All posts by Keith Lee

Registration is now open for all three free one-day camps

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (May 11, 2023) – Hospice of Michigan invites Michigan residents to register for Camp Good Grief, a free grief support program designed for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The camp is open to any child ages 8-17 dealing with grief, regardless of whether their loved one received care from Hospice of Michigan. There are three opportunities to attend a Camp Good Grief this year:

• Camp Newaygo, located at 5333 S Centerline Road in Newaygo, Michigan
  • 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 12
  • Applications open through Wednesday, May 31.
  • For more information contact Karen Monts at kmonts@hom.org or 313-578-6326.
• YMCA Camp Ohiyesa, located at 7300 Hickory Ridge Road in Holly, Michigan
  • 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 28
  • Applications open through Friday, June 30.
  • For more information contact Jackie Morris at jmorris@hom.org or 313-578-6328.
• YMCA Camp Timbers, located at 3269 Horseshoe Lake Road in West Branch, Michigan
  • 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, August 18
  • Applications open through Friday, July 21.
  • For more information contact Alexandra Irwin at airwin@hom.org or 989-358-4295.

“Hospice of Michigan is committed to serving kids across the state by providing professional grief services and the opportunity to connect with peers who have gone through similar experiences,” said Karen Monts, grief support services director for Hospice of Michigan. “Children deal with grief much differently than adults, meaning the support, education and guidance offered at Camp Good Grief is critical for children struggling with the emotional toll of losing a loved one.”

Camp Good Grief is a day-long program that provides grief support, emotional comfort and enjoyable activities for children. The camp is free of charge and is run by qualified grief professionals and trained volunteers from Hospice of Michigan and partner organization, Arbor Hospice. The program includes a variety of recreational activities, such as arts & crafts, music therapy, pet therapy and camp related team-building games, that are designed to provide fun and adventure for the participants. Campers will have the opportunity to express their emotions, remember their loved ones and establish lasting friendships.

Campers will have the opportunity to explore and play on acres of groomed fields and natural woods, and parents can trust the adventures are led by well-trained staff whose primary focus is their campers.

Lunch and a snack are included.

Space is limited and early registration is highly encouraged for all three camps. To register, visit hom.org/grief-journey-program/#camp.

Cutting-edge SIM Lab is the first of its kind in Michigan, offering a new level of excellence in hospice care training

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (May 10, 2023) – Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice, both members of NorthStar Care Community, are holding a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the NorthStar Institute Simulation Lab (SIM Lab) from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24 at 2366 Oak Valley Dr. in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

One of the few dedicated end-of-life hospice simulation labs in the U.S., and the first in Michigan, the SIM Lab offers cutting-edge, hands-on tools and resources to provide hospice clinicians advanced, real-world training and education focused on the mastery of both technical skills and facilitating effective conversations around death and dying.

The SIM Lab includes:

• A fully furnished, real-life patient bedroom environment featuring two of some of the world’s most realistic clinical teaching tools, Lifecast Manikins – one adult and one pediatric – complete with equipment needed to videotape training simulations.
• An advanced skills lab fitted with the equipment necessary to practice on-demand skills with clinical educators.
• An adjacent debriefing room, or classroom, for clinical and instructional staff to review videotaped SIM Lab training sessions.

With its innovative simulation-based tools, resources, and education, simulation-based training provides opportunities to hone clinical and decision-making skills through real-life situations without compromising patient dignity. This advanced training ensures that Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice clinicians are prepared to provide the highest quality care and meet the complex physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families at end-of-life. The SIM Lab also functions as a true community resource, offering critical caregiver training and education to grow the confidence of family members who are caring for their loved ones.

The SIM Lab training experience ultimately benefits patients by educating interdisciplinary clinical teams to improve therapeutic communications skills, reduce risk and focus on patient comfort above all else. In turn, the NorthStar Care Community staff, community partners, as well as patients and families also benefit by seeing improvements in quality of care through better-trained clinicians and cutting-edge, realistic learning in a safe patient environment.

“Most of our clinical staff come to us never having worked with dying patients,” said Rachel Derry, RN and director of the NorthStar Institute. “How do you teach them to have those crucial conversations? The cutting-edge centralized Simulation Lab, coupled with regional Advanced Skills Labs, will help us teach these skills to make sure our staff are fully-prepared to get it right every time.”

For more information regarding NorthStar Institute Simulation Lab, contact Peggy Cole at mcole@arborhospice.org or at 724-794-5147.

About NorthStar Care Community

NorthStar Care Community (NSCC) was created to preserve and promote the mission of nonprofit hospice and palliative care – to deliver expert, compassionate care to patients of any age, no matter their diagnoses, complexity of care, place of residence or ability to pay. NorthStar Care Community was formed in 2017 by two legacy nonprofit hospice agencies – Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice – and also includes NorthStar Palliative Care, the NorthStar Institute and Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children. As members of the NSCC family, the organizations combine operational resources in order to maximize support at each patient’s bedside, delivering the highest standards of care to those who are seriously ill. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 6,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information about NorthStar Care Community, visit www.northstarcarecommunity.org.

Under his 25 years of management, the not-for-profit has grown in strength and stability; current COO Patrick J. Miller, RN, MBA, MHSA, FACHE will succeed Cahill in 2024

 ANN ARBOR, Mich. (April 7, 2023) – NorthStar Care Community (NSCC), anchored by Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice, recently announced that Robert (Bob) Cahill will retire from his role as president and CEO in December 2023. NSCC’s executive vice president and COO Patrick J. Miller, RN, MBA, MHSA, FACHE will succeed Cahill.

Cahill has served the not-for-profit for 25 years, 10 of which he served as CEO. Since stepping into this role in 2014, Cahill made it his mission to preserve the not-for-profit hospice mission in Michigan and across the country, so programs and services remain available to all who need end-of-life care. During his tenure, he helped increase the not-for-profit’s patient census by more than 30%, which enables NSCC to provide high quality hospice care for more patients and families throughout Michigan. NSCC has 750 employees, 525 volunteers, and 15 Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice care teams across the lower peninsula of Michigan serving nearly 1,500 patients every day.

Under his direction, NSCC eliminated debt, grew its assets, stabilized the workforce, and expanded services during the pandemic. His crowning achievement as CEO was to help NSCC grow stronger and more stable under his leadership.

“Bob Cahill is a true champion for not-for-profit hospice care in this country. He loves the work we do and has the deepest respect for the people who have dedicated their careers to our mission – from our clinicians who provide incredible care at the bedside, to many others who help keep this organization operating at the highest level,” said Marcie Hillary, senior vice president, community relations at NorthStar Care Community. “His work has grounded our organization, even when times were turbulent. Because of that, we are stronger than ever and better equipped to provide the highest quality care for all – regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstances. We wish him all the health and happiness in his retirement.”

Miller will officially step into Cahill’s CEO role on January 1, 2024. Miller joined Hospice of Michigan in 2004 and has held a variety of roles including director of clinical services, director of new business development, director of organizational integrity, and most recently as executive vice president and COO for NSCC.

Throughout Miller’s time with NSCC, he and Cahill helped drive the not-for-profit’s national footprint through NorthStar Solutions Group, a division of the organization that offers hospice and home healthcare organizations of all sizes cost-effective, technology-driven resources to improve clinical and operational excellence. While these resources (triage, consulting, EMT/IT, referral intake, physician services, education, etc.) are vital to hospice operations, they can be costly for smaller hospices. Through its collaboration with partners like NorthStar Solutions Group, NSCC touches the lives of more than 10,000 patients annually in 18 states including Washington DC in partnership with 50 organizations.

Miller grew up in rural Centreville, Michigan, and his background includes 27 years in nursing and 17 years in executive leadership. As a clinician, Miller is passionate about patient care and has a deep understanding of what it means to serve patients at bedside. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and received his master’s degrees in business administration and health services administration, as well as his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from University of Michigan. Miller is a graduate of the Second Degree/Second Career program at Wayne State University College of Nursing.

“Patrick is an inspirational and creative leader. His hospice connections throughout the state and across the country are significant, and his leadership experience will only make NorthStar Care Community stronger,” said Cahill. “During his time as executive vice president and COO, he worked closely with me, making him the natural successor for CEO. Our sincerest congratulations to Patrick on his new role. I cannot wait to see where he takes us in 2024 and beyond.”

For more information about NorthStar Care Community, visit northstarcarecommunity.org.

About NorthStar Care Community

NorthStar Care Community (NSCC) was created to preserve and promote the mission of nonprofit hospice and palliative care – to deliver expert, compassionate care to patients of any age, no matter their diagnoses, complexity of care, place of residence or ability to pay. NorthStar Care Community was formed in 2017 by two legacy nonprofit hospice agencies – Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice – and also includes NorthStar Palliative Care, the NorthStar Institute and Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children. As members of the NSCC family, the organizations combine operational resources in order to maximize support at each patient’s bedside, delivering the highest standards of care to those who are seriously ill. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 6,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information about NorthStar Care Community, visit www.northstarcarecommunity.org.

The not-for-profit’s signature fundraiser features the best food, drinks and music Michigan has to offer; proceeds support access to not-for-profit hospice

ALPENA, Mich. (March 9, 2023) – For the first time ever, Hospice of Michigan’s Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraising event is expanding to Alpena from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at The Depot.

Barley, BBQ & Beats is the not-for-profit’s signature fundraising event featuring hand-crafted cocktails from local distilleries, mouth-watering barbecue courtesy of local pit masters and restaurants, and live musical performances – all to support access to not-for-profit hospice. The fundraiser has grown every year since its inaugural event in Grand Rapids in 2016. Expanding to Detroit in 2018 and Cadillac in 2019, its popularity led Hospice of Michigan to bring this popular event to more communities across the state, including 2023 dates set for:

• Detroit – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at Saint Andrew’s Hall
• Grand Rapids – 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
• Cadillac – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at The Wex
• Ann Arbor – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 21 at The Valley
• Traverse City – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 at Cathedral Barn
• Alpena – 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at The Depot

Tickets for all Barley, BBQ & Beats events are on sale now, and can be purchased for $50 in advance at hom.org/bbb or at the door of each event for $75. Ticket holders will be provided tokens at check-in valid for three servings of BBQ and three hand-crafted cocktails. Extra tokens will be available for purchase. Alternative samplings will be available if guests have sensitivities to barbecue foods.

Exclusive to the Grand Rapids event is a special appearance by two-time GRAMMY Award nominated, multiple ACM and CMA Award Winning multiplatinum vocalist, Kelsea Ballerini. Visit hom.org/bbb for tickets and special ticket packages that include a ticket to Barley, BBQ & Beats and a ticket to the Kenny Chesney: I Go Back Tour with Kelsea Ballerini at Van Andel Arena. Special ticket packages start at $186.

All those who donate during the events will have the opportunity to double their generosity thanks to the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation. The “Make it a Double” Matching Gift will match all donations up to $250,000. Proceeds from Barley, BBQ & Beats support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Program, which helps ensure end-of-life care to all, regardless of age, diagnosis or financial circumstances.

“For the first time ever, our signature Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraiser is coming to Alpena, and what better way to thank this community for their continued support than by hosting an event with the area’s best hand-crafted cocktails, delicious barbecue and great music,” said Melissa McDonald-Reed, philanthropy manager for Hospice of Michigan. “Over the years, it’s been truly rewarding to witness so many Michiganders come together to pay tribute to a lost loved one whilst enjoying local food, drinks and entertainment all in an effort to further Hospice of Michigan’s mission in making quality end-of-life care accessible for anyone who needs it.”

Barley, BBQ & Beats guests are encouraged to pay tribute to a deceased loved one by posting a photo or sharing a memory at the event.

Statewide Barley, BBQ & Beats sponsors include Applied Innovation, CareLinc Medical Equipment, Fifth Third Bank, Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company, Miller Welding Supply & Industrial Gases and Pioneer Construction.

For tickets and more information, visit hom.org/bbb. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Melissa McDonald at mmcdonald@hom.org.

The not-for-profit’s signature fundraiser features the best food, drinks and music Michigan has to offer; proceeds support access to not-for-profit hospice

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (March 9, 2023) – For the first time ever, Hospice of Michigan’s Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraising event is expanding to Traverse City from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 at Cathedral Barn.

Barley, BBQ & Beats is the not-for-profit’s signature fundraising event featuring hand-crafted cocktails from local distilleries, mouth-watering barbecue courtesy of local pit masters and restaurants, and live musical performances – all to support access to not-for-profit hospice. The fundraiser has grown every year since its inaugural event in Grand Rapids in 2016. Expanding to Detroit in 2018 and Cadillac in 2019, its popularity led Hospice of Michigan to bring this popular event to more communities across the state, including 2023 dates set for:

• Detroit – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at Saint Andrew’s Hall
• Grand Rapids – 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
• Cadillac – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at The Wex
• Ann Arbor – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 21 at The Valley
• Traverse City – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 at Cathedral Barn
• Alpena – 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at The Depot

Tickets for all Barley, BBQ & Beats events are on sale now, and can be purchased for $50 in advance at hom.org/bbb or at the door of each event for $75. Ticket holders will be provided tokens at check-in valid for three servings of BBQ and three hand-crafted cocktails. Extra tokens will be available for purchase. Alternative samplings will be available if guests have sensitivities to barbecue foods.

Exclusive to the Grand Rapids event is a special appearance by two-time GRAMMY Award nominated, multiple ACM and CMA Award Winning multiplatinum vocalist, Kelsea Ballerini. Visit hom.org/bbb for tickets and special ticket packages that include a ticket to Barley, BBQ & Beats and a ticket to the Kenny Chesney: I Go Back Tour with Kelsea Ballerini at Van Andel Arena. Special ticket packages start at $186.

All those who donate during the events will have the opportunity to double their generosity thanks to the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation. The “Make it a Double” Matching Gift will match all donations up to $250,000. Proceeds from Barley, BBQ & Beats support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Program, which helps ensure end-of-life care to all, regardless of age, diagnosis or financial circumstances.

“Hospice of Michigan’s Barley, BBQ & Beats is back after three long years and for the first time ever, we’re bringing our signature fundraising event to Traverse City,” said Elaine Taule, philanthropy manager for Hospice of Michigan. “Since its beginning, Barley, BBQ & Beats has served as a way for Michigan communities to come together, enjoy the area’s best hand-crafted cocktails, tasty barbecue and great music all to help Hospice of Michigan’s mission in making quality end-of-life care accessible for anyone who needs it.”

Barley, BBQ & Beats guests are encouraged to pay tribute to a deceased loved one by posting a photo or sharing a memory at the event.

Statewide Barley, BBQ & Beats sponsors include Applied Innovation, CareLinc Medical Equipment, Fifth Third Bank, Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company, Miller Welding Supply & Industrial Gases and Pioneer Construction.

For tickets and more information, visit hom.org/bbb. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Elaine Taule at etaule@hom.org.

Highly-anticipated event brings back hometown favorite Luke Winslow-King; proceeds support access to not-for-profit hospice

CADILLAC, Mich. (March 9, 2023) – After a three-year hiatus, Hospice of Michigan’s Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraising event is returning to Cadillac from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at The Wex.

Barley, BBQ & Beats is the not-for-profit’s signature fundraising event featuring hand-crafted cocktails from local distilleries, mouth-watering barbecue courtesy of local pit masters and restaurants, and live musical performances – all to support access to not-for-profit hospice. The fundraiser has grown every year since its inaugural event in Grand Rapids in 2016. Expanding to Detroit in 2018, this lively event debuted in Cadillac in 2019 welcoming more than 600 community members. Because of its popularity, Barley, BBQ & Beats has spread statewide, with 2023 dates set for:

• Detroit – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at Saint Andrew’s Hall
• Grand Rapids – 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
• Cadillac – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at The Wex
• Ann Arbor – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 21 at The Valley
• Traverse City – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 at Cathedral Barn
• Alpena – 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at The Depot

Tickets for all Barley, BBQ & Beats events are on sale now, and can be purchased for $50 in advance at hom.org/bbb or at the door of each event for $75. Ticket holders will be provided tokens at check-in valid for three servings of BBQ and three hand-crafted cocktails. Extra tokens will be available for purchase. Alternative samplings will be available if guests have sensitivities to barbecue foods.

Exclusive to the Grand Rapids event is a special appearance by two-time GRAMMY Award nominated, multiple ACM and CMA Award Winning multiplatinum vocalist, Kelsea Ballerini. Visit hom.org/bbb for tickets and special ticket packages that include a ticket to Barley, BBQ & Beats and a ticket to the Kenny Chesney: I Go Back Tour with Kelsea Ballerini at Van Andel Arena. Special ticket packages start at $186.

All those who donate during the events will have the opportunity to double their generosity thanks to the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation. The “Make it a Double” Matching Gift will match all donations up to $250,000. Proceeds from Barley, BBQ & Beats support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Program, which helps ensure end-of-life care to all, regardless of age, diagnosis or financial circumstances.

“The wait is finally over – Hospice of Michigan is bringing back our signature Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraiser to Cadillac, and this year’s event will be an experience the community does not want to miss” said Margo Jacobs, lead marketing advisor for Hospice of Michigan. “Community members can enjoy some of the best hand-crafted cocktails, local barbecue and musical performances for a good cause – helping Hospice of Michigan ensure that quality end-of-life care remains accessible for anyone who needs it.”

Barley, BBQ & Beats guests are encouraged to pay tribute to a deceased loved one by posting a photo or sharing a memory at the event.

Statewide Barley, BBQ & Beats sponsors include Applied Innovation, CareLinc Medical Equipment, Fifth Third Bank, Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company, Miller Welding Supply & Industrial Gases and Pioneer Construction. The Cadillac event is also made possible thanks to Cadillac Castings, Inc., Cadillac News and WTCM-FM.

For tickets and more information, visit hom.org/bbb. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Cassandra Haner at chaner@hom.org.

Special appearance by Kelsea Ballerini, plus special ticket packages that include a ticket to Barley, BBQ & Beats and a ticket to the Kenny Chesney: I Go Back Tour with Kelsea Ballerini at Van Andel Arena

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (March 9, 2023) – After a three-year hiatus, Hospice of Michigan’s Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraising event is returning to Grand Rapids from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe.

Barley, BBQ & Beats is the not-for-profit’s signature fundraising event featuring hand-crafted cocktails from local distilleries, mouth-watering barbecue courtesy of local pit masters and restaurants, and live musical performances – all to support access to not-for-profit hospice care. The fundraiser has grown every year since its inaugural event in Grand Rapids in 2016. Because of its popularity, Barley, BBQ & Beats has spread statewide, with 2023 dates set for:

• Detroit – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at Saint Andrew’s Hall
• Grand Rapids – 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
• Cadillac – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at The Wex
• Ann Arbor – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 21 at The Valley
• Traverse City – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 at Cathedral Barn
• Alpena – 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at The Depot

Tickets for all Barley, BBQ & Beats events are on sale now, and can be purchased for $50 in advance at hom.org/bbb or at the door of each event for $75. Ticket holders will be provided tokens at check-in valid for three servings of BBQ and three hand-crafted cocktails. Extra tokens will be available for purchase. Alternative samplings will be available if guests have sensitivities to barbecue foods.

Exclusive to the Grand Rapids event is a special appearance by two-time GRAMMY Award nominated, multiple ACM and CMA Award Winning multiplatinum vocalist, Kelsea Ballerini. Visit hom.org/bbb for tickets and special ticket packages that include a ticket to Barley, BBQ & Beats and a ticket to the Kenny Chesney: I Go Back Tour with Kelsea Ballerini at Van Andel Arena. Special ticket packages start at $186.

All those who donate during the events will have the opportunity to double their generosity thanks to the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation. The “Make it a Double” Matching Gift will match all donations up to $250,000. Proceeds from Barley, BBQ & Beats support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Program, which helps ensure end-of-life care to all, regardless of age, diagnosis or financial circumstances.

“Our signature fundraiser, Barley, BBQ & Beats is finally back and this year, it’s bigger than ever before,” said Joe Infante, Hospice of Michigan’s Barley, BBQ & Beats committee co-chair. “This event is truly an amalgamation of the best things Grand Rapids has to offer, refreshing hand-crafted cocktails, tasty local barbecue and great music, all in an effort to further Hospice of Michigan’s mission in making quality end-of-life care accessible for anyone who needs it.”

Barley, BBQ & Beats guests are encouraged to pay tribute to a deceased loved one by posting a photo or sharing a memory at the event.

Statewide Barley, BBQ & Beats sponsors include Applied Innovation, CareLinc Medical Equipment, Fifth Third Bank, Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company, Miller Welding Supply & Industrial Gases and Pioneer Construction. The Grand Rapids event is also made possible thanks to WOOD-TV8.

For tickets and more information, visit hom.org/bbb. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Rachael Knapp at rknapp@hom.org.

Highly-anticipated event brings back hometown favorite Luke Winslow-King; proceeds support access to not-for-profit hospice

DETROIT (March 9, 2023) – After a three-year hiatus, Hospice of Michigan’s Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraising event is returning to Detroit from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at Saint Andrew’s Hall.

Barley, BBQ & Beats is the not-for-profit’s signature fundraising event featuring hand-crafted cocktails from local distilleries, mouth-watering barbecue courtesy of local pit masters and restaurants, and live musical performances – all to support access to not-for-profit hospice. The fundraiser has grown every year since its inaugural event in Grand Rapids in 2016, expanding to Detroit in 2018. Because of its popularity, Barley, BBQ & Beats has spread statewide, with 2023 dates set for:

• Detroit – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at Saint Andrew’s Hall
• Grand Rapids – 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
• Cadillac – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at The Wex
• Ann Arbor – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 21 at The Valley
• Traverse City – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 at Cathedral Barn
• Alpena – 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at The Depot

Tickets for all Barley, BBQ & Beats events are on sale now, and can be purchased for $50 in advance at hom.org/bbb or at the door of each event for $75. Ticket holders will be provided tokens at check-in valid for three servings of BBQ and three hand-crafted cocktails. Extra tokens will be available for purchase. Alternative samplings will be available if guests have sensitivities to barbecue foods.

Exclusive to the Grand Rapids event is a special appearance by two-time GRAMMY Award nominated, multiple ACM and CMA Award Winning multiplatinum vocalist, Kelsea Ballerini. Visit hom.org/bbb for tickets and special ticket packages that include a ticket to Barley, BBQ & Beats and a ticket to the Kenny Chesney: I Go Back Tour with Kelsea Ballerini at Van Andel Arena. Special ticket packages start at $186.

All those who donate during the events will have the opportunity to double their generosity thanks to the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation. The “Make it a Double” Matching Gift will match all donations up to $250,000. Proceeds from Barley, BBQ & Beats support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Program, which helps ensure end-of-life care to all, regardless of age, diagnosis or financial circumstances.

“It’s been too long since Hospice of Michigan has been able to hold our signature Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraiser in Detroit. Not only is the event returning – it’s coming back bigger and better than ever before,” said Megan Lacross, director of philanthropy for Hospice of Michigan. “It’s truly heartwarming to witness so many Michiganders come together with their fellow community members to experience some of metro Detroit’s best hand-crafted cocktails, delicious barbecue and great music – all in an effort to further Hospice of Michigan’s mission in making quality end-of-life care accessible for anyone who needs it.”

Barley, BBQ & Beats guests are encouraged to pay tribute to a deceased loved one by posting a photo or sharing a memory at the event.

Statewide Barley, BBQ & Beats sponsors include Applied Innovation, CareLinc Medical Equipment, Fifth Third Bank, Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company, Miller Welding Supply & Industrial Gases and Pioneer Construction. The Detroit event is also made possible thanks to Covera Health.

For tickets and more information, visit hom.org/bbb. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Megan Lacross at melacross@hom.org or Kim Streich at kstreich@hom.org.

Dr. O’Neil to manage all physicians and nurse practitioners at Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice

 ANN ARBOR, Mich. (March 3, 2023) – NorthStar Care Community announces Thomas O’Neil, MD FAAHPM has been promoted as the new Director of Medical Affairs.

In this role, Dr. O’Neil will manage members of the not-for-profit’s Medical Affairs team, including all physicians and nurse practitioners at Hospice of Michigan, Arbor Hospice and NorthStar Palliative Care. Dr. O’Neil will continue his responsibilities as director of NorthStar Palliative Care and as the hospice physician for the Hospice of Michigan Detroit/Dearborn team; continuing to serve and care for patients in Wayne County. He will report directly to executive vice president and COO Patrick J. Miller, RN, MBA, MHSA, FACHE.

“Ever since joining the NorthStar Care Community, Dr. Thomas O’Neil has proven himself to be a respected leader,” said Miller. “He has, time and time again, demonstrated his significant commitment to the field of hospice and palliative medicine. We are lucky to have him as a member of our team and celebrate him in this new role.”

Prior to this position, Dr. O’Neil served as the medical director Arbor Hospice and Hospice Physician for the Detroit/Dearborn team in southeast Michigan.

Dr. O’Neil earned the designation Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM) in 2021 for his work as a physician who cares for patients with a serious illness. The Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine status is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a physician member.

He received his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit and trained in Family Medicine at The University of Michigan. Following residency, he completed a Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at the University of Michigan. After remaining at the University of Michigan as faculty, he joined Arbor Hospice and NorthStar Palliative Care full time in December 2018.

About NorthStar Care Community

NorthStar Care Community (NSCC) was created to preserve and promote the mission of nonprofit hospice and palliative care – to deliver expert, compassionate care to patients of any age, no matter their diagnoses, complexity of care, place of residence or ability to pay. NorthStar Care Community was formed in 2017 by two legacy nonprofit hospice agencies – Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice – and also includes NorthStar Palliative Care, the NorthStar Institute and Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children. As members of the NSCC family, the organizations combine operational resources in order to maximize support at each patient’s bedside, delivering the highest standards of care to those who are seriously ill. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 6,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information about NorthStar Care Community, visit www.northstarcarecommunity.org.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (March 1, 2023) – Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice, both members of NorthStar Care Community, are celebrating their dedicated team of statewide social workers during National Social Work Month in March.

While social workers are trained to help vulnerable people work through challenges in their life, hospice social workers are specially skilled to care for patients nearing end-of-life. They work directly with all individuals involved in a patient’s care, including patients, family members, physicians, nurse practitioners and more.

Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice rely on social workers across the state to deliver compassionate and competent care to hospice patients. The not-for-profits are proud to celebrate those who break barriers and advocate for their patients.

“Our team of social workers have the compassion, commitment and training it takes to support hospice patients and their families,” said Karen Monts, practice manager of counseling services and grief support services director for Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice. “End-of-life is a particularly vulnerable time – the counseling, education and guidance they provide are critical for families struggling with the emotional toll of a difficult situation. We are incredibly thankful for the kindness and expertise of our beloved social workers.”

Hospice social workers offer countless benefits to the patients, families and not-for-profits they serve, including:

• Helping a family fill out medical paperwork,
• Arranging homemaker services for a hospice patient and spouse living alone,
• Listening to patients needs and concerns to connect them to resources,
• Working collaboratively with nursing staff to assist in reducing pain and discomfort,
• Developing personalized care plans for each patient and their caregiver to address mental health concerns,
• Providing suggestions for non-therapeutic interventions,
• Assisting families with having difficult conversations at end-of-life,
  • Advanced Care planning, funeral planning and even placement of dependent children,
• Providing counseling, education and emotional guidance to support families,
• Providing accommodating care to all cultures, traditions, values and family systems.

To learn more about Hospice of Michigan, visit hom.org. To learn more about Arbor Hospice, visit arborhospice.org.

About NorthStar Care Community

NorthStar Care Community (NSCC) was created to preserve and promote the mission of nonprofit hospice and palliative care – to deliver expert, compassionate care to patients of any age, no matter their diagnoses, complexity of care, place of residence or ability to pay. NorthStar Care Community was formed in 2017 by two legacy nonprofit hospice agencies – Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice – and also includes NorthStar Palliative Care, the NorthStar Institute and Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children. As members of the NSCC family, the organizations combine operational resources in order to maximize support at each patient’s bedside, delivering the highest standards of care to those who are seriously ill. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 6,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information about NorthStar Care Community, visit www.northstarcarecommunity.org.