in this issue

Upcoming Event: Black History Remembrance

February is coming, and Evergreen Washelli is proud to recognize the African-American notables who have made an impact in American History. Join us on Sunday, February 27, 2011 for our Annual Black History Remembrance service.

Evergreen Washelli Chapel

11111 Aurora Avenue N

Seattle, WA 98133

The 4th Annual Black History Remembrance Event begins at 3:00 pm with a gathering, then a program from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

Guest Speaker Dr. Robert R. Gary Sr. PhD. Special music presentation by the Inspirational Choir of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Seattle and Soloist, Dr. Gladys Hardy. Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres provided by Catfish Corner.

January is National Staying Healthy Month

January is National Staying Healthy Month, and in observance of this, we invite you to walk, bike or run here at Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park.

Check out what reviewers are saying about Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park on Yelp:

“Want to get away from it all? Want to lose the crowds yet be surrounded by people? Want a nice quiet spot on Aurora to eat lunch and contemplate the meaning of life? This is it. There are several sections to this park. I like the war memorial area and also the place where the old timers are buried.”

“It is a nice, peaceful place to take a walk, contemplate life in a serene setting, or just get some exercise because there are some hills in this place!”

“I really enjoy walking through here and I regularly see other people riding their bikes, walking their dogs, or jogging through here so I’m happy to know that other people frequent this place and treat it like a park.”

“I just like strolling around through it. It’s quite peaceful, and is like a park without the swingset…”

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For additional tips on staying healthy, check out the following links:

Healthy Eating & Physical Activity Across Your Lifespan: Better Health and You

A Healthier You

Weighing Evidence in Diet Ads

Exercise: Getting Fit for Life

Pre-School Health

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Invitation to Review Us

Make the most of National Staying Healthy Month! Come for some exercise in our beautiful memorial park, then share your experience at:

What To Say To A Grieving Loved One

Many people want to help a friend or family member deal with the grief associated with a loss, but sometimes it is difficult to know the correct thing to say. Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. along with the American Cancer Society and American Hospice Foundation have compiled some information that may be useful when speaking with a grieving person.

What to say to someone who has lost a loved one

It is common to feel awkward when trying to comfort someone who is grieving. Many people do not know what to say or do. The following are suggestions to use as a guide.

• Acknowledge the situation. Example: "I heard that your_____ died." Use the word "died." That will show that you are more open to talk about how the person really feels.
• Express your concern. Example: "I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you."
• Be genuine in your communication and don't hide your feelings. Example: "I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care."
• Offer your support. Example: "Tell me what I can do for you."
• Ask how he or she feels, and don't assume you know how the bereaved person feels on any given day.

Comments to avoid when comforting the bereaved

• "I know how you feel." One can never know how another may feel. You could, instead, ask your friend to tell you how he or she feels.
• "It's part of God's plan." This phrase can make people angry and they often respond with, "What plan? Nobody told me about any plan."
• "Look at what you have to be thankful for." They know they have things to be thankful for, but right now they are not important.
• "He's in a better place now." The bereaved may or may not believe this. Keep your beliefs to yourself unless asked.
• "This is behind you now; it's time to get on with your life." Sometimes the bereaved are resistant to getting on with because they feel this means "forgetting" their loved one. In addition, moving on is easier said than done. Grief has a mind of its own and works at its own pace.
• Statements that begin with "You should" or "You will." These statements are too direct. Instead you could begin your comments with: "Have you thought about..." or "You might…”

To read the entire article, Supporting a Grieving Person: Helping Others Through Grief, Loss, and Bereavement, click here.

Prince of Peace at Abbey View Memorial Park

The Christus, a statue by Thorwaldsen, a famous sculptor of Denmark, is lit nightly at Abbey View Memorial Park, which is part of the Evergreen Washelli family of cemeteries and funeral homes. Evergreen Washelli’s unparalleled reputation and trustworthiness has been known to families in the Pacific Northwest since 1884. Having established the first crematory west of the Mississippi in 1920, Evergreen Washelli is a leader in innovative ways to remember those who chose cremation. Our Brier location was founded by the Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park in 1953. Abbey View is a quiet country cemetery of 82 acres, located between Kenmore and Mountlake Terrace, just north of Lake Forest Park.

Thorwaldsen, the Danish sculptor who made a great contribution to the world, has given us one of the most beautiful and attractive statues of Christ.

Thorwaldsen’s Christ was inspired by the words “Come Unto Me.” It stands in the Fruenkirke at Copenhagen, so life-like as to suggest to the visitor the gracious invitation of old.

The famous Danish artist was born in Copenhagen, November 19, 1770. Up to the age of twenty-seven he helped his father cut figure heads on sailing vessels in the royal dockyard. This work was so distasteful to him and he grew so indifferent that one of his contemporaries described him as “a lazy hound.”

At twenty-seven he arrived in Rome, and once transplanted to classical soil and exposed to intellectual influences from all directions and from all periods, he quickly ripened into an artist of the first rank. Thorwaldsen himself used to say, “I was born on the eighth of March, 1797; before then I did not exist.”

He was noted for his quiet and peaceful disposition. Julius Lange, the well known Danish art historian, has correctly pointed out the fundamental importance of this mental and spiritual attitude of Thorwaldsen’s choice and treatment of subjects:

“He represented Christ, not in some moment of strife or sorrow, but as the Prince of Peace, stretching out His arms that all mankind may find refuge in His bosom. Thus the famous statue reflects the artist’s own confidence of final victory and peace in Him whose voice still rings loud and clear over the world.

‘Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ These gracious words of Christ might have been spoken yesterday or today–so true are they to the deepest need of our anxious times when so many broken and despairing voices murmur through the world.”

The Christus statue is sculptured in sparkling Carrara Marble in Italy for Abbey View Memorial Park.

Abbey View is truly an emerald gem in the midst of suburbia; situated on a gentle hillside, the cemetery overlooks a scenic lake as well as a majestic view of the Cascade Mountains. The pastoral charm and serenity of Abbey View offers families and visitors a special peace of mind that comes when a loved one is remembered in quiet reflection. Abbey View Memorial Park has an outstanding staff able to assist you. Our professional, personable counselors can meet with individuals or families at a time and place convenient for you—days, evenings, weekends, our offices or at your home. We offer numerous cemetery and remembrance options, and can help you plan cremation and burial arrangements. Our after-care service provides free bereavement support to families. To speak with one of our representatives, feel free to call us at 425.483.0555.

Holiday Remembrance Service

On December 5, 2010, we respectfully offered individuals a special opportunity to honor their departed family members and friends by sponsoring two “Special Day of Remembrance” Services. Anyone that had suffered a loss was invited to attend. The service featured messages of encouragement and a candle lighting ceremony. Light refreshments were served immediately following the service.

First Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony

On Saturday, December 11, 2010, Wreaths Across America was hosted by the Navy Wives Club of America, Inc. Totem #277.

The wreath laying ceremony began at 8:45 am at the Seattle Chimes Tower in Evergreen Washelli Cemetery.

For further information on how to be a part of the ceremony next year, please contact Lorraine Zimmerman at 425.220.1766.

Thank you to all who joined us in honoring our veterans.

Employment At Evergreen Washelli

Are you looking for employment opportunities at Evergreen Washelli? Are you compassionate, respectful, and genuinely interested in providing our families with excellent service and guidance? If so, please email us at our new Employment address, employment@washelli.com, for additional information.

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