Look for some special events focused on the holidays over the next couple of months, offered through Community Hospice.

First up is a workshop, set for Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Community Hospice Patient Services Center, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto.

The free community workshop – ‘Coping with the Holidays: Self Care during the Holidays’ is open to all those interested. The featured speaker, Sandy Gunnarson, is a highly experienced grief support professional who will share information about the impact grief has on our lives and the importance of self-care during the holiday season. Participants will explore ways to find meaning even in the midst of grief and loss and share ideas for self-care to cope with grief while also celebrating with family and friends. This workshop is designed for the whole family. Children’s Grief Specialists will be available to care for children ages 4-14. Older children are invited to attend the event. For registration and general information, call 209-578-6300 or visit heal.hospiceheart.org.

Also, the 34th Annual Light Up a Life Holiday Tree Lighting at Memorial Medical Center will take place on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.

Memorial Medical Center is at 1700 Coffee Road, Modesto. The big evergreen tree, at the corner of Coffee Road and Briggsmore Avenue in Modesto, is lit to honor, celebrate and remember loved ones. Symbolic lights and ornaments are available for a nominal donation. Immediately following the ceremony, refreshments will be available at a free community reception. If you are interested in purchasing a symbolic light or ornament, call the Community Hospice Foundation at 209-578-6370 or visit give.hospiceheart.org.

The event is free to attend and open to the community.

Join the Friends of Community Hospice for the annual Fantasy of Trees event at the Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. Fantasy of Trees is a designer decorated tree and wreath auction, holiday luncheon and boutique. Beautifully decorated trees and wreathes created by local designers are part of a silent auction.

Finally, rediscover the wonder this holiday season at the Friends of Community Hospice Santa Shares Breakfast. Enjoy the beautifully decorated Gallo Center for the Arts, filled with designer-decorated trees, a delicious pancake breakfast and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Gallo, 1000 I St., Modesto.

For reservations and additional information for the upcoming holiday events, call the Community Hospice Foundation at 209-578-6370 or visit give.hospiceheart.org.

Community Hospice is the largest and oldest nonprofit hospice agency in the Central Valley. Serving the community since 1979, Community Hospice has cared for thousands of friends and neighbors offering compassionate and quality care, education and support to terminally ill patients and families, regardless of ability to pay. Care extends to over 2000 patients each year in private homes, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities and at the 16-bed inpatient Community Hospice Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Community Hospice also provides bereavement and grief support to anyone in the community.