Grief and Loss will be presented as a free Lunch and Learn seminar by Deanna Bieniek, Manager of Bereavement Services at St. Croix Hospice, on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Deerwood Auditorium. Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Chaplain Mark Henson will also be at the presentation.

Those attending will learn about the different types of grief, the responses to grief, and receive helpful tools to navigate through their feelings. Other items to be discussed include that it’s okay to grieve even if the person has lived a long life, finding the new normal after losing a spouse who’s been in a life for decades, the unique grief that comes from a dementia diagnosis, and losing a loved one during a pandemic.

Bieniek, who has been working in hospice for more than six years, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and has extensive bereavement training. She works alongside social workers and chaplains to create and develop bereavement support for families and the community.

“Grief is a natural response to loss that everyone will experience in life,” said Bieniek. “How someone grieves will be unique to that person and the circumstances surrounding the death.”

Sponsored by Cuyuna Area Connections in partnership with CRMC, boxed lunches will be provided. Tables will be spaced apart for social distancing, and masks will be required when not eating. Space is limited. Registration is required by Friday, Feb. 4, by calling KariLee Pietz at 218-545-5361.

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