THE FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

FUNERAL SERVICE NEWS

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  1. 11 Proven Strategies to Outsmart the Competition
  2. Funeral Director Afternoon / Night out on Boston Harbor
  3. Chris Raymond, finally gets help with NFDA Director Magazine
  4. SCI, gets their Old Boss Back for a Weekend / Monday SCI BOARD ELECTS Thomas L. Ryan Pres& COO
  5. Betty from the National Casket Retailer's Association Writes
  6. A little comfortÉ.. at a most uncomfortable time. By: Kenneth J. Popillo, CFSP
  7. Cemetery Not At Fault In Coffin Fall Emotional pain suit dismissed
  8. ICFA WIRELESS - June 25, 2002 Edition Vol. 3 No. 16
  9. ICFA OFFERS SALES MANAGEMENT TRAINING VIDEOS FROM NAKED SALES II CONFERENCE
  10. NEW BOOK ON MARKETING TO THE '50+ BOOMER' NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH ICFA
  11. ICFA OFFERS MEMBERS FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS
  12. NFDA 2002 Convention in San Antonio, Texas
  13. NFDA Wins Top National Honor
  14. WW II Memorial Construction underway Aerial Photo
  15. North Carolina Issues
  16. Lightning effects NC FDA
  17. Tattooing From alternative to mainstream memorialization
  18. Buddhist Funeral Rites Held for Ape
  19. Debate over cryonics lives as advances slow down
  20. Wrong baby buried at funeral
  21. Widow Looks to Bury Man in Back Yard
  22. FEMA Preparing for Mass Destruction Attacks on Cities
  23. Presidential Memorial Certificates for Veterans http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm
  24. We have 2 old wicker removal "stretchers"
  25. Protect families from junk mail and telemarketing calls addressed to the deceased.
  26. http://www.oursadloss.com - new links
  27. NFDA Testifies at SBA Hearing at Community Center in Milwaukee
  28. News from the Funeral Service Foundation ? The Charitable Voice for All of Funeral Service
  29. Dodge Chemical, Arnold J. Dodge, Passed Away
  30. N.C. Grey Shackelford Phillips, Passed Away
  31. N.C. Olive B. Cooper, Passed Away
  32. N.C. T. E. Smith, Jr., Passed Away
  33. Mass Thomas J. Cox Passed Away
  34. N.C. RUBY NANCE BURNEY Passed Away
  35. N.C. Stella Mae Jenkins Ballard Passed Away
  36. N.C. Hardy Sanford "Sam" West Passed Away
  37. Tombstone - This is just plain mean
  38. Who says you need 6 pall beareres
  39. UndergroundHumor.com Introduces NEW Items!
  40. $alary $urvey
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  42. Hot News & Scuttlebutt
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Funeral Director Afternoon / Night out on Boston Harbor

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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:

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.

 

 

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.

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11 Proven Strategies to Outsmart the Competition

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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/

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Chris Raymond, Finally gets help with NFDA Director Magazine

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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

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ICFA OFFERS SALES MANAGEMENT TRAINING VIDEOS FROM NAKED SALES II CONFERENCE

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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.

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ICFA WIRELESS - June 25, 2002 Edition Vol. 3 No. 16

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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

 

 

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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ICFA NEWS

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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 .

 

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NEW BOOK ON MARKETING TO THE '50+ BOOMER' NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH ICFA

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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.

End Above Article

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ICFA OFFERS MEMBERS FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS

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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.

 

End Above Article

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Tombstone - This is just plain mean

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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.

End Above Article

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Who says you need 6 pall beareres

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End Above Article

 

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NFDA Testifies at SBA Hearing at Community Center in Milwaukee

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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.

End Above Article

 

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News from the Funeral Service Foundation ? The Charitable Voice for All of Funeral Service

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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.

 

End Above Article

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Arnold J. Dodge, Passed Away

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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

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N.C. Olive B. Cooper, Passed Away

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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.

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N.C. Grey Shackelford Phillips, Passed Away

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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.

 

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N.C. T. E. Smith, Jr., Passed Awasy

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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.

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MASSThomas J. Cox, Passed Away

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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

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N.C. RUBY NANCE BURNEY Passed Away

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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.

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N.C. Stella Mae Jenkins Ballard Passed Away

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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.

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NC Hardy Sanford "Sam" West Passed Away

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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.

End Above Article

 

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NFDA Bulletin

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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

End Above Article

 

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Lightning effects NC FDA

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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,

 

End Above Article

 

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Evangelist Hurls Insults at Funeral

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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.

End Above Article

 

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Buddhist Funeral Rites Held for Ape

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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.

End Above Article

 

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NFDA 2002 Convention in San Antonio, Texas

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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

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NFDA Wins Top National Honor

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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.

End Above Article

 

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Betty from the National Casket Retailer's Association Writes

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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

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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, t