In a message dated 11/5/03 8:19:41 AM, Marie in Massachusetts writes:
Headline: Family wins court fight on burial fee.
Date: 11/5/2003
"To the Silvas, a family of funeral directors and lawyers, the bereaved in their native Fall River were being taxed to death -- literally. The Silvas were so bothered by the city's $20 fee for a burial permit that they took the city to court and won." to read the whole article http://www.boston.com:80/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2003/11/05/family_wins_court_fight_on_burial_fee
MORE
In a message dated 11/6/03 2:39:33 PM, Fred Almeida writes:
Hi John check out this story today in the Fall River Herald..
set a precedent for allof MASS i would believe,
Im waiting a return call from Martin Silva, ATTORNEY & Funeral Director who fought it.......
The Herald News
http://www.heraldnews.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10469381&BRD=1710&PAG=461&dept_id=99784&rfi=6
Freddie
In a message dated 11/5/03 9:11:03 AM, Mike Flynn in Boston sends us writes:
Congratulations to Paul Brasco for being re-elected and topping the ticket for Waltham City Council, Paul is a Funeral Director at the Brasco Funeral Home in Waltham & Belmont
Incumbents hold on to council seats
By Joshua Myerov / Tribune Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 5, 2003
In the mayoral race, it was the season of the underdog. But for city councilors, incumbents ruled the roost.
In order of finish, incumbents Paul J. Brasco, Kathleen B. McMenimen, David H. Marcou Jr. and Patrick J. O'Brien took the top four spots.
Taking fifth place was a former city councilor, Robert Stanton, who came back after a one-term absence. Sarafina "Sally" Collura earned the sixth and final spot, edging out Edmund "Teddy" Tarallo by just 64 votes.
The winners will serve a two-year term beginning in January.
On the losing end were Tarallo, followed by former state Rep. Karen J. O'Donnell and controversial candidate Richard P. Aucoin.
"It's an honor and a privilege," said Brasco, who has finished first among at-large candidates for third straight election. "The citizens of Waltham have spoken very strongly today."
"I'm thrilled by my success," said McMenimen, an 18-year council veteran. "But even more than that, I'm thrilled with the voters of this city who had enough confidence in me to tell me to continue doing what I'm doing."
The incumbents had a clear advantage in fundraising. By the end of August, their average balance was about $11,000, while challengers averaged just $1,325.
Collura, 56, had run six times unsuccessfully before last night's hairpin victory. She fashioned her campaign largely around her opposition to Aucoin's Question 1 ballot initiative.
"I always felt if you put your time and energy into something, you can pull it off," said Collura, who is a local celebrity through her "Around Town" show on Waltham's cable television station.
Stanton served as a councilor at large from 1999-2001, but lost his bid for re-election. He said he was inspired to run again by Jeannette McCarthy's mayoral candidacy. In September, Stanton was diagnosed with cancer but decided to continue his campaign, saying that he was "given a very hopeful prognosis."
Aucoin has said he expected his performance as a council candidate to mirror that of Question 1, his proposal to cut the budget by $41 million. Question 1 was defeated by more than a 5-to-1 margin, and Aucoin came in last among the nine candidates.
"There is no denying the waste in city government," Aucoin said. "I offered the taxpayers a couple of years of my life. It would have been very stressful but I felt that it would have made a difference. The fact that they did not take me up on my offer means I can go back to my life."
Of the political newcomers, the 21-year-old Tarallo had the strongest showing. A Brandeis University senior, he raised about as much money as the incumbents and seemed to benefit from the clout of his father, Ward 2 Councilor Edmund P. Tarallo.
Winning candidates expressed hope at working alongside McCarthy, who will occupy the corner office.
"I think she is a strong leader, and I'm anxiously awaiting working with her," Brasco said.
"She did a magnificent thing," said McMenimen. "And she will be a good mayor."
With McCarthy winning the mayor's seat and Collura earning a spot, there remain just two women on the 15-person city council. More than 20 percent of Waltham is African-American, Hispanic or Asian, but there remains no such minorities among Waltham's elected officials.
PENNSYLVANIA
WYOMING AREA
Five of the six seats up for grabs in the Wyoming Area School District were decided Tuesday and results of another won't be known until today. FD Marilyn Gubbiotti Elected, to read the whole article http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/news/7184214.htm
In a message dated 10/30/03 10:34:45 AM, sjeske@nfda.org writes:
Good Morning:
You have the unique opportunity to be on the cutting-edge of NFDA
professional development. In 2004, NFDA's convention focus will be on
strategies that help its members survive and thrive in the new world of
funeral service.
Attached is the PDF and Word versions of the 2004 Call for Presentation
Form for Nashville. Please note that the submission deadline is
November 14, 2003.
We look forward to your innovative ideas.
Sandra D. Jeske, CPS
Education Specialist
National Funeral Directors Association
Funeral Service Foundation
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
(800) 228-6332 phone
(262) 789-6977 fax
sjeske@nfda.org
MORE
In a message dated 11/6/03 9:50:00 PM, kmonfre@nfda.org writes:
Contact: Katie Monfre - 800/228-6332
For Immediate Release
NFDA #31-03
National Funeral Directors Association Announces Pursuit of Excellence Winners
Brookfield, Wis. &endash; Three hundred eleven funeral homes from across the United States were honored as Pursuit of Excellence award winners during the 2003 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Convention & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 19-22, 2003. This mark of excellence recognizes firms for their outstanding community service, professional integrity and dynamic public relations programs.
"These funeral homes represent the best of the funeral service profession," said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper. "They are shining examples of community outreach and set the standard for excellence for their peers. As their professional organization, NFDA is proud of all they have accomplished."
The funeral homes received their Pursuit of Excellence awards during a ceremony on Monday, October 20, at the Las Vegas Hilton. They were honored for meeting service excellence criteria in nine categories of achievement. These categories include: education, compassionate service, technical skills, community and professional service, library or media resources, professional development, in-house staff training, and public and community relations.
There are five levels of recognition: Achievement, Continuing Achievement, Eagle, Golden Eagle and Emeritus. In order to qualify for Eagle or Golden Eagle, funeral homes must write an essay on an innovative idea they have implemented and compile a scrapbook describing their accomplishments during a one-year period. Those scrapbooks were displayed at the Pursuit of Excellence booth in the convention center.
Many Pursuit of Excellence participants also attended workshops on Monday, October 20, where they exchanged ideas on how to attain higher levels of excellence and improve their participation in the program.
"The Pursuit of Excellence program is the premier standard for funeral service excellence and high ethical standards. It requires a great deal of hard work and devotion on the part of the participating funeral homes and they are to be congratulated for their efforts," said Christine Pepper, NFDA Chief Executive Officer.
Visit http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=504 for the complete list of 2003 Award Recipients.
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.
MORE
Contact: Fay Spano 800/228-6332
For Immediate Release
NFDA #33-03
http://www.nfda.org/files/bulletin/issues/Nov5_2003.htm
NFDA Policy Board Strengthens Preneed Guidelines
Guidelines Amended to include 100% Trusting
Brookfield, Wis. - The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) now has stronger Preneed Guidelines, which include 100 percent trusting, following action by the NFDA Policy Board at its October 18, 2003, meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Model Consumer Protection Guidelines for State Preneed Funeral Statutes were first approved by the Policy Board in October, 2000. They were designed to ensure that consumers who purchase preneed funeral goods and services make informed decisions, deal with ethical and licensed preneed sellers and agents, and retain the right to cancel preneed funeral contracts or transfer preneed funding to different funeral providers.
The Guidelines as amended by the Policy Board include:
* New Disclosure language
* New Preneed Trusting Requirements
* New language for Revocation/Portability of Preneed Contract and Funding
* New Preneed Consumer Guaranty Fund
The most extensive language change to the Guidelines was made in the area of trusting. The new Preneed Trusting Requirements call for 100 percent trusting. It reads: If preneed funds are to be placed into trust, state laws and regulations should require that, subject to the specific exemptions set forth below, 100 percent of the preneed funds paid by the purchaser to the seller shall be deposited and remain in trust.
"The research we have shared with our members shows that consumers seek credibility, accountability and reliability," says NFDA Chief Executive Officer, Christine Pepper. "These new guidelines are another example that we want to set the bar as high as we can, and the hope is that the states will do the same," added Pepper.
The new Guidelines can be found on the NFDA Website at http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=202.
Other Policy Board Action
In other action, the NFDA Policy Board voted unanimously to mandate 3-year terms for Policy Board members. Currently, the terms of service vary in states, allowing for single or two-year terms. The recommendation was made by the Policy
Board Evaluation Work Group in order to make terms uniform, and also calls for terms of service to be staggered, to provide for approximately one-third turnover of the board each year. The recommendation now advances to the Governance Subcommittee, and then to the House of Delegates in 2004.
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.
###
MORE
November 5, 2003
New NFDA Bulletin Provides Relevant News for Members
Preneed Guidelines Strengthened by NFDA Policy Board
Funeral Directors Can Direct Victims of Crime to Grant Resource
Elections Present Board Members, New Future for NFDA
Teleconference to Prepare Members for OSHA Inspections
2003 Convention Workshops Now Available on Audio Tape
FUNERAL FACT
85% of those surveyed for the Harris Interactive Survey in August, 2003 said that a meaningful funeral service is valuable to the grieving and healing process.
New NFDA Bulletin Provides Relevant News for Members
Welcome to the completely redesigned NFDA Bulletin! Besides a new look and feel, you'll notice a tighter focus on information that will ultimately help build your business. We've added a "Funeral Facts" section where we'll include interesting facts related to the profession. The entire content will now be provided within the email, instead of having to link to the NFDA Website to read it. Also, you can count on receiving the NFDA Bulletin every other week, filled with the latest news and NFDA events. This will prove to be an important tool for your business &endash; and it's an exclusive benefit just for NFDA members!
The revitalized NFDA Bulletin also includes the reconstruction of our mailing list database. If you've unsubscribed from this publication in the past, we apologize. If you no longer wish to receive the NFDA Bulletin, please click here to unsubscribe. But we urge you to take a look again. You might like what you see.
While we're excited about the new NFDA Bulletin, we're continuously looking to improve and make it the most useful and informative source for members. That's why we'd like to hear what you think. You're welcome to post your comments regarding content, or any ideas or suggestions that you feel would make it stronger. Here, NFDA staff and other members can view your thoughts. Just visit http://www.nfda.org/discussionboard.php?replyto=192&mId=193.
Preneed Guidelines Strengthened by NFDA Policy Board
After meeting October 18, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the NFDA Policy Board voted to strengthen NFDA's preneed guidelines. The original guidelines titled The Model Consumer Protection Guidelines for State Preneed Funeral Statutes were first approved by the Policy Board in October, 2000. They were designed to ensure that consumers who purchase preneed funeral goods and services make informed decisions, deal with ethical and licensed preneed sellers and agents, and retain the right to cancel preneed funeral contracts or transfer preneed funding to different funeral providers.
The guidelines as amended by the Policy Board include new:
* Disclosure language
* Preneed Trusting Requirements
* Language for Revocation/Portability of Preneed Contract and Funding
* Preneed Consumer Guaranty Fund
The most extensive language change to the Guidelines was made in the area of trusting. The new Preneed Trusting Requirements call for 100 percent trusting. It reads: If preneed funds are to be placed into trust, state laws and regulations should require that, subject to the specific exemptions set forth below, 100 percent of the preneed funds paid by the purchaser to the seller shall be deposited and remain in trust.
"The research we have shared with our members shows that consumers seek credibility, accountability and reliability," says NFDA Chief Executive Officer, Christine Pepper. "These new guidelines are proof that we want to set the bar as high as we can, and the hope is that the states will do the same," added Pepper.
The new Guidelines can be found on the NFDA Website at http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=202.
Funeral Directors Can Direct Victims of Crime to Grant Resource
To help you serve families better, NFDA wants you to be knowledgeable of various resources for your families. One such resource includes grants available for victims of crime. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam establish compensation programs each year after receiving OVC funds. These funds reimburse victims for crime related expenses such as medical costs, mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs and lost wages or loss of support. Compensation is paid only when other financial resources, such as private insurance and offender restitution, do not cover the loss. Some expenses are not covered by most compensation programs, including theft, damage, and property loss. Although each state compensation program is administered independently, most programs have similar eligibility requirements and offer comparable benefits. To learn more about benefits offered and how to get in contact with OVC, visit NFDA's Website at http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=512.
Elections Present Board Members, New Future for NFDA
The 2003 NFDA Convention & Expo has introduced newly installed board members at NFDA including Mark D. Musgrove, CFSP, from Eugene, OR, as the NFDA President. The new President-elect is R. Doggett Whitaker Jr., CFSP, from Newberry, SC, and Robert J. Biggins, CFSP, from Rockland, MA, will serve as the new Treasurer. John (Jack) Hogan Jr., CFSP, from Flushing, NY, was elected as NFDA Secretary by a vote of 353 to 291. Arvin W. Starrett, CFSP, MBIE, from Paris, TX; William C. Wappner, CFSP, from Mansfield, OH; John D. Reed Sr., CFSP, CPC, from Webster Springs, WV; and Arthur W. (Bubba) Lang, CFSP from Gulfport, MS will be NFDA's At-large Representatives. To view the entire current executive board, visit http://www.nfda.org/executiveboard.php.
Teleconference to Prepare Members for OSHA Inspections
NFDA is pleased to welcome Jay F. Burnside for Preparing Your Home for an OSHA Inspection on November 13 from 1-3 p.m. Jay will teach you how to be prepared &endash; from staff training to technical compliance issues. You'll find it especially useful to learn about handling, usage and disposal of sharps and how to conduct yourself properly during an audit to minimize negative results. Each teleconference is $105 for NFDA members ($130 non-members). There is no limit to the number of staff who can participate, while one licensee from each firm can receive two CE contact hours approved by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and by most state boards. All line charges and materials are included in the fee. For each additional licensee requiring CEs, the fee is $50. Call NFDA at 800-228-6332 or visit http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=82 for registration information and deadlines. Don't miss this opportunity for relevant information being brought right into your funeral home.
2003 Convention Workshops Now Available on Audio Tape
The success of this year's annual convention in Las Vegas shined, not only in attendance at 5,900, but also with the strength of this year's workshops. One of the more popular workshops titled Buying and Selling Your Funeral Home, discussed the top reasons why deals fail, structuring your transactions, drafting responsibilities and the purpose and structure of the acquisition document. Other popular workshops this year included: Good Service is Not Enough; Exceptional Events: A New Frontier for Funeral Service; Embalming, Gross Vs. Microscopic Conditions; and Personnel Issues Solved. But if you missed any of these, or other convention workshops, you can order them on audio tape through NFDA at 800-228-6332. You can also view the 2003 convention workshops at http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=456. The only workshop not available on tape would be Is Your Business Strategy Future Proof?
In a message dated 11/6/03 2:28:25 PM, jason.rogers@cherishedmedia.com writes:
CONTACT:
Jason Rogers
Cherished Media Corporation
Phone (866) 764-5518
jason.rogers@cherishedmedia.com
http://www.cherishedmedia.com
CHERISHED MEDIA BEGINS OFFERING VIDEOS THAT TELL LIFE STORIES
Altamonte Springs, Florida, November 6, 2003 - Every life has a story worth telling. Beyond photos synchronized to music, Cherished Media has begun offering Video Biographies that tell the life story of those who have passed on through the eyes of their loved ones and friends. A detailed survey taken by the family gives Cherished Media's storywriters the background they need to craft a story that accurately reflects the life of the departed.
"Video Biographies truly capture the essence and life story of the departed," states Jason Rogers, President of Cherished Media. "Video Biographies expand upon our existing Video Tribute service and offer families a unique and heartwarming video storybook that can be shared for generations."
Video Biographies from Cherished Media give funeral directors a way for their client-families to capture the memories and stories of their departed loved ones. Photos collected by the family provide illustration for the life story and create visuals that both invoke emotion and recall fond memories. Handcrafted life stories are read by commercial voice talent using Cherished Media's professional audio studio to provide a rich storytelling experience.
ABOUT CHERISHED MEDIA CORPORATION
Cherished Media Corporation offers the leading video tribute and biography 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.
- END -
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
919-876-7886 * 800-616-2332 * FAX: 919-876-5382
http://www.ncfda.org
E-LINE ¤ DATE: November 6, 2003
NC BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE MEETING
(Unfortunately, NCFDA was unable to attend the State Board Meeting on
November 5, 2003; however, they have provided the following summary for your
information.)
The Board held a scheduled meeting on November 5, 2003 and took the
following significant actions:
a. Canvassed the ballots with the following results:
Jerry Wayne Hawks 648
Jimmy C. Swaringen 437
The Board congratulates both candidates for taking time to run for
the Board. The Board looks forward to having the services of Mr. Hawks in
the coming years.
b. Elected its officers for 2004 as follows:
Alex Lee President
Jack Briggs Vice-President
Jamie Boles Secretary
c. Decided to pursue the purchase of real estate. If the Board
purchases real estate, the Board will save money over the long term as
compared to continually paying ever-increasing rents.
d. Decided to mail to all licensees a copy of the current Board's
statutes. This document will supercede pages 1 - 40 of the blue book. The
Board will not publish a new book at this time because the Board is in the
process of revising its rules. Once the Board revises its rules the Board
will publish a new laws and rules book. It is currently anticipated that
this will occur sometime in the Fall of 2004.
e. Discussed the issue of how to better ensure that preneed licensees
are solvent and referred this matter to the Preneed Committee.
f. Discussed the Board's Continuing Education class, which will be
held at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh on December 9, 2003 beginning at 9
a.m.
g. W. Paul Harris of Howerton-Bryan Funeral Home of Durham, whose
term expires on December 31, 2003, resigned from the NC Board of Funeral
Service for personal reasons and to avoid any conflict of interest.
In a message dated 10/10/2003 2:37:17 PM, Mike Flynn in Boston Massachusetts writes:
Lenin gets first new clothes in 60 years
Lenin's embalmed body is to get its first change of clothes for more than 60 years.The former Soviet leader's body will be dressed in a new set of civilian clothes at the end of the year.His body was embalmed following his death in 1924, and laid out in a mausoleum in Moscow's Red Square.Lenin's body was originally dressed in military uniform, but before the Second World War they were changed to civilian clothes.A team of 12 scientists will carry out the re-dressing between November 10 and December 29.Lenin's tomb became a tourist attraction and place of pilgrimage for Russians under communism, and for westerners after the fall of the Iron Curtain.The substances used to stop his body from decomposing are a heavily-guarded secret, rumoured to be known only by a handful of people.
In a message dated 10/16/03 4:34:15 PM, Jody in Massachusetts writes:
State funeral regulators are threatening to strip a Mattapan mortician of his license after he admitted keeping the remains in his cellar for two years before burying her in a potter's field. And a Bridgewater Funeral Director has pleaded guilty to stealing $140,000 in deposits from customers and has agreed to no longer run a funeral home in Massachusetts, according to documents released yesterday by the state Board of Registration of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. The accused has been ordered to appear before the board to explain why he kept the woman's body in his funeral parlor from September 2000 until around June 2, 2002. through the funeral home's attorney, claimed they immediately embalmed and refrigerated the remains and retained her cadaver while he looked for relatives. But a state inspector found the facility had no refrigeration system in place at his funeral home, according to a source familiar with the case. The Funeral Director is also accused of doctoring and presenting an inaccurate burial permit to the cemetery, as well as filing an incorrect death certificate for the deceased that contained errors regarding her race and age, in another case a Bridgewater undertaker pleaded guilty Oct. 1 in Plymouth Superior Court to stealing from 48 customers who paid him a total of $140,000 in ``pre-need'' funds for their funerals. Many of those customers were elderly people, authorities said. In one case, the funeral director brought a dead person's remains to their family's home on Oct. 18, 2001, and demanded more money, the board documents state. The funeral director was placed on five years probation and ordered to make full restitution, authorities said. the funeral director reportedly has since gone bankrupt.
In a message dated 11/15/03 2:28:55 PM, Marie in Massachusetts writes:
John the Boston Globe reported
The funeral for Charles Johnson, a popular local entertainer who died Nov. 5 after a shooting, would take place as scheduled, despite days of internal strife over who would pay.
"The funeral is on," reportedly said Anthony Hollingshead, director of cemetery operations at Forest Hills Cemetery. "We're looking forward to serving the family."
Rightfully citing privacy issues, Hollingshead declined to say whether Johnson's family had already paid the nearly $6,000 in cemetery plot and burial charges by the cemetery. But he said: "Typically, our policy would be that the site and services need to be paid on or before the days of the services."
The Boston Herald reported yesterday that Johnson's relatives feared that the funeral would not be held today after the Floyd Williams Funeral Home declined to extend credit, even though a state victim's assistance fund had agreed to reimburse the costs.
Floyd Williams, president of the Dorchester funeral home, said yesterday that Johnson held an insurance policy that covered the funeral home's expenses. The outstanding balance, Williams said, was for the plot at Forest Hills Cemetery. Williams said he had agreed to coordinate the payment of the plot for the family as a matter of courtesy, but that he was not responsible for buying the plot.
The families of homicide victims are eligible to apply for up to a $4,000 reimbursement of funeral costs from a victims' fund administered by Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly's office, but that process can take several months. Williams also said that he has stopped giving credit to families who promise to pay after receiving money from the victims' fund because, in recent years, "five or six" families did not pay him. Johnson, 52, died after he was shot in the chest on Nov. 5 by a gunman at theMBTA station in Dudley Square. Four other people were also wounded. Lamar Tillery, a 34-year-old acquaintance of Johnson's, has been charged in the shooting.
In a message dated 11/14/03 6:34:09 PM, Wayne in Massachusetts sends us:
for those of us who travel
It's only your identity!
You might find this info important.
Southern California law enforcement professionals assigned to detect new threats to personal security issues, recently discovered what type of information is embedded in the credit card type hotel room keys used throughout the industry.
Although room keys differ from hotel to hotel, a key obtained from the one hotel chain that was being used for a regional Identity Theft Presentation was found to contain the following the information:
a.. Customers (your) name
b.. Customers partial home address
c.. Hotel room number
d.. Check in date and check out date
e.. Customers (your) credit card number and expiration date!
When you turn them in to the front desk your personal information is there for any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the hotel scanner.
An employee can take a hand full of cards home and using a scanning device, access the information onto a laptop computer and go shopping at your expense.
Simply put, hotels do not erase these cards until an employee issues the card to the next hotel guest. It is usually kept in a drawer at the front desk with YOUR INFORMATION ON IT.
The bottom line is, keep the cards or destroy them! NEVER leave them behind and NEVER turn them in to the front desk when you check out of a room. They will not charge you for the card.
Information courtesy of: Sergeant K. Jorge, Detective Sergeant, Pasadena Police Department
MORE
Hilton fires back with a different view! http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_hotel_keycards.htm
In a message dated 11/13/03 10:47:20 AM, NFDA's John Fitch writes:
Congress passed and President Bush signed into law on November 11, H.R. 1516, the "National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003", a bill to establish six new national cemeteries within four years.
The cemeteries will be located in the following areas:
(1) Southeastern Pennsylvania.
(2) The Birmingham, Alabama, area.
(3) The Jacksonville, Florida, area.
(4) The Bakersfield, California, area.
(5) The Greenville/Columbia, South Carolina, area.
(6) The Sarasota County, Florida, area.
In a message dated 11/12/03 4:28:06 PM, from the NFDA Special Bulletin:
A military tax relief bill was signed into law on Veteran's Day by President Bush.
H.R. 3365, the Military Family Tax Relief Act, targets relief to family members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving in Iraq and other areas.
Among other things, the bill increases the death gratuity benefit paid to families of military personal who die while on active duty, from $6,000 to $12,000 and exempts the entire amount from federal tax. This provision applies to all those on active duty to include Reservists and National Guard members who have been mobilized for active duty. The death gratuity also applies to those who die within 120 days after being medically released from active duty for an injury or illness suffered while on active duty.
http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/Stories/0,1413,106%7E4994%7E1759395,00.html
In a message dated 11/12/03 3:38:20 PM, Mike Flynn in Boston Mass sends us:
AYER MASSACHUSETTS -- A 36-year-old Fitchburg woman was arrested yesterday morning at a bank in Pepperell and arraigned in Ayer District Court in connection with missing money and property from the T. J. Anderson and Sons Funeral Homes.
Sarah A. Luth of 54 Fox St., Fitchburg, was arrested at 9 a.m., at the Pepperell Branch of North Middlesex Savings Bank by Officer Steven Bezanson.
Police Officer Steven Bezanson was working a detail when a very alert teller recognized the woman at the drive-through window, and bank officials alerted the officer.
Sarah A. Luth was charged with eight counts of forgery, eight counts of uttering a false check, six counts of larceny over $250, three counts of receiving stolen property, identity fraud, and a number-plate violation to conceal identity.
Middlesex County Judge Peter J. Kilmartin continued Sarah A. Luth's case for a pretrial conference Dec. 3, and she was released on personal recognizance. A condition of Sarah A. Luth's release is that she stay away from the Anderson Funeral Homes and the family.
FD, Brian Anderson, who lives in Ayer, owns funeral homes in Ayer, Townsend and Fitchburg. Anderson said Sarah A. Luth is a former employee but would not comment further on her.
FD, Brian Anderson said the thefts totaled several thousands of dollars. He said an old family passport had also been stolen and altered, and was apparently being used for identification purposes.
In a message dated 11/11/03 7:52:49 PM, wireless@icfa.org writes:
INDUSTRY NEWS
U.S. Senate 'Endorses' Traditional Funerals, Increases Funeral Allowance
ICFA Participates in State Streamlined Sales Tax Project
FTC Staff Submits Summary of Activities Affecting Older Americans
ICFA NEWS
ICFA Introduces Nominees for Board of Directors
ICFA Publishes 2003-2004 Buyer's Guide & Membership Directory
Owners, Managers: Rate Your Coaching Skills With 'CAT Scan'
November Product of the Month: Sales Manager Training Videos
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
U.S. SENATE 'ENDORSES' TRADITIONAL FUNERALS, INCREASES FUNERAL ALLOWANCE
Perhaps as an unintended endorsement of traditional funerals and burials,
effective November 1, the U.S. Senate has increased the amount of payments
for the funerals of its deceased members. Added to the existing provisions is
an increase from $2,000 to $5,000 for a burial vault and casket, and an
increase from $1,000 to $2,000 for the cost of "one burial plot." Reflecting
the rising cremation rate, a provision also provides payment for "ordinary
and necessary expenses" for "cremation fees, including urn."
Existing provisions continue to include payment for the transportation of
remains to the mortuary; complete preparation and care of the remains;
limousine service for the immediate family, the pall bearers and the funeral
coach; the receipt and care of floral tributes, although not the floral
expenses themselves; interment fees for grave services; and miscellaneous
expenses directly related to the funeral such as fees for clergy and
musicians, but not food, flowers or cards, in an amount not to exceed a total
of $2,500. However, permanent grave markers and headstones are excluded from
covered expenses because these items are considered personal in nature.
---------------------------------------------------
ICFA PARTICIPATES IN STATE STREAMLINED SALES TAX PROJECT
The ICFA Government and Legal Affairs Tax Subcommittee has authorized one of
its members, Robert Topp, to represent the association in upcoming meetings
of various state governments involved with the Streamlined Sales Tax Project,
or SSTP. Approximately 40 states participate in the project, the goal of
which is to simplify the administration of and compliance with sales and use
taxes. The SSTP has developed a model agreement that defines sales
transactions as occurring at the point of delivery and also establishes
standardized definitions (e.g., food, clothing, etc.) for better consistency
among the states.
However, cemeteries, funeral homes and related businesses could be adversely
affected by the model agreement's proposal identifying the place of delivery
as determining the sales tax, rather than the place of sale. Thus, caskets,
vaults or markers sold in one state but delivered in another state could
result in burdensome tracking procedures for the businesses involved in order
to determine the appropriate state and amount for the sales tax. Additional
information on this emerging issue will be forthcoming.
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FTC STAFF SUBMITS SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES AFFECTING OLDER AMERICANS
Last week, Federal Trade Commission staff submitted a report to the U.S.
Senate Special Committee on Aging regarding the FTC's activities to assist
and protect older Americans from unfair and deceptive sales practices. The
43-page report covered the time period from September 2001 through August
2003 and noted that areas of particular importance to older consumers include
health care, financial practices and promotional sales incentives extending
to telephone and Internet transactions.
The FTC report contained a handful of references to funeral-related issues,
noting that FTC staff, state investigators and AARP volunteers have "test
shopped" in more than 1,500 funeral homes in 32 states to check compliance
with the Funeral Rule. To date, 210 violators have been offered the
opportunity to enroll in the Funeral Rule Offenders Program, or FROP, and
funeral homes have made voluntary payments (in lieu of penalties) totaling
more than $330,000.
The report also noted the FTC's recent public workshop on Internet
competition that included casket retailing, its "friend of the court" brief
in the Oklahoma casket litigation and an enforcement action against a New
York funeral home that refused to comply with providing requested
information. The complete report can be viewed at the FTC Web page at
http://www.ftc.gov/os/2003/11/agingreport.pdf
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ICFA NEWS
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ICFA INTRODUCES NOMINEES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The ICFA Board of Directors on October 29 approved a slate of 12 new board
candidates developed by the ICFA Nominations & Elections Committee. ICFA
members will elect eight of the 12 candidates during the 2004 Convention &
Exposition, March 10-13 in Nashville, Tennessee. Those elected from the
following slate will serve three-year terms on the board:
o Caressa Hughes, managing director, Service Corporation International,
Houston, Texas;
o Hamilton Jones, general manager, Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory and
Menifee Valley Memorial Park, Hemet, California;
o Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, board member, Heritage Park Cemetery, Phillippines, and
vice president, United Memorial Products, Whittier, California;
o Herbert Klapper, president, Cedar Park and Fidelity Cemetery Association of
Bergen County, New Jersey, Westwood, New Jersey;
o J. Kelley Link, general manager, Rolling Hills Memorial Park/Carriage
Services, Richmond, California;
o Robert C. Lomison, president, Letum Care Inc., Steelton, Pennsylvania;
o F. Daniel Moloney Jr., co-owner and funeral director, Moloney Family
Funeral Homes, Lake Ronkonkoma New York;
o Blair Nelsen, president and chief executive officer, Nelsen Funeral Home,
Richmond, Virginia;
o Eugene C. Ogrodnik, president and chief executive officer, Pittsburgh
Institute of Mortuary Science, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
o Mark J. Revitz, executive vice president and chief executive officer of
daily operations, Vista Memorial Gardens and Vista Funeral Home, Miami Lakes,
Florida;
o Cynthia A. Thompson, CCFE, president, Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial
Park, Tacoma, Washington; and
o David B. Wharmby, CCE, senior vice president of sales and marketing,
Inglewood Park Cemetery, Park Lawn Cemetery, Western Sequoia Corporation and
Western Memorial Service Corporation, Inglewood, California.
Profiles of the candidates will be posted soon on the ICFA Web site and will
be published in the January 2004 Pre-Convention issue of International
Cemetery & Funeral Management magazine. Additional information on the ICFA's
voting structure can be found at http://www.icfa.org/votecounts.htm
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ICFA PUBLISHES 2003-2004 BUYER'S GUIDE & MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
The ICFA 2003-2004 Buyer's Guide & Membership Directory has been mailed to
all ICFA members who are current on their dues. This 280-page directory is
the only publication of its kind within the industry, offering contact
information not only for ICFA-member cemeteries, funeral homes, allied
businesses and suppliers, but also comprehensive listings for local, state,
regional, national and international industry trade associations; state
regulatory agencies; mortuary science schools; and more.
ICFA members are encouraged to check their listings and fax corrections in to
(703) 391-8416. Additional copies of the directory are available for $25 to
members and $45 to non-members. To order, call 1-800-645-7700.
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OWNERS, MANAGERS: RATE YOUR COACHING SKILLS WITH 'CAT SCAN'
Are you leading your preneed sales staff to their full potential, or are you
struggling to manage and motivate your underperformers? Corporate trainer
Chick Waddell offers a self-assessment tool to help managers identify their
coaching strengths and weaknesses. The free "CAT (Coaching Assessment Tool)
Scan" can be accessed at http://www.chickwaddell.com/catscan.cfm
Waddell, author of "Light the Fire Within," "Sales Coaching Playbook" and
"Coaching 2 Win" will provide a two-hour "chalk talk" on becoming a
successful sales manager to kick off the ICFA Sales Management & Marketing
Conference, January 15-16 at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, Nevada. Among the
topics he will cover are: how to light fires -- not under people, but within
them; the five secrets to business growth success; the reasons managers fail;
the new meaning of leadership; and much more.
Additional highlights of the conference will include a keynote address by
lead generation guru Dan Kennedy, more than 20 "how to" cemetery and funeral
sales management and marketing sessions, a roundtable Q&A luncheon, a binder
filled with handouts and a networking Welcome Reception.
To view the complete program and to register, visit
http://www.icfa.org/sales04.htm
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NOVEMBER PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: SALES MANAGER TRAINING VIDEOS
For the month of November, the ICFA is offering a discount on a set of two
training videos: "Cremation Marketing" and "Niche Marketing." Both were taped
at the 2000 ICFA Sales Management & Marketing Conference and come with a free
set of handouts.
"Cremation Marketing" includes six presentations from industry experts and
teaches the viewer:
o A five-step approach to creating a systematic cremation plan.
o How to visually inspire your cremation customers to create more meaningful
life tributes.
o How to take your firm from "It's just a cremation" to "Wow! It's a
cremation!"
o The difference between marketing cremation based on price vs. on
exceptional service.
o How to compete with third-party cremation providers.
o How to conduct an effective cremation arrangement conference.
o ... and much more!
"Niche Marketing" includes five presentations and teaches:
o Advice on creating an Asian section according to the rules of feng shui.
o The one word you should never use when talking with Asian consumers.
o Four prerequisites for selling effectively to the Latino market.
o How to establish a relationship with your most critical ally in reaching
the Catholic market.
o The key elements of a successful private estates program when reaching an
affluent market.
o ... and much more!
The regular ICFA member price is $18 per video. November price for purchase
of both: $29.95! To order, call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
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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 .
In a message dated 11/18/03 7:52:08 PM, a reader sends us:
A woman who died 3 years ago today. Her family planned to mark the day by putting flowers at her grave. Instead they have to re-bury her.
The family prefers to remember her during the good times - birthdays, holidays, special occasions. When Faye died 3 years ago, she had one request... not to be buried.
Her husband paid $12,000 for adjoining spaces in the Oak Grove Memorial Gardens mausoleum. "He decided to go a little bit more and let her be at peace like she wanted to be. We thought we had put her to rest."
But last week, the family noticed something leaking from the base of the grave. The next day they couldn't believe what she saw. "They had the cover down. The casket was over to the side and the two men were power washing my the coffin.
The Family contacted the funeral home, the cemetery and the news media. "This should not have happened. They violated my mother. They violated my family. They violated public health."
They were shocked after she called the North Carolina Cemetery Commission. "They said they did not have to notify us unless they were going to move the body."
The family is considering legal action against the manufacturer of the coffin. What's worse is the family can't accept the cemetery's explanation. "It happens occasionally. It's happens occasionally."
Cemetery manager, is quoted saying: maintenance workers first thought it was a minor clean up job. "When they took the outside off. The inside was not sealed right. This was something that was a minor cleanup and I wouldn't have had it happen for the world."
The family now has to re-bury their mother in a new coffin. "It makes me wonder how many other families they're sparing."
The funeral industry calls this phenomenon 'exploding casket syndrome.' When something like this happens, the cemetery should close temporarily in the interest of public safety and health. Local and state authorities should be notified.
In a message dated 9/28/2003 6:39:41 PM, Anonymous writes:
The "Industry" truthfully argued long ago that the FTC rule was a response to a relative few unprofessional firms or individuals, triggered in part by some trouble "near the Mississippi". It is foolish to adopt the rule to law since it already stifles creativity in offering of services and many other areas and fosters the awkward and unresolved casket stores predicament. In addition, adopting the FTC Rule as Law will eventually consume inordinate NFDA resources including precious political capital. Be careful of focusing on the individual in stead of funeral companies, as the focus of power in the industry, "Professionalism" will lead to a blunder similar to what has hit the poor doctors who are now slaves to the insurance companies. It's the same progression form the old "Doctor's Hospital".
Help protect what is a significant investment in time, effort and funds. Owners must stand up and look at NFDA as a resource to be utilized, not held in awe! Who truly represents the real interests of independent Funeral Home? What organization is not now compromised by national chains, cremation companies, boutique operations, cemetery-mortuary combinations, and now casket sales on the internet and in if you are unlucky enough, in your neighborhood. So, the question is: WHEN WILL SOMEBODY STAND UP FOR THE BACK BONE OF THE INDUSTRY INSTEAD OF STANDING ON IT???
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In a message dated 10/13/03 12:28:56 AM, Steve in Arizona writes:
John, Thought you might be interested in this from msn.com
http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Retirementandwills/Planyourestate/P57926.asp
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In a message dated 10/8/2003 9:42:45 PM, Doug in North Dakota writes:
I am next to positive that Cheney Travel is no longer in business let alone housed in the NFDA Building.. They WERE there when the building was newly constructed.
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In a message dated 11/08/2003 11:05:14 AM, Barry in Chicago writes:
Please put this address out there, thanks http://www.sickoflawsuits.org/
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In a message dated 11/14/03 7:49:10 PM, Judy in Maryland writes:
This is not right, Pentagon are showing increased sensitivity to the portrayal of U.S. casualties
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In a message dated 11/12/03 7:30:47 AM, Walter in Tennessee writes:
ABCNEWS.com : Accounting for the Afterlife's New Appeal
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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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NO POSTS THIS ISSUE, ONLY MEMBERS MAY POST HERE, MEMBERSHIP IS FREE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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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