Transforming Loss Into Hope June 17, 2011

Transforming Loss Into Hope

Conference Schedule & Workshop Selections

Registration: Coffee/Tea & Bagels, Memory Table, Bookstore
Welcome: Patty Dunn, Executive Director, Hospice Volunteer Services

& Suzanne Sawyer, Hospice Volunteer & Mother of James Forrest (1984-2007)
Rosemary Smith: Presentation of Award-Winning Documentary, Space Between
Breaths, a powerful, uplifting film which looks at the potential in grief and to the
ways it can become a motivational, transformational force in our lives.

11:20-12:00 Sharing our Heartsongs: A time to share our stories with one another.
12:00-1:00 Lunch
SESSION ONE WORKSHOPS (Choose One)
1:00-2:00

The Real Person Behind The Mask, Rosemary Smith
Why do bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents wear masks after suffering a loss?
Rosemary explores the loss of her sons, Drew and Jeremiah, and how she learned to
throw off her grieving mask and let the world see her pain. Rosemary Smith is a wife,
mother, pharmacist, author of ‘Children of the Dome’, writer/director of the
documentary, ‘Space Between Breaths’ and a popular speaker on bereavement issues.

Grieving Siblings: Shadows in the Sun, Laura Basili, Ph.D
What are some of the common experiences of grief when a sibling dies? This workshop
will explore ways to live with the loss of a sibling. Laura Basili is a clinical
psychologist who has been working with grieving families for over twenty years. She
trains and consults nationally on illness, bereavement, and hope.

Connecting Through Spirit, Jeannie Lynch
Jeannie will teach how to make the heart connection with your loved one who is on the
other side. Jeannie Lynch is a Intuitive / Healer from South Burlington, VT. She is also
a bereaved parent, who through her own personal journey, discovered that we all have
the ability/gift to connect.

SESSION TWO WORKSHOP (Choose One)

Signs From Our Children, Rosemary Smith
Rosemary will share some of the signs from her sons, Drew and Jeremiah, and
facilitate sharing by workshop attendees of signs from their special angels.

The Transformative Power of Hope, Laura Basili, Ph.D.
How do we maintain hope in the face of our grief and our suffering? This workshop will
explore the role of hope, imagination, and spirituality in the healing process.

Just for Dads (& Grandfathers), David White, Bereavement Specialist
Dads and Discovery, “How is our grief different?”.
David White is a bereavement specialist at Hospice Volunteer Services.

“Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth: Grieving Out Loud, A Journey of
Healing Through Music”, Cindy Bullens, concert/workshop
Live performance by two-time Grammy nominated recording artist. Cindy Bullens is a
bereaved parent who wrote & recorded the CD “Somewhere Between Heaven and
Earth” and the score for the film “Space Between Breaths”.

Candlelight Ceremony
Everyone is invited to gather together to light a candle in memory of their loved one(s)
who died. We light these candles in honor of the person who graced our lives for a time,
and for our hope for the lives ahead of us. This ceremony completes the Transforming
Loss Into Hope gathering.

OTHER INFORMATION:
♦ You are invited to bring special items for a Memory Table which will be on display for the day:
◊ A photo of your loved one (framed or not)
◊ A memento of your child’s life that you wish to share (a toy, baseball cap, cup, a memory
book, etc.)
♦ You are invited to bring a photo/photo pin of your loved one to wear throughout the day
♦ Please dress casually
♦ Coffee/light morning refreshments and lunch will be provided
♦ There are several nice places to stay in/around the Middlebury area. We have received a special
group rate for a block of rooms the weekend of June 17th/18th at the following two establishments:

Middlebury Inn (MI)
14 Court Square
Middlebury, VT 05753
1-800-842-4666
www.middleburyinn.com

MI will offer a 20% discounted rate on their Standard Rooms: $127.20/night
20% discount for their Deluxe & Luxury Rooms, and Suites
Mention the code BEREAV to receive the discounted rates when you call for reservations

Courtyard by Marriot (CM)
309 Court Street
Middlebury, VT 05753
1-800-388-7775
www.middleburycourtyard.com

CM will offer a discounted rate of $149/night with a minimum stay of 2 nights, must
reserve by May 18, 2011
Mention that you are with the TRANSFORMING LOSS group to receive the discounted
rates when you call for reservations

For additional information on other lodging options & area attractions contact:
Addison County Chamber of Commerce webpage at www.addisoncounty.com