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We will be touring a Las Vegas Funeral Home/Cemetery or Crematory on Friday October 17, 2003 and meet for round table Discussion about childrens funerals on Saturday October 18, 2003 featuring an English Funeral Dirctor "Sue Maclean" who working in an area (Liverpool) with an infant loss of 400 a year, we will discuss childrens funerals, you're are welcome to join us on Friday and Saturday, as Sunday NFDA starts their Convention in Las Vegas. First Time at the Convention or coming alone let us know, it will be fun. Hold hands look both ways. Hope to see you there. The Funeral Home/Cemetery/Crematory Tours and the Childrens Funerals Discussion are at no charge, please e-mail me if you want to attend any and/or all of the above events Ill keep you updated with locations and times. E-Mail John McDonough
"KUDOS" TO ED MAZUR, ON HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS. Ed Owns his own funeral home Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home 64 Sewall St. Ludlow, Massachusetts
In a message dated 10/8/03 10:19:12 PM, pambrown38@hotmail.com writes:
Hi...
my son is back in the hospital and I'm taking a short break to read email
while gramma is in the room
so keep us in your thoughts please
....if any of you are interested in supporting cystic fibrosis, which my son
is suffering from, please call the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 414.778.4820,
to help find an end to this _hitty disease. As you know, my son, Jacob has
been living with this disease for the past 17 years, and unfortunately he
will soon die from this illness. I will miss him so much and hope you can
support the cause, as I know it is something I will continue to fight for.
In fact, if you or anyone you know would be interested in buying a table or
sponsoring the Progressive Dinner on November 1, 2003, please call the above
number and ask for Karla, the event director. Of course, if you have a
wonderful donation to include, I'm certain that she'd find a wonderful home
for it. Thanks for your consideration friends.
Pam Brown
IN THIS EDITION:
INDUSTRY NEWS
Do Not Call Lists Now Available at FTC Web Page
Highlights of New GAO Report Posted on ICFA Web Page
Sen. Dodd Issues Statement on GAO Report
ICFA NEWS
Fall Management Conference Registrations Strong
September Product of the Month: 'The 50+ Boomer'
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
DO NOT CALL LISTS NOW AVAILABLE AT FTC WEB PAGE
Cemeteries, funeral homes and other industry professionals that are affected
by the new Do Not Call requirements should go to the Federal Trade Commission
Web page at http://www.ftc.gov to register for access to the Do Not Call
registry. The new regulations are effective on October 1, 2003. Consumer
telephone numbers are arranged by area code, and up to five area code groups
can be accessed from the FTC Web site without charge.
Telemarketers must remove phone numbers found on the Do Not Call lists from
their own call lists prior to placing calls. Compliance information can be
found on the FTC Web page and, for instate calls, on the Federal
Communications Commission Web page at http://www.fcc.gov.
Based on recent calls to the ICFA, it must be emphasized that THERE IS NO
"APPOINTMENT CALL" EXEMPTION TO THE DO NOT CALL LIST REQUIREMENTS. The
exemption under the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) for "appointment
calls" made to schedule face-to-face meetings with consumers applies ONLY to
the TSR's regulations relating to disclosures over the phone of prices,
cancellation and refund policies.
The only exemptions to the Do Not Call list requirements involve tax-exempt,
nonprofit organizations, or where the caller has an "established business
relationship" with the consumer being called, or where the consumer has
specifically granted permission in writing to be called and has provided the
number at which he or she wishes to be called. More information can be found
on the ICFA Web page at http://www.icfa.org/ftc_fcc.htm
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HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW GAO REPORT POSTED ON ICFA WEB PAGE
As reported in Thursday's "Special Edition" of the ICFA WIRELESS, Sen.
Christopher Dodd (D-CT) has released the new GAO investigative report titled,
"Death Care Industry: Regulation Varies Across States and by Industry
Segment." The entire 62-page report has been made available on the ICFA Web
page, including a summary of the report's findings.
Today, the ICFA has added a series of Highlights from the GAO report
containing direct quotes. The materials can be found at
http://www.icfa.org/GAO_report_highlights.htm
---------------------------------------------------
SEN. DODD ISSUES STATEMENT ON GAO REPORT
After reviewing the new GAO report on the state regulation of the death care
industry, Sen. Dodd issued a press release titled, "Dodd Touts Need to
Strengthen Laws Governing Funeral Industry." The announcement notes that Dodd
and Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) introduced legislation late last year proposing
for the first time the federal oversight of the death care industry. The
bills expired when Congress adjourned in December, but the Dodd press release
states, "The lawmakers plan to reintroduce similar legislation this Congress."
The complete text of the Dodd press release can be found at the "From the
Newsroom" section on the home page of Sen. Dodd's Web site at
http://www.dodd.senate.gov
-------------------
ICFA NEWS
-------------------
FALL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS STRONG
With six weeks to go, registrations for the ICFA Fall Management Conference
are exceptionally strong, with 58 cemetery and funeral executives and 30
spouses already signed up.
The speakers at this CEO-focused conference, October 29 - November 1 at the
Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida, will challenge industry executives
to analyze and evaluate their companies' management structures and will
provide ideas for improving areas such as personal leadership capabilities,
hiring and motivating top managers, working with unions, succession planning
and more.
In addition to the educational programming, the conference allows attendees
plenty of time for recreation and networking, with free afternoons and
evening receptions. The Doral's five acclaimed golf courses, state-of-the-art
spa, extensive recreational facilities, "Camp Doral" children's activities
and luxurious rooms make it an ideal getaway for the entire family. For more
on the Doral, visit http://www.doralresort.com
For a complete schedule of Fall Management Conference session topics and
speakers and to register, visit http://www.icfa.org/fall03.htm or call
1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: 'THE 50+ BOOMER'
For the month of September, the ICFA is offering "The 50+ Boomer: Your Key to
76 Million Consumers" at a reduced price of just $13.95 for members.
This 175-page book by marketing and advertising expert Don Potter offers
advice on how to capture market share among 50+ baby boomers, our society's
wealthiest and fastest-growing market segment. Topics include effective lead
generation, developing a relationship with the 50+ boomer, using "service" to
successfully market to the 50+ boomer, turning this segment's penchant for
individuality into memorialization opportunities and more.
For additional information or to order, call the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700, ext.
216.
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AND MORE . . .
The ICFA has created a set of four brochures offering "Straight Answers to
Real Questions" for consumers. Cemeteries and funeral homes will find the
brochures an effective way to reach out to potential customers and educate
them about the importance of ceremony, memorialization and prearrangement.
The brochures cover "Cremation," "Cemeteries & Burial," "Funerals" and
"Advance Planning." The brochures are adapted from the Consumer Resources
section of the ICFA Web site at http://www.icfa.org/consumer.html . For
pricing information and to order, call 1-800-645-7700.
The ICFA and The Transaction Group of Chicago, Illinois, offer members a
credit card processing program with a special low discount rate of just 1.57
percent. This new benefit makes it less expensive for cemeteries, funeral
homes, memorial designers and related businesses to accommodate customers who
wish to pay via credit card. For more information, visit
http://www.thetransactiongroup.com/partners/icfa/ or call The Transaction
Group at 1-800-622-7705.
The ICFA News Page at http://www.icfa.org/newspage.htm takes you to sources
throughout the world for industry news and updates. It brings you the most
comprehensive selection of funeral service and cemetery news available
anywhere, along with frequently updated general news items related to
national and world events. The News Page reports the news before anyone else
and is the second most visited page on the ICFA Web site. Stop in each day
and you'll see why.
The ICFA Internet Expo at http://www.icfa.org/expo/index.html is the largest
online exposition in the cemetery and funeral service industry. Cemetery and
funeral home owners and operators will find more than 300 providers in over
100 product and service categories at the Expo. Exhibit space is provided as
a free, exclusive benefit to all ICFA supplier and professional members.
Check it out today!
Need a labor relations and employment law attorney? Check out ICFA's benefit
program offering free telephone legal consultations at
http://www.icfa.org/pepperman.htm .
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these links.
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If you want to change the e-mail address for receiving ICFA WIRELESS, please
send an e-mail to wireless@icfa.org . Type "e-mail address change" in the
subject line. In the body, type in your name, company name, city, state,
current e-mail address and preferred new e-mail address.
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UNSUBSCRIBE
If you want to unsubscribe from ICFA WIRELESS, please send an e-mail to
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International Cemetery and Funeral Association
1895 Preston White Drive, Suite 220
Reston, VA 20191
1-800-645-7700
(703) 391-8400
fax (703) 391-8416
http://www.icfa.org
Copyright 2003 International Cemetery and Funeral Association
In a message dated 9/3/2003 4:53:58 PM, fspano@nfda.org sends NFDA News:
In This Issue:
NFDA Bulletin
Register Online Now for the 2003 NFDA Convention & Expo
NFDA Firm Membership Numbers Increase by Six Percent
Over 1000 Firms Join the For a Life Worth Celebrating Campaign
CANA to Present Advanced Cremation Arranging Seminar during Convention
Professional Development
Stay Informed with the Handling EPA and OSHA Enforcement Issues
Teleconference
Advocacy
Update to the "Do Not Call" Regulation for Preneed Telemarketing
OSHA Enforcement of Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Other News
Ceremonial Bugle Now Available
IAEM Conference Prepares You and Your Community for Emergencies
Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Wins 2003 Summit Award
National World War II Dedication is Approaching
NFDA News
Register Online Now for the 2003 NFDA Convention & Expo
Now you can register online for the 2003 NFDA Convention & Expo! This
year's convention continues to lead the profession, boasting top
speakers, workshops and an Expo with products and services to help build
your business. Some of this year's seminars includeÉ
Opening Session: The Gateway to Excellence is as Big as a Barn, with Al
Walker.
Leadership Breakfast: Jesus CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary
Leadership, with Laurie Beth Jones.
Closing Session: Success is Simple, Life is a Hoot, Money is Easy, with
Larry Winget.
And check out these Business Building workshopsÉ
Exceptional Events: A New Frontier for Funeral Service
Twenty Trends to Transform Your Business
Understanding the Hispanic Funeral
Good Service is Not Enough
For more information including online registration, visit NFDA's
Website at
http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=248. NFDA Firm Membership Numbers
Increase by Six Percent
Firm membership at NFDA is up six percent from 8,900 to 9,467 main firm
locations last year. NFDA now serves 20,337 funeral directors, which is
up 42 percent from 14,317 individuals under the former membership
structure. As membership grows, so does NFDA's influence on key issues
in Washington D.C. With branch locations included, NFDA currently
represents more than half of the funeral homes in the United States,
with 12,271 locations. If you would like to read the related press
release, visit
http://www.nfda.org/pressRelease.php?eID=135
Over 1000 Firms Join the For a Life Worth Celebrating Campaign
More than 1000 firms have already signed up for NFDA's consumer
education campaign, For a Life Worth Celebrating! Directors from all
over the United States are recognizing the benefits of educating
families, and how much the campaign can assist them.
Since September 21-27 marks the official launch of the campaign, it's
time to start planning activities for th is week and the months that
follow. These activities will help distinguish your firm as you educate
families within your community. With your free Campaign Starter Packet,
included when you sign up for the campaign, you'll receive a variety of
suggestions that can help you plan your schedule. If you're not already
part of the campaign, which is quite simple to participate in, call
800-228-6332 or visit
http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=428
for all the details. Also, see page 17 of the August issue of The
Director for more information.
CANA to Present Advanced Cremation Arranging Seminar During Convention
The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) will be presenting a
seminar titled Advanced Cremation Arranging in conjunction with the 2003
NFDA Convention & Expo. Learn how to approach families you serve,
develop rapport, present choices and respond to their questions about
cremation. This two-day seminar will be held on October 18 and 19 in Las
Vegas. You can get more information by calling 312-673-5754 or visiting
www.cremationassociation.org
Professional Development
Stay Informed with the Handling EPA and OSHA Enforcement Issues
Teleconference
Knowing what to do if an environmental inspector comes to your business
or what spec
ial handling and disposal practices are required at your
firm can be challenging. That's why NFDA is presenting its Handling EPA
and OSHA Enforcement Issues Teleconference on September 25, 2003, from
1-3 p.m. Join Carol Green, NFDA Environmental Counsel and Edward Ranier,
NFDA OSHA Counsel for an interactive experience. They'll explain EPA
permits and reports, hazardous-waste practices and environmental
assessments, as well as OSHA legal compliance and cremation insurance-
coverage issues. Through this interactive event, you'll be able to
contribute and ask questions. Register today by calling 1-800-228-6332.
The registration deadline is September 23, 2003, at 4 p.m. CST.
For more information on this and other NFDA Teleconferences, please
visit
http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=82
Advocacy
Update to the "Do Not Call" Regulation for Preneed Telemarketing
The FCC recently stayed its decision until January 1, 2005 to eliminate
the Established Business Relationship Exemption from the Fax
Solicitation Ban. This states that if an established business
relationship exists between the fax sender and the fax recipient, the
sender may continue to fax advertisements and solicitations to the
recipient until at least January 1, 2005. This comes after the FTC and
FCC introduced "Do Not Call" regulations, including interstate and
intrastate preneed sales calls which are now subject to restrictions.
For more information about the FCC Do Not Call Registry, please visit
the following links:
Review of FCC Do Not Call Registry
Preneed Telemarketers Fall Under New "Do Not Call" Regulationsby T.
Scott Gilligan, NFDA General Counsel - PDF 80KB
OSHA Enforcement of Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
implemented a national emphasis program to enforce the Bloodborne
Pathogen Standard. The standard's requirements include a mandate that
employers implement a written plan to eliminate and minimize pathogen
exposures and annually review the use of needles, scalpels and other
sharps devices to determine whether better devices are available to
protect employees from sharps related injuries.
The OSHA emphasis program is focused on nursing homes, but funeral
homes have been cited for violating the standard as well. Funeral homes
should review their sharps program to ensure that it complies with the
Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. For more information, visit NFDA's Website
at
http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=487Other News
Ceremonial Bugle Now Available The Department of Defense (DOD) has
approved a ceremonial bugle for use during military funeral honors by
military units, veteran's service organizations, national and state
cemetery directors and funeral directors. The DOD Office of Mortuary,
Casualty and Funeral Honors previewed this new bugle for the NFDA
Executive Board in March. The device can be attached to an actual bugle
and will play a high-quality recorded version of Taps, taken from the
1999 Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery. This should be
a tremendous asset to funeral directors who are unable to secure a live
bugler or an acceptable recording.
The device is now available for funeral directors directly from the
manufacturer at
www.ceremonialbugle.com. Their Website will also answer all your
questions on system components, cost, warranty and delivery schedules.
IAEM Conference Prepares You and Your Community for Emergencies
The International Association of Emergency Managers 51st Annual
Conference & EMEX Exhibit will prepare your business in the event of an
emergency, including terrorism. The conference will take place November
14-20, 2003 at the Rose Center in Orlando, Florida. You'll also learn
how to increase dialogue in your community on disaster preparedness,
including the importance of public-private collaboration. For more
information, visit their Website at
www.iaem.com
Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Wins 2003 Summit Award
The Minnesota Funeral Directors Association (MFDA)
, located in
Plymouth, Minnesota, has been selected by the Associations Advance
America (AAA) Committee to receive the American Society of Association
Executives' Summit Award. MFDA is being recognized for its Camp-Amanda
program, a two-day camp for school-aged children who have lost a parent,
sibling or significant person in their lives and are struggling with
grief. This camp allows children to talk about their grief and bond with
children of similar ages facing similar challenges. MFDA members and
interested parties fully fund and staff the camp, which highlights the
positive work that funeral directors perform to assist people with grief
everyday. Congratulations to everyone involved on this exceptional
achievement!
National World War II Dedication is Approaching
While the National World War II monument is scheduled for dedication on
May 29, 2004, the association that will host the event is looking for an
estimate of people that might be attending. If you're considering being
a part of the dedication, visit their Website at
www.wwiimemorial.com
Here you'll also find information on registering an honoree, monument
design and planning your trip to Washington D.C.
Fay Spano
Public Relations Director
National Funeral Directors Association
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
262-789-6977 Fax
fspano@nfda.org
In a message dated 8/31/2003 5:33:06 PM, Mike Flynn in Boston Massachusetts sends us:
As a funeral home closes, some customers find their prepaid plans in a pinch
Randolph, Massachusetts -- Construction crews were busy last week on Mazzeo Drive tearing down the Levine-Briss Funeral Home here so they could put up a parking lot for the cineplex across the street.For Showcase Cinemas and the funeral home, it was a $2 million mutually beneficial real estate deal. But for the 240 or so elderly people who had prepaid for funerals with Levine-Briss, which serves a Jewish clientele, the razing of the funeral home was unsettling."That's a very stressful situation for a senior," said Byron Blanchard, treasurer of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Eastern Massachusetts, a watchdog group that advises consumers.Prepaid funerals are growing in popularity, as more and more seniors elect to put their affairs in order early and lock in funeral prices in advance. But an unexpected event can put the best-laid plans on hold.This situation was complicated by the fact that three other Jewish funeral homes, headed by intensely competitive first cousins, were all vying for the Levine-Briss prepaid business. One of the funeral homes also assessed an unusual 10 percent fee on customers who took their prepaid contracts to a rival funeral home. The fees may have been illegal -- state regulations are so fuzzy it's hard to know for sure -- but the fees were refunded late last week.Levine-Briss customers with prepaid contracts were first notified of the business's closing on Feb. 20, when Debra Briss Wolfe, the president of the funeral home, sent out letters stating that the business was being transferred as of March 1 to the Brezniak-Rodman Funeral Home in West Newton.Wolfe assured her customers that their prepaid contracts were safe and that their money was still being held at the Cambridge Trust Co. Noting that David Brezniak was her cousin, Wolfe said the Brezniak-Rodman funeral home was "in a position to take over the family tradition of Levine-Briss Funeral Home and guide it into a secure future of continued quality service."She also said that "you have the right to cancel your contract without charge and receive a full refund of all monies invested in the contract or transfer your contract to another funeral home."Competitors promptly jumped into the fray with ads in local newspapers that were tame by general advertising standards but unusual in the staid funeral business, where open competition is often frowned upon.The Stanetsky Memorial Chapels in Canton, owned by Service Corp. International, the Houston-based funeral home giant, ran a letter "to our friends in the South Shore Jewish community" in local newspapers saying "confusion has arisen" surrounding the closing of the Levine-Briss facility in Randolph. The letter noted that prepaid funeral arrangements "are transferable at any time to any funeral home you select."Schlossberg & Solomon Memorial Chapel in Canton made a similar pitch in the Jewish Advocate last month.Brezniak said the behind-the-scenes battling among the three funeral homes could have provided great source material for HBO's hit series, "Six Feet Under."George Rodman of Brezniak-Rodman, Bruce Schlossberg, who manages the Stanetsky chapel, and Ken Schlossberg, the general manager of the Schlossberg funeral home, are all first cousins, but given their past business dealings it's hard to imagine family get-togethers.Bruce Schlossberg, for example, used to work at the Schlossberg funeral home in Canton and still owns a stake in that business. When his uncle refused to sell out to SCI in the late 1990s, SCI built its own funeral home a half a mile away and hired Bruce Schlossberg away to run the business.The same hardball tactics were used in pursuing the Levine-Briss customers who had prepaid contracts. More than 35 of them eventually decided to transfer their contracts to other funeral homes. Given that Brezniak-Rodman had already paid Levine-Briss an undisclosed sum for the business, with the prime asset being the prepaid contracts, each transfer represented a loss for Brezniak-Rodman.Brezniak-Rodman responded by charging some, but not all, of the transferees a 10 percent administrative fee. Rodman said officials at the New England Funeral Trust assured him the fee was permitted, but state regulators said it appears to be illegal. Funeral directors are divided on the issue and state regulations covering prepaid contracts can be interpreted either way.Rodman said he assessed the fee until complaints mounted. He said he returned the fees if customers complained, and then on Friday the funeral home said all the fees were being returned.Bernard Werman of Stoughton, who transferred his contract to the Schlossberg funeral home, was one of the customers who complained. He insisted that 100 percent of his initial payment was invested in the trust and 100 percent should be transferred. Werman said Levine-Briss did all the work setting up the original contract and Brezniak-Rodman did nothing to deserve a fee.Barbara Schwartz, who signed a prepaid contract for her mother with Levine-Briss two years ago, decided to transfer it to Schlossberg because the funeral home was closer to her home. When the contract was transferred, she noticed the balance in the account was slightly less than the $6,451 she had originally invested. She wasn't concerned because Schlossberg had agreed to provide all the same funeral services as Levine-Briss.Only later did she learn that Brezniak-Rodman had taken $695 as an administrative fee for handling the transfer. After Schlossberg told her he thought the fee was illegal, Schwartz complained to Brezniak-Rodman and received her money back last week.The state Board of Registration of Funeral Directors and Embalmers has drafted new regulations covering prepaid contracts that appear to offer consumers far more protection. The proposed regulations would prohibit the assessment of any administrative fee on prepaid contracts and mandate the use of one standard prepaid contract at all funeral homes."It's going to be night and day when those regulations are approved," Blanchard said.Comcast credits
MARIETTA - A Marietta resident has filed a class-action lawsuit against A Funeral Home of Marietta alleging violations of a pre-need contract and improper embalming.
The civil suit was filed Tuesday in Washington County Common Pleas Court by a family on behalf of the estate, against the Funeral Director and the Funeral Home.
The Funeral Home is a family owned and operated funeral home business with three locations in the area.
When contacted Tuesday evening, funeral director said he had no knowledge of a lawsuit and had not received notification regarding it.
''I can't comment on something I haven't seen yet,''
According to the lawsuit filed In 1991, the family was solicited by a representative of funeral home to enter into a ''funeral preplanning agreement,'' also called a pre-need agreement, and later signed a pre-need contract, the suit states.
Following the death in 2001, the suit alleges the funeral home improperly handled the embalming process resulting in numerous dark markings on the skin and other problems. The suit also alleges the company over-charged for its services, beyond what had been outlined in the pre-need contract.
The lawsuit includes an exhibit showing the total expenses almost $5,000. on the pre-need contract with the Funeral Home. The suit also includes an exhibit showing a bill from the funeral home, for over $6,000.
In the suit, the family alleges the charges on the bill from the funeral home are in excess of what was allowed under the pre-need contract with ''prices other than those contracted for and guaranteed by the defendant.''
As part of the suit, the family is seeking to have it defined as a class action. The class is defined ''as all persons who at any time on or before April 28, 1988, did or will enter any agreements with the funeral home for pre-need purchases of specific funeral goods or services at specific prices.''
For the family is alleging negligence on the company's behalf in the performance of its services regarding the care and preparation. The lawsuit alleges the preparations were done in a substandard manner, causing skin markings and bruisings that prevented the family from conducting an open casket funeral. It also alleges that the company violated the Consumer Sales Practice Act by making false representations and by performing service in a substandard manner.
A private investment firm controlled by Roy P. Disney, whose great-uncle founded entertainment conglomerate Walt Disney Co., has agreed to buy a cremation company for $8.5 million, expanding beyond investments in broadcasting, manufacturing and real estate.
The transaction was announced late on Tuesday by Neptune Society Inc., a California company that specializes in cremation.
Under the terms of the planned deal, Apogee Cos., which is the investment firm controlled by Roy P. Disney, will form an affiliate that will buy the operating assets of Neptune Society for $8.5 million in cash.
In addition to the cash purchase price, the deal calls for Neptune Society to receive $3 million in notes with an annual interest rate of 6 percent three years after the transaction is complete.
Apogee will also assume about $7.4 million in Neptune Society debt and other other liabilities, the cremation company said in a news release.
Roy P. Disney is the grand nephew of Walt Disney, whose studios and theme parks made Mickey Mouse an international icon. He is the son of Roy E. Disney, who is vice chairman of the Burbank, California-based entertainment giant.
Apogee, which is also based in Burbank, was founded in 1992. The firm has made investments in radio and television stations, as well as in the manufacturing and real estate sectors.
Neptune Society cautioned that there is "no assurance" that the letter of intent will be completed as planned.
In a message dated 9/11/2003 4:27:29 PM, wireless@icfa.org writes:
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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WEB SITE UPDATE: The ICFA Web site at http://www.icfa.org has been restored;
however, the ICFA Store and Provider Directory sections continue to undergo
maintenance and are inaccessible at this time. We thank you for your
patience. If you need immediate assistance, please call us at 1-800-645-7700.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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IN THIS EDITION:
INDUSTRY NEWS
Sen. Dodd Releases GAO Report on State Death Care Regulation and Enforcement
ICFA NEWS
Discover Money-Saving Ideas at ICFA Trade Fair
September Product of the Month: 'The 50+ Boomer'
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
SEN. DODD RELEASES GAO REPORT ON STATE DEATH CARE REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT
The long-awaited investigative report by the U.S. General Accounting Office,
the investigative arm of Congress, was released today by Sen. Christopher
Dodd (D-CT). To nobody's surprise, the 62-page report found that "states vary
in their approach to regulating the various segments of the death care
industry.... The majority of states regulate funeral homes, crematories,
cemeteries, and preneed sales of funeral plans, although the specific
licensing requirements vary across the states. Fewer states regulate third
party sales of funeral goods," which the GAO interpreted as including those
made by monument retailers. In addition, the GAO stated, "Most states also
require inspections of funeral homes and crematories, but fewer states
require inspection of cemeteries."
With regard to enforcement actions, the GAO report states that since January
1, 2000, "a majority of states have taken enforcement actions against funeral
homes, funeral directors, or embalmers for violations of a variety of state
rules or regulations. Fewer states, however, have taken such action against
other industry segments." The GAO points out that "not all cemeteries are
regulated....cemeteries operated by municipalities or religious organizations
are exempt from regulation in many states."
The following GAO findings are of particular importance to industry
professionals: 1) "It must be noted that a low number of enforcement actions
taken by a state may not be indicative of lax enforcement efforts, but rather
could be reflective of a general lack of problems involving the death care
industry in that state"; and 2) "Today, a growing number of consumers who
purchase funeral and cemetery goods and services have shopped around in
advance."
The report includes nine appendices that compare regulation in six key
states: California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, New York and Texas. Other
appendices discuss the consolidation of the death care industry, the
interstate transit of human remains and resources available to assist
consumers in death care transactions. Among the several organizations listed
as offering information resources, only the ICFA was identified as providing
consumer complaint mediation services, through the Cemetery Consumer Service
Council.
Sen. Dodd was quoted by the Associated Press as stating that the GAO report
"helps shine a light on an industry that impacts millions of Americans, and
will hopefully weed out [the] bad apples." The AP story can be viewed on the
ICFA web page at http://www.icfa.org/GAO_report_2003.htm
ICFA Vice President of Industry Relations Paul M. Elvig stated, "The ICFA
publicly called for a GAO investigation early last year, and its report
confirms the status of regulation in the states that we reported on four
years ago in our own survey. The GAO report also confirms the custom nature
of state regulation as each state responds to problems unique in its own area
and is consistent with the testimony we have provided in the past to the
Federal Trade Commission and to the Senate Special Committee on Aging. After
reading the GAO report from cover to cover, I concluded that some states need
to do a better job but I saw no mandate for the federal oversight of our
industry."
To download a complete copy of the report, visit
http://www.icfa.org/GAO_report_2003.htm
---------------------------------------------------
ICFA NEWS
-------------------
DISCOVER MONEY-SAVING IDEAS AT ICFA TRADE FAIR
Expandable columbarium walls, digital "memory medallions" and new marker
support structures are just a few of the innovations to be exhibited at the
ICFA Small Cemetery & Funeral Management Conference and Trade Fair, September
18-20 at the Four Points Sheraton in Santa Monica, California. Register today
to meet with suppliers and colleagues who can help you save money and
increase market share while better serving families.
In addition to the trade show, the conference offers 11+ hours of educational
programming on today's most pressing cemetery and funeral business topics,
tours of Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica and Rose Hills Memorial Park &
Mortuary in Whittier, California, roundtable discussions, equipment
demonstrations, networking receptions and a closing dinner.
For a complete schedule of conference session topics and speakers and to
register, visit http://www.icfa.org/small03.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: 'THE 50+ BOOMER'
For the month of September, the ICFA is offering "The 50+ Boomer: Your Key to
76 Million Consumers" at a reduced price of just $13.95 for members.
This 175-page book by marketing and advertising expert Don Potter offers
advice on how to capture market share among 50+ baby boomers, our society's
wealthiest and fastest-growing market segment. Topics include effective lead
generation, developing a relationship with the 50+ boomer, using "service" to
successfully market to the 50+ boomer, turning this segment's penchant for
individuality into a memorialization opportunity and more.
For additional information or to order, call the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700, ext.
216.
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
AND MORE . . .
The ICFA has created a set of four brochures offering "Straight Answers to
Real Questions" for consumers. Cemeteries and funeral homes will find the
brochures an effective way to reach out to potential customers and educate
them about the importance of ceremony, memorialization and prearrangement.
The brochures cover "Cremation," "Cemeteries & Burial," "Funerals" and
"Advance Planning." The brochures are adapted from the Consumer Resources
section of the ICFA Web site at http://www.icfa.org/consumer.html . For
pricing information and to order, call 1-800-645-7700.
The ICFA and The Transaction Group of Chicago, Illinois, offer members a
credit card processing program with a special low discount rate of just 1.57
percent. This new benefit makes it less expensive for cemeteries, funeral
homes, memorial designers and related businesses to accommodate customers who
wish to pay via credit card. For more information, visit
http://www.thetransactiongroup.com/partners/icfa/ or call The Transaction
Group at 1-800-622-7705.
The ICFA News Page at http://www.icfa.org/newspage.htm takes you to sources
throughout the world for industry news and updates. It brings you the most
comprehensive selection of funeral service and cemetery news available
anywhere, along with frequently updated general news items related to
national and world events. The News Page reports the news before anyone else
and is the second most visited page on the ICFA Web site. Stop in each day
and you'll see why.
The ICFA Internet Expo at http://www.icfa.org/expo/index.html is the largest
online exposition in the cemetery and funeral service industry. Cemetery and
funeral home owners and operators will find more than 300 providers in over
100 product and service categories at the Expo. Exhibit space is provided as
a free, exclusive benefit to all ICFA supplier and professional members.
Check it out today!
Need a labor relations and employment law attorney? Check out ICFA's benefit
program offering free telephone legal consultations at
http://www.icfa.org/pepperman.htm .
---------------------------------------------------
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
1895 Preston White Drive, Suite 220
Reston, VA 20191
1-800-645-7700
(703) 391-8400
fax (703) 391-8416
http://www.icfa.org
Copyright 2003 International Cemetery and Funeral Association
In a message dated 8/23/2003 7:12:43 PM, UndergroundHumor writes:
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Daniel Hopkins
EMAIL: UndergroundHumor@aol.com
Phone: 203.247.5047
NEW BOOK: "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers", Now Available on UndergroundHumor.com!
WESTPORT, CT &endash; UndergroundHumor.com is pleased to announce that Mary Roach's critically acclaimed new book, "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers", is now available in its bookstore for only $19.16 (a savings of 20%). Copies signed by Roach are available for only $23.95.
http://www.undergroundhumor.com/books/stiff.htm
BOOK SUMMARY
An oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers--some willingly, some unwittingly--have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender reassignment surgery, cadavers have been there, alongside surgeons, making history in their quiet, sundered way. In this fascinating, ennobling account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries-from the anatomy labs and human-sourced pharmacies of medieval and nineteenth century Europe, to a human decay research facility at the University of Tennessee (a.k.a. the "Body Farm"), to a plastic surgery practice lab, to a Scandinavian funeral directors' conference on the utopian future of human composting. In her droll, inimitable voice, Roach tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
* "You'll discover that the Colosseum 'featured occasional backstage concessions of blood fresh from slain gladiators, which was thought to cure epilepsy' and that the flesh of cadavers has 'more or less the same body composition as veal.' Roach's conversational tone and her gallows humor bring her subjects to life. Bottom line: Morbidly entertaining." &endash; People magazine
* "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers is Roach's gross, educational, and unexpectedly sidesplitting history of their extra-mile sacrifices for humanity. Because she always draws a distinction between you and your smelly carcass (not the same person, she argues), Roach gets away with the cheerfully morbid smart-ass commentary that abounds throughout. She's written one of the funniest and most unusual books of the year." &endash; Entertainment Weekly
* "'Uproariously funny' doesn't seem a likely description for a book on cadavers. However, Roach, a Salon and Reader's Digest columnist, has done the nearly impossible and written a book as informative and respectful as it is irreverent and witty." &endash; Publishers Weekly--February 24, 2003
UndergroundHumor.com is the subterranean Web site where death care professionals and others can "shop till they drop" for books, movies, t-shirts & that explore the humorous depths of death. UndergroundHumor.com accepts credit card charges processed through PayPal, the acclaimed online e-payment system. To pay by check or money order, send payment to OFFbeat Publishing, 3 Oak Ridge Park, Westport, CT 06880. A money-back guarantee applies to all purchases. For further information, visit www.UndergroundHumor.com or call 203.247.5047.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ICFA OFFERS NEW CONSUMER RELATIONS TOOLS
Reston, Virginia (Septmeber 5, 2003) - The International Cemetery and
Funeral Association has developed a series of brochures and
advertisements to help cemeteries, funeral homes and cremation providers
educate consumers about their services and the importance of ceremony,
memorialization and prearrangement.
'Straight Answers' Brochures
The "Straight Answers to Real Questions" series of four consumer
brochures provides information on frequently asked questions about
Funerals, Cemeteries & Burial, Cremation and Prearrangement. These
inexpensive brochures make excellent giveaways for current customers and
visitors, as well as at consumer trade shows, information tables, group
presentations and other venues where cemetery and funeral service
professionals reach out to members of their communities. They are
written in a straightforward style and can be customized with the
company's name and contact information.
Adapted from the ICFA Consumer Resource Guide Web pages
(www.icfa.org/consumer.html), the brochures tackle more than 100 tough
consumer concerns such as:
o What purpose does a funeral serve?
o What really is embalming?
o Must I purchase a burial vault?
o What is opening and closing and why is it so expensive?
o What is endowment care?
o What happens during the cremation process?
o If I'm going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be placed
in a columbarium, or interred or scattered at the cemetery?
o If I pre-plan and pre-pay my funeral, how do I know that the money
will be there when I die?
o If I pre-pay my funeral, what happens to the interest my money earns?
The brochures are sold in quantities of 100 each. For more information
or to order, call the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700 or visit the ICFA Online
Store at www.icfa.org.
PRESS RELEASE For Further Information Contact For Immediate Release Chris Kuhnen (800) 331-6270
Franklin, OH. The Outlook Group, Inc., Franklin Ohio and FAC Marketing,
Burlington, Iowa recently announced they have renewed their long standing
marketing partnership, for a fifth year. The partnerships continued
direction is to combine the strengths and award winning creativity of both
companies for the overall benefit of the over 100 Outlook Group affiliated
funeral homes. According to Outlook Group Marketing Director Mr. Chris
Kuhnen, "This alliance has always proven to be highly productive and cost
advantageous to all our funeral homes, particularly in the area of direct
mail". He went on to add, "Our affiliated funeral homes have experienced
direct mail return reply card rates in excess of 3% nationally which is more
than double industry averages."
Total marketing services offered through the partnership include direct
mail, printing services, radio commercials, newsletters, outdoor signage,
logo design, website developments as well as television commercials. Mr.
Roger Sheagren, President of F.A.C. Marketing is pleased to announce the new
branding television campaign "Honoring Family Memories". Sheagren says
"This branding campaign focuses on the funeral homes ability to provide
personalized services and does it in a very unique and family oriented way".
The Outlook Group, Inc. and FAC Marketing offer lead generating promotional
materials to funeral homes. In addition to the dozens of direct mail pieces
already being used around the country, they have developed several "new"
pre-need related direct mailers for 2004.
For more information contact Roger Sheagren, FAC Marketing, 1-800-800-5809
or Chris Kuhnen, The Outlook Group, Inc. at 1-800-331-6270.
HERE IS MORE ABOUT THE OUTLOOK GROUP - http://www.theoutlookgroup.com/Home%20Page.htm
CONTACT:
Jason Rogers
Cherished Media Corporation
Phone (866) 764-5518
jason.rogers@cherishedmedia.com
http://www.cherishedmedia.com
FREE VIDEO TRIBUTES FOR FAMILIES DEALING WITH THE LOSS OF A CHILD
Altamonte Springs, Florida, October 6, 2003 - The death of a child is a devastating loss to any family. Recognizing that, Cherished Media Corporation announced today that it will begin offering its funeral home clients free video tribute production services for any family dealing with the death of their young child.
"We simply wanted to find a way to extend our services in a way that helps our funeral home clients give back to the communities and families they serve," states Jason Rogers, President of Cherished Media. "We believe this is the first program of its kind in the industry and further proves Cherished Media's commitment to our clients and their client-families."
With this unique program, Cherished Media clients will only be responsible for the shipping and duplication costs associated with each video produced, and applies to families whose children, ages one through twelve, have passed on. Funeral homes interested in becoming clients and participating in this free video program should contact the Cherished Media sales department.
ABOUT CHERISHED MEDIA CORPORATION
Cherished Media Corporation offers the leading video tribute service dedicated solely to the funeral service industry. For more information visit their website at www.cherishedmedia.com, email them at info@cherishedmedia.com, or call them at (866) 764-5518.
In a message dated 8/24/2003 11:26:39 PM, Howard in Florida writes:
John, Do an AOL search "Preservation by Plastination" fo info on the plastic processes.
http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/anawww/plast/pre.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friend,
For over 50 years U.S. Box has served the funeral industry with various kinds of packaging products like drawstring pouches for personal belongings and a large assortment of other boxes, bags and accessories.
If you don't know us, please visit our website www.usbox.com or request our complimentary 100 page color catalog.
We are always here to help and serve you. I would like to extend a 25% discount on your first order if placed with us this month.
Thank you again. I'm sure you will find U.S.Box to be the best source for packaging at the lowest prices.
If you have recieved this email in error or would like to be removed from the list of funeral directors please click on the link below and you will be automatically removed from our list.
Sincerely,
Tom Kossoff
Vice-President
1-800-221-0999 ext.116
tom@usbox.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 9/7/2003 12:34:38 AM, Jon in California writes:
SNYDER'S OFFERS NEW DNA SERVICE
The expanding field of DNA research has unlocked doors once thought impassable.
Its important secrets, previously only tantalizing mysteries to the scientists who pursued them, now gradually yield their amazing data. This once enigmatic information yields facts with practical uses, as well. In addition to such applications as determining paternity, DNA samples can be used for checking back through family lines for evidence of hereditary disease, for genealogy use (samples can indicate or rule out relationship of one person to another, not simply paternity), and for various other uses.
Sometimes, the need for these types of information arises later, rather than sooner. An individual or family might never even entertain the idea of DNA testing until, suddenly, the need for it stares them in the face. These realities suggest the possibility of a useful collaboration between organizations focusing on DNA and those who are final caretakers, specifically, service providers within the death care industry. After all, when a loved one is brought to a funeral home for preparation, it is essentially the last chance for a family to choose to preserve that loved one's DNA (barring exhumation). Later, should the need arise, a DNA sample can help the family resolve issues of biological relationships, or even predict what hereditary illness might lay ahead for them.
With these things in mind, Snyder's Embalming Service, in partnership with DNA Diagnostics Center, the largest, most experienced DNA testing company in the world, is pleased to announce its new DNA banking and testing service for those interested in preserving a DNA sample of a deceased loved one.
This service involves procuring a sample through a simple, non-invasive procedure; the sample is then securely packaged and sent to the DNA Diagnostics Center labs in Fairfield, Ohio, where it will be processed and stored. DNA Diagnostics Center is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. They are one of the few laboratories in the country that meet the strict requirements of the State of New York Department of Health.
In considering DNA testing, one might wonder why, besides perhaps a paternity issue, the average person would consider preserving DNA. And, in fact, the paternity issue almost always includes the use of DNA samples from living parents and children. A couple of reasons for preserving the DNA of a deceased loved one can be quickly articulated. Let us assume for a moment that a loved one has passed on, and, in the midst of the already sometimes difficult matters inherent in estate disposition, a person who is a stranger, or nearly so, shows up, claiming to be in the line of inheritance. For many, this scenario sounds more like a plot from "Columbo" than anything they might ever face, but such things do happen, and to "regular" people, as well. Another situation in which a DNA sample could be a highly valuable thing to have is in the area of hereditary disease. Sometimes, for example, diseases cannot be easily diagnosed, for various reasons. It could be that a deceased parent or grandparent might have carried a gene for a disease that can be diagnosed once doctors and/or scientists are able to identify it. In a case such as this, the value of a DNA sample bearing evidence of the disease cannot be questioned.
In the future, DNA samples may be able to reveal tremendous information we can only guess at now. It is a fact that DNA testing can, when needed, solve a world of problems. Perhaps your mortuary would be interested in offering the cutting-edge option of DNA banking and testing to the families you serve. Snyder's Embalming Service would be most pleased to discuss with you how you can add this important service to those your facility currently offers. For further information, please contact Snyder's Embalming Service at 909.985.0525.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Floating coffin leads to lawsuit <--------Florida
http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/localstoryA10044A.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 9/3/2003 11:59:25 AM, Mike Flynn in Boston Sends us:
Stillborn infant remains misplaced
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/fune09022003.htm
Corpse gaffe probed: State eyes accidental cremation of infant
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/fune09032003.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 9/2/2003 10:17:19 AM, Mike Flynn in Boston Sends us:
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/fune209022003.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 9/16/2003 4:51:49 PM, Charlene in Connecticut writes:
John in the latest edition of Sen. Chris Dodd's online news letter "THE DODD DIGEST" there is no mention of any activity in the Funeral Business, looks like he realized we are not so bad after all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 10/7/03 3:12:03 PM, Michelle sends us writes:
"local6.com - News - Family Angry Over 500-Pound Woman's Burial"
I thought this would be interesting for the Funeral Service Professionals page
http://www.local6.com/news/2527756/detail.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry, No posts in this issue.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You are welcome, to write us with your comments, suggestions, complaints and especially stories about funeral service. Please remember only FSPA members will have information posted in the weekly update, it's easy click here ---> Mailto:Lowellma@aol.com Your participation is appreciated and essential.
You are welcome, to post your professional article here, you need to author your article and agree it will be posted with your full name. Please remember only FSPA members will have information posted in the weekly update, it's easy click here ---> Mailto:Lowellma@aol.com Your participation is appreciated and essential.
FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION does not share membership info with anyone, no one will be given your information with out your permission or a court order.
To Join the Funeral Service Professional Association you must derive some of your income from the funeral industry, students and retirees from the funeral profession are welcome as well, please e-mail the following information.
If you skip answering one of the seven questions, you are wasting your time, the standards are the same for everyone, FSPA is open to everyone in funeral service, we are all equals here no exceptions, FSPA will not tell anyone who you are unless you request your identity be disclosed, FSPA is only open to any type of Funeral Service Professional, or Funeral Service Affiliate such as: Funeral Association employees, Mortuary School Students, Funeral Service product providers and Funeral Service Media.
Accountants will tell you FSPA is a write off ! Please check with your accountant. If s/he approves Go get yourself a nice laptop and possibly write off your hardware as well as AOL or other Internet service charge as an expense, the more your participate in FSPA the more proof you have.
If you have a suggested question this please just send it along, none of FSPA 's mail will be possible with out your sending information into us,
To make life easier on me
First and foremost, Send your info or story in to FSPA.
2nd Please put on the top line your name and location, like "John from Massachusetts writes :"
3rd please address the subject line put:
This is just a hobby, if you send and don't address the subject line with FSPA, it usually delete it because it looks like junk mail, FSPA get over 50 pieces of mail a day, most gets deleted, THE SUBJECT LINE is the key so please, use the subject line properly. Put FSPA in the Subject line along with the flavor of your message.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE the posting(s) you send are some times resent to others be careful, if you are proud of what you said and want the world to know how you feel Put your name, location and e-mail address at the end.
However If you don't want the world to know your ideas and you want to remain anonymous, just put name withheld at the end. FSPA does not reveal who its members are nor does FSPA lend it's list of members to others. There is no need to identify yourself. If you are not proud of your response (like the air line lost a body on us) it is not recommended you identify yourself, since we can all learn from problems. We need your input! Your answers go all over the place, E-mail is so easy to forward. We are happy to learn from your problems and issues, there is no need to identify yourself if you don't want to, South Western United States if just fine.
If the article you want is from a commercial publisher YOU MUST get permission from the person or company who created the story.
Because e-mail can be altered electronically, the integrity of this communication cannot be guaranteed. Any of the items you read here, you are free to reuse, understand, the postings are just that, the items are for the most part cut and pasted from E-mail, others FAXed and of course from funeral publications and other media. What you see here is never checked, if you do decide to republish or quote any thing FSPA puts out, check it out, please do not name the individual who sent the article without their permission. If you see fit to use any information from FSPA please give us credit. Ages ago a state association news letter posted a quote using the senders name, she was not a happy camper nor was her company, please use caution in the future. We appreciate your understanding and we need your support.
Consider these steps for your life.
1. Work like you don't need the money.
2. Love like you've never been hurt.
3. Dance like you do when nobody's watching.
C YA
John
BOTTOM LINE: WE ALL WORK FOR THE BETTERMENT OF FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSION AND THE DEATH CARE INDUSTRY THE CONSUMERS WE SERVE AND THE PROFESSIONALS WE WORK WITH. IF YOU SEE ANYTHING WRONG, IF SOMETHING HERE REALLY OFFENDS YOU, LET'S WORK TOGETHER. PLEASE NOTIFY FSPA IMMEDIATELY, YOU CAN E-MAIL TO lowellma@aol.com Or call FSPA in the United States Voice 978-458-6816 Fax 978-459-0115 or the old fashioned way through the mail at FSPA c/o 14 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852-3399 USA
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