In a message dated 3/31/01 1:06:59 AM, a funeral attendee asks:
Hi John, I don't know if can answer my question, but if not, can you point me to an area to find the answer. I have recently gone to the funeral home twice to view my grandmother, and a friend. There was a vast difference in their ages, 89 and 35. Both looked unnatural around the mouth, almost like there was stuffing under the lips and mouth which made the mouth area look unlike either one of them. The funeral homes were in different states, so there were different people that prepared the bodies. Is there a process in embalming the body that would cause this? If so what is it?
Thanks, Doresa
Federal Wage and Hour Officials Inspect Funeral Homes. In recent months, there have been a number of funeral home inspections by officials of the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor to determine compliance with the Fair Labor Standards ActÐspecifically its overtime provisions. These inspections have uncovered a failure to maintain required records, unpaid overtime, and compensable time given in lieu of overtime to employees who are not exempt under the act. These investigations can occur as a result of routine audits or on the basis of a consumer complaint.
For more information on the Fair Labor Standards Act and penalties for violation of the act, http://www.nfda.org/memberpage/govrel/roundup/2001/feb27.html
Federal Wage and Hour Inspections of Funeral Homes
Funeral Home Inspections:
In recent months, there have been a number of funeral home inspections by officials of the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor to determine compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act; specifically, its overtime provisions. These inspections have uncovered a failure to maintain required records, unpaid overtime, and compensable time given in lieu of overtime to employees who are not exempt under the Act. These investigations can occur as a result of routine audits or on the basis of a consumer complaint.
Penalties for Violations of the Act:
If there is a willful violation of the Act, it can result in criminal prosecution by the Wage and Hour Division. In addition, employees of the funeral home can institute a civil action in federal or state court for unpaid wages or overtime. In such an action, the Court has the power to award unpaid wages and overtime for back pay two years from the date the complaint was filed. In the case of a willful violation, the back pay period can extend back three years. Further, the Court also has the power to award employees, suing in their own behalf, attorneys fees and any additional amount of liquidated damages equal to the back pay amount, thus doubling the amount an employer must pay in damages.
Who is covered:
Employers whose gross annual sales exceed $500,000 or who deal in interstate commerce, which is broadly interpreted, are covered by the Act. For example, a funeral home whose gross annual sales are $450,000 but who ships and receives bodies across state lines or enters a preneed contract with someone from another state is covered by the Act. The only exception is if the establishment has as its only regular employees, the owner or the parent, spouse, child or other immediate family member of the owner.
Exceptions:
The only exception to the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the Act are for executive employees, whose primary duties are management and administrators, who regularly exercise discretion and independent judgement directly related to the management policies or general business operations. The remaining exception for professional employees is not available for licensed funeral directors or embalmers based on the current interpretation by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor.
Recordkeeping Requirements:
Employers are required to maintain records that include personal information, such as the name, address and social security number of each employee, the hours and day when the work week begins, the total hours worked each day in each week, the total daily and weekly straight time earnings, the regular hourly rate for any work week when overtime is worked, the total overtime pay for each week, any deductions from or additions to wages, total wages paid each pay period, the date of payment and the pay period covered. If these records are not maintained, in addition to being a violation of the wage and hour laws, the employer has no way to prove that he/she may actually have been in compliance or, at the very least, limit liability. Records must be maintained for three years, except when required to be maintained for six years to be in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code.
Overtime Pay:
Employees who are not exempt, must be paid overtime, which means they must be paid not less than time and a half their regular rate for all hours worked over forty hours in a work week. Compensable time in lieu of overtime pay is a violation of the law for anyone other than an exempt employee. There is no exception to this requirement and federal law preempts state law in this area.
State Laws:
Funeral home employers also should be aware that many states have enacted their own wage and hour laws that provide additional benefits, recordkeeping, coverage and other requirements not included in the federal law. For this reason, it is essential that the funeral home also check applicable state law as well.
Conclusion:
As a final point, it cannot be emphasized enough that a failure to maintain proper records will result not only in a violation of the federal wage and hour law; but also, in an ability to defend or prove what was actually paid or not and why.
Help from NFDA:
NFDA has available an InfoPak on compliance with the wage and hour laws which can be purchased directly by calling 800-228-6332.
If you have any questions regarding this or any other issue, please call our Washington, D.C. office at 202-547-0441.
In a message dated 4/9/01 3:00:55 PM, LOWELL MA writes: Next time during calling hours pick up a professional magazine.
Mortuary Management - Check Out April 2001 Mortuary Management Page 7 Article title ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION by James H. Gadberry, has some great idea on settling family and customer squables, from an angle I've not see before. On the back Cover you will notice Batesvilles Keepsakes.
American Funeral Director - Check out April 2001 American Funeral Director page 26 Article title SHIPPING 101 by Melissa Williams Johnson, has 8 ideas on how to improve your procedures when shipping or receiving remains, Melissa your the best! Dr. Kevin Hatfield, Executive Director of The International Conference of Funeral service Examining Boards Inc. also has a nice article in this issue. On the Back Cover you will notice Wilbert's "Loved and Cherished" series.
In a message dated 4/15/01 7:29:09 PM, Mike in Oklahoma writes:
On Tues. 4-17-01 on The History Channel, 8 p.m. Eastern The show is called Crypts, Coffins & Corpes. If you miss it the first time, it is repeated again at Midnite Eastern time. Check your local listings to be sure. Mike
In a message dated 4/9/01 9:47:16 AM, Walter in Tennessee writes:
http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/04/08/netherlands.euthanasia/index.html?s=7
Dutch set to legalise euthanasia
April 9, 2001
Web posted at: 4:50 AM EDT (0850 GMT)
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands -- The Netherlands is poised to become the only country in the world to legalise euthanasia if the Senate approves the measure this week.
The upper house will start debating the controversial issue on Monday and will probably reveal its decision late on Tuesday, but the vote is seen as a formality after the lower house approved a bill to allow doctors help patients die.
The bill, which lays out strict rules for doctors to perform euthanasia, requires a simple majority in the 75-seat Senate before it becomes law.
A spokeswoman for the Dutch Voluntary Euthanasia Society (DVES) said that a 104-40 vote to pass the measure in the lower house in November made the organisation confident the bill would become law.
"After fighting for 27 years to legalise euthanasia, we were very glad when the bill was passed by the lower house," she said.
"We will be even more glad when it goes through this final stage."
The three parties which govern the upper house -- the Liberal VVD, the Labour Party, and the moderate D66 party -- hold 38 seats between them and back the bill, as does the Green party with eight other seats.
"Morally and ethically, it is correct to change the penal code so someone who is terminally ill can ask their doctor to help them die without fearing he will end up in jail," said Jacob Kohnstamm, D66 spokesman and President of the DVES.
He said 86 percent of the Dutch population were in favour of the law, and thousands of letters and e-mails -- some from Britain, France, Belgium, Australia and the U.S. -- had urged members to approve the bill because it would help encourage debate in their own countries.
If passed, the Netherlands will be the only country to make the practice legal.
The U.S. state of Oregon allows physician-assisted suicide while Australia's Northern Territory legalised medically assisted suicide for terminally-ill patients in 1996, although that law was later repealed.
"Someone has to be first. There's nothing to be proud of and nothing to be ashamed of... Within 25 years, most countries will have a euthanasia law," Kohnstamm added.
If passed, the law will legalise a practice that has been carried out by Dutch doctors for more than two decades. It is intended to clear up a fuzzy area of law which has left open the possibility of doctors being prosecuted for murder.
Latest figures from the DVES show there were 3,600 deaths from euthanasia or assisted suicide in the Netherlands in 1995.
The Christian Democrats, the Socialists and the smaller Calvinist parties oppose the bill, but they have less than 30 seats in the upper chamber between them.
Christian Democrats (CDA) do not object to euthanasia itself, but take issue with the bill on the grounds that legalising the practice makes it too easy.
"All 20 members will vote against it," said CDA spokeswoman Yvonne Timmerman. "We're afraid that with this bill, euthanasia will become a normal act."
Thanks To Fred in Massachusetts & Bob in Virginia who faxed us about this Interesting Consumer Reports Story and to Alex in California for Consumer Reports Story Website!
http://www.consumerreports.org/Special/ConsumerInterest/Reports/0105fun0.html
BELOW IS A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU CAN SEE IF YOU VISIT THE CONSUMER REPORT WEBISTE, KEEP IN MIND YOUR CUSTOMERS AS WELL AS YOUR FUNERAL HOME LOUNGES HAVE THIS ARTICLE IN THE MAY ISSUE OF CONSUMER REPORTS.
FEATURE REPORT May 2001
Final arrangements
OUR INVESTIGATION SHOWS THAT YOU'LL PROBABLY PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR A PREPAID FUNERAL. THERE ARE MUCH BETTER WAYS TO PLAN IN ADVANCE.
Vicki Duffy
Paying twice In 1969, Vicki Duffy, of Harvey, La., bought a $1,500 funeral policy, believing that all fees would be covered, her family says. But when Duffy died 28 years later, her daughter, Arlene Duffy Hilley (above right), ended up paying $3,500 more for her mother's funeral because provisions were so skimpy, Hilley says. The family has sued.
Even if you're only in your 50s--and especially if you've helped arrange a funeral or attended one lately--three big funeral chains want you to think seriously about dropping dead yourself. No, they don't wish you ill; they just want to sell you a prepaid funeral for thousands of dollars. Cash up front. Today, thank you.
An estimated 9 to 11 million Americans have already bought some $21 billion worth of prepaid funerals. Now aggressive marketing has given this familiar product new life. The pitch is simple: Plan ahead and save your family the stress of making arrangements at the worst time; lock in your price now to avoid much higher costs later.
But the notion of juggernaut price hikes is largely a myth, according to a Consumer Reports investigation. Indeed, prepaid plans benefit struggling funeral chains more than they protect your pocketbook.
The nation's three big funeral chains have used prepaid plans as part of a growth strategy that included borrowing billions of dollars to buy funeral homes from coast to coast. Those chains now own a quarter of the nation's 22,000 funeral homes, but they're in trouble. One of them, the Loewen Group of Burnaby, B.C., is in bankruptcy, while the other two--Houston-based Service Corporation International (SCI) and Stewart Enterprises of Metairie, La.--were so desperate for cash last year, they took $84 million from their Florida customers' prepaid funeral trust accounts to make debt payments, replacing the money with surety bonds--IOUs. The switch was approved by the state Board of Funeral and Cemetery Services, an appointed group that oversees Florida's funeral homes and whose chairman is employed by Stewart. Perfectly legal under Florida law, such a deal would not be allowed in most other states.
Now these companies expect to help bail themselves out of their problems by stepping up sales of--you guessed it--prepaid funerals and burials.
Prepaid funerals are pitched by the big chains as a way to lock in low prices now. But our survey found that these chains often charge a lot more than other funeral homes.
In a message dated 4/5/01 1:11:47 PM, Linda in Virginia writes:
As first announced in the ICFA's WIRELESS News letter a few weeks ago, President Bush has formally named law professor Timothy A. Muris to became the next chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Muris held director positions in the FTC during the Reagan Administration and is known to disfavor the use of trade rules to regulate industries. At this point, it is uncertain how Muris's appointment will influence the ongoing Funeral Rule review proceedings. His appointment is expected to be approved by the Senate and Muris may begin his new position as early as June.
In a message dated 4/4/01 6:05:52 PM, Beacham in North Carolina Writes writes:
In a message dated 4/4/01 2:18:28 PM, jtindall@grey-bruce.net writes:
THE PET FUNERAL SERVICE JOURNAL HAS BEEN UPDATED!!
LATEST ISSUE!!
Online chats for Pet Funeral Service will be coming soon!
Message Board for pet funeral service will be coming soon!
Pet Funeral Service News Letter:
The Pet Funeral Service Journal go to --> Latest Weekly Update
Link not working?
Copy and past the next line into your browser.
http://www.hurontel.on.ca/~jtindall
As always, there will be time for you to share your thoughts and questions with other Pet Funeral Service Professionals.
++++++++++++++++++++++
The Latest information in Pet Funeral Serivce
Click Here ---- > PFSJ Weekly Update <----- Click here
http://www.hurontel.on.ca/~jtindall
Hope to hear from you all soon!
Jim
Pet Funeral Service Industries
c/o Tindall Publishing
" Rainbow Bridge - The Gateway To Animal Heaven"
E-MAIL - jtindal@grey-bruce.net To be added to the list e-mail
In a message dated 3/30/01 12:42:32 PM, lacorn@icfa.org writes:
Please consider the following news release for the next edition of your publication. Feel free to call if you have any questions.
Linda Budzinski
Communications Director
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
Reston, VA
For Immediate Release For More Information, Please Contact:
Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org
ICFA PRESENTS SUPPLIERS HALL OF FAME AWARD TO MCCLESKEY
RESTON, VA (March 26, 2001) &endash; The International Cemetery and Funeral
Association (ICFA) bestowed its Suppliers Hall of Fame award upon Samuel McCleskey during the ICFA 2001 Convention & Exposition, March 11-14.
McCleskey is the founder and chairman of McCleskey Construction Company in Norcross, Georgia. His firm has been responsible for the design and construction of more than 800 community mausoleums in 40 states.
McCleskey is a past president and former chairman of the International Memorialization Supply Association, and he is a former board member of the ICFA, the Southern Cemetery Association and the Georgia Cemetery Association.
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 5,800 cemeteries, funeral homes, monument dealerships, crematories and related businesses worldwide.
In a message dated 3/19/01 7:02:50 PM, Beacham in North Carolina writes: James Edwards owns and operates Southeastern Mortuary Service in Raleigh, a removal, embalming, cremation, and shipping service for funeral directors. We have used him several times as have funeral directors all over the country. This is a report of a tragic accident.
WRAL OnLine - Good Samaritan Injured in Clayton Accident
Good Samaritan Injured in Clayton Accident CLAYTON (WRAL) -- A man who stopped to help some accident victims in Clayton is recovering from injuries suffered while directing others around the accident scene.
Police say James Melvin Edwards, 40, stopped to help two people who were hurt in an accident on Highway 70 Saturday morning. Edwards was trying to direct traffic in heavy fog when he was struck by a tractor-trailer and thrown more than 100 feet.
Edwards is at WakeMed with several broken bones, a fractured skull and a brain injury. His is now in stable condition.
His family says that he has no medical insurance.
His neighbors say he has always been a generous man who goes out of his way to help anyone in times of trouble. When neighbor Linda Kelley was having a tough time, Edwards bought Christmas presents for her children.
"Their family had me and the kids over, and they had a couch full of presents for us," she said.
A fund has been set up to help pay Edwards' medical expenses. Donations can be sent to:
James Edwards Fund
c/o Centura Bank
10007 Highway 70 West
Clayton, NC 27520
In a message dated 4/1/01 10:17:44 PM, Sam in Pennsylvania writes:
Erie Times, Erie, PA April 1, 2001 on Lake Erie Life.
Funerals becoming personal affairs
With many World War II veterans dying, families are choosing this type of interchangeable hardware corner to personalize a casket, according to funeral director Jim Scott. (Erie Times-News photo by Greg Wohlford)
Zoom
By Scott Westcott
Staff writer
When Margaret Montgomery died recently after a lengthy illness, her family vowed they'd say goodbye to her in a way that not only mourned her death, but also celebrated her 76 years of life.
So before calling hours began at the Dusckas Funeral Home, the family put up a "memory board'' featuring pictures of Montgomery and her family through the years. In the casket were Montgomery's wedding picture and a portrait with her husband, John, and their seven children.
Two purple orchid blooms -- one of Montgomery's favorite flowers -- were placed on a satin pillow in the casket along with a silk yellow rose.
"We felt that instead of standing there gawking at one another, not knowing what to say, we would take people over to the memorabilia and say, 'This was really Mom,''' said Pam Baker, 54, one of Montgomery's three daughters. "It helped focus on her life. It helped relieve a lot of the frustration and the shock of death.''
The efforts by Baker and other family members to personalize Montgomery's funeral are part of a growing trend these days. Stuffy, canned visitation and funeral services are giving way to creative and less-formal affairs aimed at providing a more intimate and rounded portrayal of the deceased's life. They also help loved ones cope with the death.
The personal touches include playing popular songs including "Stairway to Heaven,'' propping a favorite set of golf clubs near the casket and planning a funeral service that allows friends and relatives to tell poignant or funny stories about the person who died.
"I'd say without a doubt there's a huge trend,'' said Lisa Carlson, executive director of Funeral Consumers Alliance, an organization that serves as a watchdog for the funeral industry. "I don't think it's at all surprising. The baby boomers wrote their own wedding vows and blended families in ways we could never imagine. Now they want control over the funeral experience as well.''
The funeral industry has responded by producing caskets and ornaments that reflect individual interests. Panels can be inserted in caskets depicting a range of interests, including fishing scenes, a golf green, religious symbols or even the colors of a favorite sports team. Decorative figurines such as a leaping fish, patriotic symbols or golfers can be attached to the corners of the casket. Caskets featuring Harley-Davidson motorcycle insignias are even available for the right price.
In Erie, funeral directors say most families are passing on the stylized caskets, opting to use personal items that were owned by the deceased. Funeral director Jim Scott of Scott Funeral Home recently oversaw the funeral of an avid fisherman that incorporated the man's fishing rod, creel, net and waders into the flower displays.
Peter Burton, vice president of Burton Funeral Homes, recalled a recent funeral in which the deceased was an avid collector of novelty hats. At the graveside service everyone -- including the pastor -- donned a hat from the collection. After the service, the hats were placed in the grave.
"It was amazing to see all those people with the funny hats on,'' Burton said. "It was a big part of his life -- that was something he was known for. I think it's good to have a sense of humor in a sad time. It was very meaningful. People laughed, they cried. It was appropriate to do.''
'Whatever it takes ...'
"The funeral used to be a three-day process where people stood around the casket and mourned -- it wasn't personal,'' said Burton. "Today, people want it to be more meaningful.''
Funerals were generally more impersonal in the past for a range of reasons, said the Rev. Keith Sundberg, the associate pastor of Wayside Presbyterian Church who worked for 11 years as a funeral director and bereavement counselor for Burton Funeral Homes. For one, the prevailing attitude in American culture was to avoid thinking or talking about death, said Sundberg. The common approach was to "just get it over with.'' Children were often kept out of the visitation and funeral process entirely. Traditional religious rituals also stressed a standardized service that rarely deviated from one funeral to the next.
"In the past, the church so emphasized theology that there was a sense of depersonalization,'' said Sundberg. "We had a funny sense of propriety and appropriateness that I think diminished the full sense of God's love for us.''
Over the last two decades, shifting attitudes have driven changes at funerals. Consumers realized they could play an active role in the planning and participation of the visitation and funeral service.
"I think in the past there had always been a certain amount of, 'We have always done it this way,''' said Carlson. "There was kind of a perception that you are supposed to be helpless at the time of death, and if you weren't helpless you weren't grieving.''
As people started personalizing funeral services, they found they were not only doing a better job of honoring the deceased, but also helping themselves through the grieving process. Many funeral directors now advise families that the more they participate in preparing the service, the easier it is to come to terms with the death. Nancy Dusckas of Dusckas Funeral Home urges children and adults to help with the planning.
"My attitude is this is the last thing the family is doing for their loved one, so whatever it takes to do the job right,'' said Dusckas. "We are there supporting the family in what they want to do.''
Dusckas says the planning often proves therapeutic as family members start going through the deceased person's belongings and thumbing through pictures to create a photo collage. They reminisce about old times and recall specific events. The focus shifts from just dwelling on the death to remembering what the person was like during his or her life.
"It's a good opportunity for families to get together to build a sense of support, to laugh and cry together,'' said Sundberg. "It also teaches children that this is how we handle grief, and this is how we handle funerals in our family. That's good, because in the past the children were often the forgotten mourners.''
Once visitation begins, the personalized touches such as memory boards, hobby equipment or collectibles help relieve tension and set a more welcoming and comfortable tone for visitors. The mementos and pictures often spark conversations when people come to pay their last respects.
"One of the nice things is the family is telling the guests how they want to approach the funeral,'' Sundberg said. "When you walk into a room and there are personal belongings, it makes things more comfortable. I had a friend who put out his wife's (horse) saddle and bowling ball and awards. It elicited a response. People started telling stories.''
Music is another popular way to personalize calling hours and the funeral. Funeral homes still offer serene harp music as background, but these days more people are selecting their own soundtracks. Rock 'n' roll, big band, country-western and contemporary hits now pipe through funeral homes.
"We've played 'Wind Beneath My Wings' several times in the last few years,'' said Burton. "Once we played 'Lady in Red' -- that was the guy's favorite song. We played the Beach Boys for someone who was an avid Beach Boys fan. When you have music like that it becomes more of a gathering or a social function.''
'A sense of honesty'
It's not only the calling hours that are more personal these days. Increasingly, the actual funeral services feature more participation from family members and friends who share memories or stories about the deceased.
"More and more clergy are encouraging family involvement instead of a canned service,'' said Scott. "There is closure to that for the family when they are able to talk about the person and hear about the person. So many times I've sat in the back and listened to the service go from tears to laughter to tears and then back to laughter. I think when that happens people leave with a sense of being fulfilled.''
Sundberg said the move toward broader participation has added an element of honesty to funeral services. Stories that "20 years ago would have been considered inappropriate'' are now told regularly.
"We love people because of their good points and their flaws, their quirks,'' said Sundberg. "To forego sharing those stories would be to leave out the little things we love most about a person. There is a sense of honesty that now exists that was not there before.''
Sometimes that honesty can be blunt, said Sundberg. He attended a funeral in which the children of the deceased man criticized him for "not being a very nice man.'' Sundberg said the pastor allowed the family members to have their say, and as the service wore on some of the children also pointed out the father's strengths. Sundberg said that helped the children come to terms with their conflicted emotions toward their father.
Carlson of the Funeral Consumers Alliance has noticed an increased number of memorial services that take place after the body is buried or cremated. Delaying the service allows more planning for how a person should be eulogized, she said. It's also easier to hold the memorial service at a private home, club or favorite outdoor setting.
"When you don't have the body on your hands, you can hold the service in more unique places,'' said Carlson. "By not having the casket present, in my experience, there tends to be more of a focus on a person's life. When you are sitting there with a casket, everyone just sits and stares at the damn casket.''
Carlson has seen the benefits of the personalized service. The father of a boy who was killed said he got a glimpse into "a part of his son's life he never would have known about if his friends hadn't shared their memories. It is very meaningful to hear how the relative affected the lives of others.''
Carlson learned that at a funeral for a man who ate regularly at a restaurant she once owned. The man, who had cerebral palsy, would always order a steak with green peas -- even though his disability made it difficult for him to handle his fork.
"About half the peas would end up on the floor, but it never fazed him at all,'' said Carlson. "I always thought, 'Here is a guy who isn't bothered with his handicap. What's my problem?'
"That is a story that no one would have known if the audience wasn't invited to speak at his funeral. It was such a pleasure to be able to share with others what a profound effect seeing that had on me.''
SCOTT WESTCOTT can be reached at 870-1733. Send e-mail to scott.westcott@timesnews.com.
In a message dated 3/30/01 2:34:33 AM, webmaster@albuquerquenm.com writes:
Hi John,
Could I ask for your help once again? Please?
We are having open enrollment to our cremation directories.. FSP members encouraged.. We are here to help you get and maintain your search engine rankings. We are able to assist with other internet activities.. Help support your favorite, unemployed, disabled mortician..
We are building America's largest network of independent cremation providers. If you are a cremation provider and are interested in joining our program we are very interested in helping you. It costs you NOTHING to participate in our program, and includes many benefits. fill out our convenient online form.
On another note: I am leaving my position @ keyword Funeral Dirctor.. Thank you for your help, patience and understanding with me. Its been Fun eral.. [;>) C'ya
Robin G. Wall
The "Cyber" Mortician
www.AlbuquerqueNM.com
www.iCremation.Net
www.iCremation.Org
www.InternetCremation.Net
www.InternetCremation.Com
www.InternetCremation.Org
KW: Funeral Director @ AOL
In a message dated 3/30/01 12:41:16 PM, lacorn@icfa.org writes:
Linda Budzinski
Communications Director
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org
ICFA PRESENTS POSTHUMOUS HALL OF FAME AWARD TO J. ASHER NEEL
RESTON, VA (March 26, 2001) &endash; The International Cemetery and Funeral Association (ICFA) bestowed its highest honor, the Hall of Fame award, posthumously upon J. Asher Neel, CCE, during its 2001 Convention & Exposition, March 11-14.
A third-generation cemeterian, Neel was vice president of sales and marketing for the Florida region of Service Corporation International.
Prior to that, he was president of Woodlawn Memorium Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Orlando, Florida.
He was a past president of the ICFA, the Southern Cemetery Association and the Florida Cemetery Association, and he served on the Florida Board of Funeral and Cemetery Services. He was well known within the industry as a talented speaker and motivator, particularly in the area of preneed sales and marketing. He was designated by the ICFA as a certified cemetery executive (CCE) in recognition of his cemetery management experience and skills.
Neel died May 17, 2000, at the age of 48. His wife, Debbie, accepted the award on behalf of the Neel family.
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 5,800 cemeteries, funeral homes, monument dealerships, crematories and related businesses worldwide.
In a message dated 4/2/01 3:33:58 PM, from Dale in NC: writes:
April 2, 2001
Attn.: Funeral Service Personnel
re: OSHA
I always imagined that our chances of having an OSHA inspection were about the same as being hit by lightning. Well, I'm here to tell you that lightning does strike!
I was just finishing making arrangements with a family and walked out of our conference room, and was met by our secretary and introduced to "a lady from OSHA who is here to see you". My heart skipped a few beats as I shook hands with her and escorted her back into the conference room. I excused myself long enough to walk through the office, collect my thoughts, and run through a mental inventory of possible requests and questions.
I rejoined her and she assured me that her inspection was entirely random and not the result of a complaint (staff or general public). She further stated that her primary purpose was to ensure the safety of our employees and that she did not want to intrude on any funerals or families. She said that she would like to review some of our documents and then would like to walk through the buildings.
She asked for:
Proof that employees had been offered Hepatitis B consent/refusal
MSDS notebook
Hazardous Communications Employee Training Program
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Regulation
Exposure Control Plan
Employee Emergency Evacuation Plan (and map of building showing employee exit routes)
Formaldehyde monitoring results
Proof of annual staff training
and wanted to see our OSHA poster.
She then took out a camera walked through the buildings and garages. She looked at fire extinguishers to assure that they were checked regularly (monthly by one of our staff, and yearly by a professional). She looked for frayed electric cords and blocked emergency exits. She looked for exit signs (and said that every solid door that does not have a window to the exterior must have an exit sign, cardboard, not lighted). She looked through closets, attic and basement.
She interviewed several staff members, asking the embalmers what their procedure is if there is a fluid spill, if there were a fire, if they use personal protective equipment during embalming, if the company provides sufficient protective equipment, and if they receive annual training.
In the embalming room she looked at our personal protective equipment, tested our safety shower, eye wash and ventilation system. She looked for our sharps container, red trash can and covered, labeled, laundry container. She looked to see if all bottles were labeled with both the name of contents and the possible danger ("eye irritant" or "skin irritant").
She wanted her own formaldehyde monitoring, so she placed formaldehyde monitors on two embalmers while they injected. She did not stay in the embalming room, but instructed them to let her know when they were finished and she then returned to the prep room to remove the monitors.
After she had completed her inspection, monitoring, and interviews, she went over her findings with me:
our firm was cited for:- not having "Exit" signs in the embalming room, staff lounge, and two storage rooms
++++++++ MORE ++++++++
In a message dated 3/28/01 10:03:30 AM, Beacham in North Carolina writes:
NCFDA "e-line"
A SPECIAL OSHA UPDATE: For the past several days the phone in this office has been busy with discussions regarding OSHA Inspections. At first, the inspections were concentrated in the western part of the state, but are now showing up in other areas. We have been in touch with the NC OSHA Office on this date and we cannot get a great deal of information on funeral homes being viewed as a priority for inspections. It is reported that OSHA plans to inspect 200 funeral homes in North Carolina this year. (That would give you about a one in three chance of having your number come up). If you are not sure about required signs, fire hazards, training, electrical equipment and employee safety, you need to be prepared. One of our members reported an inspection today, and that she had spent about one hour and a half with the inspector. A written report will be forthcoming. Please call us at 800-616-2332, if we can assist or if you have information which will help others
In a message dated 3/30/01 12:41:01 PM, lacorn@icfa.org writes:
Linda Budzinski
Communications Director
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
Reston, VA
Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org
Half-Century Clubs during its 2001 Convention; Exposition, March 11-14.
ICFA members admitted to the Half Century Club were:
* Albert M. Coury Sr., Mountain View Memorial Gardens & Mortuary, Mesa, Arizona
* Albert H. Watts, South-View Cemetery Association, Atlanta, Georgia ICFA members admitted to the Quarter Century Club were:
* Bobby D. Assiter, Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park Inc., Lubbock, Texas
* W. ALLAN BAILEY, YORKTON MEMORIAL GARDENS, YORKTON, SASKATCHEWAN
* Lee Chambers, Grandview Cemetery Co. Inc., Maryville, Tennessee
* Donald H. Eiesland, CCE, Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California
* Lee W. Hagenbach, Gracelawn Memorial Park Inc., New Castle, Delaware
* Herbert B. Klapper, Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus, New Jersey
* Richard "Dick" F. Perl, Eagle Training and Communication Systems, Mandeville, Louisiana
* Randy and Angela Stark, Oak Hill Cemetery Co., Crawfordsville, Indiana
* ROBERT TROOST, RIVER HILLS MEMORIAL PARK, BATAVIA, ILLINOIS
* Douglas P. Whynott, CCE, Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett, Massachusetts
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 5,800 cemeteries, funeral homes, monument dealerships, crematories and related businesses worldwide.
Pictures still up at www.funeralserviceprofessional.com/ICFA
In a message dated 3/30/01 9:11:34 AM, Beacham McDougald from North Carolina writes:
My story on "The Perfect Storm" raised a few hackles and Sue Simon is giving them equal time in the next issue of the "Funeral Monitor." Below you will see the thoughts from the other side and my reply. (I've got a lot of free time on my hands at night, so writing fills it up.)
****
The Perfect Storm Redux
With all due respect to Beacham McDougald -- a good friend and a great guy -- his report on the "perfect storm" debate between Paul Elvig and John Carmon at ICFA's convention in Las Vegas (FM 3-26-01) was a bit over the top; at least now that I've compared it to the audiotape of the proceedings.
Carmon did, indeed, do a fine (albeit low-key) job representing NFDA's position regarding the expansion of the funeral rule to all providers of funeral goods or services. But Elvig scored big points on his home court by hammering at NFDA's inconsistent stance that while regulation is a states-right's issue, the feds need to level the playing field on which FDs skirmish with cemeterians.
"The opportunity to say no to more government is here and now," declared Elvig with an obvious flair for dramatics. "You've just admitted the funeral rule's unfair. Let's become progressive by rolling things back."
Carmon, in response, continued to beat the drum for FTC oversight of all businesses that "sell identical funeral goods or services" -- a difficult position to take in a roomful of FDs and cemeterians who disagree.
Yet the differences between Carmon and Elvig go beyond diametrically opposing viewpoints. Carmon debated as though he were arranging a funeral -- serious and respectful but emotionally detached. Elvig, far more casual and animated, had all the theatrics of a Bible-thumping revivalist. "There's only two things that confuse me,"he growled at one point, "that's low-cut dresses and Carmon's response."
No disrespect intended
Linda Budzinski, ICFA's director of communications, comments on McDougald's article posted on the funeralserviceprofessional.com website:
"I certainly don't want your readers to think Paul Elvig or ICFA would have treated NFDA's John Carmon unfairly. We were extremely grateful that John agreed to participate in our convention, and were very pleased with his performance.
"Both speakers had been asked to keep the debate lighthearted, and before the debate, Paul had given John a hint of what was to come by saying he wanted to make sure John had a thick skin. Beacham's review doesn't mention it, but as you showed in one of your photos, John started off the session by putting on a wig and commenting on Paul's generous head of hair. This little gag set up the whole tome of the event, which was intended to be entertaining yet informative. Our audience seemed to think both John and Paul succeeded in doing that.
"Both men also brought up a lot of good points demonstrating their respective associations' positions. I know Beacham thought John served up some stronger arguments, but I can also assure you that the attendees who agree with ICFA's position were extremely pleased with Paul's representation of their viewpoint. Both men got a much-deserved standing ovation."
A few months ago, Elvig's contention it would be "quite simple to repeal the funeral rule," would have sounded like a pipe dream. Today, with the president's nomination of Timothy Muris to become chairman of the FTC, it may not be so ludicrous at all.
****
I, like many others, open doors for other people, I address people as "Yes, sir" or "Yes ma'am," I volunteer my time and resources for church and charitable causes, and I generally strive to do my part to make the world in which we live a better place. I don't do these things because of any federal, state, or local law that says that I have to do them, but rather because of a strong sense of personal responsibility and personal ethics.
Now, what does this have to do with funeral service? Plenty!
A few weeks ago ICFA's Paul Elvig and NFDA's John Carmon debated the issue of expanding the FTC funeral rule to cover all providers of the same funeral services or merchandise. Elvig's comments appeared based upon "a perfect world" concept where everyone has personal responsibility and high ethics. Under such a scenario we do not need any laws, as everyone would have the same high degree of responsibility and ethics. The flaw in that line of thought is quite simple: For every one that gives to help others, there is at least one taker.
On the other hand, John Carmon obviously realizes that we are a mobile society and everyone does not adhere to the same sense of responsibility or ethics. Laws are then necessary to protect the increasingly mobile consumer.
I can recall two recent situations where I found that state laws, responsibility, and ethics did not protect the consumer nor did they reflect well upon funeral "professionals."
In one situation a couple had purchased two complete funeral packages in Florida and later moved to our community to be with their family. Three years later the husband died, and we were called to serve them locally. We prepared the body, placed it in a casket, held a viewing and visitation, and shipped it back to Florida for burial. Instead of a full service funeral in Florida, the family opted only to meet the funeral director at the cemetery for a graveside service. Even though the family had purchased a casket and full service funeral in Florida, which were not used, they received no refund from the funeral home on their preneed policy. Did state laws protect them? Maybe, and maybe not. Did the funeral home do what is ethical and personally or professionally responsible? No!
In another situation, an elderly woman moved from the western part of the US to our community in order to live with her son and daughter-in-law. In 1981 she had purchased a preneed trust in her former state of residence. After residing in our community for about five years her son suddenly died. We served the family and he was buried in our community. The mother then came to us and wanted to move her funeral trust to us since she wanted to be buried with her son. In contacting the funeral home about a transfer, I was told that they would only transfer the original amount paid on the trust. They would keep seventeen years of interest. Did state laws protect her? No! Did the funeral director do what is ethical and personally or professionally responsible? No!
John Carmon evidentially realized these types of situations occur and that current state laws on funerals and preplanning do not provide protection when the consumer moves to another state. John Carmon also recognizes that everyone in funeral service, cemeterians, casket stores, etc. do not have the same degree of personal and professional ethics.
Personally, I prefer laws that are made on a local level, and I distrust many federal laws. I would also prefer that everyone adhere to a strong personal sense of personal responsibility and ethics. I would prefer to live in a world as envisioned by Paul Elvig in his debate . . .a world in which "rotten" rules were not necessary. Unfortunately, that world ended in the Garden of Eden.
In a message dated 3/29/01 4:49:29 PM, jhess@mkjmarketing.com writes:
The following is the above mentioned press release. We would appreciatre if this could run in your next issue of your publication. Thank you for your cooperation. I have also included a photo if you are able to use it. If you have questions, please call Joyce at 888-MKJ-1566.
Following is a paste-up of the press release for those of you who would rather receive it that way.
PRESS RELEASE MARCH, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Further Information Contact:
Jim Price
Keystone Group Holdings, Inc.
100 North Tampa St., Suite 3100
Tampa, FL 33602
Toll-free 888-788-7526 * 813-225-4650 * Fax 813-225-4655
FUNERAL HOME EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE TO BE REWARDED WITH ARCH OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
TAMPA, FL - Jim Price, COO of Keystone Group Holdings, has announced a prestigious new program that honors excellence and achievement in the funeral industry.
Funeral homes that are affiliated with Keystone Group Holdings will compete this year for the coveted "Arch of Achievement" award, which will be presented in three major categories.
The development and creation of this award was a team effort including former owners, advisory board members, funeral directors, and location managers. "We developed this funeral home team award program," says Mr. Price, "because so many of our funeral homes have been setting new standards in client service, community education, and professional development. TheArch of Achievement will honor the best of them."
According to Mr. Price, funeral homes will be grouped according to the number of services they perform per year into small, medium, and large categories. Then, they will compete for Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards on the basis of their accomplishments in community education activities, compassionate service, technical skills, professional skills, and community and public relations.
"Every day," says Price, "our profession requires us to deal sensitively and compassionately with families in difficult emotional situations. Itrequires us to establish and maintain superior standards in our personal and professional lives. It requires us to practice and demonstrate compassion.
This is not always easy, and those funeral homes who excel at it should be recognized, and honored."
Competition for this unique honor will be intense. Keystone plans to present the new Arch of Achievement awards on an annual basis to affiliated funeral homes that meet and even exceed a rigorous set of professional criteria. "The list of requirements is quite extensive," reports Price.
"Keystone people always strive to accomplish the highest standards in the profession, but we're setting the bar very high. This will not be an easy award to win."
Participants in the year-long competition must assemble a professional "album" which documents their accomplishments in community service and educational activities, as well as attendance at professional workshops and in-house training programs. Albums must include documentation, photographs, press clippings, certificates of achievement, letters, memos, or similar materials. Entries will be judged on the basis of content alone by nationally recognized professionals outside of the Keystone Group.
Even though funeral home managers won't submit their entries until early next year, Mr. Price is already eager to see them. "It's one thing to meet the requirements for this award," he says, "but it's another thing to exceed them. With 109 funeral homes in 20 states, our funeral homes' staff will find out how they stack up against their Keystone colleagues. But, it will be our families and communities who really win.
For more information about Keystone, contact Jim Price at Keystone Group Holdings, Inc. Toll-free 888-788-7526. E-mail info@keystonegroup.com <mailto:info@keystonegroup.com>, www.Keystonegroup.com <http://www.Keystonegroup.com> or KeyMemories.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Leamon Smith [mailto:prkper@quik.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2001 2:06 PM
To: magazine@legion.org
Cc: Ken Casida; embalmers@egroups.com; lowellma@aol.com
Subject: casket ad
As a long time member of American Legion and a licensed funeral director I am sorry to see the advertisement in the April 2001 edition for burial caskets. I had felt that the American Legion was our voice and the organization that stands by the veteran. Why would you allow an advertisement for something as personal as a casket purchase in advance by a relatively new company in the market place? The negative view would be "what if the company were to close, file bankruptcy or be unable to deliver the product? Would the American Legion magazine feel some responsibility?
Most licensed funeral homes try very hard to assist the families that call on them in time of grief. Many funeral directors are veteran brothers and sisters of mine and share in my view.
I have forwarded this e-mail to two large internet groups of funeral professionals. Perhaps you will hear from some of them. Again, I hope you would reconsider allowing such advertisement in a magazine that is suppose to support me, the veteran.
Leamon Smith
California licensed funeral director and embalmer
Vietnam Veteran
559-592-9119
Exeter, California
=========MORE==========
From: "Andretti, Diane M." <dandretti@legion.org>
To: <prkper@quik.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 12:44 PM
Subject: FW: casket ad
March 29, 2001
Dear Mr. Smith:
Thank you for your email regarding the casket advertising you saw in The American Legion Magazine. The advertisement was accepted for the magazine because a great number of American Legion members have an interest in this type of product. This ad has generated enough response to warrant the return of this particular advertiser. If there wasn't a need for caskets in the market, the advertiser would simply cease to advertise.
Please keep in mind that the decision of a final resting-place is a personal choice; likewise, the viewing of this advertising should only attract those who have an interest in the product. The acceptance of this ad was not meant to offend anyone.
Sincerely,
Diane Andretti, Advertising Manager
=========MORE==========
March 29, 2001
Dear Mrs. Andretti,
Thank you for your response. My point was that "WhiteLite" company is a very minor casket manufacturer. In the market Batesville Casket from Batesville, Indiana is number one, Aurora and York casket company follow. These companies have been in the market for 75 to 100 years. They have a track record. The company advertisement in the magazine is quite small. It would be a shame for some elderly veterans to pay money, in advance for a casket that just might not be there in the near future. We have seen them come and go. Again, thanks for the courtesy of a response.
Leamon Smith
Robert Harden Announces His Resignation as NFDA Executive Director
Robert Harden announced his intention to step down as NFDA's executive director today, March 26, 2001. NFDA President John Carmon, along with the rest of the Executive Board, accepted his resignation with deep appreciation for his years of service to NFDA. Harden's tenure has spanned more than 15 years and his commitment and dedication to NFDA and funeral service has been noteworthy. His leadership has helped NFDA grow to hold the premier position among funeral service associations and helped NFDA become a fiscally responsible association that has grown and prospered during his tenure. Harden oversaw the construction of NFDA's new facility in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and created the Washington, D.C., office four years ago. He helped create a new membership driven governance structure that has positioned NFDA for the new millennium. "The entire Board and membership owes a deep debt of appreciation and gratitude to Bob for all he has accomplished during his tenure," said Carmon. "!
We wish him the very best in his future endeavors."
Christine Pepper, NFDA's assistant executive director, has been appointed acting executive director, and the Board will appoint a special task force to search for Harden's successor. All of NFDA's events and programs will continue as planned. The Executive Board thanks the membership and all state associations for their continued support during this transition. "NFDA is strong today because of Bob's leadership and we are confident that this transition will be smooth because of the wonderful foundation Bob has laid," said President Carmon.
++++++++ MORE ++++++++
In a message dated 3/28/01 1:03:02 PM, Beachm in North Carolina writes:
Dear John and NFDA Executive Board,
In the aftermath of Bob's resignation, my best wishes are to you in finding a new executive director who will be an excellent administrator, communicator, cordial personality, honest, and an understanding and love of funeral service. For NFDA to continue to lead funeral service, we can expect no less!
Funeral service and NFDA finds itself at a major crossroads with pending legislation and with changing public attitudes and values about our services. Your leadership during these times is vital to our well being.
Good luck in your search and interviews!
Slainte,
Beacham McDougald, CFSP
++++++++ MORE ++++++++
In a message dated 3/29/01 12:14:16 AM, FuneralConsumers writes:
Okay, who will the NFDA board look to now for leadership, someone who will hold credibility not only in the industry but with consumers? Bonnie Tippy in NY? John Donellan in Wash.? George Beard in AZ? Some of the indies in Fla?
Lisa Carlson
++++++++ MORE ++++++++
In a message dated 4/9/01 6:52:22 PM, Anonymous writes:
I got word today..that they picked most of the search committee...John Carmon..and Incoming pres not on it....think there is two spots left..but the work I got..is the good old boy network.... so..thanks for the help, the deck was stacked against the progressive party
In a message dated 3/28/01 3:24:19 PM, Chris in Ohio writes:
PRESS RELEASE For Further Information Please Contact
For Immediate Release Don Dixon (513) 743-8912
ACADEMY OF ADVANCE FUNERAL PLANNING
GRADUATES A RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2001
Franklin, OH. The Outlook Group, Inc. Academy of Advance Funeral Planning is off to a quick start this year graduating a record number of students in the first quarter.
As of the end of March sixteen students had graduated with high distinction from the result-oriented Academy. They came to Franklin, Ohio, the home of The Outlook Group, from as far away as Wisconsin and Florida. Students are trained in the importance of The 3 P's, Prospecting, "Ppointment Setting and Presenting sm. The 3 P's lay the foundation for what will be their long-term success.
All graduates are meeting with considerable success as they take the message of their respective funeral homes, coupled with the information they received at the Academy, to make a difference in the lives of the families in their communities.
The Academy has allocated more time for practice sessions dealing with in-home consumer presentations. This allows the Advance Funeral Planning
Professional to have added confidence in the presentation and to make an enhanced, more informative presentation in front of the consumer. This has the impact of making it easier for the consumer to make an educated and informed decision. The consumer is better able to focus on what they want in the way of services and merchandise and is more receptive to hearing about the options available to them to pre-fund their arrangements.
For more information contact Don Dixon, Director, Academy of Advance Funeral Planning 121 East Second Street, Franklin, Ohio 45005. Phone (513) 743-8912 E-mail: mailto:don@theoutlookgroup.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 3/26/01 8:45:11 PM, Bob in South Carolina writes:
John: I have seen both the NC Casket store and the merchandise they sell. The storefront, four weeks ago, said nothing about caskets, only monuments. They do advertise, as you well know. The building is rather forbidding and the casket I saw that they sold was an inferior copper that would have been in style twenty years ago. The major player in that town has seen only a very few of these units, but I am sure fears more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 3/29/01 12:08:35 PM, Dave in California writes:
Thanks John, I needed that. On first reading of Mr. Rostad's article I almost felt like I stepped on toes. Then I remembered. We as a generation need to question our generation, hold their feet to the fire and educate the new generation coming up so they will follow our example.
I did in fact hear about CJD and Mad Cow years ago. I had a long discussion about Mad Cow with a MD friend and his RN wife. They were, at that time, not concerned in the least. Guess what. Now they are.
We could also talk about the still unidentified virus that killed more soldiers than bullets during World War l and devastated the East Coast. Emboli??? The list goes on and on.
Am I concerned? You bet. Something that cannot be killed does bother me to say the least. Our Government has a history of reacting as opposed to acting. I would get no pleasure out of saying , "I told you so." It just might be said at the graveside of a loved one!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 4/3/01 9:44:47 AM, PAjakii@aol.com writes:
Hello:I am a Funeral Director from Pittsburgh, PA and was wondering I have a family that is interested in Scattering Remains in the Atlantic do you know where I can get Information on this and who does this sort of thing.
thanks,
Paul R. Ajak, II
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 4/9/01 9:00:50 AM, MACTJ2@aol.com from Massachusetts writes:
Hi John, I was wondering if you could help me out. I am starting school in May and am looking for a job in Funeral Service. I was wondering if you could place an ad in the next update?
If so it would go something like this:
TJ in Massachusetts writes: I am a twenty year old male looking for a start in Funeral Service. I will be attending the Funeral Institute of the North East, in Westood,Ma. Any Massachusetts directors feel free to email me at: MACTJ2@aol.com. Thank you.
Thanks John, TJ
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 4/14/01 7:04:39 PM, fd3191@att.net writes:
A New York State Licensed Funeral Director with 20+ years of experience is looking for a new position with a progressive firm in the lower hudson valley or NYC. If I could be your man please e-mail me at fd3191@att.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
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, 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
0006700 * * * * END * * * * 10701 GO TO TOP