Death Cafe write-ups
Death Cafe Millerton, NY
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Death Cafe - Millerton, #4 was held at Irving Farm Coffee House. Tonight our Death Cafe community consisted of 23 guests. A mixed crowd - male and female, young and not so young, local and some from as far away as Poughkeepsie, NY, Cornwall, CT and Worcester, MA. There were new faces, repeat guests and several "regulars". Each had their own personal reason for attending and all seemed ready and willing to share in the interesting conversation and delicious cake. We were delighted to see everyone.
Death Cafe - Millerton, NY has tried to be consistent in following a format, while continually tweaking ...
Death Cafe Austin Write up
Posted by Death Café Austin on Nov. 27, 2013, 7:28 a.m.
Austin Texas loves Death Café!!!
By Jo Jensen
On Thursday evening, November 21st, Austin held its sixth Death Café with a diverse group of fourteen men and women, most of whom had never attended a Death Café event. Oh yes, there were a couple of seasoned “repeaters” who brought their ongoing interest and curiosity to keep the conversation ever- lively.
Thanks to co-facilitator, Brooks Kasson, who enjoys transforming an average café meeting room into an extraordinary sacred space, we began by closing the doors to the private meeting room at Café Express. Colorful tablecloths, tea lights flickering warmly, and a “talking stone” on every table set the ...
Our first Death Cafe in the Rutland, VT area was held at the Speakeasy Cafe, a fitting cafe name for this event. Twenty people of various ages, backgrounds, and beliefs, filled the cafe. We broke into three tables and opened the afternoon with one question, "What was your first experience of death?"
Following the opening question, we had the choice of focusing on four other questions, depending on time remaining. One table discussed only one other question, the other two discussed all four questions. The afternoon was then wrap-up with a large group sharing of thoughts and reactions to the afternoon.
The general reaction was the afternoon was ...
The first Stroud cafe on 15 November was very heavily over-subscribed, with over 50 people wanting to come, and this was following word-of-mouth and website publicity only!! Stroud is that kind of town! The evening was very successfuI, I decided to split the numbers and hold 2cafes on different dates, 25 in each. We started with a round of names and why we had come and then split into four groups for an hour. We came back into the larger group for the final half hour,to decide on future meetings. All expressed an interest in meeting again, in January, where we will split into groups of specific ...
Death Cafe in Allegan, Michigan Write up
Posted by Theresa Lynn on Nov. 20, 2013, 8:22 a.m.
This was our first Death Cafe, and an amazing 27 people attended. We met as a large group for an explanation of the evening and a short history of Death Cafe. Then we divided into 4 small groups. Questions were provided on slips of paper in fishbowls that groups could use as conversation starters. Some groups used them; one didn't need them. Evaluations were extremely positive, and many asked when we would hold the next one. Fabulous food was brought in by Wings of Hope Hospice staff and volunteers. All in all, a highly successful first experience!
Friendly & Fearless Tucson Death Cafe Write up
Posted by tucsondeathcafe on Nov. 18, 2013, 11:25 p.m. 1 comment
Tucson Death Cafe #13 was held Nov 5th at Monterey Court Café and Galleries. This evening a participant and local Elder Circles leader Del Jones told us about an upcoming PBS documentary (the Huffington Post calls a "must see") and a free public discussion forum, all in support of "the conversation" about communicating end-of-life wishes. Then she led some discussion. She addressed the larger group (16 people) first and then we split into smaller groups for discussion outside or inside. Del posed questions for us to consider, like: What do you want at the end of your life? Have you spoken about it to relevant loved ones, friends ...
Columbus Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Columbus Death Cafe/Lizzy Miles on Nov. 16, 2013, 2:43 p.m.
On November 14th, the Columbus Death Café met at the Lavash Café in Clintonville. The 14 participants were a diverse group with a wide range in ages (20’s to 60’s), backgrounds, and spiritual beliefs with a few describing themselves as atheists and agnostic, setting the tone for a thought-provoking night.
The dialogue was sometimes funny, often touching. One person read an excerpt from the popular book “Stiff” leading to a discussion about dark humor, grief and coping skills. Others discussed buckets lists, loss of pets, and an emerging trend of celebrating someone’s life before they die rather than after, at the funeral. A social ...
We had a terrific response to our Death Café meeting! It was a full house with some people left on the waiting list. There was a wide age spectrum of participants at varying levels of socioeconomic status. Everyone was respectful of others’ thoughts and ideas. Common fears were shared about the practical aspects of dying such as preparing living wills and preplanning funeral arrangements, as well as desires for end of life care. Views on reincarnation and euthanasia were discussed along with questions about how to leave our legacy to those left behind. Participants left wanting to know when we could do this again!
Death Cafe Charlotte NC Write up
Posted by Gaye Dimmick on Nov. 14, 2013, 2:49 p.m.
There was a line out the door. We had to ask neighbor businesses to accommodate overflow parking. 49 people gathered in 3 of our group rooms at The Respite and rich discussion and small miracles took place. Like a friend,recently a widower, who read the article about the cafe and was compelled to come. We had funeral directors and a rep for Compassion and Care. There are topics that gather us together and transcend all political, religious, and other differences. Death is one such topic. Thanks to Jon and Lizzy for your support. Next Death Cafe at Respite Dec 11 7pm to 9pm. See you then. Lyndall ...
Death Cafe Glenview Write up
Posted by Kathy Miller, LCPC on Nov. 13, 2013, 8:34 p.m.
Despite wind, sleet, and Chicago's ever-present road construction, 15 lively folks attended our first Death Cafe! Held at the lovely and welcoming Be Optimal Holistic Health Center in Glenview and fortified by tea and skull cookies, our guests actively participated in small and large group discussions. Evaluation results indicated high levels of satisfaction with the structure, content, facilitation, and, most of all, the opportunity to discuss death with like-minded people. Words used most often to describe guests' Death Cafe experience were comfortable, thought-provoking, open, friendly, and healing. We can't wait to do it again!
Northern Alberta Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Northern Alberta Death Cafe on Nov. 12, 2013, 6:10 p.m.
Our Next DEATH CAFE will be held at Muskoseepi Park Pavilion on the 6th of Dec from 7 - 9. We will be keeping our DEATH CAFE to the first Friday of the month as a regular scheduled event and the location will be the same as well.
Looking forward to seeing you all out for coffee, cake and conversation....
On a drizzly Saturday afternoon about 30 souls gathered at Theo’s Coffee Shop & Cozmic Pizza to talk about death. Separating into groups of 4 or 5 we sat around small round tables with open minds and hearts. Starting with an appetizer of: “Why are you here today, what intrigued you about this forum”, diners were then able to choose from an assortment of entrees including: “why is death feared and not discussed in American society”, “What happens when you die”, and “What role does death play in living?”. After what appeared to be an intense, engaging and enjoyable 2-hour meal of conversation and discussion surrounding death, dying ...
Death Cafe - Fremantle, WA Write up
Posted by Death Cafe - Fremantle on Nov. 10, 2013, 10:18 p.m.
I am continuously surprised by each Death Cafe I have run since March 2013. This latest event was no exception.
The lead up went from many expected to one participant due to be late. But just as I prepared to wait for the one to be late, two people unexpectedly came along and it was the most interesting and lively experience yet!
The conversation flowed from the death of parents to artistic performances on death and dying for a festival!
The cafe's here are not many in numbers yet, but it doesn't seem to change the depth and breadth of the conversations we have and the ...
Death Cafe-Seattle-Eastside Write up
Posted by charbarrett on Nov. 10, 2013, 3:57 p.m.
Our first Eastside Death Cafe was a great success - even more so with the festive feeling of Dia de Los Muertos!
Over thrity people gathered around tables of six or so and shared with one another about their experience of and around death. Everyone wanted to "meet" the rest of the folks in the room (not just those at their table), so we took time for everyone to share a brief introduction. It gave all of us a better feeling of connection as an entire group.
We had many fun sweets to celebrate the Dia de Los Muertos theme, which many enjoyed.
Words used on the evaluations to ...
I attended the initial Oct 25th meeting, but I couldn't make the Nov.2nd because of a conflict with my working hours. I appreciate the value this group can hold, and I'm sorry to have missed the discussions. I look forward to receiving announcements about future meetings.
J.Vitkus