Hospice nurses recognized during Tree of Life Reception

PLAINS – Residents honored the hard work of the hospice workers at the Clark Fork Valley Community Hospital Tuesday, during the hospital’s annual hospice care Tree of Life reception.

The evening began with a social period where guests could enjoy the hors’devours and look through the silent auction. Following this, the evening’s main event began as the hospice care nurses were recognized for the time and work they give.

The floor was then opened to the guests who, in a touching and emotional display, related their experiences with hospice care and gave their personal thanks to the nurses who worked with them.

After everyone who wanted to spoke, the gathering held a candle ceremony to remember those who passed over the last three years. As the names were read, the guests lit candles if it was someone from their family or a friend. 

“By the end the whole room is full of candles,” Danita Grossberg, director of the hospice program, said. “Then we say a prayer and blow them out; it’s symbolism.”

There was also an auction of wreaths. Every department of the hospital decorated a wreath to be sold during the event, earlier this season.

Music for the evening was provided by Dr. Anthony Ordelheide on the violin.

According to Grossberg, the purpose of the event was to remember those who have passed away while on hospice and thank the caregivers.

Proceeds from the silent auction and wreath auction went to the benefit of the hospital’s hospice program. The funds will go to pay for operations, supplies and projects the hospice program uses.

The reception has been held for approximately 10 years; always during the first week of December. According to Grossberg, it grows every year and just keeps getting bigger.