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In a message dated 7/14/02 1:45:28 PM, Mflynn6705@aol.com writes:
Next Funeral Director (anyone is invited) Afternoon / Night out will be on Sat. July 20th starting @ 3:00 p.m. . at WATERWORKS in Marina Bay, Quincy.. Just to let everyone know there is a cover charge that starts @ 8pm there so get there early. last time was a big success. So pass this along to everyone. ALL are invited. even your spouses if your desire! Any questions give me a call (617) 828-7856 Mike Flynn
C ya there. (Directions Are Below)
Marina Bay on Boston Harbor
Eat, drink, dance, and shop-till-you-drop along our Nantucket-style boardwalk hosting a wide variety of restaurants, lounges and clubs. Anywhere from casual seafood, salads and wraps to upscale Italian.
Dockside dinning is available at all establishments.
Waterworks, the only outdoor nightclub in New England, with live music,
volleyball, billiards, dancing, food and specialty bars.
The Oyster Bar, for dockside dining.
Siro's, American and Italian fare.
The Center Market, for takeout and convenience items.
Amelia's features salads, sandwiches and munchies.
Captain Fishbones restaurant and lounge.
The Chantey, purveyor of fish and chips.
Cream & Sugar, ice cream and coffee shop.
HERE ARE SOME LINKS FOR MARINA BAY:
Eat, drink, dance, and shop-till-you-drop along our Nantucket-style boardwalk hosting a wide variety of restaurants, lounges and clubs. Anywhere from casual seafood, salads and wraps to upscale Italian.
Dockside dinning is available at all establishments.
Waterworks, the only outdoor nightclub in New England, with live music,
volleyball, billiards, dancing, food and specialty bars.
The Oyster Bar, for dockside dining.
Siro's, American and Italian fare.
The Center Market, for takeout and convenience items.
Amelia's features salads, sandwiches and munchies.
Captain Fishbones restaurant and lounge.
The Chantey, purveyor of fish and chips.
Cream & Sugar, ice cream and coffee shop.
Marina Bay on Boston Harbor
333 Victory Rd.
North Quincy, MA 02171
Clark Goebel
Phone: (617) 847-1800
Fax: (617) 847-1840
Boston Harbor
marinabay@flagshipmarinas.com
From Points North
Take the Southeast Expressway (Route 93 Southbound) to the Quincy/Neponset Exit, #12. At the end of ramp bear right onto Gallivan Boulevard. At first intersection, Neponset Circle, bear right at flashing signs to Squantum. At the second set of lights, take a left onto E. Squantum Street, (Dunkin Donuts on left). Continue 1/4 mile, you will see the entrance to Marina Bay/Victory Road on your left. Follow directions to yacht at bottom of page.
From Points South
Take Route 3 North to Route 93. Take the Granite Avenue Exit, #11. At end of ramp continue straight. At second set of lights turn right onto Gallivan Boulevard continue for approximately one mile. At Neponset Circle bear right at flashing yellow light onto Route 3A South. Continue over Neponset River Bridge and follow signs to Squantum. At the second set of lights, take a left onto E. Squantum Street, (Dunkin Donuts on left). Continue 1/4 mile, you will see the entrance to Marina Bay/victory Road on your left. Follow directions to yacht at bottom page.
From Points West
Take Mass Turnpike East to the Southeast Expressway (Route 93 Southbound) to the Quincy/Neponset Exit, #12. At end of ramp bear right onto Gallivan Boulevard. At first intersection, Neponset Circle, bear right at flashing yellow light onto Route 3A South. Continue over Neponset Bridge and follow signs to Quantum. At the second set of lights, take a left onto E. Squantum Street, (Dunkin Donuts on left). Continue 1/4 mile, you will see the entrance to Marina Bay/Victory Road on your left.
Now more than ever, market share is up for grabs. Here's how to expand your reach - and position your firm for long-term success: "Advertising to Win: 11 Proven Strategies to Outsmart the Competition." This is a Funeral Service Insider Audio Conference, to be held Wednesday, August 7, 2002, 12:00 -1:00 p.m. ET.
Discover how to:
--Revamp your advertising strategy to face a strong competitor - and win. Whether it's a discounter, cemetery, chain location or fired-up indyÉyou get proven strategies to help you preserve & build market share in the face of even the toughest competitive threats.
--Navigate the tricky shoals of price advertising. When should you ignore a competitor who's hitting hard on price? Respond with price ads of your own? Or even make the first strike? Marilyn gives you a new tool set to read your market, so that you can make the right moves.
--Retool your advertising message to boost competitiveness. Why should people use your firm rather than the home down the road? Marilyn shows you how to answer that key question compellinglyÉand better position your service, staff, facilities & more.
--Make the right choices on advertising media. From newspaper and Yellow Pages ads to Web-site banners and cable TV, find out what is and isn't working right now.
--Advertise to lure cremation customers from your competition. The rules of the game have changed since Tri-State. Get Marilyn's up-to-the-minute list of do's and don'ts.
--Tweak your pre-need ads to boost response - and take future calls from your competition. Marilyn reveals her winning game plan for ad placement, response devices and more.
Marilyn is the nation's top guru on funeral service advertising, as well as one of the highest rated speakers ever to present at Funeral Service Insider conferences. With 20 years of experience in funeral service, Marilyn has evolved into one of the profession's best known and most popular convention speakers and seminar trainers. Marilyn is the Co-founder and President of MKJ Marketing of Largo, Florida, the leader in funeral home marketing.
To register,call 800-260-1545. You'll receive, via email, a packet of information, including a link to all working materials, the toll-free phone number for the conference, and your personal access code to enter the conference, hear the seminar and participate in the Q&A. The regular price is $299, but only $249 for FSI subscribers. And remember - as many staff can also visit our web site: http://www.ucg.com/health/conferences/A131/
In a message dated 6/24/02 5:29:52 PM, kshay@nfda.org writes:
For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact: Fay Spano
800/228-6332
NFDA Appoints Assistant Editor for The Director Magazine
Brookfield, Wis. &endash; The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
has selected Benjamin Lund of Greenfield, Wis., for the position of
assistant editor for the association's magazine, The Director. Lund's
talent and experience will enhance the development and quality of the
magazine, which is a key benefit of NFDA membership.
"The Director is the premiere trade publication for the funeral service
profession," explains NFDA CEO Christine Pepper. "With Ben's help, we
will continue to offer NFDA members essential information and creative
ideas they can use to provide valuable funeral and memorial services to
the families they serve."
Lund joins NFDA from Building Operating Management Magazine, where he
served as an assistant editor. Prior to his posiReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA bytion there, he worked
as a staff writer for the East Troy News weekly newspaper. Lund also
spent four years working for the Marched Tribune, Marched University's
student newspaper. At the Tribune, his duties included editor of the
Marquee (entertainment) section, special project contributor, and
writer. His past experience has given him a solid foundation in writing,
editing, interviewing and page design, making him a strong addition to
the magazine's team.
"I look forward to the opportunities that working for NFDA offers,"
said Lund. "This is an exciting time, and I hope my contributions will
further educate our readers on how to succeed in today's changing
marketplace, while providing families with the highest quality service
possible."
Lund is an active member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the oldest and largest funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members. To learn more about NFDA,
visit our Website at www.nfda.org
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact: Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org
ICFA OFFERS SALES MANAGEMENT TRAINING VIDEOS FROM NAKED SALES II CONFERENCE
RESTON, VA (June 24, 2002) - The International Cemetery and Funeral Association has released two new videotapes offering extensive sales management and marketing training. Recorded at Naked Sales II, the ICFA's 2000 Sales Management and Marketing Conference, the tapes cover a total of 10 presentations with more than 160 minutes of information on effectively marketing cremation and marketing to niche populations.
"Cremation Marketing" offers dozens of ideas for reaching cremation consumers and helping them incorporate memorialization and remembrance into their decision. Among the topics covered are:
o a five-step approach to creating a systematic cremation plan;
o how to visually inspire your cremation customers to create a more meaningful life tribute;
o how to take your firm from "It's just a cremation" to "Wow! It's a cremation!";
o the two types of cremation customers: "ITMs" vs. "OTMs";
o the difference between marketing cremation based on price and marketing cremation based on exceptional service;
o how to compete with third-party cremation providers;
o how to conduct an effective cremation arrangement conference;
o why cremation consumers prefer "gatherings" to "services" and what the funeral director's or cemeterian's role can be in facilitating them; and
o specific examples of theme-based packages that work.
"Niche Marketing" provides a guide to working with four specific populations: Asians, Latinos, Catholics and customers interested in purchasing private burial estates. Topics include:
o advice on creating an Asian section according to the rules of fung shui;
o the one word counselors should never use when talking with Asian consumers;
o how to recruit and retain Asian sales counselors;
o four prerequisites for selling effectively to the Latino market;
o how to establish a relationship with critical allies in reaching the Catholic market;
o why the market for private burial and mausoleum estates increased tenfold in the past decade and continues to grow at a rapid pace;
o the key elements of a successful private estates program; and
o specific steps to take when counseling a customer considering the purchase of a private estate.
The videos are available for $18 each to ICFA members and $28 each for non-members by calling 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 5,800 cemeteries, funeral homes, memorial designers, crematories and related businesses worldwide.
ICFA WIRELESS is a biweekly electronic newsletter bringing members of the
International Cemetery and Funeral Association the latest government and
legal, industry and association news. It is available to all ICFA members
current on their dues. Comments, questions and "hot news tips" are welcome.
Write to: mailto:wireless@icfa.org .
IN THIS EDITION:
INDUSTRY NEWS
Commerce Department Seeks Public Comment on Scattering
Supreme Court Seeks ICFA Applicants for 2003-2004 Fellows Program
Harvard Researcher Cites FAMIC's Wirthlin Survey Data
ICFA NEWS
Just Released: Videos on Cremation and Niche Marketing
Book on '50+ Boomer' Now Available Exclusively Through ICFA
ICFA University Registration Deadline Extended to July 5
July Preneed Product of the Month: ICFA Sales Meetings Guidebook
Notice: Memorial Service for Herschel Auerbach Scheduled for June 30
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON SCATTERING
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency of the
U.S. Department of Commerce, is seeking public comments regarding its
requirement for special use permits in order to scatter cremated remains in
National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS). According to NOAA, there are "no
detectable negative impacts to NMS resources... when certain conditions were
adhered to by those engaged in the activity." The conditions include
restricting the minimum altitude of any aircraft used to scatter, prohibiting
the use of any plastics or other toxic materials associated with the remains
and requiring that remains be "sufficiently incinerated."
The request for public comments is the result of permit applications to
spread cremated remains over the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary,
which authorized a general burial at sea of cremated remains (for commercial
entities and individuals) in 1998. This authorization expires in April 2004
and applies only to the Monterey Bay sanctuary. Interested parties should
file comments on the requirement for a special use permit no later than July
19. For more information, contact the ICFA at mailto:wireless@icfa.org.
---------------------------------------------------
SUPREME COURT SEEKS ICFA APPLICANTS FOR 2003-2004 FELLOWS PROGRAM
Once again, the ICFA has been contacted by the U.S. Supreme Court Fellows
Program seeking applicants for the 2003-2004 program year. This program
searches for individuals from a variety of backgrounds who will work at the
Court and at various federal agencies in the Washington, D.C., area. For more
information, including application forms, contact the ICFA or visit the
Fellows Program Web page at http://www.fellows.supremecourtus.gov.
---------------------------------------------------
HARVARD RESEARCHER CITES FAMIC'S WIRTHLIN SURVEY DATA
A research student at Harvard University's Department of Sociology has cited
data in the Wirthlin surveys on "Consumer Attitudes Toward Ritualization and
Memorialization" in a study analyzing the effects of religious beliefs on
funeral practices in the United States. According to the study, "These
findings show that people make different decisions about certain funeral
practices based on their religious affiliation."
For example, approximately "18 percent of Protestants choose to have a closed
casket service (or 82 percent choose to have an open casket service)É.
Catholics and Baptists are more likely to have an open casket service than
Protestants, while Jews, non-specific Christians, people of other religious
affiliations, people of no religious affiliation, people of no organized
religion, Pentecostals, Mormons, Buddhists, and Jehovah's Witnesses are less
likely to have an open casket service than Protestants."
The Wirthlin studies, performed in 1991, 1995 and 1999, were commissioned by
the Funeral and Memorialization Information Council (FAMIC), an umbrella
group of the major national trade associations in the funeral services
industries. The ICFA is a founding member of FAMIC and approved the use of
the Wirthlin survey material for this research project. Copies of the
Wirthlin Report can be purchased through the ICFA by calling 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
-------------------
ICFA NEWS
-------------------
JUST RELEASED: VIDEOS ON CREMATION AND NICHE MARKETING
The ICFA has released two new videotapes from Naked Sales II, the ICFA's 2000
Sales Management and Marketing Conference. The tapes cover a total of 10
presentations with more than 160 minutes of information on effectively
marketing cremation and marketing to niche populations.
"Cremation Marketing" offers dozens of ideas for reaching cremation consumers
and helping them incorporate memorialization and remembrance into their
decision. "Niche Marketing" provides a guide to working with four specific
populations: Asians, Latinos, Catholics and customers interested in
purchasing private burial estates.
The videos are available for $18 each to ICFA members and $28 each for
non-members. For more information or to order, call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
BOOK ON '50+ BOOMERS' NOW AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH ICFA
Cemetery and funeral home owners eager to reach Baby Boomers age 50 and over
now have an authoritative resource to help them. "The 50+ Boomer: Your Key to
70 Million Customers" offers a guide to marketing to the largest, most
affluent market in the United States, and is available to the industry
exclusively through the ICFA.
Author Don Potter, CEO of Potter, Katz, Postal & Ferguson, an advertising
agency in North Hollywood, California, uses his expertise in working with the
cemetery and funeral industry and other industries to offer insights into how
to influence the purchasing decisions of the 50+ Boomer.
The book is available for $15.50 to ICFA members and $19.50 for non-members.
For more information or to order, call the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
ICFA UNIVERSITY REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 5
The registration deadline for ICFA University, July 19-24 at the University
of Memphis, has been extended to July 5. Classes are limited to 35 students
each. At press time, spaces were available in each of the colleges.
Housing at the Fogelman Executive Center is sold out; however, rooms are
still available at the Holiday Inn University. Please note that the hotels
cannot accept cancellations on reservations.
ICFAU offers a five-day program presented by top industry educators and
college business department faculty. Challenging coursework, small classroom
sizes and extra-curricular networking opportunities make this annual school
the preeminent educational experience in the industry.
For complete schedules, course descriptions, prices and registration
information, visit http://www.icfa.org/ICFAU02.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
JULY PRENEED PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: ICFA SALES MEETINGS GUIDEBOOK
For the month of July, the ICFA is offering the ICFA Sales Meetings Guidebook
for half price! As a sales manager, your ability to deliver exciting,
interesting sales meetings is crucial to your success. Why reinvent the
wheel? The ICFA Sales Meetings Guidebook offers an ideal starting point for
meetings that get results.
Compiled by the ICFA Manuscript and Marketing Committee, this Guidebook
contains a year's worth of weekly sales meetings, submitted by some of the
most successful sales managers in the prearrangement industry: Regular price:
$50; July price: $25! And please note: ICFA WIRELESS readers receive an
additional $5 discount. Simply mention that you saw this promotion in
WIRELESS and receive the Guidebook for $20!
For additional information on this product discount, visit
www.icfa.org/july.htm or call the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
NOTICE: MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HERSCHEL AUERBACH SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 30
A memorial service for ICFA Past President Herschel Auerbach, who died
November 11, will be held at 10 a.m. on June 30 at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700
West Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Auerbach was instrumental in merging the National Association of Cemeteries
with the American Cemetery Association, which later became the ICFA. He was a
recipient of the ICFA Hall of Fame award and was a decorated World War II
veteran.
---------------------------------------------------
AND MORE É
The ICFA Small Cemetery and Funeral Management Conference, August 22-24 in
Greeley, Colorado, will feature a keynote address by well-known grief
educator Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D., as well as educational sessions on topics such
as preneed sales, obtaining revenue from outside sources, the September 11
disaster recovery effort and more. Additional highlights include a tour of
Linn Grove Cemetery, equipment demonstrations and a table-top trade show. For
a complete program and registration forms, visit
http://www.icfa.org/small02.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
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 is the fourth most visited page on
the ICFA Web site. Stop in each day and you'll see why.
The ICFA has spearheaded the Music License Coalition to obtain discounted
music licensing for industry members. The goal of the Coalition is to offer a
discount price of $185 annually for licensing from BMI, ASCAP and SESAC
beginning January 1, 2003. Membership in the Coalition is free and is not
tied to membership in any other industry organization. For more information
or to join the Coalition, visit http://www.icfa.org/music/ or call
1-800-645-7700.
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 .
The ICFA uses a national media placement agency to distribute an ongoing
series of newspaper articles and radio announcements with positive preneed
and memorialization messages. Placements to date have been highly successful,
reaching hundreds of markets throughout the country. For more information and
to view copies of the actual releases, visit http://www.icfa.org/media.htm.
ICFA members can establish their own Web sites for just $14.95 per month,
with no up-front fees. FuneralAssistant.com provides complete Web site
design, up to six pages; monthly site hosting; assignment of a Keyword that
directs Internet customers to the site; and Web site updates. For more
information, visit http://www.icfa.org/WebBenefit.htm .
---------------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact: Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org <mailto:lacorn@icfa.org>
NEW BOOK ON MARKETING TO THE '50+ BOOMER' NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH ICFA
RESTON, VA (June 21, 2002) - Cemetery and funeral home owners eager to
reach Baby Boomers age 50 and over now have an authoritative resource to
help them. "The 50+ Boomer: Your Key to 70 Million Customers" offers a
guide to marketing to the largest, most affluent market in the United
States, and is available to the industry exclusively through the
International Cemetery and Funeral Association.
The need to understand and communicate effectively with the 50+ Boomer
is becoming increasingly important for cemeteries and funeral homes as
these individuals begin considering preneed cemetery and funeral
purchases for their parents and themselves. Among the topics covered in
the book are:
o 15 things you should know about the 50+ Boomer;
o developing a relationship with the 50+ Boomer;
o using service to successfully market to the 50+ Boomer;
o generating leads with the 50+ Boomer;
o applying old techniques to make new sales inroads with the 50+ Boomer; and
o turning the 50+ Boomer's individuality into a memorialization opportunity.
Author Don Potter is chief executive officer of Potter, Katz, Postal &
Ferguson, an advertising, marketing and media agency in North Hollywood,
California. His clients include cemeteries, funeral homes and suppliers
to the industry, as well as leading national and regional companies from
other industries.
"The 50+ Boomer" is available for $15.50 to ICFA members and $19.50 for
non-members by calling 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 5,800 cemeteries,
funeral homes, memorial designers, crematories and related businesses
worldwide.
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact: Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org
ICFA OFFERS MEMBERS FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS
RESTON, VA (June 24, 2002) - The International Cemetery and Funeral
Association has renewed a major benefit program allowing members to
access free telephone legal consultations on labor relations, human
resource management and employment law. Attorney Michael Pepperman of
the Labor Relations and Employment Law Department at Obermayer Rebmann
Maxwell & Hippel LLP (ORM&H), addresses management questions on topics
ranging from hiring and firing, to employee privacy and workplace
violence, to wages and hours, to equal employment opportunity and
wrongful discharge issues.
The introduction of this benefit has been well received among members,
generating frequent calls for information and advice. According to
Pepperman, the topics most frequently addressed include disability leave
and other leave of absence issues and termination procedures. In
addition, he has offered consultation on questions regarding wage
payment, sexual harassment policies and other employment concerns.
"Hiring, firing and retaining staff is an area rife with legal
pitfalls," Pepperman said. "We've seen constant changes in federal and
state legislation as well as new court rulings that make it difficult
for managers to know what they need to do to remain compliant with the
law. Fortunately, many of these issues can be addressed with a simple
phone call, and we are more than happy to share our expertise in this
area with ICFA's members."
All ICFA members current on their dues may call ORM&H for unlimited
telephone consultations. And for those who require additional
assistance, ORM&H provides its legal services at special rates. ORM&H,
established almost a century ago, has offices in Pennsylvania, New
Jersey and Delaware and serves clients throughout the country. Pepperman
has spoken on labor and employment issues at several ICFA conferences
and regional industry meetings.
For more information or to join the ICFA, call 1-800-645-7700 or visit
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 5,800 cemeteries,
funeral homes, memorial designers, crematories and related businesses
worldwide.
In a message dated 7/15/02 7:06:32 AM, Eamonn In Ireland writes:
Hi John, Don't know if You saw this or not, very mean, but it's well done.
For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact: Fay Spano 262/814-1549
NFDA Testifies at SBA Hearing
Milwaukee-area funeral director presented issues facing funeral
service
Brookfield, Wis. ? Small business owners testified about federal
regulatory enforcement during the Small Business Administration
Regulatory Fairness Hearing at the Italian Community Center in
Milwaukee, Wis., Monday, July 8, 2002. Small Business Administration
(SBA) National Ombudsman, Michael Barrera, heard the testimony.
Joe Becker, of Becker-Ritter Funeral Home, Brookfield, Wis., presented
testimony on behalf of the National Funeral Directors Association
(NFDA). Becker testified in opposition to the Federal Trade
Commission's (FTC) current method for enforcing its Funeral Rule, and
the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) enforcement of rules
regarding disposing of wastewater into septic systems.
"The vasReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA byt majority of funeral homes are family-owned small businesses,"
said NFDA Director of Government Relations, John Fitch. "That is why it
is of the utmost importance to take advantage of opportunities like this
one, which give small business owners a voice against unreasonable
enforcement of government regulations."
According to Becker's testimony, the FTC undercover shops funeral homes
without regard to any complaints or other evidence of a violation of the
FTC Funeral Rule. Also, the EPA cites funeral homes for violations of
federal clean water standards when a septic system is involved despite
any proof that funeral home wastewater discharged to a septic system
harms underground drinking water sources.
Becker went on to testify that NFDA and its members have repeatedly
requested the FTC modify the section of the Rule that dictates that a
General Price List (GPL) must be given to an individual "upon beginning
discussion" of funeral service. As NFDA has repeatedly pointed out to
the FTC, the word "discussion" is too broad and vague to serve as the
trigger point for when a GPL must be distributed. NFDA believes GPL
distribution should be triggered by any request from a consumer for
price information or before any selection of funeral goods or services
by a consumer.
"NFDA has been working on behalf of our membership to cooperate with
the FTC and EPA on these issues, but the most compelling testimony is
made by the actual funeral directors whose businesses are effected by
such rules and regulations," stated NFDA Chief Executive Officer
Christine Pepper. "NFDA is thankful to Joe Becker, and our many other
members, who take time from their busy schedules to work towards making
funeral service better for both professionals and families."
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the world's oldest and largest funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members. To learn more about NFDA,
visit our Website at www.nfda.org.
News from the Funeral Service Foundation ? The Charitable Voice for All of Funeral Service
EDITORS NOTE: I wrote the Funeral Service Foundation
In a message dated 7/10/02 7:12:20 AM, LOWELL MA writes:
Please enlighten me,
1. "The Charitable Voice for All of Funeral Service" Who bestowed Funeral Service Foundation with such an honor ?
2. How much money have you received to be able to give such a generous scholarship of $1,000. ?
3. How was distribution of applications executed ?
FROM: John L. McDonough
Founder: Funeral Service Professional Association
WHEN A RESPONSE COMES IN, I'LL PUT IT RIGHT HERE.
BELOW IS THE NEWS FROM NFDA's "Funeral Service Foundation"
July, 2002. The Board of Trustees of the Funeral Service Foundation is very pleased to announce that Matthew C. Myrhum has been awarded the first Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Myrhum merited the 2002 scholarship award of $1,000 based on his outstanding academic and community service record and winning essay, "The Funeral Service Challenge."
A student at the Milwaukee Area Technical College School of Mortuary Science, the recipient is currently an apprentice at a local funeral home who will graduate with an associate degree in applied science in funeral service in the spring of 2003.
The Hagan Memorial Scholarship, established in 2000 by the Board of Trustees of the Funeral Service Foundation, honors one of funeral service?s finest directors who served countless families and his chosen profession with distinction for over 60 years, receiving many accolades throughout his life.
Joseph Hagan never departed from his core philosophy that serving every family with the utmost consideration, kindness, and understanding is the paramount duty of a funeral director. This scholarship program for a deserving mortuary science student was established in his honor and in the tradition of the timeless principles he lived by.
FSF MISSION STATEMENT
The Funeral Service Foundation through charitable gifts and grants provides resources for:
>Public awareness and education
>The improvement of children?s lives
>Career and professional development
>The support of funeral service and allied professions.
Scholarships are an important component of Funeral Service Foundation educational opportunities. The foundation places high priority on securing additional funding for new scholarships in the future.
Currently, FSF scholarships include this Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a selected student in a mortuary science program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, and FSF Professional Women?s Conference scholarships, awarded in March of each year.
If you are interested in more information about FSF scholarships or about FSF in general, please email fsf@funeralservicefoundation.org. Thank you.
In a message dated 6/25/02 2:00:17 PM, awright@Dodgeco.com writes:
Hello:
As you may already know, Arnold "Jake" Dodge, president of The Dodge
Company, has recently passed away.
One of our reps suggested that one way to get his death notice to a wide
audience is to have you post it in your newsletter and/or site.
I have attached an html document that I am hoping you can use. Please
let me know if you need any additional information.
Jake was a great guy, and well known in the industry. We sincerely
appreciate your helping us get news of his death to as many of his
customers, associates and friends as possible.
Alison Wright
System Administrator
The Dodge Company
(800) 443-6343
awright@dodgeco.com
<<JakeDodge.htm>>
Arnold "Jake" Dodge
May 15, 1920 &endash; June 17, 2002
The Dodge family regrets to inform their customers and associates of the death of Arnold J. "Jake" Dodge, President of The Dodge Company, on June 17, 2002.
Jake's service was held at the New England Institute at Mt. Ida College in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, which was fitting since his grandfather was the founder of NEI, as well as founder of The Dodge Company. And, the house he was born in also housed the New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science & Embalming (the original NEI). He really was born into the profession!
Even though he was born in a school, attending school wasn't one of Jake's favorite pastimes - he much preferred working at The Dodge Chemical Company. He began working at age 15 and only briefly interrupted his career at Dodge to finish high school and later for a stint in the Army during World War II. He spent the last 40+ years of his career at Dodge as President and Sales Manager.
Jake is survived by his wife Joyce, sons John & Keith, John's wife Judy and their sons Jeff & Michael, his brother Mike and sister-in-law Nancy, and their daughters, Debbie & Kristie.
For those of you who knew Jake, you know what a great person he was. For those of you who never met him, we wish you had! He will be sorely missed by all of us at Dodge (where he was working until just a few days before he died), his family, and many, many friends and business associates.
Mike, John, Kristie & Debbie Dodge
In a message dated 6/18/02 8:57:28 AM, Mike Flynn in Massachusetts writes:
Dodge, Arnold J.
Of Belmont, MA, and Pemaquid Beach, ME, June 17, 2002, at age 82. Beloved husband of Joyce (Gleason) Dodge. Loving father of John Dodge and wife Judy of Acton, MA, and Keith Dodge of Oak Bluffs, MA, Dear brother of George B. "Mike" Dodge and wife Nancy of Belmont, Loving grandfather of Jeff & Mike Dodge of CT. Uncle of Debbie & Kristie Dodge of Belmont, Carol O'Donnell & Barbara Flewelling both of ME, William Flewelling of CO. Visiting hours 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. Funeral Service 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, at the N.E. Institute at Mount Ida College, in the Dodge Auditorium, 777 Dedham St., Newton Centre, MA 02459. Late Veteran WW II, Fellow, British Institute of Embalmers. For information about contributions call 1-800-HI-DODGE
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
919-876-7886 * 800-616-2332 * FAX: 919-876-5382
http://www.ncfda.org
E-LINE ¤ DATE: July 8, 2002
Olive B. Cooper
Olive B. Cooper, mother of Don Cooper at Wells Funeral Homes, Inc., Canton
and Waynesville died on Monday, July 8, 2002.
Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 11, 2002, at
Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home Chapel in Fayetteville, NC. The family will
receive friends from 7:00 - 9:00 PM on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at the
funeral home.
In a message dated 6/17/02 11:09:53 AM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
Grey Shackelford Phillips
Grey Shackelford Phillips, 77, of Kenly died on Monday, June 17, 2002, at
Wilson Medical Center. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June
19, at 11:00 AM at Kenly United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the
Kenly Cemetery. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening, June 18, from
7:00 - 8:30 PM at Coley Funeral Home in Kenly.
Mrs. Phillips is survived by her husband, Charles M. Phillips (past member
and former Executive Director of the NC Board of Mortuary Science) and a
daughter, Susan Grey Phillips of the home.
Memorials may be made to Kenly United Methodist Church, c/o Elaine
Richardson, 1355 Richardson Bass Road, Kenly, NC 27542.
In a message dated 6/18/02 9:52:42 AM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
T. E. Smith, Jr., 53, father of Garrick Smith of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral
Home of Newland, died on June 17, 2002.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Wright Smith of the home; a son, Garrick
Smith of Banner Elk; and a step-daughter, Stephanie Johnson of Deep Gap.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 20, at the
Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church outside of Banner Elk followed by interment
in the Smith Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 -
8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 19, at the funeral home.
In a message dated 6/19/02 7:46:08 AM, Mflynn6705 writes:
Of Woburn June 16, Husband of the late Rosemary (McHugh) Father of Elizabeth "Betty Anne" Gravelle, and her Husband Jack, of Plymouth, Thomas J. Cox Jr., and his wife Susan of MD, Brother of Ann Twarog of Chelsmford, Catherine T. Cox, Margaret J. Foley. & Agnes M. Carson, all of Woburn, and the late Helen Callahan, John, Edward, & Charles Cox, also survived by a grandson Thomas Russell Cox, of MD, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral from his residence 14 Highland St. WOBURN, Thursday June 20th at 9 AM. Followed by a funeral mass in St. Charles Church at 10 A.M. Visiting hours Wed 4-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Boston Catholic TV Center Box 9109 Newtonville Ma 02158. Late owner of the P.J. Cox & Sons Funeral Home, Woburn MA. Robert E. Foley, Funeral Director 781-933-0340
In a message dated 6/27/02 11:16:37 AM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
Mrs. Ruby Nance Burney, 86, mother of I. Edward Burney of Meares Funeral
Home in Fair Bluff, died on Tuesday, June 25, 2002.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 27, 2002, at 2:00 PM at the
Lake Waccamaw United Methodist Church in Lake Waccamaw, NC.
Memorials may be made to Lake Waccamaw United Methodist Church, 506
Lakeshore Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.
In a message dated 7/2/02 12:41:09 PM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
Mrs. Stella Mae Jenkins Ballard, 86, mother-in-law of Carroll Carpenter,
owner of Carpenter Funeral Home in Cherryville, died July 2, 2002.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 4, 2002, at 11:00 AM at the
First Wesleyan Church in Cherryville. Burial will follow in City Memorial
Cemetery. The family will receive friends, Wednesday, July 3, from 6:00 -
8:00 PM at Carpenter1s Funeral Home in Cherryville.
Memorials may be made to the First Wesleyan Church, 800 North Pink Street,
Cherryville, NC 28021.
In a message dated 7/3/02 3:29:01 PM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
Mr. Hardy Sanford "Sam" West, 79, owner of West & Dunn Funeral Homes of
Benson and Newton Grove died on July 3, 2002.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 5, 2002, at West
& Dunn Funeral Home in Newton Grove, NC. Burial will follow in Hillcrest
Cemetery in Newton Grove. The family will be at West & Dunn Funeral Home in
Newton Grove, NC from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on Thursday, July 4, 2002.
Mr. Dunn is survived by his wife, Ianna Reaves; one son and daughter-in-law,
DeWayne and Judy West; and two daughters and sons-in-law, Minne and Garry
Wilkes of Greenville, SC and Lisa and Quentin Lewis of Gloucester, NC.
In a message dated 7/8/02 12:29:00 PM, fspano@nfda.org writes:
funeral service issues and potential coverage. They also met with the
press secretary to Representative Mark Foley, R-Fla., and attended
several political fundraisers, along with John Fitch, NFDA's director of
government relations.
NATIONAL MEDIA CONDUCTS INTERVIEW ON PREPLANNING. A reporter from the
Wall Street Journal contacted NFDA recently to obtain information and
conduct an interview on preplanning funerals. NFDA Spokesperson Ron
Troyer, Kok Funeral Home, St. Paul, Minn., conducted the interview.
Education
CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS; SIGN UP FOR NFDA'S ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICES
TELECONFERENCE. NFDA is offering an important presentation,
"Environmental Best Practices for Funeral Homes," featuring NFDA
Environmental Counsel Carol Lynn Green, Esq., on July 11, 2002, 1-3 p.m.
Central Standard Time. Here's your chance to learn environmental best
practices:
- to comply with federal, state, and local EnvirReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA byonmental Protection
Agency requirements.
- to meet your funeral home's environmental obligations to the
community, families served, and staff.
The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and most state
boards have approved the teleconference for 2 hours of
continuing-education credit. Cost is only $105 for the first registrant
and $40 for each additional registrant from the same location. To
register, call 800-228-6332.
ENHANCE SERVICE TO CREMATION FAMILIES; SEMINAR VALUABLE TO ALL FUNERAL
SERVICE PROVIDERS. NFDA and the Cremation Association of North America
(CANA) are offering an important training seminar, Advanced Cremation
Arranging for Cremation Providers. The event will be held August 23-24,
2002, at NFDA's headquarters in Brookfield, Wis. Featuring marketing
strategist, Thom Winninger, this program is the most comprehensive
training available today for arrangers who work with cremation
families.
During the event, funeral service professionals will:
Strengthen their ability to serve today's cremation family.
Update their knowledge and skills to more effectively serve today's
cremation family.
Gain a better understanding of the changing face of today's cremation
family.
Learn how to better serve an increasing population of cremation
families.
This dynamic seminar will help you:
Explain the value of funerals to cremation families.
Work with the family more effectively at the first call.
Develop rapport while explaining the significance of commemoration.
Present choices that define commemoration for the family.
Respond to the family's questions.
Finalize the family's choices.
The price for members of NFDA or CANA is $560; the non-member price is
$835.
Call CANA at 312-673-5754 for more information today!
Convention
A GRAND EXPERIENCE AWAITS YOU; MARK YOUR CALENDAR! With an all-new
lineup of networking events, educational opportunities and
entertainment, NFDA's 121st Annual Convention and Expo, October 20-23,
2002, in San Antonio, Texas, is expected to be one of the greatest in
the association's history. Watch for more information in the coming
weeks and visit NFDA Online at www.nfda.org/convention/ for the latest
details of this year's big event. In July 2002, a floor plan of the
exhibit hall will be available on NFDA Online at
www.nfda.org/convention. The floor plan will include information
on the growing number of companies registered to exhibit at this year's
show. Visitors are able to search for products and services by category,
and choose booths they want to visit at the Convention. The online floor
plan is sponsored by the Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company.
September 11, 2001
NFDA VOLUNTEERS&emdash;JOB WELL DONE. THANK YOU. NFDA concluded its
volunteer efforts in New York. The funeral directors who volunteered in
this mission assisted the Medical Examiner's office in New York City as
part of the World Trade Center disaster recovery effort. The last
funeral director volunteers included Wayne D. Knapp, Watseka, Illinois;
Derrick Husmann, New Baden, Illinois; Brian R. Calhoun, Mount Pleasant,
land; Ann Yager
Hamlin, Danville, Kentucky. NFDA thanks all of the volunteers who
participated in this worthwhile effort.
FaxBack
NEW DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE VIA FAXBACK. Four new funeral rite summaries
have been added to NFDA's FaxBack "Funeral Director as Caregiver"
section: the Roman Catholic Funeral, the Lutheran Funeral, the Methodist
Funeral and the Presbyterian Funeral.
For an updated catalog of all FaxBack documents, call the NFDA FaxBack
line at 800-713-0661. (In the greater Milwaukee area please call
262-814-1590.) You will be asked if you would like to request the latest
FaxBack Catalog of Documents. To order the catalog, press 1 and you will
be prompted to type in your fax number.
Information on FaxBack includes a wide variety of information from
compliance and business forms to survey statistics. Because information
is added and updated routinely, it's a good idea for you to order the
latest copy of the FaxBack Catalog of Documents on a regular basis
before placing an order.
Member News
ARE YOU TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP? NFDA is constantly
looking to increase value to your membership. We would love to hear from
you. Call an NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332 to
learn about NFDA's member benefits.
PLEASE SEND US 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.
The NFDA Bulletin
PERMISSION TO REPRINT. NFDA encourages publications to reprint the
material included in this or any issue of The NFDA Bulletin (unless
otherwise indicated) in their publications with source attributed to
NFDA. For more information on any item included in this or any issue of
The NFDA Bulletin, contact Renee Gryzkewicz, NFDA's communication
manager, at 262-814-1547 or e-mail rgryzkewicz@nfda.org.
Renee:MSWord/2002-Bulletin/070302.doc
Fay Spano
Public Relations Manager
National Funeral Directors Assoc.
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
fspano@nfda.org
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
919-876-7886 * 800-616-2332 * FAX: 919-876-5382
http://www.ncfda.org
E-LINE DATE: July 8, 2002
IMPORTANT NOTICE!!
TO: NCFDA Membership DATE: July 8, 2002
FR: NCFDA Staff
During the past several days we have experienced telephone equipment
problems at the NCFDA office. It is believed our problems are due to
lighting damage. If you have been unable to reach us, we apologize and we
expect to have the problem resolved soon.
In the interim you may want to reach us by one of the following alternate
methods:
Fax: 919-876-5382
E-Mail: staff@ncfda.org
Web Page: www.ncfda.com
Thank you for your understanding.
NCFDA Mid-Winter Conference Ð February 17 - 19, 2003,
In a message dated 7/1/02 11:56:18 AM, Beacham in North Carolina writes:
LOXLEY, Alabama - An evangelist who was asked to sing at his wife's uncle's funeral claims he had a revelation from God that led him to insult mourners and say that the dead man was damned.
Orlando Bethel said he spoke words that ``the Lord revealed to me.'' Preaching over a microphone at the Greater Pine Grove Baptist Church, he told some 100 mourners they were ``fornicators'' and ``whoremongers.'' He said the deceased, Lish Devan Taylor, had gone to hell.
The microphone was abruptly disconnected. Bethel then reached into a gym bag for what apparently was a bullhorn. Some thought he was reaching for a gun. About half the crowd fled, with a few dragging Bethel out a side door.
``Those boys picked him up when the preacher said he wanted him out of there,'' said Glenita Andrews, a cousin of Taylor.
Stephen Taylor, who came from California for his uncle's funeral, said it appeared Bethel had planned to denounce Taylor and his family at the June 14 funeral.
Lish Devan Taylor, 56, who died of prostate cancer, was eulogized fondly by other ministers before Bethel took the microphone, mourners said. They said Taylor had gone to ``a better place.''
``They were lying,'' Bethel said recently.
Andrews said she thinks Bethel's outburst stemmed from a dispute over property inherited by Bethel's wife, Glynis.
``The Taylor family is large. Orlando and Devan had some problems,'' Andrews said.
Bethel moved from Miami to rural Alabama about 18 months ago, settling on an acre of land his wife inherited from her grandfather. The couple live in two campers beside their big, blue-striped gospel tent in the Ellisville community off U.S. 90.
Glynis Bethel said her deceased uncle had run-ins with the law and was ``so mean he would toss shotgun shells into a burning fire and yell, `Run!'''
She defends her husband, saying he was mobbed by ``unbelievers,'' one of whom followed Bethel from the church back to the gospel tent and tackled him on the sandy road. The Bethels contend they've been denied justice because no one has been arrested.
Loxley police Chief Cliff Yetter said Friday that he's still investigating, but no one has been charged. He said three officers responded to a 911 call at the church, but did not enter the church during the funeral.
Yetter said Bethel's only apparent injury was a scrape on his shoulder. Bethel was examined at a hospital emergency room five days after the funeral.
In a later report the police decided not to arrest anyone and the minister was pondering suit.
In a message dated 6/15/02 6:08:27 PM, Mflynn6705 writes:
Buddhist Funeral Rites Held for Ape
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - They flocked to his extravagant wedding, avidly followed his spicy love life and on Saturday came to bid farewell to Mike, Thailand's celebrity ape.Thai fans by the hundreds arrived to take part in Buddhist funeral rites for the gentle orangutan who died Thursday at the age of 17 of complications from water in the lungs.He is to be buried Sunday beneath his own statue in the Sa Kaew Zoo at Lopburi, 70 miles north of Bangkok, where he and his family were the star attractions for years.``Mike has helped the province's economy a great deal. He attracted millions of baht (hundreds of thousands of dollars) and created lots of jobs for local residents. This is the best we can do for him to ensure his happy life after death,'' said Yongyuth Kitwatananuson, a local businessman who has promoted Lopburi as a haven for free-roaming monkeys.Buddhist chants and a bathing ceremony, in which holy water is poured over the hands of the deceased, are to be held in the zoo.Mike's wife Susu and offspring Lamyai will be present at the funeral, wearing black outfits provided by the zoo staff.The orangutan first gained fame in 1995, when a matchmaker found him a bride from Taiwan after he lost his first mate.Mike's lavish 1996 wedding with Susu drew hundreds of guests to the zoo. The ceremony followed Thai tradition, with the couple wearing golden clothing and jasmine garlands. Four human couples were wed alongside them. Yongyuth, the Lopburi businessman, built them a dream house.Susu produced a son, Monsit, but trouble was brewing. Mike was moved to separate quarters because his handlers feared he was jealous of the attention given his newborn son and might harm him.Mike moved back in with his family a year later. By then he had taken on a second mate, Mali.Lopburi has been dubbed Thailand's ``Monkey Town,'' and is a haven for hundreds of monkeys who clamber around its buildings and temples.Every year, Yongyuth offers the monkeys a feast of their favorite foods laid out on tables. The event is popular with Thai and foreign tourists.
In a message dated 6/18/02 6:11:37 PM, fspano@nfda.org writes:
Contact: Fay Spano For Immediate
Release
800-228-6332 June 18, 2002
NFDA #19-02
An Exciting Experience Awaits
NFDA 2002 Convention & Expo Attendees
New Workshops, Networking Opportunities, Harley Raffle
Brookfield, Wis. - With an all-new lineup of networking events,
educational opportunities and entertainment, the National Funeral
Directors Association (NFDA) 121st Annual Convention and Expo, October
20-23, 2002, in San Antonio, Texas, is expected to be one of the
greatest in the association's history.
"We have exciting plans underway for this year's convention," said NFDA
Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper. "We're confident that
attendees will be very pleased with our convention destination. San
Antonio is a beautiful city filled with southwestern flavor and family
activities. Watch for more exciting announcements about this year's
convention."
A unique party will kick off the convention on the evening of Sunday,
October 20, 2002. "The NFDA Rally" will feature a motorcycle theme and
include photo opportunities, a tattoo parlor offering temporary tattoos,
great food and lots of fun. Bring the entire family! The party also will
incorporate NFDA's annual President-elect's reception, so watch for
President-elect Dwayne Spence and his wife, Patty, dressed in
traditional motorcycle gear! Feel free to don your biker finest!
The NFDA Rally theme will carry over to a raffle benefiting the NFDA
Political Action Committee (PAC), which supports members of Congress who
advocate public policies that benefit funeral directors, funeral service
and small business. The grand prize of the raffle, a new Harley-Davidson
V-Rod motorcycle, will be awarded during the convention. Only 1,000
raffle tickets are being sold for this prize. Raffle tickets are $100
each and begin going on sale at NFDA's Leadership Conference in Coeur
d'Alene, Idaho, July 29-31, 2002. To purchase a ticket, contact any
member of the NFDA Executive Board, NFDA Policy Board or call Debbie
Graser, NFDA's government relations secretary, at 800-228-6332.
The PAC is also hosting its Second Annual Silent Auction during the
convention, which will feature a wide variety of items that attendees
can bid on including local and regional arts and crafts, jewelry, food,
wine, trips and sports memorabilia.
Attendees also may choose from more than 40 educational sessions,
covering a variety of topics including Hispanic funerals, military
funerals, holiday grief, mastering the media, celebrant training and
event planning. A special pre-convention embalming seminar will be
offered for the first time in both English and Spanish on Saturday,
October 19, 2002. During the convention, there will be a special
follow-up on the NFDA Future's Forum, which took place in May 2002.
The 2002 Expo is not to be forgotten. The exhibit hall will have new
hours this year: Monday, October 21, 2002, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesday,
October 22, 2002, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Wednesday, October 23, 2002, 9
a.m.-1 p.m.
In July 2002, a floor plan of the exhibit hall will be available on
NFDA Online at www.nfda.org/convention. The floor plan will include
information on the growing number of companies registered to exhibit at
this year's show. Visitors are able to search for products and services
by category, and choose booths they want to visit at the Convention. The
online floor plan is sponsored by the Funeral Directors Life Insurance
Company.
The fun doesn't stop there! The Annual Banquet will feature Ohio's
favorite rock n' roll band, Phil Dirt and the Dozers, on stage. The
Leadership Breakfast will offer play-by-play excitement from invited
speaker Dr. Homer Rice, former winning football coach and Georgia Tech
athletic director.
This year's Spouses Luncheon speaker is three-time Emmy & Golden Globe
Award winning actress and singer, Ann Jillian. Ann's motivational
presentation offers a blend of humor and hope.
For the latest information on NFDA's 121st Annual Convention & Expo,
visit NFDA Online Convention Central at www.nfda.org/convention and
download the 2002 NFDA Annual Convention & Expo At-a-Glance.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the world's oldest and largest funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members. For more information, visit
www.nfda.org.
Fay Spano
Public Relations Manager
National Funeral Directors Assoc.
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
fspano@nfda.org
In a message dated 6/21/02 5:19:30 PM, kshay@nfda.org writes:
For Immediate Release
June 21, 2002
Contact: Fay Spano
800-228-6332
NFDA Wins Top National Honor
For September 11 Community Service
Brookfield, Wis. &endash; The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
has been chosen to receive a Summit Award ? the highest award in the
Associations Advance America Awards program for its community service
work and relief fund related to September 11, 2001. The national awards
competition is sponsored by the American Society of Association
Executives (ASAE).
"NFDA is honored to receive such a prestigious award," stated NFDA
Chief Executive Officer, Christine Pepper. "This is truly a testament
to the caring nature and civic mindedness of our member funeral
directors, who give their all to the families and communities they
serve, and to all of those who in some way participated in NFDA's 9-11
relief effort."
The NFDA September 11 Relief Effort proviReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA byded uniquely qualified
assistance to the New York City Medical Examiner's Office following the
September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Within 48 hours of the attacks,
1,500 funeral directors nationwide contacted NFDA and offered to
volunteer and help the families affected by the disaster in any way
possible. New York's Chief Medical Examiner accepted NFDA's offer to
assist him in the World Trade Center disaster recovery effort. As a
result, NFDA mobilized more than 50 funeral director volunteers who
dedicated two-week periods from November 2001 through Summer 2002 to
assist the medical examiner's office.
NFDA members also donated $56,000 to the NFDA 9-11 Relief Fund to
support the work of the medical examiner's office. These funds have
been earmarked to help defray the cost of housing, travel and meals for
the funeral director volunteers. According to the medical examiner's
office, NFDA was a tremendous asset without which they would not have
been equipped to help the multitude of grieving families, and handle the
tremendous amount of necessary record documentation. In selecting the
award winners, ASAE narrowed 331 entries down to 50, including NFDA,
which all received the Award of Excellence in June. Of that 50, NFDA
became one of eight recipients of the Summit Award. The award will be
presented during the third annual Summit Awards Dinner in Washington,
D.C., on Tuesday, October 8, 2002.
Now in its 12th year, the ASAE's Associations Advance America Awards
program recognizes associations that propel America forward with
innovative projects in education, skills training, standards-setting,
business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and
community service. Although association activities have a powerful
impact on everyday life, they often go unnoticed by the general public.
"NFDA's program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance
America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this
activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making
to advance American society," remarked ASAE President Michael S. Olson,
CAE.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the world's oldest and largest funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members. To learn more about NFDA,
visit our Website at www.nfda.org.
In a message dated 6/24/02 11:29:48 PM, Betty in Ohio writes:
<< ---copy------ICFA's numbers:
I am writing to "note" that the ICFA's report seems self serving, offering an editorial claim of significant convention attendance by independent FDs without showing the number. With ICFA's new president, one might wonder about things like independent representation.
Corporations operators have abundant resources. Independents should consider what focus their association take towards problems or lose the contest. NFDA may be a bit stogy and has it's own issues, but splitting up national funeral industry representation is simply counterproductive in many ways. Joining ICFA could be considered an endorsement of the new marketing plans of our larger competitors before those plans have been through the acid test for fairness. It's time for independents to get involved in NFDA.
END copy -----
I don't think you are comparing apples to apples. The NFDA restricts membership - they do not include all the death care industry. They are also not -in my opinion- as open and factual in areas where they need to be concerning fairness. (And I can see the ICFA tries to be fair all the way around). Ask any casket store retailer or look up on the web, and see the slanted news the NFDA offer their members on "HOW to handle third party caskets." Their form they suggest their members use to "sign off" on acceptance of product is flawed as well. It does not say "if any" when mentioning any imperfections of the arriving goods, it just has a line item for description of flaws.
And from what I see of the issues the NFDA fight for wages and the "good ole boy network" consisting of the owners and THEIR issues, not the employees, their reputation is getting very tarnished from within too. Their web site and their meetings ignore the casket store industry as part of the death care industry (except when it is to their talks to the FTC to include them in the funeral rule, btw, no objection there)- I wrote (emailed) the Pres. of the NFDA about the: Funeral Service Consumer Protection Forum and asked for the National Casket Retailer's Association to be informed and invited to the next meeting. And I copied it to all that were there at the first. Funny - I got responses from those other emails, but not from the NFDA. And they know of the NCRA, yet ....well if the public is truly on their mind, they would invite someone from our Assoc. to attend. Perhaps the NFDA would like to respond here to confirm or explain this away?
The ICFA is very forward thinking - battling for the little guys - puts up a very informative site AND isn't afraid of competition nor tries to teach their members to be using sales tactics to TRY to stifle lost sales to competitors as well. While I am not a member, as an interested onlooker (for now) I see a group who is more American in their attitude of fair play and respect - both for the business owner, members, and the public. Offering freedom to choose, not trying to make up someone's mind for them - but offering UNSLANTED education all the way around, so the owners and pubic can choose themselves.
Also, changing the subject, the Funeral Service Professional Association is another plus we as death care industries have going for us.
The site (sorry, hint) text is a big large for me to read comfortably, and I thought I'd pass on a hint. Maybe it is because I use Netscape?? However, if anyone else feels this way, all they need to do, once the page has fully loaded, is press the control button and the { button at the same time and it will shrink the text, do it again, smaller still, and again. To enlarge, use the control button and the } together.
The { is the cap of the key next to the p. I have never tried to print the pages on the Funeral Service Professional Association site, but the large print would take many pages I am sure.
And offering your laugh of the day, Check this link...read it with your best Japanese accent...
http://www.origamiboulder.com
Regards, Betty B.
Vice Chair of the NCRA
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi Betty, did you know that if it were not for the arrogance of a Funeral Director in Vermont, there would be no Funeral Consumers Alliance, my friend Lisa Carlson was mistreated by a Vermont Funeral Director his arrogance forced Lisa Carlson to do something about it. If it were not for the Arrogance of Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association and their Kissin Cousin New England Funeral Trust there would be no Funeral Service Professionals Association, even today MFDA/NEFT do not return my communications.
NFDA on the other hand usually steps to the plate, I am surprised you never heard from NFDA, maybe vacation season, once in a while I write NFDA and the message falls through the cracks, I do agree that NFDA does represent Owners and not employees, the election process that NFDA has is very flawed, officers are voted into office by non members, only State Associations (none are paid members) can vote for officers, so there is credibility to your good old boy angle. ICFA does elect officers by members voting, I was delighted to see ICFA's election process at their convention, ICFA can only move in a direction that members elect, ICFA is much quicker to make course changes, although ICFA boasts they are the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization industry, ICFA members consist of mostly management level people. Speaking to FSPA, membership is open to all Funeral Service Professionals, the articles are read by the movers and shakers in our industry. We both know all associations can only do what participating members demand.
Membership Participation is the underlying a plague in most associations, members are participating less and less, NFDA boasts being is the oldest and largest funeral service association, serving about 13,500 members, thousands do go to NFDA's Convention but I think ICFA Convention percentage of membership attendence is higher than NFDA's percentage of membership attendence.
NFDA has published every article I have ever submitted speaking on fair wages to employees, even though NFDA long standing objectives is to not offer fair wage and hour protection to Funeral Service Professionals. NFDA in the recent past has encouraged me to continue to communicate on issues I disagree with. As flawed as each association may be, NFDA and ICFA have both bent over backwards communicate with me.
BOTTOM LINE: Competition is good in any area, thanks to the Casket Retailers, casket prices to consumers through Retailers and Funeral Homes have stabilized. There is no room for the Arrogance of non communicating, I bet you hear from NFDA. Please keep us posted.
Happy Summer to you!
John McDonough
In a message dated 7/13/02 8:14:43 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-licask0713.story
Cemetery Not At Fault In Coffin Fall
Emotional pain suit dismissed
By Shirley E. Perlman
Staff Writer
July 13, 2002
In an unusual lawsuit spawned by a traumatic incident, a judge ruled last month that a cemetery is not responsible for the emotional injury suffered by family members at an upstate funeral three years ago when pallbearers lost their grip on a coffin causing it to plunge head-first into a grave and break open.
The incident, which took place in the Catskills, prompted a lawsuit by some of the woman's Long Island relatives who sought $5 million in damages from the small Jewish congregation that owns the cemetery and the funeral home, both in Livingston Manor.
In the ruling, Suffolk Supreme Court Justice Thomas Whelan granted a motion to dismiss the case against the cemetery owners, Congregation Agudas Achim. He said the cemetery could not be held responsible because it was involved only in selling the burial plot to the family.
The judge instead blamed the incident on a combination of factors including bad weather, the pallbearers' unfamiliarity in carrying a coffin, and that the coffin had no handles.
"The slippery terrain made it difficult to carry the coffin," the judge wrote in the decision. "While the pallbearers were attempting to place the coffin on the two-by-fours across the open grave by passing it forward, it slipped from their grasp and fell into the open grave exposing the mother's remains."
The deceased woman, Stella Muroff, was staying with a son, Steven Muroff of Liberty, at the time of her death. He is not a party to the suit. The suit was brought by two of the deceased woman's sons, Barry and Allen Muroff, and two grandchildren.
The coffin was purchased on Long Island by Barry Muroff of Deer Park. Besides having no handles, it was fastened with wooden pegs, which is customary for coffins in Orthodox Jewish burials.
Lawyers on both sides said the case was both unfortunate and bizarre.
"It was an unusual kind of circumstance," said Eugene Morenus, the lawyer for the cemetery owners. "The judge properly concluded it was a circumstance my client did nothing to bring about."
The case continues, however, against the Herbert C. Bryant Funeral Home. Mitchell Teitelbaum, the lawyer for the funeral home, said his clients are not responsible either.
But Paul Enrico, a lawyer for the Muroff family, disagreed, saying the family should have received better guidance from the funeral home given the weather conditions and the difficulty of the terrain.
"It was raining and the grave was located on a steep, icy hill," Enrico said, adding that the family has been left with a horrible memory. "The funeral director should have given them some type of instruction on how to carry and turn a casket."
In a message dated 6/27/02 8:31:08 AM, jveilleux@voicelog.net writes:
John -
Kelly Baltzell suggested you may be interested in a new program we're
developing. It's a service that can be offered by funeral homes to help
protect the families they serve from receiving junk mail and telemarketing
calls addressed to the deceased.
Funeral homes profit 4 ways from offering the service:
1) providing a unique service that their client families will benefit from
for years,
2) a competitive edge vs. other funeral homes,
3) the satisfaction of helping to protect the environment from thousands of
tons of junk mail,
4) gaining an additional source of profit.
Although we are offering the service for free on an introductory basis, the
service will be offered at retail for $9.95, of which the funeral home pays
only $4.95. And there's no initial investment required. The funeral home
simply offers the service and pays only when a family chooses to enroll in
the service.
If this is something the subscribers of your newletter would be interested
in, please feel free to let them know about it. They can go to the website
(www.addressguardian.com) for more information or call Rebecca Moore at
877-647-0633 or me at 866-843-4651.
Below, we've included the text of a press release we just sent out. It and
our website (www.addressguardian.com) explain the basics of the project.
Thanks for your attention. If you have any questions, call me at
866-843-4651 or send an email to jveilleux@addressguardian.com.
Thank you.
Jim Veilleux
Address Guardian
P.O. Box 472244
Charlotte, NC 28247
704-543-6613
jveilleux@addressguardian.com
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In a message dated 7/2/02 2:13:13 PM, info@oursadloss.com writes:
Dear Friends,
We are adding a new Important Links page to our site. We will like to ge
t your approval to add your site to this page.
Our site list all New Jersey funeral homes. This service is free for the
Funeral Homes. This site will reduce the number of phone calls the Funer
al Director receive by directing the public to our site. Funeral Directo
rs can display the web site URL to their business material and brochure.
Thank you,
OSL Team
Visit us at: http://www.oursadloss.com
In a message dated 6/28/02 10:52:54 AM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
5860 Faringdon Place, Suite 2, Raleigh, NC 27609-3973
919.876.7886 800.616.2332 Fax: 919.876.5382
E-LINE June 28, 2002
NCFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEEK YOUR SUPPORT
Members have previously received a Position Statement regarding the need for
stronger consumer protection measures governing cemeteries. As a follow up
we are enclosing another copy of the statement. Members are urged to share
this statement with your legislative representatives and urge the
establishment of a Legislative Study Committee to compare consumer
protection features between funeral service laws and cemetery laws. Please
visit, mail or fax your representative a copy of the enclosed Position
Statement. NCFDA would like to receive notice when you follow-up on this
request.
ADVERTISING DOES PAY Ð NCFDA MEMERSHIP RESOURCE DIRECTORY
It has been said, 3The best ad is a good product.2 We would like to offer
an opportunity for you to tell others about your products and services. The
new 2002-2003 NCFDA Membership Resource Directory is in the process of being
prepared. We are pleased to announce that because of the support of our
advertisers, there will be no increase in the advertising cost this year!
The deadline date has been extended to July 19, 2002 for reservation of your
ad space. Your advertising copy and payment may follow at a later date or
NCFDA can invoice after publication. Also, be sure that NCFDA has your
correct mailing address, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address and
web address for publication and the correct list of delegates for your firm.
You may also reserve your ad in the directory at the following rates.
Reserve Ad Size Color Width x Depth Cost
_____ 1 Page Color (Inside Front cover) 7 1/2" x 9 1/2"
$375.00
N/A 1 Page Color (Inside Back cover) 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" $375.00
N/A 3/4 Page Color (Outside Back cover) 7 1/2" x 7 1/2"
$375.00
_____ 1 Page Black & White 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" $275.00
_____ 1/2 Page Black & White 7 1/2" x 4 3/4" $180.00
3 1/2" x 9 1/2"
_____ 1/3 Page Black & White 7 1/2" x 3 1/4" $145.00
_____ 1/4 Page Black & White 4 3/4" x 3" $110.00
3 1/2" x 4 3/4"
NCFDA Mid-Winter Conference Ð February 17 - 19, 2003, Research Triangle
Park, NC
NCBMS POSITION STATEMENT
(June 28, 2002)
The North Carolina Board of Mortuary Science (the 3Board2) notes the
following:
1. Consumer Protection is required in the preneed purchase of both funeral
and cemetery merchandise and services. Since these services and merchandise
are often not received by the consumer for years after the purchase is made,
strong measures are needed to ensure that the goods and services are
available at the time of death.
2. The North Carolina legislature has long recognized this need and
regulates the preneed sale of funeral goods and services in Article 13D of
the General Statutes. Article 13D requires preneed licensees of the Board
to establish separate trusts and/or insurance contracts for each consumer.
This ensures that consumers1 funds are protected. To further protect
consumers, licensees must file all contracts with the Board, submit annual
reports, and undergo periodic auditing. Consumers are further protected by
a Recovery Fund, which was established to provide reimbursement to consumers
when they suffer financial loss resulting from the misfeasance or
malfeasance of a preneed licensee. Preneed licensees of this Board are also
required to complete certain educational requirements, pass an examination
and are subject to a criminal background investigation by the Board.
Finally, licensees of this Board are currently required to complete five
hours of continuing education each year.
3. Chapter 65 permits cemeteries to sell preneed 3cemetery merchandise2 as
licensees of the Cemetery Commission so long as 60% of the proceeds received
from a consumer are placed into a trust account. However, these trust
accounts are owned by the cemetery, not the consumer. In lieu of placing
60% of the proceeds into a trust account, § 65-66(g) permits cemeteries to
purchase a surety bond. Also, a cemetery may retain 100% of the funds when
delivery of cemetery merchandise is constituted via storage in ground or
some above ground location.
4. Casket stores also operate in North Carolina, but are not subject to
regulation and are not currently permitted by law to sell caskets preneed.
5. In North Carolina Board of Mortuary Science v. Crown Memorial Park,
L.L.C. (Mecklenburg Superior Court, 00 CVS 7316), Judge Richard Boner
recently held that 3Certain parts of Article 13D violate the Due Process and
Equal Protection clauses of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States and also violate the provisions of Sections 1 and 19 of the
Constitution of the State of North Carolina2 because they limit the pool of
preneed licensees only to funeral establishments.
The Board asks the legislature to form a study commission or otherwise amend
the preneed laws of the State of North Carolina to ensure consumer
protection. The Board takes the following positions with regard to any
changes in State law.
1. The current laws protecting consumers in the sale of 3cemetery
merchandise2 are inadequate. The Board recommends the following consumer
protection measures be adopted.
a. Establish certain educational requirements and a criminal background
investigation prior to licensing anyone to sell preneed merchandise or
services.
b. Require all preneed licensees to establish individual trusts and/or
insurance contracts for consumers, with the trust accounts in the consumers1
names.
c. Require all preneed contracts to be filed with a licensing board and be
subject to filing of annual reports and periodic auditing by said licensing
board.
d. Require the establishment of a Recovery Fund as additional consumer
protection against the misfeasance and/or malfeasance of preneed licensees,
to be funded by filing fees from all preneed licensees.
2. Further, should the legislature deem it appropriate to allow any other
entities to sell preneed merchandise, each entity should be required to be
licensed by this Board and be subject to the Board1s authority. In
addition, the sales persons should be subject to some type of educational
requirements and criminal background check.
In a message dated 7/7/02 7:16:24 PM, Mike Flynn in Massachusetts writes:
by Eric Convey
Sunday, July 7, 2002
The first cryonics volunteer slipped into a deep freeze as far back as the the late 1960s, but there hasn't been a lot of scientific progress in the field since then.``There are advances that are being made occasionally, but there hasn't been a real breakthrough,'' said Edgar Swank, president of the California-based American Cryonics Association.But the ethical debate is off and running.Cryonics involves freezing living tissue with the hope it someday will be thawed out and restored to life.Proponents argue that if the thawing technology is perfected, a person could be placed in suspended animation until a cure is found for the condition that killed him.But the scientific hurdles are daunting, experts say.It's one thing for someone to emerge relatively unscathed after spending a few hours in cold water. As body temperature drops, life functions that require oxygen can slow dramatically. It's something else altogether to restore life after vital functions have ground to a halt. A leader in the once-booming field, the Alcor Life Extension Foundation of Arizona, concedes in its literature that the freezing process is ``not yet reversible.'' (The organization is the one Ted Williams' son reportedly is interested in working with.)For legal and political reasons, technicians wait to freeze a client until after his heart has stopped, although some scientists believe cryonics would be better performed before the beginning of the cell death that accompanies cardiac arrest.Swank estimates that a few hundred Americans wait in deep freezes at various locations.The price tag is about $120,000. The cost of having just your head frozen is much less, but increases the gamble to betting that a body can be cloned for you, too.Swank expects it will be ``hundreds of years'' before either works.While science isn't ready yet to thaw participants out, the ethical debate has unfolded for three decades since cryonics caught on in northern California.Aside from religious arguments, the chief criticism is that the Earth's resources will be stretched enough if everyone gets a lifespan of somewhere around 100 years. Why, opponents of cryonics argue, should some people get two lifetimes when the world is having a hard time giving many people one?Swank dismisses such concerns.``There are critics who say a lot of things. Most of it's nonsense,'' he said. ``The world is not going to fill up. There's a lot of empty space out there.''Steps to preserve a bodyNo formula governs the preserving of a body through cryonics. As a fringe science, its practitioners come under neither strict self-imposed rules nor federal or state regulations. But the process as practiced in the United States consists of roughtly six steps:After a declaration of death, the body is kept on a heart-lung machine. Practitioners believe circulating oxygenated blood preserves certain cells.The corpse is then placed in an ice bath.Drugs are pumped into the body to preserve tissue. Blood is replaced.As part of an intermediate step, the body is cooled to 33 degrees.After a hole has been cut in the skull, the fluid surrounding the brain is replaced.The body is then cooled, through a series of steps, to minus-320 degrees.
In a message dated 7/7/02 7:47:08 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
United Kingdom: Wrong baby buried at funeral
A grieving couple have buried the wrong baby after a mix-up by undertakers. The parents were told of the mistake this week after the body of their newborn child was found at the hospital in Watford on Tuesday - four days after the funeral had taken place. The family of the first baby buried have said they do not want his body disturbed. It means one family have had two ceremonies while the other has had none. Rest in Peace Two members of staff at the Watford branch of the Co-operative Funeral Service have been suspended while the mix-up is investigated. "The Co-operative Funeral Service confirms that a regrettable identification error, for which we were responsible, led to the wrong baby being buried on Friday," a spokesman said.
As soon as the error was spotted we alerted the hospital and have expressed our deepest regret to both families
Co-op spokesman
"The error became apparent on Monday when we called at Watford General Hospital to collect a second baby due for burial on Tuesday. "The family of the first baby have requested that he should be left undisturbed. "We have arranged for second baby to be buried close by in the same cemetery and that funeral has now taken place. "We are responsible for both funerals under the terms of a contract arrangement we have with the Watford General Hospital. Rules flouted "As soon as the error was spotted we alerted the hospital and have expressed our deepest regret to both families. The family will have two funeral ceremonies
"As a result of this incident we have suspended two members of staff at our Lower High Street, Watford branch while we carry out a full investigation. "It would appear at this stage that our own strict identification procedures were not followed. "Such incidents are extremely rare but when they do happen are deeply distressing for all concerned." West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said it was a "regrettable and unique incident" but nobody at Watford General Hospital was to blame. "There is no suggestion that there are any implications for the trust. "Our only involvement has been to support families through a very distressing experience."
Press Release Issued July 11, 2002 4:28:00 PM ET
Service Corporation International Announces the Resignation of Jerald L. Pullins, President and Chief Operating Officer
HOUSTON, July 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Service Corporation
International (NYSE: SRV), the world's largest funeral and cemetery company,
announced today that Jerald L. Pullins, President and Chief Operating Officer
of SCI, has resigned to pursue personal interests. Mr. Pullins will continue
working with the Company in a consulting capacity. Robert L. Waltrip, SCI's
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will assume Mr. Pullins'
responsibilities on an interim basis until the Board of Directors elects a
successor.
As of March 31, 2002, the Company and its affiliates operated
2,507 funeral service locations, 467 cemeteries and 154 crematoria and
provides funeral and cemetery services in 8 countries.
For additional information contact:
Investor Relations:
Eric D. Tanzberger -- Vice President / Investor Relations
Assistant Corporate Controller
Tel: (713) 525-7768
Debbie E. Fisher -- Director / Investor Relations
Tel: (713) 525-9088
Media Relations:
Terry Hemeyer -- Managing Director / Corp. Communications
Tel: (713) 525-5497
Other Service Corporation International information and news releases are
available through SCI's corporate website at: http://www.sci-corp.com .
SOURCE Service Corporation International
MORE SCI BOARD ELECTS Thomas L. Ryan President & COO
In a message dated 7/16/02 4:13:34 PM, viq@prnewswire.com writes:
Press Release Issued July 16, 2002 4:03:00 PM ET
Service Corporation International Announces Succession Plan and Appoints a New President and Chief Operating Officer and a New Executive Vice President
Service Corporation International Announces Succession Plan and Appoints a New President and Chief Operating Officer and a New Executive Vice President
HOUSTON, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Service Corporation
International (NYSE: SRV), the world's largest funeral and cemetery company,
today announced the adoption of a succession plan for the future leadership of
the Company and appointed a new President and Chief Operating Officer and a
new Executive Vice President. In developing the succession plan, the Board of
Directors of the Company emphasized the need for leadership fostering an
environment of teamwork, cohesiveness and embracing change with a focus on
execution of the Company's strategic initiatives and business plan. The Board
has chosen two of the Company's current corporate officers to lead the Company
into the future, leaders who have demonstrated exceptional execution of
strategies during the Company's difficult transition over the past few years.
The Board has elected Thomas L. Ryan President and Chief Operating Officer and
Michael R. Webb Executive Vice President, effective immediately.
Robert L. Waltrip, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
commented on the succession plan of the Company's executive leadership. "The
Board of Directors of the Company has adopted a succession plan involving the
leadership of myself and Bud Hunter, Vice Chairman, in consideration of the
exceptional management talent the Company currently possesses and the recent
resignation of Jerald L. Pullins from the position of President and Chief
Operating Officer. It is important to emphasize that our strategic
initiatives designed to create internal growth from our unparalleled network
of funeral homes and cemeteries remain our Company's strategic focus as we
move to a period of core operational growth in the coming years. I expect to
remain Chairman and CEO and Bud to remain Vice Chairman over the next few
years as we provide leadership and support to our new management team as they
lead SCI into the future.
"During the last several years, Tom Ryan and Mike Webb have demonstrated
exceptional execution and leadership in two of the most key roles of the
Company's transition. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Company's
European Operations, Tom has led a turnaround of geographically and culturally
diverse funeral and cemetery operations totaling over $700 million in
revenues. These operations, which performed over 250,000 funeral services
annually, produced significant improvements in revenues, EBITDA, cash flows
and customer satisfaction under Tom's leadership. The improvement in these
operations was instrumental in the successful execution of several
dispositions and joint venture transactions, such as our United Kingdom joint
venture, at valuations creating significant shareholder value.
"During this same period, Mike Webb led the Company's successful efforts
to sell its wholly owned insurance operations and the execution of the
Company's joint ventures of its Australia, Spain and Portugal operations at
valuations also creating significant shareholder value. Mike's operational
responsibilities include the Company's wholly owned businesses in Argentina,
Chile and Uruguay and the Company's substantial Hispanic operations primarily
located in the states of Florida and California. Mike also manages the
Company's joint venture investments in Australia, Spain and Portugal. Mike
leads the Company's efforts to reduce overhead costs and improve the Company's
business and financial processes through continuous process improvement
initiatives. Mike's success in this area is evident in the Company's
significant reductions in general and administrative expenses and total
overhead costs over the past three years.
"Bud Hunter and I are pleased to add Tom and Mike to the executive
leadership of the Company as they join Jeff Curtiss, our Chief Financial
Officer, and Jim Shelger, our General Counsel, in the current makeup of the
Company's Office of the Chairman. With over 125 years of combined experience
in this industry, our Office of the Chairman and its leadership is well poised
to continue the execution of our strategic initiatives ultimately resulting in
internal operating growth."
Tom Ryan joined the Company in 1996 and has held various positions in the
Company including the Chief Financial Officer of all international operations
outside of North America prior to being appointed Chief Executive Officer of
the Company's European operations in October 2000. Prior to joining SCI,
Mr. Ryan spent 8 1/2 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Ryan is 37 years
old and a graduate of the University of Texas where he obtained a Bachelor of
Business Administration degree.
Mike Webb joined the Company in 1991 in a process reengineering role after
being Chief Financial Officer of Arlington Corporation, a regional funeral and
cemetery consolidator acquired by the Company. Prior to joining Arlington
Corporation, Mike held various executive financial and development roles at
Days Inns of America and Telemundo Group, Inc. In 1993, Mr. Webb joined the
Company's corporate development group, which he later led on a global basis
before accepting operational responsibilities involving several of the
Company's Australian and Hispanic operations and leading a renewed Company
focus on reducing overhead and systems and process improvements. Mr. Webb is
44 years old and a graduate of the University of Georgia where he obtained a
Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Mr. Hunter added: "As Bob Waltrip indicated, we will spend the remaining
years of our business careers making our vast business and industry knowledge
and experience available to Tom, Mike and their executive team as leaders of
our Company. Over 2 1/2 years ago, I was given the responsibility of righting
our international operations in addition to my other duties. I worked very
closely with Tom and Mike during this period and observed firsthand their
exceptional flexibility and leadership skills as we successfully executed our
business plan. Bob and I believe they will bring a fresh perspective to the
execution of our current operational and financial initiatives that have been
underway in our North America funeral and cemetery operations. Tom and Mike
will be supported by an existing group of Officers in operational leadership
roles in North America with over 75 years of combined experience in the
funeral and cemetery industry. This extensive industry experience, coupled
with the effectiveness of Tom's and Mike's leadership already demonstrated by
their execution of our strategic initiatives, gives Bob Waltrip, me and the
Board of Directors the confidence that our Company will have capable
leadership well into the future."
Earnings Release and Company-Sponsored Meetings
The Company also announced today it will report its financial results for
the second quarter of 2002 on Wednesday, August 7, 2002, after the close of
the financial markets and will conduct a conference call to discuss the
reported financial results on the morning of Thursday, August 8, 2002.
Additionally, the Company will host a series of company-sponsored meetings
with its top management shortly after its earnings release for the second
quarter in August 2002. The details of the Company's conference call on
August 8, 2002 and its Company-sponsored meetings will be issued via press
release at a later date and will be available on the Company's website
(http://www.sci-corp.com ) at such time.
As of March 31, 2002, the Company and its affiliates operated
2,507 funeral service locations, 467 cemeteries and 154 crematoria and
provides funeral and cemetery services in 8 countries.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are
forward-looking statements made in reliance on the "safe harbor" protections
provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements may be accompanied by words such as "believe," "estimate,"
"project," "expect," "anticipate" or "predict," that convey the uncertainty of
future events or outcomes. These statements are based on assumptions that the
Company believes are reasonable; however, many important factors could cause
the Company's actual results in the future to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements made herein and in any other documents or oral
presentations made by, or on behalf of, the Company. For further information
on these risks and uncertainties, see the Company's Securities and Exchange
Commission filings, including the Company's 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements
made by the Company, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
For additional information contact:
Investor Relations:
Eric D. Tanzberger - Vice President / Investor Relations
Assistant Corporate Controller
Tel: (713) 525-7768
Debbie E. Fisher - Director / Investor Relations
Tel: (713) 525-9088
Media Relations:
Terry Hemeyer - Managing Director / Corp. Communications
Tel: (713) 525-5497
Other Service Corporation International information and news releases are
available through SCI's corporate website at: http://www.sci-corp.com .
SOURCE Service Corporation International
Web site: http://www.sci-corp.com
CONTACT: investor relations, Eric D. Tanzberger, Vice President -
Investor Relations, Assistant Corporate Controller,
+1-713-525-7768, or Debbie E. Fisher, Director - Investor
Relations, +1-713-525-9088, or media relations, Terry Hemeyer,
Managing Director - Corp. Communications, +1-713-525-5497, all of
Service Corporation International
In a message dated 7/12/02 10:47:53 AM, DennisCMcGeeJr@aol.com writes:
Tattooing From alternative to mainstream memorialization
By: Dennis C. McGee, Jr., CFSP
"There will always be a need to remember those who have passedÉ
Modes of expression change, forms of remembrance change,
But the need to remember does not."
Kenneth LaFave, Composer
The Funeral ceremony is a culturally universal custom as old as father time himself. As long as people have died there has always been a need for memorializing the dead.
For example, Burial and death masks have had an important role in many societies. The ancient Egyptians put a personalized mask over the face of their mummies or the mask was to become part of the sarcophagus. According to the World Book Encyclopedia, in an annual mourning ceremony held on New Ireland, an island near Australia, dancers wear masks that memorialize specific dead persons. In western countries, death masks are sometimes used to preserve the features of the dead. A plaster cast is made of the face and plaster likenesses are made from these molds, memorializing the facial characteristics of those who have died. Some famous death masks include those of Ludwig Van Beethoven and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Throughout our lives we develop relationships and the dynamic experiences within those relationships each leave indelible marks on our lives. When someone we love passes away it only seems fitting to leave an indelible mark on our skin, a tattoo, permanently memorializing our loved one on our own bodies.
Tattooing has existed as long as there has been skin to tattoo. According to researchers, In the Bronze Age, tattoos were probably used for therapeutic reasons. Tattooing in Polynesia, before the arrival of Europeans in the South Pacific, had evolved over thousands of years and was the most artistic tattooing of the ancient worlds. More recently, in today's society people of all ages, races and cultures are getting tattooed.
One of the most popular reasons that people get tattooed is to memorialize someone who has died. It seems that the angel on your shoulder, or the praying hands over your heart or the cross on the inside of your forearm is a permanent way to reaffirm and memorialize someone we care about.
Tattooing allows individuals to express the meaning and quality of a relationship in a very unique, personal and artistic way. The tattoo, in essence, can tell a story, the way that a meaningful funeral experience also tells the story of a life once lived and legacy left behind. The visitation and the funeral ceremony afford us time to openly express our grief and acknowledge accomplishments and memories that our loved ones have left us. Our bodies, more specifically our skin, can become a vast canvas that through the art of tattooing also acknowledges the fondest of memories and legacies left when a life is complete.
Tattooing allows individuals to express the meaning and quality of a relationship in a very unique, personal and artistic way. The tattoo, in essence, can tell a story, the way that a meaningful funeral experience also tells the story of a life once lived and legacy left behind. The visitation and the funeral ceremony afford us time to openly express our grief and acknowledge accomplishments and memories that our loved ones have left us. Our bodies, more specifically our skin, can become a vast canvas that through the art of tattooing also acknowledges the fondest of memories and legacies left when a life is complete.
Although tattooing is not for everyone tattoos no longer belong to the riff raff, bikers or drunken sailors. Tattooing has become a mainstream art form in which every emotion can easily be inked into our skin, even memorializing our dead.
"It's not a tattoo, it's an addiction"
Keith Titus, Tattoo Artist
Exotic Body Works
In a message dated 7/13/02 2:00:16 PM, Linda in Wisconsin writes:
ARCADIA, Fla. (AP) - Shortly before Rick Georges died of liver cancer in April, he started talking about being buried in the back yard next to his beloved pit-bull, Bocephus.
Georges shared the idea with his ninth wife and sought help from a lawyer. Beverly Georges considered it his dying wish and vowed to make it happen.
The widow's effort to get city permission for the unconventional interment has enraged neighbors in their quiet, middle-class neighborhood. It has also sparked a bitter family feud, kept the local gossip mill churning and brought mostly unwelcome media attention to this picturesque town of 6,300 about 65 miles southeast of Tampa.
``I'm just trying to do what he wanted,'' said Beverly Georges, who wed Rick one week before he died at age 58. ``He just wanted to be back there with his dog.''
The city's planning and zoning board officials say the burial would violate city codes, as well as diminish property values and set a bad precedent. Georges and her attorney, Sandra Sanders, argue that city codes permit the burial because the house is near a real cemetery.
The City Council will have final say next month, but it's unlikely Georges will win support from town leaders.
``The primary use of residential property is for living persons, not for burying dead persons,'' City Attorney David C. Holloman said.
Neighbors fear that a gaudy monument will be going up in full view of most houses on the street. There's already a cross and a garden marking the grave of Bocephus, who was buried four years ago.
They're also sick of the TV satellite trucks cruising the street and out-of-town reporters knocking on doors.
``It's bizarre,'' said Lyle Kepple, whose front yard overlooks the dog's grave behind a high chain-link fence. ``We feel this is a quiet, family atmosphere, and this will change it considerably.''
While the city decides, Rick Georges' body is at a funeral home. Son Johnny Georges, 36, and other family members are angry he has not been buried in a cemetery.
``We're just trying to get him buried without having to go into this woman's yard to kneel down and visit his grave,'' the son said.
Johnny Georges worked with his father for 20 years in their agricultural irrigation and frost-proofing business. He said his father was a flamboyant gambler and drinker who worked his way through women at a pace that left relatives shaking their heads.
Rick Georges also enjoyed a good laugh, and his son said he was joking about being buried in the yard. It was, the son said, a ploy to secure his ``15 minutes of fame,'' albeit posthumously
In a message dated 06/26/2002 11:31, Forwarded by Joe Weigel/BCC/HII:
John - Not sure if this is of interest to you (and your readers) or whether you have already received a copy, but I wanted to forward this to you nonetheless. Hope all is well in Lowell and that you're having a great summer! Thanks Joe, it is nice to see the project underway.
In a message dated 6/26/02 6:55:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Ken in Connecticut writes:
A little comfortÉ.. at a most uncomfortable time. By: Kenneth J. Popillo, CFSP
(Carol) called the Funeral Chapel at 7:00 AM. "My husband has just passed away and I need to speak with Ken?" The answering service told her that I was not in the office at that time. "I am so sorry to hear of your loss. There is another director available" the secretary said. "No, I really only want to talk to Ken." I was paged with the message and called Carol back immediately. "Ken, (Charlie) has just died. What do I need to do?" After offering my sincerest condolences, I told her that everything was all set. I also told her that I would come to her home later that morning to help her finalize a few things. I was shocked. Charlie was young and he had not been sick. One of the main reasons she was asking for me was that we had built a relationship several months prior to Charlie's passing. You see, Carol and Charlie had come to one of my Advanced Funeral Planning Seminars that we had held for the public. "At a young age, you say? That is unheard of." Not really. People of all ages are planning in advance today, and we as funeral professionals know better than anyone that it makes good sense, even at younger ages. It is not just for people who need to put funds away for spenddown reasons.
A few weeks following my seminar, I had called them to see if they had any questions and if they would like for me to come over to their home and provide them with estimates that pertained to their needs. We met at their home on a Tuesday evening after they arrived home from work. Upon entering the home, I noticed that they had several trinkets around the home relating to golf. Of course, that is one of my passions and it made for great conversation to break the ice. We talked for at least forty-five minutes about golf and their many other interests before we even started to discuss advanced planning. Come to find out, we knew some of the same people. It felt like we were old friends. They had proceeded to tell me that they enjoyed the seminar and it got them thinking. Since then, they had a will drawn-up, and they felt that this would be their next step. I explained to them how it works and we recorded their vital and biographical information, as well as their personal likes, dislikes and special things about them. I also put together two different estimates, one for each of them. By now, almost two hours had passed. They felt really good about having this done. We touched on pre-funding, but I realized, after our discussions, that they simply could not afford a single payment or a monthly payment at that time. I assured them that there are great benefits to paying ahead of time, but the "planning" portion was the most important part. "We'll look at a monthly payment insurance plan again down the road," I said. We did a few months later and they decided that it would be a good idea to start at least one plan at that time.
Between the time that we first met and the time that Charlie died, we had spoken on the phone numerous times. They would both call me with things that they wanted to add to their information and they also made a few changes pertaining to casket and outer burial container. This information, gathered ahead of time, would prove to be a priceless comfort for Carol.
The above experience exemplifies why we as funeral professionals should encourage everyone to plan ahead. We all have experiences to share, and we know better than most the importance of a detailed and personalized arrangement. There are a number of ways that we can educate and create awareness. One of the most beneficial ways that I have found is through community service seminars and group presentations. It is not enough to just send out a generic brochure in the mail, and let's face it; many people will not come to the funeral home to gather information ahead of time, unless they are forced to through spend-down situations. This is where it is our goal to educate the community and let them know what the benefits are in planning ahead, as well as the different kind of prepayment options that are available. Not only can people receive important helpful information through the seminars that you offer; they also get a chance to meet you and you them, face to face. After all, you may be the Funeral Director who handles the arrangements at the time of need. You may want to also consider meeting with nursing home staff, attorneys, and clergy to further educate them on the benefits of both planning in advance and laws concerning state requirements (if any). Other ways include direct mail campaigns, radio advertisements, television, and newspaper ads, but they simply do not have the same impact. If you find that you do not have the time to make yourself available for this, for whatever the reasons, employ someone who can do it for you. There are some wonderful, compassionate men and women in our field who could represent your firm in a positive way, both because of their attitude and personality, and their licensing (if required in your state).
Take yourself out of your professional funeral role for a moment and think back when you didn't know very much about funerals and funeral directors. Imagine now that someone close to you suddenly died because of any number of tragedies. Now imagine the myriad of emotions that sweep over you. Anger, fright, shock. The many phone calls to make and the ones that you are receiving. The thoughts that are now shooting through your mind; the kids (If your spouse died), the house, the money, the loneliness, the future. The "What do I do now's" that engulf you both physically and emotionally. In addition, you don't know where to start when it comes to choosing a funeral home because you have never been to a funeral before. You frantically look for some type of support either through a parent, sibling or friend. You now find a funeral home through the recommendation of a friend's family. You call them to let them know of what has happened. You make an appt. for later that day. You have been given a list of things to bring; personal information, military discharge papers, clothing, and a picture to name a few. You scramble to find any or all of these. You now shake hands with someone you have never met before. You are asked what seems to be a million questions. You now have to make decisions on what type of service they would have wanted. You have no idea because you never discussed it before. After all, there was no need to because there was always tomorrow. So you decide on the status quo funeral service. Now the really hard part. Choosing a casket and/or outer burial container. Wait a minute! What is an outer burial container? You have no idea. And like the caskets, why are there so many from which to choose? All you remember is that your loved-one told you that they were all set if something happened unexpectedly. What they meant was that they had life insurance.
You never imagined just how difficult it would be to actually make the funeral arrangements.
As Carol found out, making arrangements ahead of time provided her with Peace of Mind that all was taken care of. In addition to that, there were no doubts as to what Charlie would have wanted, and it left her time to be with family and friends as opposed to spending that time making arrangements. There shouldn't be a single funeral professional who would disagree that making these difficult decisions ahead of time is in the best interests of everyone involved. From a consumer standpoint, the benefits are priceless, both emotionally and financially. For the funeral director and funeral home, it makes sense for the following reasons, and in this order of importance: 1) It is extremely helpful to the consumer. 2) It creates community awareness for your funeral home. 3) It helps your funeral home gain market-share, both in and out of your area. 4) If funded through insurance, it provides protection and income at the same time. 5) Every one of us sees, on a daily basis, just how difficult it can be for families. These are just a few reasons why it makes good sense. Even if you want to take funding out of the equation all together, it still makes good sense. I encourage you to make some time to go through your pre-need files and choose any six. Now go through each one and check for the three things that are vital to a complete pre-arrangement; the biographical and personal information, the estimate of goods and services, and where the funds are being held. If you only have limited information such as a name, social security number, date of birth and a generic estimate, it is a good idea to be following-up with the family to complete everything in detail. One of the offerings that we provide in addition to a detailed preplan, is a planning journal. Actually, it is more of a book or diary and it houses the real personal information that helps us and the family to prepare a personalized service, and it leaves behind, for the family, a treasured keepsake.
Please remember, having a dedicated person on staff to handle the pre-arrangements does not mean that you are now only interested in "sales". When handled properly, you can be a trusted resource before, during and after a family's need, and what naturally follows is a complete pre-arrangement. Whenever you're in doubt about what you are now doing or what you are thinking about doing for your families, whether it is pre-need, at-need or aftercare, remember the old saying, "People don't care what you know, until they know that you care."
Kenneth J. Popillo, CFSP is the "Advanced" Funeral Planning Director and manager
at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapels in both Wethersfield and East Hartford, CT.
He is both a licensed Funeral Director and a licensed Insurance Agent.
He speaks locally in Connecticut and presented on Advanced Funeral Planning
at the NFDA Convention in Baltimore. For questions, further information,
or assistance in getting a program in place,
Ken can be reached toll-free at (877) 229-5275,
or on the web at www.safeplacetogrieve.com.
In a message dated 7/14/02 11:36:42 AM, Jean in Washington DC writes: John, I have not heard a word on what Funeral Service would do with such a catastrophy, no next of kin, family burial plot off limits, the list of difficulties goes on and on, I hope FD's are in on the planning.
FEMA Preparing for Mass Destruction Attacks on Cities
FEMA, the federal agency charged with disaster preparedness, is engaged in a crash effort to prepare for multiple mass destruction attacks on U.S. cities, NewsMax has learned. FEMA is already preparing for nuclear, biological and chemical attacks against U.S. cities, including the possibility of multiple attacks with mass destruction weapons. The agency has already notified vendors, contractors and consultants that it needs to be prepared to handle the logistics of aiding millions of displaced Americans from urban areas that may be attacked. The agency plans to create emergency, makeshift cities that could house hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Americans who may have to flee their urban homes if their cities are attacked.
Ominously, FEMA has been given a deadline of having the cities ready to go by January 2003 - in about six months. A source familiar with the deadline believes the effort is related to making the U.S. prepared for counterattacks if the U.S. invades Iraq sometime next year. FEMA is currently seeking bids from major real estate management firms, and plans to name three firms in the near future to handle the logistics and planning for these temporary cities. FEMA officials have told these firms they already have tents and trailers ordered. The tents and trailers would provide shelter for displaced populations. The real estate firms are expected to provide engineers and architects to lay the plans for emergency infrastructure needs, such as sewerage and electricity.
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In a message dated 6/26/02 11:42:52 AM, Rick in Ohio writes:
I followed an old "beater" pick up truck to work today and it had a bumper sticker on it that read....
"My son was Convict of the Month at the County Jail"
I chuckled about that for quite a while... hope you enjoy.
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In a message dated 6/27/02 5:56:47 PM, Beacham McDougald from North Carolina writes:
Subject: A Considerate Husband's Saintly Behavior
It is important for men to remember that as women grow older it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as they did when they were younger. When men notice this, they should try not to yell. Let me relate how to handle the situation.
When I chucked my job and took early retirement a year ago, it became necessary for Linda to get a full-time job both for extra income and for health insurance benefits that we need. She was a trained lab tech when we met thirty some years ago and was fortunate to land a job at the local medical center as a phlebotomist.
It was shortly after she started working at this job that I noticed that she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from fishing or hunting about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says that she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts supper. I try not to yell at her when this happens. Instead, I tell her to take her time. I understand that she is not as young as she used to be. I just tell her to wake me when she finally does get supper on the table.
She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished eating. It is now not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after supper. I do what I can by reminding her several times each evening that they aren't cleaning themselves. I know she appreciates this, as it does seem to help her get them done before she goes to bed.
Our washer and dryer are in the basement. When she was younger, Linda used to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not get tired. Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Sometimes she says she just can't make another trip down those steps. I don't make a big issue of this. As long as she finishes up the laundry the next evening I am willing to overlook it. Not only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to the Monday's lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or to Tuesday's or Thursday's bowling or something like that, I will tell her to wait until the next evening to do the ironing. This gives her a little more time to do some of those odds and ends things like shampooing the dog, vacuuming, or dusting.
Also, if I have had a really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more leisurely pace. Linda is starting to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you, but just enough for me to notice. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to try to offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any, if you know what I mean.
When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods than she used to have to take. A couple of weeks ago she said she had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I overlook comments like these because I realize it's just age talking. In fact, I try to not embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. I tell her that as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me and take her break by the hammock so she can talk with me until I fall asleep.
I could go on and on, but I think you know where I'm coming from. I know that I probably look like a SAINT in the way I support Linda on a daily basis. I'm not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible. No one knows better than I do how frustrating women can become as they get older.
My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest that you make the effort. I realize that achieving the exemplary level of showing consideration I have attained is out of reach for the average man. However guys, even if you just yell at your wife a little less often because of this article, I will consider that writing it was worthwhile.
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In a message dated 7/12/02 10:36:41 PM, Judy in Massachusetts writes:
<< Headstone humor
> >
> >
> > > Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York:
> > > Born 1903-Died 1942
> > > Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the
> > > car was on the way down. It was.
> > > ******************************
> > > In a Thurmont, Maryland, cemetery:
> > > Here lies an Atheist
> > > All dressed up
> > > And no place to go.
> > > ******************************
> > > On the grave of Ezekial Aikle in East
> > > Dalhousie Cemetery, Nova Scotia:
> > > Here lies Ezekial Aikle, Age 102.
> > > The Good Die Young.
> > > ******************************
> > > In a London, England cemetery:
> > > Here lies Ann Mann,
> > > Who lived an old maid
> > > But died an old Mann.
> > > Dec. 8, 1767
> > > *****************************
> > > In a Ribbesford, England, cemetery:
> > > Anna Wallace:
> > > The children of Israel wanted bread,
> > > And the Lord sent them manna.
> > > Old clerk Wallace wanted a wife,
> > > And the Devil sent him Anna.
> > > ******************************
> > > In a Ruidoso, New Mexico, cemetery:
> > > Here lies Johnny Yeast.
> > > Pardon me For not rising.
> > > ******************************
> > > In a Uniontown, Pennsylvania, cemetery:
> > > Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake.
> > > Stepped on the gas Instead of the brake.
> > > ******************************
> > > In a Silver City, Nevada, cemetery:
> > > Here lays The Kid.
> > > We planted him raw.
> > > He was quick on the trigger
> > > But slow on the draw.
> > > ******************************
> > > A lawyer's epitaph in England:
> > > Sir John Strange.
> > > Here lies an honest lawyer,
> > > And that is Strange.
> > > *****************************
> > > John Penny's epitaph in the Wimborne,
> > > England, cemetery:
> > > Reader, if cash thou art
> > > In want of any,
> > > Dig 6 feet deep;
> > > And thou wilt find a Penny.
> > > *****************************
> > > In a cemetery in Hartscombe, England:
> > > On the 22nd of June,
> > > Jonathan Fiddle
> > > Went out of tune.
> > > *****************************
> > > Anna Hopewell's grave in Enosburg
Falls,Vermont
> > > Here lies the body of our Anna -
> > > Done to death by a banana.
> > > It wasn't the fruit that laid her low,
> > > But the skin of the thing that made her go.
> > > ******************************
> > > On a grave from the 1880s in Nantucket,
> > > Massachusetts:
> > > Under the sod and under the trees,
> > > Lies the body of Jonathan Pease.
> > > He is not here, there's only the pod.
> > > Pease shelled out and went to God.
> > > *****************************
> > > In a cemetery in England:
> > > Remember man, as you walk by,
> > > As you are now, so once was I.
> > > Remember this and follow me.
> > >
> > > To which someone replied by writing on the
> > > tombstone:
> > > To follow you I'll not consent
> > > Until I know which way you went
> > > ******************************
> > > And last but not least, a friend of mine found this in
> > Key West:
> > >
> > > I told you I was sick!
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Got any Hot News for us. Issues that involve funeral service, in your community, it in, Everything you see here was send in by someone just like you. If there is a newspaper article in your area, send the link and we can all learn from it, even if it is your opinion we all learn from one another. Any HOT NEWS OR SCUTTLEBUTT WILL BE POSTED IN THE READER'S WRITE BACK SECTION.
Send your story or issue to FSPA just click here --->Lowellma@aol.com
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In a message dated 7/8/02 9:59:01 AM, JHTillett@aol.com writes:
John- We have 2 old wicker removal "stretchers" that are close to 100 years old. Does anyone in the EFSA have any idea what they are worth or how we can go about finding out. Could you post this in a mailing or direct me to contact some one that would be able to value or buy these things.
Thank You- Jack Tillett Harkins Funeral Home, Delta, PA *CONTACT JACK CLICK HERE--------> JHTillett@aol.com
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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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