December 2013/January 2014 Newsletter

BFOHB
Bereaved Families of Ontario
Hamilton/Burlington
Grief support for children and
parents since 1988
December and January
are like bookends of the
calendar year. January
signifies the beginning
with December as the
end that leans against our
daily lives which fill the
months in between.
Feelings are often
amplified at this time of year - happiness, joy,
togetherness, friendship, hope and love. Symbols
reinforcing the happiness of the Holiday Season
surround us like never ending tinsel and we are often
told that miracles and fresh starts are possible to
those who believe.
For grieving children and parents, this time of year
can be viciously challenging and sometimes
heartbreaking. Comfort is not felt by many from the
language of the Season.The articles in this newsletter
are dedicated to grieving children and parents as they
cope in this Holiday Season. If you are bereaved, or
are a caregiver to a bereaved child, I hope you find
the articles helpful and you learn new and useful ideas
about coping and activities for continuing bonds with
the person who died. For those of you who are
supporters of BFOHB and not bereaved, I hope you
gain insight and find the information useful when
spending time with bereaved family members or
friends throughout the Holiday Season.
PROGRAM UPDATE
We offer a number of support groups and educational
programs throughout the year. Our services are free and
confidential. Pre-registration for groups is required, as is
a commitment to attend all sessions. For more
information, or to register, please call 905-318-0070.
All our programs are finishing the Fall cycle. We are
accepting intakes for two programs beginning in January
and a full slate of programs for Spring 2014.
Burlington-Children's TLC Program NEW!!!
January- Perinatal Loss Support
March- TLC Family Bereavement Camp
Spring Perinatal Loss Support Group
December 2013
January 2014
What Hope looks like this Winter at BFOHB
Ÿ Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Healing with Hope - Dr. Lori Triano-Antidormi
speaks about tips for Handling the Holiday Season.
2241 New St. Burlington 7-8:30pm
Call 905-318-3370 to register. Free to attend and
open to the public.
Ÿ Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Family Tree of Lights at the Royal Botanical
Gardens. A unique way to honour a loved one(s)
who have died. RSVP your loved one(s) name(s)
by December 16th. Names will be read again this
year after the tree is lit and the listing of names will
appear in local papers. See page 7 for details.
Ÿ Wednesday, December 18, 2013
“When Grief Comes to Work”
A FREE workshop for Supervisors and Managers.
See page 8 for details. RSVP by December 17th.
Ÿ Saturday, December 21- Monday, December 23
Angel Memory Tree at Eastgate Square.
Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm, Monday
9am-9pm. Volunteers needed. See page 6 for
details.
Spring Bereaved Moms
Spring Bereaved Parent Couples Group
Spring Bereaved Dads
Spring Children's TLC Program
Spring Teens: Missing Pieces the Grief Puzzle
***Adults whose names have been placed on program
waiting lists and anyone who needs grief support are
encouraged to attend our monthly support series,
Healing with Hope. Guest speakers or bereaved parents
present educational topics related to grief and
bereavement that address the importance of learning
and implementing healthy coping strategies. This
program is offered alternatively in Hamilton and
Burlington.
Page 1
Supporting Grieving Children & Teens
During the Holiday Season – Cara Grosset MSW, RSW, CT
be grateful for something to do
Having said this, children also want
time to have a break form their grief –
children & teens don't grieve
continuously – they naturally know that it
is healthy to take a break and to engage
in play with their friends – if they want to
still go to their friends' homes or to
sports games over the holidays, this is
normal & healthy – it doesn't mean they
aren't grieving their sibling's death. All of
the young people I have talked to want
to spend time with their friends over the
holidays, they want to laugh, get outside
and have fun
Adults play a key role in helping children
and teens grieve – especially over the
holidays when emotions and memories
can become more intense.
Children and teens can have difficulty
expressing their true emotions – they
may not have the words to express
themselves, so they may retreat
inwards, or they may protect you from
their feelings and hold things in so as not
to hurt you more. In teens, you may see
sadness turn to anger, or see them
reach out to friends instead of you.
These are normal reactions to this time
of year when there is a great deal of
pressure to be “normal” and joyful.
In my role at BFO, I have the privilege to
work with many bereaved children, teens
and young adults. Over the past years I
have been consulting with these young
experts about what they need to help
them cope with the holidays – and here
is what they shared:
Conversations & Connections – your
children want to talk about the person
who died – and they especially want to
spend time together as a family – they
want to talk about memories, share
stories, ask questions – but remember,
they also want to protect parents
(caregivers) from further hurt, so talk to
them about it being OK for you to cry
together, everyone is hurting, but it is
better to let it out than to keep it all in.
Spend one on one time together if you
can – you don't have to have lots of
things planned, children just want to
know that you are together, that they are
loved & they will be safe.
Provide opportunities for children
and teens to be creative – let them make
a holiday decoration, maybe one in
memory of the person who died – draw
pictures, write in a journal, write a letter
to the person, bake together.
Communicate openly – continue to
use real language (dead, died)
appropriate for the child's developmental
stage.
Change – include your child in
decisions about how the holidays will
change or how traditions will be
continued – let them contribute ideas
about how they would like to include the
person who died in family traditions –
maybe a new or homemade tree
ornament, a candle lighting, a poem or
song, a donation to a charity – if you
have decided to go away for the
holidays, just keep in mind that your grief
packs itself along in your suitcase &
comes along – when I talk to the kids
they are about 50/50 between family's
going away for their first holiday vs.
those staying at home. Again, there is
“Over the past years I have been
consulting with these young experts
about what they need to help them
cope with the holidays – and here is
what they shared.”
It's OK to cry – you don't always
have to be composed & together –
maybe their time at school was when
you could break down and let out some
of your intense grief, and over the
holidays you don't have that time – find
ways to take care of yourself – keep in
close physical contact through hugs,
snuggling - let them know it isn't their
fault that you are sad or upset, that it is
normal to miss your family member – it
is OK to feel however you feel at that
moment, there shouldn't be expectations
about how you 'should' feel.
Care – take care of each other – be
kind to yourselves – lower your
expectations for the holidays – don't feel
obligated to attend lots of functions,
have people over, or have a perfect
holiday.
Young children have a natural
exuberance and excitement about this
time of year – let them feel this without
added guilt – it's OK to be excited about
Santa, Hanukah, gifts – it doesn't mean
they don't miss the person or don't
grieve deeply for them.
With teens and young adults, you
may see more anger or withdrawal – talk
about ways to express this in healthy
ways – talking, exercise, writing – talk
about 'holiday cheer' (drinking) – over
the holidays, they may have more
access to alcohol or drugs, this is not a
positive way to cope with their grief.
Cara Grosset currently is the
Coordinator of Missing Pieces: The Grief
Puzzle for Teens program that was
developed by BFOHB and operates in
partnership with local School Boards.
Cara was the 2013 Clinical Director for
Camp Erin Hamilton.
TLC Program for Grieving Kids
no right or wrong – you do what works
for your family, the good news is if it
doesn't work so well this year, you can
try something else next year!
You are the centre of your child's
world – they continue to need stability,
consistency and routine – if you aren't
able to provide that right now, that's OK
– ask friends & family to help out, they'll
Coming to Burlington 2014!
NEW in Burlington!!!
Call 905-318-0070
to Register your Child
Holiday Aches – Shirley C. Ottman, Bereaved Mother
After the first few holiday seasons after my daughter's
death, I thought I had licked the holiday doldrums. After
all, two, three, four years had passed. I was unprepared
for the dull ache I battled throughout the holidays in 1993;
however, it didn't dawn on me until
the middle of January why.
myself how lucky we were to have known and
loved her, and to know and love her still.
Later I realized what should have been obvious to me
during the holidays. Although our family was altogether, it
wasn't the same as it used to be. Teri was missing from
the scene. It's one thing to hold her spirit in our hearts and
December 1993 was the first time since 1989 that both my minds, and quite another to have her sitting in her usual
surviving sons and their families, my step-daughter and
place at the table or leading us in Christmas carols.
her family had been all together during the holidays. I had
been looking forward to having them all home at the same We all missed her, even after nearly eight years; and we
time once again. The cousins (all my grandchildren) would talked about her often. We had a wonderful holiday
be able to renew acquaintances, and I could watch their
together that I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I hope
interaction with interest and glee.
we will have many more such reunions. Next time, though,
I'll be wiser. I'll know why the ache is there, why the joy is
Yet all during the season, I was plagued with a longing, an tempered slightly and why as long as I live my life and our
all too familiar ache. I missed my daughter's presence.
family's life together, will be forever altered. The difference
Her widowed husband had remarried in May that year,
will always be noticeable, I imagine. But then, the
and he and his new wife were also included in our family difference Teri has made in each of our lives is and always
gathering. I liked his new wife very much. But I suppose
will be obvious too.
subconsciously, I was reminded even more of my
daughter's absence. As I wrote my Christmas letter to my www.bereavedparentsusa.org.
daughter Teri and put it into her Christmas stocking,
unbidden tears chased themselves down my cheeks. I
pushed my thoughts away from sadness; I reminded
Another Christmas - Brenda Hobbs - Bereaved Mother
What can I possibly say to help someone through the
holidays? I cannot recall how many times I have wished for
magic words to ease someone else's pain. But, of course,
there are no magic words. There aren't even any answers.
But there are suggestions of ideas tried in the past. As
bereaved parents and siblings, it is important to share our
experiences with newly bereaved families who look to us for
help.
Our first Christmas without our son Jesse, we changed
almost all of our normal activities. We traditionally had had
dinner in my husband's parents' home. That first year,
instead, we had dinner at my daughter's home. We invited
friends who did not have family in the area. We shopped
very little. The stores and crowds were too much to handle.
We hung no decorations or stockings, had no tree - nothing.
I stayed busy making candy and
baking breads.
We tried to help others less fortunate than ourselves. We
donated toys and food to various charities. We participated
in a Breakfast with Santa with Project Kind, the wonderful
school Jesse had attended. Basically, we did what we had
to do to survive. Friends and family seemed to understand
or at least accepted our changes. Maybe they just didn't
want to discuss it. Whatever! We survived those first
holidays, much to our amazement.
The second Christmas season we had a new one-month old
granddaughter. She helped a lot. We all know that our
children can never be replaced. But if there is someone or
something else to focus on, even for awhile, it helps. We
had dinner at our home that year. We put up decorations,
including Jesse's stocking. We decided that anyone who
wished could write Jesse a note and place it in his stocking.
Between preparing dinner and loving the new baby, again
we survived.
Now this year we intend to return to Jim's parents. I don't
dread Christmas nearly as much as before. I'm not really
looking forward to it, but I don't panic at the thought.
What I would like to suggest to others is to do what you
need to do. Other peoples' expectations don't automatically
have to be met. Discuss your feelings with family members.
Remember, they hurt too. They will try to understand and
respect your feelings. It takes a lot of time and energy to
grieve. Allow yourself all the time you
need.
I hope that something I mentioned is of help to newly
bereaved families. The holidays can be painful, but we shall
survive them. Maybe next year will be easier, and the next
even easier still.
Maybe before too long, we can enjoy all the memories of
Christmases past without so much pain. I wish you all a
peaceful Christmas.
www.bereavedparentsusa.org.
Page 3
In Loving Memory
December
Craig Anderson
Beloved son of Gordon and Joyce
Brother of Bill and Graham
Craig was born October 6th/1978
Died December 4, 1995
and Marilyn
Sister of Deanna, Stephen, Michelle,
and Logan
Amanda was born November 4, 1982
Died December 28, 1995
Noah Campbell
Beloved son of Darin and Kim
Grandson of Noel and Pam Campbell
and Dick and Anne Erechook
Noah was born and
Died December 5, 2006
Ian Cameron McNeil
Beloved son of Cathy McNeil
Brother of Ryan
Ian was born August 6, 1974
Died December 27, 1991
Toni Marie Clement
Beloved Daughter of Shirley
and Jack Phillips
Brother of Steven
Loving mother of Jessica and Amanda
Spouse of Shaun
Toni was born October 17, 1968
Died December 12, 2010
Daniel Oliver Couch
Beloved son of Denise Couch
Brother to Heather and Jeff
Fiance to Ashley Gilbert
Daniel was born July 23, 1986
Died December 19, 2011
Jennifer Marie Currie
Beloved Daughter of Linda
Sister of Scott
Jennifer was born September 11, 1980
Died December 19, 2003
Noah Davy
Beloved son to Josh & Kelly
Noah was born December 21, 2011
Died December 21, 2011
Lori Hey
Beloved daughter of Brian and Cecilly
Sister of Shawn, Brad, and Kevin
Lori was born February 4, 1965
Died December 3, 1985
Lee Jenkinson
Beloved daughter of Lynn and Bill
Loving mother of Katie and Justin
Sister of Bob, Mike, Ritchie, Shannon,
Steven, Jackie, and Jennifer
Lee was born on May 7, 1963
Died December 24, 2009
Amanda Marilyn Martin
Beloved daughter of Glen (D)
Martin Thien Phu Nguyen
Beloved son of Kim Le-Butler and Greg
Butler
Brother of Anna Nguyen and Trinh
Theresa Nguyen
Martin was born August 13, 1995
Died December 31, 2009
Volunteers Needed
for Angel Ornament
Sales Dec 21-23
Christian Nusca
Beloved son of Rosanne and Chris
Brother of Natalie and James
Christian was born December 1, 2007
Died December 24, 2007
Paul Pridham
Loving father of Sherry Style
And Kate MacBeth
Loved Spouse of Sue
Paul was born August 8, 1947
Died December 24, 2006
Julia Turner
Beloved daughter of Tina and Paul
Sister to Melaney and Jaclyn
Julie was born March 29, 1996
Died December 23, 2011
We will be having some days of
Angel sales at Eastgate Square
(Mall) in Hamilton!
December 21 - 9am-9pm
December 22 - 10am-6pm
December 23 - 9am-9pm
Please call Cathy Rolph at 905318-0070 to schedule a time to
help sell angels.
You can also email Cathy at
cathy.rolph@bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca
Page 4
In Loving Memory
This January
Christian Lee Barr
Beloved son of Mike and Lois
Christian was born February 15, 1972
Died January 4, 1993
Kelly Anne Barber Bell
Beloved daughter of Bob and Donna
Kelly was born August 26, 1975
Died January 16, 2013
Joshua Daniel Grossi Benson
Beloved son of Doreen and Michael
Brother of Matthew, James
and Sarah-Maria
Joshua was born on January 24, 2007
Died January 25, 2007
Lee-Anne Bishop
Beloved daughter of Jennifer and Mike
Sister to William, Carolyn, Jake and Jane
Lee-Ann died January 24, 2011
Stephen Bering
Beloved son of Janet Topa
Stepson to Mark Topa
Loving brother of Christopher Bering
And Angela Selinger
Stephen was born January 11, 1980
Died January 18, 2013
Madison Carrothers
Beloved daughter of Stuart and Paula
Sister of Regan and Aidan
Madison was born January 18, 2001
Died January 18, 2001
Nico Ciardelli
Beloved baby of Rob and Rose
Brother of Kira Marie
Nico was born still January 14, 2007
Jeff Corey
Beloved son of Steve
Jeff was born November 17, 1986
Died January 20, 2003
Aman Kaur Dulay-Gill
Beloved daughter of Navdeep and
Gurdeep
Brother of Rajan and Nishaan
Aman was born still January 22, 2006
Carina Fabbro
Beloved daughter of Darlene and Julian
Big sister to Nicholas
Carina was born January 10, 2006
Died January 23, 2006
Andrew Fazio
Beloved son of Karen
Brother of Sarah
Andy was born November 30, 1981
Died January 27, 2008
Paul-Michael Foster
Beloved son of Margaret and Graham
Brother of Amanda and Adele
Brother-in-law to Andy and Aaron
Paul Michael was born June 1, 1981
Died January 10, 2010
Sandra Freeman
Beloved child of Jo Anne and Mike (D)
Loving mother of Mike and Hudson
Sister of Jaki and Andy
Sandra was born May 2, 1967
Died January 26, 2011
Joel Hall
Cherished spouse of Lisa
Loving father to Annabelle and Bronwen
Joel was born March 10, 1962
Died January 11, 2005
Martha-Ann Ena Hennessey
Beloved daughter of Reginald (D)
and Kamara
Sister of Ryan
Martha-Ann was born June 21, 1983
Died January 2, 1994
Sonya Ariz Lyall-Lakin
Beloved daughter of Anil and Zarina
Sister of Zain
Sonya was born March 3, 1973
Died January 29, 2005
Bruce Dayton Mallory
Beloved son of Carol
Brother of Douglas and Janice
Bruce was born March 11, 1968
Died January 20, 1990
Jason Molnar
Beloved son of Steve and Glenn
Brother of Michelle Walker
Jason was born September 29, 1970
Died January 7, 2005
Joe Nukapiak
Beloved son of Gord and Jeannie
Nukapiak
Loved grandson of Marlene Miller
Brother of Anawak and Joe-Joe
Joe was born March 16, 1985
Died January 3, 2003
Katie Padget
Beloved daughter of Donna and Rick
Sister to Kevin
Katie was born May 17, 1986
Died January 13, 2012
Peter Piwtarak
Beloved son of Jack and Helen
Brother of Michael
Peter was born September 2, 1969
Died January 5, 1998
Lisa Marie Scime
Beloved daughter of Joe and Cecile
Sister of Paul, Vince, Brenda and Norm
Lisa was born July 1, 1967
Died January 8, 1993
Calum Michael David Sharrow
Beloved son of Jessica
Brother of Johanna
Calum was born January 25, 2001
Died January 6, 2003
Amy Elizabeth Shewfelt
Beloved daughter of Paul and Gail
Sister of Erin and Kevin
Amy was born March 5, 1982
Died January 18, 2004
Kerry Lee Smith
Beloved son of Homer and Margaret
Brother of Tracy L. Ouellette
Kerry was born August 8, 1975
Died January 22, 1992
Brandon James Wilcox
Beloved son of Ron and Karen
Brother of Sarah and Katie
Brandon was “born an angel” on January
19, 2001
Jonathan Matthew Wilcox
Beloved son of Marlene
Brother to Julie, Vince, Dawn and Steven
Uncle to Christian, Matteo, Felicia
Jonathan was born November 19, 1983
Died January 11, 2005
Maureen Ann Williams
Beloved daughter of George and Donalda
Sister of George and Janet
Maureen was born February 25, 1957
Died January 8, 1993
Paul Andrew Woehl
Beloved son of Diane and George
Brother of David, Michael and Kathleen
Paul was born June 27, 1967
Died January 27, 1997
Page 5
Volunteer Facilitator Training
After your child died and you attended a BFOHB
group, did you find that the support you
received from your group facilitators
rewarding? Have you thought about becoming a
facilitator and helping other grieving moms and
dads? If so, come to a training information evening
on Thursday, January 23 at the BFO office.
At the information session, you will hear from
experienced facilitators about what the facilitator
commitment looks like and what being a facilitator
means to them.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions,
receive the
training schedule
and add your
name to the
training list.
Angel Memory Tree Notice
What Happens After the Training Information
Night?
Before the training sessions begin, Dr. Lori TrianoAntidormi, a Registered Psychologist and our
Professional Consultant, will contact you to set up
an interview, typically 30 minutes in length, to
ensure you are emotionally fit for training, to review
your interest in becoming a facilitator and to answer
any questions you might have.
Facilitator Training Information Evening
Thursday, January 23
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Bereaved Families Office
293 Wellington Street North, Suite 118
Email: programming@bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca
2013 Angel Ornaments
It is with great pleasure that I
share with you some good
news! Even though our Angel
Memory Tree Program at
Limeridge Mall has come to a
end, we will be having a
three-day Angel Memory
Tree at Eastgate Mall from
Saturday, December 21Monday, December 23.
As many of you know, we
have played an active role in this community leading up
to the Holiday Season by sharing our special tree of
angels. As changes in corporate policies occur within the
shopping centre industry, we will try our best to find new
partners to host our very special tree.
We are currently seeking volunteers to fill the time slots.
Please contact Cathy Rolph at the BFO office for
available times. See page 4 for details.
Email: cathy.rolph@bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca
Phone: 905-318-0070
Angels are for sale!
To order your angels, please call 905-318-0070 or stop
by the office between the hours of 9am-4pm. Angels will
also be for sale through our website and be available at
the Family Tree of Lights at the Royal Botanical
Gardens the week of December 16th.
Please note: We also have the 2012 pewter angel in
stock for those who did not purchase that design last
year. They are $15.00 each for 2 for $25.00.
A special thank you to one of our volunteers, Pam
Wilson, for connecting BFO to Eastgate Mall.
Lisa Lesnicki-Young, Executive Director
Page 6
Join Bereaved Families of Ontario Hamilton/Burlington on December 17, 2013 for a
loving memorial tree lighting ceremony
sponsored by the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Family
Tree
of
Lights
Bereaved Families of Ontario
Hamilton/Burlington
A contribution in your loved ones memory will illuminate a
white light in his or her honour.
The names of all the children and parents remembered in
this special way will be listed in donated ads in the
Burlington Post on December 20th and the Hamilton
Spectator on December 24th. Please acknowledge on the
form attached below if you wish the name of your loved
NOT to be published.
Please join us at the Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday,
December 17th at the Royal Botanical Gardens on Plains
Road, Burlington from 7:00-8:00pm. Entry will be
complimentary for the tree lighting ceremony only.
To ensure publication of names in the advertisements, we must
receive your information by:
Ÿ December 16th for the Hamilton Spectator and the Burlington Post
ads.
*Please complete the form below and return it with your donation or
call our office at 905-318-0070. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Bereaved Families of Ontario - Hamilton/Burington will be hosting
a Family Tree of Lights to honour children, siblings, spouses and
parents who have died. This special tree has been graciously
sponsored by the Royal Botanical Gardens and will be decorated
with crystal-clear lights that will shine brightly as a living memory
this Holiday Season.
The lights are an affirmation of our loved ones life and
acknowledges our cherished memories. A complete listing of the
names of the loved ones names will be published in community
newspapers who have donated ad space, posted on our website,
and mailed to donors accompanying their tax receipt. At the event,
the names of the loved ones will be read aloud.
How to Donate
1. Filling out the form below and mailing it or
dropping it off to the BFO-HB office.
2. Online www.bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca. Please
designate “Family Tree of Lights” and provide the
name of your loved one to be listed.
3. Calling the BFO-HB office at 905-318-0070 and
making your donation over the phone.
Thank you to our friends at the Royal Botanical
Gardens for making this special event possible.
BFOHB
Bereaved Families of Ontario
Hamilton/Burlington
25 Years of Community Service
Bereaved Families of Ontario - Hamilton/Burlington (BFOHB)
Support for grieving children and parents since 1988
Yes! I want to give my support to Bereaved Families of Ontario-Hamilton/Burlington by contributing
$____________________ in honour of (name(s) please)__________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Please do NOT publish my loved ones name(s).
Name ______________________________________
Address ____________________________________
___________________________________________
Email ______________________________________
Charge my credit card:
__VISA __ MC __AMERICAN EXPRESS
Name on card:____________________________________
Card Number_____________________________________
Expiration Date__________________
Signature________________________________________
*Tax receipts for donations over $25
293 Wellington Street North, Suite 118 | Hamilton, Ontario L8L 8E7 | Phone: 905-318-0070 | Fax: 905-318-9181
www.bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca Charitable Registration # 86589 2319 RR0001
Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2013
research@bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca
Page 8
Ultimate Chef 2014 Event Update
Hi Everyone! Here is an update on the planning of our Ultimate
Chef Event 2014! This will be our 3rd year putting this event
on at Liuna Station. To date, over $84,000 has been raised in
support of the programs at Bereaved Families and over 550
people have attended. Please help us raise as much money
as possible in support of grieving children and parents!
See who are competing for the title of “Ultimate Chef 2014" by
visiting the BFOHB website! You can support the event by:
Ÿ purchasing a ticket or table
Ÿ becoming a sponsor - $250-$5000
Ÿ donating a live or silent auction item
Ÿ cash donation (listed as a Friend of the Chefs)
Ÿ Supporting a Chef to win the “Big Daddy” Award by making
a donation online in their name
Ÿ volunteering at the event
www.BFO-HamiltonBurlington.on.ca
Most sincerely,
Victor Lesnicki - Event Chair
25th Anniversary Event
25 Years Strong!
Our friends from Smiths Funeral Home
Great
Food by
Barry at the
Legion!
Special candle lighting for 25 years
Thank you to everyone who attended the 25th Anniversary
Event on Saturday, November 16 at the Royal Canadian
Legion in Burlington. Over 100 guests had a fun filled
evening of music, prizes, shopping in the silent auction and
acknowledging the dedication that was needed to keep the
BFOHB doors open for the past 25 years. Here’s to 25
years more!
Prizes!
Thank you to our evening sponsors:
SILVER SPONSOR
ALLEN J. WYNPERLE PERSONAL INJURY LAW
The fabulous band “The Believers” with
Tony Antidormi
Page 9
Our Leadership Team
BFOHB Leadership Team
Executive Director: Lisa Lesnicki-Young
Program & Volunteer Coordinator:
Kamara Hennessey
Administrative Assistant: Cathy Rolph
Finances: Homer Smith & Rick Salter
Professional Consultant: Dr. Lori TrianoAntidormi, Ph.D., C. Psych
Missing Pieces for Teens Program
Coordinator: Cara Grosset M.S.W.,
R.S.W., C.T.
T.L.C for Kids Program Coordinator:
Crystal Rutherford M.S.W., R.S.W., C.T.
Crystal is also the Clinical Director for
Camp Erin Hamilton and our TLC Family
Camp.
Board of Directors
Board Chair: Jim Matz
Vice Chair: Ryan Moffat
Secretary: Annette Jansen
Treasurer: Tim Sprague
Past Chair: Darryl Rankin
Director: Karen Demaline
Director: Ryan Cloutier
Director: Duane Mercer
Director: Karen Van Luven
Director: Greg Van Sickle
Professional Advisory Committee
Shauna Cassidy - High School Social
Worker
Karen Demaline - Community Social
Worker
Anne Elliott - Volunteer
Kent Laidlaw - Trauma Specialist
Lucinda Landau - Hospital Chaplain
Jodi Pereira - Hospital Social Worker
Sarah Pershick- Certified Child Life
Specialist
Crystal Rutherford - Halton Social
Worker & Camp Erin Clinical Director
Dr. Lori Triano-Antidormi - Psychologist
Dianne Vanderwoude- Funeral Director
We welcome submissions to our bimonthly newsletter and reserve the right to edit based on available
space. Please email any submissions or suggestions to the Executive Director, Lisa Lesnicki-Young at
community@bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca.
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Bereaved Families of Ontario - Hamilton/Burlington (BFOHB) respects your personal information and
adheres to all legal requirements with respect to protecting your privacy. We do not rent, sell or trade our
mailing lists or other personal information. We use your personal information to assist us in providing you
with appropriate services and to keep you up-to-date on the activities of BFOHB including programs,
services, special events, appeals for additional funding through periodic contacts and to volunteer.
If at anytime you wish to be removed from any of our contact lists, please advise us by telephone at
905.318.0070 or by email at: info@bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca and we will gladly accommodate your
request.
Bereaved Families of Ontario - Hamilton/Burlington
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293 Wellington Street North, Suite 118 | Hamilton, Ontario L8L 8E7 | Phone: 905-318-0070 | Fax: 905-318-9181
www.bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca Charitable Registration # 86589 2319 RR0001