Episode 1 Tips for Talking to Children About the Coronavirus Episode 2 Mason Jar Memories Episode 3 Sara Reads a Story Episode 4 Invisible String Activity Episode 5 Stay-at-Home Activities & Resources You can also check out our video series for adults, Closing the Distance: Moments of Connection During COVID-19 .

The support of our community friends has meant so much to us during this challenging time. We've all been coping with changes and anxieties, but the acts of kindness we've been witness to are truly heartening. We wanted to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU! Doubtless there will be some names omitted here — not for lack of appreciation, but rather due to the flurry of activity as we've all worked to adapt to the "new normal."  But to all who have shown your support for our mission and our team, please know you have truly helped lighten the burden during this difficult time. To those who have shared kind words, good needs, generous gifts, and comforting prayers, please know how deeply grateful we are for you. Donated Meals and Snacks for our Staff The VanValkenburgh family donated dinners from Genitti's Hole-in-the-Wall for our team members. The Busard Family Cork and Gabel Restaurant - Matt McGrail & Lucas, Joe Mifsud Kimberly Ead...

by Heather Dean, MT-BC The World’s Most Relaxing Film: You know what? I think it might be! At the end check your pulse and be mindful of your breathing. I did and it turned out my heart rate had synchronized with the beat of the music. This is called entrainment — it is a biological phenomenon when our heart rate synchronizes with music. It is a great way to unwind or even energize yourself when trying to get motivated with more up tempo music. Soooo many beautiful sea creatures. There are many videos on YouTube like these. Disclaimer: I am not endorsing any of these videos that make claims of guaranteed relaxation or binaural beats as the answer to relaxation — so much of this is subjective and not grounded in research. It entirely has to do with what you enjoy and find peaceful.  Music Guided Relaxation: These are short but sweet videos. I am in no way a meditation expert, but I do love these videos. I'm not endorsing any of these videos as a prescription, jus...

by Heather Dean, MT-BC I hear many people state feeling kind of fuzzy with time right now. It can be comforting to have routines when grieving or feeling overwhelmed in general. Do whatever works for your family, or if cultivating a routine right now just isn’t a priority – skip this! Also, some families like lots of music in the home, others might find it distracting or irritating. So again, do whatever works for YOUR family. Morning Music Time to get up? Is it 11 a.m. already? How about a gentle song your family would enjoy, like the Beatles “Here Comes the Sun” or maybe a classical piece like Peer Gynt "Morning Mood." Cleanup Time Set a time before a predictable event like dinner, for five minutes of family pickup time, or the length of two songs. Play Time Set the bar for frivolity with fun activities for the family to do together or separately, such as music practice or music game time. Dinner Music Choose special background music that is relaxin...

by Heather Dean, MT-BC For all our families in bereavement and for my children in music therapy bereavement: I am thinking about you all during this time of isolation and I MISS YOU! I hope this series of ideas and activities will offer some comfort to your families. There are many options to choose from for music activities for relaxation, entertainment, family bonding, and education. Lots of online and technology resources, but also some that do not require a screen. Please enjoy and take care everyone! Idea #1: Getting to Know You Puzzle photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com Do a puzzle or take time to color together or whatever craft sounds simple and fun for you and your family. It could just be with one or two family members, or more; you choose. As you engage with your activity, set up a speaker and take turns playing favorite songs. This is a great time to learn about each other’s interests and inner thoughts. Great questions to ask after hearing your ch...

Dear Friends, Facing a worldwide pandemic has challenged us all. Personally, professionally, and as a society, we’ve seen our daily lives change, and we’ve had to make sacrifices for the good of our community and all those we care about. Here at Angela Hospice, we’ve navigated this uncertain time by renewing our commitment to our mission: providing comprehensive, compassionate, and Christ-like care to adults and children in the communities we serve. We’ve had to make difficult decisions almost daily – restricting visitors to our Care Center, limiting face-to-face home care visits, canceling fundraisers and community events, and converting as much  of our operations as possible to phone or online environments. And while this has all felt overwhelming at times, what has made this experience a bit easier is remembering that we have a purpose. No matter the circumstances that surround us, we each have the opportunity to stay true to our values, and to exercise the things we ca...