you are contemplating a charitable gift under the extended law.

© The Stelter Company, All rights reserved. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes apply to federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.

November 2011

Hospice Awareness is a bi-monthly newsletter published by Hospice of San Joaquin located at:3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204(209) 957-3888 • www.hospicesj.org

Gene Acevedo, Director of Community Outreach: EditorBarbara Pombo, Director of Development: Co-EditorHSJ Professional Staff: Article ContributionsBilingual Weekly, LLC, Design & LayoutTim & Sue Ulmer, Ulmer Photography all photos

Comments, questions, sponsorship opportunities or if you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please contact our office at (209) 957-3888.

Visit our website for more information about Hospice of San Joaquin, www.hospicesj.org

Did You Know?The hospice team goes to the patient and family at home—whether that’s a private home, a nursing home or assisted living facility, or a hospice residence.

Tree of Lights 2011 Remember Your Loved Ones

During this special season, honor or remember a loved one through Hospice of San Joaquin’s “Tree of Lights”. Your gifts directly benefit patient’s quality of life

Please print

Donor’s Name:

Street:

City:

State:

Zip:

Phone:

e-mail:

Select a light Color Select a location Red Green Blue White Yellow Treetop Friends of Lights

$ 5 $ 10 $ 25 $ 50 $ 100 $ 250 $ 500

Stockton: Lockeford Lodi Tracy Galt Rio Vista Manteca

Please Print:

In MEMORY of:

In HONOR of:

Send Notice of gift to:

Street:

City:

State:

Zip:

e-mail

Check enclosed and completed form mailed to: Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights

3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204 (209) 957-3888

Please charge my donation to MasterCard Visa Am Ex Discover Credit Card #

Name on Card: Exp Date: Signature:

Or, visit our website to make your gift online

If your gift includes more names, download form online

▪

Tree of Lights 2011Continues from Cover

Upcoming 2011-12 Events

Coping with the Holidays for FamiliesSaturday December 3rd9:00 AM to 12:00 noonDesigned for families experiencing the holiday without a loved one

Must pre-register at (209) 957-3888

Butterfly AuxiliaryPoinsettia SalePlace your order by November 21stDuring the month order your poinsettias in time for delivery during the Holidays,

Cost: $10-$30 Proceeds benefit Hospice House. For more information call(209) 922-0380

Volunteer Training March 5 to March 29Mondays and Thursdays6:00 to 9:00 PMLearn how to give back to the community through volunteering at Hospice of San Joaquin.Contact Becky Freeman, Volunteer Coordinator(209) 957-3888

November 2011

Tree of

LightsStockton — Tree of Lights Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 6:00 PMSan Joaquin Delta College5151 Pacific AvenueStockton

Lockeford — Tree of LightsWednesday, Nov 30, 2011 6:00 PMPreceding the Cowboy Craft Faire19000 N. HWY 88Lockeford

Lodi — Tree of LightsThursday, Dec. 1, 2011 5:30 PMLodi City Hall221 W. Pine Street Lodi

Tracy — Tree of LightsFriday, Dec. 2, 20116:00 PMTracy Outlets1005 E. Pescadero Ave.Tracy

Galt — Tree of LightsSaturday, Dec. 3, 2011 6:00 PMGalt City Hall380 Civic DrGalt

Rio Vista —Tree of LightsSaturday, Dec. 3, 2011 5:30 PMRio Vista at City HallOne Main StreetRio Vista

Manteca— Tree of LightsWednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 6:00 PMManteca Doctor’s Hospital 1260 E. North Street Manteca

Order Your Poinsettiasin time for the Holidays!

Place your order by November 21st

(209) 922-0380Download forms online

www.hospicesj.org

Proceeds benefitHospice of San Joaquin’s

Hospice House

$10.00 — 6” Pots$30.00 — 10” Pots

ONLY

Order Today

Hospice of San Joaquin Butterfly Auxiliary

PhotoIn-Review

(Left)Carrie Lane, Hospice of San Joaquin’s Bereavement Manager, welcomes a full house of community members to a Coping with the Holidays workshop on Saturday November 13, 2011

Mark Rasmussen, Pacific Gas and Electric Volunteer, sets up the Stockton Tree of Lights at San Joaquin Delta College’s 2010

COPING with the HolidaysFor Families

December 3, 20119am -12pm

A workshop designed for families, children age �ve or older, teens together with

their parent(s) /guardians.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. There is a $10 donation requested for the workshop to cover materials. To register, please contact

Bereavement Services at 957-3888Registration Deadline is Monday, November 21st

JOIN THE TEAM Volunteer at Hospice of San Joaquin

Volunteer TrainingMarch 5th to March 29th, 2012Monday & Thursday Evenings

6:00 to 9:00 pm

For further information or to register, callthe Volunteer Coordinator at

(209) 957-3888

Experience the rewards and satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others

(Left)Julie Wetteland, Chair of the Butterfly Auxiliary’s Stockton Chapter (Left) and Jan Watts, Chair of the Butterfly Auxiliary Lodi Chapter (Right) Join Stephen Guasco, Executive Director of Hospice of San Joaquin in appreciating the community’s support during the Appreciation Reception on October 24, 2011

(right)Young participants of

Camp Caterpillar release butterflys as part of the

closing ceremony during the day camp at Micke

Grove Park on September 24, 2011

Fashion Christmas Parade, on Saturday December 3, 2011.

“We are excited of our partnership with our Galt com mu n it y a s Tree of Lights,” said Barbara Pombo, Development Director of Hospice of San Joaquin adding,” Hospice of San Joaquin has offered patient care and family services to Galt residents and its surrounding neighborhoods for over 15-years. In addition to patient care, members of our staff and many volunteers are from the Galt area.” Hospice of San Joaquin’s mission reaches beyond San Joaquin County, “Our staff and volunteers support neighboring county residents who are underserved.”

I n G a l t , a s i n o t he r communities hosting the Tree of Lights, families will be able to read the names of those memorialized on the Memory Board. Following the lighting, a reception will be held for the community.

Cha r i t able dona t ion s suppor t Hospice of San Joaquin’s mission to serve patients and families affected by life-threatening illness, death and loss. For more information about honoring someone special through the Tree of Lights, please call (209) 957-3888 or visit www.hospicesj.org. Donations are received and names updated weekly at all locations through December 20th and remain up through the 31st.

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