News Archive
Norwich Students to host "Walk for Cancer" in support of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut and Backus Hospital
Norwich, CT (November 20, 2011) – The BRIDGES Afterschool Program which caters to 250 students at three different elementary school sites in Norwich is hosting a “Walk for Cancer” to benefit Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund and Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. This fundraising event will be held on November 20th, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. leaving from John B. Stanton Elementary School and ending at Howard T. Brown Park. The participating students and community members will be walking five miles with a minimum donation of $1.00 per mile.
In the BRIDGES program students have different learning opportunities including, but not limited to, creating a school community garden, human anatomy, how fitness, nutrition, and activity can improve our health, and even how to organize and host a “Walk for Cancer”. According to Katelyn Wagner, BRIDGES Afterschool Program Coordinator, "It is essential for students to understand the importance of giving back to the community. By hosting this walk our hope is to better the lives of people with cancer and their family members but also to instill the value of volunteerism into our students through this meaningful experience." If you are interested in supporting this event or have any questions, please contact the Bridges program at (860) 639-7328 or Ms. Ayana Crichton or the Stanton School at (860) 823-4207 Ext. 121.
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut is proud to receive the support of these students. The funds raised through this event will go straight back into this community allowing the agency to provide end of life care and bereavement support to our families, friends and neighbors.

the support of 1,887 donors raised $157,964!
| Tree of Life raised $38,972 dollars in April. Byles-MacDougall Funeral Service sponsored the event. Tuthill’s Nursery and Garden Center donated a lovely tree whose branches held 744 memorial ornaments created by participants. Crystal Mall donated space for a one week display (April 16-23) and the remembrance ceremony (April 16). Special thanks to these supporters: Kristen Edwards and community volunteers the New London Elks, New London Rotary, Waterford Lions,. the U.S. Coast Guard and Norwich Free Academy. Also, thanks to Bob Newton and the United States Coast Guard Academy Singers. Click here to see pictures from the event. __________________________________________________________________________________ |
| Walk-A-Thon fundraising event raised $55,970 in May. Approximately 400 people attended this event which included thirty-two teams. Twenty-seven teams registered on-line and raised $19,294. The Walk Committee consisted of Kathy Chartier, Michele Dougherty, Kyle Fusaro, Chris Lautz, Jolene Picard, Bambi Poppick, Mary Rahaim-Brown, Bob Reed, Anne Sanders, and Gail Sawyer. Special thanks to this committee, honorary co-chairs Neil Ryan and Todd Postler of the Wireless Zone, our sponsors and contributors. Click here to see pictures from the event. __________________________________________________________________________________ |
| Regatta Series fundraising events included four races hosted by the Mystic River Mudheads, Niantic Bay Yacht Club, Stonington Dinghy Club and Thames Yacht Club. There were also three fundraising events – the Mudhead’s Rum Tasting and MegaParty events and the Niantic Bay Yacht Club Cocktail Party & Silent Auction. These races and fundraising events raised $63,022. The Regatta Committee consisted of Judy Gibbs - Chair, Ann Bergendahl, Gene Fiese, Brandon Flack, Greg Gilmartin, Peter Guille, David Kelly, Cathy Landers, Courtney Moore, Frank Murphy, Susan Senning, and Mary Ellen Smith. Special thanks to this committee, the Mystic River Mudheads, Niantic Bay Yacht Club, Stonington Dinghy Club and Thames Yacht Club, our sponsors and contributors. Click here to see pictures from the event. __________________________________________________________________________________ |
Regatta t-shirts are available for purchase
Short-sleeve t-shirts (S, M, L, XL & 2XL) - $10 per shirt Long-sleeve t-shirts (S, M, L, XL & 2XL) - $15 per shirt Supplies are limited!
How to Purchase Call the Development Office at 860-848-5699 or send check payable to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut with your name, address, phone number and shirt type & size to: Hospice Southeastern Connecticut 227 Dunham Street Norwich, CT 06360 |
| Make the difference - If you are interested in helping with the 2012 Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Fundraising Events, please contact the Community Development office at 860-848-5699 or events@hospicesect.org. |
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Regatta Series 2011
Celebrating our 22nd year, the Regatta Series attracts over 300 sailors. With many Southeastern Connecticut yacht clubs participating and several Long Island Sound sailing venues and dates thhroughout the summer, this series raises money to help provide care and comfort to those approaching the end of their lives.
All funds stay in Southeastern Connecticut helping our families, friends and neighbors.
Whether by Land or by Sea join us for this year's Regatta events!
(You don't have to sail to join in the fun!)
2011 Regatta Races
July 13th: Hosted by:
Stonington Dinghy Club - Registration Form - Donate & Fundraise
Niantic Bay Yacht Club - Registration Form - Donate & Fundraise
Thames Yacht Club - Registration Form - Donate & Fundraise
July 16th at 11am: Hosted by:
Mystic River Mudheads - Donate & Fundraise
Click here for the on-Line fundraising guide
2011 Regatta Parties
Mystic River Mudheads MegaParty
Saturday, July 16, 2011
5:00pm at Mystic Shipyard
100 Essex St., Mystic CT 06355
$20 Per Person
Niantic Bay Yacht Club Cocktail Party
Saturday, August 27, 2011
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Niantic, CT
for more information call 860.848.5699
$30 (in advance)
$35 (at the door)
For more information, call Denise Hawk at (860) 848-5699 or email events@hospicesect.org.
2011 Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Regatta Sponsors:






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The William.W. Backus Hospital
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Walk 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011 Mohegan Park - Norwich
Registration begins at 9 a.m., Walk begins at 10 a.m. Take a three-mile walk in memory of a loved one or to support Hospice Southeastern Connecticut in beautiful Mohegan Park in Norwich, Connecticut, a hidden gem near downtown Norwich. This non-competitive event is the perfect way to honor the memory of a family member or friend. This is one of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut’s major fundraisers. Money raised helps pay for services not reimbursed by insurance. Create a team of family, friends, co-workers or fellow students!
- Raise $50 and Get a Walk 2011 T-Shirt -
For more information, call Denise Hawk at 860-848-5699
or email events@hospicesect.org
Click Here for Registration Form
Create your own fundraising page and send it to your email contacts so that others can honor your efforts and loved ones from afar.
Click Here to begin.
If you or your business would like to become a sponsor Click Here.
2011 Walk Sponsors:
American Ambulance Inc
The Day
Eastern Federal Bank
Freeport - McMoran Cooper and Gold
Jewett City Savings Bank
KOOLFM 101
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
Mohegan Sun
The Nutmeg Companies, Inc.
Regency Heights of Norwich
Sayet & Seder Attorneys
The William.W. Backus Hospital
Special Thanks to:
Olde tymes Restaurant
Holdridge Farm Nursery
LaFrancois Floral & Gifts







Tree of Life - Crystal Mall, Waterford
The annual Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Tree of Life will be on display at the Crystal Mall in Waterford, CT
April 16 - April 23, 2011
The tree is decorated with paper ornaments carrying names, photographs and poems honoring loved ones who have passed.
Every spring, we honor the lives of the patients and families for whom we have had the privilege to care with a Tree of Life. Byles – MacDougall Funeral Service andTuthill’s Nursery generously donate a blossoming pussy willow tree.
The community is invited to place an ornament on the Tree of Life, regardless of whether their loved one used hospice care or not. On April 16th at 4 p.m., the public is invited to the Tree of Life Remembrance: A Celebration of Life. Ornaments will be placed on the Tree of Life and there will be a moment of silencein honor of all those who have died.
We invite you to visit during Mall hours to create your own ornament. Ornaments are free, donations are graciously accepted.
For more information, call Denise at (860) 848-5699 or email dhawk@hospicesect.org.
To make a donation now click here.
Tuthill's Nursery and Garden Center
Crystal Mall
Norwich Churches Together Donates Collection to
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut

Hospice Southeastern Connecticut was the recipient of the collection from the Ecumenical Celebration of the Word of God organized by Norwich Churches Together on January 22, 2010. This Celebration was part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and was held at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Norwich, CT. Raphael Ortiz of Norwich Churches Together organized the Celebration.
Ben Lathrop and the Mohegan Tribe Make Donation to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut

On January 29, 2010, Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Executive Director, Carol L. Mahier, accepted a donation of $8,513.15 from a recent event honoring former Norwich Mayor, Ben Lathrop. A retirement banquet was held for the mayor at the Mohegan Sun in November 2009, with over 400 guests attending. Mayor Lathrop, along with the Mohegan Tribe who were primary sponsors of the event, designated Hospice Southeastern Connecticut and the Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) as recipients of the proceeds. “We are honored that Ben chose our organization to receive the proceeds from his retirement party,” Mahier said. “He has given so much to our community already. This gift exemplifies his generosity and we accept it with pride and thanks.”
Nancy J. Healy Honored by Hospice Southeastern Connecticut
On Sunday, September 27, 2009, Nancy J. Healy of Niantic was honored by Hospice Southeastern Connecticut and the Niantic Bay Yacht Club for her 20 years of volunteering to organize fundraising sailing races for the non-profit organization. Healy was a founding member of the Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Regatta in 1989. She remained active on the Regatta Committee as the event grew from one race run by the Niantic Bay Yacht Club to a series of races throughout southeastern Connecticut involving over a hundred boats and hundreds of sailors.
Healy was honored at a cocktail party with the announcement of a new trophy, the Nancy J. Healy Trophy, which will be given to the club that sends a team to the National Hospice Regatta Alliance Championship Race. The Alliance of 26participating races for hospices across the country holds an annual Championship Race where teams meet for a weekend of racing.
Five area yacht clubs, the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association, Niantic Bay Yacht Club, Stonington Harbor Yacht Club, Stonington Dinghy Club and Thames Yacht Club, participate in the Hospice Southeastern Regatta Series with fundraising races and events throughout the season.
“Nancy has made a huge impact on our organization,” says Carol Mahier, Executive Director of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. “She came up with the idea of a fundraising race, found committee members to work with her, and has helped raise over $500,000 since 1989. We cannot thank her enough for her support and service.”
Healy was also given a 2009 National Hospice Regatta Alliance print, signed and numbered by the artist, Willard Bond.
Peter Guille of Mystic, Chairman of the Regatta Committee, was also honored for his 10 years of service as he steps down from the Committee. Judy Gibbs of New London has been named the new Chairperson of the Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Regatta Committee. Other committee members include: Gene Fiese of Ledyard, Greg Gilmartin of Waterford, Courtney Moore of Mystic,Susan Senning of Essex, Mary Ellen Smith of Niantic and Obby Tapley of Stonington.
For more information about the Hospice Southeastern Regatta Series, or to participate, visit our website www.hospicesect.org, email events@hospicesect.org, or call (860) 848-5699
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Legislative Breakfast
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut held their annual legislative breakfast on Friday, January 7. Representatives Tom Reynolds, Betsy Ritter, Ed Jutila and Senator Edith Prague were on hand to discuss issues including the proposed hospice residence regulations for the state of Connecticut with Hospice Southeastern Connecticut staff.
Pictured left to right: Rep Tom Reynolds, Rep Betsy Ritter, Carol Mahier, Rep Ed Jutila and Senator Edith Prague. Add a caption held their annual legislative breakfast on Friday, January 7. Representatives Tom Reynolds, Betsy Ritter, Ed Jutila and Senator Edith Prague were on hand to discuss issues including the proposed hospice residence regulations for the state of Connecticut with Hospice Southeastern Connecticut staff.
Pictured left to right: Rep Tom Reynolds, Rep Betsy Ritter, Carol Mahier, Rep Ed Jutila and Senator Edith Prague.
Join us in Celebrating our 25th Anniversary
with
Bon Jovi
at the Earth Suite of the Mohegan Sun Arena
Friday, March 26, 2010
7:30 p.m.
Includes:
Private Entrance
Private Suite-Level Restrooms
Spacious Seating
Hors d’oeuvres
Cash Bar
Also included with each ticket is a
$25 Gift Certificate to select
Mohegan Sun Restaurants
Tickets $250 each
Tickets on sale now!
Only 100 available so don’t delay!
All proceeds benefit the Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Patient Care Endowment.
The value of the ticket is $200.00 and the tax deductable portion of your gift is $50.00.
Call Lynne Crider at (860) 848-5699 with your credit card today!
(between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m)
For more information, email events@hospicesect.org
www.hospicesect.org
This event is made possible by a generous donation from
The Mohegan Tribe and TheMohegan Sun
(Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Tree of Life - Crystal Mall, Waterford
The annual Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Tree of Life will be on display at the Crystal Mall in Waterford, CT
March 27 through April 3, 2010
The tree is decorated with paper ornaments carrying names, photographs and poems honoring loved ones who have passed.
Every spring, we honor the lives of the patients and families for whom we have had the privilege to care with a Tree of Life. Byles – MacDougall Funeral Service andTuthill’s Nursery generously donate a blossoming pussy willow tree.
The community is invited to place an ornament on the Tree of Life, regardless of whether their loved one used hospice care or not. On March 27, 2010 at 4 p.m., the public is invited to the Tree of Life Remembrance: A Celebration of Life. The Evans Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church Choir will sing and Rev. Willis McCaw, Spiritual Coordinator of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut will speak. Ornaments will be placed on the Tree of Life and there will be a moment of silencein honor of all those who have died.
We invite you to visit during Mall hours to create your own ornament. Ornaments are free, donations are graciously accepted.
For more information, call Lynne at (860) 848-5699 or email events@hospicesect.org.
To make a donation now click here.
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Boat for a Buck

During the months of June and July, you are encouraged to join our Boat for a Buck fundraiser at your workplace, club or favorite watering hole. Simply print and cut out the boats and encourage your friends and colleagues to purchase one for only $1. Click to print Boat for a Buck forms. Display the boats prominently, and see how much you can raise, one dollar at a time. It’s a colorful way to remind everyone of the important role Hospice Southeastern Connecticut serves in the community.
Dogwatch Cafe to Host Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Benefit
The Dog Watch Café in Stonington, Connecticut announces their support of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut by donating a portion of the proceeds of any lunch or dinner patron who mentions the non-profit organization on June 1, 2009. Valid for lunch or dinner at the restaurant on that day, simply tell your server that you are supporting Hospice Southeastern Connecticut and the restaurant will donate 20% of the price of the meal.
www.dogwatchcafe.com
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Walk 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009 Mohegan Park Group Pavilion
Registration begins at 9 a.m., Walk begins at 10 a.m.
Join us for a Mother’s Day weekend tradition! Take a three-mile walk in memory of a loved one or to support Hospice Southeastern Connecticut in beautiful Mohegan Park in Norwich, Connecticut, a hidden gem near downtown Norwich. This non-competitive event is the perfect way to honor the memory of a family member or friend. This is one of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut’s major fundraisers. Money raised helps pay for services not reimbursed by insurance. Create a team of family, friends, co-workers or fellow students! For more information, call Lynne at
Click Here for Registration Form
Create your own fundraising page and send it to your email contacts so that others can honor your efforts and loved ones from afar. Click here http://www.firstgiving.com/hsect to begin.
If you or your business would like to become a sponsor click here.
2009 Walk Sponsors:
AES Thames
American Ambulance Inc.
Brown Jacobson P.C.
The Day
Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors
Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology Group
Eastern Federal Bank
Jewett City Savings Bank
KOOLFM 101
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
Linda J. Kidder Associates
Petrowsky Auctioneers Inc.
The Nutmeg Companies, Inc.
People's United Bank
Sayet & Seder Attorneys
The W.W. Backus Hospital
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Regatta Series 2009

Celebrating our 20th year, the Regatta Series attracts over 300 sailors. With many Southeastern Connecticut yacht clubs participating, and several Long Island Sound sailing venues and dates throughout the summer, this series raises money to help provide care and comfort to those approaching the end of their lives. All funds stay in Southeastern Connecticut helping our families, friends and neighbors.
Create your own fundraising page and send it to your email contacts so that others can honor your efforts and loved ones from afar.
Click here http://www.firstgiving.com/hsect to begin.
For more information, call Lynne at (860) 848-5699 or email events@hospicesect.org.
If you or your business would like to become a sponsor click here
2009 Regatta Sponsors:
C&M Corporation
CMB Creative
Carmine's Package Store
Chelsea Groton Savings Bank
Coastal Gourmet
Crocker's Boatyard
Dog Watch Cafe
Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology Group
Gosling's Export (Bermuda) Limited
Gowrie, Barden and Brett Marine Insurance
Lavender Design
L&M Hospital
Mallove Jewelers
Market Realty
Mystic Group
Mystic Lions Club
Mystic Shipyard
Niantic Rotary Club
Noank Electric, LLC
Pequot Commercial, LLC
Quality Printers
Sea-Tow Eastern Connecticut
Secor Saab - Volvo - Subaru
Tastings of New England LLC
The Waterford Group Charitable Foundation, Inc.
West Marine
W. W. Backus
Flower Sale Fundraiser for Hospice Southeastern Connecticut
Nets $1,425.00

Maggie Searles of Uncasville recently held a flower sale at her home and donated the proceeds to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. Searles collected $1,425 from the annual three-day Mother’s Day Weekend sale. “I chose Hospice Southeastern Connecticut this year because of all the good they do in the community,” said Searles.
Junior Girl Scouts Troop 63033 Donate Handmaid Pillows to Hospice
The Junior Girl Scout Troop #63033 in Montville, CT recently earned their Sewing Badge by sewing comfort pillows and donating them to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut to be used by patients. The girls chose the material and size of the pillow, and sewed them by hand.
Sacred Heart School 6th Graders Donate Tag Sale proceeds to Hospice
Sixth graders from Sacred Heart School in Taftville recently organized and ran an in-school tag sale, donating the proceeds to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. They raised $402.50.
Carol Mahier, RN, Director of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut delivers keynote for the Backus Hospital Auxiliary 85th year celebration. - Backus Hospitell

October 14, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT –
Carol Mahier, RN, Director
of Hospice Southeastern
Connecticut, was the
keynote speaker. She
talked about how her organization,
which is an affiliate
of Backus, has grown from
a loose coalition of agencies
in 1985 to one solid
organization serving all of
New London County.
Last year, Hospice Southeastern Connecticut moved
into a new building in Norwich and served approximately
640 patients.
(Download the Oct. 17th Backus Hospitell PDF)
Ribbon Cutting Event 2008

May 22, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT –
Over 100 people gathered amidst raining skies to officially open Hospice Southeastern Connecticut’s new administrative office and Community Bereavement Center on Thursday, May 22, 2008. (read more...)
Tree of Life - Crystal Mall, Waterford
April 4th - 11th, 2009 (Open During Mall Hours)
Every spring, we honor the lives of the patie
nts and families for whom we have had the privilege to care with a Tree of Life. Byles – MacDougall Funeral Service and Tuthill’s Nursery generously donate a blossoming pussy willow tree which is placed in the Crystal Mall. Paper ornaments which have been personalized with photographs, poems, or simply names of loved ones who have passed are hung on the tree creating a visible symbol of love. We invite you to visit during Mall hours to create your own ornament.
Ornaments are free, donations are graciously accepted.
For more information, call Lynne at (860) 848-5699 or email events@hospicesect.org.
To make a donation now click here.
Sponsored by: Byles - MacDougall Funeral Service
Grief Lecture

May 7, The William W. Backus Hospital, Norwich, CT –
Dr. Louis LaGrand, Author of "Gifts From the Unknown" and "Love Lives On." (read more...)
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut
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In February 2007, Hospice Southeastern Connecticut accepted a gift of 6.4 acres of property from Saints Peter & Paul Parish and the Norwich Diocese. The donated land will enable Hospice Southeastern Connecticut to offer the entire community enhanced services and increased accessibility to hospice care and bereavement support. (read more...) For more information about Donor Opportunities, please contact the Development Office at 860.848.5320 or pmorgan@hospicesect.org |
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The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation awarded a $20,000 check to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut to furnish the Expressive Arts Room in the new administrative office & community bereavement center. |
“The Foundation Board saw an opportunity to make a significant impact on the broadest cross-section of our community. The reality of a safe, caring place where bereaved children could come to work through their grief struck the entire board as duly worthy of an amount that would ensure the completion of this great space,” stated Marc Bokoff, Board Chair of The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation.
Carol L. Mahier, RN, MSN, Executive Director Hospice Southeastern Connecticut thanked the Chamber Board for their generous gift. “The Chambers support will provide for a unique, wonderful space for children and teenagers.”
Expressive Arts for Children and Teenagers is made possible through a grant from the William T. Christopher Fund for Children’s Health and L&M Hospital.
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Dr. Therese Rando, author of "How to Go On Living when Someone You Love Dies" and a clinical psychologist, spoke to a group of more than 125 individuals at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital on May 3rd about Coping Effectively with Grief and Loss. L to R: Elizabeth Palmieri, MS, Bereavement Coordinator; Therese Rando, PhD; and Cyndia Shook, LCSW, Bereavement Program Administrator |

HOSPICE SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT BREAKS GROUND on its new 8,000 square foot administrative office and community bereavement center.
The new facility will serve as a resource to all of New London County offering bereavement and caregiver support groups, expressive arts for children and teenagers, education and a resource library in an easily accessible venue. The building will also house over 52 Hospice Southeastern Connecticut employees. Hospice Southeastern Connecticut is an independent not for profit community based hospice program and it is the oldest Medicare Certified Hospice in New London County.
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut has requested a $1 million dollar bond from The State of Connecticut to assist with the expansion project.
L to R: John Dolan,Dime Bank; Marilyn Douglass, Hospice Southeastern
Connecticut Volunteer; Naomi Nomizu, MD, Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Co-Medical Director; Kathleen Chartier, Board of Directors; Carol L. Mahier,Executive Director; Nathan Beit Chairman, Building Committee; Most Reverend Michael R. Cote,D.D., Bishop of Norwich; Reverend Philip A. Pusateri, S.J., Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul Church; John Carlin, Carlin Construction; Miqelle DeMeis, Robert Dullea, & Kiernan DeMeis-Dullea, Hospice Family Members.
SPONSOR LOGOS

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