Gallatin Valley Circle of Compassion (GVCC) invites community members to participate in their annual Mountains of Courage conference, “When Someone Dies: Dialogues with the Living about Death and Dying.”  The one day conference is designed to explore the end of life journey by providing a relaxed setting for individuals and caregivers to discover available resources, tools and information. The conference will be held on Saturday February 25th, 8:45-4:00 at the Baxter Hotel in downtown Bozeman. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited and the registration fee includes lunch. Check-in begins at 8:00. On-line registration is available. Presenters and panelists will include health professionals, spiritual counselors, social workers, and caregivers. Participants will have the opportunity to explore practical issues, emotions, myths and traditions and learn how to shift the current paradigm. They will learn about practical tools and resources to assist in making informed decisions when faced with end of life issues. Sample topics include: Family Communications, Advanced Directives, Perinatal and Infant Loss Care, and Mindfulness in the Grief Process. A full list of topics and presenters are on the organization’s website. Keynote speaker, Dr. Sameet Kumar is a clinical psychologist at the Memorial Cancer Institute in Broward County, Florida. He has specialized in working with adults who have cancer as well as their caregivers and families for nearly 20 years with a focus on end-of-life and bereavement care. His professional interests also include mindfulness meditation, spiritual coping, resilience and well-being. He is also the author of the bestselling Grieving Mindfully: A Compassionate and Spiritual Approach to Coping with Loss, and The Mindful Path Through Worry and Rumination, which is available in several languages. His most recent book is Mindfulness for Prolonged Grief.  The host for the conference is Gallatin Valley Circle of Compassion (GVCC), a volunteer group of local community members who are professionally and/or personally touched by the human experience of death and dying. Their mission: “Connecting, educating and empowering our community on matters related to death and dying”. GVCC’s intention for the conference is that participants will feel empowerment, courage, a sense of calm and confidence, and the ultimate realization that one does not have to be alone on this journey. Conference fees are $40 with advance registration through February 23, $55 at the door. Military or College Students enjoy a special rate of $25 with valid id.  Lunch is included in the conference fees. CEU’s and scholarships are available. Conference details and downloadable registration forms are available on-line at www.gallatinvalleycircleofcompassion.org.  For additional information call 587-5100.