Hospice to offer holiday counseling

ASHLAND, Ky. — The Community Hospice Bereavement Department announces a special community-based grief counseling session.

“Grief and the Holidays” is a grief support group for anyone who has suffered a loss and is facing the holidays without their loved one. It is open to the public, not just those who have been served by hospice.

Three sessions of “Grief and the Holidays” will be offered. They are scheduled for:

Monday, November 9; First Christian Church; 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; U.S. 23, South Shore

Thursday, November 12; Community Hospice 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.; 1538 Central Avenue, Ashland

 Thursday, November 12; Community Hospice Care Center 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; 2330 Pollard Road, Ashland

“Grief and the Holidays” offers participants the opportunity to talk about their loss, understand the grieving process and the cycles of grief, spend time with others who have experienced similar situations, and receive guidance on coping during the upcoming holiday seasons.

For additional information or to reserve a space, contact Community Hospice at 606-329-1890 or 800-926-6184.

United Way hosts fundraising training

Huntington, W.Va. — If raising money for your organization makes you tired and frustrated, this engaging workshop will change all that!

In six hours, you will find out how to stop doing the things that do not make sense, focus your precious resources on the most strategic prospects and methods, raise the most money with the least effort and help others in your organization understand why they need to support your choices.

The workshop promises to be fun, interactive and inspiring, with stories and practical examples, laughter and chocolate.

United Way of the River Cities is proud to bring Susan Howlett to Huntington. “Susan’s practical solutions to recurring problems faced by boards and staff have earned acclaim among grassroots organizations, major institutions, grantors and businesses alike,” said Monica Donohoe, event coordinator. “We are very excited to announce we have been approved for 4.75 hours of CEU’s for Addition, Prevention, Counseling and Social work for this event!”

The most common refrain heard after one of her consulting sessions, retreats or classes is, “Now that makes sense. We can do that!” Susan offers simple, low-cost solutions that are easy to implement with the resources you have on hand. And she always brings chocolate.

The workshop is scheduled for November 12, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Harless Auditorium in the Marshall University Medical Center on the campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital.

To register for this workshop log onto www.unitedwayrivercities.org.

For event sponsor and vendor information call United Way of the River Cities at 304-523-8929.

Fall Fossil Festival coming to SSU

PORTSMOUTH — The Shawnee State University Geology Club will be hosting a free Fantastic Fall Fossil Festival on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The event is for all age groups and will offer the experience of learning about fossils but also about the geology of Ohio.

“We are going to do some mini lectures geared towards different age groups on different topics,” said Kurt Shoemaker Ph.D., associate professor of geology.

Crafts will be offered for children to do and they will learn about fossil forms and the types of environments where a fossil might be found. Children can receive their own personal fossil for free while they last and will be able to find their own fossils in a sand box.

Anyone who has ever found a fossil or a unique rock can bring it to the festival if they are not sure what it is, and the professors and students may be able to identify it.

Fossil gifts will be available at the festival for purchasing. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Shoemaker at (740) 351-3395.

Maurices to host food drive effort

Ashland, Ky. — Maurices at the Ashland Town Center is holding a Food drive to benefit Helping Hands Inc..

“There are several great events we participate in with other maurices stores across the nation each year, such as the holiday plush sale to benefit the American Cancer Society,” says store manager Angie Murphy. “But it’s also a real privilege to step up and literally help our neighbors in need with this drive.”

The food drive begins on Nov. 15 and continues through Nov. 21. Customers can drop off their donations anytime during store hours Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Items needed include any nonperishable food items.

They will receive a coupon good for 20 percent off any one regular-priced maurices item for each donation. Coupons are limited to 10 per person. maurices offers clothing and accessories for fashion-savvy young women in sizes 1-24, giving them the trendiest looks at affordable prices.

“We are proud to be a part of this community-one that’s always so generous to others.”