Adena Hospice organizes community memorial service for May

A community memorial service organized by Adena Hospice will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, in the Walnut Street United Methodist Church Sanctuary in Chillicothe.

The service includes non-denominational readings and music, and is open to people throughout the area served by the Adena Health System and the Adena Hospice program. A “meet and greet” will be held prior to the start of the service.

“It’s another step in helping with closure and working through the grief process journey,” Bruce Hines, Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator, said about the special event.

“Some families at the time of a loved one’s death choose not to have a funeral service while some family members and friends choose not to attend a service for a loved one. This ceremony helps to provide closure for these people.”

It’s also a great fellowship tool that has allowed families and friends to become reacquainted, he said. “The bonds and relationships that are made and re-enforced with these events are immeasurable.”

The memorial service has been held annually, nearly as long as Adena Hospice has existed, said Sheila Stearos, Adena Hospice’s Volunteer Coordinator.

The first such event was held at the Tyler United Methodist Church and other churches have hosted the events over the years.

“This is just one of many services provided to our Adena Hospice friends and family members,” Stearos said.

For referrals to Adena Hospice, please call Intake Coordinators Ginger Murphy or Tamala Lindner at 740-779-4692.

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Free sports physicals
offered again this year

Free sports physicals for area high school and middle school student athletes will be conducted in June by Adena Sports Medicine.

Sports team members, cheerleaders and band members are urged to attend by scheduling an appointment before May 25. Call 1-877-779-7585 to reserve a place, or for questions.

The physicals will be conducted beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, in the Adena Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, 445 Shawnee Lane, Chillicothe. An appointment is required.

The sports medicine staff will evaluate students’ general health, current fitness level and discuss any existing injuries or conditions that might increase the risk of injury.

“These physicals connect young people with close-to-home sports medicine professionals who are skilled in evaluating and working with student athletes,” said Shannan Hegarty of Adena Sports Medicine.