Upcoming Events Focus on Dying (and Living) Well

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT (August 23, 2023) – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) and the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum invite the public to attend two upcoming events at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum: a Death Café, which is a free discussion about death (and life), on Wednesday, September 6 at 7 p.m. and Dying to Talk About It, A Forum on Death and Dying Well on Wednesday, September 20 at 7 p.m.

The objective of a Death Café is to increase awareness of death while also gaining perspective on how to best live one’s life. There is no set agenda or planned theme. A free discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session, participants simply eat cake and talk.

“Facing our own mortality may help inspire us to live our lives more fully,” NVRH Chaplin Abby Pollender said. “Join us for a casual, engaging and life-affirming conversation about death and dying.”

The panel for Dying to Talk About It: A Forum on Death and Dying Well includes Medical Director for Northern Counties Home Health & Hospice Dr. Mary Ready, Interfaith Chaplain for Home Health & Hospice Rev. Ann Hockridge, Elder Law attorney Jay Abramson, Sayle’s Funeral Home Funeral Director Steve Robinson and Advanced Care Planner – who is creating a “green” cemetery in Vermont – Michelle Acciavatti.

“The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum is always looking for opportunities to expand our offerings to the community,” St. Johnsbury Athenaeum Coordinator of Library Services Adele West-Fisher said. “We previously hosted a Death Cafe before COVID and this year we are dedicating the month of September to death and dying with dignity.”

There is no registration or sign-up required. Both events are free, ADA accessible, and open to the public. For more info, contact the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum at 802-748-8291.