MUNSTER | For the 20th year, Burns-Kish Funeral Homes again is offering its annual Holiday Help seminar to assist individuals who have experienced the death of a family member or close friend, as well as for those who work in the field of grief-related issues.

The seminar is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road.

The holidays can be especially difficult for people who have recently lost someone close to them because of the activities that can trigger new feelings of grief.

"We recognize that for many, this would be the first holiday season without a close family member present, and they are at a loss as to how to cope," Burns-Kish President Tom Burns said in a news release. "If the grieving process was delayed, this could be the second or third holiday and people are wondering why they are still feeling the same way as before."

The two-hour program was developed by New Leaf Resources, a national organization specializing in grief management. Holiday Help is a trademarked program and Burns-Kish has been selected in the Calumet Area by New Leaf Resources to present it, according to the release.

This year's expert speaker is Sherry Williams, president and founder of New Leaf Resources.

Williams has devoted the past 20-plus years to advancing the caring professions, with grief issues as her specialty, according to the release. She has been a featured speaker for numerous national and community organizations, and is the publisher of New Leaf Magazine, an Internet publication.

She wrote "Renewing Your Spirit," a guide for holiday and special days. This book will be given as a gift from Burns-Kish to each person or one member of each family attending the seminar.

Williams will explain how the grief process works and will share ways others have coped. Also featured will be practical suggestions on what to do about the holidays, including how to memorialize a loved one.

Because the event is presented as a community service, there is no admission fee. Refreshments will be served. Make a reservation by calling (219) 836-5000, or stop by one of the Burns-Kish funeral home in Hammond and Munster. There is no obligation associated with the program.

"We had over 300 people register for the seminar last year, and the comments we hear are how very helpful and comforting people found the program," said Pat Kish, founder of The Wounded Healers and vice president of Burns-Kish. She added she's grateful the center offers the seating in its theater.

- For The Times