I'll be leading several classes with OASIS, Pima County, and Pima Community College.

Below are brief descriptions of the classes presently scheduled, and of course I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have.

I hope you and those you know may plan to attend.

Registration for OASIS opens late April (or maybe earlier). 

To register, call The OASIS Institute, Phone: 520-322-5627

or go to http://www.oasisnet.org/Cities/West/TucsonAZ.aspx.                    

What is OASIS?

OASIS is a unique educational program for adults age 50-plus (yet anyone can attend) who want to learn,

grow and explore new ideas. We promote successful aging through lifelong learning,

health programs and volunteer engagement. (Sponsored in Tucson by TMC, Macy's Foundation, and the Junior League.)

https://www.oasisnet.org/Cities/West/TucsonAZ/Classes.aspx

The classes are:

Through OASIS:

 May

Class #:440 Term: 2013-2
Title: The Spirituality of Death and Dying
Days: Thursday, 5/23/2013
1 session

Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Location: OASIS at Junior League
Enrollment minimum: 5 Maximum: 25
Presenter: John Abraham, M.Div., F.T.
Description: Have you watched a sunset lately and wondered about the meaning in life? Ever wonder
about your purpose? Spirituality is the fundamental essence of any valid religious and
philosophical system. It is an undeniable part of human experience. It is common to
all yet is developed and integrated into daily life by relatively few. Although
spirituality is generally related to religion and can be interrelated, one can be
spiritual without being religious. Come explore.
Student notes: Please bring pen and paper.

Class #:449 Term: 2013-2
Title: Funeral Consumers Alliance -- Be Informed & Rest In Peace
Days: Friday, 5/30/2013
1 session

Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Location: OASIS at Junior League
Enrollment minimum: 5 Maximum: 25
Presenter: John Abraham, M.Div., F.T.
Description: Be prepared and make informed decisions for the inevitable. Funeral Consumers Alliance
(FCA) is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting a
consumer's right to choose a meaningful, dignified, affordable funeral. FCA offers
education and advocacy to consumers nationwide and is not affiliated with the funeral
industry. Their website is full of information and advice to help you plan ahead.
There is a strong Tucson chapter among the many chapters throughout the country.

Come and learn how FCA can help you.
Student notes: Please bring pen and paper.

June

Class #:452 Term: 2013-2
Title: What is A Good Death?
Days: Thursday, 6/27/2013
1 session

Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Location: OASIS at Junior League
Enrollment minimum: 5 Maximum: 35
Presenter: John Abraham, M.Div., F.T.
Description: Our society has no standard, no widely held concept of what constitutes a noble death,
a virtuous death, a dignified death and therefore a good death. This has not always
been true. We'll explore some aspects of goodness surrounding death, definitions of a
good death, the least-worst death, and our own concepts. I'm not sure there really is
a good death. After all, who wants to die? Who wants those they love to die?
Student notes: Please bring pen and paper.

Class #:451 Term: 2013-2
Title: What Nobody Ever Told You About Advance Directives.
Days: Thursday, 6/13/2013 - 6/20/2013
2 sessions

Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Location: OASIS at Junior League
Enrollment minimum: 5 Maximum: 25
Presenter: John Abraham, M.Div., F.T.

Description: Most of us will die a managed death.  This class will teach you to equip yourself with knowledge and have your wishes honored regarding end-of-life care.  The appalling fact is that 70% to 80% of the time, your wishes will NOT be honored, even with a living will or durable medical power of attorney.  Discover how you can change this!  We will also explore how our culture contributes to the need for such directives.

Student notes: Please bring pen and paper.

July 

Class #:236  Term: 2013-2

Days: Tuesday, 7/09/2013

Title: The Right to Die Peacefully with Dignity
1 session

Time: 10:00 - 11:00

Location: OASIS at Junior League
Enrollment minimum: 5 Maximum: 40

Presenter: John Abraham, M.Div., F.T.
Description: Explore a basic human right: the right to death with dignity. We
shall examine managed death in this country and how it affects
you and those you love. Learn about the growing right-to-die
movement: history, changes, and current status of the many
organizations working towards this goal. Discover local chapters
of related organizations, and how you might like to be involved.

I also have classes offered through Pima County

Two Classes offered through Pima County
Location, Dates, and Times are listed below each class.
Special Interest Classes
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation
Register at http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/classes/index.htm

                  LIVING WITH DYING
What Nobody Ever Told You About Advance Directives
Instructor: John Abraham, Certified Fellow in Thanatology
How to prepare for death – “Not ‘If’ but ‘When”.
Most of us, about 80%, will die some sort of managed
death. The best manager is you! This class will
teach you how to have your wishes honored regarding
end-of-life care. The appalling fact is that 70% to
80% of the time, your wishes will NOT unfortunately
be honored, even with a living will or durable medical
power of attorney. Discover how you can change this!
If you know how, you can make sure your wishes ARE
honored. Learn the importance of an “advocate” and
how to select, equip, and empower your advocate and
yourself, and how to navigate hospitalization. Contact
John at 520-235-5646 or jlavet@earthlink.net.
Class Code Location Date         Time         Fee
2-521JA NWAC-303 Sun 3/24 4:00-5:30 p.m. $20
2-522JA NWAC-303 Fri 3/29 4:30-6:00 p.m. $20
2-126JA FW-MPR1 Mon 4/1 9:30-11:00 a.m. $20
2-523JA NWAC-303 Mon 4/15 1:00-2:30 p.m. $20
2-127JA FW-MPR1 Thu 4/18 9:30-11:00 a.m. $20

3-520JA NWAC-303 Mon 4/29 12:30-2:00 p.m. $20
3-125JA FW-MPR1 Fri 5/24 4:00-5:30 p.m. $20
3-126JA FW-MPR1 Fri 6/14 9:30-11:00 a.m. $20
4-520JA NWAC-303 Tue 7/9 9:30-11:00 a.m. $20
4-125JA FW-MPR1 Fri 8/9 9:30-11:00 a.m. $20

4-126JA FW-MPR1 Fri 8/9 4:00-5:30 p.m. $20

   I hope to see you in class!

Some Comments from OASIS Evaluations:


"I was much impressed by your apparent strength, integrity, and knowledge."

"John made this topic knowledgeable, interesting, and with humor."

"John Abraham has the information and the ability to intelligently convey all we need to know about this complex topic."

"John's class has been helpful and informative for those of us who want to prepare for a compassionate and graceful exit for ourselves and our loved ones."

"A good balance between general advice and personal reflections was kept."

"He was flexible, knowledgeable, and responsive to those in class."

"Very responsive to questions and very well educated and experienced in the topic."

"From someone who already attended two of my classes: I got a lot of new information -- glad I came."

"I liked the down to earth quality of your presentation, the slang and humanity that ring a bell for all of us."

"Now I'm movitated to send a message to a friend whose husband died exactly a month ago, one of your helpful suggestions."

"Thank you John for your well presented class.  I enjoyed your pace and the materials you covered,

it is clear that you are very well informed and impassioned about your topics...."

"I just wanted to thank you again for a thought-provoking presentation given with humor and compassion."

"You were very responsive to the questions and concerns of all of us in the audience. I wish you well and may very well call upon you in the  future."

"Dear John, Please accept my sincere appreciation for your contribution
to our first effort to present an End of Life Seminar this year.
Folks shared their thanks with me so pass their words to you.
Your ministry to us on this topic of dying was so very important
for those that attended...."

"Thanks for a realistic appraisal of death and a handout that should help discussion about your area of expertise."

"In my opinion, this class was:   □outstanding     □average          □unsatisfactory"

The vast majority indicate "□outstanding" with some adding their own category of "very good."