Connecting in Our Community

Film Screening and Discussion: Being Mortal

Based on Dr. Atul Gawande’s bestseller, Being Mortal, this documentary follows families, clinicians, and the author himself as they navigate tough choices about serious illness and the end of life. It cuts through medical jargon and invites viewers to focus on goals that bring meaning, comfort, and autonomy. Watch the trailer here.

After the film, a local panel—Pastor Ingor Manchester, retired general surgeon Dr. Bill Faulkenberry, Hospice of the Piedmont team member, and an end‑of‑life doula—will lead an open discussion and answer your questions. Whether planning for yourself, caring for a loved one, or simply curious, you’ll leave with practical questions to ask your doctor, language to start family conversations, and a fresh perspective on living fully.

Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
      Social Hour: 9:30–10:00 am (coffee & light bites)
      Film + Panel: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Location: Tuckahoe Clubhouse, 37 Stone Orchard Drive, Nellysford, VA 22958
Price: Free and open to all Wintergreen neighbors and friends

Hospice of the Piedmont is pleased to partner with HereToStay in Wintergreen on this special community event.

Summer Solstice Celebration at NOWyoga

Join us at NOWyoga for a Calming Yoga & Sound Bath Class. Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation and revitalization while supporting the nonprofit work of Hospice of the Piedmont. Holly Hedstrom, yoga instructor and HOP volunteer, will guide you through calming poses, a soothing yoga nidra session, and a serene crystal healing bowls sound bath. Afterwards, we’ll toast the arrival of summer on the garden deck with a glass of bubbly! Bring your yoga mat; all other props will be provided. Space is limited to 24 spots. Suggested donation $60.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Location: NOWyoga, Charlottesville, VA

Hospice and Palliative Overview at Waynesboro Public Library

Got questions about hospice care, but not sure who to ask? Join us for a clear, candid overview of hospice and palliative care, led by Nurse Mina Ford, our Director of Education. In just 60 minutes, Mina will walk you through:
• Who qualifies and when to ask for help
• How these services are covered
• What families gain—at home, right away

You’ll get straight answers and real-life insight from a Nursing Professional Development Specialist who trains hospice teams every day. Ideal for caregivers, older adults, and community professionals. Free and open to the public—bring your questions!

Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00am
Location: Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro

No RSVP required.

Hospice and Palliative Overview at Augusta County Library

Not sure what hospice really means—or when it’s the right time to ask about it? Join Hospice of the Piedmont for a practical, judgment-free conversation led by Dr. Simran Mann, a board-certified hospice and palliative care physician. Drawing on her experience as both a hospitalist and hospice medical director, Dr. Mann will break down:
• How palliative care can start early, alongside treatment
• What hospice looks like day-to-day
• How both can ease stress for patients and families

If you’re caring for a loved one—or planning ahead—this hour is for you.

Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 3:00pm
Location: Augusta County Library, 1759 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville, VA

No RSVP required.

Death Over Donuts at Panorama Natural Burial

Donut fear the reaper. Talk about him instead. Join us and our friends at Panorama Natural Burial for Death Over Donuts, a relaxed, small-group conversation about what it means to plan for the end of life. Over coffee and donuts, trained Death Doulas will guide thoughtful discussions that are honest, open, and anything but gloomy. No lectures, no pressure—just a chance to ask questions, share stories, and connect with others who are curious about what comes next.

Date: Thursday, September 11
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Please arrive by 2:15)
Location: Panorama Natural Burial, 3550 Reas Ford Ln, Earlysville, VA
Price: Free admission. Coffee & donuts provided.

Trained Death Doulas will guide the discussion—no agenda, no judgment, just honest talk about living well, dying well, and everything in between. Bring your questions, your sweet tooth, and maybe a friend.

Please note: This is not a Grief Support Group. If you are grieving and seeking help, please visit our Grief and Healing page for upcoming support groups and other resources.

Death Over Donuts at The Center

The hole truth? Planning beats guessing. Join us at The Center for Death Over Donuts—an upbeat, small-group conversation that turns big end-of-life questions into bite-sized, coffee-and-cruller chat. Guided by trained Death Doulas, you’ll swap stories, gather practical tips, and leave with the gift of clarity for yourself and your family—no lectures, no pressure, just neighbor-to-neighbor insight in a place built for lifelong learning.

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd, Charlottesville
Price: Free. Coffee & donuts provided.

Listen or speak up—it’s your call. Bring a friend, your questions, and your sweet tooth.

Please note: This is not a grief support group. For bereavement resources, visit our Grief and Healing page.

Death Over Donuts at Augusta County Library

We’re not going to sugar coat it—talking about death can be hard. But at Death Over Donuts, we make space for honest conversation. Join us for an afternoon of community, connection, and curiosity about life’s final chapter. Forget lectures; this is a round-table chat. In small groups, you’ll explore thought-provoking questions hand-picked by our Hospice of the Piedmont Death Doulas, swapping stories and insights in a space that feels as warm as a fresh cup of coffee.

Date: Wednesday, September 24
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Please arrive by 2:15 to settle in)
Location: Augusta County Library, 1759 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville
Price: Free admission. Coffee & donuts provided.

Trained Death Doulas will guide the discussion—no agenda, no judgment, just honest talk about living well, dying well, and everything in between. Bring your questions, your sweet tooth, and maybe a friend.

Please note: This is not a Grief Support Group. If you are grieving and seeking help, please visit our Grief and Healing page for upcoming support groups and other resources.

Signs and Symptoms at End-of-Life at Waynesboro Public Library

What does dying actually look like—and how can families know what to expect? Join Hospice of the Piedmont for an honest, informative talk led by Dr. Alina Fomovska, a dual board-certified physician in Emergency Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine.

Drawing on years of clinical and academic experience, Dr. Fomovska will explain:
• Common signs and symptoms in the final weeks, days, and hours
• What’s normal—and what’s not
• How families can provide comfort and support

This is a compassionate, plain-language guide to a natural part of life. Free and open to all—ideal for caregivers, professionals, and planners alike.

Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 3:30pm
Location: Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro

No RSVP required.