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Happier Endings: Planning for Your Third Act and Beyond

2026-09-17 18:30:00 2026-09-17 19:30:00 America/Chicago Happier Endings: Planning for Your Third Act and Beyond Inspired by the characters and themes in our One Read book, a panel of local experts will talk about how to approach aging with confidence. Panelists include: Brett Barton, estate planning attorney with The Barton Law Firm; Candi Bockenstedt, Aging Best's director of special programs; and Rachel Forker, hospice care consultant with Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care. Adults. Columbia Public Library - Friends Room

Thursday, September 17
6:30pm - 7:30pm

Inspired by the characters and themes in our One Read book, a panel of local experts will talk about how to approach aging with confidence. Panelists include: Brett Barton, estate planning attorney with The Barton Law Firm; Candi Bockenstedt, Aging Best's director of special programs; and Rachel Forker, hospice care consultant with Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care. Adults.

Inspired by the themes of aging and unexpected new chapters in our One Read book, "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt, this panel brings together local experts to help you plan for the years ahead. They will share practical guidance on resources for those who are aging, legal preparation and end-of-life care so you can approach your "third act" with confidence and peace of mind. Bring your questions for this informative conversation.

Our panelists:

  • Brett Barton, planning attorney of The Barton Law Firm, LLC
    Licensed to practice law in Missouri and Iowa, Brett practices solely in the area of estate planning and all that it encompasses. He has over 25 years of experience and is a frequent speaker on the topic of Medicaid planning and the protection of assets from nursing home spend-down.
  • Candi Bockenstedt, director of special programs for Aging Best, the Area Agency on Aging
    Candi leads initiatives that support aging adults, family caregivers and communities through volunteer engagement, transformation of rural community health and innovative caregiver support. With a background in volunteer management and hospice, and a passion for strengthening rural communities, Candi focuses on reducing isolation, supporting family caregivers and creating opportunities for older adults to remain engaged and connected. Candi is a "sandwich" caregiver, and her lived experience drives her to create programs that make room for joy.
  • Rachel Forker, hospice care consultant with Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care
    Rachel Forker has served the last 14 years with Compassus. In this role, she works closely with patients, their families and referral partners to provide education and guidance around end-of-life care. Much of her work involves answering questions, discussing goals and wishes. Supporting individuals and their families during such a vulnerable and often stressful time is incredibly rewarding. She feels honored each day to be able to help people navigate these important decisions with compassion and clarity.

Adults.

Find out more about One Read.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | One Read | Health & Wellness | Employment, Business & Finance |

TAGS: | Seniors |

Columbia Public Library

Phone: 573-443-3161

Hours
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Mon, Aug 17 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Aug 18 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Aug 19 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Aug 20 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Aug 21 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 22 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Aug 23 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

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