This month, Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce members heard from representatives of Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, and the Chanute Public Library during the Chamber Connections Luncheon held at Neosho County Community College.
Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice is a not-for-profit hospice service that provides care to patients in Southeast and South Central Kansas.
Community Development Coordinator Katee Camus discussed what hospice is. According to Camus, hospice is for individuals who have a prognosis of six months or less. Camus said care is patient and supporter-driven.
Care teams for patients include a doctor, nurse, hospice aide, pharmacist, social worker, chaplain, and bereavement counselor. These are part of an interdisciplinary care team, according to Camus.
Hynes provides patients with the supplies and equipment needed for care.
“Wherever a patient calls home, that is where we provide care,” Camus said.
Camus also addressed some myths about hospice. One such myth is that people die very quickly after entering hospice care. Studies published in the Journal of Symptom and Pain Management report that patients who go on hospice often live longer than they would without care.
Palliative care is also offered by Hynes Memorial Hospice, which is care for those with serious illnesses. The focus of palliative care is on managing symptoms and stress related to the illness.
“Hospice is not about dying,” Camus said. “It is about choosing to live the end of your life well.”
Camus said she never expected to work in the field of hospice care, but that it has been a rewarding career.
Chanute Public Library Director Jeana Lawrence discussed summer programs and ongoing groups at the library. The theme for the summer reading program is “Color Our World.”
To fit this theme, Lawrence said there would be many artistic crafts and programs throughout the summer.
Summer programs begin May 27. This is also the start date for the summer reading challenges. Lawrence said there are challenges for all ages. Adults can participate in a traditional reading challenge by reading any 10 books of the reader’s choice, which Lawrence said was particularly easy for parents, who can also claim any books they read to their child.
Lawrence said one can make up a personalized reading challenge to be as difficult or as simple as wanted.
The Tiny Art Show canvases will be given out beginning May 27. Lawrence said that participants can decorate their canvas without restrictions. Artwork must be returned by the end of the day, Friday, June 13. A panel of judges will then determine the prize winners.
In other programs, Lawrence said the library hosts a Stitchin’ Time group, where members bring their knitting, crochet, sewing, or embroidery projects to work on. This group meets each Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Library Annex.
On Friday mornings at 8 a.m., a Walk and Talk group meets behind the Depot. On the second and fourth Fridays of the month, the group picks up trash along their walking route. Lawrence said the total trail is roughly three miles, but people are welcome to come and go as they please on the walk.
On the first and third Wednesdays of the month, a group devoted to chess, card games, and board games meets from 4-6 p.m. This group is for all ages, but those under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. On the second and fourth Wednesdays, Art Lab is held at the Library Annex from 4-6 p.m. Registration is required prior to attendance, and is open to those aged 16 and older.
Book Clubs include a Silent Book Club, where attendees select a book to read at the library quietly, amongst other readers. The library also offers a Select it Yourself Club, where readers select a book pertaining to a monthly prompt.
There will also be several specialty events throughout the summer. Due to the ongoing HVAC project, most programs will meet in the Library Annex at 871 S. Country Club Road, or in other locations within the community.
For a full list of events and locations, Lawrence recommends people check the Chanute Public Library Facebook page for the most updated information.
The next Chamber Connection Luncheon will be held June 12, at noon, in the Alliance Room at the Memorial Building. Attendees can expect to hear from NCCC’s Career and Technical Education Guided Pathways Coordinator Nicci Wiltse about a new internship program.
