Pines of Peace nearly complete

Efforts to establish a comfort care home for the terminally ill located between Williamson and Ontario began a year ago.

So much has happened since those fledgling days. Registered nurse co-founders Elinor Cuvelier and Cheryl Haak are excited with the advances over the last months.

The home is nearly completed, thanks to the efforts of many volunteers working on the Renovation Committee, headed by Doug Hastings of Ontario. Members of the Ontario Fire Company cleaned and painted the cellar. A family room in the cellar area is being refurbished under the leadership of Kim Codding, a senior Girl Scout volunteering in an effort to earn the Gold Award for scouting.

Shirley Cataldo and her team of volunteer interviewers have sent over 130 applications. Approximately 90 individuals have been interviewed and are ready for three training programs scheduled in February, March and April.

Cuvelier and Haak continue to stress that the volunteers are the heart of the home.

"Everyone has a gift to share, if one desires to be a part of the ministry," explained Haak.

The financial campaign will always be a vital part of Pines of Peace. Chairpersons of Marketing, Les and Phyllis Adriaansen of Williamson, have designated individuals in several communities to lead fund-raising.

"We plan to have an open house the first weekend in May and will be ready to receive our first patient shortly after," said Cuvelier.

The cost to care for someone for one hour is only $13.13, with no cost to the patient, because of volunteerism. There is an importance in giving financially, because you will make a difference in the lives of others.

Many useful items have been donated to the house, such as a freezer, side-by-side refrigerator, hospital beds, beds for families, sofas, chairs, dining room tables and chairs, office furniture, and a copier.

The house is still in need of a VCR, televisions, floor lamps, bed tables, and other items. If you would like to donate items, contact Cheryl Haak at 524-9159.

Coming events to benefit Pines of Peace include a dinner and entertainment on April 25, at the Wayne Central Middle School, and a golf tournament on August 16, at Marvin's Country Club.

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