Virginia McConnell of Severna Park Awarded Spirit of Hospice Award

On Sunday, the Hospice of the Chesapeake celebrated the work of over 150 volunteers, recognized the time investment of volunteers at two, five and 10 years of service with a pin, and awarded three recipients for their exceptional contributions.

The luncheon, held at Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville, had a "Volunteers Rock" 50s-themed event with lunch and live entertainment. 

Volunteers and staff dressed in 50s attire. On display around the room were photographs of many volunteers and staff members reflecting everyone's personal connection to the era of Rock-n-Roll.

The lunch menu remained true to the theme with chicken potpies for everyone and do-it-yourself ice cream sundaes with bowls of whipped cream and steaming hot fudge.

Selina Jameson of Capitol Heights  took home the Joseph P. and Elizabeth Early Award for her exceptional devotion to community outreach. Jameson’s gifted volunteer work in patient care was also acknowledged.

There were two recipients for the Spirit of Hospice Award, Virginia McConnell of Severna Park and Dick Wheeler of Linthicum.

 McConnell, a regular volunteer at Chesapeak Treasures in Park Plaza in Severna Park, the hospice upscale resale store, was recognized for her creative and energetic devotion over many years.

Wheeler, frequently sighted at county health fairs representing hospice, was acknowledged for his dedication to public relations and community outreach.

Kathy Bourgard, director of volunteer services for Hospice of the Chesapeake, reflected on volunteer appreciation events since 1979.

“Every year we outdo ourselves for these folks, because they, after all, are the angels walking among us,” Bourgard said.

Accounting for their 24,496 volunteer hours this year, she says this is the equivalent of ten full-time employees. A volunteer herself since 1993, Bourgard accepted the staff position as director in 1998 and said by far the best part of her job is getting to know the people whose volunteer hours make hospice work.

The hospice volunteers—along with 200 professional staff members—provide services to over 300 patients in Anne Arundel and Prince Georges counties. The staff includes doctors, nurses, chaplains, aides and administrators. They work together to provide hospital and nursing home support, home support, and care at three hospice-owned residential centers.

There are programs for counseling, community education, psychological support, as well as bereavement camps, and counseling for survivors of hospice patients.

Sandra Anderson, director of communications for the hospice, said that an overlooked talent of the volunteers’ role over the professional staff is their accessibility.

“They have a certain approachability,” Anderson said. “That allows the patient or the family member to talk to them, in some cases, [to] open up about issues they might not otherwise air.”

Michael McHale, hospice CEO, responded similarly to the spirit and energy of the volunteer staff at hospice.

“I am in awe,” he said. “To see the capacity of these wonderful people who aim their efforts at giving back to their community in such a monumental and significant manner.”

McHale’s mission at hospice is underscored by his dedication to his community.

“We know that in the case of trauma or disease, a cure will not always be an option. Our mission then is to help the people of our community to live the best life they can, comfortably, and for as long as they can, in a healthy and rich environment of concern, support and meaning.”

His vision for the upcoming years for hospice includes expanding on several areas in hospice care. He mentioned the expansion of children’s services, as patients, as well as for those children who are experiencing the loss of a family member. Along with camps and supportive counseling, these services are very specifically aligned to the needs of children, because they differ from adult populations.

McHale also discussed the creation of The Life Center, a separate arm of hospice that provides care to families of teen suicides.

“This growing population of families in our community that needs our help and concern to handle the many difficult issues they will face following the death of a teenager.”

“We will be there for them,” he said. “As we will be there to help the friends, the teachers, and other members of the community who are likewise impacted by these tragic losses.”

Other projected expansions include services to acknowledge the specific needs of the military personnel who come to hospice care. A program of recognition for Veteran’s Day in November was so successful and meaningful that plans are underway to bring the program into play all year long for residents and family members.

Over the course of the event, many shared conversations and memories of patients and their families who have benefited from hospice care.

There was also a certain glow in the eyes of staff and volunteers over those shared experiences.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated (April 12) to reflect that Selina Jameson is of Capitol Heights and Sandra Anderson is director of communications for the Hospice of the Chesapeake.