Saturday, March 20, Sedona, 9 AM to 4 PM. The Sedona Chapter of Compassion & Choices, in partnership with the Sedona Community Center, will be holding a symposium to discuss end of life issues at the Sedona Community Center, 2615 Melody Lane in Sedona. The public is invited to attend this free informational discussion.

Speakers include: Mary Beals-Luedtka from the Area Agency on Aging, who will discuss Aging in Northern Arizona; Joyce Murphy, a teacher and counselor by training and experience and a member of Compassion and Choices since it was known as The Hemlock Society. She will address spiritual connections at the time of death. Other presenters are Robin Merrill, Esq., who will discuss estate planning and probate; Scott Palmer from Westcott Funeral Services who will bring more information on funeral and cremation services; and Deborah Darby, who will share information about Compassion & Choices and the work we do. Also, Amy Daniel and Lyndsey Adams from Hospice Compassus will detail the benefits of enrolling in a Hospice or Palliative Care program toward the end of life. At the end of the day there will be a dramatic presentation regarding talking to family, friends, your physician, and others about your wishes. This short play will allow the individual who is dying to “speak” and communicate wishes, despite being in a coma toward the end.

Lunch will be served to the first 60 people who RSVP. A donation for lunch will be requested. Seating is limited so reserve your space as quickly as possible by calling (928) 634-3237 or (928) 282-2834. If you prefer to RSVP via email: peacefulpassing@msn.com.

Saturday, April 10, Green Valley, 10:00 AM. Complimentary refreshiments served at 9:30 a.m. Green Valley Chapter Meeting with guest speaker BILLIE STOCKL. She became involved in Compassion & Choices after the death of her husband in January 2003. Her story of personal loss explains her dedication to Compassion and Choices. By July 2003, she was the Chapter Leader of the Cochise County Chapter. In the same year she became a member of Arizona State Board of Directors and is now its President. Stockl will provide an update on current legislative action regarding “death with dignity” for Arizona and throughout our nation.

Meeting will be in the EL DORADO ROOM at La Perla. From Green Valley, go East On Continental to the four-way Stop sign. Turn Left towards Main La Posada. Turn Right at the next Stop sign and go to La Perla. Enter the main entrance and ask for directions to the El Dorado Room. For more information call Bill Haley at (520) 399-2130.