May 19 - Interfaith Service of Remembering
Akron General Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service will host a bi-annual Interfaith Service of Remembering on Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m. at the Bath United Church of Christ, 3980 W. Bath Road, Bath. This meaningful service is open to the community and is in memory of loved ones who died during the past year. To receive an invitation, or to RSVP, please call 330-665-1455, press "0" to speak to Bonnie Fazek. RSVP required by May 10.

June 12 - Book Club: “The Gift of the Red Bird"
The Akron General Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) Center for Loss and Hope is offering a free book club discussion group on “The Gift of the Red Bird” by Paula D’Arcy on June 12 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Copley. When Paula D'Arcy lost her husband and baby in a car crash, she began an inner search for a faith that was stronger than fear. She tells her story of spiritual exhaustion, her journey alone into the wilderness for three days, and the renewal she experienced. A story of extreme loss, of searching for answers, of making sense out of the pain, and of looking for some light in the darkness. Please read this true and moving story in advance to engage in the discussion. The session is open to the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information on this group and other Hospice of VNS Bereavement support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-665-1455, press “0” to speak to Bonnie Fazek.

July 10 - Book Club: The Last Lecture
The Akron General Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) Center for Loss and Hope is offering a free book club discussion group on “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch on July 10 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Copley. A man diagnosed with terminal cancer prepares his family for his inevitable death so his young children could understand what their father was really like. A reminder to live your lives to the fullest, reach for your dreams, and help others reach for theirs. Please read this true and moving story in advance to engage in the discussion. The session is open to the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information on this group and other Hospice of VNS Bereavement support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-665-1455, press “0” to speak to Bonnie Fazek.

August 5-8 - Camp Promise
Akron General Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) will offer the eighth annual Camp Promise August 5-8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily on the grounds of the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Copley. Camp Promise focuses on helping children ages 6-11 who have experienced a significant loss, such as that of a parent, grandparent or sibling. Children will learn to manage and understand their grief through creative activities such as journaling, sand tray therapy, music, drama and art therapy. Meals and snacks will be provided each day. A staff of professional facilitators will oversee the children as they go through creative stations. The camp is offered in partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital. To register a child for this free camp, or for more information, please call Akron General Hospice of VNS, 330-665-1455, press “0” to speak to Bonnie Fazek.

October 10 - Joyful Tastes of Life
Akron General Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) will hold its fourth annual "Joyful Tastes of Life" benefit October 10, 2013, from 6 –9 p.m. at St. George's Family Center, 3204 Ridgewood Road, Akron. The event raises funds for end-of-life patient care and supportive services at Hospice of VNS. The fundraiser will feature a wine and craft beer tasting, as well as sampling of seasonal foods from some of the area’s top chefs and restaurants. Music, a silent auction and raffle round out the evening’s festivities. To receive an invitation, please call Hospice of VNS at 330-665-1455.

Akron General Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service provides free bereavement support programs in group settings for those in our community who have experienced a loss. All sessions meet at the Hospice of VNS Justin T. Rogers Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Copley, unless otherwise noted. For more information, to register, or to schedule an individual appointment, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

GROWING THROUGH GRIEF
An eight-week series for adults who wish to learn what they might experience during the grieving process. Group members share their stories, emotions, victories and hopes. Group members can expect to receive loving support from group leaders, information on the grieving process, and tools for handling the normal grief response. Three series will be held in 2013, on Thursday’s, beginning January 10, May 2 and September 5 from 2-4 p.m. or 6–8 p.m.

HEALING JOURNEY SUPPORT GROUP
A six-week series focusing on rebuilding life and incorporating hope after the death of a loved one. Group members will help normalize the grief experience through camaraderie with each other, the sharing of feelings/stories, support and providing an incentive to make new friends and develop new interests as soon as they are able. Two series will be held in 2013, on Thursday’s, beginning March 14 and July 11 from 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.

MOVING ON SUPPORT GROUP
This once a month group focuses on supporting those who are moving along the journey of grief and are now beginning to incorporate new behaviors in their lives as they attempt to create their “new normal.” In 2013, this group will continue to meet the second Wednesday of each month from 2-3:30 p.m.

MOVING ON FAMILY SUPPORT SERIES
A six-week program for adults with children under 18 years of age. The focus of this support series is to address communication challenges, family identity, and to help focus on the actual loss for each family member. The Art Therapist works with the children to help them express memories and feelings tied to the loss. Call for dates of the next series.

INDIVIDUAL GRIEF COUNSELING
One-on-one grief counseling is an option for individuals who either need more privacy in expressing their reaction to loss or who are unable to attend group meetings. Please call for an appointment; evening appointments available.