A Week of Brown Bag Lunch Conversations

Do you like to learn during lunch?  Join us at the River Garden the week of April 23 – 27 12 noon – 1 pm daily, for A Week of Brown Bag Lunch Conversations 

Monday, April 23, 12 noon – 1 pm Green Burial and Other Choices: Grief is hard enough without also having to make major decisions about things that were never discussed. One of the decisions is what sort of burial to have. For those who like to look ahead and explore options, this brown bag conversation is a good way to begin. Studying green burial and home funerals as ways of “caring for one’s own” for her own family, Penfield Chester, Taking Steps volunteer, will facilitate a discussion and offer some basic information.

Tuesday, April 24, 12 noon – 1 pm Getting Clear about Rescue: DO YOU KNOW?  When to call Rescue, what exactly to expect when the EMT arrives. What they are legally obligated to do and not do?  What happens in the ambulance and when you get to the hospital? We often assume we know, but do we really? Come hear Assistant Chief Kyle Lapointe from our own Rescue Inc. provide vital information and answer your questions.

Wednesday, April 25, 12 noon – 1 pm The REAL SCOOP about our 3 Local Hospices: People often say they wish they had used hospice services much earlier. Also, there’s some confusion about the 3 hospices in our area. VNH (with Megan Hawthorne,) and Bayada (with Emma Gardner) are medical hospices. Brattleboro Area Hospice (with Ryan Murphy) is an all-volunteer, non-medical hospice. These three panelists will present their services and how can they work together for you and your loved ones. Bring your questions and concerns! Get a complimentary mini-scoop of real ice cream or sorbet when you arrive at noon and stay until at least 12:45.

Thursday, April 2612 noon – 1 pm Advance Care Planning, Grief, and Your Own Experience: Everyone’s grief is unique. Some of us have experienced family situations where no one knew what was wanted at the end. This certainly affects how grieving goes for us. Come and talk about your experience and concerns. How can this piece be made a bit easier? Discussion facilitated by Connie Baxter, Brattleboro Area Hospice Bereavement Program Coordinator.

Friday, April 27, 12 noon – 1 pm   Write Your Own Obituary: Deborah Lee Luskin, Author & Educator, will present a workshop on writing an obituary for yourself or for someone you love. Participants will examine the parts of a conventional obit and then learn how to personalize them so that readers gain a sense of the purpose and personality of the person who has passed.  You’ve been asking for this – here it is.