Hospice of the Valley has now been in operation for nearly one year. Last year at the Snowmass Village Loving Tree celebration, the organization was in the midst of working to get its state licensure and in February 2009, they achieved that goal and began offering its services to the dying and their families throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 6 p.m., the Loving Tree event in Snowmass will return to the Silvertree Hotel with all the cheer that the upcoming holidays deserve. Along with the refreshments and music that make this a festive occasion, there is a table of handmade ornaments which are sold as a fundraiser.

These are special ornaments for they hold our memories of those departed or those in the midst of dying. Loving Tree is not a celebration of death, but rather the celebration of lives that have ended.

While none of us can escape that final exit from human life, how one dies is the focus of hospice.

“Everyone should have a death with dignity, comfort, peace and hope. No one should die alone or in pain,” said Villager Markey Butler, who is the director of Hospice in the Valley.

The Loving Tree is a very old event that began when Mary Ellen Secrist started the Roaring Fork Hospice in Aspen, which survived for two decades. When that hospice closed, a scramble was made to start a new program to provide the much-needed services to the terminally ill and their families.

Hospice in the Valley is now based out of Basalt. It offers services at home, as well as in a hospital, nursing home or assisted living setting. Although it now gets financing through Medicare and Medicaid, it also needs donations to provide its special end of life care.

“This is a special time of year. The purpose of the Loving Tree celebration is to honor those we have lost, whether family or friends. Take a moment out of the coming holidays to remember those who have passed. Come to celebrate living and life,” said Butler.

In its short existence, Hospice in the Valley has touched several Villagers.

“My experience occurred last April when one of my dear friends had lung cancer. We had a circle of friends who helped to bring her meals, took her to the doctor and kept her company,” said Nancy Ferguson.

“When it was more than we could deal with and she needed someone 24/7, we called Hospice in the Valley and Markey Butler came to talk with us. They took over all the duties and all the worries. They are angels. When final crisis unfolded, hospice took over. They know everything that needs to be done and how to do it. Everyone was so kind and capable. This is not a situation that anyone should face alone. It's a vital service,” she said.

“We are really blessed to have hospice here. Our goal is to get a lot of locals to come out to for the Loving Tree celebration. We ask for a minimum donation for each ornament. Some people put it on the big Christmas tree at the hotel, but most bring it home or send it to somebody,” said Sue Smedstad, who is organizing the Silvertree event.

As an important service to the community, Hospice in the Valley needs the support of the community, and the Loving Tree event is one way to do that.

Without the support of the Silvertree Hotel the event would probably not take place. Last year, they put on a fabulous holiday feast filled with beautiful hors d'oeuvres, cookies and drinks by a warming fire beneath a huge decorated tree.

“Allison Campbell and John Quigley of the Silvertree Hotel get kudos for putting it on. Both have had hospice experience in their families,” said Butler.

The celebration at the Silvertree Hotel is only one of five Loving Tree events that will take place in the area that the hospice covers. Also on Tuesday, an event will be at the Little Nell Hotel at 5:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 6, it will be at the Roaring Fork Club at 5 p.m. and the following day in Glenwood Springs and then one in Rifle.