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http://www.kare11.com/news/news-article.asp?NEWS_ID=50196
kare11.com : Minneapolis, St. Paul New Laws Include a Fourth Legal Way to Dispose of Human Remains
A new method of disposing a human body will be allowed starting Friday -- and supporters say it's more environmentally friendly. Dissolving will be the fourth legal way for hospitals, funeral homes and others to handle human remains -- along with burial, entombment and cremation. Minnesota joins at least two other states -- Florida and Michigan -- that permit the process. Gordon Kaye is a professor at the Albany Medical College in New York. He says it's the method of the future because it's non-polluting and less expensive. Kaye developed the process for the disposal of animal carcasses. The chemical process uses high temperature, pressure, and sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to break remains down to a sterile liquid and leftover bone fragments.
ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA - The late state Sen. Howard Futch has been reburied after a cemetery mistakenly sold an adjacent plot meant for his wife.
Futch, R-Indialantic, died of heart failure in January and was buried at Florida Memorial Gardens, owned by Service Corporation International. In July, family members discovered that someone else had been buried in the plot that his widow, Joyce, had bought. Cemetery managers said they mistakenly sold the plot twice.
Rather than have the man exhumed, Joyce Futch chose two new plots and had her husband's body moved.
Several dozen people huddled under a tent to seek shelter from the driving rain during Saturday's graveside service. Speakers recalled Futch's success as a legislator, husband and father and said they hoped the attention of his reburial would focus scrutiny on "double-selling" by cemeteries.
Ray Marino, head of the Brevard County Republican Party, said Futch "has brought to everyone's attention something that has been happening in Florida all too frequently. Hopefully the Legislature and the attorney general will put in place legislation and rules that will prevent this from happening again."
In a letter to Joyce Futch read aloud during the ceremony, Senate President Jim King, R-Jacksonville, noted Futch's work as a consumer rights advocate.
"Who else but Howard could bring this travesty to light without even being here?" King said.
SCI, the world's largest funeral company, has been criticized for the mishandling of graves at its South Florida cemeteries.
After learning of Futch's case, the company vowed to provide the family with four plots in another part of the cemetery and pay the expenses of moving the late senator's body and provide plane tickets for family members to attend the graveside service.
In a message dated 8/18/2003 7:42:16 PM, Betty in Ohio writes: Sorry Betty I thought this was in when you sent it, thanks for re-sending it.
From: Betty Brown
Date: Friday, June 20, 2003 13:50:50
To: Lowellma@aol.com
Subject: fspa: Doing the funeral yourself
Hi to all;
Thought I would post an interesting link;
Business of Death: Local undertakers survive recession, stave off stereotypes
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2003/June/02/local/stories/08local.htm
which talks of the undertakers, and how they survive. Also speaking of
doing it yourself; "Benito estimates that not even one-half of 1 percent of
people today handle the dead on their own. "
Soon will be the third month of my husband Bob dying of colon cancer. We
did the funeral ourselves, (no mortician, funeral at church. Please read the
link below to see how)> 55 is too young to die of colon cancer, my newer
mission, information to all on: "Get the scope."
Somebody's Out There Watch'n Over Me. Missing Bob terribly....
http://www.burialitems.com/misc/bobfrunl.pdf
knowing what Forever feels like.
Always the Best, Betty Brown
In a message dated 7/9/2003 11:10:18 AM, Jon in California writes:
SNYDER'S EMBALMING SERVICE PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CYPRESS STUDENTS
The economic woes plaguing our nation, and, perhaps even more so, our state, have hung on persistently. Many industries, agencies and individuals have taken a hit, but few areas have felt the pinch as keenly as has education, at all levels -- primary, secondary, and postsecondary as well.
In some cases, state colleges have had little option but to respond with higher tuition and other fees. As a result, state college students, who often must struggle to make ends meet both on and off campus, find themselves in ever-tighter spots financially.
Jon Snyder, owner of Snyder's Embalming Service, wished to help. In 2002, and again in May of this year, Snyder, a 1981 alumnus of the School of Mortuary Science at Cypress College, offered two $250 scholarships to be awarded to recipients in the Mortuary Science program. He named only one constraint &endash; the funds must go to two dedicated students in the program with demonstrated financial need.
On May 19, at Cypress' Scholarship Awards Presentation ceremony, Debby Williams and Edward Moreno received $250 each from 2002 Mortuary Science alumnus Todd Weisweaver, representative for Snyder's and nephew of Jon Snyder. Williams, in particular, was thrilled with the award, reported Weisweaver.
About the scholarships, Jon Snyder remarked, " Embalming is an honorable profession. If it were not for this profession, I might not be in a position to help others who are pursuing it. And," he added, smiling, "some of them just might end up working for me!"
Contact: Fay Spano For Immediate Release
800/228-6332 July 2, 2003
NFDA 21-03#
Sign Up Now for NFDA's
For a Life Worth Celebrating Campaign
Brookfield, Wis. &endash; Now is the time to "tell your story" and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has all the tools you'll need. With its comprehensive For a Life Worth Celebratingsm national consumer education campaign, NFDA makes it easy for firms of all sizes to educate the public about the value of a meaningful funeral service.
Throughout the year, NFDA will provide its members and state associations with several initiatives, and the necessary tools, designed to better educate the public about funeral service options. Collectively, the campaign will unify public messages and educational materials to advance funeral service in the public's eye, while boosting the image and credibility of NFDA members in their own communities.
"As the leading funeral service organization in the United States, NFDA and its members are committed to being proactive and educating the public," said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper. "This is a grassroots campaign that will be successful through the participation of both our state associations and NFDA members."
The campaign is in response to requests from membership for a national image building campaign and is designed with the results of NFDA's two-year marketing study and Future's Forum in mind. Components of the campaign that contain a strong and consistent message include guidelines and ready-made materials for contacting legislators, holding special events, providing advertising and marketing materials, and distributing public relations information to local media.
-MORE-
Page 2, Education Campaign
The campaign will kick-off with National Funeral Service Education Week, September 21-27, 2003. Funeral Service Education Week materials that will be made available to members include newly developed educational brochures on subjects such as arranging a meaningful funeral service and cremation, news release templates, ad slicks, and more.
"NFDA realizes the scope of interest and abilities of our membership," explains Pepper. "We have developed the campaign so all funeral homes, large or small, that want to be a part of this grassroots effort will be able to take part at a level that fits their resources."
For a Life Worth Celebratingsm is a free NFDA member benefit. To sign up for the campaign and receive your starter packet, contact an NFDA Member Services Representative at 800/228-6332 or visit the consumer education campaign section under the members only side of www.nfda.org.
In a message dated 8/7/2003 12:48:32 PM, Mike Flynn in Boston writes:
By Danielle M. Pothier / Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Melrose Massachusetts
While most cemetery rates have already gone up, the Board of Selectmen was expected to discuss the price for a single grave at Lindenwood Cemetery last night.
"Your comparisons don't make sense," Selectman Cosmo Ciccarello told Department of Public Works Director Bob Grover last week. "You have to compare apples with apples."
According to Grover, the department asked area cemeteries "what would it cost to bury one person."
But Ciccarello said some of the cemeteries surveyed bury people "double-deep."
"These comparisons don't make sense to me," he added.
Grover agreed to call the various cemeteries again to find out if any of them are going "double-deep" on graves.
According to the survey, the proposed rate for a single grave Lindenwood is $900 or $1,000 (only in the new section,) while others are $1,200 (Wyoming in Melrose,) $1,930 (Wildwood in Winchester,) $1,130 (Oak Grove in Medford,) $550 (Forest Glade in Wakefield) and $755 (Wood Brook in Woburn.)
The current rate for a single grave at the Lindenwood Cemetery is $700 or $800 in the new section.
"It's getting to a point now where I can't afford to die," said Ciccarello. "These prices are ridiculous."
Selectmen were expected to discuss the issue again at last night's meeting after the Sun's press time.
Several other fees for the Lindenwood Cemetery were raised by the board last week, including:
weekday opening of graves - from $500 to $700
Saturday opening of graves - from $750 to $1,000
weekday ashes - from $150 to $200
grave boxes - from $250 to $300
tent - from $75 to $100Grover said the current rates were established after a public hearing in 1999.
Read the entire article click here
ICFA WIRELESS is a biweekly electronic newsletter bringing members of the
International Cemetery and Funeral Association the latest government and
legal, industry and association news. It is available to all ICFA members
current on their dues. Comments, questions and "hot news tips" are welcome.
Write to: wireless@icfa.org.
IN THIS EDITION:
INDUSTRY NEWS
FTC, FCC Publish Regulations on Do Not Call List
Nonprofits Must Comply with New FCC 'Unsolicited Fax' Regulation
Noted D.C. 'Think Tank' Criticizes New Funeral Regulations
ICFA NEWS
ICFA 'Small' Conference Early Registration Deadline Is August 11
Job Descriptions: Time to Toss 'Em?
August Product of the Month: Group Presentation Slide Show
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
FTC, FCC PUBLISH REGULATIONS ON DO NOT CALL LIST
Last week, both the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications
Commission published detailed regulations on how telemarketers must comply
with the requirements of the new Do Not Call national registry by which
consumers can prohibit most telemarketers from calling them. As previously
reported, the Do Not Call list applies to calls made in state and out of
state, and there is no "appointment call" exemption. The new regulations are
effective October 1, 2003, and telemarketers can access the Do Not Call
registry through the FTC, which administers the list for both federal agencies.
Telemarketers must pay an annual fee of $25 to access each area code, though
a total of five area codes will be provided without charge. Under the law, it
is a violation for a telemarketer to call any phone number without having
first accessed the corresponding area code on the Do Not Call registry and
removed those numbers from its own call list. The FTC and FCC regulations
also discuss caller ID, predictive dialers, call abandonment and related
issues, some of which have later effective dates. Basic information can be
obtained on the ICFA Web page at http://www.icfa.org. Full details on the
regulations and compliance can be obtained at the agency Web pages at
http://www.fcc.gov and http://www.ftc.gov.
---------------------------------------------------
NONPROFITS MUST COMPLY WITH NEW FCC 'UNSOLICITED FAX' REGULATIONS
In a move that has taken the nonprofit community by surprise, especially
trade associations, the FCC has announced that nonprofits are prohibited from
sending by fax any unsolicited advertisements to buy a product or service,
without the prior written consent of the recipient. The written consent must
include the fax number where the faxes are to be sent.
Until now, such unsolicited fax advertisements were permitted provided that
the nonprofit organization had an "existing business relationship" with the
recipient. The most common example is when a trade association sends a fax to
its members advertising an upcoming convention. Also, the fax must identify
the name of the business, using the legal name registered with the state
corporation commission. The new regulation becomes effective August 25, 2003.
For more information, please call the ICFA at 1-800-645-700 or visit the FCC
Web page at http://www.fcc.gov.
---------------------------------------------------
NOTED D.C. 'THINK TANK' CRITICIZES NEW FUNERAL REGULATIONS
Claiming that new state laws enacted in the wake of the Tri-State Crematory
scandal last year "benefit businesses, not consumers," the Cato Institute, a
leading Washington, D.C., "think tank," has published a critique on the
consumer protection legislation. Authored by David E. Harrington, an
economics professor at Kenyon College in Ohio, the essay states that "most of
the proposed state laws and regulations" that emerged in the wake of the
Georgia cremation scandal "would harm grieving consumers by reducing
competition, leading to higher prices and lower quality funeral services.
Ironically, they may also have the perverse effect of increasing the
likelihood and severity of scandals like Tri-State."
The complete article can be read at
http://www.cato.org/cgi-bin/scripts/printtech.cgi/dailys/07-22-03.html
ICFA NEWS
-------------------
ICFA 'SMALL' CONFERENCE EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 11
The ICFA Small Cemetery & Funeral Management Conference, September 18-20 at
the Four Points Sheraton in Santa Monica, California, offers education on
topics of concern to small and mid-sized cemeteries and funeral homes,
including workshops on "Sales Without Selling," ethnic funerals, water
conservation, developing new features, disaster recovery and more. In
addition, the conference includes two facility tours, roundtable discussions,
equipment demonstrations, a supplier Trade Fair, networking receptions and a
closing dinner.
The conference hotel is located just four blocks from the Santa Monica beach
and within short walking distance of the famous Third Street Promenade
shopping district, making it an ideal site for a family getaway.
The deadline to take advantage of the ICFA member early registration price
for this conference is August 11. For more information and to register, visit
http://www.icfa.org/small03.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
JOB DESCRIPTIONS: TIME TO TOSS 'EM?
Most business rely heavily on job descriptions. But StrengthBank President
Sandra Shelton, who will provide a keynote address on identifying and
maximizing leadership skills at the 2004 Fall Management Conference, says
companies would be better off without them.
"Do you have detailed job descriptions written in black and white for: Your
3-year-old? Your teenager? Your wife? Your husband?" she asks in an article
titled, "The Leadership Management Principle: The Ultimate People and
Performance Upgrade."
"So how does the family structure work? Simple. . . . on the basis of a
productive, loving relationship. A functional family relationship is formed
because each others' strengths are mutually understood, respected and,
sometimes, challenged to grow.
"Managing a workforce is not that different from good parenting. Workplace
relationships are nurtured and maximized the same way parents challenge kids
to go beyond themselves . . . respect for individuality coupled with
discipline to the growth of the whole group."
Shelton's entire article can be downloaded at
http://www.strengthbank.com/article-management.pdf
For more information or to register for the ICFA Fall Management Conference,
October 29 - November 1 at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa, visit
http://www.icfa.org/fall03.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
AUGUST PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: GROUP PRESENTATION SLIDE SHOW
For the month of August, the ICFA is offering its Group Presentation Slide
Show at a special discounted price of just $35 (regularly $65).
Preneed presentations to groups are an inexpensive and effective method of
lead procurement. Complete with a presentation script, this slide show
includes most of the ICFA's presentation kit pages as well as each page of
the Emergency Record Guide and its inserts. In addition to group
presentations, the slide show can be used for training or in-home
presentations.
For additional information or to order, call the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700, ext.
216.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20030728_926.html
Exemptions from the list include calls from charities and pollsters and calls on behalf of politicians. A company also may call a person on the no-call list if that person has bought, leased or rented from the company within the past 18 months or has inquired about or applied for something during the past three months.
In a message dated 8/12/2003 9:35:49 AM, phocas52@yahoo.com writes:
I have a fifteen year old son that is collecting business cards of Funeral Directors and other related funeral services. He would like to become a Funeral Director when he completes high school. Was wondering if possible each of your funeral home (s) / service (s) could assist in his collection by sending him your business cards. It would be appreciated if you could pass this message on to your colleagues.
We call him CJ and the mailing address would be:
P.O. Box 201
Three Rivers, Michigan 49093.
Thank you,
Jonathon
Phocas52@yahoo.com
In a message dated 8/11/2003 12:46:02 PM, nfda.org writes:
The Department of Labor (DOL) has launched three new resources for small businesses that may be helpful to funeral directors.
The FirstStep Employment Law Advisor is the latest addition to the Department's elaws Advisors collection. FirstStep is designed to help employers determine which laws administered by DOL apply to their organization, and provides links to information about how to comply with those laws. It is on the DOL web site at www.dol.gov/elaws/FirstStep.
The Employment Law Guide is a 102-page manual that describes the statutes and regulations administered by DOL. It is intended primarily for businesses in general industry that need information to develop wage, benefit, safety and health, and nondiscrimination policies. Information about the guide is at www.dol.gov/asp/programs/guide.htm. The guide itself is at www.dol.gov/asp/programs/EmpLawGuideFINAL.pdf.
The Health Benefits Advisor is designed primarily for employees and their families. It is an interactive web site that provides information on (1) health coverage under private plans and federal and state programs, (2) definitions of key terms and (3) links to other resources such as state insurance offices. It includes guidance on the rights and responsibilities of employees under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It is located at www.dol.gov/elaws/ebsa/health.
SEARCHING FOR HEARSE ACCIDENT PHOTOS
Need good color photographs of any hearses involved in traffic
accidents for an upcoming article in a Law Enforcement magazine on funeral procession safety. Funeral home name will not be used at all.
Please contact Eric D. Ruggeri at Deathfive0@aol.com
Contact: Fay Spano 800/228-6332
For Immediate Release
August 14, 2003
NFDA #24-03
Brookfield, Wis. &endash; Key priorities for The National Funeral Directors
Association (NFDA) were discussed with leading funeral service
professionals from across the country during NFDA's annual Leadership
Conference, August 3-6, 2003 in Asheville, N.C. Among the topics of
discussion were upgrading funeral service professional practices and its
image; working more closely with state associations on issues such as
leadership development; refining and enhancing communications with key
audiences; and addressing the declining workforce and related workplace
issues.
"NFDA remains steadfast in our commitment to helping members provide
the best service to families," said Christine Pepper, NFDA CEO. "To
better serve members, your national association has recently advanced
new initiatives such as the For a Life Worth Celebrating campaign and
code of professional conduct.
Pepper added the association will be working to help funeral directors
understand the value of membership and direction of their national
association.
During an Advocacy Committee update, it was reported that the General
Accounting Office (GAO) report on funeral service is likely to be issued
in late August and made public near the end of September. NFDA will
continue working with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Senator
Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) and Representative Mark Foley (R-Fla.) to
advocate for the interests of funeral directors and consumers.
Among other items discussed during the advocacy update, it was reported
that the federal "Do Not Call" list, which would prohibit unsolicited
phone calls to consumers' homes who have signed up, is set to become
effective October 1, 2003, when enforcement will begin. NFDA was advised
by the FTC that unsolicited preneed sales calls will be covered by the
new rules. More information is available on NFDA's Website at
http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=467.
It was also reported that NFDA and the Federal Trade Commission
recently reached agreement regarding changes to the Funeral Rule
Offenders Program. The negotiations successfully achieved positive
outcomes including the following key items, effective immediately:
the FTC will provide more thorough and specific information than it has
in the past regarding the nature of a violation;
the timeframe for which a funeral home would need to remain in the FROP
program was reduced from five to three years for those who successfully
complete the program; and
the integrity of the program, to serve families ethically and with best
practices, will be enhanced by strengthening the education and training
components, which will continue to be offered through multiple NFDA
venues.
Policy Board members also completed a survey tool related to general
feedback, terms and selection of representatives. A result of this
discussion was the appointment of a new workgroup of PB members, to make
recommendations regarding the terms on the Policy Board and other Policy
Board issues.
NFDA is the leading funeral service association, serving more than
20,300 funeral directors who represent more than 12,200 funeral homes in
the United States and other countries. From its headquarters in
Brookfield, Wis. and its Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., NFDA
provides advocacy, education, information, products, programs and
services to help members enhance the quality of service to families. For
more information, visit www.nfda.org.
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
919-876-7886 * 800-616-2332 * FAX: 919-876-5382
http://www.ncfda.org
E-LINE DATE: August 12, 2003
UPCOMING EVENTS REMINDER
Aug 13 NCFDA District 1 Meeting with a Legislative Update with Mark
Henderson of the NC Board of Mortuary Science at The Berne Restaurant,
Highway 70, New Bern. Dinner is at 6:00 PM and the program is from 6:30 -
7:30 PM. Contact NCFDA at 800-616-2333. (1.0 c.e.c.)
Aug 18 NCFDA Annual President's Golf Tournament Oak Valley Golf Club, NC 801
south of I-40, Advance, NC. This is an Arnold Palmer Signature course and is
the same location as last year. Check-in is at 11:00 AM at the pro shop with
lunch around 11:15 AM. A shotgun start will be at 12:00 PM with the format
of captain's choice. $45.00 payable to CFDA District 8 upon check-in. The
club has shower facilities but you need to supply your own towels. Again
this year US Airways will provide a round-trip ticket to be given away at
the golf tournament. You must be present to win and the raffle ticket will
be $5.00. Contact Dorman Caudle at 336-765.8181.
Aug 18 NCFDA District 8 Meeting with a Legislative Update with Mark
Henderson of the NC Board of Mortuary Science followed by "Definition of
Embalming" with Carl Shytle of Dodge Chemical Company at the Village Inn
Golf & Conference Center in Clemmons. Dinner is at 6:00 PM and the program
is at 7:00 PM. $20.00. each. Raffle ticket for chance to win a round-trip
airline ticket on US Airways will be given to each paid registration and you
may purchase additional raffle tickets for $5.00 each. You must be present
to win. Contact Wayne Hilliard at 336-248-2311. (2.0 c.e.c.)
Aug 19 NCFDA Board of Directors Meeting at 9:00 AM at the Village Inn Golf &
Conference Center in Clemmons, NC.
Sept 3 Funeral Service Exam Review sponsored by NCFDA and FTCC from 8:00 AM
- 4:00 PM (NC Laws and Rules Review from 3:00 - 4:00 PM) at the Cumberland
Hall Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College.
$30.00 in advance/$35.00 at the door. Contact NCFDA at 800-616-2332.
Sept 4 NCFDA District 10 Meeting Shatley Springs in West Jefferson, NC with
dinner at 6:00 PM and the program from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Speakers will be "A
New Look at Vital Records" with Rebecca Baker from Vital Records and
"Preneed Examinations and Funeral Home Inspections" with Carolyn Conner,
Examiner and Inspector with the NC Board of Mortuary Science. Contact L.
Phillip Miller at 336-838-3178. (2.0 c.e.c.)
Sept 9 "Health & Safety Program Development & Update" with Dr. John Lambeth,
NCFDA OSHA Consultant with Industrial Health & Safety at the Holiday Inn in
Williamston from 9;00 AM - 2:00 PM. $85.00 Registration Fee includes lunch.
$25.00 Non-refundable deposit required. Contact Dr. Lambeth at 919-954-1732
or send deposit to 2120 Quail Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. (6.0 c.e.c.)
Sept 9 N C Board of Mortuary Science Meeting state exam.
Sept 10 N C Board of Mortuary Science Meeting at 9:00 AM at their office in
Raleigh.
Sept 21-27 National Funeral Service Education week
Dates Below NCFDA Seminar presented by NCFDA Executive Director Larry F.
Stegall from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at the NCFDA office in Raleigh. 6:00 - 6:50 PM
"Basic Funeral Customs for the 21st Century Funeral Director," 7:00 - 7:50
PM "Testing Your Funeral Service IQ," and 8:00 - 8:50 PM "Learning from
Great Mistakes." Registration $30.00 with check mailed to NCFDA (Partial or
full program) includes handouts and refreshments. Send (3.0 c.e.c.)
Wednesday Dates:
September 24, 2003
October 15, 2003
November 19, 2003
December 17, 2003
January 21, 2003
January 28, 2003
MASSACHUSETTS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to Chapter 112, Section 85, and Chapter 30A, Section 2 of the Massachusetts General Laws, notice is hereby given that the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing will hold public hearings on proposed amendments to its regulations (239 CMR 4.00 et. seq.) on Tuesday, September 9, 2003, at 1:30 P.M. in Room 204, 239 Causeway Street, Boston, Massachusetts; and on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 1:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. The purpose of these hearings is to consider proposed amendments to the Board's regulations regarding pre-need funeral contracts, including but not limited to provisions which: (1) modify the definitions of certain terms; (2) require the use of standardized Board-prescribed forms for pre-need funeral contracts; (3) strengthen protections against misappropriation or misuse of funds received by funeral homes in connection with pre-need funeral contracts; (4) clarify the manner in which funds are to be applied to pay for services specified in so-called "price-guaranteed" pre-need funeral contracts when the available funds are not sufficient to cover all funeral costs; (5) restrict the ways in which pre-need funeral contracts can be modified or amended; (6) require funeral homes to substitute goods or services of equal value at no additional cost when originally-specified goods are unavailable; (7) eliminate the so-called "administrative fees" which funeral homes have previously been allowed to take in connection with trust-funded pre-need funeral contracts; and (8) strengthen funeral home record-keeping requirements and increase consumer access to such records.
Interested parties will be given an opportunity to present testimony orally or in writing at these hearings. Interested parties who do not wish to present oral testimony at the hearings are invited to submit written comments to the Board on or before September 10, 2003. Copies of the proposed amendments and further information regarding the hearings may be obtained by contacting the Board at 239 Causeway Street, Fourth Floor, Boston, MA 02114, telephone (617) 727-7644.
Click here for proposed regulation http://www.funeralserviceprofessional.com/MASS239CMR4.htm
In a message dated 4/6/2003 4:32:38 PM, Nicholas in the United Kingdom writes:
Dear Sir/Madam
We operate UK Funerals On-line www.uk-funerals.co.uk and was wondering if you might consider linking to our site. We would happy to supply a link back to your own web site.
Kind Regards
Nicholas Ille
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 7/21/03 1:27:30 AM, Susan in Texas writes:
According to a news report, a certain private school
recently was faced with a unique problem. A number
of middle school girls were beginning to use
lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That
was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they
would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens
of little lip prints. Every night, the maintenance
man would remove them and the next day, the girls
would put them back. Finally the principal decided
that something had to be done. She called all the
girls to the bathroom and met them there with the
maintenance man. She explained that all these lip
prints were causing a major problem for the
custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night.
To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean
the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show
the girls how much effort was required. He took out
a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet,
and cleaned the mirror with it. Since then, there
have been no lip prints on the mirror.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 7/29/2003 8:10:00 AM, Walter in Tennessee writes:
Delhi's body collector turns 80
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3105967.stm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tom Lynch, Good Grief and Good Funerals
In a message dated 7/30/2003 1:01:21 PM, ThosLynch writes:
Dear Colleagues:
The following link gets you to The Christian Century -- a magazine that circulates to thirty thousand clergy and churches across the country -- which this issue includes an article they commissioned from me on Good Grief and Good Funerals. There is a brief portion of the article available on this link. Those wishing a complete version can write the magazine. In so far as many of your local clergy will have access to this essay, and since it challenges many of the conventional wisdoms, you may want to have a look.
THE CHRISTIAN CENTURY http://www.christiancentury.org/
Best regards,
Thomas Lynch
Milford, MI
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 7/31/2003 5:38:12 PM, CapallDubh writes:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3105967.stm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 7/31/2003 9:01:31 AM, Tom in Mississippi writes:
am just asking around to see if any other of the large firms are having to lay off people. We are with Alderwoods and we have been affected. Alson, is there a continuoing shortage nationwide or not? Any remarks or input would be appreciated. Thanks, Thomas A. Franklin, Gulfport,Mississippi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 7/31/2003 10:37:11 AM, Mflynn6705 writes:
Woman Allegedly Steals Ring From Dead
LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA -- A Crowley woman is accused of leaving a funeral wake with a wedding ring stolen from the hand of the deceased. The 44 year old woma, was booked with felony theft. She was free on $10,000 bond Wednesday. She is reportedly related to the deceased woman, Crowley Police Capt. said, they suspected sshe knew the deceased because she signed the visitor's book. The incident took place in the Funeral Home when she allegedly took the ring, valued at $500, as she visited the coffin of the deceased woman, witnesses noticed odd behavior during the July 25 wake and contacted police, who went to the accused's home to interview her. They found the ring and booked her into the Acadia Parish jail. No record of charges by the district attorney.
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In a message dated 8/1/2003 11:33:45 AM, Mike in Oklahoma writes:
John; In the time when most people feel that the education requirements need to be increased in order to upgrade our profession, I recently became aware of a situation that I feel needs to be addressed.
I have been checking out the different state requirements for reciprocity from one state to another. Most of the state boards that I have contacted have sent me their application along with their state statutes. The states that I have talked to have been more than helpful and excited that there may be another person coming to their state to work.
But I came across something that shocked me. Most of the states are now requiring the Nat'l Board exam to be taken before reciprocity can happen. I am sure that most of the readers have taken the Nat'l, but there are some of us that are older than most
that when we were licensed, the Nat'l Exam was not recognized in their state unless it was taken in their state. Back when I became licensed, it was only given once a year, if memory serves me, and didn't coordinate with my state exams.
When I took my state exams, they were given over a 2 day period. Embalming on the first day which consisted of 7 parts, 100 questions each. FD was next day which started at 9 a.m. and went until noon and then the orals were given after that.
So why would I want to sit another exam like the Nat'l? I wasn't planning on moving to another part of the country, if I did, with the exception of Hawaii, the other states would reciprocate without any problem, pay their fees and take their law exam.
Now, with getting closer to retirement age, I am wanting to go to a better climate and pickup some part time work either embalming or taking a burial out of town for someone else. But in order to do this, I will have to take the Nat'l Exam in order to reciprocate, not to mention paying $250.00 for the exam.
What are your thoughts?
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In a message dated 8/7/2003 11:11:35 AM, a reader writes: John the I read that NFDA-PAC sees 22% drop in receipts - find out why, Ill tell you why, NFDA is only helping themselves not the members, National Do Not Call list is this weeks boast they are hopping on the band wagon, next week it will be NFDA is for lowing taxes! A waste of money I won't rejoin.
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E -mail condolences become funeral trend
In a message dated 8/9/2003 9:11:18 AM, Everett writes:
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In a message dated 8/9/2003 12:18:53 PM, a reader writes:
Pennsylvania State board holds sway over use of 'funeral' in name
http://www.post-gazette.com/localnews/20030804funeral0804p8.asp
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In a message dated 8/12/2003 6:02:08 PM, anonymous writes:
"We'll have to rehearse that," said the undertaker as the coffin fell out of the car.
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In a message dated 8/15/2003 2:56:18 PM, anonymous writes:
"Calgary funeral home under scrutiny"
http://canada.com/national/story.asp?id=E578354A-7788-4517-BC5C-C0C47F656097
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In a message dated 8/15/2003 3:00:12 PM, anonymous writes:
The following URL was recommended to you by a visitor of The Press of Atlantic City Online:
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/ocean/081303FUNERALMANAGER.html
If the link is more than 7 days old, the story may have moved to the news archive at The Press of Atlantic City Online
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/
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In a message dated 8/15/2003 3:02:54 PM, anonymous has sent you an item from
http://www.WKRN.com
Funeral home fined for baby burial mistake
http://www.WKRN.com/Global/story.asp?s=1399498
Find more items like this at http://www.WKRN.com
Copyright 2003 WKRN
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In a message dated 8/25/2003 11:18:39 PM, fkitchen@ezwv.com writes:
Press Release
West Virginia Funeral Director and Embalmer, Frederick H. Kitchen, CFSP, was recently honored when the Russian Funeral Directors associated with Necropolis in Moscow, Russia, initiated inquiry and requested permission to re-print an article Kitchen authored in the June 2001 edition of Thanos magazine, which was published in the Netherlands and distributed to Asia, America and Europe. The article title was Insuring Protection of the Public While Protecting Ourselves. The editorial essentially addressed Embalming and Universal Precautions. According to Mr. Kitchen, Necropolis, Moscow Russia has also extended an invitation to act in the capacity as keynote speaker at an event that is equivalent to the NFDA Convention, called Necropolis. The article publication and extension of invitation to speak is a genuine honor says, Mr. Kitchen. According to Sergy Yakushin, editor of "Funeral Home Magazine" in Moscow Russia, the journal will highlight Russian Funeral Industry and world-wide traditions, philosophy, death planning, cremations, funeral etiquette, new products and a variety of other topics. The journal is new, and circulation is currently at 2500 copies in 250 Russian cities.
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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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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.
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To make life easier on me
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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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