Lamar Area Hospice, Honoring the Past, Planning for the Future

The Lamar Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights was preceded by another lighting ceremony this past Friday, December 2.  Almost 100 persons were present for the Lamar Area Hospice, 5^th Annual Holiday of Lights and Memories, an observance to remember friends and loved ones who have passed away.

The occasion was highlighted by the reading of names of the deceased and the tolling of a bell signifying their absence.  The candles which were lit in their memory are extinguished as the clear, white holiday lights on the windmill at the intersection of North Main and Hickory Streets were illuminated.  Deacon Henry Wertin from St. Francis deSales/Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church officiated at the Friday night ceremony.  Additional commentary was provided by JoDell Rogers from Lamar Area Hospice.

Rotary Donation
Members of the Lamar Rotary Club presented hospice members with a check for $2,000 Monday, December 5 at Lamar Area Hospice headquarters at 108 West Olive Street.  The donation was made possible through a Rotary grant funded by Rotary District 5470 and the local Rotary Club.  Rotary is an international volunteer service organization which encourages and fosters the ideal of service.  Most of the service efforts are carried out at the club level.  Lamar Rotary has provided numerous community amenities including the Willow Creek Park gazebo.  Rotary members recently met with the Lamar City Council, seeking recommendations for a future community improvement project.

Front: Judy Turpin, Lorene Thompson, JoDell Rogers. Standing: John Sykes, Deb Pelley, Mike Renkin, Karen Ketcham

Hospice Headquarters
While the Rotary members were presenting their donation, the sound of hammers could be heard from next door.  Camp and Currell Construction was busy with the renovation project that will transform the former Lamar Hotel into almost 11,000 square feet of office space for Hospice workers.  Executive director Deb Pelley said the architect plans were approved and donations are being secured to provide much needed work space for employees and volunteers.  Pelley said in a Prowers Journal article earlier this fall, staff workers had to share already limited office space, some of whom use boxes as desks when they fill out their paperwork.  She said the expansion project will be completed in about eight months.

On Thursday, December 22, Lamar Area Hospice will host its annual Light of Love Service at the Shore Arts Center at 115 South Main Street.    The 6pm service will provide a special program in which Holiday Memory Ornaments, personalized and hand painted by a local artist will be presented to those who wish to order an ornament in honor of a loved one.

By Russ Baldwin