CFD Death Café with Presentation

This October CFD Death Café is coming to Uptown Kingston!

Join us on Saturday, October 26 from 10am – 12pm at The Kirkland, located at the corners of Clinton and Main St. The building and space is handicap accessible with ramp and parking available. Parking on street or in municipal lot behind the building.

This month our CFD Death Café will be preceded by a brief presentation with Q/A on “A closer look at Cremation, with Jo Scari.

This month we take a closer look at cremation. According to CANA, Cremation Association of North America, “This year’s final 2017 and provisional 2018 numbers demonstrate that the actual growth in cremation rates is exceeding the projected rates published in prior years… 2018 Cremation rate was 53.1% in the USA and expected to rise to 59.4% by 2023.” So why are so many people choosing cremation, and as we stray from conventional burial are we regaining or removing ritual? Learn more as CFD Vice Chair, JoAnna Scari provides a brief but informative review of cremation: the process, options, alternatives and the environmental impact.

At Death Café, the aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their finite lives. At a CFD Death Café, each conversation is preceded with a brief presentation to expand our understanding of different topics related to dying and death.

The Circle of Friends Death Café has no theme and is not a grief support group. Come mingle and enjoy our cakes, coffee, and tea. No fee, though donations for future Death Cafés are greatly appreciated. All are welcome.

Jo (Scari) Scaramuzzo joined the CFD team in 2015. Jo holds a Degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service from the American Academy McAllister Institute and was recognized with an award in Clinical Embalming. She has directed a variety of funeral services from conventional burial to Military Honors at a National Cemetery. Jo also serves as a Funeral Celebrant and Home Funeral Guide. Jo is guided by her beliefs and, as an experienced mortician, aims to be available with guidance and information to help people through the pragmatic aspects of planning a funeral service, while also supporting their emotional journeys in grief and acceptance of mortality. Jo has been giving educational programs in and around the Hudson Valley for five years and enjoys surprising attendees with fun and unusual facts about things happening in the death industry. Education is the key to having the conversations that matter the most. On Saturday October 26th – we will learn and continue to understand to inform what we may or may not want for our funeral.

Circle of Friends for the Dying is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the Mid-Hudson Valley chartered to bring compassionate, competent care to individuals and their families by providing a Home filled with a circle of community support. Circle Home will provide access to quality end-of-life care in a warm and supportive setting. www.cfdhv.org

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