On June 11, 2017, Calvert Hospice held an event at Kings Landing Park, in which family of passed loved ones could release Monarch butterflies as a way of letting them go. This is done every year along with their Festival of Wreaths event in December.
A Calvert Hospice representative shared some information on their services and programs. I talked to Tanea Granlund, outreach coordinator for Calvert Hospice. She said, “All of the outreach programs are free and you don’t have to be a hospice patient to use them.” Granlund also stated that there is a huge misconception about hospice care because most people think it is expensive. For the people receiving hospice care Medicaid and Medicare cover the costs. Granlund shared that, “Anything from medicine to equipment to personal care are covered and free for patients.” Granlund explained the multitude of things that Calvert Hospice offers such as their bereavement camp called Camp Phoenix for children ages 7-15. They offer a program called Connect, which is a grief support program for teenagers. Calvert Hospice also has a thrift store, Shoppe for Hospice, which is located behind Outback Steakhouse in Prince Frederick.
Granlund said that most people do not see it as a thrift store because everything looks brand new. She stated that all of the items are in great condition and Cato Fashions donates any extra merchandise they have. The shop changes their merchandise every week. Granlund told me the story of her wanting a Coach purse that was in there on sale for $85; however, she went in to get it the next week and it was gone.
The program overall was nice, but bittersweet. Some family members were crying and releasing the butterflies was tough for some. Going through losing someone you love dearly is not easy, but Calvert Hospice gave him or her a memory I do not think they will ever forget.
Tay Gray / Calvert Beacon Intern
