Category: Meetings&Events

Monday, April 23, 2018
NYS Legislative Office Building   Map

The NYS Assembly Health Committee will hold a public hearing in Albany on April 23 to hear testimony on the Medical Aid in Dying Act. Compassion & Choices New York is organizing a Lobby Day to bring supporters from around the state to attend the hearing and show widespread support for the Act.

After the hearing, we will meet with legislators and their staffs to seek their support and to share with them why passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act is so important.

It’s an energizing experience and a very effective use of your time. To register and prepare for the day’s events, please email NY@compassionandchoices.org

A video of the hearing (and also one of a May 3 hearing in New York City) is available at http://nyassembly.gov/av/hearings/

Tuesday, April 3, 2018
12:15–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   Map
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Colonie, NY 12211

This program will have two speakers:

Susan Harris, EdD, proposes ways to reject the mantle of ageism and shape the future we envision and want for ourselves. We elders must insist on being treated with dignity and respect, not only in our final act, but across our entire life cycle.

Susan’s career spans the fields of education, workforce development, and public health. Her consistent mission has been to educate students, workers, consumers, and, now, retirees to act independently and to make choices with DIGNITY and self-respect.

 

Ellen Cole, PhD, will share the results of her 8-year research project on aging. She will present what women say about their lives, the challenges and the joys, and conclude with what we can learn about thriving in one’s 8th decade and beyond. She will discuss her most recent books, Retiring but Not Shy: Feminist Psychologists Create their Post-Careers (with Mary Gergen) and 70 Candles: Women Thriving in their Eighth Decade (with Jane Giddan).

Ellen is currently a professor of psychology at the Sage Colleges, where she teaches master’s-level graduate students who are becoming licensed mental health counselors. She has co-edited the journal Women & Therapy, and authored and edited many books.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

A video of Part One of the program is available at https://vimeo.com/266509962  Part Two is available at https://vimeo.com/266517349

Tuesday, March 6, 2018
12:15–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   Map
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Colonie, NY 12211

Part One: Organize and Declutter

Presented by Lynda Shrager

Take time to organize and declutter before a crisis occurs! Getting our ducks in a row provides a great amount of stress relief and prevents a ton of aggravation for those who will come after us. This presentation will teach decluttering and organizing skills because “you can’t take it with you”. We will go through the process of how to determine “who gets what” and how to get rid of stuff. We will wrap up with tips and techniques for tying up loose ends should we be called upon to close up a home.

Lynda Shrager, OTR, MSW, CAPS, is a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) and a professional organizer. Her company is At Home for Life. Lynda’s newest book, “Age in Place—A Guide to Modifying, Organizing and Decluttering Mom and Dad’s Home” will be published on April 4. Check out her web site at otherwisehealthy.com

Part Two: Digital Estate Planning — What You Need to Know

Presented by Dorothee Racette

Do you have a reliable way to stay on top of your computer passwords and digital banking transactions? The transition from paper-based to digital documents has resulted in “digital assets” that must be considered in estate planning. The presentation will focus on best practices for providing safe access to these assets for executors and discuss specific estate planning steps for online accounts. Attendees will receive a practical checklist for follow-up.

Dorothee Racette is a productivity specialist and time management coach offering organizing solutions in the Capital Region. She owns and runs Take Back My Day. Her blog and podcast can be found at takebackmyday.com

A video of Part One of the program is available at https://vimeo.com/259730743  Part Two is available at https://vimeo.com/261015050 with new material beginning at time-mark 3:20. Both videos conclude with a presentation by Amanda Cavanaugh about progress in the campaign for Medical Aid in Dying in New York.

Monday, January 8, 2018
12:15–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   Map
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Are you a supporter of the pending Medical Aid in Dying Act and wondering what you can do to influence lawmakers and get the legislation passed? We have learned from our friends in California, Colorado, and DC how helpful city and county resolutions in support of the pending legislation can be — and how powerful it is for state legislators to hear from local municipalities.

At this meeting Amanda Cavanaugh (Campaign Organizer for Compassion & Choices NY and Advocacy Coordinator for Death with Dignity–Albany) reviewed ideas being considered for carrying out advocacy at the local level in New York. The meeting included an open Q&A discussion that covered a variety of topics and was very helpful.

The program video is available at https://vimeo.com/251661834

Wednesday, December 6, 2017
12:15–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   Map
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

It’s always too soon, until it’s too late.

Have you had “the conversation”? No, not that conversation. The conversation with your loved ones about your wishes and preferences for end-of-life care. Unless you talk about it ahead of time, they won’t know how to proceed if they need to make difficult decisions on your behalf.

• 90% of people say that it’s important to have these conversations with loved ones.
• 27% have actually done so!

This program, based on the work of The Conversation Project, will provide you with materials, tools and tips for having these conversations. If you’ve been hesitating, or just need a jump-start, this program will be helpful to you.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

No program video will be available.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017
12:15–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   Map
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Attorneys Margaret Vella and Aaron Carbone, of Vella Carbone & Associates, LLP, will review the necessary documents to ensure that your end-of-life wishes will be honored. They will discuss Wills, Powers of Attorney, “Living Wills” or Advance Care Directives, Healthcare Proxies, and offer tips on making difficult decisions, getting them into writing, and some end-of-life questions and issues you might not have thought of. Even if you’ve attended a similar program in the past, you might hear some new information.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

No program video will be available.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017
12:15–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   [Map]
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

This participative program will provide an opportunity to talk informally about death with dignity and end-of-life concerns. The program will feature confidential, facilitated conversations in small groups. Topics will be determined by participants, and could include subjects such as factors to consider when choosing your health care proxy, dealing with religious objections to end-of-life decisions, coping with fear of dying, and everyday ways to advocate for death with dignity. Bring your own topic for discussion!

This program is an adaptation of the Death Cafe programs that have been held around the country. It will provide a supportive place to discuss things that are hard to discuss. Join like-minded folks, and let’s have a conversation!

The meeting is free and open to the public.

No program video will be available.

      Part Two of our Legal Options at End of Life series

Monday, July 10, 2017
12:15–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   [Map]
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Beth Mahar, Director of Operations for the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of NY State (HPCANYS), will chair a panel exploring the provisions of hospice and palliative care to terminally ill patients. Provider services, legal restrictions/requirements, qualifying conditions, and the role of hospice and palliative services in end-of-life care will be explored in an interactive format. Panelists will share experiences, perspectives, and insights into this important component of the care spectrum for terminally ill patients.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

The program video is available at https://vimeo.com/228665743 The program slides are available in our library HERE.

      Part One of our Legal Options at End of Life series

Tuesday, June 13, 2017
12:15–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   [Map]
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Judith Schwarz, RN, PhD, the Clinical Director of End of Life Choices NY, will present information about this choice which is a legal end-of-life option in New York State. Details about VSED, implications for both the patient and family, and responsibilities for caregivers will be features of this program. Information will also be presented about how provisions for VSED can be included in Advance Care Directives in the event of loss of decision-making capacity due to Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

The program video is available at https://vimeo.com/222398882 The program slides are available in our library HERE.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017
New York State Capitol

Supporters & advocates will travel to Albany from across the state to rally in support of New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act and visit with their own Assembly Members and Senators, as well as other key lawmakers poised to take a vote on the bill. Mark your calendar to join us, and watch for further details!

Registration with Compassion and Choices is required in order to allow for planning. Information and a link for RSVP/Registration is at: http://support.compassionandchoices.org/site/Calendar/710717145?view=Detail&id=104405

No video is available.

Thursday, May 4, 2017
12:00–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   [Map]
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

This program will feature opportunities to learn effective strategies and techniques for communicating with legislators and ensuring that your feelings are articulated in a clear and robust manner. Observations of role-playing scenarios and a conversation with a New York State official will assist those in attendance to learn “how to make difference” when communicating with your elected representatives.

Those planning to attend the May 9th Spring Lobby Day will find this program especially helpful.

This program is a collaboration between Death with Dignity–Albany and Compassion and Choices New York.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

No program video is available.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017
12:15–2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   [Map]
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

We will show the 2015 PBS FRONTLINE program on Dr. Atul Gawande, author of the best-selling book Being Mortal, followed by a discussion afterwards.

FRONTLINE follows renowned New Yorker writer and Boston surgeon Atul Gawande as he explores the relationships doctors have with patients who are nearing the end of life. In conjunction with Gawande’s new book, Being Mortal, the film investigates the practice of caring for the dying, and shows how doctors — himself included — are often remarkably untrained, ill-suited and uncomfortable talking about chronic illness and death with their patients.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

No program video is available.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016
12:15–1:45 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)  [Map]
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Dr. David S. Pratt, MD, MPH

will discuss the services provided through Palliative Care and Hospice. Who is eligible? What is included? When should people become involved? What is the process for getting these services? Dr. Pratt is a board certified internist with sub-specialty certification in pulmonary medicine and preventive medicine. He has a medical degree from Tufts University and a master’s degree in public health from SUNY Albany. He is currently the Medical Director of the Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern New York, and he is a private consultant in public health, palliative care and preventive medicine. Dr. Pratt was the Commissioner of Public Health Services for Schenectady County, New York from 2009-2012. He has been an active proponent of Medical Aid in Dying since the fall of 2015 and has worked with legislators and staff to advance legislation in New York.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

The program video is available at https://vimeo.com/197916413 The program slides are available in our library HERE.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016
12:15–1:45 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)   [Map]
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Estate Planning isn’t just about money—it is also choosing the people you want to speak for you when you are no longer able, and providing them with the legal authority to carry out your wishes. A Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney are what most people know, but new developments such as the MOLST, Disposition of Remains Appointment and proposals for Death with Dignity legislation have expanded the ability to plan.

This is a return visit for Attorney Louis W Pierro, founder and principal of Pierro, Schaeffer & Connor, LLC and a nationally recognized expert in the areas of Elder Law and Estate Planning. He will discuss Advance Directives, DNR orders, and how to have frank, honest discussions about your choices with family, physicians, attorneys and caregivers. He concentrates his law practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, Business Succession Planning, and Elder Law and Special Needs Planning.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

The program video is available at https://vimeo.com/191491688.

Thursday, September 29, 2016
12:15-2:00 pm
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

An interfaith panel of nationally and locally prominent clergy members will explore how their ethical and religious beliefs relate to end-of-life options in the context of pending legislation in New York authorizing medical aid in dying. Leaders from three faith communities will share their personal approaches and ethical frameworks underlying these sensitive and sometimes controversial issues.

Panelists will include:

Dr. David M. Gordis served as President and Professor of Rabbinics at Hebrew College and is currently a Visiting Senior Scholar at the University at Albany. He is the founding Director of The National Center on Jewish Policy Studies and the Interreligious Center on Public Life. He holds bachelor and master degrees from Columbia University, as well as Master of Hebrew Literature and Doctor of Philosophy in Talmud degrees from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where he was ordained in 1964. Dr. Gordis has written and lectured extensively on the pressing issues of contemporary Jewish life, the American Jewish community, Jewish education and interreligious pluralism.

Rev. Dr. Eric S. Shaw has served as Pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church in Troy NY since 2004. Rev. Shaw received his Bachelor’s Degree in computer science from Pace University in 1990, his Masters of Divinity from the Virginia University of Lynchburg in 2006, and his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Drew University in 2013. He is currently President of the Central Hudson Baptist Association Congress of Christian Education. Rev. Shaw also volunteers his time mentoring youth in the City of Troy, and has received awards from the Hamilton Hills Art Center and YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Program.

Dr. William Levering is the Senior Pastor of the First Reformed Church of Schenectady NY. His former pastorates have included Oxford PA, Binghamton NY, Haddonfield NJ, and Philadelphia PA. Dr. Levering’s leadership roles include numerous boards of trustees, including the Schenectady County Community College, the Schenectady County Public Library, the Albany Presbytery, Presbyterian Church (USA), and Habitat for Humanity, Schenectady. He has earned his BA at the University of Illinois, his Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his PhD from Temple University. Dr. Levering is the founder of ProClergy.com, an ad hoc group of clergy from all over the country who are in favor of the role of religious leaders in changing the world.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

The program video is available at https://vimeo.com/188313601.

Our next New York Lobby Day will be Tuesday, May 10. It’s an important opportunity to share your personal story and continue to build support with face-to-face interactions. No experience is needed. Compassion & Choices will organize teams for visits with your Senator and Assembly Member, and will provide training, materials and talking points in advance. All that’s required of you is to speak from the heart. (Or you can just join the group and not speak, if you prefer.) Compassion & Choices yellow t-shirts will be available for us to wear to make our presence very visible! You can register online at: https://www.compassionandchoices.org/event/spring-lobby-day-in-albany/.
Specific details will be sent to you after you register.

Elected officials are eager to know where their constituents stand on this issue, and this is your chance to impact their decision making!

For further information, contact acavanaugh@compassionandchoices.org

4-6:15 PM
Wm. K. Sanford Town Library
629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Peter Richardson’s award-winning 2011 documentary takes you into the lives of terminally ill men and women as they face end-of-life decisions and consider availing themselves of Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act, which was enacted in 1997. The film follows the journeys of everyday patients and their families in a frank but compassionate view of this most personal of decisions. Viewers follow patients as they make medical decisions, go to doctor’s appointments, and even as they take the medicine that will end their lives. This controversial subject is treated with with grace, dignity, and genuine care for the people involved.

We will show the film and then conduct a discussion afterwards. Popcorn and cookies provided!

Please note the change of time from our regular meetings!

This meeting is free and no registration is required.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016
12:15 – 1:45 pm
William. K. Sanford (Colonie) Town Library

629 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Wondering about the status of lobbying efforts to pass legislation on end of life options? Looking for a way to get involved? Please join us at this meeting for a very practical discussion, which will include:

• NY campaign update
• Report and debrief of  January Lobby Day
• Future lobbying plans
• Plans for organizing in-district lobby visits
• Individual small steps–ways to get involved and make your voice heard

Joining us for this discussion will be Corinne Carey, New York Campaign Manager for Compassion & Choices, and Amanda Avery, our DwD-Albany Advocacy Coordinator and recently-appointed Outreach Coordinator for Compassion & Choices. Corinne and Amanda will bring us up to date on the status of legislation in New York. Following this, we will discuss the many opportunities for YOU to get involved and make your voice heard, from signing a petition to writing a letter to the editor to visiting your legislators to organizing your friends. Everything counts!

This meeting is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Albany Law School Government Law Center Presents:

“Death with Dignity: The Role of Medical Professionals from Legal and Medical Perspectives”

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 ~ 4 to 6 p.m.
Reception to Follow

Dean Alexander Moot Courtroom, Albany Law School, 80 New Scotland Ave., Albany

Co-hosted by Death with Dignity-Albany

Attendance is free but registration is required. To register, email Amy Gunnells at agunn@albanylaw.edu.

Moderator: Alicia Ouellette,  President and Dean of Albany Law School

Speakers:

• David Leven, Esq., Director, End of Life Choices New York
• Timothy Quill, M.D., Director of the Center for Ethics, Humanities and Palliative Care, University of Rochester

This program is the second in a 3-part series “End-of-Life Care”. Speakers will examine legal and medical perspectives on death with dignity. Please see note above on registration.

 

Let’s Talk: Group Discussions about Death with Dignity and End of Life Issues

 Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 – 12:15 – 1:45 pm

William K Sanford Town Library

Albany-Shaker Road, Colonie, NY

Previous meetings presented by Death with Dignity-Albany have featured guest speakers who were experts in their field. Now it’s your turn to talk! This program  will offer an opportunity to discuss issues that are on your mind with other members of our group. The program will feature confidential, facilitated conversations in small groups. Topics will be determined by participants, and could include choosing your health care proxy, communicating your end of life preferences with loved ones, and dealing with religious objections to end of life decisions. We can help each other explore possibilities or perhaps practice talking about difficult issues.

Advance registration is strongly recommended. To register, please email info@deathwithdignityalbany.org with your name and your suggestions for topics to discuss.