From left: Caren Martineau, Bevival.com; Susan Koppenhaver, Director of Office of the Aging; Sheila Gould, VP UCWN; Stephanie Galinson, Death Doula; Suzanne Kelly, Rhinebeck Cemetery Natural Burial Ground
A big “bravo” goes to UCWN VP Sheila Gould for conceiving and implementing the Death Literacy 101 workshop, which grew out of her UCWN program last year at Art Society of Kingston. Presented by the Ulster County Office of the Aging, this three-part series was well attended and received. Facilitated by Caren Martineau, founder of Bevival.com, the program brought together a variety of experts to address the issues associated with the end of life. It provided documents and advice on how to complete them, so we became empowered, having our final wishes respected and executed, and sparing our loved ones from having to make these decisions. Thank you, Sheila, for such important work that offered our UCWN members, guests, and our extended community cohesive information in a supportive environment.
Our upcoming tour of the Women’s Sutdio Workshop, coordinated by Sheila Gould, UCWN VP, promises to be exceptional with an optional meal together afterward. Fun and education! For more info or to register, visit here, or call Sheila or Gloria to RSVP. Join with AAUW and other organizations for a chartered bus trip to the Met in NYC. For more details, visit this page.
The summer delights together continue with Randi Mundi Greene leading a Kingston walk and happy hour on the river in July.
In August, we’ll gather at a park pavilion (TBD) to meet Mr. Baby, the dad of the Parrots For Peace family of blue and gold macaws, whose motto is: “May there be peace with Mother Earth and all people, animals, and nature.” Yours truly, the Parrots for Peace caretaker, will allow anyone interested to hold Mr. Baby, as we all become appointed as Peace Ambassadors. Mr. Baby and Ms. Merlin have three children, Peace-nik, Ara and Hope, and we’ll hear the short-version stories of their World Trade Center, 9/11 first-responder work for nearly ten months at the site, their talks at several UN NGOs, and at events for International Day of Peace and Water is Life/No Fracking events in Albany and NYC.
In September, Ulster County Legislators Manna Jo Greene and Gina Hansut will speak about their committee work and listen to issues that we raise. Their updates on the environment, sustainability, energy, public safety, law enforcement, and other issues will give us an overview of our local government in action.
Thank you all for your creating an UCWN that touches our lives in important ways and includes friends engaged in the cultural arts, health and wellness, and activism for our vigorous community well-being.
Best always,
Gloria Waslyn
President UCWN