Fathers Building Futures (FBF), a difference-making Albuquerque-based nonprofit organization, is making a major transition to become part of the Atrisco Companies. The Atrisco Companies is the modern organization descended from the Atrisco Land Grant, established in 1598 by the settlers who came to New Mexico with Spanish explorer Don Juan de Onate.

Fathers Building Futures will join six other organizations under the Atrisco Companies umbrella: Atrisco Heritage Foundation, El Campo Santo, Inc. (operating three nonprofit cemeteries in the Albuquerque area), Rio Grande Educational Cooperative, Ascend Business Services, Atrisco Oil & Gas, LLC, and Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque.

Fathers Building Futures empowers formerly incarcerated parents by providing on-the-job workforce training and supports to enable sustainable futures for themselves and their families.

I’m a member of the FBF Advisory Board. With my expertise in the funeral business, I’m helping them market the kosher caskets and wooden urns they make in their woodworking shop as part of their training program. I’m thrilled to share this news about the organization from FBF Executive Director Joseph Shaw.

Announcement from Fathers Building Futures

Before we talk about anything, I want to express our wishes that you stay safe and healthy. We are one community and we all must come together…by staying apart. Our prayers go out to everyone who has been touched by COVID-19 in any way.

I have been grappling with how to deliver such good news in such a heartbreaking moment throughout the world. We have had to overcome such barriers in our lives, but this is unlike anything that we could have imagined. We will have to find out together.

Together is how we have made it this far. Over the time that you have supported our mission, Fathers Building Futures has shown that it is a very adaptable program. With every change that we have gone through, it has always been to find better ways to improve the lives of the dads that we serve and their families. 

One of these moves was to become completely led by and for the people that we serve. Our peer-led model is why we’ve been so successful over the years and extending that through to the leadership is one of the things that we are most proud of. Today, we are announcing another decision that we are very proud to be able to make.

As of April 6th, Fathers Building Futures is one of the sister companies to Atrisco Companies. Our desire to deliver the best future possible for our dads means that we must continually strive to learn more.

The Atrisco Companies understand how to successfully run a social enterprise. They have the leadership that will empower us to better run our social enterprise, giving us sustainability for the dads who are coming out of prison. We will receive some of the best professional development and guidance, as those at the Atrisco Companies have a wealth of knowledge. Our glass ceiling has moved so much higher because of this! 

As an Atrisco Company, we will be able to share some overhead resources, which will allow us to devote more money and energy to the dads. Our operational leadership will remain the same, being led by the same dads that have built the program. Oversight and governance will be overseen by the board of Atrisco Companies. This will allow us to focus on what we do best: serve vulnerable New Mexican families.

We will maintain the same staff and program, as well as our standalone nonprofit status. The same strong team of amazing leaders that have stood on our board will remain as advisers to us. They have guided us through every barrier imaginable, so we owe them a big thank you!  

We are honored to bring our company into a strong, historic organization that was started from the Atrisco Land Grant. Theirs is a story that is over 400 years in the making. The first immigrants to the land that has become known as the United States, they viewed their lives and their opportunities as coming from the land that they worked; land that represented hope for their children and the community.

The people of the Atrisco Land Grant still possess the same dreams for their children, and they pursue this generation’s hopes through the Atrisco Companies. Read more about their history and mission here. 

Thank you all for your support! We look forward to giving you more great news in the future! 

Atrisco Companies Statement

Atrisco Companies President/CEO Peter A. Sanchez provided these comments:

With great excitement and optimism we would like to announce the addition of Fathers Building Futures as the newest member of the Atrisco Companies. All aspects of the business arrangement including legal requirements and Board Member approvals have now been completed.  Congratulations everyone!

Our discussions began just a few short months ago, however, there was a strong belief from the outset that both parties to this business combination could mutually benefit from this merger. We feel the mission of FBF fits in seamlessly with the educational mission and interests of the Atrisco Companies. 

We also believe that FBF has a very high ceiling to its programmatic mission. We are optimistic and hopeful that leveraging Atrisco Companies’ resources and expertise in building and scaling organizations will once again prove fruitful. We look forward to expanding the social impact of FBF by reaching greater numbers of clients in the years ahead.

We are also very excited to further broaden the diverse Non Profit entities that comprise the Atrisco Companies. There is strength in numbers and we certainly believe the combination of these organizations will be able to do great things for our communities here in New Mexico.

Learn more at the Fathers Building Futures website and at the Atrisco Companies website.

News around coronavirus deaths and funerals continues to develop. Here are a few more stories from various news outlets.

How the Virus Robs Families of the Rituals of Mourning

This New York Times article details how military funerals are being curtailed and a limited number of Jewish families can attend a graveside funeral – and they have to bring their own shovels. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/nyregion/coronavirus-funerals-burials-wakes.html

‘We’re Going to See What Else the Word Funeral Can Mean’

This New York Times article illustrates how as the coronavirus pandemic limits people’s ability to mourn, they are finding new ways to say goodbye. Includes quotes from my funeral director friend, Amy Cunningham!

NPR Correspondents on Religious Funeral Impacts

NPR correspondents in Israel, India and Iraq talk about how social distancing is impacting traditional funeral observances for Jews, Hindus and Muslims. https://www.npr.org/2020/04/06/827922252/global-roundtable-coronavirus-crisis-upends-death-rituals

Online Funeral Planner Now Free to Help in Troubled Times

Funeralwise, the industry leader in online funeral planning with over 47,000 plans created on its site, is offering its most comprehensive planning tool, the Wise Plan Complete, free to the public during the COVID-19 crisis. The free upgrade from their “Quick Plan” will save people $49.95. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/online-funeral-planner-now-free-to-help-in-troubled-times-301036467.html

The Last Responder: A Day with an NYC Funeral Director

The Associated Press spent a day on the road with a Brooklyn funeral director overwhelmed by demand due to the coronavirus outbreak. U.S. News & World Report ran this powerful story. https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2020-04-06/the-last-responder-a-day-with-a-nyc-funeral-director

What You Should Know Before You Need a Ventilator

This is a New York Times opinion column by Dr. Kathryn Dreger, a doctor of internal medicine in Northern Virginia and a clinical assistant professor of medicine at Georgetown University. She goes into vivid detail about what it means to be placed on a ventilator if you are a COVID-19 patient. This is the time to update your advance medical directives! https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/04/opinion/coronavirus-ventilators.html

Stay home, wash your hands, and avoid touching your face (if you can).

Over the past week, these two Doyenne of Death videos were posted on YouTube: Funerals in the Age of Coronavirus and Watch the Doyenne of Death Donate Blood.

Funerals in the Age of Coronavirus

In this video, Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death, talks about funerals in the age of coronavirus, funeral planning, and steps you can take to make life (and death) somewhat easier for your loved ones.

Here are the free resources mentioned in the video:

Click here to download the free 50-point Executor’s Checklist from her book, Kicking the Bucket List: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die. (BUY THE BOOK)

Register for the free 10-page planning form from the award-winning book, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die. (BUY THE BOOK)

Links to the blog posts referenced in the video:

News Stories and Funeral Planning Resources

How One Funeral Director is Addressing Social Distancing Rules for Jewish Funerals

Funeral Industry Resources and News

Stay at home. Wash your hands well and often. Be kind.

Watch The Doyenne of Death Donate Blood

“I hadn’t donated blood since 2001 because I hate needles, I’ve been known to faint at the sight of blood, and my blood pressure is notoriously low,” said Rubin. “Blood donations have plummeted during the pandemic, and the need is great. If you are able to donate blood, please make an appointment to do so.”

About Gail Rubin, CT

Gail Rubin, Certified Thanatologist and The Doyenne of Death®, is a pioneering death educator. She uses humor, funny film clips, and outside-the-box activities to teach about end-of-life topics. She authored three books on end-of-life issues and coordinates the Before I Die New Mexico Festival. She’s also a Certified Funeral Celebrant and was recognized by Albuquerque Business First with their 2019 Women of Influence Award.

The rising cases of COVID-19 illness and deaths bring the end-of-life conversation and funeral planning issues into our daily consciousness. Here are helpful news stories to place these issues in perspective and offer actionable steps for you and your family.

Step-By-Step Guide to Planning a Funeral

USA Today recently posted this article with nine steps to planning a funeral. “If your loved one has not discussed their end-of-life wishes, planning a funeral may be trying and draining. But with a strategy in place, funeral planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming.”

USA Today also posted this helpful story, Tips to choose music for memorial events. Music touches hearts and is a wonderful element of memorial services.

It’s Time to Talk About Death

This recent opinion column, “It’s Time to Talk About Death,” by palliative care doctor Sunita Puri, M.D. in the New York Times, offers good insights about the importance of advance healthcare directives.

She says,”Americans are not good at talking about death. But we need to be prepared for when, not if, illness will strike. The coronavirus is accelerating this need…. Our collective silence about death, suffering and mortality places a tremendous burden on the people we love, and on the doctors and nurses navigating these conversations. We should not be discussing our loved one’s wishes for the first time when they are in an I.C.U. bed, voiceless and pinned in place by machines and tubes.” Read the full commentary.

My Horrifying Experience Burying My Aunt During Covid-19

This article in the BK Reader, based in Brooklyn, NY, details the challenges a niece faced when she had to claim her aunt’s body from a nursing home and arrange a funeral during this pandemic. Read the full article.

Spare a Moment for Sorrow

In The Atlantic, John Dickerson, contributing writer and 60 Minutes correspondent, provides a thoughtful commentary about grieving our losses. “The test of a time like this is that it either drives us toward our common humanity, or it drives us apart. Let it be the former.” Read the full commentary.

Americans Rush to Make Online Wills

This article on CNBC’s website looks at the rush to make wills using online services. Lawyers caution that DIY wills can be deemed invalid if they don’t meet all of the legal requirements of your state.

DOWNLOAD A FREE EXECUTOR’S CHECKLIST. The 50 point checklist is featured in Gail Rubin’s book, Kicking the Bucket List: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die.

Want to Plan for Your Death and Funeral?

If these stories prompt you to pre-plan your funeral, this New York Times story from 2018 has great tips: Want to Plan for Your Death and Funeral? Here’s How.

Given the CDC guidelines about social distancing to “flatten the curve,” all forthcoming Albuquerque Death Cafes will be held online for the foreseeable future. The next ABQ Death Cafe will be held online through Zoom on Sunday, April 19, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.

You can join the conversation through your computer browser or the Zoom app on your devices. Here are the details.

To join in this conversation through your browser, click on this link: https://zoom.us/j/7018185299.

If you have the Zoom app, you can join using this Meeting ID: 701 818 5299

Please plan to join just before 3:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Sunday, April 19. If you try to join on any other day or time, the host will not be there.

Prepare to settle in with your own cup of tea or coffee, and a nourishing snack. We’ll have an interesting, unstructured conversation that’s open and free-flowing with no specific agenda. RSVP to Gail [at] AGoodGoodbye.com and let us know if you’ll attend!

Join The Meetup Group

To keep in the loop on upcoming Death Cafes, join the Albuquerque Death Cafe Meetup group. You’ll be kept apprised of upcoming events as soon as they are scheduled. Click here to go to the Meetup page.

Your Death Cafe Host, Gail Rubin

Gail Rubin, Certified Thanatologist, is the author of three upbeat books on end-of-life issues. She uses humor and funny film clips to break down resistance to talking about serious subjects like death and funeral planning. Gail was the first person in the U.S. west of the Mississippi to hold a Death Cafe in September of 2012.

 Rubin is a public speaker, a published author of three books, host of a TV interview series and podcast, a blogger, a funeral industry trade journalist, a Certified Funeral Celebrant, and an innovator in the funeral business. She created a conversation-starting game called The Newly-Dead Game® and held the first Before I Die Festival west of the Mississippi in 2017. Albuquerque Business First named her one of their 2019 Women of Influence.

As more people die during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of the CDC guidelines extends to funeral directors, cemeterians, and cremationists who serve families of the dead. Jewish funeral traditions involve the community in keeping the body company, preparing the body for burial, and coming together to comfort the mourners.

Putting the community at a distance goes against centuries of Jewish funeral traditions. Yet in these unprecedented times, we must physically distance ourselves, even in mourning. Here is a statement by Jewish funeral director Syd Waldman, Waldman Funeral Care about the steps he is taking to keep the public safe.

Waldman Funeral Care Statement

There is an overarching principle in Judaism to live our lives in such a way as to protect health and life above all else. 

After consulting with Kavod v’Nichum (Honor & Comfort) and the Congregation Emanu El Cemetery Committee, which I have sat on for more than 20 years; I have created the following guidelines which Waldman Funeral Care (WFC) will follow for the duration of this National (World) Health Crises.

First: WFC will ask the Chevra Kadisha not to come into the Funeral Home to perform a Taharah. This is consistent with latest recommendations from Kavod v’Nichum.

Our panel of experts now strongly recommends that during these periods of widespread transmission of COVID-19, and especially when communities are told to limit personal exposure, Chevra Kadisha groups should not do any form of taharot.

Second: If the Chevra Kadisha wants to send a single member to the Funeral Home to recite the Taharah Prayers in the lobby, WFC will accommodate them.

Third: WFC will strictly enforce the orders of the City, County, State and Federal Health Officials to limit the size of gatherings at the Graveside to eight family members plus the Funeral Director and Clergy person…staying at the 10-person limit. Everyone will maintain personal distancing of six plus feet.

Fourth: To help facilitate #3, WFC will not offer a tent or chairs at the Graveside Service.

When there’s no tent/chairs available, family members will take advantage of the open space and self-distance with additional space between themselves, the casket and Clergy. If a family member needs a chair, they can bring one for themselves.

Fifth: WFC will provide small plastic bags of sand to each mourner to place on top of the casket, rather than touch a shovel/trowel handle. The Clergy will continue to have the opportunity to pour Israeli soil on the casket.

Sixth: WFC will only offer the laminated Kaddish Cards and not printed Service Folders. WFC staff will hand them out directly from the large zip lock bag in which they are stored in, so as not to touch them before the family members take one. We will announce these cards are to be taken home. Kippah will be treated in much the same way as the Kaddish Cards. We will ask the family members to take them home.

Seven: WFC staff is working hard to get the necessary equipment to be able to live-stream the Graveside Service. Allowing those additional family members who are not able to gather at the graveside to be a part of the service remotely, thereby helping them find some comfort and closure.

This is a Spiritually painful time for me. I have prided myself in delivering a sacred Jewish Funeral for a Jewish deceased and their loving family. I know the families I work with and the Jewish Community professionals will understand these extraordinary measures I am taking to keep everyone safe during these days.

From Gail Rubin

THANK YOU TO ALL FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND OTHERS WHO WORK WITH FAMILIES WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED DEATH IN THESE TIMES.

During this unprecedented time of social distancing, thank your local funeral director. Funeral homes are taking steps to keep you safe in the midst of grieving the death of loved ones in the age of coronavirus.

Italy, which is a week or so ahead of the United States in the contagion curve, is dealing with a terrifying number of dead that need to be buried or cremated. This NPR story details the challenges the funeral industry is facing there.

Funeral Industry Resources

The funeral industry in the United States is rising to the challenge. Here are good resources for keeping informed about funerals during this time of coronavirus.

ICCFA, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, has a page devoted to the latest information and resources about COVID-19 and funeral issues. Visit the page here.

NFDA, the National Funeral Directors Association, also has a page devoted to the latest information and resources about COVID-19 and funeral issues. Visit the page here.

Renowned grief educator Dr. David Kessler is starting an online free grief group for anyone who needs support. Whether you’re newly bereaved or have been struggling for a long time this group is here to help you. To find the group, go to www.Facebook.com/groups/DavidKessler or you can look up in your group section Grief: releasing pain, remembering the love and finding meaning.

The website RememberingALife.com has a good article by Sara Murphy, Loss in A Pandemic: Supporting Grievers which provides many good tips. Sara Murphy, PhD, CT, is a death educator, certified thanatologist (Association for Death Education and Counseling), and suicidologist. She teaches at the University of Rhode Island and conducts workshops and seminars on death, dying, and bereavement nationwide for professional organizations, schools, and community groups.

Aging With Dignity produces The Five Wishes form for dictating how you’d like to be treated if you encounter a life-threatening illness. The organization is offering a free downloadable version of their easy-to-understand and use advance care planning form. Learn more here.

Remote Funeral Viewing and Other Options

Our two largest funeral homes in Albuquerque have shared information about what they are doing to help in these unprecedented times. They both offer options for funerals to be viewed from a distance.

News from French Funerals & Cremations

Amidst continued concerns over the Coronavirus and COVID-19, French Funerals and Cremations is offering guidance and updated procedures to help keep families safe as they mourn and say goodbye to loved ones.

Tom
Antram, President of French, said that his team’s number one priority is the
same as always: to honor and remember every life. “The loss of a loved one is
always difficult, and it is more so amidst periods of confusion, fear, and
uncertainty,” said Antram. “We’re working to ease that pain as much as we can,
by helping protect families’ safety during this time, but also making sure that
they can continue to mourn in a healthy manner. We’re continuing our operations
in every way possible so that families don’t have to defer or delay their grief
process.”

To
minimize the spread of illness and protect families, French is taking the
following measures:

• French
  is recommending that all funeral arrangements are made by phone or internet,
  rather than through an in-person meeting. Call 505-843-6333 with questions or
  visit frenchfunerals.com.
• In
  cooperation with public officials, French recommends that all services, for the
  duration of the outbreak, be held in French locations and be limited to
  immediate family members only.
• French
  will be live-streaming all services for other friends and family to attend
  virtually.
• All
  French community gatherings, including Advance Planning
  presentations/lunch-and-learns, workshops, bereavement group meetings, and
  public events hosted at French facilities, will be cancelled until further
  notice.

Moreover,
French is in close contact with national associations, as well as the CDC and
OSHA, to ensure the safest possible handling of the deceased.

“Our commitment, as the French Family of Companies, is to serve our community and protect our employees and their families from the spread of this virus,” Antram continued. “Amidst this State of Emergency, we seek to continue to serve Albuquerque safely and professionally. Our dedicated staff is standing by to address any questions or concerns.”

Statement from Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation

Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation has served this community for many years and we stand ready to help you now. Even prior to
the coronavirus pandemic, the safety and well-being of you, your family and your friends has always been of utmost importance to
us. We will remain open and our experienced, caring staff will continue assisting families during this critical time.

Our heart goes out to those affected by the recent changes due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and we extend our appreciation to the
health care community for all they are doing now to protect us. We want you to know everything we are doing to keep your safety
top of mind while still helping you support friends and family during a time of loss. Please see below for important community
updates and more information regarding our locations and help planning funeral arrangements.

Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation has adapted our services to follow the guidelines and mandates issued by New Mexico’s
Governor, the Centers for Disease Control and health professionals. In keeping with Governor Lujan Grisham’s most recent
directives, effective immediately, all Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation services will now be limited to immediate family only.

In this climate, we know there is a lot of uncertainty. We want you to know what we are doing to keep your safety top of mind and
how you can still support friends and family during a time of loss by knowing the facts. We want to thank you in advance
for putting your trust in us.

Visiting a Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation Location

While the COVID-19 virus has required all of us to be more mindful as we go through our regular activities, rest assured that our
locations are clean and safe. Our protocols cover everything from handwashing hygiene, cleaning product specifications and
common area cleaning procedures.

How Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation Helps You Support Friends and Family

We have always implemented the latest technologies for the convenience of families we serve. You may support families via guest books and online memorial tributes on our website.

Funerals are important. Recognizing loss is a human instinct and it is important to recognize that we must facilitate beginning the
healing process. Please make an extra effort to support those that have lost a loved one during this unusual time. Your support is
more important than ever with the added stress of these extraordinary circumstances.

Making Funeral Arrangements

If a death has occurred, or will soon, we are very sorry for your loss. If you are unable to make it to one of our locations due to travel
restrictions, health concerns or any other reason, our caring staff can help you accomplish everything virtually. Every situation can
and will be accommodated to ensure the arrangements for the care of your loved one and ensure your wishes are followed.

Thank You

Losing a friend or family member is never easy—and we are very aware that these unsettling times can amplify feelings of grief and
anxiety. Please know that we are here for anything else you may need to honor life, support loved ones and begin the healing
process.

The safety and well-being of you, your family, and your friends is of the utmost importance to us.

Stay at home. Wash your hands well.

The coronavirus pandemic is shutting down in-person interactions all over Albuquerque and New Mexico. Our usual monthly meeting of the Albuquerque Death Cafe at the Manzano del Sol Village is on hold for the duration of this crisis.

However, we have the technology to hold the ABQ Death Cafe online! Join us via Zoom, or on the phone, for relaxed conversation designed “To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” The online Death Cafe will take place on Sunday, March 22 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Join in the conversation via this link.

If the technology is intimidating, you can join the conversation by phone. Call this number and enter the code, followed by the # sign: 1 (346) 248-7799, code 498453870#.

At Death Cafe events, people come together in a relaxed, confidential and safe setting to discuss death while eating delicious food and drinks. It’s an interesting, unstructured conversation that’s open and free-flowing with no specific agenda. Prepare to settle in with your own cup of tea or coffee, and a nourishing snack.

Learn more about the worldwide Death Cafe movement here.

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!

Yesterday, the coronavirus pandemic killed both the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival in Nederland, Colorado, and the annual convention for the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA). Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death®, was scheduled to speak at both events.

Frozen Dead Guy Days Cancellation

Frozen Dead Guy Days was scheduled to take place March 13-15, 2020 in Nederland, Colorado. Gail Rubin was going to present the humorous documentary “Grandpa’s in the TUFF SHED,” which tells the weird but true story of how the Frozen Dead Guy came to be there. She was also going to conduct The Newly-Dead Game®, which she created specifically for this festival.

Here is the official news release from Nederland’s Board of Trustees about the cancellation sent last night:

“Tonight the Board of Trustees approved Resolution 2020-10 cancelling the 2020 Frozen Dead Guy Days following Boulder County Public Health’s recommendations to cancel all large event activities.  FDGD will faithfully follow the towns direction and decision on this.  We are devastated to share this news with you.  

This is the first time in our 18 years that we have had to cancel the entirety of the festival.  Governor Jared Polis has declared a state of emergency in Colorado.  Mountain resort communities are at highest risk, and we must be stewards of community health and safety.

We are working through the ramifications of this global pandemic and we understand the enormity and seriousness of the situation not just for FDGD LLC, but for our sponsors, vendors, musicians, staff, volunteers, production, community at large and other partners we have worked with over the past 18 years.  We understand the impact this will have on our vulnerable population, business community of Nederland and the service industry staff that has worked so diligently with FDGD over the years.

Be aware this is not a postponement, this is a cancellation.  There will be no activities in Nederland this weekend that are associated in any way with FDGD.  We will put up a FAQ on our website to answer cancellation questions.  We do not know what the future holds. We, as well as town leaders, are going to need some time to assess the situation and ask for your patience with the process.  We are in uncharted icy waters, and appreciate your understanding and years of support.”

The showings of “Grandpa’s in the TUFF SHED” were going to include this preview reel, featuring a trailer for the independent TV series, Frozen Dead, and sponsors AquamationInfo.com and A Good Goodbye. You can still enjoy this video in the comfort of your own self-isolation:

ICCFA Convention & Expo Cancellation

Gail Rubin was scheduled to present “How to Grow Your Sales with Before I Die Festivals” at the 2020 ICCFA Annual Convention and Expo in San Antonio later this month.

However, the coronavirus killed this event too, announced yesterday with this email:

“After much thought, consideration and discussion with exhibitors and attendees, we regretfully must cancel the upcoming Annual Convention & Exposition that was set for March 30 to April 2 in San Antonio, Texas due to public health and safety concerns.

This was not a decision that was taken lightly and is based on safeguarding the health of our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, staff, and our communities. The ICCFA has taken into consideration the recommendations of public health authorities about limiting large public gatherings and non-essential travel. We also want to ensure that industry professionals are available to the families they serve in their respective communities during this time.

Please know that we are currently handling the logistics of cancelling an event of this size and want to provide you the best information and service possible. A FAQ list for exhibitors will be forthcoming on our website – https://iccfa.com/coronavirus/.”

Houston Before I Die Still Scheduled

Syd Waldman, Waldman Funeral Care, is still planning on holding these Before I Die events in Houston March 27 to 29, 2020, after the one-week Health Emergency that has been declared there expires. Here is the schedule:

March 27th: Friday 7:15pm RSVP $5.00 Dinner
Congregation Emanu El RSVP link: https://www.emanuelhouston.org/event/beforeidie2020

Kicking the Bucket List: Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die: Do you plan to live forever? Do you ever plan to move? Depending on where you’re going, you can’t take it with you. This talk focuses on practical ways to downsize excess goods without being overwhelmed by the job, what you need to know to organize your information for your executor, and how to plan for end-of-life issues. Film clips add to the wealth of information in this talk.
 
March 28: Saturday Afternoon 2:00-4:30pm
National Museum of Funeral History, 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston

The Funeral Director on Film: By watching scenes from films and television shows, learn the history of undertaking in the U.S. and how funeral service has changed over 150 years. In The Funeral Director on Film, pioneering death educator Gail Rubin entertains and educates with insights from Hollywood portrayals of “the last man to let you down.” Your $10.00 ticket provides all day access to the National Museum of Funeral History, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Purchase tickets through EventBrite or at the door.

March 29: Sunday Morning 10:00-11:30am
Light Brunch at Congregation Emanu El
RSVP Link: https://www.emanuelhouston.org/event/beforeidie2020

Estate Planning: Hollywood Myth versus Facts: The way the movies portray it, wills are supposed to cover funeral plans in addition to the distribution of assets. Unfortunately, family members may die before doing any estate planning. Even with a will, plans can go awry. Clips from comedies and dramas illustrate the need to do estate planning TODAY.
 
The Newly-Dead Game®: Based on the classic television program, The Newlywed Game, The Newly-Dead Game tests couples on how well they know their partner’s last wishes. Gail Rubin also created an Individuals Edition so that everyone, not just couples, plus the audience can play along. It’s an upbeat way to start end-of-life planning conversations.