Resources

Retreat for Persons with a Serious Illness

Date: October 15, 2025
Author: Catherine Fetterman
Categories: Community Gifts of Art, News, Resources for Seniors & Caregivers

In October I was so very blessed to be among a team of 19 volunteers who provided a 3 day retreat of respite, love and spiritual inspiration and support for individuals facing a serious illness and their caregivers. This retreat has been offered for about 40 years in my diocese of Arlington, VA. It was started by two women who had made a Cursillo Weekend and later sought the help of a team of nurses, doctors, priests and other volunteers to make it accessible for those with health challenges.

What an amazing experience we all had! I was so blessed to be able to spend a weekend with this beautiful group of men and women journeying together in God’s loving embrace. I was so happy to be able to extend an opportunity for all our retreatants and volunteers to an afternoon of painting and prayer. The theme that God placed on my heart was Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Shepherd”. It was 90 minutes that included singing, prayer and painting the cover of a prayer and gratitude journal.

I want to give a big thank you to Catholic Charities for underwriting the cost of the whole retreat and all the supplies needed for this workshop, and to all those who were so brave to paint with me! Here’s to the gifts of love, faith, and creativity explored together!

Older adult painting journal cover with a landscape assisted by a volunteer
Some of our nearly 30 journals painted during our 90 minutes together
Two journals painted by a married couple

Free Spring and Summer Online Classes during COVID-19

Date: June 18, 2020
Author: Catherine Fetterman
Categories: Calendar of Events, Community Outreach, News, Resources for Seniors & Caregivers

My family and I have made a series of four art videos that you can watch for free until August 31st. Whether you just watch them or want to paint along with me, we hope you enjoy our gift of love during these challenging times.

Each episode lasts 20-30 minutes and includes a little journey to find the inspiration for our painting, step-by-step instruction, and inspiration from older adults I’ve had the honor to have as my students. They too, at one time, said “I can’t paint”, which later became “I can’t believe I painted that!” Oh what joy we’ve shared together and how I miss them so!

If you need a list of recommended supplies, please click here.

As an extra gift to those who wish to subscribe to my mailing list, I’ll send written step-by-step directions for all the videos below, and announcements of more resources to help us continue to be inspired and connected to one another.

Episode 1: Painting Virginia Bluebells
Episode 2: Painting Cherry Blossoms
Episode 3: Painting Wildflowers
Episode 4: Painting Beach Flowers

Presenting at the Maryland Activity Coordinators Society’s Annual Conference in Ocean City, MD

Date: October 9, 2016
Author: Catherine Fetterman
Categories: Calendar of Events, Community Outreach, News, Resources for Seniors & Caregivers

[Show picture list]

On September 27 & 28 2016, I had the privilege to present two 90-minute workshops at the Maryland Activity Coordinator’s Society (MACS) annual conference in Ocean City, MD. It was a wonderful experience! I am so grateful that my associate, Jess Sauder, was able to join me. I was also deeply honored that Greenfield Senior Living of Berryville, Virginia would send their Activities Director four hours away for two days to give a five-minute testimonial at each workshop about how much they value my program. It was a wonderful experience for each of us to be with such a caring and talented group of activity professionals. I’d like to also give a special thank you to Tammy Hay, MACS Conference Coordinator and Activities Director at Carol Lutheran Village in Maryland, for inviting me to speak and lead these hands-on workshops. May all these efforts help more people to experience the life-enriching gifts of the arts in their lives.

Free Dementia Education Workshop on Nov 12, 2014 in Leesburg

Date: October 23, 2014
Author: Catherine Fetterman
Categories: Calendar of Events, News, Resources for Seniors & Caregivers

Please join me at this 1/2 day event specifically designed for families and caregivers of individuals with memory impairments. Speakers include a geriatric pyschiatrist, neurologist, senior advisor, author, as well as yours truly! It will be held November 12th at the Best Western Hotel in Leesburg, VA (727 E. Market St.). Registration and breakfast start at 8:00am and the event ends at 12:30pm.

Admission is free but registrations are required. Click here to see the details about the event, and/or to register.

Memory Café (the Alzheimer’s Support Group of Sterling, VA)

Date: December 13, 2013
Author: Catherine Fetterman
Categories: Resources for Seniors & Caregivers

memorycafeMeet new friends, socialize, relax and participate in activities in a safe, relaxed atmosphere. This group is for people with mild to mid-stage memory loss and their caregivers.

Where: Galilee United Methodist Church in the Youth Center, 45425 Winding Rd, Sterling, VA 20165

When: 2nd Saturday of the month, 12-2pm

Bring: Your own brown bag lunch. Soft drinks and dessert are provided.

For more information or questions, please contact Dee Stuebing: 571-243-6199 (cell) or email deestuebing@yahoo.com