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

End Above Article

 

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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

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

End Above Article

 

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Cemetery Not At Fault In Coffin Fall Emotional pain suit dismissed

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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."

End Above Article

 

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Protect families from junk mail and telemarketing calls addressed to the deceased.

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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

www.addressguardian.com

End Above Article

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UndergroundHumor.com Introduces NEW Items!

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In a message dated 7/13/02 6:52:46 PM, info@undergroundhumor.com writes:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Daniel Hopkins

EMAIL: UndergroundHumor@aol.com

The items listed below are brand new to our Web site, in stock and ready to ship!

 

IN OUR & MORE STORE

* "Chuckles Bites The Dust" episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Only $9.06...you SAVE 30%!

This famous episode is ranked as the #1 TV episode of all time by TV Guide.

http://www.UndergroundHumor.com/more/chuckles.htm

 

IN OUR BOOKSTORE

* Final Arrangements by Miles Keaton Andrew (Hardcover)

Only $19.16...YOU SAVE 20%!

Kirkus Reviews called it "Fast, funny, and remarkably good-natured: You'll die laughing."

http://www.undergroundhumor.com/books/final_arrangements.htm

 

* The Hearse Case Scenario by Tim Cockey (Hardcover)

Only $19.16...YOU SAVE 20%!

Publishers Weekly wrote "This quirky book is sure to delight existing fans and send new readers in search of the first two in the series."

http://www.undergroundhumor.com/books/hearse_case_scenario.htm

 

* Hearse of a Different Color by Tim Cockey (Hardcover)

Only $19.16...YOU SAVE 20%! Or save 10% on the Mass Market Paperback edition!

Library Journal remarked "Delightful rose, provocative humor, and engaging characters move this right to the top. Most appealing."

http://www.undergroundhumor.com/books/hearse_different_color.htm

 

* The Hearse You Came In On by Tim Cockey (Hardcover)

Only $18.36...YOU SAVE 20%! Or save 10% on the Mass Market Paperback edition!

People magazine commented "The pungent Baltimore atmosphere and rogues' gallery of oddballs recall the... TV series Homicide... Bottom Line: An undertaker-detective you'll really dig."

http://www.undergroundhumor.com/books/hearse_you_came_in_on.htm

 

* What a Way to Go: Fabulous Funerals of the Famous and Infamous by Adele Q. Brown (Paperback)

Only $13.56...YOU SAVE 20%!

January Magazine called it "the ultimate tool for morbid rubbernecking. While it is not, by nature, a happy book, Brown has done an admirable job with the excellent material she uncovered. She manages to walk the delicate line between the tasteless and informative with surprising elegance. What emerges is a well-researched, interesting and sometimes even fun book.

http://www.undergroundhumor.com/books/what_a_way_to_go.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CONTACT US

See all of our latest products offerings at www.UndergroundHumor.com

Phone: 1-203-247-5047

 

 

 

End Above Article

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http://www.oursadloss.com - new links

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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

End Above Article

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North Carollina Issues

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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.

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Debate over cryonics lives as advances slow down

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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.

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Wrong baby buried at funeral

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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."

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SCI, gets their Old Boss Back for the Weekend

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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

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=no&TICK=SRV&STORY=/www/story/07-16-2002/0001765055&EDATE

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

End Above Article

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Tattooing From alternative to mainstream memorialization

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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

 

End Above Article

 

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Widow Looks to Bury Man in Back Yard

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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

End Above Article

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WW II Memorial Construction underway Aerial Photo

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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.

End Above Article

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A little comfortÉ.. at a most uncomfortable time. By: Kenneth J. Popillo, CFSP

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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.

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FEMA Preparing for Mass Destruction Attacks on Cities

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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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Funeral Service Message Boards

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http://boards.netscape.com/netbusiness/brdlist.mbl?boardId=216802

Consumer Help

Embalmers

Funeral Directors

Industry Associations

Industry Students

Industry Talk

Other Providers

You can't get there, you need to download this harmless program = AIM - AOL Instant Messenger, the service is free forever, Honest - FREE! --------> http://www.aol.com/aim/

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Readers Write Back

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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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FSPA Links

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The Best Resource for Funeral Service has been built by our friends at Mortuary Management.

Enjoy http://www.abbottandhast.com/

 

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Hot News & Scuttlebutt

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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.

Thanks for your participation.

Send your story or issue to FSPA just click here --->Lowellma@aol.com

 

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Announcements & Employment Opportunities

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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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>>>>>> End Above Announcements <<<<<<<

 

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What is on your mind?

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You are welcome, to write us with your comments, suggestions, complaints and especially stories about funeral service. Please remember only FSPA members will have information posted in the weekly update, it's easy click here ---> Mailto:Lowellma@aol.com Your participation is appreciated and essential.

>>>>>> End Above Announcements <<<<<<<

 

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You can post your Professional Article Here

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You are welcome, to post your professional article here, you need to author your article and agree it will be posted with your full name. Please remember only FSPA members will have information posted in the weekly update, it's easy click here ---> Mailto:Lowellma@aol.com Your participation is appreciated and essential.

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>>>>> Want to Join <<<<<

The Funeral Service Professional Association = it's Free !

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FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION does not share membership info with anyone, no one will be given your information with out your permission or a court order.

To Join the Funeral Service Professional Association you must derive some of your income from the funeral industry, students and retirees from the funeral profession are welcome as well, please e-mail the following information.

  1. Your real name
  2. Your funeral service position (Job, Student at which Funeral Service School, writer for which funeral service publication)
  3. Where do you work
  4. Your work place owned by a Public Corporation or Independently.
  5. Address of your workplace (home address for retirees and students)
  6. City State & Country (no abbreviations spell out your state province or district)
  7. Your telephone number

If you skip answering one of the seven questions, you are wasting your time, the standards are the same for everyone, FSPA is open to everyone in funeral service, we are all equals here no exceptions, FSPA will not tell anyone who you are unless you request your identity be disclosed, FSPA is only open to any type of Funeral Service Professional, or Funeral Service Affiliate such as: Funeral Association employees, Mortuary School Students, Funeral Service product providers and Funeral Service Media.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Accountants will tell you FSPA is a write off ! Please check with your accountant. If s/he approves Go get yourself a nice laptop and possibly write off your hardware as well as AOL or other Internet service charge as an expense, the more your participate in FSPA the more proof you have.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Write--->Funeral Service Professional Association

If you have a suggested question this please just send it along, none of FSPA 's mail will be possible with out your sending information into us,

To make life easier on me

First and foremost, Send your info or story in to FSPA.

2nd Please put on the top line your name and location, like "John from Massachusetts writes :"

3rd please address the subject line put:

This is just a hobby, if you send and don't address the subject line with FSPA, it usually delete it because it looks like junk mail, FSPA get over 50 pieces of mail a day, most gets deleted, THE SUBJECT LINE is the key so please, use the subject line properly. Put FSPA in the Subject line along with the flavor of your message.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE the posting(s) you send are some times resent to others be careful, if you are proud of what you said and want the world to know how you feel Put your name, location and e-mail address at the end.

However If you don't want the world to know your ideas and you want to remain anonymous, just put name withheld at the end. FSPA does not reveal who its members are nor does FSPA lend it's list of members to others. There is no need to identify yourself. If you are not proud of your response (like the air line lost a body on us) it is not recommended you identify yourself, since we can all learn from problems. We need your input! Your answers go all over the place, E-mail is so easy to forward. We are happy to learn from your problems and issues, there is no need to identify yourself if you don't want to, South Western United States if just fine.

££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££

If the article you want is from a commercial publisher YOU MUST get permission from the person or company who created the story.

Because e-mail can be altered electronically, the integrity of this communication cannot be guaranteed. Any of the items you read here, you are free to reuse, understand, the postings are just that, the items are for the most part cut and pasted from E-mail, others FAXed and of course from funeral publications and other media. What you see here is never checked, if you do decide to republish or quote any thing FSPA puts out, check it out, please do not name the individual who sent the article without their permission. If you see fit to use any information from FSPA please give us credit. Ages ago a state association news letter posted a quote using the senders name, she was not a happy camper nor was her company, please use caution in the future. We appreciate your understanding and we need your support.

Consider these steps for your life.

1. Work like you don't need the money.

2. Love like you've never been hurt.

3. Dance like you do when nobody's watching.

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Always Remember: Don't Believe Everything You Hear

C YA

John

FROM: John L. McDonough founder of F S P A
THE FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
Funeral Industries: Standards, Principles and Practices.
c/o McDonough Funeral Home
"the runway to heaven" ©
14 Highland Street in Lovely
Lowell Massachusetts 01852-3399
The United States of America
Ocean Sunset
EARTH = United Federation Of Cyberpals
VOICE 978-458-6816 FAX 978-459-0115
" Determination should be a chapter in everyone's book "
 

Feel Free to write us Funeral Service Professional Association

 

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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