2011 Maine Hospice Council Retreat
This Time It IS All About You
Date: Friday, September 23 – Sunday, September 25, 2011
Location: Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
Who should attend? Hospice professionals & board members, physicians, nurses, donors, social workers, volunteers, family members & any one else involved in or effected by hospice and palliative care.
Registration for this event has closed online but please call the office at 207-626-0651 to register! Please click here to download the registration form and see the entire weekend plan. If you register prior to September 2nd, 2011, please deduct $25.00 from your registration fee.
If you did not get to come to last year’s Hospice Retreat, please make plans to attend this year. Everyone comes away with a new energy and spirit for the work of hospice.
Last year’s retreat “Lighten the Load” was held at the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, and was sponsored by The Maine Hospice Council and Center for End of Life Care & Hospice of York, through a grant from the Hospice Education Institute. Presenters included; Meg Nobel, Caroline McDonald, James Semple, Betsy Sweet, Robin Wright, and Susan Sinnett.
The History of the Retreat
Sixteen years ago the Maine Hospice Council (MHC) was asked to assume responsibility for an annual event that had previously been hosted by Hospice of Hancock County. Originally called the “Hospice Seminar” and held at the beautiful Claremont Hotel on Somes Sound, the event needed a new sponsor. Hospice of Hancock County was interested in placing the “retreat” in capable hands in order to ensure continuation of this popular tradition.
In 1995, the event moved to the beautiful Rangeley Lakes area and very quickly became well-known as the Maine Hospice Council and Center for End of Life Care Annual Retreat. Participants “took over” the Rangeley Inn and established a retreat model in the true sense of the word, enjoying educational and recreational activities in a relaxing environment. The owners of the charming Inn hosted the weekend event for several years until the Inn was sold in 2005.
After three years at the Poland Spring House, the Retreat Committee selected a permanent home, the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort. Weekend and single day prices are kept fairly low in order to encourage maximum participation. Foundation support and the generosity of sponsors, ensures that affordable rates are possible. And each year, the committee takes into account the suggestions they receive on evaluations. The goal is to make sure the event contributes to the well-being of those who attend.
The hard-working, loyal Retreat Team (planning committee), chaired by “Dee” Bickmore, has scheduled the 2011 Retreat for September rather than October, in order that we may all enjoy warmer weather and more of the beautiful fall foliage.
May the tradition continue!
