Last Wednesday was the first of three Round Table Discussions dealing with the aging process and the challenges aging brings to each of us. The after dinner speaker was Chris Corriveau, who serves as the director of hospice services with CHANS in the Brunswick area and is certified in Hospice Nursing by the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association. Her talk dealt with the history of Hospice and the services offered by CHANS.

To many people the word hospice brings to mind death, sadness, grief, loss and other depressing thoughts. But is that really what hospice is all about? The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization is a nonprofit whose philosophy statement on hospice is that it “affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death.” Hospice care provides comfort, dignity, quality of life, and time to those facing a life-time illness.

My view on hospice is that it deals with the last steps in life. Life is a long walk from birth to death. The first step in life is generally viewed with thoughts of joy, anticipation and family togetherness. The last step is for the most part just the opposite. We all want to put off taking that last step or even thinking about it. Hospice care on the other hand tries to turn that around and makes it possible to take that last step, when it comes, on your own terms and with as much family support and understanding as possible.

We plan and save for retirement. We build or purchase or renovate structures to be our home as we age. A home that will be easy to care for, convenient to loved ones and loved places. We volunteer to help others who can no longer provide everything for themselves. So why shouldn’t we plan that last step when the time gets near?

Chris said that their main emphasis is on making the client comfortable when approaching that last step. This can take many forms such as providing information and help in determining what tests, procedures and medications are available. Help in completing personal projects. Help in working with loved ones to understand grief and being able to let go.

The Second Round Table Discussion will be held following dinner on February 26, and the speaker will be Lindsay J. Laxon, Esq., an investor education manager from the Maine Office of Securities in Augusta. Lindsay’s presentation title is “Scams & Fraud: Get the Facts to Keep Your Investments Safe.”

The Third Round Table Discussion will be held following dinner on March 12. John Bottero of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries will present his “Downsizing Guide, Strategies & Steps for Success.” This presentation will review strategies for managing or disposing of accumulated possessions.

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday, Jan. 28 were Linden Simmons first, Frank Redman second, Earl Dighton and Leonard Foss tied for third, Marlene Rines low score and Della Hilton high hand. The cribbage tournament winners on Thursday, Jan. 30 were Frank Redman first, Patty Bridgham second, Earl Dighton third, Debbie Mullen low score and Luis Serrano high hand.

Meals for next week:

(Reservations, please! Call 207-882-8230 at least two days in advance for meal reservations.)

Wednesday, Feb. 5: Dinner, Chicken Stir Fry with Jasmin Rice

Thursday, Feb. 6: Lunch, Chef’s Special Entrée