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If you are planning to attend the ICFA 2005 Convention & Exposition, March 30 - April 2 at the Las Vegas Hilton, we encourage you to submit your registration and make your flight plans now.
Flights are filling up quickly for the week of the Convention. In addition to the ICFA event, Las Vegas is hosting a number of large conferences, including the Advertising Specialty Institute (12,000 attendees), the International Sign Association (18,000 attendees) and the National Association of Pizzeria Operators (10,000 attendees), as well as many smaller shows.
The ICFA Convention & Exposition will offer an opportunity to visit more than 200 supplier booths showcasing today's most innovative cemetery and funeral service products, as well as more than 10 hours of educational programming, facility tours, networking receptions and more.
Don't delay ... make your plans to attend today! For complete details and to register, visit http://www.icfa.org/ac05.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
1895 Preston White Drive, Suite 220
Reston, VA 20191
1-800-645-7700
(703) 391-8400
Fax (703) 391-8416
www.icfa.org
By Charles Ornstein and Rebecca Trounson, Times Staff Writers
SAN FRANCISCO &emdash; University of California medical schools would be required to implant barcodes or radio-frequency identifiers in cadavers, university officials said Wednesday as they announced a plan aimed at ending repeated scandals involving bodies donated to science.
In a message dated 1/24/05 3:27:46 PM, Tony in Florida writes:
That Doesn't Look Like Our Brother
JACKSONVILLE, Florida &emdash;
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,145198,00.html
An autopsy technician misread a number on a body tag, leaving one family without a body to memorialize and another with the wrong person's ashes scattered across the Atlantic Ocean.
As a result of the mistaken identification, the technician released the body of John Chappell, 36, instead of that of Judith Perez, 65, said Duval County Chief Medical Examiner Margarita Arruza.
"It was off by one digit. He released the wrong body to the funeral home, and obviously the funeral home never checked or looked at the body," she said. She said the technician is no longer employed by her office.
Perez's family had the body cremated and scattered the ashes in the ocean before the mistake was discovered when Chappell's relatives showed up to claim his body.
Chappell's brother in Jacksonville and sister in Mt. Morris, Mich., have notified the city of their intent to sue for negligence, said their attorney, Henry Gare.
"It is a very heartbreaking situation," Gare said Wednesday.
Gare said the family had planned to scatter Chappell's ashes at his grandfather's grave in Michigan.
A woman who answered the telephone at Green Pine Funeral Home in Yulee and refused to give her name said Chappell's body was received in a bag identified as Perez's remains. Because the body was to be cremated, she said there was no reason to open the bag.
Duval County Chief Medical Examiner Margarita Arruza said she doesn't remember her office mixing up any bodies since she joined the office in 1989.
WOONSOCKET RHODE ISLAND USA -- Former funeral director Paul Menoche has been denied parole on his second try before the Rhode Island Parole Board.
"He's going to serve out the entire sentence," a spokeswoman for the board said Tuesday.
In May 2002, Menoche, 56, was arrested for absconding with more than $400,000 in funds from customers' pre-paid funeral contracts. He later pleaded no contest to felony embezzlement and to two counts of failure to establish escrow accounts for pre-paid funeral contracts, as required by law.
In a message dated 1/26/05 9:16:49 PM, Gary in Massachusetts writes:
ASCAP Launches Infringement Actions against Establishments Performing
Copyrighted Music without Permission
Monday January 24, 1:27 pm ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2005--Today, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers filed 24 separate copyright infringement actions against nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in 15 states and the District of Columbia. These establishments (listed below) have publicly performed the copyrighted musical works of ASCAP's songwriter, composer and music publisher members without receiving their permission to do so, resulting in lost income.
"Informing business owners of their obligations under Federal Copyright Law is one of ASCAP's key roles," said Vincent Candilora, Senior Vice President of Licensing at ASCAP. "We provide any business using music the opportunity to receive permission through acceptance of a license covering the use of over 8 million copyrighted songs and compositions, and we make every effor to educate business owners concerning their music licensing responsibilities. If our good efforts are ignored, then our only recourse is legal action."
During 2004, ASCAP achieved a 100% success rate with its copyright infringement litigation, with all concluded cases resulting in either a cash settlement or a judgment in favor of ASCAP members. This is significant as ASCAP represents over 200,000 member owners who, for the most part, are songwriters and composers who rely heavily on their ASCAP royalties, as well as ASCAP's enforcement efforts on their behalf. Over 86 cents of every dollar collected is distributed to its members, the music creators.
According to Vince Abbatiello, ASCAP Vice President of Sales and Director of General Licensing, "When business owners ignore their obligations and violate Federal Copyright Law, they are actually stealing from the songwriters and composers who created the music compositions that those businesses are using. Individual songwriters and composers are the ultimate small business people, working on their own with limited opportunity for sustained success. We only take legal action when all other means of resolution have been exhausted. But when we litigate on behalf of our members, our success rate is always very high. Business owners who ignore the Copyright Law in the belief that they can escape penalty should treat this very seriously. Don't steal our members' music."
Establishment, City and State:
Challengers, Pelham, AL
Back Porch, Tuscalossa, AL
Hard Dock Cafe, Decatur, AL
Saddlerack, Chandler, AZ
Josh Slocum's, Newport Beach, CA
Joe's Cafe, Branford, CT
Home Nightclub, Washington, DC
Jade, Miami Beach, FL
Estate (f/k/a Nocturnal), Chicago, IL
Hundred South Grille a/k/a 100 South Chop House, Elmhurst, IL
Le Passage/Yow Bar, Chicago, IL
Costello's, Jamaica Plain, MA
Buffalo Billiards, Gaithersburg, MD
American Sports Cafe, St. Paul, MN
Buffalo Tap & Grille, Savage, MN
Soulard Ale House, St. Louis, MO
Gilligan's, Surf City, NC
J. Lindsay's, Columbus, OH
Denim, Philadelphia, PA
R.P. McMurphy's, Holmes, PA
Wolfy's, Nashville, TN
Happy Town Karaoke, Houston, TX
OUI Club, Wichita Falls, TX
Scuttlebutts Restaurant and Bar, Lubbock, TX
About ASCAP Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading Performing Rights Organization in the U.S., representing the world's largest music repertory.
ASCAP is committed to protecting the rights of its members by licensing and collecting royalties for the public performance of their copyrighted works, and then distributing these fees to the Society's members based on performances. Unlike the other American Performing Rights Organizations, ASCAP's Board of Directors is made up solely of writers and publishers, elected by the membership every two years. Every year ASCAP provides over $3 million dollars in special awards to promising music creators whose works may be performed in venues that may not be actively surveyed. And the ASCAP Foundation, established in 1975 by ASCAP members, has the mission of nurturing new talent and promoting music education. It has assisted countless aspiring music creators in career development and fulfillment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact: ASCAP Pauline Stack, 212-621-6278 pstack@ascap.com Source: ASCAP
In a message dated 1/27/05 9:29:30 AM, ckuhnen@theoutlookgroup.com writes:
PRESS RELEASE For Further Information Contact
For Immediate Release Chris Kuhnen (800) 331-6270
HOMESTEADERS LIFE COMPANY RECOGNIZES OUTLOOK GROUP EMPLOYEES FOR OUTSTANDING SALES PERFORMANCE IN 2004
Franklin, OH. The Homesteaders Life Company, Des Moines, Iowa is proud to recognize a first-rate group of Outlook Group Advance Funeral Planning Professionals for outstanding success in 2004.
Homesteaders Life Company 2005 Leaders Conference qualifiers from the Outlook Group are: Jeff Courtad, Christine Collins, David Deuth, Judi Gault, Marge GeRue, Beverly Hooper, Beverly Keen, Alice Kyle, Judy Seltzer, Sara Tanner, Ann White, Chris White and George Yuhas. Management team qualifiers included: Charles W. Anderson, Chris Kuhnen, Christian Chambers, Candace Franco, Ed Bowling, Everett Collins, Roger Mullinax and John Feher along with special guest invitee Don Odom.
The goal of the Homesteaders' annual Leaders Conference is to provide teambuilding and shared learning opportunities. The event culminates in a gala awards dinner during which qualifiers are recognized for preneed sales excellence and caring service to families in their local communities.
The 2005 leaders conference will be held in San Francisco, California, March 8-12, 2005 at the renowned St. Francis Hotel.
Founded in 1985 in Franklin, Ohio, The Outlook Group, Inc. is a national resource for funeral service enhancement and practice strategies serving independently owned and operated funeral homes across America. For more information about their services telephone (800) 331-6270 or visit them online at http://www.theoutlookgroup.com
In a message dated 1/26/05 6:40:25 AM, Marie in South Dakota writes:
South Dakota Unfettered public access to vital state records should no longer be allowed in South Dakota, legislators were told Wednesday.
A bill before the Senate Health Committee would limit access to birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Only family members and a few others, such as a funeral directors, doctors and others acting on behalf of families, would be allowed to get the records.
However, SB41 would allow birth records to become fully public after 100 years and death, marriage, divorce and annulment records to be unrestricted after 50 years.
The measure was prompted by the relatively recent phenomenon of identity theft, which is on the increase, and concerns about homeland security.
The state Health Department, which keeps vital records, has documented several cases of identity theft, said Jerry Hofer, administration director in the department.
In one instance, a Utah resident obtained a certified copy of a South Dakota birth certificate using information from an obituary, Hofer said. The birth certificate was used to create a false identity in Utah.
Two-thirds of all requests for South Dakota vital records come from other states, according to Hofer. He said there were 215,000 reported cases of identity theft nationwide in 2003 and 150 in South Dakota.
Opponents said SB41 goes too far in restricting public records.
''The bill in its current form is too easy of a solution,'' said David Bordewyk, general manager of the South Dakota Newspaper Association.
Bordewyk said there are better ways to balance the personal right to privacy against the public right to view state records. He cited New Jersey's policy of restricting access to certified copies of vital records while leaving the general data in the records open to the public.
Steve Willard, lobbyist for the South Dakota Broadcasters Association, said there are other ways to steal identities that do not involve retrieval of information from vital records, such as credit card theft.
''No matter what we do, if you're that intent on committing the crime, there's nothing we can do to stop you,'' Willard said.
Tim Walburg, assistant police chief in Canton, told of an identity theft case involving a South Dakota man who died in 1984. The lawman arrested a suspect in August whose wallet contained a valid copy of the dead man's birth certificate.
''Identity theft is an upcoming crime in South Dakota and across the United States. We need to get a handle on this,'' Walburg said.
The federal National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 will require all states to enact some form of records protection in the next two to five years, Hofer said. He said 36 states already have restricted access to vital records, allowing them to be obtained only by people who have a direct interest.
SB41 contains a penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for anyone who unlawfully releases or is in illegal possession of vital records. Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records could only be obtained by a spouse, child, parent, guardian, next of kin, or authorized representative.
Copies of those records also would be made available to those who need them to determine or protect a property or personal right.
The Senate Health Committee delayed action on the bill until Monday.
In a message dated 2/9/05 5:50:35 PM, bulletin@nfd.org writes:
FUNERAL FACT Results from the 2005 Wirthlin Report state that the more experience individuals have with funerals, the more positive their attitude is toward the profession. It further states, "The level of satisfaction with the funeral home experience remains very high - 87% of Americans wouldn't change anything."
For last week's poll question, "What types of advertising does your firm use?," the majority of respondents, over 52 percent, said they use print advertising. In addition, 27 percent use a combination of print, radio and television advertising and just over 11 percent said they do not advertise. To view the complete results, click here.
Funeral Directors Need to Beef Up on Preplanning and Cremation
The just-released 2005 Wirthlin Report confirms what NFDA has already learned in prior research, including NFDA's recently commissioned Harris Interactive Poll (Harris Poll available for free at http://www.nfda.org/surveysreports.php). The Wirthlin Report found that nearly three out of four participants (72 percent) said they felt it was better to prearrange their own service, with 35 percent of these having already made some prearrangements. More than half (52 percent) of those who have not already preplanned said they are very or somewhat likely to prearrange their own funeral, burial or cremation within the next five years.
In addition, cremation continues to expand as an option that Americans are choosing. According to the Wirthlin study, the percentage of people definitely or somewhat likely to choose cremation for a loved one slightly increased to 46 percent. For themselves, the percentage increased to 47 percent.
"NFDA is here to help funeral directors adjust to these changes, so they can thrive in a competitive marketplace," explained NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper, CAE. "With teleconferences such as 'Surviving Cremation: Operate Like It's 2010,' home study courses like 'Exceptional Events: Concept to Completion,' and our Certified Preplanning Consultant program, NFDA has something to meet everyone's needs on these key issues. In addition, NFDA's For a Life Worth Celebrating consumer education effort provides tools for communicating the importance of a meaningful funeral to families thinking about preplanning or choosing cremation."
The Wirthlin Report was commissioned by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC), of which NFDA is a member. To read NFDA's press release on the report and for more information on ordering your own copy of the study, call 800-228-6332 or visit http://www.nfda.org/pressRelease.php?eID=194.
Nationwide Inspections May Be Coming - Stay Compliant with Free OSHA Hotline
Small Funeral Homes Receive Most Violations in Georgia OSHA Inspections
OSHA is reporting that most of the funeral homes receiving violations in Georgia's recent inspections are small funeral homes. In addition, NFDA has been advised by OSHA that the most common violations found to date are of the formaldehyde, hazard communication and bloodborne pathogen standards. OSHA began targeting funeral homes in November 2004 with its Atlanta, Georgia regional office.
Is your funeral home next? NFDA wants to help every firm, large or small, be in compliance. The Georgia program may be used as a model for a nationwide OSHA enforcement program targeting funeral homes. NFDA is strongly encouraging members to review all OSHA standards that are applicable to their operations and ensure that employees use all required personal protective equipment and devices. In addition, NFDA urges all members to take advantage of their FREE member benefit, the 24-hour OSHA support line, whenever you have an OSHA question.
Ed Ranier, NFDA OSHA Counsel states, "You need to be in compliance and you need to call. The phone call is free. OSHA fines are very expensive." You can call Ed Ranier at the support line today with your questions at 800-633-2674. NFDA has also published The NFDA Guide to Selected OSHA Standards for Funeral Homes and other OSHA resources, which are available by calling 800-228-6332 or visiting the Resource Store at http://eservices.nfda.org/site/vision_productsearch.asp. You can learn more about compliance issues and get your CE credits at the same time with NFDA's Home Study materials. For more information, visit http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=307.
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OSHA Draft Document Could Affect Funeral Directors
OSHA is seeking comment from hospital personnel on its just-released draft document entitled, OSHA's Draft Best Practices for Hospital Based First Receivers of Victims from Mass Casualty Incidents Involving the Release of Hazardous Substances. The document is designed to assist hospitals in protecting emergency department personnel who care for victims of mass casualty incidents as "first receivers." A funeral director, who removes remains from a first receiver hospital after a mass casualty, should be aware of the recommended best practices and the extent of the hospital's compliance with those practices. OSHA's draft document is available through OSHA's Website for review at http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/bestpractices/html/hospital_firstreceivers.html.
NFDA on Top of Medicaid Reform as Issue Heats Up in D.C.
What are people talking about, writing about and setting their priorities on across the country? Medicaid. And Washington, D.C. is hearing it. NFDA is concerned that Congress may look to eliminate the current funeral/burial trust exclusions. These exclusions allow prospective Medicaid recipients to exclude monies set aside to pay for their funeral and burial from the asset test, in determining eligibility for the program. This is a priority issue for NFDA and we will be actively engaged in this debate and process to ensure that these exclusions remain.
At his recent confirmation hearings for HHS Secretary, Michael Leavitt was asked about Medicaid reform and whether he would support caps on federal allotments to the States or other Medicaid "cuts." Leavitt was not firm in his answers and did not provide insight into the administration's budget proposals. However, while Governor of Utah, Leavitt expanded Medicaid coverage by reducing benefits and increasing cost-sharing.
In addition, the House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, Joe Barton (R-Texas) recently sent a letter to 20 hospitals seeking information regarding certain financing mechanisms by which states maximize their receipt of Medicaid funds. Also, a group of national organizations and provider groups from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. sent a letter to President Bush. The letter urged the president to protect the Medicaid program and avoid proposals that would fundamentally alter the structure of the program. The letter opposed Medicaid cuts or funding caps.
Less than one month until 2005 Advocacy Summit - Join us!
With a new Congress in Washington, D.C., the timing is perfect to join us and advance critical issues in funeral service. Make your plans now to attend the 2005 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., March 7-9. By joining your colleagues during these important discussions, you will have a direct impact on your business and your funeral home expenses. You'll get the chance to have your voice heard and meet with your legislators on key funeral service issues. While protecting Medicaid will certainly be a hot topic that benefits your business, three more advantages for you in relation to key NFDA federal issues this year include: Reducing your costs and expanding options if Association Health Plans are enacted, Preserving your business if the Permanent Estate Tax is repealed, Eliminating confusion with the possible codification of the FTC Funeral Rule, Register today for the Advocacy Summit by calling 800-228-6332 or visiting http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=551.
Congress Members Praise Supporters of NFDA's Asian Relief Fund
NFDA extends its thanks and appreciation to members of congress who recently recognized the Funeral Service Asian Relief Fund, in response to the tsunami disaster. A statement by Senator Herb Kohl, (D-Wis.), was entered into the Congressional Record on Jan. 6, 2005. Kohl stated, "I commend the charity of the members of the National Funeral Directors Association during this time of need in South Asia."
In addition, Representative Mike Pence, (R-Ind.), delivered a statement to the House of Representatives on Jan. 26, 2005. "The National Funeral Directors Association has long been involved in volunteering their time and resources to aid in domestic disasters, such as the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack and the Oklahoma City bombing. However, it is clear that their care and concern for humanity goes beyond our American borders as well," said Pence.
Donations to the Asian Relief Fund have now topped $33,000.00 thanks to all of you! If you would still like to make a tax-deductible contribution and help the victims of the tsunami disaster, call an NFDA Member Services Representative at 800-228-6332, or contribute online or by downloading a form at http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=664. NFDA urges members to save checks, credit card statements or other documentation as proof of contribution for their tax return.
Families Find Frustration, Closure at Brent Marsh Sentencing
Former crematory owner, Brent Marsh, was sentenced to twelve years in prison Monday after listening to some families of the 334 victims he failed to cremate at Tri State Crematory. Joe Oden of Chattanooga, Tenn., whose wife was supposed to be cremated at Tri State, asked Marsh, "How would you feel if your daughter was treated in that fashion? You'd feel the same as these people."
Another family member, Sheila Manis, seemed to find closure with what she and Marsh had already been through stating, "I also think you're a very brave man to sit here and accept the punishment set forth by this judge. Prison serves two purposes in my opinion and that's punishment and rehabilitation. I think we've all been punished enough and I include you in that statement. If it were up to me, you'd go home today."
In response to the families, Marsh apologized but still failed to give a reason for his actions.
NFDA Responds to Negative American Legion Article
NFDA has sent a letter to the editor of The American Legion Magazine in response to a negative article titled, "How to Beat the High Cost of Dying," appearing in the February issue of the publication. To view NFDA's response and access a link to the article, visit http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=672.
Hamilton Group and Keystone Group Holdings Merge
Robert Horn, president of Keystone Group Holdings, Inc. and Jay Kruger, president of the Hamilton Group, announced a merger this week. According to Kruger, "This combination will result in an exceptional company with solid financial resources and innovative operational capabilities dedicated to providing exceptional funeral service and offering opportunities for growth." The two companies operate a combined 177 funeral homes throughout the United States.
Business Tip of the Month
ENVIRONMENTAL Compliance Tip - What to do When the Regulator Knocks
This month's tip is about assuring environmental compliance by preparing for an inspection before the inspector arrives. It comes from "What to do When the Regulator Knocks," one of six Environmental Fact Sheets from NFDA that are available for FREE along with NFDA's Best Environmental, Health and Safety Practices poster. They're all designed to keep you in compliance. To download or order the fact sheets or receive a copy of the poster, visit http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=644 or call 800-228-6332. In addition, if you've already used these materials and have a success story to share, we'd love to hear it! Email your story to David Landis at dlandis@nfda.org.
Here's your tip ...
Review funeral home practices and address any problems noted before the inspector arrives.
Implement NFDA's Best Environmental, Health and Safety Practices. Regulators are familiar with and interested in your observing the Best Practices. The following is excerpted from the Best Practices. Be sure to use the complete document as your guide.
Be familiar with the composition of your wastewater and proper disposal practices. Funeral home expansion may require modifications to your wastewater system. Septic tanks must be pumped regularly, no less often than every three years. Pumping annually is best. Cesspools are required to be shutdown by April 5, 2005.
Assure your funeral home employs proper handling and disposal practices for all types of waste - hazardous, medical, etc., by reviewing and implementing NFDA's Medical Waste Protocol. This can be found on NFDA's Website at http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=202.
Avoid embalming products that contain chlorinated compounds, such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (Perc). Never allow such products to go into drains, sinks, embalming tanks, or groundwater. Substitute environmentally friendly products for products with chlorinated ingredients. This means periodic review of product MSDS.
Make sure that required backflow protection is in place and inspections, fees and certifications are up to date.
Have the funeral home's written OSHA Hazard Communication Program (HCP) available for review. Make sure that the HCP is up to date and that it is followed.
NFDA Bulletin
PERMISSION TO REPRINT. NFDA encourages publications to reprint the material included in this or any issue of the NFDA Bulletin (unless otherwise indicated) in their publications with source attributed to NFDA. For more information on any item included in this issue of the NFDA Bulletin, please send an email to bulletin@nfda.org or call (262) 789-1880.
Have a comment or suggestion for the NFDA Bulletin? Tell us what you think by visiting NFDA's Discussion Forum at http://www.nfda.org/discussionboard.php?replyto=192&mId=193 (NFDA Members Only)
If you no longer wish to receive the NFDA Bulletin, please click here to unsubscribe.
National Funeral Directors Association : 13625 Bishop's Drive : Brookfield, WI 53005 : 800-228-6332
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In a message dated 2/8/05 3:37:55 PM, kmonfre@nfda.org writes:
For Immediate Release Media Contacts: Fay Spano and Katie Monfre 800-228-6332
NFDA Offers Flexible Continuing Education Opportunities
Topics Chosen in Direct Response to Funeral Directors' Requests
Brookfield, Wis. - The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is responding to requests from funeral directors for more flexible continuing education opportunities in 2005. Regardless of their size or location, funeral homes will be able to match their needs with NFDA's regional seminars, conferences, and home study learning programs such as teleconferences, Web seminars, and online learning.
In addition, NFDA's continuing educational opportunities will focus on the key issues that funeral directors have asked NFDA to provide more information on. These include developing sound human resource practices, improving technical skills, and staying ahead of trends like personalization and cremation.
The events scheduled for March, April, and May include:
Certified Preplanning Consultant Program
March 9-11, 2005
Fortis Benefits, Vancouver, BC, Canada
FTC Compliance: 2005 Update for Funeral Home Owners and Staff
March 10, 2005
Teleconference - (Highly recommended for Pursuit of Excellence
participants)
Certified Preplanning Consultant Program
March 16-18, 2005
Monumental Life, Baltimore, Md.
Professional Women's Conference: Inspiration 2005
April 1-4, 2005
Chaparral Suites Resort, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Certified Preplanning Consultant Program
April 13-15, 2005
Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, N.J.
How to Get What You Need from Your Employees
April 19, 2005
Web seminar
Embalming, Reconstructive Surgery and Airbrushing Techniques
April 26-27, 2005
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Exceptional Funerals: Personalization Beyond the Basics
May 2-5, 2005
Carmon Community Center of Avon, Avon, Conn.
Need-to-Know Wage and Hour Compliance for Employers
May 5, 2005
Teleconference
Certified Preplanning Consultant Program
May 11-13, 2005
NFDA Headquarters, Brookfield, Wis.
For more information or to register for any NFDA event, please contact an NFDA Member Services Representative at 800-228-6332. A complete schedule of NFDA continuing education offerings is available at www.nfda.org. All NFDA events are subject to change.
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) boasts that they are the leading funeral service association, claiming they serve 21,400 individual members who may work in or own the 12,486 funeral homes in the United States and other countries. From their beautiful headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and their Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., NFDA has taken advantage of their position, claiming they protect consumers and are a true advocate for funeral directors and embalmers. Truth be told, NFDA advocates, first, for their own survival and when they are forced to, the association exclusively works for the funeral home owners and not for the protection of consumers nor for the benefit of any employee, non-owner funeral director or embalmer. NFDA also hosts an annual convention where the number of exhibitors is close to the number of attendees.
The preceding paragraph is just the opinion of John McDonough, NFDA member, after studying the organization closely since 1993.
In a message dated 2/2/05 10:44:56 PM, Joe in Massachusetts sends us:
CENTER MORICHES, NEW YORK - A man expecting to find his recently deceased father's belongings opened a plastic bag sent to him by a funeral home and discovered an amputated human leg.
Christopher Runyan received the bag Monday from Sinnickson's Moriches Funeral Home, which handled the funeral of his father, Paul, 77, who died last week.
Runyan said a foul odor was coming from the bag, and he opened it and discovered the leg.
"The stench that came out almost knocked me over," Runyan told the Daily News. "I turned totally white."
The funeral home had received the bag from the hospital, and Lee W. Sinnickson said in a statement that it is the policy of his funeral home "not to open the contents of a decedent's personal effects."
Suffolk County police Sgt. George Kelly said Tuesday that investigators determined that the leg belonged to a patient who died Jan. 13. "We believe it was just a case of human error," Kelly said.
Central Suffolk Hospital spokeswoman Nancy Uzo said Tuesday the case would be investigated, but she would not say how the error may have happened, citing patient confidentiality rules.
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In a message dated 1/29/05 2:23:41 PM, Paula in Montana sends us:
John here are some items for you
Iowa Funeral Home missing Pre need funds http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2005/01/19/news/regional/60c790cc088bb91e86256f8e0049767b.txt
Did the priest kill the fd? http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/10676586.htm & http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S5045.html?cat=1
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Got any Hot News for us. Issues that involve funeral service, in your community, it in, Everything you see here was send in by someone just like you. If there is a newspaper article in your area, send the link and we can all learn from it, even if it is your opinion we all learn from one another. Any HOT NEWS OR SCUTTLEBUTT WILL BE POSTED IN THE READER'S WRITE BACK SECTION.
Send your story or issue to FSPA just click here --->Lowellma@aol.com
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Sorry, No posts in this issue.
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You are welcome, to write us with your comments, suggestions, complaints and especially stories about funeral service. Please remember only FSPA members will have information posted in the weekly update, it's easy click here ---> Mailto:Lowellma@aol.com Your participation is appreciated and essential.
You are welcome, to post your professional article here, you need to author your article and agree it will be posted with your full name. Please remember only FSPA members will have information posted in the weekly update, it's easy click here ---> Mailto:Lowellma@aol.com Your participation is appreciated and essential.
FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION does not share membership info with anyone, no one will be given your information with out your permission or a court order.
To Join the Funeral Service Professional Association you must derive some of your income from the funeral industry, students and retirees from the funeral profession are welcome as well, please e-mail the following information.
If you skip answering one of the seven questions, you are wasting your time, the standards are the same for everyone, FSPA is open to everyone in funeral service, we are all equals here no exceptions, FSPA will not tell anyone who you are unless you request your identity be disclosed, FSPA is only open to any type of Funeral Service Professional, or Funeral Service Affiliate such as: Funeral Association employees, Mortuary School Students, Funeral Service product providers and Funeral Service Media.
Accountants will tell you FSPA is a write off ! Please check with your accountant. If s/he approves Go get yourself a nice laptop and possibly write off your hardware as well as AOL or other Internet service charge as an expense, the more your participate in FSPA the more proof you have.
If you have a suggested question this please just send it along, none of FSPA 's mail will be possible with out your sending information into us,
To make life easier on me
First and foremost, Send your info or story in to FSPA.
2nd Please put on the top line your name and location, like "John from Massachusetts writes :"
3rd please address the subject line put:
This is just a hobby, if you send and don't address the subject line with FSPA, it usually delete it because it looks like junk mail, FSPA get over 50 pieces of mail a day, most gets deleted, THE SUBJECT LINE is the key so please, use the subject line properly. Put FSPA in the Subject line along with the flavor of your message.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE the posting(s) you send are some times resent to others be careful, if you are proud of what you said and want the world to know how you feel Put your name, location and e-mail address at the end.
However If you don't want the world to know your ideas and you want to remain anonymous, just put name withheld at the end. FSPA does not reveal who its members are nor does FSPA lend it's list of members to others. There is no need to identify yourself. If you are not proud of your response (like the air line lost a body on us) it is not recommended you identify yourself, since we can all learn from problems. We need your input! Your answers go all over the place, E-mail is so easy to forward. We are happy to learn from your problems and issues, there is no need to identify yourself if you don't want to, South Western United States if just fine.
If the article you want is from a commercial publisher YOU MUST get permission from the person or company who created the story.
Because e-mail can be altered electronically, the integrity of this communication cannot be guaranteed. Any of the items you read here, you are free to reuse, understand, the postings are just that, the items are for the most part cut and pasted from E-mail, others FAXed and of course from funeral publications and other media. What you see here is never checked, if you do decide to republish or quote any thing FSPA puts out, check it out, please do not name the individual who sent the article without their permission. If you see fit to use any information from FSPA please give us credit. Ages ago a state association news letter posted a quote using the senders name, she was not a happy camper nor was her company, please use caution in the future. We appreciate your understanding and we need your support.
Consider these steps for your life.
1. Work like you don't need the money.
2. Love like you've never been hurt.
3. Dance like you do when nobody's watching.
C YA
John
BOTTOM LINE: WE ALL WORK FOR THE BETTERMENT OF FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSION AND THE DEATH CARE INDUSTRY THE CONSUMERS WE SERVE AND THE PROFESSIONALS WE WORK WITH. IF YOU SEE ANYTHING WRONG, IF SOMETHING HERE REALLY OFFENDS YOU, LET'S WORK TOGETHER. PLEASE NOTIFY FSPA IMMEDIATELY, YOU CAN E-MAIL TO lowellma@aol.com Or call FSPA in the United States Voice 978-458-6816 Fax 978-459-0115 or the old fashioned way through the mail at FSPA c/o 14 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852-3399 USA
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