San Andreas, CA…“Our culture simply does not know what to think about death,” says noted author on death and dying issues, Rob Moll. “Through medicine and science, we know more about death and how to forestall it than ever before. Yet, we know very little about caring for a dying person. We don’t know what to expect or how to prepare for our own death. And we’re often awkward at best when trying to comfort a friend in grief.”

In the photo, the giant chalk board is Candy Chang’s idea. The “Before I Die” caption invites the participant to write a response. Pictured left to right are: Sarah Lunsford, Glenn Moore, Tammy Beilstein, Krista Sutton, and Tim Johnson.

The San Andreas Memorial Chapel is offering a ground-breaking, upbeat, free-to-the-public forum on death and dying. The goal is to ease the “stigma” of a very real event that will one day happen to everyone. An afternoon of art, music, food, and presentations are being planned.

Presentations include legal matters with attorney Steven Airola and arrangement options with long time industry professional, Glenn Moore. Fire Chaplain Dick Brown and Hospice Chaplains George Stathos and Hilde Brooks, along with several others will be present to help address spiritual concerns. Members from local hospice agencies will be on a panel to discuss caring for a dying loved one.

Krista Sutton of San Andreas Memorial Chapel will host an open house to a beautiful display of jewelry, urns, and caskets. The prep room/autopsy room will also be open for guests to see and ask questions. In addition, there will be up to a dozen booths outside reflecting art, music, and delicious treats!

At dusk, an optional walking or driving historical tour of People’s Cemetery will be led by event coordinator Tim Johnson and Cemetery Manager, Tom Duckett.

The “Before I Die” movement began shortly after a “TED talk” was given by national speaker, Candy Chang in 2012. Ms. Chang is an artist who creates art that prompts people to think about their secrets, wishes and hopes – and then share them. Before I Die “Festivals” originated in the United Kingdom in 2013. The first Before I Die Festival in the United States was held in Louisville, Kentucky in 2016.

In the photo, the giant chalk board is Candy Chang’s idea. The “Before I Die” caption invites the participant to write a response. Pictured left to right are: Sarah Lunsford, Glenn Moore, Tammy Beilstein, Krista Sutton, and Tim Johnson.