In a message dated 7/9/01 2:08:08 PM, lacorn@icfa.org writes: John, You're welcome to use this timely item from ICFA WIRELESS if you want. Thanks! Linda B.
FTC CHAIRMAN MURIS ATTACKS RULEMAKING EFFORTS
In his first speech since becoming chairman of the Federal Trade Commission on June 4, Timothy J. Muris addressed the American Antitrust Institute with praise for the work of his predecessor, Robert Pitofsky.
However, Muris criticized the era of FTC rulemaking that, among other things, resulted in the enactment of the Funeral Rule. Muris stated, "...by 1980, the FTC had gone seriously astray. The most serious problem on the consumer protection side (was) the rise of rulemaking designed to make the FTC our nation's second most powerful legislature...."
Under the Pitofsky era during the 1990s, Muris stated that the FTC "undertook an extensive regulatory review program that resulted in the repeal or revision of dozens of its rules and guides, thereby reducing unnecessary burdens on business."
While not specifically mentioning the Funeral Rule by name, Muris made it clear that FTC priorities should focus "Commission resources on practices that pose risks to consumer health and safety, such as deceptive health claims; and making consumer and business education an integral part of law enforcement." The new chairman also stressed that the FTC must continue to allocate resources to new areas of consumer protection, especially e-commerce, online privacy, identity theft, predatory lending, and cross-border fraud.
The Funeral Rule is currently undergoing a review that began in May 1999, and a staff report with recommendation is pending. The Muris speech can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.ftc.gov under the "Speeches" icon.
In a message dated 7/9/01 5:44:01 PM, CapallDubh@aol.com writes:
Colleagues few weeks ago i performed an exhumation/2nd autopsy on a body shipped from Portugal. the heart was missing and i eventually found it was kept by the pathologist at the time of the first autopsy. The family wants the heart examined here and buried or disposed of near the gravesite.
The forensic institute in Lisbon is hesitating shipping it to me as they fear it will be delayed or rejected by US customs. In fact,this has been my experience shipping dry iced tissues from Germany to the US for DNA testing, it took months of delays and they arrived decomposed, broken open and damaged apparently by customs at JFKI. Suggestions on how to ship or label to get around this? ask embassy to use diplomatic pouch? ship with an undertakers certificate in a mini coffin? thoughts? mail direct to ----> CapallDubh@aol.com
In a message dated 7/9/01 11:20:03 AM, LSNCFDA writes:
NCFDA E-Line
MONDAY MORNING MEMO: Andy Ritter, Executive Director of the NC Board of Mortuary Science, will be departing his position effective July 27, 2001. Mark Henderson, General Counsel for the State Board, will be named interim executive director. Newspaper notice will be posted regarding the position of Executive Director and applications will be received until the end of July. The meeting of the State Board scheduled for July 11 has been cancelled and the next meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2001. Please be reminded that the Open Meeting on proposed cremation laws will be held on the same date at 1:00 PM at McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC.
2001-2001 NCFDA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY: NCFDA is beginning the process of reprinting our membership directory. Please be sure that NCFDA has your correct mailing address, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address and web address for publication. You may also reserve your black-and-white ad in the directory at the following rates by July 16 with your copy to follow at a later date:
Reserve Ad Size Width x Dept Cost
____ 1 Page 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" $275.00
____ 1/2 Page 7 1/2" x 4 3/4" $180.00
3 1/2" x 9 1/2"
____ 1/3 Page 7 1/2" x 3 1/4" $145.00
____ 1/4 Page 4 3/4" x 3" $110.00
3 1/2" x 4 3/4"
NCFDA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 29 &endash; August 1&emdash;National FDA Leadership Conference in Mashantucket, CT
July 31 Legislative Review of Proposed Cremation Laws at the NCFDA Districts 3 & 5 Meeting at Billie's Backstreet Restaurant in Goldsboro, NC with a social at 5:00 PM, dinner at 6:00 PM and program at 7:00 PM. (2.0 c.e.c.)
Aug 6 Second Annual NCFDA President's Golf Tournament at Salem Glen Country Club in Clemmons, NC at 1:00 PM with a box lunch at a cost of $45.00
Aug 6 District 8 Meeting in Clemmons, NC
Aug 7 NCFDA Board of Directors Meeting at Village Inn in Clemmons, NC
Aug 15 Board Meeting of the NC Board of Mortuary Science at their office in Raleigh at 9:00 AM.
Aug 15 Open Meeting of the NC Board of Mortuary Science at McKimmon Center in Raleigh to hear comments regarding the proposed cremation law.
Oct 8 &endash; 10 National FDA Convention in Orlando, FL
June 10 &endash; 12, 2002&emdash; NCFDA Annual Convention at the Grove Park Inn Resort, Asheville, NC
In a message dated 7/8/01 7:35:20 PM, James in Rhode Island writes: and In a message dated 7/9/01 2:10:36 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
The Call < Cartier comes to the rescue
JOSEPH FITZGERALD, Staff Writer July 08, 2001
WOONSOCKET -- Francis E. Cartier didn't sleep much last week.
Aside from his busy schedule as funeral director and owner of Cartier's Funeral Home in Bellingham, he has unwittingly taken on the role of detective trying to make sense of a mess that has left scores of people confused and scared.
Cartier confirmed yesterday that he purchased the Menoche Funeral Home property on Providence Street at a bank foreclosure auction more than two months ago and is anticipating closing on the property within the next two weeks. Cartier's Funeral Home, located at 151 South Main St., Bellingham, has been family owned and operated since 1957.
While Cartier has purchased the Menoche property, he is not taking over Menoche's business operations.
"We will be opening the facility as Cartier Memorial Funeral Home once the Rhode Island licensing requirements are met," Cartier said in an interview Friday. "It will be a separate entity from our funeral home in Bellingham. This is a venture my wife and I are taking on ourselves."
Still, Cartier has set out to try and help those people who have been affected by the closing of the Menoche Funeral Home.
Funeral Director Paul Menoche has apparently abandoned both his home and business, leaving at least 100 people who had shelled out thousands of dollars for prepaid funerals confused and upset.
Attempts over the past several weeks to reach Menoche for an explanation have been unsuccessful, according to Richard Gendron of North Providence and Estelle Blanchard of Blackstone, two of at least 100 people who signed contracts with Menoche for pre-paid funerals.
Gendron spent $8,800 for his plan and Blanchard, $6,575. Assuming that a prepaid funeral plan cost at least $5,000, that means Menoche was paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $500,000, possibly more, in up-front funds.
Cartier said yesterday that he obtained all of Menoche's clientele files Tuesday. The files, which are now in Cartier's possession, were left unsecured in the building he plans to buy.
"I've secured the building and have all the files," he said. "I got the files out of there for the safety of the families."
Even though Cartier has purchased Menoche's properties, he did not take over Menoche's funeral home business and is under no obligation legally or otherwise to help the families involved. But get involved he did. The families who had been dealing with Menoche before he abandoned the business called Cartier because they had heard rumors he was going to buy the property.
"These people deserve answers and I think I have a moral responsibility to help out if I can," said Cartier, adding that he has decided to honor prepaid funeral contracts that were held by Menoche. "These families are panicking and have a right to know what's going on. This whole thing is a blemish on funeral directors. That's not who we are."
Since Tuesday, Cartier and his wife have been pouring over Menoche's records in an attempt to inventory them. He hasn't finished yet, but as of yesterday Cartier estimates that at least 100 people had prepaid funeral contracts with Menoche.
For protection of the consumer, state law requires that the up-front money given to the funeral home in a prepaid agreement be funded through a third party, such as a bank, trust or escrow account or insurance policy. So far, neither Cartier nor the families involved have been told by Menoche where the funds are.
"I've been doing this (research) on my down time instead of sleeping. Our main thing is to get the paperwork together and do an inventory," Cartier said. "We're going to try and match files with names and try to give answers to as many people as we can."
Cartier says he has no idea how the issue will resolve itself and has no idea where or if the money collected by Menoche for the pre-paid funerals is secured.
"This is a sad, sad scenario when people have this kind of pressure at this time in their lives," he said.
Cartier will honor the pre-paid funeral contracts held by Menoche until the issue is resolved. "If something happens while this is going on we will take care of them," he said. "We will honor the contracts. We won't turn our back on any family."
Cartier, who bought the Menoche property at a foreclosure auction April 19, says he is somewhat confused because the property was offered a second time at a city tax collector's auction last week.
Unbeknownst to Cartier, the Menoche property, which includes two parcels -- the funeral home and adjacent residential home -- was on a city list of tax liens for sale at a public auction held at City Hall June 29. The city is selling liens on the property because of unpaid taxes. The outstanding taxes Menoche owes on the properties amount to $10,766, according to City Hall records.
At the June 29 auction, ABAR Associates 2001 bid $8,644 for a lien on the larger funeral home property and Peter Marinucci bid $2,123 for a lien on the adjacent residential property.
Cartier says he plans to talk with city officials to clarify the situation, but fully expects to close on the property before the end of the month.
In a message dated 7/7/01 3:36:55 PM, Marilyn in Pennsylvania writes:
................ M O R I B U N D I T I E S .................
APRIL 29, 2000 - A widower has filed a lawsuit against Jackson Memorial Hospital in West Palm Beach Florida after they lost his deceased wife's amputated leg. Phillip Verner had asked the hospital to save the leg and deliver it to the funeral home after his wife, Bernice had died. According to Verner, a hospital employee allegedly told him that his wife's leg had either been discarded or possibly cremated. "It added to my grief because as a Jewish person, their body is supposed to be buried, all the parts with the body," Verner stated. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages of more than $15,000 for emotional distress.
In a message dated 7/6/01 9:55:03 AM, Chris@theoutlookgroup.com writes:
PRESS RELEASE For further information please
contact
For Immediate Release Chris Kuhnen (800) 331-6270
July 6, 2001
Promotions Announced At Outlook Group
Franklin, OH. Charles W. Anderson, CEO & President, The Outlook Group, Inc.
today announced a staff addition and management promotion at the Franklin,
Ohio based funeral prearrangement sales and marketing company.
Candace Franco was named Regional Development Director-Wisconsin. Ms.
Franco, who has been with the company for over seven years, most recently
held the position of Director of Expansion and Special Projects. According
to Ms. Franco, "From the very beginning I have been excited about this group
of Advance Funeral Planning Professionals and Funeral Home owners." She
added "I'm really looking forward to working with the Advance Funeral
Planning Professionals and Owners to create a synergy that assures that
there is abundant opportunity for the Advance Funeral Planning Professionals
and that through the attainment of their goals, the program objectives of
each funeral home are met!"
Candace holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Masters Degree in
Hospital Administration. Ms. Franco and her husband plan on residing in
Milwaukee and are looking forward to sailing Lake Michigan and exploring
Wisconsin from Door County to the Dells.
Talisa King of Trenton, Ohio joins the corporate office staff as an Office
Assistant. Ms. King is responsible for corporate and Advance Funeral
Planning Professional correspondence; sales computer inputting and
delinquent account tracking. Previous to joining Outlook, Talisa worked in a
doctor's office and served as an Administrative Assistant at Mt. Pleasant
Nursing Home. She is married and has a two-year-old son named Donavan.
For more information about The Outlook Group, Inc. call (800) 331-6270 or
visit them online at http://www.theoutlookgroup.com.
In a message dated 7/7/01 10:25:06 PM, Alan in Massachusetts writes:
Want to send this story to another AOL member? Click on the heart at the top of this window.
It Costs Money to Die - Where Does Your Money Go?
LOS ANGELES, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Probably the last thing the mourning family thinks about when it gets the funeral home's bill is the wage scale of funeral industry employees.
However, should anyone inquire, they will discover that -- not unexpectedly -- the highest paid workers are in management. On average, funeral directors, embalmers, and funeral attendants are all paid less than computer-related and finance professions.
Also, according to the first-of-its-kind 500-page nationwide compensation study of the funeral industry by Los Angeles-based A Grief Observed (www.AGriefObserved.com), it may cost more to die in Connecticut than in any other state. Why? Because Connecticut pays funeral professionals a three-category (Funeral Directors, Embalmers, and Funeral Attendants) average hourly rate of $63.40, the highest rate in the study, as measured by the AGO Pay Ranking.
If how much funeral professionals get paid relates at all to how much funerals cost, funerals cost more on the East Coast. "Funeral home CEOs in the east are definitely the highest paid," he said. Further, he added of all the states studied, only 4 states (Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) received the "Most Competitive" AGO Competitiveness Meter ratings for paying funeral professionals an average wage of at least $40 an hour and for each having at least 800 funeral homes. These will be good states for funeral professionals to work in due to the high wages, but for the consumer, these may be expensive states to buy funeral products and services because the high wages paid are usually made up, in part, by passing on the cost to the consumer.
An unexpected finding of the study, according to Darian Chin, Co-Founder of A Grief Observed, is that competition among funeral homes tends to drive wages up. "I would have thought that competition would drive wages -- and the related cost structure -- down," he said. "But it appears that if a family wants to limit its expenditures on a funeral they should look for an area where there are few funeral homes."
Other major findings are as follows:
-- Management, computer-related, and financial occupations earn the most
-- Funeral directors, embalmers, and funeral attendants are neither the highest paid nor the most employed
-- Nine out of ten (90%) of the top ten states with the highest pay rankings are located on the east coast
-- Seven out of ten (70%) of the top ten states with the highest paid
CEO's are located on the east coast
-- "Most Competitive" designations earned by only nineteen (38%) states nationwide for paying funeral professionals well
-- "Most Competitive" designations earned by only five (10%) states nationwide for number of funeral homes
-- Only four (8%) states made it to the top as "Most Competitive" in pay rate and number of funeral homes
-- Funeral industry pay and number of funeral homes varies widely among states
Please consider the following news release for the next edition of your
publication. Feel free to call if you have any questions.
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact:
Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org
Communications Director
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
Reston, VA
ICFA FALL CONFERENCE: 'HAS ANYONE MOVED YOUR CHEESE YET?'
RESTON, VA (July 9, 2001) &endash; The International Cemetery and Funeral
Association (ICFA) Fall Management Conference, October 24-27 in San
Diego, California, will challenge attendees with the theme, "Has Anyone
Moved Your Cheese Yet?"
Cemetery and funeral home owners, executives and chief administrators
will gather for three days of educational programming, networking and
leisure activities at the beautiful Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, a
four-diamond resort and golf course that is home to the PGA Buick
Invitational.
Program co-chairs David Brownworth and Bruce Buchanan have developed a
program focusing on the theme of industry and consumer change. Among the
session highlights are:
o Capture Your Market&emdash;Learn how to use branding, strategic positioning,
media buying and other macro-marketing concepts to build an effective
community awareness and public relations program.
o Move Your Cheese in the Funeral Profession or Starve&emdash;Listen in as a
panel of funeral service providers discusses a range of topics, from
sales leads, to cremation, to vehicles of the future, to relations with
hospitals and hospices.
o Principles of Perception&emdash;Discover how your perceptions affect your
success, quality of service and the profitability of your company.
o Who's Taking Care of Your Cheese?&emdash;Weigh available options for managing
your preneed and endowment care trust funds.
o Aftercare or Do You Care?&emdash;Discover some new methods of delivering and
optimizing the service function of your aftercare program.
o Where Did Your Cheese Move To?&emdash;Find out what a panel of 10
knowledgeable industry suppliers has to say about the changing consumer,
new distribution methods, future challenges and more.
o How the Corporate World Has Moved Their Cheese&emdash;Hear the two top
executives at Stewart Enterprises discuss the public companies' response
to today's financial, sales and operational challenges.
o Don't Miss the Cheese That's Right Under Your Nose&emdash;Take some time to
slow down and appreciate the opportunities around you.
o What's All This About Cheese?&emdash;Listen as Native American storyteller
Alyce Smith Cooper offers her insights into maximizing your personal and
professional self-awareness.
In addition to the educational programming, Fall Management Conference
attendees will have opportunities to participate in golf and tennis
tournaments, networking receptions and a closing dinner. Conference
sponsors include Aurora Casket Company, the Buchanan Group, Cornerstone
Family Services, Family Care Funeral Services, Granit-Bronz, Matthews
International Corporation, Stewart Enterprises and Superior Bronze &
Granite Company.
For information and registration materials, contact the ICFA at
1-800-645-7700 or visit the Educational Opportunities section of the
ICFA Web site at www.icfa.org.
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association
representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization
industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 6,000 cemeteries,
funeral homes, monument dealerships, crematories and related businesses
worldwide.
Please consider the following news release for the next edition of your publication. Feel free to call if you have any questions.
Linda Budzinski
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact:
Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org
Communications Director
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
Reston, VA
ICFA ANNOUNCES 2002 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
RESTON, VA (July 9, 2001) &endash; The International Cemetery and Funeral
Association (ICFA) has announced its 2002 educational schedule, as
follows:
January 17-18
Naked Sales IV: International Cemetery & Funeral Sales Management &
Marketing Conference
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
Program Co-chairs: Chris Burke and Ray Frew, CCFE
April 24-27
ICFA Annual Convention & Exposition
Orlando Renaissance Resort, Orlando, Florida
Program Chair: William L. Wright, CCE
July 19-24
ICFA University
University of Memphis Fogelman Executive Center, Memphis, Tennessee
Chancellor: Douglas P. Whynott, CCE
August 22-24
Small Cemetery and Funeral Management Conference
Best Western Ramkota Inn, Greeley, Colorado
Program Chair: Thomas D. Van Buskirk, CCE
October 2-6
Fall Management Conference
Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Indian Wells, California
For more information, contact the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700 or visit
www.icfa.org.
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association
representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization
industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 6,000 cemeteries,
funeral homes, monument dealerships, crematories and related businesses
worldwide.
We all appreciate the Massachusetts Board members for sponsoring these free programs and we admire and honor your dedication to our profession. These programs are presented in many locations around the Commonwealth, we were able to attend their Plymouth Massachusetts presentation and we took these photos ---------Click here--------> http://www.funeralserviceprofessional.com/Massachusetts.html
Please consider the following news release for the next edition of your publication. Feel free to call if you have any questions.
Linda Budzinski
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact:
Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
Communications Director
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
Reston, VA
lacorn@icfa.org
ICFA , GARY O'SULLIVAN TEAM UP TO PRESENT ONE-DAY PRENEED SALES SEMINARS
RESTON, VA (July 9, 2001) - The ICFA has just announced a partnership
with preneed sales expert Gary O'Sullivan, CCE, to present one-day
seminars designed for today's frontline preneed sales staff. "Selling
Skills to Increase Your Selling Power" will cover the full range of
practical sales issues through sessions such as "Dealing with
Prospecting Reluctance," "How to See More People in Less Time," "Making
the First Sale: The Appointment," "Principles of an Effective
Presentation," "Power Skills for Referrals" and "Understanding and
Dealing with Objections."
Classes are directed toward cemetery and funeral preneed sellers and
family service staff. Seminars currently are scheduled for October 4 in
Columbus, Ohio, and October 16 in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional dates and
locations may be announced at a later date. Complete program and
registration information is available from the ICFA Meetings Department
at 1-800-645-7700.
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association
representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization
industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 6,000 cemeteries,
funeral homes, monument dealerships, crematories and related businesses
worldwide.
In a message dated 7/2/01 03:20:47 PM, Herb in New York writes:
HOUSTON, June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Service Corporation International (NYSE: SRV), the world's largest funeral and cemetery company, today announced the full exercise of the underwriter's over-allotment for convertible subordinated notes resulting in $45 million of additional gross proceeds to the Company.
The notes are convertible into the Company's common stock at a conversion price of $6.92 and have an interest rate of 6.75%. Including the underwriter's over-allotment, the $345 million in gross proceeds from the convertible subordinated notes are being used to reduce the Company's debt, including borrowings under the Company's bank revolving credit agreements.
The offering was managed by Merrill Lynch & Co., JPMorgan, Banc of America Securities LLC, UBS Warburg and Raymond James.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on assumptions that the company believes are reasonable. These statements are not, however, guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially. The most important factors that may cause actual results to differ from the Company's expectations are listed in the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by the Company.
As of March 31, 2001, SCI affiliates operated 3,558 funeral service locations, 517 cemeteries and 200 crematoria. SCI provides funeral and cemetery services in 18 countries on five continents.
For additional information contact:
Investor Relations: Debbie E. Fisher - Director/Investor Relations
Tel: (713) 525-9088
Eric D. Tanzberger - Vice President/Investor Relations
Assistant Corporate Controller
Tel: (713) 525-7768
Media Relations: Terry Hemeyer - Managing Director/Corp. Communications
Tel: (713) 525-5235
Other Service Corporation International information and news releases are available through SCI's corporate website at: http://www.sci-corp.com
In a message dated 7/2/01 10:18:05 PM, Warren in California writes:
AARP Litigation Joins Lawsuit Against Funeral Provider
SACRAMENTO, June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP Foundation Litigation attorneys are joining the Law Offices of Sharon Kinsey, Soquel, California, as co-counsel to represent Glady Bohn's family in its lawsuit Brady v. Oakwood Memorial Chapel and Cunningham's Affordable Cremation and Burial Centers, which is currently in California Superior Court in Santa Cruz County. The lawsuit alleges that the various defendants -- who operate a cemetery, funeral home and burial service center -- have violated California consumer production and contract laws, and have engaged in fraudulent and negligent business practices.
In 1989, Gladys Bohn of Modesto, California arranged and began prepaying for her funeral. Over the next 12 years, Bohn prepaid for her funeral installments saved from her social security income. This included transportation of her remains to a specific funeral home, as well as preparation of her body for viewing. The agreement also included a service with clergy, burial and cemetery services, a flower car, flowers, casket and other services relating to obtaining necessary permits and certificates.
When Bohn died in 2000, however, the funeral home refused to transport her remains unless the family paid an additional $349, even though Bohn had prepaid for all funeral related expenses and costs. After Bohn's nephew paid the additional fee under duress, the funeral home could not locate the remains. When Bohn's nephew arrived at the funeral home where his aunt's remains were supposed to be prepared, the funeral home told him that her remains were "not here and never were here." Bohn's family tracked down her remains at a different home.
When the family arrived at graveside they found that the remains were in what appeared to be a Styrofoam or cardboard box normally used for cremation, instead of the casket Bohn had chosen. No clergy attended the graveside ceremony, and there were no flowers.
With lingering concerns and confusion about the events surrounding Mrs. Bohn's burial, the family had the body disinterred six months later in order to confirm her identity. To their horror, they discovered that her body was still dressed in a hospital gown and a body bag, with her head resting on a pillow marked with a hospital's logo. In other words, there had been no preparation of her body.
Consumers across the country are experiencing problems similar to those faced by Mrs. Bohn's family. In addition to not providing services for which consumers have paid in advance, some pre-need funeral providers are aggressively marketing and selling products and services that consumers don't want and don't need. Many are also inflating prices and including terms and conditions in their contracts that are so vague that family members cannot determine the wishes of the deceased after he or she has passed away -- and therefore find it difficult to ensure that what was paid for is provided. Major problems have also risen across the country with providers and contractors mishandling, mismanaging, and sometimes embezzling the pre-paid money set aside in trust to pay for future funeral services and products.
AARP has long been involved in providing consumer education, and advocating for improved consumer protections in federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies. The average cost of a traditional funeral with an in-ground burial is about $7,500. For many older persons, the purchase of funeral and burial services is the third largest lifetime expenditure, ranking just behind home and vehicle purchases. The high cost of services, consolidations in the industry, and the extremely emotional nature of the transaction, as well as the confusion and emotions that a family experiences at the time of the funeral and burial, combine to make this a situation in which consumers can easily fall prey to predatory practices. AARP is working to ensure that consumers are well protected from predatory or dishonest practices during these difficult times.
In a message dated 7/6/01 12:57:50 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes: A final wish unfulfilled By Brian McGrory, Globe Staff, 7/6/2001 In his dying days, Joe Moakley became engaged in a bizarre and sometimes painful disagreement with the least likely of deathbed adversaries: Cardinal Bernard Law, the head of the Catholic Church in Boston. The dispute was prompted when Law vetoed one of Moakley's most cherished requests, to have US Representative Jim McGovern, a longtime aide and someone Moakley considered like a son, deliver one of two eulogies at his funeral. The other Moakley-designated speaker, William Bulger, was the lone eulogist.The rift, played out in a series of closed-door meetings and private phone calls, proved at times discomforting and occasionally anguishing for Moakley, who, while battling disease, was forced to renege on his offer to McGovern. The details were provided to me by three Moakley confidantes.Church officials, while declining to address the specifics of the Moakley funeral, say the Archdiocese of Boston is making a concerted effort to limit funeral Masses to one eulogist, and to have all eulogies limited to five minutes. The emphasis at a funeral, those officials say, should be on the prayers and on God, not on the deceased.Law, who presided over the June 1 Mass, was unavailable for comment this week, but he made a cryptic reference to the dispute in remarks from the altar at the end of the service, which proved baffling to most people assembled in the church.''We spoke about the funeral,'' Law said. ''And I asked him to do me a favor. I said, `Joe, I have a problem as archbishop. Funerals have gotten out of hand and the focus hasn't always been where it should be. Will you help me get it back?' And I'm so grateful for that. I know of no public servant's passing that has been more beautifully and appropriately marked as his death.''But Moakley confidantes don't hold nearly as benevolent a view, with one of them saying of the deceased, ''He was bothered by it right to the end.''Those friends acknowledge that the church is indeed making a push to a single, brief eulogy, but they question why Moakley's funeral was singled out to serve as an example. They also said they assume that Law rejected McGovern because of his stance in favor of abortion rights.Regardless, the intrigue played out swiftly and strangely. Days after Moakley announced on Feb. 11 that he had an incurable form of leukemia, he asked both McGovern and Bulger to deliver eulogies, basing his request on the format of Tip O'Neill's funeral, when O'Neill's son, Thomas Jr., and Moakley himself delivered remarks about different facets of O'Neill's life.Bulger, Moakley believed, could discuss his formative years in South Boston and entering politics in Massachusetts, and McGovern could address his growth in Congress and his eclectic interests, including freedom in El Salvador, that ranged far from the streets of his hometown.Within a week, Law visited Moakley at his Boston office to administer the anointing of the sick. Afterward, as the two discussed the funeral plans, he told Moakley he preferred one eulogist. On his way out, Law told a senior Moakley aide that he wanted the eulogist to be Bulger, but he didn't explain why.Moakley, deeply troubled that his own plans were overruled, later called Law making another plea, but failed to persuade the cardinal. Moakley aides then considered asking a Catholic philanthropist like Jack Connors to intercede.Ultimately, McGovern urged Moakley to abandon the fight. And Moakley, staring into the dark abyss of mortality, decided that prolonging a dispute with the cardinal was something he could live - and die - without. He even left $25,000 to the Cardinal's Appeal fund.As a footnote, Bulger said yesterday that he was asked by a church official prior to the funeral to limit his remarks to five minutes. What did he do? He ignored the request, delivering a moving, humorous eulogy that lasted twice that long.Brian McGrory's e-mail address is mcgrory@globe.com.This story ran on page B1 of the Boston Globe on 7/6/200
In a message dated 7/6/01 9:01:01 AM, CHeaton@ogr.org writes:
International Order of the Golden Rule Contact: Janet J. Protzel,
Director of Communications
13523 Lakefront Drive (800) 637-8030 · Fax: (314)
209-1289 · jprotzel@ogr.org
Bridgeton (St. Louis), MO 63045
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OGR CONTINUES ITS "2001 EDUCATION ODYSSEY" WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF FALL SEMINAR SCHEDULE
ST. LOUIS-July 2, 2001-In conjunction with its "2001 Education
Odyssey," OGR will conduct two onsite seminars this fall. Attendees will be
eligible to earn up to 10.25 CEUs at each program.
The first program, "Breaking Barriers: New Spins on Traditional Ideas," will
be held Sept. 16-18, 2001, at the Westin Resort-Hilton Head, Hilton Head,
S.C. Seminar participants will: 1) learn to gauge the direction of an
uncertain economy and how it is likely to affect business; 2) take a fresh
look at the arrangements conference and why traditional funerals will no
longer work for most families in the near future; 3) discuss issues and
problem-solving techniques with OGR members; 4) learn how to comfortably
request money by establishing payment plans; 5) add value to funerals by
crafting memorable eulogies; and 6) assess if a funeral home is sufficiently
protected against litigation.
The second seminar, "Exploring New Worlds: Setting Your Funeral Home Apart
from the Crowd," will be held Nov. 11-13, 2001, at The Wigwam Resort in
Litchfield Park (Phoenix), Ariz. Participants at this program will: 1)
examine funeral service trends in an historical context to see that change
has always been a fact of life; 2) review their pre-need programs and
implement ideas presented about insurance and trust; 3) learn what hot
buttons to push to effectively communicate strengths to potential client
families; 4) discuss funeral home operations and industry events with
members; 5) learn how to turn complaints into praise; 6) learn about DNA
preservation and why it can be an attractive revenue source; and 7) how
training employees correctly may be a funeral home's greatest advantage.
In addition to the educational program at The Wigwam, spouses and guests of
seminar participants may sign up for an optional Southwestern style cooking
demonstration on Nov. 12, 2001, led by the resort's executive chef (the former
Regan administration White House
executive chef) and his team of Arizona chefs.
Adding a new element to its onsite seminar format this year, OGR will host
an optional golf tournament at the conclusion of each program. The
tournaments will be open to all seminar registrants, presenters, spouses,
guests, OGR Preferred Suppliers and staff.
The Hilton Head tournament will be held on Sept. 18, 2001, at the Robber's
Row golf course. The Litchfield Park (Phoenix) tournament will be held on
Nov. 13, 2001, at The Wigwam Resort's Blue golf course. Fees include cart,
green fees and refreshments after the tournament.
The Hilton Head tournament will include a hole-in-one contest where
participants could win a 2002 Eagle Cadillac Ultimate funeral coach, valued
at over $64,000. (The hole in-one event is being sponsored by Eagle Coach.)
Given sufficient participation, a hole-in-one contest also will be held at
The Wigwam Resort tournament. Space is limited and advance sign up is
required.
Program schedules and session descriptions are attached. For more
information on the seminars, call Mark Allen, director of education, (800)
637-8030, or e-mail mallen@ogr.org. To register or for information on hotel
room rates or optional activities, call Nicole Ziegler, meetings assistant,
at (800) 637-8030, or e-mail nziegler@ogr.org.
OGR is one of the world's largest professional associations of independent
funeral homes whose members are dedicated to offering reliability, fair
pricing, and dignified, caring service to families. "Service measured not by
gold, but by the Golden Rule" has been the credo of the association since
its founding in 1928.
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OGR Fall Seminars - add two
"Breaking Barriers: New Spins on Traditional Ideas"
Sept. 16-18, 2001
The Westin Resort
Hilton Head, S.C.
Schedule
Sept. 16, 2001
5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Sept. 17, 2001
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.
Opening Session
8:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
"The Economy: Spinning Ahead...or Out of Control?" Delos R. Smith
10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
"Re-thinking the Arrangement Conference," Part I, Curtis D. Rostad, CFSP
11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Luncheon
1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
"Re-thinking the Arrangement Conference," Part II, Curtis D. Rostad, CFSP
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Consultation Room
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Idea Exchange, Part I (members only)
Sept. 18, 2001
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast/Idea Exchange, Part II (members only)
8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
"Increasing Profitability While Improving Customer Satisfaction With
Point-of-Purchase Financing," David Daily
9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
"How to Help Families Write and Deliver Meaningful Eulogies," David Knesel
11:00 a.m.-Noon
"Protecting Yourself From Liability: Are You Fully Covered?" Jeffrey W.
Earls, Mark D Derrenberger
Sessions Descriptions
"The Economy: Spinning Ahead...or Out of Control?"
You've heard the economic forecasts. Now discover what they mean to you and
your business. Delos R. Smith, senior business analyst, The Conference
Board, one of the nation's foremost economic experts, will transform
confusing terminology into a road map for what lies ahead. Learn how future
developments will affect your business and how paying attention can help you
avoid financial disaster.
"Re-thinking the Arrangement Conference," Parts I & II
This two-part session presented by Curtis D. Rostadt, CFSP,
consultant/educator at Management Associates, examines a 10-step model for
creating family satisfaction through meaningful services. Learn how to find
weaknesses in your traditional arrangements conference and determine if your
price lists are FTC compliant. Product knowledge and merchandise selection
will also be covered. Discover the eight "magic words" to say when asking
for payments.
Idea Exchange, Part I (OGR members only)
Swap success stories about funeral home operations, marketing, personnel or
any other topic of interest that affect you or your funeral home on a daily
basis. No one has better ideas than someone who has experienced the issue
first hand. Moderated by OGR President Dennis D. Soderstrum, Soderstrum
Funeral Home.
Idea Exchange, Part II (OGR members only)
While Part I focuses on local issues, Part II will take a broader view of
funeral service. OGR will present an overview of current events and trends
taking place in the funeral profession. Then you will be invited to ask
questions and discuss what they mean to you.
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OGR Fall Seminars - add three
"Increasing Profitability While Improving Customer Satisfaction With Point-of-Purchase Financing"
Asking families for money can be awkward, especially during a difficult
time. David Daily, vice president of industry relations at Family
Assistance, will explain how setting up a payment plan that is quick and
easy for both you and your client families can increase your cash flow,
provide families with payment options increasing customer satisfaction, and
gain a competitive advantage over competitors.
"How to Help Families Write and Deliver Meaningful Eulogies"
Tired of eulogies that leave your client families feeling like they've heard
it all before? Find out from David Knesel, president of Customeulogies.com,
how to help families and clergy create meaningful eulogies that memorialize
loved ones' lives. Learn tips that make a eulogy sparkle and make the rest
of the service shine. This is specific "how-to" information that every
funeral director will treasure.
"Protecting Yourself from Liability: Are You Fully Covered?"
Like it or not, we live in a litigious society where anyone can sue anyone
for practically anything. Find out from The Whitmore Group's Jeffrey W.
Earls, executive vice president, and Mark D. Derrenberger, president/CEO,
how you can protect yourself, your funeral home and your employees by
accurately evaluating your liabilities and the coverage required for those
liabilities. This is a practical session that could save your business.
"Exploring New Worlds: Setting Your Funeral Home Apart from the Crowd"
Nov. 11-13, 2001
The Wigwam Resort
Litchfield Park (Phoenix), Ariz.
Schedule
Nov. 11, 2001
5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Nov. 12, 2001
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.
Opening Session
8:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
"Ever-Changing Funeral Trends," Thomas G. Long, Ph.D.
10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
"Pre-need Programs That Grab Families' Attention," Chris Chigas, Patricia
Mack, Jeffrey S. Shaw
11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Luncheon
1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
"The Hows and Whys of Advertising Your
Funeral Home's Unique Qualities," Patrick J. Anderson
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Consultation Room
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Idea Exchange, Part I (members only)
Nov. 13, 2001
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast/Idea Exchange, Part II (members only)
8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
"Turning Customer Complaints Into Praises," Joseph K. Ashford
9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
"DNA Banking: New Service...New Revenue Stream," Arthur J. Eisenberg, Ph.D.
11:00 a.m.-Noon
"Employee Training & Motivation: Your No. 1 Competitive Advantage," Daniel
B. Martin III
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OGR Fall Seminars - add four Session Descriptions
"Ever-Changing Funeral Trends"
Think that you are the first generation of funeral professional that is
facing changes in the way you serve families? Thomas G. Long, Ph.D., Bandy
Professor of Preaching at Emory University, will present how
memorialization, attitudes toward body rituals and expectations of funerals
has changed throughout history and how identifying the need for change is
vital for the continuing success of your funeral home. Discover where
funeral service has been and where it is heading.
"Pre-need Programs That Grab Families' Attention"
Pre-need has become a cornerstone of funeral service that is often put on
"auto pilot." Chris Chigas, executive vice president of Access Financial
Group, representing pre-need trust, and Patricia Mack, pre-need sales
director, and Jeffrey S. Shaw, second vice president/managing director, for
Unity Mutual Life, will present ideas that will blow the dust off of your
pre-need program, enabling you to offer even more appealing options to
families. Whether you use insurance or trust, you can capture the
imagination of your target market by taking a fresh look at pre-need.
"The Hows and Whys of Advertising Your Funeral Home's Unique Qualities"
How do you distinguish your funeral home from your competitors? How do you
convey your reputation to families who are unfamiliar with you? Is
"slamming" competitors ever a smart strategy? Join advertising veteran
Patrick J. Anderson, president of G.M. Anderson & Associates, for tips on
how you can reach community residents to market your firm. Learn why
investing in your funeral home's marketing program may be even more
important than many other expenses you currently take for granted.
Idea Exchange, Parts I & II
New format, moderated by OGR President Dennis Soderstrum, Soderstrum
Funeral Home. In Part 1, members join your colleagues to swap success
stories about local funeral home operations, marketing, personnel or other
topics that affect you or your funeral home on a daily basis. Part II will
take a broader view of the profession. OGR will present an overview of
current events and trends taking place in funeral service, then invite
questions and discussion about what they mean to you.
"Turning Customer Complaints Into Praises"
No one is perfect. But even if you were, about 2 percent of the population
will still not be satisfied. How do you respond to complaints, especially
when they are not justified? Learn techniques from Joseph K. Ashford,
general manager of Messinger's Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, that will enable you
to transform a dissatisfied customer into a loyal follower.
"DNA Banking: New Service, New Revenue Stream"
How does preservation of DNA relate to your funeral home? Join GeneLink's
Arthur J. Eisenberg, Ph.D., to learn why funeral homes are choosing to
collect DNA samples on behalf of their families. Not only does DNA
preservation secure medical and genetic information for families, but is
also an appealing source of revenue for funeral homes.
"Employee Training and Motivation:
Your No. 1 Competitive Advantage"
Your staff members must be at the top of their craft each day. How do you
find time to encourage employees to reach their service, productivity,
accuracy and sensitivity goals? Management expert Daniel B. Martin III,
president of Martin Management Services, will share tips on how to set
performance goals, conduct evaluations, establish training policies and
provide incentives that will stimulate and motivate your employees.
In a message dated 7/4/01 6:27:41 PM, Tom in Illinois writes: I respectfully and sadly would like to inform you of the death of Milan J. Craig, founder and owner of Morticians Supplier's in the Chicago Suburbs. Mr. Craig, 78 of Chicago Heights, IL passed away on June 15, 2001 of a heart attack. Milan was not only a business colleague, but a good friend to many of his customers. He sold equipment for Bass-Mollett and also handled Esco Fluid. I got into the funeral business in 1995 and have known Milan ever since. He was a mentor to me and will be deeply missed. Services were June 19, 2001 at Tews Funeral Home, Homewood, IL. Burial was in Holy Sepulchure Cemetery, Worth, IL. Milan leaves his wife, Mary , 2 daughters , a son, several grandchildren and a great grandson
A few weeks back I wrote NFDA's Atty. Scott Gilligan, requesting NFDA CEO's Job Application packet, soon after it came it the mail, a beautiful loose leaf booklet around forty pages in length, spelling out in detail what the job is and what is expected of the applicant, obviously the volunteer committee spend a great deal of time and effort on the project, I wondered where they had decided to advertise the position so I wrote Dwayne Spence the Chair of the search Committee.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 7/2/01 9:56:05 PM, LOWELL MA writes:
Hi Dwayne, Hope your enjoying the summer. Last we discussed the CEO position putting the word out, I am curious where has NFDA advertised, I thought it would be in the Chicago Sun but I could never find it, should I be looking in the Milwaukee newspaper? I did get the application package from Scott Gilligan, very comprehensive, you guys have spent a great deal of time and effort into this project, but getting the word out is equally as important. I know your a very busy guy and my newsletter is only a hobby where I go at my own pace, so Ill get to the point.
BOTTOM LINE: Where have you folks advertised the job?
Thanks for your time and energies on behalf of the betterment of our profession.
Thank You
John L. McDonough
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 7/3/01 10:25:34 AM, Dwayne Spence writes:
John, Thanks for your comments and kind words. We have advertized this position in all the trade publications, the A.S.A.E. (American Association of Account Executives) publications, The Wall Street Journal, the NFDA website and several other smaller markets, where we were asked for information. For your information, we have sent out over 60 application packets, so I believe the word is getting out. Thanks for your inquiry, and we will keep everyone posted as to our progress.
Dwayne Spence
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 7/3/01 10:56:59 AM, Scott Gilligan writes: John: An update and slight correction to Dwayne's e-mail. We advertsied the position with ASAE (the American Society of Association Executives) website and magazine. The NFDA notice also appears in the bi-weekly CEO Job Opportunities Network publication. We have sent out 71 application packets to candidates who have requested them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 7/2/01 9:52:51 AM, LSNCFDA writes:
NCFDA E-Line
IN MEMORIAM: William Berry "Bill" Lee, age 83, of 1608 Davidson Road, retired President and Treasurer of Sechrest Funeral Service of High Point, died June 30, 2001 at his home. He was a former President of The North Carolina Funeral Directors Association (1967-68). Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 3, at 11:00 AM at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church by Dr. Charles Wilson and Rev. Barry P. Osborne. The family will receive friends in The Asbury Room of the church following the service. Burial will be in Floral Garden Park Cemetery, prior to the service. Viewing hours for Mr. Lee will be from 3:00 PM &endash; 8:30 PM on Monday, July 2, at Sechrest Funeral Service, East Lexington Avenue, High Point. Pallbearers will be the Staff of Sechrest Funeral Service. Members of the High Point Kiwanis Club and the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association will be Honorary Pallbearers and should be at the church by 10:45 AM.
NCFDA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 11 Board Meeting of the NC Board of Mortuary Science at their office in Raleigh at 9:00 AM.
July 29 &endash; August 1&emdash;National FDA Leadership Conference in Mashantucket, CT
July 31 Legislative Review of Proposed Cremation Laws at the NCFDA Districts 3 & 5 Meeting at Billie's Backstreet Restaurant in Goldsboro, NC with a social at 5:00 PM, dinner at 6:00 PM and program at 7:00 PM. (2.0 c.e.c.)
Aug 6 Second Annual NCFDA President's Golf Tournament at Salem Glen Country Club in Clemmons, NC
Aug 6 District 8 Meeting in Clemmons, NC
Aug 7 NCFDA Board of Directors Meeting at Village Inn in Clemmons, NC
Aug 15 Board Meeting of the NC Board of Mortuary Science at their office in Raleigh at 9:00 AM.
Aug 15 Open Meeting of the NC Board of Mortuary Science at McKimmon Center in Raleigh to hear comments regarding the proposed cremation law.
Oct 8 &endash; 10 National FDA Convention in Orlando, FL
June 10 &endash; 12, 2002&emdash; NCFDA Annual Convention at the Grove Park Inn Resort, Asheville, NC
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In a message dated 7/10/01 1:45:26 PM, LSNCFDA writes:
NCFDA "E-Line"
STATE BOARD BILL PASSES: House Bill 440 (NC Board of Mortuary Science) was heard on the House floor last evening, July 9, 2001. The House concurred with the Senate's changes. The bill will now be enrolled and presented to the Governor. The bill was amended in the Senate to change appointment of public members from the Governor, to one each for the Governor, Speaker of the House and Pro Tempore of the Senate. The above notice shows concurrence with the Senate's changes. NCFDA will print the changes to the laws. You will remember this bill will require (among other things) registration and regulation of those who transport human remains (transportation services).
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The following notice has been received from N.C. Board of Mortuary Science:
"Executive Director, N.C. Board of Mortuary Science (Raleigh). Serves as CEO of licensing, regulatory, and administrative functions of the Board over funeral and burial industry. Manages staff, supervises programs, handles budgets, and enforces legal requirements. Answers to the board. Need strong managerial, business, personnel, and organizational skills. Requires four year degree with major in business, public administration or related field and experience as a supervisor or administrator in the public sector, preferably in a regulatory Board agency; preference given to those with MPA or MBA or related graduate degree. Open until filled. Send resume to N. C. Board of Mortuary Science, P.O. Box 144, Pikeville, N.C. 27863. Attention: Personnel Committee."
In a message dated 6/26/01 8:21:07 PM, Russle in Houston writes: John if you read way down here you'll see NFDA sugar coating the elimination of Wage and Hour protection! They are not getting a dime from me, I had to laugh to see the patriotic brochure begging for PAC money, have you ever heard of PAC money being used for the little guy. The Larger Employers will have split work days when this law goes through, work the funeral, come back tonight and do the calling hours, Comp time will be the demise of the profession as we we know it. Glad I am a senior staff member here, they will screw the kids. NFDA eats it's young to survive, next year they won't get my dues, the company did not reimburse me, there is nothing in NFDA for me, So Long.
NFDA Office
CEO Search Begins. The NFDA Executive Board is pleased to offer potential candidates the opportunity to request an information packet relative to applying for the position of Chief Executive Officer of the National Funeral Directors Association. This packet will be mailed to interested candidates, by written request, to T. Scott Gilligan, Esq., 2900 Chemed Center, 255 East 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Applicants will receive information helpful to explain the vision and strategic plan the NFDA Executive Board has approved for NFDA. The information also outlines the critical issues the Chief Executive Officer and his/her team need to address.
Completed applications will be accepted until August 30, 2001, at the office of NFDA's legal counsel, T. Scott Gilligan, Esq.; interviews will be scheduled after October 1, 2001. For further information, please contact Dwayne Spence at 614-837-7126, Scott Gilligan at 513-587-4440, or John Carmon at 860-688-2200.
Happy 4th of July! Please note, in observance of Independence Day, the NFDA office will be closed Wednesday, July 4, 2001.
Leadership Conference
It's not too Late to Register. It's not too late to register for NFDA's Leadership Conference, July 29-August 1, 2001, which will be held at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. The conference will feature the "Preneed Prizefight." This is the debate you have been waiting for! The debate will focus on the controversial question "Who should sell, arrange, or offer preneed?"
New this year, the conference will feature more educational opportunities that focus on association management. Workshops will focus on the changes and challenges facing volunteer organizations, as well as cultivating potential leaders and making volunteering a satisfying experience. You will not want to miss this year's unique programming. For more information, call 800-228-6332.
Elections
Candidates Declared. The declared candidates for the 2001-02 NFDA Executive Board include at-large representative candidates R. George Hopkins, CFSP, Anthony "Tony" Kripas, CFSP, Diana D. Kurz, CFSP, and Michael R. St. Pierre, CFSP; president-elect candidate Dwayne R. Spence, CFSP; treasurer candidate Mark D. Musgrove, CFSP; and secretary candidates R. Doggett Whitaker Jr., CFSP, and David E. Vallelonga, CFSP.
The elections for the at-large candidates will take place at the Policy Board meeting on July 28, 2001. The election for the president-elect, treasurer, and secretary position will take place Wednesday, October 10, 2001, during NFDA's Annual Convention & International Exposition. For more information, call Jackie Klann at 800-228-6332.
Pursuit of Excellence
Deadline Fast Approaching. The deadline to apply to NFDA's Pursuit of Excellence program is July 15, 2001. For more information, e-mail Julie Tarantino, NFDA's Pursuit of Excellence secretary, at jtarantino@nfda.org or Donna Rose, NFDA's meetings specialist, at drose@nfda.org.
Convention
Allen, Smith and Greenwood to Highlight Special Events. A great lineup of speakers and entertainers will be featured at NFDA's 120th Annual Convention & International Exposition, October 7-10, 2001.
On Tuesday, October 9, 2001, veteran NASA astronaut Andrew Allen will be the featured speaker at the Leadership Breakfast. From 1987 to 1997, Allen flew more than 900 hours in space on three missions. He is currently responsible for technical operations of more than 6,000 personnel at the Kennedy Space Center.
Gossip columnist Liz Smith will be the featured speaker at the Spouses Luncheon on Tuesday, October 9, 2001. Smith has covered it allÐsociety, sports, movies, the theatre, opera, dance, publishing, business and politicsÐalways scooping her competitors.
Lee Greenwood, best known for his patriotic musical hit "God Bless the USA," will entertain attendees at NFDA's Annual Banquet on Wednesday, October 10, 2001.
Watch for the convention registration brochure in your mailbox the second week in July 2001.
Show off Your Singing Voice. NFDA is seeking singers to participate in the NFDA choir for the Service of Remembrance Prayer Breakfast during NFDA's Convention on Sunday, October 7, 2001. For more information, call DeAnn Scrabeck, NFDA meetings manager, at 800-228-6332 or e-mail her at dscrabeck@nfda.org.
State Associations
Join Last Acts. NFDA is encouraging state funeral service associations to join Last Acts as partner organizations. Last Acts is a call-to-action campaign to improve care at the end of life. Its goals are to bring death-related issues out in the open and help individuals and organizations pursue better ways to care for the dying. Last Acts believes in palliative care, which focuses on ways to ease pain and make life better for people who are dying and their loved ones.
Last Acts is a membership organization. Its partner organizations represent health care professionals, religious bodies, advocates, parents, educators, health care institutions&emdash;everyone with a stake in improving the American way of death. Partners help spread information created by Last Acts; and Last Acts help partners find experts, schedule meeting speakers and publicize their efforts.
For more information, call 800-305-1078 or visit www.lastacts.org. To join as a partner online, visit www.lastacts.org/partnerapplication.
Education
OSHA Guides now Available. NFDA's easy-to-follow OSHA compliance guides for funeral homes are now available through NFDA's InfoCentral. NFDA guides may be purchased separately or in one three-ring binder. For more information, contact an NFDA member service representative at 800-228-6332 or visit NFDA Online, www.nfda.org, and click on InfoCentral.
Government Relations
NFDA President Spends Memorial Day with George W. Bush. On Memorial Day, May 28, 2001, NFDA President John Carmon visited the White House to join U.S. President George W. Bush for breakfast, a bill-signing ceremony, and joined military and civilian dignitaries and cabinet officials for the annual wreath laying by the president at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In the bill-signing ceremony, President Bush signed into law legislation passed by Congress that requires construction of the National World War II Memorial to begin as soon as possible.
For more details on Carmon's White House visit, visit NFDA Online at http://www.nfda.org/mediacenter/releases/2001/june11.html
Federal Estate Taxes are Finally Dead! On June 7, 2001, President Bush signed the repeal of the onerous federal estate tax, which is part of the massive $1.3 billion "Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001" recently passed by Congress.
For more information, visit the NFDA Online's government relations section on the memberpage at http://www.nfda.org/memberpage/govrel/index.html and click on "Congress-at-a-Click" or call NFDA's Washington, D.C., office at 202-547-0441.
Organ and Tissue Donation Best Practices now Available. During the past two years a task force has been negotiating with representatives of the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) to reach an agreement on a set of best practices for organ and tissue donation. The purpose of this effort was to eliminate as many of the impediments to the facilitation of the donation process as possible.
The result of these efforts is the "Best Practices for Organ and Tissue Donation." NFDA believes this joint document will foster a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of funeral directors, tissue banks and organ-procurement organizations, and will allow each to better serve the needs of the families in their communities. In that regard, NFDA, AATB and AOPO will promote these guidelines to their members through workshops, articles and other modes.
The document was printed in the June 2001 issue of The Director and is available on NFDA Online at http://www.nfda.org/memberpage/govrel/organandtissue.html or via FaxBack by calling 800-713-0661 and requesting document 2000.
NFDA Contacts Labor Department About Workers' Comp. In a letter to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, NFDA transmitted its eight-point plan to bring consistency to the various state workers' compensation laws and thus stabilize the skyrocketing insurance premiums for funeral homes. NFDA proposes that the Department of Labor appoint a commission of workers'-compensation experts&emdash;including insurance carriers, state regulators, and businesses (large and small), among others&emdash;to draft a Model Workers Compensation Code that would level the playing field, bring consistency to state workers' compensation laws regarding compensability and benefits, and reduce the rising cost of workers' compensation insurance premiums, especially for small businesses such as funeral homes. NFDA is not recommending federalizing the current state-based workers' compensation system. This model code would be voluntary for the states, and the states would retain enforcement and administration of the workers' compensation laws and regulations. NFDA has asked to meet with Secretary Chao to discuss this issue. A copy of NFDA's eight-point Workers' Compensation Reform Plan is available from NFDA's Washington, D.C., office, 202-547-0441.
IRS Raises Quarterly Employment-Tax Threshold. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued final regulations (T.D. 8946) that raise from $1,000 to $2,500 the quarterly threshold for small businesses required to make monthly payments of employment taxes.
These new rules allow businesses owing employment taxes of less than $2,500 per quarter to pay the taxes quarterly instead of monthly, according to the IRS. Under prior rules, a business was obligated to pay monthly if it owed employment taxes of $1,000 or more per quarter. As a result of raising the threshold to $2,500, the IRS estimates that one million businesses will benefit.
The final regulations are effective May 23, and they apply to quarterly and annual return periods beginning on or after January 1, 2001.
For more information, call the NFDA Washington, D.C., office at 202-547-0441.
NFDA-Supported Working Family Flexibility Act Introduced in House. The recent introduction, by Representative Judy Biggert, R-Ill., of the Working Family Flexibility Act, H.R. 1982, will directly affect funeral service if enacted into law. The bill has 33 co-sponsors and, within certain limitations, extends compensatory time benefits to hourly paid workers in lieu of overtime.
This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act, which currently prohibits private-sector employers from offering their workers paid time off as compensation for earned overtime pay, which is allowed for government employees. The right to choose compensatory time in lieu of overtime, by employees, has been a position supported in past legislation by NFDA.
For more information, visit the NFDA Online's government relations section on the memberpage at http://www.nfda.org/memberpage/govrel/index.html and click on "Congress-at-a-Click" or call NFDA's Washington, D.C., office at 202-547-0441.
Does NFDA Have Your E-mail Address and Fax Number? To speed NFDA's vital communications to you, NFDA needs to have your current e-mail address and fax number. We urge you to e-mail us at mmichels@nfda.org, or to call an NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332. Unfortunately, due to the magnitude of members, if you do not have a dedicated fax number we will not be able to communicate with you in that form.
The NFDA Bulletin
The NFDA Bulletin Soon to be Exclusively Available Online. Beginning with the next edition, The NFDA Bulletin only will be available by subscribing to NFDA's ENews Alerts. For a free subscription, visit NFDA Online's memberpage at http://www.nfda.org/memberpage/enews/index.html
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In a message dated 6/17/01 7:29:59 PM, Peter in Illinois writes:
John,
I saw this in the Chicago Tribune, and thought it would be good for the newsletter, though the story is a little vague. Hope you have a happy father's day! - Peter
Grave error makes day of sorrow worse
By Rick Hepp
Tribune staff reporter
June 17, 2001
Gail Askin of Wonder Lake wants to honor her father on the first Father's Day after his death by laying flowers on his grave. But a mix-up at his burial in April has left her with nightmares about returning to the grave site Sunday. Irving Park Cemetery officials acknowledge they made a mistake but said it was a rare one and the family has not responded to their attempts to apologize.
When Askin's father, Raymond Weidenhoeft, was to be buried in the Northwest Side cemetery, workers initially dug the grave in the wrong place. They also put a mound of dirt on top of the grave of Askin's late husband, she said. When the funeral procession pulled into the cemetery at 7777 W. Irving Park Rd., the funeral director stopped it, telling the family the grave was not ready and they would have to wait, Askin said.
A short time later, she said, the director returned and told them that the work would take longer than expected. "He suggested we go to dinner and leave her father in the chapel and come back later," said Askin's husband, James. "Then I looked in the distance," Gail Askin said, "and I saw the backhoe and lots of workers. It looked like it was my (first) husband's grave. They had opened up the grave right next to my husband's, and my husband's grave was covered in 4 feet of dirt and clay."
Askin's first husband, Ronald Gittings, died in 1974 and was buried just north and to the west of the family plot, where five generations of Weidenhoefts are interred, she said. "I went over to see for sure," Askin said, sobbing. "I knew where my husband was buried and I was looking all over for his headstone. I reached down and I brushed off all this dirt off the headstone to make sure it was his."
For the next hour and a half, Askin and more than 50 family members and friends stood by and watched as the workers dug the correct grave. At one point, the funeral director and Askin's son grabbed a shovel to clear the mound of dirt from Gittings' grave so that his children could plant flowers. Once the workers finished digging her father's grave, Askin said, "They moved over, shooed us out of the way and finished the job of filling in the wrong hole."
As work was being completed, Askin's daughter, Paige Thompson, went to the cemetery office to complain. She told workers that, because of the delay, her family would miss a luncheon for their guests for which they had already paid.
She said an office worker looked at a clock and remarked that the luncheon wasn't set to start for another 10 minutes. "He said, `It'll take five minutes; you can put him in the hole and go,'" Thompson said. "At that, I freaked. I lost it. I was really keeping my patience, but at that I literally called him every name in the book."
James Askin said the workers stood in view of the family as the service began and rested their shovels on the headstone of Gail Askin's grandparents. "It was very important to Gail that her father be buried with dignity," he said. "He lived as a dignified man and the dignity that he should have been buried with was just stolen."
Askin said that the workers' presence desecrated her father's funeral and ruined her last memory of him.
"I feel like I was robbed of saying goodbye," Askin said. "I don't understand how a mistake like this can happen when you can see my dad's first name is even on the headstone with my mother. All they had to do is put a date on it."
Askin said she also wondered whether her late husband was buried in the correct plot in 1974. She said the spot the workers initially dug in April seemed to be her late husband's plot. "Have my kids and I for over 20 some years been putting flowers on a grave, yet their dad isn't there?" she said.
Ruth Pickering, a family service counselor at Irving Park Cemetery, said workers initially dug the wrong grave in April, but "there is no doubt in my mind" that Gittings is where he should be.
Pickering said she wasn't sure how the wrong grave was dug. Typically, Pickering said, a family member reviews the service, including the placement of the plot, with a salesman days before the funeral, which the Askins said they did.
Pickering said that in the six years she has worked at Irving Park, which handles about 500 burials a year, workers have dug the wrong grave as few as five times.
"That's less than 1 percent of the time," she said, "and we've never buried the wrong person."
Pickering said her company has attempted to contact the Askins, but the telephone number they have for the family is incorrect. She also said a letter was sent to the family asking to speak with them, but Askin said it was never received.
Askin said she and family members will visit the cemetery Sunday.
"I've never missed a Father's Day in my life, and I'm not planning on it now," she said.
In a message dated 6/17/01 10:05:16 AM, Skip in California writes:
Greetings:
Here is an interesting article for those following cremation providers, the stock market and California preneed accounting (let me know if I left anybody out).
This stock has been on a wild ride.
The Neptune Society Announces That Its Form 10 Has Cleared SEC Comments
Updated: Thursday, June 7, 2001 04:01 PM ET
BURBANK, Calif., June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Neptune Society, (OTC Pink
Sheets: NTUN) one of the country's largest publicly traded cremation
specialists, announced today that the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission has come to the position of no further comments with respect to
the Company's Form 10 filed on June 1, 2001.
The Neptune Society confirmed that it has cleared comments issued by the
staff of the SEC related to the Company's Form 10 registration statement
filed with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
With guidance from the staff of the SEC, the Company has adopted a revenue
recognition policy that will allow the Company to recognize the revenue
from the sale and delivery of merchandise in connection with its Pre-Need
sales contracts, subject to meeting certain criteria. The Company is in the
process of implementing the policies that are designed to meet the revenue
recognition criteria and to allow the Company to recognize revenue on
future sales of Pre- Need merchandise in qualifying jurisdictions.
"The Company has met the long and costly challenge of clearing SEC comments
related to its Form 10, and more specifically, addressing issues related to
developing a revenue recognition policy that will allow the Company to
recognize revenue on future sales of Pre-Need merchandise. Revenue
recognition has been a major issue for the death care industry, and we
believe that our new revenue recognition policy, developed with guidance
from the staff of the SEC, will benefit the Company and investors in the
future by creating a degree of certainty with respect to our financial
reporting. Clearing SEC comments also allows us to move closer towards our
goal of qualifying our common stock for trading on a senior exchange," said
Neptune's Chief Financial Officer Rodney Bagley.
For further information regarding The Neptune Society contact:
Gary Loffredo, Director (800) 535-7935
www.neptunesociety.com
Headquartered in Burbank, CA., The Neptune Society Inc. is one of North
America's largest cremation specialists, and is the only publicly traded
company dealing solely in cremation services. The Neptune Society,
operating for nearly three decades with locations in California, Florida,
New York, Washington, Iowa, Oregon and Arizona has provided thousands of
cremation services and currently has in excess of 60,000 active contracts
and nearly $37 million in trust in its unique Pre-Need program. The Neptune
Society's goal is to provide a simple, dignified and economic alternative
to the traditional funeral burial service system.
Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. Readers/investors are cautioned that the forward-looking
statements are inherently uncertain, including statements related to the
Company's business strategy, the ability of the Company to satisfy the
criteria to recognize revenue in future periods, the effect meeting the
Company's revenue recognition policy will have on its results of
operations, the ability to obtain a listing on a senior exchange, the
Company's ability to implement its business and growth strategy, and the
Company's expectations for future success. Actual performance and results
of operations may differ materially from those projected or suggested. The
forward-looking statements contained herein represent the Company's
judgment as of the date of this release, and the Company cautions the
reader not to place undue reliance on such statements. These
forward-looking statements should not be reprinted, reiterated nor
considered an inducement for investment.
Skip Jones
Funeral and Cemetery Consulting and Expert Witness
916-205-1346
www.cwo.com/~skip
In a message dated 6/29/01 2:35:15 PM, Chris@theoutlookgroup.com writes:
NEWS RELEASE For Further Information Contact:
For Immediate Release Colleen Murphy Klein or Ann
June 29, 2001 White at (877) 402-5900
OUTLOOK GROUP MANAGEMENT TEAM EARNS CERTIFIED PREPLANNING CERTIFICATION
Brookfield, Wisconsin - A national certification program for consultants
whose firms plan funeral services in advance has awarded the designation of
Qualified Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) to several Outlook Group
management team members. They are Mr. Christopher Kuhnen, Vice President of
Marketing, Mrs. Candace Franco, Regional Development Director-Wisconsin and
Mr. Edgar Bowling, Regional Development Director-Indiana. Outlook is a
national funeral prearrangement sales and marketing company headquartered in
Franklin, Ohio
"The CPC designation means that families who are planning funeral services
in advance should receive the highest quality, most ethical service
possible," according to Colleen Murphy Klein, who coordinates the program
for the Funeral Service Educational Foundation (FSEF) headquartered in
Brookfield, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee.
"Those who have earned the CPC designation are uniquely skilled to deal with
critical ethical, contractual, funding, customer service and consumer
protection issues," she added.
The CPC program was instituted in 1995 by FSEF, a foundation dedicated to
advancing professionalism in funeral service and enhancing public knowledge
and understanding through education and research.