The Community Hospice

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Albany, NY
The Community Hospice

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We care for seriously ill patients and provide support to their loved ones.

Please like us while you’re here...and check out our web site: www.communityhospice.org We provide care for patients in their own homes or apartments, in local hospitals, and in 40 area nursing homes. In all cases, we go to wherever the patient is, the patient never has to leave where they are to come to us.

10/28/2026

You know that in September, The Community Hospice took 47 grieving children and teens to Camp Erin in the Adirondacks for a weekend bereavement camp. The young campers got to enjoy some fun activities, meet others their age who are also dealing with loss, and learn the basic skills to cope with their feelings. This past weekend, we brought the youths back for a wonderful reunion along with their families and our volunteers.

Participants talked about their grief “North Stars” –- those things that remain constant and steady no matter how much sorrow they faced. They also talked about the “North Stars” of their loved ones, which they can now adopt for their own guidance. Finally, taking inspiration from the star in the Camp Erin logo, the group made beautiful star ornaments in remembrance of their loved ones which they took home to hang in their own windows. It was a meaningful and heartful gathering for all who attended.

10/27/2026

You are NOT alone! The Community Hospice invites you to join in Eluna's 4th Annual "Camp Erin National Luminary Ceremony," a national online event to honor Children's Grief Awareness Week, Sunday, November 15, 7 - 8 pm ET. Eluna is the international funding organization for Camp Erin programs in the U.S. and Canada.

The Luminary Ceremony welcomes children, teens, and families who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives to come together in community with others who are grieving. Camp Erin alumni and volunteers are also encouraged to participate! The guided event will help participants create luminaries for their loved ones while bringing comfort in community, connection in shared experience, and strength in remembering.

Participants must register at https://bit.ly/4BsGVMV. A Zoom link will be provided after registration. Those who register by November 2 will receive a FREE luminary kit by mail. Supplies limited. U.S. shipping only.

You are not alone. Let’s remember, together.

10/23/2026

Calling ALL knitters, crocheters, quilters! The Community Hospice NEEDS YOU! As temperatures dip, the need for handmade blankets for our Veteran patients has been greater than ever, with scores of new Veterans entering care each month. So we are currently seeking more handmade red-white-blue blankets to help keep them warm and comfortable. For many of the Veteran patients and families we serve, the simple gift of a blanket provides more than just warmth. It offers comfort, dignity, and a sense of security during their challenging times, and the colors of red-white-blue symbolize the bravery, courage, and valor they showed in serving our country and protecting our freedoms.

You can help ensure that our Veterans receive the comfort and love they deserve this season. As part of our “We Honor Veterans" program, Hospice pays tribute to every Veteran entering our care by presenting them with a red-white-blue blanket handmade for them with love and delivered by a Hospice staff member or volunteer. The bundle also includes a Certificate of Appreciation, a small flag, and a lapel pin. Please help us provide warmth and comfort for our Veterans by donating, reposting, and sharing with everyone you know who is a skilled knitter or crocheter. (Throws 48 x 60 or hospital bed blankets 70 x 90 are preferred.)

HELP US HONOR AND THANK OUR VETERANS FOR THEIR SACRIFICES. Blankets may be dropped off at our Albany office at 445 New Karner Rd, or a Hospice office near you. For more information, please call Cindy at 518-724-0200.

10/23/2026

Please join The Community Hospice in congratulating our Hospice Foundation Board Member David Larkin (left) and Regional Vice President of Philanthropy for Trinity Health of New York and New England Peter Semenza (right). Both were recently honored by Hudson Valley Community College with Distinguished Alumni Awards recognizing their professional accomplishments, community service, and continued connection to the college. Also pictured is Executive Director of The Community Hospice Foundation Francesca Casaregola. Trinity Health is the parent organization of The Community Hospice.

Larkin earned an AAS degree in Electrical Technology from HVCC in 1972 and an AAS degree in Industrial Engineering Technology in 1974 before going on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Clarkson University in 1976 and a Master of Science in Manufacturing Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1981. Larkin began his career at the Watervliet Arsenal and held roles at Texas Instruments, the Harris Corporation and the United Nuclear Corporation before returning to Hudson Valley to teach in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Department in 1991. He went on to serve as department chair for three different technology departments over the next three decades before retiring from the college in 2021. During his time at Hudson Valley, Larkin was actively involved in the fundraising and creation of CAMS, a $14.5 million dollar, 37,000-square-foot facility to train the advanced manufacturing workforce that opened on Hudson Valley’s campus in 2019. Today, he serves on the college’s Foundation board, as well as the board of The Community Hospice Foundation, and manages his consulting firm, David P. Larkin and Associates, which has been active for more than 35 years.

Peter Semenza graduated from Hudson Valley with his associate degree in Marketing in 1984, then went on to complete his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communications at The University at Albany. He started his career in philanthropy at The Center for Disability Services in the early 1990s before taking on his leadership role at St. Peter’s Health Partners in 1997 and is now the regional vice president of philanthropy for Trinity Health New York, overseeing St. Peter’s Health Partners Center for Philanthropy in Albany and St. Jospeh’s Health Foundation in Syracuse. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of fundraising across the health system, which includes a fundraising budget of $30 million annually to support capital improvements, advancements in technology, nursing scholarships and mission integration. More than $350 million has been raised to advance the mission of St. Peter’s Health Partners under his leadership since 1997.

10/21/2026

We can’t express our gratitude enough for the tasty success of our “Touched by an Angel” event last week. Five hundred guests turned out to support the annual fundraiser, raising an incredible $110,000 for Hospice patient programs in the Saratoga and Washington counties area. Thank you to ALL who supported the beautiful evening!

A special thanks to all the restaurants and businesses that participated in making this our most successful Angel event yet! Please check them out in the comment link below.

10/09/2026

Save the date! Join The Community Hospice at our annual "Light-A-Life Memorial Tree-Lighting," Saturday, Dec. 5, at 4 pm. Sponsored by Presenting Sponsors Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Stewart's Shops & the Dake Family, and Trustco Bank, this annual tradition will feature a reading of the names in memory of loved ones and a special tree-lighting ceremony. This year, the event will be expanded to a larger location at Hudson Valley Community College, Bulmer Telecommunications Center, 80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy. Free to attend. The event will also be live-streamed on www.lightalifehospice.org for those unable to attend in person.

Two special keepsakes featuring a beautiful red cardinal are available for sale this year. Folklore has it that a cardinal's appearance is meant to show us that we are not alone. Seeing a cardinal is a sign that your loved ones or angels are near. Our Cardinal Holiday Memorial Tag Set (printed with your loved one’s name: one tag will be hung on our tree and one mailed to you for your tree) is available for $25; and our handpainted glass Cardinal Ornament is available for $30. (Tag orders must be received by Nov. 25 to be included in the program.) Proceeds benefit Hospice programs. For more info, please visit https://www.givetocommunityhospice.org/light-a-life/ or contact Jodi at 518-525-1070.

10/02/2026

The Community Hospice relies on the generosity of donors to provide many "extra" programs and services to the community that are not reimbursed or covered by insurance, including grief counseling for anyone suffering a loss in the community, massage and music therapies, a Wish Fund for patients' last wishes, and the Camp Erin weekend bereavement program to help children and teens grieve after losing a significant person in their lives. ALL of these programs are provided FREE of charge.

YOU can help! The greatest gift you can give is comfort, compassion, and hope! If you have a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), you can put your funds to work through a grant designated to The Community Hospice. Your gift helps provide extra comfort, dignity and care to patients, while offering guidance and support for families. If you don't have a DAF account, please consider talking with your financial advisor so you can support this meaningful cause and make an immediate impact. For more information, please contact Francesca Casaregola, executive director of The Community Hospice Foundation, at 518-525-8854. Thank you in advance for your kindness! ❤

09/28/2026

Calling all FOODIES! Join us for The Community Hospice's 28th Annual “Touched by an Angel” tasting extravaganza sponsored by Presenting Sponsor Regeneron, Thursday, Oct. 15, 6-8 pm, Canfield Casino, Saratoga Springs.

Treat your taste buds to a scrumptious evening for a great cause. Sample from a variety of elegant sweet and savory food stations featuring top chefs from 16 local of your favorite restaurants in the Saratoga area. Complimentary ch*****ne, w**e, b**r, and Saratoga Springs water. Enjoy live musical entertainment, an amazing silent auction, fabulous raffle prizes, and fun with Saratoga Photobooth. Cocktail attire.

Tickets are $85 each. Proceeds will benefit programs and services of The Community Hospice in Saratoga and Washington counties. To reserve your spot, please call Jodi at 518-525-1070 or visit www. SaratogaAngel.org.

09/28/2026

The Community Hospice has introduced a new monthly "Movie Night" offering a FREE movie on the second Thursday of every month. The next showing is Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30 - 8 pm, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany. The free event will provide an opportunity for those seeking companionship and socialization after the death of a spouse or life partner. Light refreshments will be served. October's featured movie will be Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, “Strangers on a Train.” To reserve your seat, please call Pat MacLeod at 518-724-0200.

09/25/2026

Our hearts are full here at The Community Hospice as we wrap another successful Camp Erin. We hosted 47 youths ages 7 to 17, all of whom had experienced the loss of a significant person in their lives. Community Hospice hosts the weekend bereavement camp in the Adirondacks every year to give grieving children and teens the opportunity to participate in some fun camp games while learning the essential skills to deal with their feelings of grief.

The camp was facilitated by trained Hospice bereavement counselors and volunteers. We are grateful to Eluna, our funding organization, and NY Life which sent volunteers to help with the sendoff.

The Community Hospice is able to offer programs like Camp Erin free of charge thanks to the generosity of donors and funding from Eluna.

Address

Albany, NY

Telephone

+18006780711

Website

http://www.communityhospice.org/

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