Rick’s Place Hosts Family Picnic

WILBRAHAM — Rick’s Place concluded the third year of providing bereavement support to the community with a recent family picnic. Program participants, board members, and staff met at the Spec Pond pavilion in Wilbraham for the annual end-of-year picnic.

Rick’s Place board members cooked up hot dogs and hamburgers while families contributed side dishes and desserts. Participants brought their families to meet others, play ball, and fish, among other activities.

The program’s fourth year will open on Oct. 3 and continue through May 2011. All families with children ages 5 to 18 who have experienced the loss of a close family member are invited to be a part of this support group free of charge.

Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11, Rick’s Place provides a supportive and secure environment where grieving families can meet others who have had a similar experience. Children gather in small groups led by trained and supervised adult volunteers. Projects, games, and activities are planned that are meant to facilitate their grieving process.

During the 2009-10 year, Rick’s Place worked with more than 40 families, many of whom will return for another year. Bereavement support is offered at no cost to families throughout the Greater Springfield area. All group meetings are held in Wilbraham on Sunday and Tuesday evenings through May 2011. Transportation can be arranged.

If families are interested, they are encouraged to call (413) 348-3120 to schedule an orientation session. Rick’s Place is located at Kids Village, 35 Post Office Park, Suite 3514, in Wilbraham.