September 2026 Newsletter

Helping central Ohioans plan ahead and know their rights

This month we're thrilled to share a brand-new partnership that lets you walk away with your Advance Directive and Living Will fully completed — notarized, signed, and done — at absolutely no cost. Read on for all the details, plus our Death Cafe, a community presentation, and our Fall Book Club pick.

⭐ New Partnership · Don't Miss This ⭐

Advance Directives & Living Wills

Notary Day

Leave with your documents completed, signed, and notarized — the same day.

📅 Tuesday, October 6 · 5:30 PM

📍 First Unitarian Universalist Church

93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus, OH 43214

⚖️ Presented by Attorney Paul Bryson

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio

Leave with your documents completed — or take them home to finish at your own pace. This is a gift to your family, and peace of mind for yourself.

Free · Open to the Public · Bring a Friend!

For more information, email info@funeralsohio.org

📅 More Upcoming Events

Oct 13

FCACO Presentation at Wesley Glen

2:00–3:00 PM · Wesley Glen Retirement Community, 8th Floor · 5155 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

Learn all about FCACO and more amazing information about end-of-life planning. Open to all! Contact Becky Bowers: beckybowers@funeralsohio.org

Oct 22

Fall Book Club Featured

6:00 PM · Main Library Meeting Room 1B

See full details and discussion question below. RSVP/questions: nikkismith@funeralsohio.org

📖 Fall Book Club

Thursday, October 22 · 6:00 PM ·Main Library Meeting Room 1B

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

“What's the point of giving someone a beautiful death if you can't give yourself a beautiful life?”

From the day she watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit, Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than with the living. After the beloved grandfather who raised her dies alone while she is traveling, Clover becomes a death doula in New York City, dedicating her life to ushering people peacefully through their end-of-life process.

Clover spends so much time with the dying that she has no life of her own — until the final wishes of a feisty old woman send her on a road trip to uncover a forgotten love story, and perhaps her own happy ending. As she navigates the uncharted roads of romance and friendship, Clover is forced to examine what she really wants, and whether she'll have the courage to go after it.

Questions or RSVP: nikkismith@funeralsohio.org

DID YOU KNOW?

The Funeral Rule is a U.S. federal regulation enforced by the Federal Trade Commission that gives consumers the right to choose only the specific funeral goods and services they want.

Enacted in 1984, the rule applies to all funeral providers and protects grieving families from unfair sales practices and hidden fees.

WE NEED YOU

Volunteer Spotlight: Flyer & Graphic Design Help Wanted This Month

FCACO is an all-volunteer organization, and we could always use more hands. This month, we're specifically looking for someone with a talent for design to help create flyers and announcements for our events.

If that's you — or someone you know — we'd love to hear from you! Email info@funeralsohio.org.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Donations help us keep programs like our free Advance Directives event going — and every bit helps. It's easy to give online, or by mail:

Mail: FCACO, P.O. Box 14835, Columbus, OH 43214

Donate Online →

SAVE THE DATE

May 22

FCACO 2027 Annual Meeting

Morning meeting · First Unitarian Universalist Church

Jun 10-13

10–13

FCA Biennial Conference 2027 Columbus!

“Anchored Roots, Expanded Reach”

The national Funeral Consumers Alliance is coming to Columbus! Mark your calendar — more details to come as planning continues.