The coronavirus has upended life in America, including Death Cafes and speeches Gail Rubin was planning to present.
Since Wednesday, cancellations have quashed the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival in Nederland, Colorado; the International Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) convention and expo in San Antonio, Texas; the Association for Death Education and Counseling conference in Columbus, Ohio; and a series of Before I Die – Houston events.
Before I Die – Houston Events Postponed
The Before I Die – Houston Weekend Events scheduled for March 27-29, 2020 are being postponed in light of Houston’s declared Health Emergency and CDC Guidelines. The events with pioneering death educator Gail Rubin were to be held at Houston’s Congregation Emanu El, Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism and at the National Museum of Funeral History.
“We recognize our responsibility to help keep our audience and members of the Jewish and non-Jewish communities safe,” said funeral director Syd Waldman, who sponsored the Before I Die – Houston events.
“We recommend you follow the CDC and Texas Health officials’ guidelines to keeping you and your family safe through social distancing, staying at home as much as possible and washing your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap often.”
“Even though talking about death won’t kill you, the coronavirus is no laughing matter,” said Rubin. “Stay safe, Houston!”
Refunds for the dinner at Congregation Emanu El will be sent to those who already made reservations. Announcements will be made when these events are rescheduled. Visit www.WaldmanFuneralCare.com for more information.
Albuquerque Death Cafe Cancelled
The objective of the Death Cafe is “To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” It’s all about an interesting, unstructured conversation – open and free-flowing with no specific agenda.
While the current situation with Covid-19 provides plenty of thought-provoking topics for discussion, we will NOT BE MEETING UNTIL SOCIAL DISTANCING TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS IS REDUCED.
When Albuquerque Death Cafe meetings resume, we will post an event at the ABQ Death Cafe Meet Up page. Join the Meet Up group to keep informed.
ADEC and ICCFA Conventions Cancelled
On Wednesday, March 11, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) cancelled their annual convention and expo in San Antonio, Texas. Gail Rubin was scheduled to present “How to Grow Your Sales with ‘Before I Die’ Festivals” at ICCFA, and report on new developments in the funeral and cemetery business. She is available to present on this topic at other funeral director association conventions later this summer.
Today, March 16, the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) announced the cancellation of their annual conference in Columbus, Ohio. Gail Rubin was to present “Witness to the El Paso Strong Weekend.” You can read about that experience here.
Despite these cancellations, Gail Rubin will continue to be a bridge between the general public and end-of-life businesses. Sign up for alerts from her YouTube channel to see new videos!