‘Dying’ events draw large turnout

By Susan Riemer • March 7, 2017 1:30 am
At the Friday event Songs to Die For, Gus and Camille Reeves, of the duo Cherrywood Station, sing songs that would make islanders laugh, cry and sing at the end of their lives. (Susan Riemer/Staff Photo)
At the Friday event Songs to Die For, Gus and Camille Reeves, of the duo Cherrywood Station, sing songs that would make islanders laugh, cry and sing at the end of their lives. (Susan Riemer/Staff Photo)

Fourteen events were held last week as part of the four-day Vashon Conversation for the Living About Dying.

From presentations by experts to music, art and a tour of the cemetery, Carol Spangler, one of the organizers, said the turnout was large and enthusiastic.

“It exceeded our expectations,” she said. “It was such a magnificent response to our offering. It was like we opened the floodgates.”

The intent of the event was to raise consciousness about mortality and to help residents initiate conversations about end-of-life wishes with family and friends.

“We hit the ball out of the park,” she added, noting the high participation.

Soon the eight organizers will gather again, read the numerous evaluations and decide what to do in the next year, which Spangler noted she believes will include island students.

In the meantime, two events focused on advance care planning are scheduled: 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 27, at the Vashon Library, and 1 p.m. Friday, April 21, at the Vashon Senior Center.