FREE PROGRAM: Coping during holiday season after a loss

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many people, especially after a loved one has died. That is why on Wednesday, October 30, two free community presentations in Avon and Windsor will offer ways to help Greater Hartford residents cope.

These free programs — entitled Coping with Grief & Loss during the Holidays — will be presented on Wednesday, October 30 by Carmon Community Funeral Homes and Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families. The speaker at both programs will be Joe Colletti, a bereavement consultant and author who suffered the loss of a teenage daughter.

At each program, there will be an opportunity for people to ask questions. Light refreshments will be served.

Anyone may attend either of the programs on Wednesday, October 30 — but please call in advance to reserve a seat:

• 2:30 p.m. — The Lodge at 130 Deerfield Road, Windsor

To reserve a seat at this program, call 860-688-2200.

• 6:30 p.m. — Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center at 301 Country Club Road, Avon

To reserve a seat at this program, call 860-673-8610.

About Carmon Community Funeral Homes

Carmon Community Funeral Homes has been serving families in north-central Connecticut for 73 years with nine funeral homes: Avon, Granby, Hartford, Rockville, South Windsor, Suffield, Vernon, and Windsor (two locations), and its own on-site Mount Laurel Crematory.

The family-owned firm has always been a trailblazer in developing community programs that provide education and support to people who are planning funerals or coping with death. The staff works closely with clergy and physicians to provide team support to families. Staff members have participated in crisis teams and loss awareness programs at local high schools and colleges to help students deal with loss.

Over 20 years ago, Carmon Community Funeral Homes created Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families in Windsor, which provides a trusting atmosphere for Connecticut children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or another significant person. Through Mary’s Place, the funeral homes offer support groups for children, teens, young widows and widowers, and Begin Again self-help programs.

For more information, visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com or call 1-888-688-8475.

Contributor — Carmon Community Funeral Homes