Heart to Heart - Summer 2019

SUMMER 2019

Everything changed with one note. – Quincy Jones

VNHC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian Smith Chair Chris McNamara Immediate Past Chair Pamela Dillman Haskell Secretary Dannell Stuart Treasurer Lynda Tanner, RN, MSN President & CEO Rick Keith Foundation Executive Director Gordon Auchincloss Michael Bordofsky, MD Theresa M. Borgatello Eusebio Cordova, Jr. Alex Craigie, Esq. Herb Geary, RN Fred Kass, MD Ken Kraus Mark Mattingly Christopher Thrash, MD

Directors Emeriti

WITH VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE CARE

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NOTES OF HARMONY

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VALIDATING DREAMS & VISIONS OF THE DYING

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SCOTT ESCHBACH

SPECIALIZED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

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THE MAGIC TOUCH OF A FURRY PAW

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WHY PURPLE?

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WHAT’S NEW AT VNHC?

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LEAVING LEGACIES OF CARE

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SPECIAL EVENTS

• Marian Watts Society Reception • Employee Appreciation Reception • Veterans Day • Angels Among Us • Men’s Night • Mother’s Day Luncheon

Ed Brady Stan Fishman Jane Habermann Christopher Jones, Esq. Steve Lew Michelle Martinich, CPA Judy Murphy Elna Scheinfeld James Stovesand Ted Thoreson, MD

WRITERS Brittany Avila Wazny Easter Moorman Christopher Williams

PHOTOGRAPHERS Emily Hart-Roberts Rhianna Mercier Fritz Olenberger Baron Spafford

EDITORS Kyrie Belme Rick Keith Easter Moorman

DESIGNER Miguel Angel Cortés Accredited by The Joint Commission in Home Health and Hospice Published by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Foundation 509 E. Montecito Street, Suite 200 • Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Photo Credit: Emily Hart-Roberts

On the Cover: Quincy Jones and the Quincy Jones Foundation are proud supporters of the VNHC Music Therapy Program. Offered free of charge to VNHC patients, every year our music therapists make over 1,300 visits.

Our board-certified music therapist assesses the condition and needs of the patient and designs a plan of treatment that includes creating, singing, moving to and/or listening to live, patient preferred music within individual, group and/or family sessions.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of synergy, about how disparate groups can come together to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their parts. At VNHC, synergy plays a role in everything we do to help our patients and their families live well, whether they are coping with injury, illness, or end of life. As you’ll see in the stories in this issue, our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners are all critically intertwined in accomplishing great work every day. Together, we help our community more than any one person or one organization could accomplish alone.

That being said, before there can be great synergy, first must come an individual with great vision. In the case of VNHC, our legacy began when visiting nurse Miss Marian Watts recruited a group of “public spirited and far-sighted” women to help build our organization in order to better serve our community. Originally known as VNA of Santa Barbara, our earliest synergy involved this group of women coming together to establish many medical firsts in our community, including a dispensary offering urgent care services, an infant welfare station, a nursing education program, a dental clinic, cardiac clinic, tuberculosis clinic, and posture clinic.

Photo Credit: Rhianna Mercier Photography

Dear VNHC Family and Friends,

Today, many of these programs continue and are supported by our fellow healthcare partners as we focus on remaining our community’s leading nonprofit provider of comprehensive in-home care. In addition to providing professional skilled nursing, home health care, palliative care, hospice care, and bereavement services, we also offer life-enriching programs including Music Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Pet Therapy, Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Services, Community Education, and our Loan Closet. Like Marian, we rely on our community for the support necessary to continue our work that positively touches so many lives.

I am grateful for our exceptional staff, talented volunteers, and generous philanthropists who work together tirelessly to help our patients and families live well at home, wherever they call “home.” This Heart-to-Heart is a testament to our synergy, and I think Marian would be so proud of us. Thank you for giving your time, talent, and financial commitment to care for our community when it is needed most.

SYNERGY, the bonus that is achieved when things work together harmoniously.

– Mark Twain Sincerely,

Lynda Tanner, RN, MSN President & CEO

Notes of Harmo

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mony

Hope

Comfort Healing

Music gave me hope, a reason to keep going, and it put me in a place to conquer my fears and disabilities.

– Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones, a legend and titan in the music industry, was introduced to the innovative VNHC Music Therapy program, and was immediately inspired to make a major contribution to help sustain the program. In addition to his donation, Quincy shares what inspired his generosity, and why he feels music is a powerful tool in the field of healthcare.

How has music been a healing force in your life?

QUINCY: I grew up in Chicago in the 30s during the Great Depression. I was living in the midst of the biggest black ghetto in America, and all I ever saw were machine guns, tommy guns, and stogies. I figured that would be my future, because you want to be what you see. When I was 11, I broke into the local armory with my brother and some friends, and we were rummaging around trying to see what we could find.

We got into the ice cream stash in the freezer, had a pie fight, and roamed around some more. I peeked into one of the recreation rooms, and was about to close the door, when I saw a little spinet piano in the corner. I walked inside, and the moment I touched that piano, every cell in my body said, “This is what you need to be doing for the rest of your life.” Until then, I really wanted to be a gangster, but everything changed with one note. Since then, music became my “mother,” as I had lost my mother to dementia praecox when I was six years old. Music became the guiding force in my life.

When you began your music career, did you understand the power music can have beyond entertainment and pleasure?

QUINCY: From the moment I touched that piano, I knew there was something special, but I had no idea just how healing music was until I was much more deeply involved. Whenever I was sad, I would turn to music; whenever I was frustrated, I would turn to music; whenever I was completely overwhelmed, I would turn to music. Music was (and still is) the compass in my life and it offered me not only my livelihood as a musician, but a place of rest when I needed it most.

What inspired you to support the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Music Therapy Program so generously?

QUINCY: I’ve been a huge proponent of music therapy for most of my life, and I have always been a supporter of those who recognize and utilize the power of music. But it wasn’t until I was introduced to the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Music Therapy Program, through Lailan McGrath, who is the mother of Adam Fell, the president of my company. After we identified a need and the ability to fulfill that need, there was absolutely no hesitation to help.

Were you familiar with music therapy in the medical world prior to being introduced to the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Music Therapy Program?

QUINCY: Absolutely. My company had been doing a great deal of research with other programs in the U.S. and I’d been learning about new organizations that offer music therapy as an alternative method for prescription medicine.

The results have been absolutely mind blowing, and I cannot wait until more people discover the power that music possesses. It is incredibly important that programs such as VNHC continue to do the work that they do because there are many, many people on this planet who can benefit from these services.

Ultimately, what impact do you hope Music Therapy will make in the lives of our patients?

QUINCY: My hope is that music therapy will restore hope and bring about joy in the lives of the patients. I know it can do for them what it did for me.

Your documentary Quincy was incredibly moving from a health perspective to see what you were struggling with, and to see how music inspires you to keep creating.

What impact do you hope the film has on viewers?

QUINCY: When I was a kid living on the Southside of Chicago during the Great Depression, my grandmother used to cook rats for my little brother and me, because that’s all we had to eat at times. Unfortunately, the only role models I had around me were gangsters, and the only future I had in store, was that of a typical statistic without a mother. I never ever thought I’d see a day past age 25, and I sure didn’t think that one day I’d have seven incredible children or 80 Grammy nominations, or have produced the best-selling album of all time. But here I am ... 86 years YOUNG and counting!! It is never easy to share the most vulnerable parts of your life, but when you’ve had as many run-ins with death as I have, you learn to keep getting back up. It’s an absolute honor to be able to share my life story and my only hope is that viewers will learn from my mistakes, honor his or her God-given gifts, and be inspired to keep reachin’ even when it seems absolutely impossible.

How did music play a role in the recovery from your two aneurysms?

QUINCY: Music played every role. Although I could never play the trumpet again, because of the metal plates that they implanted in my brain, I shifted to other forms of music such as music production and many other ventures that included music. Without it, I don’t know if I would’ve had the same type of recovery.

Besides my family, music gave me hope, a reason to keep going, and it put me in a place to conquer my fears and disabilities.

In one sentence, please share the impact music has had on your life.

QUINCY: Music changed my life in every possible way; without it, I would be in prison or dead. It gave me a way out of the shortlived path that becoming a gangster in Chicago would’ve offered me.

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Quincy Jones (center) with Lionel Hampton

Music was medicine, healing his heart and spirit.

– Sue and Ed Birch, The Mosher Foundation

The Mosher Foundation, a prominent foundation in the Santa Barbara community, has been a longtime supporter of VNHC. The Foundation made a significant gift to help sustain the Music Therapy program. Sue and Ed Birch and their daughter Yvette Gilller, share why they have chosen to help sustain this program.

The Mosher Foundation was motivated to support the VNHC Music Therapy program as we have seen firsthand what a benefit it was for patients facing difficult illnesses. We became familiar with the program and saw how it could speak to people on an emotional level and bring back joyful memories.

Furthermore, we saw that a trained music therapist could individualize the program for patients and their families after finding out what most spoke to them. It was amazing for us to hear of all the different approaches a therapist can use whether it be voice, instrumental, movement, or creating something entirely new. One of us witnessed the pleasure and calmness it brought to a friend and hospice patient who was no longer able to express himself verbally. We could see that music was medicine, healing his heart and spirit. Our Foundation likes to support programs that make a difference and this one truly makes a difference during a very difficult time for many people. Because we have such confidence in VNHC we were especially pleased with the significant role they have played in supporting and using music therapy in their important work.

We felt relaxed and comforted by the music…

– Hilary Cadwell, PhD Hilary Cadwell, daughter of Harold Linn Cadwell, shares the everlasting memory that Music Therapy gave her, her father and her family.

Whenever Jeanne appeared with her harp, I saw my father’s face light up.

Clearly drawing from a depth of knowledge, intuition, and compassion, she knew just how to meet him in each moment. Sometimes Jeanne played melodies, other times Jeanne improvised or listened to different parts of Dad’s life story. As Jeanne played, Dad listened intently. At times the music elicited memories and my father reminisced about being a young music student in Paris and serving as a fighter pilot in the Air Force during World War II and the Korean War. There were many recollections, images, and emotions that were shared in the sacred space that Jeanne created. Overall the experience was very soothing.

My father was not a religious man, but there was a transcendent feeling in the room that we all experienced during Jeanne’s visits. Our whole family benefitted from the therapeutic harp. We felt relaxed and comforted by the music, and connected to something much greater than all of us in the room.

After my father died, Jeanne came to our home for a final visit. There were three generations of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren sitting next to my father as Jeanne played the harp one last time, to send Dad off on his journey. The harp’s gentle vibrations helped to ease my father’s transition. As we sat at my father’s bedside, our grief was supported by Jeanne’s calming presence and the magic of her harp.

We are forever grateful for the loving care that my father (and all of us) received from Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care.

More than 400 patients and their families benefit each year from VNHC’s Music Therapy Program. Each year, our certified music therapist, therapeutic harpist, and part-time musician use the power of music to touch the lives of hundreds in our community. The VNHC Music Therapy Program is solely funded by the generosity of donors. To learn more, please contact the VNHC Foundation at 805.690.6290 or fdtn@vnhcsb.org. vnhcsb.org | 7

Validating Dreams

“My mom and dad were there. Everybody I knew that was dead was there. I thought that was a good dream, but boy I remember seeing every piece of their face.” – Jeanne

“I see dead people,” said Cole Sear, the fictional boy character in the 1999 film thriller, The Sixth Sense.

So what if people could see dead people? And what if it wasn’t scary? What would that mean?

VNHC President and CEO, Lynda Tanner introduced the program by reminding the audience that “tonight’s topic, ‘Validating Dreams & Visions of the Dying’ is more important than we realize for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.”

Dr. Christopher Kerr, CEO & Chief Medical Officer for the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Buffalo, New York, and a team of researchers studied the dreams of terminally ill patients who reported having dreams or visions of lost loved ones and described their dreams as feeling “more real than real.” The team has conducted the first medical research study aimed to demystify and validate end-of-life experiences (ELE) to understand the role of ELEs in helping patients live well and die well.

End-of-life experiences are intrinsic to the process of dying, and have been reported throughout history and across cultures.

Yet, the dreams and visions of the dying have been dismissed by the medical community as confusion or hallucinations. No one had ever asked dying patients directly about their visions or attempted to quantify their end-of-life experiences—until now.

With the power of science and engaging storytelling, Dr. Kerr shared his findings and experiences with a group of more than 400 physicians, nurses, caretakers and community members gathered for the 6th Annual PHORUM: Perspectives in Healthcare, hosted by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care.

Dr. Kerr and the research team have interviewed more than 1,400 terminally ill patients, and they are the first to quantify and document end-of-life dreams and visions directly from patients during their final days.

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“We tend to think of dying in the minutes, maybe hours,” said Dr. Kerr. “But what I am talking about is the process, it can happen over weeks, months, and sometimes even over a year.”

The vast majority of patients reported at least one end-of-life experience, and shared a common thread in their dream content:

& Visions of the Dying

“I dream of her [my wife] in color most of the time, and she always wears a beautiful light blue…and a couple of times she’s giving me the beauty pageant wave…and she always greets me with a smile. Only once or twice have I heard her voice, but she always kinda lets me know that she’s fine, I get that feeling after a dream like that.” - Paul (died three weeks after his interview)

72% dreamt of deceased loved ones; 59% dreamt of traveling or preparing to go; 29% dreamt of the living; and 28% had “other meaningful experiences.”

The researchers also discovered that the different types of visions and dreams provided different levels of comfort. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest level of comfort, those who dreamt of deceased loved ones reported a comfort level of 4.23 and those who dreamt of the living reported 3.03.

People who are close to death often reported dreams of deceased loved ones at their death beds, usually “invisible” to others in the room. For example, Mary was a dying woman often surrounded by her four children. One day she was sitting up and cradling a baby no one else could see. Mary called the baby Danny, but none of her children knew of a Danny. The next day Mary’s sister visited and shared that Danny was Mary’s first born child, a stillborn. The loss was so deep that Mary never spoke of Danny; but as she faced end of life, her indescribable loss returned to her transformed into tangible love and peace. Many dying patients, like Mary, have illnesses or physical wounds that could not be cured, but through end-of-life dreams, their spiritual wounds are healed.

Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

Dr. Chris Kerr

Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

Dr. Michael Kearney and Dr. Kerr

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After the keynote presentation, VNHC Associate Medical Director Dr. Michael Kearney further explored with Dr. Kerr how these end-of-life dreams and visions are characterized by a consistent sense of realism, and how they may be a profound source of potential meaning and comfort for both the dying and bereaved who remain. And, they also serve as a way to open doors of communication and understanding for those that provide their care.

A VNHC Registered Nurse attended PHORUM and identified an immediate application in her daily practice. “I will take this information with me when I meet with my patients and when assessing their needs. I will make sure I ask them about any dreams or visions they have had and offer a ‘space’ to let them talk about it if they wish to and acknowledge what they have experienced.

I would recommend others to ask their loved ones about their dreams and visions and not to be frightened by what they hear.”

In closing Dr. Kerr shared several thoughts.

These are profound experiences, they are ultimately life affirming. What we know and what we experience of dying is so tragic, but there’s this other element.

I often get asked the question, “what does it mean?”

Because the extrapolation is “What happens?

Does this inform us of what happens after?

I’m not sure if it’s a harbinger. I think that this process itself is mysterious and a wonderment and there’s a message that people are actually reconnected and again given this sense of belonging, and really the best things of having lived seems to come back.

The people who harm us are edited from the process.

Your harm gets repaired. Wherever we’re harmed, wherever we’re broken, there’s this innate process that brings us healing before the end.

To learn more, watch the video of the 2019 PHORUM online at vnhcsb.org/phorum.

PHORUM 2020

PERSPECTIVES IN HEALTHCARE WITH VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE CARE

SAVE THE DATE

MARCH 12 2020 Dr. Kerr returns to present his new research findings at the 2020 PHORUM at the Lobero Theatre

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Scott Eschbach SPECIALIZED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is excited to announce that one of our volunteers, Scott Eschbach, was recognized as the Specialized Volunteer of the Year by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, an award that honors an outstanding hospice patient care volunteer who has been trained to offer additional or specialized services to patients.

As a volunteer at Serenity House for the past six years, Scott has gone above and beyond to fulfill the responsibilities of his role.

Scott serves as a representative for our We Honor Veterans pinnings and Vet-to-Vet volunteer services at Serenity House.

He also is part of our No One Dies Alone program. He has been trained to do Reiki and also serves as a mentor to new Serenity House volunteers who learn by shadowing him in his day-to-day interactions with patients and families. Scott is one of only three volunteers trained to assist in the Memories of a Lifetime program and has been serving in that capacity for three years.

Sena Woodall, Director of Hospice Care at VNHC, considers Scott an “integral part of Serenity House and caring for the patients there.” She stated that, “he has been faithful in his service over the years and it’s an honor to see him recognized on a large scale.

Families have the benefit of his care, but we as an agency have the privilege to serve alongside him and support him.” All of us at VNHC would like to take the time to thank Scott and express our immense gratitude and appreciation for his hard work over the years. Scott received his award last November in New Orleans at the national conference for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

We invite Veterans to join our Vet-to-Vet & We Honor Veterans programs. Please call 805.690.2747 for more information. vnhcsb.org | 11

The Magic Touch of a Furry Paw

History and science has long documented the health benefits of pet therapy including lowered blood pressure, improved heart rate, alleviated pain, and increased comfort. In addition, pets benefit the mental and emotional health of patients by lifting spirits, easing depression, and encouraging communication and socialization. Sometimes, the simple presence of a pet can provide a connection that human interaction alone could not.

Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS) sponsors the VNHC Pet Therapy program, which uses trained hospice volunteers and their own certified pet therapy animals to provide patients the comfort, attention, and presence only an animal can give.

PET THERAPY Sponsored By

Give the gift of unconditional love and join our Pet Therapy program.

To learn more about how you and your pet can get involved, visit vnhcsb.org/volunteer or call 805.690.6274.

What Our Patients Say “This reminds me of the dog I used to have.

Thank you so much.”

What Our Pet Therapists Say “The happiness that Lily and I bring to patients brings joy to my heart.”

What AVS Says “AVS felt the need to support VNHC because pets enrich our lives, warm our hearts, and comfort our souls. We wanted to bring these benefits to those in need.” vnhcsb.org | 12

WHY PURPLE ?

Ask Michelle Lasota, the nurse with purple hair, “Why purple?” and she will say, “It’s my favorite color; and as a hospice nurse, you learn the importance of being who you are.”

“Hospice is not a place,…it’s a philosophy of care,” stated Michelle. “It’s about taking care of the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. How well can we live until we die?”

Last November, the VNHC Foundation hosted a special screening of The Nurse with the Purple Hair, an inspiring film about people who provide hospice care and people who receive hospice care. Ironically, the documentary is by renowned horror filmmaker and director Sean Cunningham; and while the topic is about death, the film is filled with laughter, love, and wisdom.

In our society, talking about death is taboo; it’s the monster under our beds. In the absence of having real stories about death and dying, we fill the void with something that isn’t quite true, perpetuating our fear of the unknown. As the community’s leading nonprofit hospice and home health provider, VNHC embraces community education and outreach to help people understand the complex world of health, so they can be informed and live well even as they face injury, illness, or death.

Following the film, VNHC President & CEO, Lynda Tanner moderated a discussion panel and Q&A session with VNHC Hospice Medical Director, Dr. Michael Bordofsky, VNHC Hospice Nurse, Miki McGibbon, Sean Cunningham, and Michelle Lasota.

Together, they shared their passion for hospice care to help patients facing death, live well and die well.

Rick Keith, Dr. Michael Bordofsky, Lynda Tanner, Michelle Lasota, Sean Cunningham, and Miki McGibbon.

We invite you to continue this vital conversation. A complimentary streaming copy of the film can be viewed online at www.thenursewiththepurplehair.com/watch-film.

Let us be brave enough to have an end-of-life conversation that matters and create a safe place to discuss dying well.

For more information about hospice care at home or at VNHC’s Serenity House, and the benefits hospice can provide the patient and family, call VNHC anytime at 805.965.5555. vnhcsb.org | 13

What’s New at VNHC? VNHC BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOMES DR. FRED KASS

GOLDEN HEART AWARD WINNERS Marcela Taylor, Licensed Vocational Nurse Supportive, Unforgettable, Generous

Dr. Kass has a distinguished career as a Medical Oncologist at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara for 28 years, and serving as the Director of Wellness for the past 21 years. He has been a member of the Cottage Health Medical Advisory Panel since 2013, and a member of the Population Health Task Force for two years. Dr. Kass also is Chair of the Santa Barbara Breast Care Alliance and a board member for Doctors Without Walls.

Dr. Kass received his BA in Government from Cornell University, attended New York University School of Law and the Harvard Kennedy School. He attended Tufts University School of Medicine, earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) of Internal Medicine; Yale University School of Medicine for his Residency; and Harvard Medical School for a Fellowship at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Medical Oncology.

Dr. Kass’ highest values are service, innovation, and excellence.

Marcela exemplifies our core values of compassion, excellence, integrity, and teamwork with every patient every day.

Many of her colleagues have shared that she is extraordinarily willing to help – any shift, any task, any time, going above and beyond wherever it is needed. It is clear that she is called to this service; giving from the heart in all the care she gives.

Families remember Marcela long after their loved ones have gone, and they are left with the memory of her deep compassion and patience as well her commitment to quality care.

Nancy Jacobson, Application Support Specialist Helpful, Cheerful, Patient Nancy is always willing to help and she does it with a smile. Caring and compassionate, Nancy is very patient to answer any IT question and assist with any technical requests. Nancy is a strong team member, and whether in or out of the office, Nancy goes beyond the call of duty to ensure our computers and tablets are working, so that we can continue to care for our patients and families. or call us at 805.965.5555

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VNHC COLLABORATES WITH THE ALLIANCE FOR LIVING & DYING WELL AND CASA DORINDA VNHC is one of the founding organizations of the Alliance for Living and Dying Well, which also includes Archstone Foundation, Cottage Health System, Hospice of Santa Barbara, James S. Bower Foundation, Santa Barbara Foundation, Sarah House, and the St. Francis Foundation.

Two of VNHC’s leadership team, Rick Keith and Sena Woodall, have joined the Alliance’s Board of Directors.

Rick Keith, Foundation Executive Director “Having representatives from fellow professional organizations helps us continue the conversation about end-of-life care and empower the community through education and engagement,” stated Keith.5.965.5555.

VNHC PARTNERS WITH THE MARJORIE LUKE THEATRE TO PRESENT MIND, BODY, & SOUL SERIES WITH DAVE MOCHEL

Sena Woodall, RN, MSN Director of Hospice “It is an honor to help bring the conversation about end-of-life to the forefront and help people understand and not be afraid of the process,” said Woodall.

“Practicing a Peaceful & Powerful Life in an Anxious & Divided World” Tuesday, September 17 at 7:30 PM

We need open hearts and willing hands. Explore how you might use your gifts and talents in various ways.

“Kindness, Gratitude and Awe: The Neuroscience Behind the Benefits” Tuesday, October 1 at 7:30 PM

Introduction to Volunteering Wednesday, July 24

“Making Every Day Count” Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 PM

Attend one of the sessions.

Light refreshments will be served.

TICKETS $22 each 800.838.3006

mindbodysoul.brownpapertickets.com

Andrea Garzon, JD, MBA, SPHR, Chief Human Resources Officer Andrea Garzon has joined MRA Board of Directors, which manages Casa Dorinda, a local nonprofit continuing care retirement community. “Like VNHC, Casa Dorinda is committed to excellence so that its residents may continue to live their lives with dignity and as independently as possible,” remarked Garzon.

Casa Dorinda’s board members devote their time and special expertise to keep Casa Dorinda the kind of home residents have come to expect and appreciate.

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

VNHC CONTINUES ITS SUPPORT OF THE ANNUAL SENIOR EXPO

10:00–11:30 AM Dick DeWees Community Center 1120 W. Ocean St, Lompoc 2:00–3:30 PM VNHC Branch Office 2029 Village Lane, Solvang RSVP 805.690.6274 or joanne.deck@vnhcsb.org

For 30 years, Santa Barbara’s Senior Expo has been a premier health fair and services exposition for older adults and caretakers, and VNHC is proud to continue as a lead sponsor with Family Service Agency, Sansum Clinic, and Cottage Health. Join us on Wednesday, October 2 from 9 AM to Noon at Earl Warren Showgrounds.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS The Fall 2019 Hospice Volunteer trainings will be held on six consecutive Tuesdays, October 1 through November 5 from 1–5 PM in Santa Barbara.

Applications are due September 20 vnhcsb.org/volunteering/hospice

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S OCIETY SUSTAINING INNOVATION, COMPASSION & CARE

Heart Circle $10,000 and above

Access to Trust Circle advantages plus: • VIP Concierge Hotline for access to VNHC services

Trust Circle $5,000 to $9,999

Access to Compassion Circle advantages plus: • Exclusive invite to attend VIP reception at annual PHORUM healthcare event • A personal visit with VNHC President & CEO

Compassion Circle $2,500 to $4,999

Access to Care Circle advantages plus: • Annual intimate reception with VNHC Leadership • Priority seating at VNHC public events (excludes Mother’s Day Luncheon)

Care Circle $1,000 to $2,499

Donors enjoy the following: • Name listed in Annual Report/online • Receive seasonal Heart to Heart magazine with latest updates on VNHC and healthcare • Personal Invitation to VIP tour of Serenity House and/or Loan Closet

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EAVING

For the Fishman family, philanthropy in every sense of the word has been a part of their values since before they entered the Santa Barbara community. Roberta and Stan Fishman, esteemed members of the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) Marian Watts Society and Samaritan Society, have implemented these values by being a vital part of the organization’s current and future success. Their involvement began by generously donating gifts from their promotional company for fundraising events, and has blossomed into deep admiration and commitment to our mission, for over 13 years, through several different avenues of support. But what makes the Fishmans special is not just their level of involvement, but that they’ve made it a family affair.

Stan, as a Board member for more than 13 years, saw that VNHC was not only providing the highest quality of care to the community, but also using funds raised to directly benefit patients in need. “I’ve always been proud to say VNHC provides over $2 million each year in charitable care to those who need it,” states Stan. So when his daughter Jodi moved to town, he had to get her involved with VNHC as well. Jodi, who was taught

by Stan and Roberta at a young age to give back to the community, immediately jumped in to support our mission by becoming a donor and volunteer through the Mother’s Day Luncheon Committee.

“Nonprofit work is big in my family. Dad always talked about how amazing the organization is, so I got involved because of my dad,” shares Jodi.

The Fishman family has been involved as donors and volunteers with their time for a number of years “because of what an amazing Foundation it is, and what it does for the community” states Jodi, but it was not until they experienced the care themselves that they truly saw the importance of VNHC’s services.

Watch our short video at vnhcsb.org/marianwatts

Both Stan and Roberta had to utilize Home Health care and the Loan Closet in recent years, and received the highest quality of care from all of the staff, including VNHC President & CEO, Lynda Tanner and Foundation Executive Director, Rick Keith. During Roberta’s care,

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EGACIES of

Lynda, a registered nurse, took time to personally care for Roberta herself. And during Stan’s stay in the hospital prior to receiving Home Health care, Rick visited him each day to ensure his recovery was going well.

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ARE

“What we are so impressed with is how much the people from VNHC care,” shares Roberta.

After their personal experiences, Roberta wanted to sit down with Stan and review their estate plans to include VNHC and join the Samaritan Society. They understand the importance of current support to sustain programs, and legacy support to ensure the future of these valuable programs and services for their children and grandchildren.

Jodi, a caregiver for both of her parents, was also in awe of how VNHC was there for them in their time of need, and decided to also deepen her commitment to the organization by joining her parents in the Marian Watts Society, and choosing to sit on the Development Committee with her father. Jodi is passionate about spreading the word about VNHC’s many services, and how they can be beneficial to a variety of generations, including her own friends.

“VNHC is not just hospice care ... it’s all in-home care. And so many people don’t realize that,” states Jodi.

The Fishman family has chosen a number of ways to ensure that their family, and thousands of other families in Santa Barbara County, receive the quality of care provided by VNHC in their time of need. If you would like to know how you can best create a future of supporting VNHC to help others to live well, contact Brittany Avila Wazny at 805.690.6290 or brittany.avila@vnhcsb.org.

Photo Credit: Rhianna Mercier Photography

2018

2019

BACK to BACK to BACK Marcelle Coale, RN, Director of Serenity House; Dusty Keegan, DPT, Director of Quality & Education; Mary Beth Noggle, RN, Director of Home Health; and Sena Woodall, RN, MSN, Director of Hospice.

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111 YEARS STRONG SINCE 1908

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❤ Providing Compassionate and Trusted Care ❤ Valuing Compassion, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence ❤ Hiring the Best to Care for Our Community 1908-2018 & Beyon 18 | vnhcsb.org

805.965.5555

vnhcsb.org/careers

A YE

Accredited in Home Health & Hospice

Santa Barbara • Montecito • Summerland • Carpinteria • Goleta • Lompoc • Buellton • Solvang • Santa Ynez • Santa Maria

R

S O CI ETY Last October, members of the Marian Watts Society, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care’s annual giving society, were thanked at the home of Bob & Val Montgomery.

Guests enjoyed an evening of conversation paired with delicious Mediterranean inspired hors d’oeuvres

by Cucina Fresca and Chef Fabio of Serenity House, flower arrangements donatedCOMPASSION

by Blueblossoms, SUSTAINING INNOVATION, & CARE musical stylings from VNHC music therapists Stefana Dadas and Jeanne Martin, and fine wines from the Montgomery Vineyard. Guests also had an opportunity to hear from the organization’s leadership who shared the latest from their department in innovation and compassion. The culminating moment of the evening came when Executive Director, Rick Keith, graciously thanked the Marian Watts Society members for their support, paralleling the innovation of Marian Watts centuries ago, to the continued support the organization provides today.

S O CI ETY

Bob Montgomery, Val Montgomery, and Rick Keith

SOCI ETY

Photo Credit: Baron Spafford Heather and Alex Craigie

Eric and Rachel Trautwein

Andrea Garzon, Sena Woodall, Marcelle Coale, Karen Wallace, Dusty Keegan, and Mary Beth Noggle

Marie Ann Strait, Bob Montgomery, and Elna Scheinfeld

Sena Woodall, Brian Smith, Marcelle Coale, and Janet Smith

Bill Rice and Katina Etsell

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Employee Appreciation Reception It was a highly anticipated Employee Appreciation Reception with a record number of staff and volunteers in attendance. Hosted by the Human Resources team, guests enjoyed a rooftop reception at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation with a taco buffet, fresh salsa, refreshments, and more. In usual form, the evening hit its stride when DJ Rich from SB Paradise Music invited guests to show off their moves on the dance floor. This year, guests, as well as their family and friends enjoyed the additional entertainment the venue had to offer: exploring and learning in the interactive museum. Activities included playing the giant guitar, creating their own sound effects, competing in the high jump, and using the power of their mind to move the metal ball. Staff anniversaries were celebrated and applauded. President & CEO Lynda Tanner also recognized a momentous anniversary for VNHC, 110 years of caring for the Santa Barbara Community.

Thank you to the wonderful Human Resources Staff for a reception to remember!

Laura Avila, Vanesa Wendler, Andrea Garzon, Danny Ornelas, and Tina Cervantes

Jodi Anderson, Jo Ann Mack, Sena Woodall, and Mindy Noyes

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David Sparer, Lailan McGrath, Rebecca Benard, and Sean McGrath

Dayna and Ben Olivo, Richard Tennant, and Kyrie Belme

Matt Brown and Jason Fiedtkou

John Dougherty receives an award from Lynda Tanner

Monique Castaneda and Rene Castaneda

Karen Dalton, Christine Elrod, and Marcelle Coale

Henry, Laura, Esvin, and Laurita Almengor

Amelia Manriquez, Loretta Dominguez, and Sofia Mendoza

Miguel & Elliott Liam CortĂŠs

JT Moorman and Sky Mitchell

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Veterans Day In an annual tradition of honoring and celebrating our Veterans, VNHC staff, volunteers, and community partners gathered on November 11, Veterans Day, for a reception hosted by the Volunteer Department. Guests brought photos and memorabilia for the Heroes Table and stood when the branch of service with which they were affiliated was played in the U.S. Armed Forces Medley. The medley is a combination of the anthems of the various branches of the United States Military, consisting of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and the Marines.

VNHC is the only Tri-County Level 4 member of We Honor Veterans, a program of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to empower hospice professionals to meet the unique needs of dying Veterans. Through We Honor Veterans, VNHC offers a Vet-toVet volunteer program where trained Veteran hospice volunteers are matched with patients who are also Veterans and seeking hospice care. Veteran volunteers have the unique ability to relate and to connect with each patient, thereby creating an environment where life review and healing may occur.

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David Gonzales sings our national anthem The Star Spangled Banner

Scott Eschbach, Roger Deck, Ken Kuroda, and David Gonzales

Joanne Deck, Jennifer Rutledge, Jo Ann Mack, and Stefana Dadas

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Angels Among Us Angels Among Us is a special offering over the holidays to honor and remember those who live in our memories. For over a decade, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care has provided families in our community a time of reflection and support through this beautiful service.

The Hospice and Bereavement teams were honored to host three beautiful and meaningful Angels Among Us remembrance services in early December – one in Buellton and two in Santa Barbara. They included lovely music, heartwarming reflections, delicious refreshments, and an opportunity to remember loved ones by lighting a candle and placing an angel on a tree.

This year’s ceremonies took on a fuller meaning for our families and community as we continue to recover from the disasters of the past year. Thank you to all of those who participated in the Gathering of Angels this year, as well as those who attended.

Dairine Pearson, Mara Petrick, Marsha Goldman, and Lailan McGrath

Stefana Dadas and Jeanne Martin

Lori Leopold, Debby Aho, and Airman First Class Zacarra K. Davis, US Air Force

Arlene Stepputat and Lynda Tanner

Reggie Salcedo and Lora Young

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Many thanks to our host family Greg Hurst, Michael Hurst, Michelle Hurst, and Hank Hurst.

MEN’S

On April 5, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care hosted the annual Peter Murphy Men’s Night. Hank and Michelle Hurst, and their sons Michael and Gregory, opened Villa sul Mare & Vineyard, their family home in Montecito, to more than 80 men for Peter Murphy Men’s Night to “Celebrate Mothers” and to support VNHC’s upcoming annual Mother’s Day Luncheon.

Rick Keith, VNHC Foundation Executive Director delivered the first toast of the evening to Peter Murphy and the other men who have been a part of Men’s Night in the past, but have passed on. Each toast was followed by the wish to “live well” which became a shared theme for the evening.

The men enjoyed libations and delicious food while sharing stories over games of bocce and billiards. Much of the conversation centered on the common desire that draws the gentlemen to this event: their wish to see VNHC continue to be there for the community when they need it most. And they are heartened by the services VNHC is able to provide for people, regardless of their ability to pay and to help each patient and their families to also live well. VNHC extends its warmest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this special night.

Lew Venegas, Alan Porter, Stephen Cherner, Greg Cook, Richard Schwartz, and John Blankenship

Hank Hurst, Wayne Siemens, and David Grotenhuis

John Murphy, Steve Brillhart, Ryan Siemens, and Mark Linehan

Chris Haskell, Greg Hons, Phil Hons, and Rick Keith

Thomas Rollerson, Michael Erickson, and Jim Neuman

John Murphy, Mike Randolph, and Brian McWilliams

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Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

NIGHT

18 TH ANNUAL

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON Music & Moms

The 18th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon “Music & Moms” hosted

by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care welcomed nearly 400 guests to the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on Friday, May 10.

The event honored Sharol Siemens and remembered the mothers who passed away in the 2018 Debris Flow: Faviola Benitez Calderon, Josie Gower, Alice Mitchell, Marilyn Ramos Benitez, and Rebecca Riskin. Lauren Cantin took the stage to sing Rise Up by Andra Day. To everyone’s surprise, Day joined her on stage to sing her inspirational Grammy nominated song.

A wonderful surprise for the Honored Mother was a performance

by The New Chordettes, as Sharol is a former Chordette. Andrew Firestone emceed the luncheon and introduced other musical performances including the Fratelli Men’s Chorus, Spencer Vincent and Santa Barbara Dance Arts, and Frankie Fairweather Harman with the All-In Youth Choir directed by Stacie Anthes. The event raised more than $402,000 adding to directly fund Music Therapy visits, Serenity House patients, Loan Closet operations, Bereavement Services, and VNHC caregivers.

Our Honored Mother Sharol Siemens and her family

Flowers by S.R. Hogue Photo Credit: Rhianna Mercier Photography

Our Remembered Mothers Remembering the Mothers who passed away in the 2018 Debris Flow

Faviola Benitez Calderon

Seated (l to r): Blake, Sharol, and Nicholas. Standing (l to r): Ryan, Angela, Wayne, Jennifer and Jason.

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Alice Mitchell

Josie Gower

Marilyn Ramos Benitez

Rebecca Riskin

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON Host Committee

Seated (l to r): Julie Whalen Schuetz, Pamela Dillman Haskell, Keiko Dunham, Beverlye Hyman Fead, Joanne Rapp, Gail Kay, Susan Gulbransen, Sammi Beach, Brittany Avila Wazny, Standing (l to r): Theresa Borgatello Carlson, Susan Burns, Marie Ann Strait, Jane Habermann, Rick Keith, Lynda Tanner, Sharol Siemens, Dianne Harrell, Victoria Hines, Sally Giloth, Cindy Darcey, Judy Murphy, Lailan McGrath.

(l to r) Faith Longtin, Maggie Mabuchi, Sofia Mendoza, Jen Sullivan, Sherri Bliss, Brianne Gaultiere, Laura Avila, Sarah McCarter, and Maude Williamson

Lauren Cantin and Kim Cantin

The All-In Youth Choir with Director Stacie Anthes, and Accompanist Mandee Sikich

Monica Dunne and Sonos Volunteers Crystal Coulston, Hilary Romero, Robin Johnson, and Alexandra Koz.

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Andrew Firestone returns as Master of Ceremonies.

All-In Youth Choir and Frankie Fairweather Harman perform to Bridge Over Troubled Water by Paul Simon, arr. Kirby Shaw. SBHS: Ben Watkins, Bridget DeVine, Carter Beaudette, Daniel Sabraw, Emelia Aragon, and Josie Gillinghan. SMHS: Abby White, Ben McAvene, Christopher Cassriel, Eva Moschitto, Hannah Sugano, Maggie Mortensen, and McKenna Gemberling.

Santa Barbara Dance Arts perform to Spencer Vincent’s song Of Fire & Floods, choreographed by Chloé Roberts with dancers Lauren Serrano, Rachyl Pines, Melissa Branch, Janaya Cradle, Stephanie Morrill, Frankie Fairweather Harman, and Lucy Cuevas.

Fratelli Men’s Chorus sings You Raise Me Up by Rolf Løvland and Brendan Graham, arr. Mark Hayes. Zack Wilde, Director with Benjamin Brown, Bill Skeen, Bradley Stottler, Brandon Brown, Brian Martin, Brian Miller, Bruce Daniels, Bryan Uhrig, David Harlow, David Pasley, Douglas Hall, Gary James, Joe Lorenzen, John Vale, Kevin Doyle, Michael Broyles-Shaw, Nicolas deBeaubien, Paul Christodoulou, Paul Hixenbaugh, Paul Zink, Peter Wright, Seth Taylor, Stuart Brand, and Zachary Allen Thompson.

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Photo Credit: Fritz Olenberger

Andra Day makes a surprise visit to sing her Grammy nominated song Rise Up with Lauren Cantin.

VNHC Serenity House Director Marcelle Coale shares our Mission Moment.

Candace Delbo, Judy Duncan, Lindy Michaelis, and Robin Whitmore of The New Chordettes make a surprise visit for former Chordette and Honored Mother Sharol Siemens. Not pictured is Manager Bob Duncan.

Jason Siemens, Wayne Siemens, Julie Whalen Schuetz, and Ryan Siemens share their tributes for Sharol.

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON Videos Feel the music and watch the performances at vnchsb.org/luncheon.

The New Chordettes sang a medley of songs including One Fine Day, Lollipop, Mr. Sandman, and Happy Together.

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Julia Ben Shea, Noah Ben Shea, and Gerd Jordano

Alastair Haigh, Briana Haigh, Hayden Gower, and Sarah Gower

Julie Whalen Schuetz, Judy Murphy, Lynda Tanner, Lady Leslie Riddley-Tree, Sharol Siemens, Theresa Borgatello Carlson, Keiko Dunham, Jane Habermann, and Marie Ann Strait Photo Credit: Fritz Olenberger

Robert Riskin with his wife Fernanda Machado receive the memento for thier Remembered Mother Rebecca.

James and Kelly Weimer

Carolyn Chandler shows her winning raffle ticket with Chris Toomey, and friends.

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Margaret Wilkinson and Bob Andrews Photo Credit: Rhianna Mercier Photography

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON 18 TH ANNUAL

Thank you to all who contributed to the overwhelming success of the 18th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon which raised more than $402,000 to support the charitable programs of Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in its mission to provide compassionate and trusted care.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

THIS LUNCHEON WILL SUPPORT:

600 Music Therapy Visits

to comfort patients and their families at end of life

Legacy Christine & Reece Duca

Anna & David Grotenhuis

Sharol & Wayne Siemens

on Charity Care for a dignified and peaceful end of life

Trusted Anonymous

Irma & Morrie Jurkowitz

Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree

Heart Anonymous

60 Patients at Serenity House

Ann & Michael Byram

Chris J. Toomey

10 Weeks of Loan Closet operations so anyone in the community has access to free medical equipment

7 Bereavement Patients

receiving one year of free counseling

We Honor Veterans Program

Healing Roberta & Stan Fishman Sally H. Giloth James D. Scheinfeld Family Foundation

Carole MacElhenny Carolyn & Phil Wyatt

32 VNHC Caregivers in attendance at the

Luncheon in recognition and appreciation of their work, and so they may receive some respite care to refuel their spirits to continue the remarkable and challenging work they face every day.

Compassion Virginia & Timothy Bliss Louise & David Borgatello Susan Burns Cindy & Jim Darcey Keiko & Roger Dunham Katina Etsell

so that all Veterans on VNHC hospice services receive special care and recognition for their immeasurable services

Jane & Norm Habermann Dianne & Michael Harrell Pamela Dillman Haskell & Chris Haskell Gerd & Peter Jordano Legacy Val & Bob Montgomery

Maryan S. Schall Shelley & Paul Schulte The Rudi Schulte Family Foundation Alan Porter Volentine Family Foundation

The Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Foundation raises more than $2 million each year to support direct patient charity care and charitable community benefit programs like Music Therapy, Bereavement Services, Charity Care at Serenity House, and the Loan Closet. To learn how you can support VNHC please contact the VNHC Foundation at 805.690.6290.

19 TH ANNUAL

Caregiver Cindy & Larry Ameen Anonymous Gordon Auchincloss & Belita Ong Judith & Mario Borgatello

Beverlye & Bob Fead Margo & Robert Feinberg Phil Hons

Hospitality

Patty Marshall Dr. & Mrs. James V. McNamara Judy & George Writer

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON SAVE THE DATE

05.08.2020

Media Sponsor

ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Santa Barbara, CA Permit No. 553

509 E. Montecito Street, Suite 200 Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3293

Celebrating the VNHC Rehab Team

SEPTEMBER 7

11:30 AM to 7 PM Santa Barbara Yacht Club All-Day Pass $100 Includes Champagne Reception, Regatta, BBQ Dinner, games, music and all day admission to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum