NEWFANE — For the month of July, the Moore Free Library, 23 West St., will present a series of workshops with the theme of death and dying.
While the series, “Death Comes to Newfane,” is focused on topics of interest to Newfane and Brookline residents, Library Director Erica Walch said in a news release that all are welcome to attend any or all of the events, which will be offered free of charge.
Here is the list of programs:
• How to Get Buried in Newfane: Jane Douglas, South Newfane Cemetery Trustee discusses which cemeteries in Newfane have openings and how to get in. Saturday, July 6, 1 p.m.
• Estate Planning and How to Write a Will: Attorney Edmund Burke helps you understand how to plan ahead and put your wishes for your property and assets in writing. His presentation includes information about protecting assets from Medicare. Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m.
• Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande: Dr. Robert Backus and Dr. Anne Brewer of Grace Cottage Hospital join John Everest of Brattleboro Area Hospice to discuss health care at the end of life. Friday, July 12, 6 p.m.
• Creating an Advance Directive: Brattleboro Area Hospice Volunteer Suzanne Weinberg discusses how to put your health care wishes and guidelines in writing should you not be able to speak for yourself. Ideas and materials to help you move forward with writing an Advance Directive will be provided. Saturday, July 13, at 1 p.m.
• Green Burials (with lunch): Jim Holman and Ron Slabaugh of Green Burial Vermont discuss how to be buried without embalming and without a vault, in a cemetery or on private land. Buffet lunch will be served, please RSVP to the library by phone (802-365-7948) or email ([email protected]). Sunday, July 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Caring for our Own: Ground-breaking in Newfane: Learn about how a group hoping to create a green burial ground at Manitou in Newfane has sparked a local movement for creative new approaches to releasing our loved ones at the end of life. Tuesday July 16, 5:30 p.m.
• Cemetery Preservation: Why Bother?: Find out with Charlie Marchant of the Vermont Old Cemetery Association. Thursday, July 18, 5:30 p.m.
• Hospice Roundtable: Representatives from the three local hospices will be on hand to discuss their services and how to get involved as a volunteer. Saturday, July 20, 1 p.m.
• End of Life Navigation and Burial Shrouds: Dina Stander discusses the role of end-of-life doulas and demonstrates shrouding. Thursday, July 25, 5:30 p.m.
• Bringing Death Back Home: Home Funerals and Burials: Lee Webster, Director of New Hampshire Funeral Resources, Education & Advocacy discusses the rules and regulations for both. (Please note: This session will be filmed as part of a documentary that is being made about alternative funeral options. Attendees who do not wish to be filmed will not be filmed). Friday, July 26, 6:30 p.m.
• Having the Last Word: Writing Your Own Obituary: Deborah Lee Luskin, a writer, speaker, and educator, tells you how to get the obit you want. Saturday, July 27, 1 p.m.