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The Special Moments at Celia's House
Lily Herwald, Director of Development & Communications
As I sat in the sunroom of Celia's House, a familiar face greeted me - Dana, a longtime volunteer, who brightens up our residents' day with her warm and inviting presence. Soon after, one of the residents, Hartz, joined us. Although he recently became a resident of Celia's House, Hartz already seemed well-acquainted with the other staff members and volunteers.
Over the next twenty-five minutes, Hartz, Dana, and I touched on a wide range of topics - the marvels of language and memory, the efficiency of rail travel, and even the joy of being coffee snobs. We explored the mystery of energy connecting all beings and the enduring legacy of semaphore communication.
The conversation was invigorating, and I found myself yearning for it to last longer. Dana and Hartz were intelligent, great listeners, and demonstrated a genuine curiosity about life. Their presence filled my heart and mind with appreciation for the deep connections we shared.
Celia's House is a place where many conversations tend to become deep and meaningful. The residents are at the end of their lives, and others of us are aware that death may be around the corner for us as well, so we seize the moment to connect sincerely. Sometimes, a simple conversation can have a profound effect, sometimes it is nonverbal, embodied in a gentle touch. It all seems to come down to “being present” with one another. Small moments mean so much.
*Some names in this piece have been changed to respect individual privacy*
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Welcome The HUB's New Team!
The HUB’s success in raising funds to support SOFH and Celia’s House depends on many people, from donors, volunteers, and customers to paid staff. The HUB’s four-member staff, or “team,” is hard-working, experienced, fun, creative, and committed.
Since 2019, Patrice Dean has managed all aspects of activity at The HUB, including financials, strategic planning, hiring, and training. Her warmth, flexibility, optimism, fun-loving attitude, and expertise set the tone for the team and store.
In November 2022, Lara Knackstedt joined The HUB Team as Assistant Manager. Luckily for The HUB, Lara is a fashion maven who applies her skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to processing, pricing, and staging clothing. Her expertise, upbeat attitude, and great people skills positively impact the store’s operations, its customers, and her fellow workers.
Muriel Plank, a HUB volunteer-turned-Team Member, maintains order in the busy, ever-bustling backroom of the store. Muriel’s dry humor, steadfastness, terrific organizational skills, calm demeanor, and attention to detail are great additions to The HUB Team.
Most recently, The HUB hired Jessica Bailey, another former HUB volunteer, to fill the newly created position of Volunteer Coordinator. Since The HUB’s opening in 2009, one of SOFH’s founding members, Trudy Duncan, has tirelessly interviewed and introduced volunteer applicants to The HUB. Now Jessica has taken on Trudy’s role and more. She is responsible for recruiting, interviewing, orienting, inspiring, and celebrating HUB volunteers. Jessica’s energetic, can-do attitude, administrative experience, sense of humor, and friendliness are great additions to the team.
For the Team, volunteers, and customers, The HUB is so much more than a store; it is a community center. What a team. What a unique boutique.
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1618 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR
Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 10:30am – 5:00pm;
Closed Sunday.
(541) 488-7805
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- New donation hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:30am - 4:00pm. The HUB is closed Sunday and no donations are accepted Monday.
- Interested in volunteering at The HUB? Contact us (541) 488-7805
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Comforting Presence: Celia’s House Gardens
Cheryl French, Volunteer, with gratitude to John Forsyth
At Celia’s House, the beauty of the outdoor gardens, trees, and paths offers a peaceful window to the never-ending cycles of the natural world. It is a quiet place, easily accessible to residents, families, visitors, volunteers, and staff, allowing each person to ponder and share what matters most with those who matter most. It is a place for healing and peaceful closure.
Resident support volunteer, John Forsyth, and garden volunteer, Barb Steely, began to co-chair the Garden Committee soon after Celia’s House was purchased in 2016. John devotes time inside Celia’s House, visiting weekly with each resident and family at the bedside. He says, “Nature invites humans to engage with that which is greater than themselves. When residents, family, or staff need a break from time spent inside Celia’s House, they can find solace in the quiet gardens and walkways which surround the residence.”
Barb acknowledged the work of the talented volunteer gardening team, “They inspire me. Each person has a special skill that improves the quality of what we do together. I have never worked with such an outstanding team.”
Garden volunteer Dana Rayburn added, “We are always happy to welcome new members to the team, no experience is necessary.” The group meets on Wednesday mornings.
Summing up the team’s work, John said, “With dedication and loving attention to each plant and to the overall ambience of the garden, the Celia’s House Garden group is devoted to creating a peaceful, welcoming, healing environment for each person who passes through this special place.”
Garden Committee Volunteers
Allan Rowell * Barb Steely * Carol Stella * Dana Henderson * Dana Rayburn * David Strother * John Forsyth * Louise Parker * Mike Steely * Rhonda Refsnider * Viki Ashford
Take a Virtual Tour of the beautiful gardens of Celia's House here:
Celia's House Spring Garden Tour Video
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Allan Rowell, a volunteer at Celia's House, is known for his expertise in growing roses. Allan is also a professional photographer. Below are examples of his work, and you can view more online at: https://www.rowellfloral.com/ | |
"Because of Celia's House and the amazing staff, my mom was able to enjoy the last days of her life. At the end, she was completely immobile. My mother loved gardens her whole life. One day, one of the caregivers took the time to call my family and me to let us know that she miraculously got out of bed and walked over to her bedroom window to look out at the beautiful garden. She died shortly after. Thank you, Celia's House, for being the blessing you were." | | |
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We are Here to Help. Please Give Us a Call.
Our team recognizes that caregiving at the end of life can be challenging. For questions about admissions or other support, please call (650) 743-7997.
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