ODG Summer 2026 (2) - Flipbook - Page 39
Berkeley GC Brings Comfort to Hospice House
r
Flo al A
rrangements Offer Cheer to Residents and Loved Ones
Ricki
rson and Patsy McGrady, Berkeley GC (T)
Ca
r
y Garden Club in
Williamsburg is dedicated to creating
small floral arrangements for the
Hospice House of Williamsburg.
Hospice House is a four-bed facility
that offers short-term residential care
for individuals nearing the end of life,
as well as bereavement support for
their closest loved ones. All services
provided by Hospice House are free
of charge.
The Be kele
story of the Project
the early days of Hospice House, several Williamsburg area garden clubs would take
turns designing large centerpieces for the entry hall. When the COVID-19 pandemic
began, this practice was discontinued due to quarantine restrictions. The Ford’s Colony
Garden Club responded by introducing the idea of smaller arrangements, which could be
dropped off at the front door on the first of each month. Jill Sitcer, the current president
of the Berkeley Garden Club and a member of both Ford’s Colony and Berkeley, shared
this idea with Berkeley. Berkeley embraced the concept and decided to provide
arrangements for the fifteenth of each month. Ford’s Colony continued with arrangements
on the first of the month.
Hi
In
w the Arrangements Are Made
Berkeley Garden Club members volunteer for a specific month. Typically, one member—or
occasionally a team of two—creates four small arrangements using disposable or
recyclable jars that do not need to be returned. The arrangements are designed to fit
comfortably on a small bedside table, and themes related to holidays or religion are
deliberately avoided. While most bouquets are composed of fresh flowers, they may also
include dried materials. Occasionally, members purchase small flowering plants for the
arrangements.
Ho
ts for Hospice House and Club Members
s approach ensures that Hospice House has fresh arrangements throughout the
month. The project gives interested club members a chance to use their creative talents
and participate at their own level of expertise. It is a meaningful initiative that benefits
Berkeley Garden Club members and brings a bit of cheer to people facing some of life’s
most difficult moments.
Benefi
Thi
39.
ODG S
ummer 2026
