Thanks for voting Kline Tours #1 Best Bus Tours and #1 and #1 Best Tour Guide/ Guide Service in the 2025 Herald Mail Community Choice Awards
NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT
Sunday-Wednesday December 14-17, 2025, $2099 per person (double occupancy). includes roundtrip airfare, roundtrip bus to BWI, 3 nights lodging at Gaylord Opryland Resort., 6 Meals, four shows including Christmas Dinner show in ballroom at Gaylord Opryland (The Frontmen) Amy Grant & Vince Gill at the Ryman, General Jackson Showboat Luncheon Cruise with entertainment., Grand Ole Opry Christmas, Country Music Hall of Fame, Studio B guided city tour of Nashville, Delta Flatboat ride, Treasures for the Holidays, Ice..
KEY WEST, FLORIDA
Monday-Thursday, January 19-22, 2026- $2079 per person (double occupancy) round trip air to Key West, round-trip airport transportation, round trip trolley transportation to and from hotel. 3 nights in Key West at Florida Keys and Key West Lodging Association’s “Property of the Year”, the Doubletree Grand Key Resort located a mile from the airport. Complimentary transportation from hotel to Duval Street and the beaches.
NEW ORLEANS PRE MARDI GRAS 2025
Monday February 9- Friday February 13, 2026 $2199 per person (double occupancy) Roundtrip airfare to New Orleans, 5 days , 4 nights accommodations in French Quarter 7 Meals New Orleans School of Cooking, comprehensive city tour of New Orleans, Mardi Gras World Museum, National World War II Museum (including 4D film), Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise, Louisiana Swamp Boat tour, and reserved parade bleacher seating for four parades in New Orleans.
LAS VEGAS
5 Days/ 4 Nights, Monday –Friday, February 20-24, 2025 $879 per person (double occupancy)
Includes: Round-Trip Motorcoach to BWI, Round-trip non-stop air to Las Vegas, Round-trip Airport to Hotel Transfers, 4nights accommodations at the fabulous Excalibur Hotel & Casino.
CAPE COD 2026
Sunday-Thursday June 7-11-$959 per person (double occupancy) includes 4 nights lodging , 4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners including a Lobsterbake Guided tour of the Cape to Provincetown with afternoon Whale Watch Cruise. Cape Cod Canal Cruise, Guided tour of Hyannis, Kennedy Museum, Tour of Sandwich and, round trip ferry to Martha’s Vineyard with tour.
CREATION MUSEUM/ARK ENCOUNTER
Sunday –Wednesday June 14-17 $859 per person ((double occupancy) A life size Noah’s Ark Experience Includes: Accommodations for three nights, Six Meals, including three full breakfasts and three dinners, Tour of Cincinnati, Creation Museum, including Stargazer’s Planetarium and a guest speaker. Ark Encounter, and Belle of Cincinnati Riverboat.
BLACK HILLS, BADLANDS & MOUNT RUSHMORE
Sunday-Thursday July 5-9
$2699 per person (double occupancy includes round trip air to Rapid City round trip airport transportation,six meals. Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park ‘the Badlands, Wall drug Store, tour of Deadwood, tour of Boot Hill, (Mount Moriah Cemetery), free time in Rapid City and Dogwood.
|ospice is a philosophy of care which manages the pain and symptoms of a life-limiting illness so the patient can live out the time left to the fullest extent possible.
Hospice is not about giving up. It is about quality of life.
MISSION
CELEBRATING
45 YEARS
to meet the community’s growing needs. In 2015, it launched LifeCare Health, a palliative-care service that supports patients with chronic or serious illnesses who are not yet ready for hospice but need relief from symptoms and stress. Two years later, Doey’s House opened its doors, providing a warm, homelike setting for patients requiring inpatient hospice care. Since its opening, more than 2,700 patients have received comfort and support within its walls. HWC also maintains specialized funds and programs that provide families with counseling, equipment, and financial assistance — ensuring compassionate care for all, regardless of ability to pay.
“Hospice is about more than medicine — it’s about people,” says Tom Newcomer, former Chair of the HWC Board of Directors. “When my own father became a hospice patient, I experienced firsthand the love, support, and professionalism that define this
organization. It was a comfort beyond words.”
From its humble beginnings, HWC has been rooted in the belief that every person deserves to live their final days with peace, comfort, and dignity. That commitment continues today through its strategic affiliation with Gilchrist, Maryland’s leading provider of serious illness and end-of-life care. The collaboration enhances access to quality care, expands resources, and strengthens both organization’s shared mission. “As Hospice of Washington County celebrates this incredible milestone, we’re proud to stand alongside them,” says Cathy Hamel, President of Gilchrist and Executive Leader of HWC.
As HWC looks to the future, the organization remains dedicated to expanding access, educating families, and deepening the understanding of hospice and palliative care — continuing the legacy of compassion that began 45 years ago.
INTEGRATION WITH GILCHRIST
Hospice of Washington County and Gilchrist, Maryland’s leading provider of geriatric, palliative, and hospice care, have announced an affiliation agreement. This partnership will unite two of Maryland’s oldest and most experienced nonprofit organizations, together with nearly 75 years of service to their communities.
As the healthcare landscape continues to transform nationwide, this type of affiliation of two synergistic nonprofit organizations with similar missions, visions, and values will position both organizations for continued growth, innovation and financial strength. By combining their resources and expertise, Gilchrist and Hospice of Washington County will build upon each other’s capabilities, enhancing access to care through geographic expansion and scope of services for patients, their families, and communities. This strategic affiliation will strengthen their ability to offer compassionate care to more patients and families throughout Central and Southern
Maryland, as well as Washington and Frederick counties and SouthCentral Pennsylvania. Both organizations will retain their name and branding while offering a unified approach to care.
Combined resources will support innovation and expansion in the established communities, each serving with specialized programs designed to meet the special needs of the communities we serve. The integration will allow both organizations to enrich their service offerings. Patients, families, and local communities will benefit from a range of assets and services.
Cathy Hamel, President of Gilchrist, expresses her enthusiasm for the new partnership: “What’s really exciting about this partnership is its alignment with our five-year strategic plan, which aims to partner with like-minded, innovative organizations to expand our geographic footprint and better address the evolving needs of those we serve.”
THE HOSPICE TEAM
NURSES: Registered Nurses manage and coordinate the care and services for patients in collaboration with their physician.
SOCIAL WORKERS: Social Workers provide counseling, assistance with social and financial concerns, and information about community resources.
PHYSICIANS: Your personal physician and a hospice physician help oversee your care.
THERAPISTS: Licensed staff can provide therapy services that include physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are available for friendly visiting, special tasks, and companionship.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT: Trained bereavement staff help loved ones cope with loss.
HOSPICE AIDES/CNA s: Hospice Aides provide personal care and light housekeeping to help with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and walking.
SPIRITUAL COUNSELORS: Spiritual Counselors support you and your family with spiritual needs.
Hospice of Washington County celebrates CNA Week by recognizing and honoring the dedication and compassion of their Certified Nursing Assistants.
Dr. Frederic Kass, a founder of Hospice of Washington County, helped to bring compassionate, patient-centered hospice care to the community.
FACT: Hospice focuses on providing comfort, dignity, and emotional support for the patient, but also aims to provide support for the family. Quality of life for all concerned is our highest priority.
VOLUNTEERS
Hospice of Washington County VOLUNTEERS play an essential role in bringing comfort, connection, and compassion to our community. Whether offering a listening ear, sharing a moment of companionship, or lending a helping hand, our volunteers help enrich the lives of patients and families in countless ways.
Many of our volunteers support patients directly by visiting them in homes, care centers, or senior living communities to offer emotional support and companionship. Others choose to assist behind the scenes with administrative tasks, lead caregiver or grief support groups, or help at events. All volunteers receive specialized training, with options for advanced training in areas such as end-of-life doula support.
There are also unique opportunities for those with special skills or interests. Pet therapy teams bring comfort with wagging tails, while sewists and crafters create memory bears and blankets for families. Veterans may choose to honor fellow service members
Volunteers are essential members of the care team, offering comfort, companionship, and support to patients and their families.
through our We Honor Veterans program.
Whether they’re making caring check-in calls, teaching tech skills, offering grief companionship, or speaking in the community — every role makes a meaningful impact. Our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life’s final chapter.
DOEY'S HOUSE
The DOEY’S HOUSE care providers are a compassionate and skilled team of physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, supportive counselors, social workers and volunteers who provide high quality care to support our patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs in a uniquely designed environment. The team specializes in the art and science of symptom management. In most cases symptoms can be managed appropriately in a brief timespan of several days, allowing patients to return quickly to the place they truly call home.
Doey’s House was designed for hospice patients and their families in order to provide a comforting setting when pain and symptoms need to be managed in a professional environment. During this intense phase of symptom management, both patient and family will be comforted by an expert team of caring professionals in a setting that provides many of the comforts of home.
Doey’s House is the hospice inpatient unit for Hospice of Washington County (HWC), the
only active licensed hospice in Washington County.
Doey’s House is named in honor of Doris Glessner. Her son, Neal, along with the HWC Board of Directors inspired the support of the community to bring a hospice house to our area.
GENERAL INPATIENT AND RESPITE CARE
Doey’s House is a home-like and supportive setting for hospice patients and their families.
Sometimes severe pain or other symptoms require an advanced level of care that is more effectively provided during a short stay in an inpatient hospice facility to stabilize your loved one until they can return home.
Caregivers work hard to ensure patients receive the care they need. Under respite care, a terminally-ill loved one who is a hospice patient can have a temporary stay at Doey’s House for up to five days to allow the caregiver to get some much needed rest and time away from the rigorous demands of daily caregiving.
Doey’s House, Hospice of Washington County’s dedicated inpatient hospice unit, has compassionately served over 2,700 patients and their families since opening.
RESIDENTIAL CARE
In special circumstances, Doey’s House can serve as a temporary facility for residential care. For example, a family may be working to transition a loved one from the hospital to home. With the support of Doey’s House and the hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT), the family will have the time and training to work toward the goal of making a successful transition to home.
Hospice of Washington County’s LIFECARE is a special form of serious illness care called PALLIATIVE CARE. Its focus is on providing relief from the symptoms and stresses of a serious illness. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for both patients and their loved ones.
To learn more, please call Hospice of Washington County at 301-7916360 or email info@hospiceofwc.org.
Doey’s House is located at 11370 Caring Pathway Lane, Hagerstown, MD 21742
LifeCare provides specialized medical care from a team of expert physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and chaplains to support your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during serious illness. Our team doesn’t replace your current providers. We work alongside them.
To learn more about Lifecare, call us at 301-791-6360, or visit our website at hospiceofwc.org
LIFECARE/PALLIATIVE CARE
BEREAVEMENT PROGRAMS
Below are just some of the available programs to assist. If you need counseling or additional resources, please call us at 301-791-6360.
GRIEF SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN, TEENS AND FAMILIES
EDUCATIONAL GRIEF TOOLKITS:
Age-appropriate kits with comfort items, workbooks, and grief resources for students in Pre-K through High School.
DOVE CLUB (WCPS SCHOOLBASED GROUPS): Supportive grief groups for elementary, middle, and high school students. Includes activities, discussion, and creative expression to help process loss and build emotional resilience.
1:1 GRIEF SUPPORT: Personalized sessions (4-6 minimum) for students to explore grief through conversation, art, journaling, or play. Offered in partnership with WCPS.
DOVETALES: Children’s Grief Camp: A one-day annual camp for ages 4-17. Provides a safe, supportive space to share, learn coping skills, and connect with peers.
FAMILY GRIEF SUPPORT: Guidance for parents/caregivers to support
BEREAVEMENT/GRIEF CARE INQUIRY FORM
Check our event calendar for dates, times, and locations. hospiceofwc.org/events/ calendar
grieving children, improve communication, and access resources. Available in schools, office, or virtually.
These services are funded by a grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC).
GRIEF SUPPORT FOR ADULTS
STEPPING STONES: Monthly introductory meetings at Brooke’s House Counseling Center for adults new to grief support. Includes resources and peer support.*
HEARTS OF HOPE: Ongoing adult support group offered four times a month at Doey’s House.
LOSS OF A CHILD GROUP: Closed support group for bereaved parents. A safe space to share and connect.
OVERDOSE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP: Support for adults grieving a loved one lost to overdose. Held at Brooke’s House Counseling Center.*
SOCIAL BRUNCH & DINNER: Informal gatherings at local restaurants for those navigating grief. Hosted by HWC Volunteers.
*The Governor’s Office for Children funded this project under award number ENGH-2025-0020. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal Agency.
GIVING WITH HEART: SPECIAL FUNDS THAT MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE
In its continued mission to meet the diverse needs of patients and families — and to enhance the quality of life at every stage — Hospice of Washington County offers a variety of special funds. These funds provide unique benefits to patients and allow donors to make a meaningful impact in our community. Your support ensures no one has to face end-of-life challenges alone.
AREA OF GREATEST NEED
When you give to the Area of Greatest Need, your donation goes where it can make the most immediate and meaningful impact. This flexible fund allows us to respond quickly to the evolving needs of our patients and their families— whether that means providing medical supplies, grief counseling, in-home support, or comfort care services not covered by insurance. Your gift helps ensure that no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.
DOEY’S HOUSE
Doey’s House is the only dedicated hospice care center in our community, offering compassionate, end-of-life care in a peaceful setting. Donations help provide pain management, emotional support, and comfort for patients and their loved ones. Every contribution helps someone experience dignity, peace, and quality care at the end of life.
BEREAVEMENT PROGRAMS
Our Bereavement Department offers specialized support for those coping with grief and loss. Programs include ongoing grief support groups, services for children and teens, resources for parents who’ve lost a child, and seasonal remembrance events. Your support helps these programs remain accessible to all who need them.
FREDERIC H. KASS III, M.D., ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Established in 2005, this scholarship supports higher education for Hospice of Washington County staff, as well as local students pursuing careers in healthcare. This fund ensures future generations of professionals are well-equipped to provide skilled, compassionate end-of-life care.
BENEVOLENCE FUND
This fund provides essential support for basic patient needs, funeral expenses, and care for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. It ensures dignity and comfort, regardless of financial circumstances.
THE JENNIFER FUND
Named in memory of Jennifer Lourie, daughter of former board member Ira Lourie, this fund supports pediatric hospice patients and their families, offering compassionate care and comfort during unimaginable circumstances.
MY WISH PROGRAM
Launched in 2013, My Wish grants special wishes for Hospice of Washington County patients—bringing moments of joy, peace, and meaning during their final days.
Thank you to our generous community for embracing hospice care over the past 45 years.
ABOVE: In honor of Dr. Frederic Kass, Hospice of Washington County established a scholarship supporting students pursuing careers in healthcare and continuing his legacy of care.
SUPPORT OUR SPECIAL FUNDS WITH YOUR DONATION TODAY or visit hospiceofwc.org/ giving/donatenow
WHEN IS IT TIME FOR HOSPICE?
Deciding when to transition to hospice care can be a deeply personal and emotional journey. For patients and their families, recognizing the signs that hospice care is needed can help ensure a focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
According to the Hospice Foundation of America, it is time for hospice when:
■ Treatment is no longer effective or desired
■ Medical treatments may have become too debilitating, unsuccessful, or stopped altogether, and life expectancy is six months or less.
■ Health has declined significantly: Signs include increased pain or symptoms, substantial weight loss, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or weakness.
■ Quality of life becomes the primary focus: The goal shifts to being comfortable in familiar surroundings with family, friends, pets, and personal belongings.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR HOSPICE CARE
Medical News Today explains that a person typically qualifies for hospice care if:
■ The person chooses palliative care (comfort care) over curative treatment.
■ The individual or their legal representative selects to utilize their hospice benefit.
■ When treatments have been either unsuccessful or too physically debilitating or when the patient experiences a significant decline in physical or cognitive function, such as:
■ Increased or uncontrolled pain
■ Substantial weight loss
■ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
■ Extreme fatigue or weakness
■ A decreased ability to perform daily tasks
HOW TO BEGIN THE CONVERSATION
When considering hospice care, it’s important to speak with your doctor, who can guide you through the process and assess eligibility. Early conversations allow time for patients and families to plan, ensuring that care aligns with their values and priorities.
For more information or a hospice evaluation, call 301-791-6360.
