FOUNDATION NEWS

THE GRACE OF GIVING THROUGH PLANNED GIFTS

A bequest was recently left to Grace Cottage by Faith and Louis Hawkins. Faith, who died at age 85 in October, 2000, was a resident of Stratton House Nursing Home for several years. Stratton House social worker Carol Vandertuin recalls that Faith was at the nursing home when residents and staff were making plans to move from the original building to the new wing. "Everyone wanted to be Faith's roommate," said Carol. "She was a real lady, and everyone appreciated that."

Faith was also someone who realized that a planned gift to Grace Cottage in her Last Will and Testament, called a bequest, would help to perpetuate the type of care that she received during her life from the Valley Health Council, Grace Cottage's physicians, and Stratton House Nursing Home.

There are a number of ways to make a planned gift to Grace Cottage, which can be arranged to take place after your death or while you are still alive. Andrea or Mary, at Grace Cottage Foundation, (802) 365-9109, would be happy to discuss, in complete confidentiality, the many benefits of planned giving opportunities with you. The wording of these documents is important, because they must state exactly what you want to occur.

As we progress further into the 21st century, there is no question that we will rely more heavily than ever on the generosity of those who consider the personalized and professional healthcare provided by the Otis Health Care Center to be essential to the future physical and emotional health and well-being of the West River Valley.

WELCOME, DARLENE!

Darlene Kelly has joined the Foundation staff, as part-time Bookkeeper and Office Assistant. Darlene is a native of Westminster, Vermont, where she lives with her husband, Brian, their son, Brendan and daughter, Molly.