Most programs in this series will be recorded.

Thursday, December 15, 2022: The Song in Lola’s Heart- A Story of Caregiving for Ages 6-76
Laurette Foggini has worked in eldercare for the past 14 years.   Over the course of her career, she has assisted hundreds of families caring for loved ones facing challenging health issues.  She helps them identify needs, create care plans, connect to resources and arrange in home care with professional caregivers. Earlier this year Laurette took a sabbatical to help her own family in New York navigate the eldercare journey.  Laurette says she has learned more in the last 14 weeks walking the elder care walk than the previous 14 years as an eldercare professional. In 2021, Laurette wrote, The Song in Lola’s Heart: A Story of Caregiving for Ages 6 to 76.  Lola, is 6 and ¾ when her best friend and grandmother, Babu (short for babushka) starts to show signs of dementia.  As Babu’s dementia progresses, Lola must find new ways to connect.  In addition to caregiving, the story weaves in themes of immigration, diversity and acceptance relevant for all ages.  The Song in Lola’s Heart can be purchased on Amazon.

Thursday, November 17, 2022: Dying to Talk about Death with Dixcy
We all wonder how we will die. Iona Nurse Care Manager, Dixcy Bosley, will continue the discussion we had in October with Dr. Tanno, and share stories of other patients with whom she had worked and how she hopes to steer people towards positive death experiences. Bring your stories!

Thursday, October 20, 2022: Creating an Advance Directive with Dr. Eleanor Tanno
Creating an Advance Directive can be intimidating! As a board certified physician, Eleanor will walk you through the two major components of an Advance Directive. Most importantly, she will help you think about defining your end-of-life “Medical Wishes.” See Dr. Tanno’s presentation here.
Other suggested resources: Five Wishes, The Conversation Project, DC MOST Form, Dr Tanno’s website

Eleanor Tanno is a practicing Maryland board certified Family Physician who is passionate about all people having an Advance Directive. She obtained her Medical Doctorate from the University of Maryland and holds a degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Virginia.

September 15 at 3:00 pm: If I ever Lose My Mind: Aid in Dying with Advanced Dementia
Susan Flanders Susan will talk about the importance of honest conversations among family members well before the time of final illness, including preparation of advance directives. She will discuss medical aid-in-dying and directives that cover situations of advanced dementia when stopping of eating and drinking (SED) may be a desired path. The session will include time for questions and conversation. See the presentation here.
9.15.2022 Chat from Susan Flanders discussion

Susan Mann Flanders is an Episcopal Priest who currently works with parishioners at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC on issues surrounding end-of-life spirituality, choices and care.  Her current book is If I ever Lose My Mind: Aid in Dying with Advanced Dementia. She served as Associate Rector of St. Mark’s Church on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and as Rector of St. John’s Norwood Parish in Chevy Chase, MD.  Her memoir Going to Church: It’s Not What You Think! was published in 2014.  Her father died with Alzheimer’s disease in 2004.

August 18 at 3:00 pm –Summer break

July 21, 2022 at 3:00 pm–What is a Death Doula
Pleasance Silicki, Iona’s Community Outreach Coordinator and trained Death Doula, will talk about the role of a death doula at the end of life.  She will also share about the ways in which they can help support the death experience for the dying person and/or the family. Link to program recording here.

June 16, 2022 at 3:00 pm — Compassion and Choices: Death with Dignity
Donna Smith will join us from Compassion and Choices. Donna has been employed by Compassion and Choices (C&C) for 5 years.  She is the Diversity & Inclusion Advisor & State Director (MD/DC).  In this capacity she led the campaign to pass Death with Dignity legislation in both the District of Columbia (the legislation passed in Feb. 2017) and Maryland, where she organized and engaged over 17,000 volunteers to help pass legislation and acted as a spokesperson on behalf of C&C. Link to program recording here.

May 19, 2022 at 3:00 pm– How can My Body be Best Used?
Ronald Rivenburgh, Anatomical Curator at the US Uniformed Services of the Health Sciences, will talk about how your body can be put to good use after you are no longer needing it. He will share the steps that need to be taken beforehand.
2022 Anatomical Donation Packet,AGP Disclaimers, 
Anatomical Gift Donation PDF 2019

April 21, 2022 at 3:00 pm–Legacy Workshop with Bob Hoffman
Bob Hoffman (HOFF) is a retired attorney and end-of-life resource/advocate, who lives in Washington, DC. He will present a free legacy workshop. How can you tell our own story? How do you want to be remembered? How can you create a legacy? What is your plan?

In this event, Hoff will offer various approaches to think about the many different aspects of legacy, as well as ways to create a tangible expression of your own legacy. You will learn about:

• What does it mean to leave a good legacy?
• Legacy Spectrum/Continuum: It’s Your Choice
• Legal Legacy
• Oral Legacy
• Written and Digital Legacy
• Visual Legacy
• Spiritual/Emotional Legacy
• Additional tools to help “Tell Your Story”

All participants will receive a list of resources, so you can continue this work on your own, as you desire.

February 17, 2022 at 3:00 pm– Necessary Documents for End-of-Life Preparation
Attorney Deborah D. Boddie will talk about what documents you must have so that your loved ones are prepared. https://www.probatelawdc.com/. Notes from Deborah here.

January 20, 2022 at 3:00 pm–Making Wise Choices-Issues to Consider Towards the End of Life
We all want to balance quality and quantity of life as we near its end. Join Dixcy Bosley and Fiona Druy, Iona nurses, as we discuss ways to prepare for our own or loved one’s end of life by. Notes from this discussion- Planning Ahead _ Values and Choices

July 21, 2021 — Thinking outside the Box (Vault) with Lily Buerkle: Green Burial Information.
Link to  program recording here.