2009 Press Releases

Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Board of Directors announces the appointment of Michael S. McHale to President and CEO of Hospice of the Chesapeake effective January 1, 2010. McHale joined Hospice of the Chesapeake in 2007 as the nonprofit organization’s Chief Operating Officer and has successfully led the operations. During his tenure as COO, McHale has implemented a new clinical staffing model to improve operational efficiencies, increased census, developed a centralized call system to enhance customer service, improved utilization and field deployment of a new data management system, and exceeded all financial targets.

“It is with great pride that Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Board of Directors announces the appointment of Michael McHale as President and CEO. Michael’s proven leadership and dedication to the long-term success of Hospice of the Chesapeake is astounding and led to a unanimous vote of confidence by the board. Michael is poised and ready to lead Hospice of the Chesapeake into the future,” said Stanley J. Klos Jr., Chairman for the Hospice of the Chesapeake Board of Directors

McHale has dedicated his professional career to healthcare, with more than 10 years of management, marketing and customer service experience within the hospice and long-term care industry. He has held various leadership positions with hospices in California, Michigan, and prior to joining Hospice of the Chesapeake, McHale was the Vice President of Business Development and Sales for the Washington Home and Community Hospices, a regional hospice provider serving Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

“I am delighted to offer my complete support to Michael McHale. He has earned the respect of all his co-workers and colleagues throughout the state. I am impressed with his genuine commitment to the care and comfort of our patients and their families. I am confident that his leadership and vision will ensure Hospice of the Chesapeake’s 30-year record of consistently excellent patient care will be maintained and expanded for many years to come,” said Erwin E. Abrams, current President and CEO of Hospice of the Chesapeake.

McHale holds a Masters of Health Care Administration from National University in San Diego. He is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel and resides in Edgewater, Md.

September 28, 2009 - HOSPICE CUP XXVIII WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Sailors Augment Fundraising with a Record Total in 2009

Fall south-easterly winds provided perfect regatta conditions for over 75 boats and hundreds of sailors from the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC areas who participated in the Chesapeake Bay’s 2009 Hospice Cup on Saturday, September 26, off the mouth of the Severn River in the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to class trophies, the boats competed for several sponsored trophies that were awarded for both exceptional racing and special fundraising achievements. 2009 sailor fundraising brought in a record amount this year, with over $18,000 raised online alone.

Over 350 sailors, sponsors and hospice caregivers attended the post-regatta Shore Party at the Manresa on the Severn, helping to raise almost $200,000 through individual and corporate sponsor donations, along with the annual live-auction, that will help support hospices in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC areas.

Cedric Lewis of Mirage, from Annapolis, MD, was the winner of multiple awards including the highest honor, 2009 Hospice Cup Trophy recognizing the skipper for sustained high performance across three racing years (2006 – 2009), and qualifying him to represent the Chesapeake Bay regatta in 2010 at the Hospice Regattas National Championship against representatives from each of the 26 other hospice regattas held this year nationwide.

The Hospice Cup Trophy, sponsored this year by Robinson International, is one of the several special trophies underwritten by companies or individual contributions to the hospices benefiting from the Hospice Cup event.

The crew of Mirage was also honored with one of the oldest sponsored trophies, the Running Tide Trophy, which recognizes overall fleet performance.

A third honor to Mirage was The Sajak Family Foundation Trophy, sponsored by the family foundation of 1999 Honorary Chairman Pat Sajak and his wife Lesly, for best performance in Cruising One-Design was presented.

The Hank Lawton Trophy, sponsored by Hospice of the Chesapeake in honor their top fundraiser – also known as “Mr. Hospice,” – was presented to Bill Walczak, of Cheap Red for Top Crew Fundraising and raised over $6,200.

The Club Fundraising Trophy, sponsored by Chuck and Cecelia Thompson, in honor of Charlette Jeunette, was presented for the third consecutive year to The Chesapeake Bay Sabre Association.

The Hospice Class is a special nonspinnaker class for sailors who usually cruise more and race less less. In 2009, it was once again the largest participating class – with 19 boats – which also hosted several hospice caregivers to race with them as a way to recognize what those caregivers do for so many.

During Hospice Cup XXVIII, Hospice Class entry Graciella skippered by Vern Penner of Annapolis, MD, with his crew of seasoned sailors was recognized with the Hospice Class first place honor. Penner and crew also won the Martin F. McCarthy Trophy, sponsored by family and friends in his memory, for best in Hospice Class.

Additional Hospice Class trophy winners included, 2nd place: Michael Turner aboard Running on MT; and 3rd place: Suzanne Miller and Vicki Saporta aboard Pleides.

The crew of Pleides was also awarded the Lovelace/Sniegon Memorial Trophy, sponsored by Bill and Rose Lovelace, in recognition of the best performing Hospice Class boat with a hospice caregiver aboard. The hospice caregiver aboard Pleides, Carolyn Casey, was awarded the Allan C. Westcott Trophy, sponsored by Bob and Cindi Gibson in memory of Bob’s sailing mentor who benefited well from Hospice care.

The Hal Kass Memorial Trophy, sponsored by Hospice Cup, Inc. honor of this long-time sponsor, recognizes the best in the PHRF Fleet was presented to Gary Beer aboard Sundance in PHRF A0.

The ARINC Trophy, for superior helmsmanship by a midshipman on a U.S. Naval Academy boat, was presented to Midshipman 3rd Class Chris Paulson aboard Allegiance.

Additional PHRF class winners include:
J-105 Class: 1st place, Cedric Lewis aboard Mirage; 2nd place Robert Reeves aboard A Train; 3rd place J. Corcoran aboard Hiawatha. (12 boats)

PHRF A0: 1st place, Gary Beer aboard Sundance; 2nd place, P. Ostberg/Todd Olds/Bud Dailey aboard Tsunami; 3rd place James Muldoon aboard Donnybrook. (5 boats)

PHRF A1: 1st place, Peter Gibbons-Neff aboard Upgrade; 2nd place, Ed Freitag aboard Downtime. (2 boats)

PHRF A2: 1st place, Tom Carrico aboard Air Mail; 2nd place Jerry Christofel aboard Aunt Jean; 3rd place Joan Crowley aboard Waterway. (3 boats)

PHRF A3: 1st place, Stephen Schaub aboard Contraire; 2nd place, Sean Gallagher aboard Ippon; 3rd place Bob Dymond aboard Gabrielle. (6 boats)

Cal 25: 1st place, Erik and Marty Lostrom aboard Krigare; 2nd place, Leo Surla aboard Harlequin; 3rd place, David Hoyt aboard Zephyr. (8 boats)

PHRF B: 1st place, Kenneth Koster aboard Redshift; 2nd place, Steve Schuh aboard Jubilee; 3rd place Chris Johnson aboard Dragonfly. (4 boats)

PHRF C: 1st place, Angelo Guarino aboard Bella Donna; 2nd place, Frederick Caison aboard Defiant; 3rd place Pat Nolan aboard Adventure. (4 boats)

PHRF N: 1st place, Julian Bigden aboard Mojo; 2nd place, Fariba Partawi aboard Bad Company; 3rd place Jim Mumper aboard Diamond in the Rough. (13 boats)

About Hospice Cup
This year’s participating hospices include: Calvert Hospice, Capital Hospice, Hospice of the Chesapeake, Montgomery Hospice and Talbot Hospice Foundation. Each must meet the standards of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

In 2009, nearly $200,000 was raised by Hospice Cup sponsors and donors. These funds raised on behalf of Hospice Cup help pay the expenses not covered by Medicare or private insurance. These dollars enable the hospices to provide skilled compassionate care, comfort and dignity to the terminally ill, their families and friends. Net proceeds are disbursed to the participating hospices on a pro-rated basis.

Hospice Cup, Inc. (HCI) is a non-profit organization chartered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia for the purposes of conducting a benefit yacht race and related events. The annual event is a cooperative effort organized by an all-volunteer HCI Board of Directors, an Executive Director, participating area hospices and hundreds of volunteers.

The Hospice Cup regatta is sanctioned by the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association (CBYRA) and counts for CBYRA season-long High Point competition. The race is managed by Shearwater Sailing Club and assisted by Storm Trysail Club Chesapeake Station. Hospice Cup, Inc. is a proud member of the National Hospice Regatta Alliance, http://www.hospiceregattas.org/.

More information on the Hospice Cup event is available online at http://www.hospicecup.org/. Racing results information is available online at www.shearwatersc.org/races.

September 23, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE WRAPPED IN WARMTH FROM QUILT DONATION

Hospice of the Chesapeake’s John & Arloine Mandrin Chesapeake Hospice House in Harwood recently received a donation of 11 hospital bed-sized handmade quilts courtesy of the quilting bee Grateful Threads, an offshoot of the Southern Comforters Quilt Guild of Bowie. For additional information about the guild, please visit www.southerncomforters.org.

Grateful Threads quilters shown from left with Michael McHale, Chief Operations Officer for Hospice of the Chesapeake, Charlotte Kieliszek of Crofton, Leslie Sumner of Kettering, Pat Sully of Greenbelt, Carolyn Moorehead of Bowie and Debi Bacon of Crofton.

August 12, 2009 - FASHIONABLE PHILANTHROPISTS UNITE TO BENEFIT HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE

Join the next generation of philanthropists, the Hospice Hundred, at Fashion for a Cause, a stylish affair to benefit Hospice of the Chesapeake. The event will be held 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2009, at Paradigm, 179 Main Street in Annapolis.

The featured fashion show will highlight the newest designs from the stylish downtown Annapolis boutique specializing in sophisticated yet urban fashions. Food, music and cocktails round out the elegant occasion. All proceeds from the event will be used to support Hospice of the Chesapeake’s children’s bereavement programs in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, including Camp Nabi and Phoenix Rising.

Tickets are $75 for members of Hospice Hundred and $100 for non-members. For more information about Hospice of the Chesapeake, Hospice Hundred or this event, please contact Christine Wilson, Corporate and Community Relations, 443.837.1530 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

July 21, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE ANNOUNCES HOSPICE CUP HONORARY CHAIRMAN

In recognition of his years of commitment to promoting hospice care around the region, Hospice Cup, Inc., has named Erwin Abrams, President and CEO of Hospice of the Chesapeake, as the 2009 honorary chairman for Hospice Cup XXVIII.

"This is a critical time in the history of non-profit hospice in the United States,” said Abrams. “Given the current economy, our local hospices need the financial support of Hospice Cup more than ever. It is a privilege to be the honorary chairman of Hospice Cup, raising awareness and funds for our vital mission.”

Each year the Hospice Cup board of directors selects an individual who embodies the mission and goals of the organization to serve as the honorary chairman. Their role is to assist with increasing awareness about hospice care and the annual regatta event that raises funds for participating hospices in the Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region.

“We are thrilled to have Erwin Abrams as this year’s honorary chair,” stated Hospice Cup President Cullen Murray. “He has dedicated his professional life to bringing awareness of compassionate care to this region and will certainly be a great help to Hospice Cup to further our mission and goals to support area participating hospices.”

Previous HCI chairpersons include Al VanMetre, Philip Merrill, Pat Sajak, William F. Buckley Jr., Walter Cronkite, William Donald Schaefer, Gary Jobson and Buddy Melges among many other well-known leaders and sailors.

Abrams announced he will be stepping down from his position as head of Hospice of the Chesapeake effective January 1, 2010. During his 16-year tenure at Hospice of the Chesapeake, Abrams saw the number of patients his organization served grow from 40 per day to an average of 260. He pioneered is bringing the concept of hospice houses to Maryland and was instrumental in expanding the services of The Life Center at Hospice of the Chesapeake.

About Hospice Cup
The Hospice Cup XXVIII event will take place on September 26, 2009. This year’s participating hospices include: Calvert Hospice, Capital Hospice, Hospice of the Chesapeake, Montgomery Hospice and Talbot Hospice Foundation. Each must meet the standards of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Funds raised on behalf of Hospice Cup help pay the expenses not covered by Medicare or private insurance. These dollars enable the hospices to provide skilled compassionate care, comfort and dignity to the terminally ill, their families and friends. Net proceeds are disbursed to the participating hospices on a pro-rated basis.

Hospice Cup, Inc. is a non-profit organization chartered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia for the purposes of conducting a benefit yacht race and related events. The annual event is a cooperative effort organized by an all-volunteer HCI board of directors, an executive director, participating area hospices and hundreds of volunteers.

The Hospice Cup regatta is sanctioned by the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association (CBYRA) and counts for CBYRA season-long High Point competition. The race is managed by Shearwater Sailing Club and assisted by Storm Trysail Club Chesapeake Station. Hospice Cup, Inc. is a proud member of the National Hospice Regatta Alliance, www.hospiceregattas.org.

July 7, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE ANNOUNCES ANNUAL BEREAVEMENT CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

Camp Nabi and Phoenix Rising helping grieving children and teens in both Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties

Hospice of the Chesapeake is now registering participants for Camp Nabi, a weekend camp for children ages 6-13 grieving the loss of a loved one, and Phoenix Rising, a weekend bereavement retreat for teens in grades 9-12. Both programs will be held simultaneously during the weekend of August 14-16, beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday and ending at 2 p.m. on Sunday, at the Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, 975 Indian Landing Road in Millersville, Maryland.

Both Camp Nabi, in its 18th year, and Phoenix Rising, in its 8th season, provide a challenging and interactive program supported by a professional staff and team of trained volunteers to help participants process their grief in the safety of their peers and supportive adults who understand their struggles. Campers are able to:

• Share feelings and memories in a safe, accepting environment
• Find out that they are not alone in this experience
• Learn about grief
• Explore appropriate coping strategies in dealing with grief
• Make new friends and have fun

For more information or to register for Camp Nabi or Phoenix Rising, please contact Director of Bereavement Services Karen Frank at 410-987-2129 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

May 13, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE BOWLED OVER WITH DONATION

Hospice of the Chesapeake recently received a $3,713.70 check donation from a March bowling charity event sponsored by Praxis Engineering. The fund raiser was held at Greenway Bowl in Odenton in memory of Betty A. Lyman, mother of organizer Cindy Loftus, a Praxis Engineering employee. The proceeds will support the organization’s programs and services in both Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties.

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May 8, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE FEEDS THE BODY AND SOUL

Hospice of the Chesapeake serves up a benefit fund raiser in partnership with The Real Seafood Company and The Chop House, Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole’s newest fine dining destinations. The event will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday May 27th, following the restaurants’ ribbon-cutting ceremony. Both restaurants are located at 1915 Towne Centre Blvd. at the east end of the Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole.

The event is open to the public with reservations any time between 6 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person to dine at the Real Seafood Company or $200 per person dining at The Chop House; and includes an all-inclusive evening with gourmet delights and wines.

Two amazing restaurants ~ one great location! The Real Seafood Company features a full range of seafood fresh from the waters sourced around the world served in an energetic, contemporary setting. Located above the Real Seafood Company is The Chop House, an elegant destination steak house and lounge with impeccable service, the finest beef available and a world class wine list.

Proceeds from the benefit grand opening will be used to support programs and services offered by Hospice of the Chesapeake in both Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. For reservations and ticket information, please call 1.888.456.DINE (3463) or Chris Wilson, Hospice of the Chesapeake Community & Corporate Relations, at 443-837-1530. Seating is limited.

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May 8, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE RE-BRANDS - A new image highlights the organization’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Hospice of the Chesapeake celebrates the nonprofit’s 30th anniversary with a present to the community – a fresh new image. The new image energizes the brand and more effectively communicates the organization’s core values of hope, dignity and compassion, while also positioning the organization within the current landscape of the hospice industry.

Part of the re-branding campaign is a name change for the Spiritual & Bereavement Care Center. The new name, —The Life Center – Mind.Body.Spirit. — will also feature a new look that better defines its mission in serving the community through education and research. In addition, Chesapeake Treasures, the donation and consignment resale shop in Severna Park, will now be known simply as Treasures – benefiting Hospice of the Chesapeake.

All of the new logos place strong emphasis on an element of light representing the signature lighthouse and beacon of light from the previous logo. The rays represent a guiding light, hope or a new beginning for patients and loved ones. The strong lettering anchors the new logos and evokes a sense of strength and support that will take the healthcare organization into the future.

“As Hospice of the Chesapeake commemorates 30 years of compassionate care to patients and their loved ones, we are excited about our new brand that honors our past while celebrating our future,” said Erwin E. Abrams, president and chief executive. “Although the look is different, the message of providing compassionate care is still at the very core of our mission. We will continue to improve the quality of life for those in our communities experiencing advanced illness and provide support and education to their families.”

30 years ago a small group of Severna Park residents were inspired and called to action by the late Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, author of “On Death and Dying.” The group founded what we know today as Hospice of the Chesapeake. Now in 2009, five years after the death of Dr. Kubler-Ross, the organization celebrates a major birthday with a facelift, while holding firm to its mission of caring for those in need with hope, dignity and compassion.

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May 7, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE TEES OFF WITH 7th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNEY

Hospice of the Chesapeake invites all area golfers to join them for the nonprofit’s 7th annual golf tournament fund raiser. The event will be held on Monday, June 8, 2009, at Chartwell Golf & Country Club, one of the finest private country clubs in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Presenting sponsor for the event is BankAnnapolis. Also serving as sponsors are Annapolis Volvo for the $50,000 hole-in-one challenge, McCleary’s Pier 4 Marina for the $5,000 putting contest, Comcast and M.D. News.

Registration for each golfer is $225; $850 for foursomes, and includes greens fees, cart, continental breakfast, lunch, awards banquet, Under Armour golf shirt, great contests and fantastic prizes. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

Located just minutes off 1-97 in the heart of Severna Park, Chartwell Country Club offers a sense of relaxed refinement, gracious style and an 18-hole championship course, featuring manicured fairways and greens. The result is a golfing experience sure to please the most discriminating golfer.

Proceeds from the tournament will be used to support programs and services offered by Hospice of the Chesapeake in both Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. For registration, please contact Chris Wilson, Community & Corporate Relations, at 443-837-1530 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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April 30, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE IN SEARCH OF COMMUNITY TREASURES

Treasures, Hospice of the Chesapeake’s upscale consignment and resale shop, is staffed by volunteers and is always looking for more volunteers to help with various duties and shifts. Hours and days are flexible. Orientation and training will be provided. The shop, which is located at 562-B Ritchie Highway in the Park Plaza Shopping Center in Severna Park, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Community service hours will be documented for students.

For more information, please call store manager Donna Richardson at 410-384-9260 or contact Kathy Bourgard, Director of Volunteers, at 443-837-1549 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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April 29, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE HOSTS ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF REMEMBRANCE

Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Spiritual & Bereavement Care Center is offering the community a Celebration of Remembrance to honor those who have lost a loved one during the past year. This annual non-denominational memorial service is open to the public.

The service will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at the Oxon Hill Lutheran Church, located at 3415 Brinkley Road in Temple Hills. For more information, please call Hospice of the Chesapeake at 301-499-4500.

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April 29, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE HOSTS ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF REMEMBRANCE

The service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2009, at the Severna Park United Methodist Church, 731 Benfield Road in Severna Park. For more information, please call Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Spiritual & Bereavement Care Center at 410-987-2129.

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April 6, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE ANNOUNCES GOWNS FOR GIVING

Hospice of the Chesapeake announces its partnership with a diverse group of Anne Arundel County school students in a special service project, Gowns for Giving. This marks the second year for the fund raiser, which is centered around selling gently used prom dresses to raise money to help others in the community. This year’s sale will benefit Hospice of the Chesapeake, which provides compassionate care to thousands of people in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties experiencing advanced illness or bereavement.

Throughout April, dozens of dresses being collected by the students will be sold at Chesapeake Treasures, the upscale donation and consignment shop located in the Park Plaza Shopping Center in Severna Park benefiting Hospice of the Chesapeake. A continuous supply of extremely well priced dresses will be available for sale at the store, with additional ones added every few days. Donated dresses, evening purses and shoes may also be brought to the store anytime during store hours.

In addition, Gowns for Giving will host another dress sale in the Annapolis community later in the month. Details will be forthcoming.

Leanne Hug, a senior at Severn School, is chairperson of the 2009 Gowns for Giving Committee. Working with her are Severn School students Kate and Maggie Williams, Broadneck High School students Laura and Alli Dawson, Archbishop Spalding High School students Danielle Johnson and Christine Galligan and Severna Park High School student Jillian Grifo.

Last year, Gowns for Giving raised $10,000 for several local nonprofit organizations. Gowns for Giving was created as a way to help the community, while also preparing teenage girls for a lifetime of community service.

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April 1, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE HONORS VOLUNTEERS DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Hospice of the Chesapeake is celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, by honoring its volunteers who bring compassion, support and friendship to the organization’s patients, clients and staff, with a volunteer recognition luncheon on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville.

In addition to honoring a multitude of volunteers for their various years of service, several individual awards will also be presented. Patricia Waller of Cheverly will be the recipient of the Joseph P. and Elizabeth Earley Award, while Catherine Thompson of Pasadena, Anita Brokx and Ora Lee Stoner, both of Severna Park, Alice Kushner of Severn, Mary Wilbur of Pasadena, Sara Robinson of Arnold, Janet George of Edgewater, Carol Evans of Gambrills and Viola Marie Wilkes of Glen Burnie will be the recipients of the Spirit of Hospice Award.
In Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, more than 700 volunteers provide nearly 22,000 hours per year to help Hospice of the Chesapeake care for patients and families in the community. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that there are an estimated 400,000 hospice volunteers providing more than 16 million hours of service to hospice programs each year. Many people become hospice volunteers after experiencing firsthand the compassionate care hospice provided to a dying loved one.

“Hospice volunteers play an indispensable role in enabling Hospice of the Chesapeake to offer the best care possible to people in our community. Volunteers bring compassion, caring and love to patients and their families who are going through one of life’s most difficult times,” said Director of Volunteers Kathy Bourgard. “We are grateful to our volunteers during National Volunteer Week and every week, and pleased that this celebration of volunteering allows us to remind everyone that hospice volunteers are angels working among us.”

It is federally mandated, under Medicare, that five percent of all patient care hours be provided by trained volunteers. This regulation was included in the Medicare hospice legislation to maintain the important role that volunteers play in hospice philosophy of care. Hospice began in this country about 30 years ago as a largely, volunteer-driven community movement. To this day volunteers continue to be at the heart of hospice.

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April 1, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE CEO AND PRESIDENT, ERWIN E. ABRAMS, ANNOUNCES HIS DEPARTURE FROM THE ORGANIZATION

Hospice of the Chesapeake President and Chief Executive Officer Erwin E. Abrams announces he will be stepping down from his position as head of the nonprofit organization effective January 1, 2010. Abrams joined Hospice of the Chesapeake in 1993, growing the number of patients served from 40 per day to an average of 260. He has dedicated his professional life to bringing awareness of compassionate care options to the community, ensuring that patients and families are honored throughout the dying and grieving process with comfort and dignity.

“It is a privilege to be a part of serving the community of Anne Arundel County, and a source of pride that we have grown and maintained the quality of our patient and family care continuously through this period,” said Erwin E. Abrams.

During his tenure at Hospice of the Chesapeake, Abrams successfully demonstrated that community-based hospices may offer a home-like alternative when caregivers are unable to meet patient needs at home. Because of his pioneering leadership, Hospice of the Chesapeake now proudly operates two hospice residences, the original in Linthicum, Md., and a newer facility in Harwood, Md.

Abrams expanded the services of the nationally-recognized Spiritual & Bereavement Center and was instrumental in the acquisition of the Hospice of Anne Arundel Medical Center. He also extended the geographical bounds of the organization to include being the premier provider of hospice services in Prince George’s County. He expanded the educational outreach for Hospice of the Chesapeake to include elective rotations for medical students and internships for graduate social workers.

“Erwin has been a guiding force in the county for hospice care,” said Stanley J. Klos, Jr., Chairman for the Hospice of the Chesapeake Board of Directors. “His vision is and has always been for the organization to be the premier resource for those facing a life-limiting illness. With Erwin’s announcement, we have convened a Search Committee to identify a successor to lead Hospice of the Chesapeake and build upon the strong foundation which is the legacy of Erwin Abrams.”

Under Abrams leadership, Hospice of the Chesapeake, annual revenue has grown from $1 million in 1993 to $14.5 million in 2009. With his leadership more than $27 million was raised to support the mission of Hospice. He also led efforts to earn and retain full accreditation from the Joint Commission, and Hospice of the Chesapeake joined a small number of non-profits to earn and retain the Maryland Association of Non Profit Organizations’ respected Seal of Excellence.

In addition to being President and CEO, Abrams serves as Executive Director of the Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation Board of Directors and as a member of the Hospice of the Chesapeake Inc. Board of Directors and the Prince George’s County Advisory Committee. He also serves on the Arthritis Foundation of Southern Maryland Board of Directors and the Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation, and is a member of the Parole (Annapolis) Rotary Club. Abrams is a graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel.

On a professional level, Abrams is the first representative of Hospice of the Chesapeake to serve at a national level as a member of the Public Policy Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and is a member of the Council of States. He also leads hospice providers in Maryland, serving his second term as president of the Hospice and Palliative Care Organization of Maryland. Additionally, he has served as a consultant on governance and hospice leadership and management throughout Maryland and has been the leading spokesperson on hospice and end of life issues to the Maryland General Assembly.

Abrams is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and holds a MBA in Health Care Administration from George Washington University. Prior to coming to Hospice of the Chesapeake, he had direct health care management experience, including hospice, hospitals and multi-facility management. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Health Care Executives and a life member of the American Hospital Association. He resides in Arnold, Md.

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February 13, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE ANNOUNCES 13^th ANNUAL BEACON OF HOPE GALA – Celebrating 30 Years of Care

On May 2, 2009, Hospice of the Chesapeake will host the 13^th Annual Beacon of Hope Gala, Celebrating 30 Years of Care. The white tie and pearl anniversary event will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront and honor founding members Martha and Dr. Hilary O’Herlihy.

The community is invited to come and enjoy fabulous cuisine, mingle with friends, try their luck at a casino table, dance the night away to the sounds of Radio City, and bid upon an exclusive array of auction items, all in a show of support for Hospice of the Chesapeake and its mission.

This event will help Hospice of the Chesapeake to continue to provide exceptional end-of-life care and bereavement services for residents of both Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties.

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February 13, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE INC. ELECTS BRIAN GIBBONS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hospice of the Chesapeake Inc.’s Board of Directors recently named Brian J. Gibbons, President, CEO and co-owner of Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corporation, as a member of its Board of Directors.

"Since becoming actively involved with Hospice of the Chesapeake, Brian has demonstrated the commitment of a true philanthropist to our mission through his generosity," said Erwin Abrams, Hospice of the Chesapeake President and CEO. "With his strong leadership skills and business expertise, he will help us immensely. We are very pleased that he has agreed to accept this important role."

"The work that Hospice of the Chesapeake does is truly inspirational," Gibbons said. "Coping with a life-limiting illness is extremely difficult, not only for the patient, but for their family and friends as well. Hospice provides care to the patient so they can live out their lives in comfort, with dignity and on their own terms…and it embraces those who love and care for them. It is a privilege to work with them."

Since becoming president and CEO for Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corporation in 1999, Gibbons has been instrumental in such projects as the Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole, The Village at Waugh Chapel and Village South in Anne Arundel County, and the Woodmore Towne Centre in Prince George’s County. Prior to this he was associated with Venable, Baetjer and Howard in Washington, D.C., and Fedder and Garten in Baltimore, where he was a partner and member of the management committee.

Gibbons is a graduate of Loyola High School in Towson, where he is a member of the 2006 Athletic Hall of Fame for tennis. Currently he resides in Ellicott City with his wife of 22 years, Martha Gibbons, and their six children.

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February 6, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE INC. ELECTS CATHY BRADY-COPERTINO TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hospice of the Chesapeake Inc.’s Board of Directors recently named Catherine J. Brady-Copertino, Executive Director for the Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute, as a member of its Board of Directors.

"Through our partnership with Cathy, the Cancer Institute and Anne Arundel Health System, Hospice of the Chesapeake has an opportunity to even better serve the community at large," said Erwin Abrams, Hospice of the Chesapeake President and CEO. "Her expertise in the area of cancer health care and program management provides us with a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon. We are so very fortunate to have her onboard with us."

"I am both honored and excited to serve on the board of the HOC. I have a great deal of respect for the organization, its mission, its compassionate and quality driven care," said Ms. Brady-Copertino. "The future of hospice as with all health care will present many challenges. I look forward to working with the extraordinary care team and Board to advance the mission of this most precious gift we call Hospice of the Chesapeake.

Since becoming executive director for the Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute in 2007, Ms. Brady-Copertino has provided both strategic and operational leadership for many of the hospital’s key programs which include: The Breast Center, Radiation Oncology and Nurse Navigation. She also serves as vice president of corporate development and operations for Global Oncology Care, an Irish-owned company developing and operating cancer centers in Ireland and Europe. Her background includes serving as past executive director at Holy Cross Hospital’s cancer institute in Silver Spring, Md., and 16 years as an administrator and oncology nurse at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Ms. Brady-Copertino is a graduate of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1976. She received her Oncology Certification in 1990 and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Maryland in College Park in 1997. Currently she resides in Davidsonville with her husband, Dennis, and their four children and two grandchildren.

For more information about Hospice of the Chesapeake, please contact Lori Phelan in public relations at 410-987-2003 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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February 6, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE HOSTS VOLUNTEER INFORMATION DAY

Hospice of the Chesapeake will offer a Volunteer Information Day for prospective volunteers from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 7, 2009, at the Prince Georges County office, 8724 Jericho City Drive in Landover

Volunteer opportunities include patient care and bereavement support, office support and community outreach. Hospice staff will discuss the various volunteer opportunities available and answer questions in a relaxed and informal setting. Refreshments will be served.

For more information or to register, please contact Julie Medlin, Volunteer Coordinator, at 301-499-4500 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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February 6, 2009 - LOCAL RED HAT GROUP DONATES TIME & TALENT TO HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE

An Anne Arundel County group of Red Hat ladies, the Blooming Violets, recently visited Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Annapolis offices to participate in a unique program run by the Spiritual & Bereavement Care Center. The Beads for Brits program raises money from the sale of glass bead bracelets made by volunteers. All of the proceeds benefit Hospice of the Chesapeake’s sister hospice in Sub-Saharan Africa, Brits-Hartbeespoort Hospice. To date Hospice of the Chesapeake has raised more than $15,000 through the sale of the bracelets. Bracelets are $20 and can be bought at Hospice of the Chesapeake Annapolis offices, 445 Defense Highway.

In November 2003, Hospice of the Chesapeake partnered with Brits-Hartbeespoort Hospice to raise funds for children and families affected by the AIDS crisis -- an estimated 4.3 million people. The Beads for Brits project started at the non-profit’s children bereavement camps, at which time 165 bracelets were made by tiny hands and big hearts. Proceeds from the sale of the bracelets went to help the patients and families of Brits Hospice, and soon the project grew to include other Hospice of the Chesapeake camps and retreats and volunteer gatherings such as the Blooming Violets.

For more information on Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Beads for Brits program, please contact Karen Frank at 410-987-2129 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit the web site, www.hospicechesapeake.org.

Photo Identification: Members of the Red Hat group Blooming Violets from top left, Ingrid Tates and Joan Blum, both of Crofton, with Doris Smith and Lisa Fratantuono, both of Pasadena. Shown seated from left are Mary Ann Iverson of Crofton, Dorothy Felton of Annapolis and Betty Gentilcore of Davidsonville.

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January 13, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE HOSTS OPEN HOUSE FOR PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEERS

Hospice of the Chesapeake will offer a Volunteer Information Night for prospective volunteers from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at the Annapolis office, 445 Defense Highway.

Volunteer opportunities include those surrounding patient care and bereavement support, general office duties, special events and community outreach. During the open house, hospice staff will talk about the various volunteer opportunities available and answer questions. Light refreshments will be served.

For additional information or to register, please contact Kathy Bourgard, Director of Volunteers, at 443-837-1549 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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January 5, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE ANNOUNCES BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS BEGINNING IN JANUARY

Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Spiritual & Bereavement Care Center announces two six-week bereavement support groups beginning in January.

For those who are grieving the death of a spouse/life partner, a widow/widower bereavement support group will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, January 14 through February 18, at Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Spiritual & Bereavement Care Center, 445 Defense Highway in Annapolis.

In partnership with Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC), an adult bereavement support group will be offered to those grieving the death of a loved one from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursdays, January 22 through February 26. This support group is facilitated by a Hospice of the Chesapeake Spiritual & Bereavement Counselor and will be held at BWMC, 301 Hospital Drive, 2nd floor PHP Suite in Glen Burnie. The registration deadline is Thursday, January 15, 2009.

The registration fee is $60 except for families whose loved one was cared for by Hospice of the Chesapeake. To register, please call 410-987-2129.

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January 5, 2009 - HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE ANNOUNCES BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS BEGINNING IN JANUARY

Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Spiritual & Bereavement Care Center announces two six-week bereavement support groups beginning in 2009.

For those who are grieving the death of a spouse/life partner, a widow/widower bereavement support group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, January 27 through March 3, at the Hospice of the Chesapeake Landover offices, 8724 Jericho City Drive. The registration deadline is Thursday, January 19, 2009.

A general bereavement support group for adults, ages 18 and older, who are grieving the death of a loved one will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, February 5 through March 12, at the Landover offices as well. The registration deadline is Thursday, January 28, 2009.

The registration fee is $60 except for families whose loved one was cared for by Hospice of the Chesapeake. To register or for additional information, please contact Roberta Rook at 301-499-4500 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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