Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • May 30, 2012 Allendale The term “hospice” once described a sheltering way station for pilgrims as they journeyed to the Holy Land. Today, hospice is not a place, but rather a holistic care philosophy that emphasizes quality of life for people coping with advanced illness. On Wednesday, May 30 at 7 p.m., Allendale’s Lee Memorial Library will host Jean A. Leone, executive director and clinical administrator of hospice and palliative services at Holy Name Medical Center and Villa Marie Claire, as she presents “Journey of Care: Living Life to Its Fullest Through Hospice and Palliative Care.” Leone will illuminate the hospice movement, Leone to discuss hospice care at public library which advocates living life well through all its stages by providing resources, tools, and a compassionate presence to individuals, their families, and their caregivers. “The goal of hospice is to create and foster a pain-free life through symptom management and supportive therapies so that this part of life’s journey may be spent in dignity and comfort, with patients, their caretakers, and loved ones functioning as partners,” said Leone, who is a registered nurse and a doctoral candidate in multi-faith ministry at New York Theological Seminary. “Too many individuals spend their last days in pain and distress in a Allendale Girl Scout Troop 594 is organizing what members hope will be the biggest and most enjoyable Campfire Sing-along in Girl Scout history. On Friday, June 1 from 7:30 to 9 p.m., the Girl Scouts will gather around a fire and spend time together singing campfire songs and enjoying camaraderie at the fire circle behind the Red Barn at Crestwood Park. Any troop that would like to come earlier to cook a campfire dinner or just roast marshmallows is welcome. Troop 594 announces Campfire Sing-along Troop leaders should call Mrs. Weissel or e-mail her at ra@ldeo.columbia.edu. Troops are also welcome/recommended to make swap-its. Please note: There will be no marshmallows during the Sing-along. Individuals who want to bring food to share, help maintain the bonfire, or help with anything else should e-mail sophiaepereira@gmail.com. The same e-mail address should be used by those who need to learn songs for the campfire. hospital room, when they could be in a peaceful environment where their symptoms are managed, their loved ones are supported, and all can experience an enhanced quality of life.” Leone’s presentation seeks to dispel misconceptions about hospice and ease the discomfort that comes from talking about this stage of life. “We are delighted to have a professional of Jean’s caliber and background partner with the library to offer this program,” said Carol Connell Cannon, the director of Lee Memorial Library. “We offer access to many books and other support materials on palliative care and hospice services. Our professional staff looks forward to helping patrons explore library resources that complement what they learn at this event. As a community gathering space for discussion and discovery, the library has staked its place as Allendale’s village green. Working together to discover more about topics that affects us all is what we do best.” This program is free to the public. It is not necessary to be an Allendale resident to attend. Community members can learn more about the program schedule on the library website, allendale.bccls.org. Lee Memorial Library is located at 500 West Crescent Avenue in Allendale.