Posted by Wayves volunteer 12/03/2016
By The Elderberries & Wayves
This Sunday, March 13, at 2pm, the Elderberries monthly Potluck at Northwood's Penthouse hosts Rev. Roy Ellis, Bereavement Coordinator, Nova Scotia Health Authority.
The picture the mind's eye creates when combining the titles of "Reverend" and "Bereavement Coordinater" is unlikely to match the lively and entertaining Roy Ellis. A self-described "motorcyclist, writer, and spiritual counsellor", Roy cuts a somewhat roguish, swashbuckling figure. Yet he posseses a deep spiritual sense and is acutely aware of the fragility of life. “I work in bereavement. Every day I see people die.'” Roy will be leading a discussion on death, grieving, and dying.
In the 1980s, during the AIDS Crisis, Roy served as a chaplain to the local LGBTQ community and those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Rev. Roy will facilitate a conversation, answer questions, and offer some thoughts on death and dying in a time of industrialized medicine and within a culture of thanatophobia (fear of death).
This is a timely conversation, what with the sentencing hearings of Andre Denny reviving feelings of grief for many around the loss of Raymond Taavel, and sorrow over other recent losses to our community, including the death of Gabe Saulnier, First Nations activist, Co-founder of the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance and Elderberries member.
Elderberries is a free organization open to all LGBT people aged fifty plus, and our families, friends, and supporters. The March Potluck Social will be held at Northwood. Enter at 2615 Northwood Terrace, Halifax, and take an elevator up to P, the top floor, the penthouse (with one of the best views in the city).
Elderberries Potluck: Please bring something you would enjoy eating and sharing. Both homemade and storebought items are welcome. Kitchen facilities are not available, so finger foods and room temperature items are best. Please bring any serving utensils your dish requires, for example, knife to cut cake, spoons or tongs to serve salads. Coffee and tea are provided courtesy of Northwood.
The Elderberries are a social group for LGBT Nova Scotians aged 50 and older. Monthly events are held at a variety of venues; including theatre outings, educational and social events. All events focus on remaining accessible for all, both financially and physically.To receive the Elderberries entertaing and informative monthly newsletter, Elderberries mailing, please contact elderberries.scotia2@gmail.com.
