We are off to help New Jersey Funeral Directors Association Celebrate their 100th Anniversary in Atlantic City New Jersey, Look for pictures soon. Hope I see you in New Jersey, hope you are enlightened by the news below.
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In a message dated 9/9/02 6:12:50 PM, gen4@icfa.org writes:
*************************************************************************
SPECIAL ICFA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS BULLETIN September 9, 2002
*************************************************************************
Seven Steps to Build Relationships With Your Congressional Members:
Your Business Will Depend on It
by Paul M. Elvig, ICFA Vice President, Industry Relations
(Note: As reported previously, Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) is drafting a
bill for the federal regulation of the death care industry that he plans to
introduce into Congress in the near future. A rough "discussion draft" of the
bill that has recently been shared with ICFA staff by Dodd's office contains
provisions that would have a substantial impact on ICFA members if approved.
For this reason alone, members are encouraged to take the following course of
action ASAP.)
Congress will soon adjourn for the election campaign. Early in January when
Congress re-convenes we could be faced with all kinds of "good ideas" on how
to fix the funeral and cemetery industries. They will come fast, first in
committees and hearings, then possible floor action, and finally on to the
White House. As sure as death and taxes, the calls will go out to "CALL YOUR
CONGRESSMAN! CALL YOUR SENATOR!"
Trouble is, too few cemeterians and funeral home operators know a congressman
or senator on a first name basis. In fact, many can't even tell you their own
congressman/senator's name, nor in what congressional district they live.
With the so-called "off-year election" season at hand, it's a great time to
personally get to know those who will write laws, vote on laws, and promote
laws that could touch your business sooner than you think. Candidates are
hungry to make friends -- even hungrier for campaign contributions. This is
your chance.
Here are 7 simple steps for "getting to know you:"
1. Find out what congressional district you are in. In many states your voter
registration card lists the district number. We are talking congressional
district, not legislative/assembly district.
2. Who is your incumbent congressman or woman? Who are your senators? Each
congressional district has one member in the House of Representatives and
each state has two U.S. senators. Learn what district your cemetery or
funeral home is in; it might be different from yours at home. All members of
the House of Representatives are up for election this year, one-third of the
Senate stands for election. GET TO KNOW THEM . . . are they running for
re-election?
3. Pick a candidate to support. It can be an incumbent or a challenger, pick
one. Same song, second verse if a senator is up for election. If you already
know this individual, great! If not, pick up the phone and introduce
yourself. How do you do that? You can contact them at their campaign
headquarters; learn the phone number by calling information or checking with
your party's political headquarters. Be straightforward . . . "Hi, I am your
friendly cemeterian/funeral director and I would like to work on your
campaign. I would like to have your sign in my yard -- field -- or on a
building I own. I like your record (in the case of challengers 'your campaign
issues') and want to donate $200." Believe you me, you will become friends
fast. Contributions to federal races -- House/Senate races are considered
federal races -- must be made with personal, NOT CORPORATE, checks.
4. Ask to have lunch/breakfast/coffee with the candidate. When you do,
discuss the candidate, the candidate's family, life and political goals, etc.
Don't start lobbying . . . save that for another day. Invite the candidate to
visit your cemetery or funeral home to see the veterans' area, public
assistance area, special feature or just about anything he/she may find
interesting, something they might feel a connection with. Talk about people
problems -- not business problems.
5. "I would like to introduce you to some of my friends during your campaign.
Would you be interested in a social hour in my home/cemetery/funeral home?"
This is sure to get a quick response. If you are opening a new facility or
presenting the public with a new feature, ask your member of congress to cut
the ribbon or make the dedication speech. Whatever the case, be sure the
candidate is your guest, not the guest of a committee or group that uses your
cemetery.
6. Help with the campaign: Write a letter-to-the-editor supporting the
candidate. Send support cards to people on your Christmas list. Sign
endorsement ads. If you really want to impress the candidate, offer to go
doorbelling with or for the candidate . . . it's fun . . . it really is! For
lots of fun, offer to go sign waving during rush hour. Be sure you are
standing by the candidate.
7. If you are part of the candidate's campaign team (any of the above ideas
will make you so) ask to attend the candidate's election night victory
celebration. If he/she wins, your candidate will never forget your victory hug.
Sound simple? It is! Regardless of your party leanings or activities, pick
your candidate . . . don't be phony, or be something you are not. Let your
politics hang out . . . the candidate will love it.
Now you are ready to pick up the phone when things go south in the next
session of Congress. This will be the decade of congressional activism
regarding our industry. Are you ready? Go for it!
In a message dated 9/16/02 10:32:27 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
WOONSOCKET RHODE ISLAND USA-- A judge will decide today if Paul Menoche, the funeral director convicted for embezzling more than $400,000 from prepaid funeral customers, will be allowed to enter the work-release program to earn money to repay his victims.
In addition to serving four years of a 15-year sentence, Menoche is ordered to make restitution of $437,971.94 to the 118 families who filed complaints against him. He is scheduled to appear in Superior Court today with presiding Judge Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. to determine if he is eligible to serve in the work release-program while at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston."It is a restitution review where they will check his ability to make restitution," Menoche's lawyer, Joseph Carroll, said.On Aug. 14, Menoche, 53, formerly of 239 Burrington St., Woonsocket, pleaded no contest to one count of embezzlement over $100, one count of failing to maintain a funeral service escrow account and one count of operating a funeral home without a license.Under state law, funeral homes must place prepaid funds in an escrow account that collects interest to cover inflations as the customer grows older. But instead of placing the money in an escrow account, Menoche deposited it into a general checking account that he used for business and personal expenses, according to the prosecutor, Special Asst. Atty. General Pamela Woodcock Pfeiffer.And none of that money is left, according to Pfeiffer.Carroll said the only way Menoche will be able to make restitution is if he is approved for the work-release program.According to a personal finance statement filed with the Superior Court, Menoche currently has no bank accounts, property or debt."I have no significant assets. Due to incarceration, the prospect for wage increase does not exist," Menoche wrote. He listed his and his wife's monthly salary as $1,300 each or a net household income of $2,600 a month. His only expenses were rent, utilities, auto and health insurance, transportation and clothing, which he said cost a total of $1,804 a month.Menoche was left with $796 a month. However, it is unknown where that remaining income or the more than $400,000 from prepaid funerals went."He has no funds, owns no real estate, has no assets and no savings," Carroll said.Lionel A. Sevigny, of 1 Main St., Woonsocket, said he invested $2,000 and hasn't seen one dime of it."I don't believe we'll ever get any money back," he said. "There's not much I can do."Sevigny, who was planning to invest another $3,000, said he is thankful he decided to wait a few more months until he finished moving."Boy, am I glad I held up," he added.Yvette Lemoine, of 218 Pond St., Woonsocket, said she hasn't seen any of her money back, but hopes to."My son has all the papers. I didn't even know he was in court yet," she said.If Rodgers approves Menoche's request, he will be able to leave the ACI and work in the private sector, said Albert Bucci, assistant to the director of corrections.However, Menoche must find his own job, where his employer is willing to supervise him.Carroll said Menoche worked for a mortgage company before he was convicted. "He had a job when he went in," he said. Carroll did not know the name of the company or if Menoche plans to return there.The Department of Corrections does not provide any supervision to the prisoners in the work program, Bucci said. Prisoners must find their own transportation to work. Bucci said most take the bus or commute with family members. However, they are not permitted to work for relatives. Depending on their location of employment, they are granted a certain amount of time to travel to and from work."They are supervised totally by the employer, until they return to the facility," Bucci said. "If a person violates the conditions or our rules, we have the authority to return them out of the work-release program and move them into a higher custody level."All prisoners in the work program are required to pay 33 percent of every dollar they earn to the state for room and board. The remaining money Menoche makes will go to the victims.
In a message dated 9/10/02 2:10:17 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
BRIDGEWATER, MASSACHUSETTS USA &emdash; One of the people who may have lost thousands of dollars paid to Johnston Funeral Home for pre-paid funeral was to be buried today by another local funeral home.
Susie M. Chiocca, who died at age 90 Friday in a Lakeville nursing home, was one of 48 people who had paid funeral director David B. Johnston in advance for her funeral, say authorities.
Last month, Attorney General Tom Reilly sued Johnston for failing to account for $140,000 he received for such agreements. Reilly secured an attachment on the Johnston Funeral Home property at 76 South St. that prohibited its sale until the lawsuit is resolved.
Chiocca, the first of the alleged victims to die, was to be buried today by Prophett Funeral Home. Members of her family contacted Prophett after The Enterprise first reported that Johnston was being investigated for allegedly mishandling the funds.
"I'm livid my family has to go through this," said her son, Gene Chiocca of Plymouth.
"My mother's 90, on her death bed, she never made more than $100 in a week in her life and he's going to run away with all her money," he said.
Chiocca said his mother paid Johnston $5,432 in February of last year. In recent weeks, Johnston did not return phone calls or respond to his letters, said Chiocca.
Also, on Friday, Johnston did not respond to the Lakeville nursing home when officials there called for him to pick up the body of Susie Chiocca, as her pre-need contract stipulated, said Gene Chiocca.
"Johnston had an opportunity to make things right," he said.
When Johnston didn't respond, the nursing home called Prophett.
Chiocca said Prophett agreed to accept only cash expenses this week and wait for the balance of the $5,000-plus funeral bill until the lawsuit against Johnston is cleared up, said Chiocca.
"I'm worried about some people who might be alone and not have any family to fight for them," he said.
Johnston's attorney, Chuck Mathers of Brockton, said Prophett would be paid for the funeral services once the property is sold, which could be within a few months.
"Dave Johnston would have provided (Chiocca's funeral services) had they chosen to stay where they had their contract," said Mathers. "They chose to go to Prophett, and they will be provided back their money like anyone else."
Mathers said Johnston did not contest the lien put on his home by the attorney general's office last month and will make arrangements to repay everyone who paid him in advance for their funerals.
In the past, Johnston has executed "every funeral called for under the contracts," said Mathers.
The number of prepaid funerals Johnston has executed "is greatly in excess" of the 48 contracts that triggered the AG's suit.
Mathers said Johnston has more than enough equity built up in the South Street property to cover the $140,000 he allegedly owes 48 people.
"Once we have a buyer at a decent price, that money will be held in escrow until the consumers are paid," Mathers said.
Johnston is mulling one offer on the property, he said. That buyer is planning to make condominiums of the rambling, multi-family home.
Johnston's funeral home at 76 South St. has been listed for sale in real estate ads as a two-family home with an asking price of $550,000.
"He's doing everything he can to ensure people are given the option of transferring the funds they gave him with interest to the funeral home of their choice," Mathers said.
The Brockton attorney said he plans to send a letter today to the 48 people holding pre-need contracts, inviting them to a Sept. 25 meeting at which he will detail plans for Johnston to pay them back.
In addition to the civil suit by the state attorney general, Johnston is the target of a criminal probe by Bridgewater police and state police detectives assigned to the Plymouth County district attorney's office.
Also, the state Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing, which oversees the industry, is investigating the matter.
Investigators said Johnston could face criminal fraud and larceny charges.
State law requires funeral directors who accept money for future funeral arrangements to place the funds in a trust or insurance policy and maintain appropriate records.
In a message dated 9/10/02 4:38:39 PM, fspano@nfda.org writes:
Contact: Fay Spano For Immediate Release:
800-228-6332 Sept. 10, 2002
NFDA Selects Government Relations Manager
Brookfield, Wis. - The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
has selected William Isokait as the new Government Relations Manager.
Isokait brings 20 years of legal and government relations experience to
this position.
"NFDA is excited to bring a staff member of William's caliber on
board," said NFDA Director of Government Relations John Fitch. "With
William's help we will be able to further pursue favorable legislation
on funeral service issues."
Prior to accepting the position with NFDA, Isokait spent 15 years with
the Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. While there, he
held the positions of Director of Open Shop & Government Services and
Counsel for Labor & Employment Law. Isokait also previously worked as a
staff attorney for Hyatt Legal Services.
As NFDA's Government Relations Manager, Isokait will help promote the
organization's standpoint on funeral-related issues to Congress.
Isokait received his B.A. from the University of Maryland and his J.D.
from the University of Oklahoma. He is licensed in Maryland and is
admitted to the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court of
Maryland, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit, Third Circuit and Sixth Circuit.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the oldest and largest nationwide funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members.
###
Fay Spano
Public Relations Manager
National Funeral Directors Assoc.
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
fspano@nfda.org
In a message dated 9/12/02 12:17:42 PM, Steve in California writes:
Dear John,
In listening to the poignant stories of the familes of the Ground Zero victims, I heard an excellent idea for memorialization when the remains are non-recoverable.
The family purchased a casket and filled it with their own special items that memorialized and gave signifigance to this gentleman. This is what they mourned over, held a service for and buried in a cemetery lot. When they couldn't have his remains, they buried parts of his life. I thank the family of Ralph Pazio for sharing their solution to not having "Something" to grieve over. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted".
held at NFDA headquarters in Brookfield, Wis.
http://www.nfda.org/september11/ceremony.html
Fay Spano
Public Relations Manager
National Funeral Directors Assoc.
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
fspano@nfda.org
In a message dated 9/13/02 11:17:40 AM, Jennifer in Illinois
Dear John,
Thanks very much for your interesting & informative site. As a supplier, I read it to keep abreast of what's going on with my customers. (Plus I read stories in your newsletters weeks before they appear in the trade
journals!) Anyway, I just want to respond to a member's posting of an e-mail rumor that is circulating regarding the importing of beef from South America by McDonald's. Please see the following link for the full story:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blmcds-beef.htm?terms=McDonald%27s+beef
Thanks, and keep up the great work!
Jennifer
MORE
In a message dated 9/16/02 10:44:47 AM, Dan in California writes:
Dear John,
I do not believe everything I hear, but as a youth, I remember hearing that McDonalds imported their beef from Australia. It is fairly accepted that relative to consumption at least, there are fewer cattle raised in the US every year. If we accept the additional premises, that cattle ruin crop fields and we are better off eating grains, then where is the beef? Besides that, would you believe that the best steak I ever experienced was with a group of Texans in Canada! Cordially, Dan SF
In a message dated 9/20/02 7:53:09 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes: Thanks Mike, now we can say we have seen it all, on the internet.
http://www.cofanifunebri.it/sexy-calendario.htm
In a message dated 9/14/02 6:58:57 AM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
Saturday, September 14, 2002
A distraught Florida widower who lost his wife's ashes while on his way to bury them in Beverly will soon be getting them back after an alert MBTA police officer stumbled upon them in the lost and found room at South Rail Road Station in Boston, Massachusetts yesterday.
After some quick gumshoe work, T investigators last night had the small plastic box containing the ashes of 91-year-old Edith Brown on a plane to be reunited with her 86-year-old husband, Warren Brown, in Florida. ``I'm sure he's ecstatic,'' said MBTA police Lt. Gary Fredericks, who discovered the box just before noon yesterday. ``What a relief that must be. It has to be (a great) feeling.''The ashes, inside a plastic container, were discovered in a plastic trash bag. The plastic container was inside a white cardboard box with the crematory's label, along with a T-shirt, Brown's death certificate and a sympathy card.``The question was why were her ashes up here at South Station,'' said Fredericks. ``We knew she died down there and we didn't know why he was at the bus station.''While investigators remain sketchy on the dates, they soon discovered that Brown had taken a bus up from the Florida Keys to visit his sister in New Hampshire and his brother in Beverly.The latter is where Brown intended to bury his wife's ashes after she died in late August, but he suffered some sort of seizure upon arriving at South Station and was taken to Boston Medical Center.After receiving medical attention, Brown was devastated when he realized he had no idea where his wife's remains were.Fay Council, business manager at the Plantation Key Convalescent Home in Travernier, Fla., where Brown passed away, immediately drove to Boston to pick up Warren Brown.``If you want to call anybody a hero, it's (Council),'' said Fredericks. ``(Brown) was so distraught that he lost his wife's ashes that she drove up here to Boston and got him.''T police are unsure how Brown's ashes ended up in the lost property room, but believe a security guard at South Station may have found the bag and placed it in the room without checking its contents.
In a message dated 9/18/02 9:24:46 AM, CHeaton@ogr.org writes:
NewsRelease
OGR SIGNS PIERCE CHEMICALS AS NEW PREFERRED SUPPLIER
International Order of the Golden Rule Contact: Janet J.
Protzel, Director of Communications
13523 Lakefront Drive (800) 637-8030 *
Fax: (314) 209-1289 * jprotzel@ogr.org
Bridgeton (St. Louis), MO 63045
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OGR SIGNS PIERCE CHEMICALS AS NEW PREFERRED SUPPLIER
ST. LOUIS-Sept. 16, 2002-The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR),
one of the world's largest and most prestigious professional associations of
independent funeral homes, has entered into an agreement with Pierce
Chemicals Royal Bond Co., Inc., effective Oct. 1, 2002, making the funeral
supply company an official OGR Preferred Supplier.
OGR members will receive the following benefits from Pierce Chemicals:
* 7% discount on all stocked or warehoused funeral supply
items, including prep room supplies, books, cards, urns, embalming machines,
etc. (95% of Pierce's product line).
* Additional 5% discount on embalming fluids on top of the
already discounted price for the first six months (October through March).
* 50% discount on prepaid freight charges when shipment
includes 10 or more cases of embalming fluid or five or more cases of
embalming fluid and the invoice totals $350 including only accessory items
and when invoice is paid within regular terms.
* Same-day shipping of stocked or warehoused items if ordered by noon CST.
* Large, 16-oz. bottles.
* Free product comparison with product information.
* Plus, a free videotape or CD-ROM that takes you through a
virtual tour of Pierce's facility and production process.
"We are extremely pleased to have Pierce Chemicals joining the OGR family.
By having access to Pierce's quality line of chemicals and funeral products,
and at the best prices and customer service, OGR's U.S. members will have a
distinct advantage over their competitors," said Donald P. Hagemann, OGR
executive director. "I know our members will value this new relationship-and
the quality and savings-OGR has negotiated on their behalf," Hagemann added.
Members wishing to place their initial order with Pierce Chemicals directly
should call (800) 527-6419 and should identify themselves as an OGR member.
Members may also contact their OGR service consultant at (800) 637-8030 for
information.
For more information, contact David Rich, OGR director of products and
services, or Janet J. Protzel, OGR director of communications, at (800)
637-8030.
##
Carrie Heaton
Designer/Communications Assistant
International Order of the Golden Rule
13523 Lakefront Drive
St. Louis, MO 63045
1-800-637-8030 or (314) 209-7142, ext. 119
In a message dated 9/18/02 9:24:05 AM, CHeaton@ogr.org writes:
NewsRelease
International Order of the Golden Rule
Contact: Janet J. Protzel, Director of Communications
13523 Lakefront Drive
(800) 637-8030 * Fax: (314) 209-1289 * jprotzel@ogr.org
Bridgeton (St. Louis), MO 63045
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OGR CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS FOR FIRST "GOLDEN LIGHT" AWARD
Program Acknowledges Contributions to Funeral Profession
ST. LOUIS-Sept. 16 2002- The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is
calling for nominations for its first annual Golden Light Award, a new
program designed to honor an individual within the OGR community who has
distinguished him- or herself through OGR involvement, community service or
volunteer activities within the death care profession. Nominations will be
accepted through Jan. 15, 2003.
The inaugural Golden Light Award will be presented at OGR's 2003 Annual
Conference, "Family Reunion in Reno," April 2-5, at the Reno Hilton Hotel in
Reno, Nev. The event will commemorate OGR's 75th Anniversary Year.
The OGR Golden Light Award will be presented to an individual who has made
specific, meritorious contributions to society through their profession,
community or field of voluntary service.
"This award recognizes high achievement in careers or voluntary fields that
reflect credit upon the individual, the International Order of the Golden
Rule and the profession," explains Anita L. Bauer, OGR director of member
services. "We expect this to be a difficult decision for the selection
committee, who has the task of choosing this very special person from a long
list of other very special OGR colleagues. One thing is certain," adds
Bauer, "the winner will be a most deserving individual."
OGR advises that, when nominating the individual, specific examples should
be cited to highlight particular service. Such examples include: length of
time in OGR; service to OGR as a member, regional chair or board member;
examples of community service; contributions to the death care profession or
in dealing with death care issues; development of programs, either within
OGR or in the profession and community, which serve as outstanding examples
of "Service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule." Other examples of
outstanding work within the profession are highly valued.
A selection committee composed of one OGR board member, two regional chairs
and two members-at-large will be appointed to judge the award prior to the
Annual Conference. For questions or to request a nomination form, contact
Anita L. Bauer at (800) 637-8030, or email abauer@ogr.ogr.
OGR is one of the world's largest professional associations of independent
funeral homes whose members are dedicated to offering reliability, fair
pricing, and dignified, caring service to families. "Service measured not by
gold, but by the Golden Rule" has been the credo of the association since
its founding in 1928.
Carrie Heaton
Designer/Communications Assistant
International Order of the Golden Rule
13523 Lakefront Drive
St. Louis, MO 63045
1-800-637-8030 or (314) 209-7142, ext. 119
In a message dated 9/10/02 4:37:22 PM, fspano@nfda.org writes:
Contact: Fay Spano For Immediate Release:
800-228-6332 Sept. 10, 2002
Yvonne Bennett Selected as NFDA Chief Operating Officer
Brookfield, Wis. - The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
has selected Yvonne Bennett, Certified Association Executive (CAE), of
Hales Corners, Wisconsin, for the position of Chief Operating Officer of
the 13,500-member association. Bennett comes to NFDA from the Milwaukee
Kickers Soccer Club where, as executive director, she was responsible
for providing services to 14 regional affiliate clubs throughout the
Greater Milwaukee area.
"Yvonne brings extensive experience to this important position,"
said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper. "Her knowledge and
innovation will make her an invaluable resource to our staff and
membership."
As Chief Operating Officer, Bennett's primary responsibilities are to
oversee NFDA's financial affairs and provide day-to-day leadership and
direction for all staff.
In addition to her work at the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club, Bennett
also has held the vice president position at Bowling, Inc. Shared
Services. While there, she was responsible for restructuring and
transforming the operation of three national level associations into a
single team-based, process-centered service agency. Bennett also worked
as a field service manager for the Young American Bowling Alliance and a
field consultant for Southland Corporation.
-"I am honored to have been selected for this position at such an
exciting time in the funeral service profession," said Bennett. "I
look forward to working with the NFDA staff, and the caring
professionals that make up the Executive Board and membership at this
organization. Together I am sure we can advance NFDA's mission of
enhancing the quality of service to families."
Bennett is an active member of the American Society of Association
Executives. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from
George Mason University, Fairfax, Va., and a Master of Business
Administration degree from Strayer University,
Washington, D.C.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the oldest and largest nationwide funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members.
###
Fay Spano
Public Relations Manager
National Funeral Directors Assoc.
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
fspano@nfda.org
In a message dated 9/9/02 12:46:08 PM, kshay@nfda.org writes:
For Immediate Release
Contact: Fay Spano 800-228-6332
NFDA SUBMITS TESTIMONY TO CONGRESS ON SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY
INCOME/MEDICAID ISSUE
New Law Aimed at Protecting Consumers from Reduced Benefits
Washington D.C. &endash; To protect consumers, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) submitted testimony to the House Ways and
Means Committee in August urging Congress to make a current regulation into law. The current regulation excludes any money placed in an irrevocable funeral trust from affecting a person's qualification for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments and Medicaid benefits.
"A funeral is just as fundamentally important as a wedding, and NFDA believes individuals should have the right to preplan and prefund funeral expenses without jeopardizing Medicaid and SSI eligibility," said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper.
By making the regulation a law, consumers would be protected frReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA byom administrative repeal of the regulation by either the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Such a repeal could negatively impact a person's SSI payments or Medicaid benefits.
In his statement to the Committee, NFDA Director of Government Relations John H. Fitch, Jr. stated, "Congress recognizes that preplanning and prefunding a funeral is beneficial for consumers. The current provision provides an incentive to do so by excluding funeral/burial-related assets in qualifying individuals for either Medicaid or SSI."
Fitch went on to say, "By making this law, Congress has an opportunity to protect the public from an unexpected loss of benefits in the future."
NFDA's SSI legislative proposal is expected to be introduced in the House when Congress returns after Labor Day from its August recess.
In a message dated 9/6/02 10:38:12 PM, BJ in Nort Carolina writes:
In a message dated 9/7/02 12:50:57 PM, Mike in Massachusettswrites:
Four people died in a three-car accident on U.S. 17 Thursday afternoon that involved two vehicles from a funeral home, according to Lance Cpl. Paul Brouthers, spokesman for the S.C. Highway Patrol.Andre Portal, 49, of Canadys, died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, said Willard Long, Colleton County chief deputy coroner. Portal had been riding in the front passenger seat of a limousine from Mungo Funeral Home.Long said he could not release the names of three other people killed in the accident Thursday night because the next of kin had not yet been notified. Included among the unidentified were a teenager who had also been killed in the limousine as well as two people in another vehicle.Long said the four killed in the collision were pronounced dead at the scene.The collision occurred about 1:40 p.m., Brouthers said, about 1.5 miles south of Greenpond. Brouthers said a 2003 Mercury Marquis was traveling south on U.S. 17 and lost control for unknown reasons.The car crossed the center line and sideswiped the first limousine, which was traveling north, Brouthers said. The Marquis struck the second limousine head-on, Brouthers said.The limousines were coming back from a funeral in Beaufort, Brouthers said. Both the driver and the passenger in the Mercury, who were from Hilton Head Island, were killed, Brouthers said.The speeds at which the vehicles were traveling had not been determined Thursday night, Brouthers said.He said both people in the Mercury were wearing their seat belts. The people riding in the limousine were not wearing their belts and are not required to by law.Brouthers said five other people injured in the accident were flown out to area hospitals but he did not have information on where they were taken.Traffic on U.S. 17 had to be rerouted for about five hours while the scene was cleared up, Brouthers said.In 1998, Beaufort County Council considered banning funeral processions because of the traffic problems they sometimes cause. The measure was defeated, however, and council members cited the long-standing tradition of the processions in the South.The request for the ban came from Beaufort County Coroner Curt Copeland who said he'd seen too many accidents and near misses while leading funeral processions to ignore the issue
In a message dated 9/7/02 11:30:49 AM, Beacham McDougald in North Carolina writes: From Dale Groce, Groce Funeral Home
By H. Dale Groce
POSTED: Sept. 3, 2002 5:20 p.m.
Recently the AC-T editorial staff wrote a very eloquent editorial, "Remains of Sept. 11 terrorists should be sent to home countries," (AC-T, Aug. 20), on why the remains of the Sept. 11 terrorists should be returned to their home countries. They presented valid arguments to support their thesis and certainly by following your advice our citizens could feel good about "taking the high road."
Usually most would agree with returning human remains to ones country and family, yet this is not an ordinary situation and there are three arguments in favor of not returning those remains.
First, one can assume that the remains are bone fragments and tissue that are presumed to be the hijackers. Presumptive in that they do not match any of the DNA samples that were provided by victims' families. Neither the home countries nor the families of the hijackers have provided DNA samples to our state department so that our teams could make positive identifications. The presumption that we may have the remains of hijackers would be enough evidence to maintain those remains separate from the remains of the victims, but it is not enough evidence to ensure that there might be a possibility that some victims' remains would be sent to the Middle East.
Second, our government should look at these remains for what they are, that is, they are "unclaimed bodies." One must assume that neither the home countries nor the hijackers' families have requested that the remains be returned. The presumptive terrorist remains can be buried with dignity in the United States just as any unclaimed body would. In this case we would be doing the right, honorable and decent thing and in addition would be avoiding the risk that by returning remains to the home country the containers holding the remains might possibly be displayed in parades and demonstrations as symbols of "martyrs."
Third, it has been my experience that whenever a U.S. citizen dies abroad, and conversely, whenever a foreign national dies while visiting the United States, it is incumbent upon the family of the deceased to assume financial responsibility for repatriation of the body.
With the exception of government employees and military personnel, the U.S. government does not pay any of the expenses of returning the deceased to his/her home country. Why in this situation should we make any exception to government policy?
If the families of the terrorists want their hijackers back, then let them provide DNA samples, and let them pay all expenses associated with the return.
Otherwise, bury the unidentifiable remains quietly in a secluded cemetery with no publicity. This would keep the terrorists separate as well as maintain our standards of decency without compromising policy. An Asheville native, H. Dale Groce has a BA in English from UNC-CH and also attended the Institute of Mortuary Science in Dallas, Texas. He is co-owner of Groce Funeral Home and still lives in Asheville.
Over the past many years, MORTUARY MANAGEMENT and FUNERAL MONITOR have offered seminars to our national audience. Our intention is to address issues that may be enhancing to the growth, success and profitability of a death care and funeral service business. We are sensitive to costs and time away from business and family, and have been able to achieve benefits by inviting unique and successful people to share their knowledge and experiences.
December 6-8, 2002
Tiburon, California (located just north of San Francisco)
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
For Further Information Call Toll Free: (800) 700-6725 Fax (415) 435-7415
Seminar Mailing Address 4 Saint Lucia Place, Tiburon, CA 94920-1028
SHOW OFF YOUR SINGING VOICE. NFDA is seeking singers to participate in the NFDA choir for the Service of Remembrance Prayer Breakfast on Sunday, October 20, 2002. For more information, call DeAnn Scrabeck, NFDA's meetings manager, at 800-28-6332 or e-mail her at dscrabeck@nfda.org. teleconference will provide an update on:
* OSHA's new sharps policy
* New required forms for recording work-related injuries and illnesses (log and incident reports)
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.
Remembering September 11th
FUNERAL DIRECTORS SUPPORT THEIR COMMUNITIES ON THE ANNIVERSARY. Funeral directors across the country are helping their communitReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA byies in remembering the lives lost during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. For tips on how you can show your support on the one-year anniversary, visit NFDA's Website at
http://www.nfda.org/september11/tips/remembers.html
to download the document "Our Community Remembers." NFDA and the Milwaukee/Waukesha County Funeral Directors Association also are hosting a community tribute on September 11, 2002, at NFDA's headquarters.
Public Relations
FUNERAL DIRECTORS TELL THEIR STORY AT NATIONAL AARP CONVENTION. NFDA
will be on hand to answer questions regarding funeral service during the national AARP convention in San Diego, California, September 12-14, 2002. During the event funeral director Michael Kubasak, NFDA Treasurer Mark Musgrove and Katie Shay, NFDA's public relations coordinator, will talk to consumers about issues such as preplanning, grief and bereavement and funeral service personalization.
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 issue of The NFDA Bulletin, contact Renee Gryzkewicz, NFDA's communication manager, by e-mailing rgryzkewicz@nfda.org or calling 262-814-1547.
Renee:MSWord/2002-Bulletin/090602.doc
Fay Spano
Public Relations Manager
National Funeral Directors Assoc.
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
fspano@nfda.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Daniel Hopkins
EMAIL: UndergroundHumor@aol.com
Phone: 203.247.5047
UndergroundHumor.com Introduces Several New Items to Web Site, Including Casket Cufflinks!
WESTPORT, CT &endash; UndergroundHumor.com, the subterranean Web site where funeral service professionals and others can "shop till they drop" for merchandise that defiantly mocks The Grim Reaper, has recently introduced several new products for your amusement and enjoyment.
NEW IN OUR "& MORE" STORE
* Casket Cufflinks
Each pair of these unique, limited edition cufflinks is numbered and guaranteed for life by the designer. The caskets have a bright chrome finish, and the edges & handles are accented in gold. Only $39.95 per pair!
* Coffin Soaps
The fragrance of "Freshly Mowed Cemetery", these 3 ounce grass-scented soaps arrive in black, light plastic, coffin-shaped containers. The soaps are available in black and green. Only $3.95 each!
* "Relax in Peace" (R.I.P) Bath Salts
Scented with the fragrance of "Relax in Peace", these stress relieving bath salts arrive in orange, purple or black plastic coffin-shaped containers. Only $8.95 each!
* "My Other Car is a Hearse" License Plate Frame
Perfect for a funeral director or anyone else who drives a hearse. Only $8.95 each!
MORE
Signed Copies of "Final Arrangements" Now Available on UndergroundHumor.com!
WESTPORT, CT &endash; UndergroundHumor.com, the new subterranean Web site where funeral service professionals and others can "shop till they drop" for merchandise that defiantly mocks The Grim Reaper, has begun selling signed copies of Miles Keaton Andrew's critically acclaimed debut novel "Final Arrangements." Mr. Andrew has worked in the funeral service industry for over a decade.
BOOK PLOT
Ever since his parents' funeral, Casey Kight felt a comfort and ease among morticians that he knew no where else in the world. He decided right then, at the age of nine, what he wanted to be when he grew up...an undertaker. The day he turned twenty-one, Casey joined the ranks of Morton-Albright, a family owned and operated mortuary, in the small Florida town of Angel Shoals.
Immediately, he felt right at home. He seems to have a gift for embalming. The Morton and Albright families welcome him like the family he never had. The quirky and mischievous Natalie Albright is the girl he's always dreamed of. And within the walls of Morton-Albright, Casey feels a reassuring presence that calms him, like nothing ever has before.
But his happiness will be short-lived if the mortuary falls victim to a rapacious funeral-home giant. With family secrets being uncovered, contested wills, and rumors of illegal funeral practices circling, the lives entwined in this funeral home become filled with intrigue, deception, and, of course, death.
Bringing abundant experience and a fresh wit to the page, Miles Keaton Andrew offers a clever, spirited, darkly humorous first novel, rich with dialogue and full of nuanced characters.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"Fast, funny, and remarkably good-natured: You'll die laughing." &endash; Kirkus Reviews
"Andrew's debut is a very funny tale of young love and mystery set amid draining tables and suction tubes. The popularity of the HBO series Six Feet Under may have whetted readers' appetites for funeral home shenanigans; if so, this is the perfect novel to satisfy them." &endash; Publishers Weekly
"Armed with an irreverent sense of humor and his own experience in the funeral business, Miles Keaton Andrew has constructed a uniquely loony comedy of errors, featuring a memorable cast of characters who don't resemble anyone's stereotype of an undertaker." &endash; The Barnes & Noble Review from Discover Great New Writers
"Andrew has accomplished a difficult task: bringing together rather distasteful scenes, humorous and delightful dialogue and wonderfully three-dimensional characters into a page-turning book. It has been some time since a book made me laugh aloud as much as this one did." &endash; Justin Matott, Rocky Mountain News
Signed copies of "Final Arrangements" are available for the retail price of $23.95. Unsigned copies are also available for only $19.16Éyou save 20%!
UndergroundHumor.com accepts checks, money orders and credit card charges through PayPal, the acclaimed online e-payment system. A money-back guarantee applies to all purchases. For further information, visit www.UndergroundHumor.com.
NEW IN OUR "BOOKSTORE"
* "After the Funeral: The Posthumous Adventures of Famous Corpses" (Hardcover) by Edwin Murphy
Only $7.98!
John M. McGuire of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch remarked "Ghoulish in parts, as you might expect, it's fascinating nevertheless. A good-read reminder of what can happen on the road from ashes to ashes and dust to dust."
* "Amphigorey" (Paperback) by Edward Gorey
Only $13.56...YOU SAVE 20%!
The New York Times Book Review wrote, "Amphigorey is one of the five most noteworthy art books of the year."
* "A Series of Unfortunate Events" books (Children's Hardcover) by Lemony Snicket (Ages 9-12)
Only $8.95...YOU SAVE 10%!
The eight books in the series (with 5 more due) follow the adventures of the three plucky Baudelaire orphans who overcome adversity to fend off the evil Count Olaf. The books, favorites among kids ages 8 to 14, are described as "pop Gothic" and "gleefully morbid."
New merchandise is being added to the Web site all the time.
UndergroundHumor.com accepts checks, money orders and credit card charges through PayPal, the acclaimed online e-payment system. A money-back guarantee applies to all purchases. For further information, visit www.UndergroundHumor.com.
In a message dated 8/7/02 10:16:35 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) Founders of Mount Auburn Cemetery were correct when they predicted the rolling hills and valleys they eyed for burial grounds would some day be a place to remember history. Grave sites of the famous, including poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Christian Science founder Mary Baker Eddy, however, is one reason why 200,000 people visit this Cambridge cemetery every year. Mount Auburn is 175 acres of impeccably manicured landscape, home to hundreds of species of migrating birds, a six-story tower with views of Boston's skyline, 600 varieties of trees, four reflection ponds, and 12 miles of paved roads and walking trails. Contemplate life or death. Read a book or write a book. Go for a walk. These are among the activities along with visiting graves of famous people, of course Mount Auburn offers. And it has protected two concepts from Boston's endangered list: It's free and there's plenty of parking. ''Part of the reason why Mount Auburn is a tourist destination is because it's the first cemetery like this in the United States the idea that a cemetery could be a place of beauty,'' said Janet L. Heywood, vice president of interpretive programs. Mount Auburn, founded in 1831 when most cemeteries were in city neighborhoods, is the nation's first garden cemetery. The newly formed Massachusetts Horticultural Society loosely modeled it on P Gere Lachaise in Paris, although no French rock stars have chosen Mount Auburn as a resting place, a la Doors frontman Jim Morrison at P Gere Lachaise. ''They wanted to find a place of natural beauty that could be landscaped to be a place of inspiration,'' Heywood said. ''They wanted it to be outside the center of town.'' They found that at Mount Auburn, which was so pretty, Heywood said, that Ralph Waldo Emerson referred to it as ''sweet Auburn.'' Soon, newspapers were writing about the new cemetery outside Boston and visitors flocked. ''We think that the same principles that were bringing the visitors here in the 1830s are working today. People are coming for that same combination of beauty of horticulture and nature, shaped landscape that's embellished with works of art,'' Heywood said. The founders said it would become a place ''to celebrate those who society chose to remember,'' Heywood said. They also directed that a portion of plot sales, even today, go into an endowment that pays for maintenance. As of last year, that endowment had a market value of $116 million, according to the nonprofit cemetery's annual report. Cambridge residents Rowland and Hedy Sturges are regular visitors. ''This is our garden,'' Hedy Sturges said as the couple strolled by the Mary Baker Eddy memorial and tomb. ''It's beautiful at all times of the year. We come every day.'' Visitors don't need a map to find Eddy's memorial and tomb. The 40-foot structure facing a pond is chiseled with the words: ''Discoverer and founder of Christian Science; Author of Science and Health With Key to the Scripture.'' Otherwise, maps are vital, and free. Without them, you could walk unknowingly by the graves of influential artists, politicians and medical professionals, including painter Winslow Homer, author and physician Oliver Wendell Holmes, psychologist B.F. Skinner, Statehouse and U.S. Capitol architect Charles Bulfinch, former U.S. Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge, and art collector and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner. The only dogs allowed in the cemetery are sculpted ones, so don't bring the pooch to visit the grave of George T. Angell, founder of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and namesake of Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. Washington Tower at the summit of Mount Auburn is a popular spot. ''It's amazingly beautiful,'' said Adriana Pinto, who brought her parents who are visiting from Brazil. ''This is my first time. Many times I've driven by and saw how beautiful it is.'' Heywood, 11 years on the job and even longer as a visitor, said she'll never tire of Mount Auburn. ''I've walked here for over 20 years and I can still go out and get lost,'' she said. ''When you walk outside, every day is different the shadows, the weather, the sun. It never looks exactly the same way because it's ever changing.''
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
FTC Files Brief in Federal Court Opposing Barriers Against Casket Retailers
FCC Considers Updating Its 'Do Not Call' Telemarketing Restrictions
ICFA Responds to NY Times Editorial on Industry Misconduct
ICFA NEWS
'America's Referral Coach' to Speak at Naked Sales V
September Preneed Product of the Month: Classic Sales Management Videos
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
FTC FILES BRIEF IN FEDERAL COURT OPPOSING BARRIERS AGAINST CASKET RETAILERS
The Federal Trade Commission has filed an "amicus curiae" or "friend of the
court" brief in a federal district court in Oklahoma to oppose a state law
that restricts the retail sale of caskets exclusively to licensed funeral
directors. The lawsuit seeks to strike down the state law as unconstitutional
and was filed by an Internet-based casket retailer. The defendant state
funeral board argued that only sellers who come under the FTC Funeral Rule
should be permitted to sell caskets. However, the FTC brief disagreed with
the board's position by stating that the Funeral Rule was meant "to open up
casket sales to competition other than funeral directors, and not restrict
competition only to funeral directors."
The FTC's filing of its brief in the Oklahoma litigation is timely since the
Commission is scheduled to convene a public workshop concerning Internet
online selling in Washington, D.C., October 8-10. One of the panels will
focus on casket retailers and the ICFA has been invited to participate. More
information on the workshop and on the FTC amicus brief can be found at
http://www.ftc.gov.
---------------------------------------------------
FCC CONSIDERS UPDATING ITS 'DO NOT CALL' TELEMARKETING RESTRICTIONS
The Federal Communications Commission is soliciting public comments regarding
whether it should update its "Do Not Call" requirements to establish a
national "Do Not Call" list. The FCC currently requires companies to maintain
their own in-house lists.
Since 1992, the FCC has enforced the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and
originally disfavored the use of a national "Do Not Call" list. However,
citing "significant changes" in telemarketing practices during the last 10
years, the FCC appears to be following the lead of the Federal Trade
Commission in its Telemarketing Sales Rule review by considering a national
list that telemarketers would be required to use prior to making calls to
consumers' homes. More information on this issue can be found at
http://www.fcc.gov.
---------------------------------------------------
ICFA RESPONDS TO NY TIMES EDITORIAL ON INDUSTRY MISCONDUCT
The ICFA has responded to a New York Times editorial published on September 3
that compares the recent corporate accounting scandals involving World Com
and other companies to misconduct in the funeral industry. The editorial,
written by Adam Cohen, quoted Jessica Mitford's 1963 book, "The American Way
of Death," claiming that her findings "hold some important lessons for
today's reformers." In an apparent reference to Sen. Christopher Dodd's April
26 hearing, the editorial concludes by stating that funeral industry
legislation would be introduced into Congress soon.
The ICFA response pointed out that "the fact that Mr. Cohen had to reach back
to an anecdote in a 40-year old book . . . suggests its unreasonableness."
The ICFA stated that the General Accounting Office has launched an inquiry
into funeral industry regulation, an investigation publicly supported by the
Association. "Mr. Cohen's editorial demonstrated the emotional pitch that
funeral-related misconduct can generate, making careful deliberation by
legislators all the more crucial. We recommend that Congress should consider
the findings and recommendations of the GAO before drafting any proposed
legislation." The ICFA letter can be viewed at
http://www.icfa.org/nyt_letter2.htm .
-------------------
ICFA NEWS
-------------------
'AMERICA'S REFERRAL COACH' TO SPEAK AT NAKED SALES V
Naked Sales V, the ICFA's International Sales Management & Marketing
Conference, to be held January 16-17 in New Orleans, Lousiana, will feature a
keynote address by Bill Cates, president of Referral Coach International and
author of "Unlimited Referrals." Cates has served as a training consultant
with Arbor Memorial Services in Toronto, Canada, and is familiar with the
cemetery and funeral industry. He will share his proven systems for obtaining
and using referrals.
In addition to Cates, the program will include more than 20 speakers from
within the industry on topics such as prospecting, appointment setting,
presentations, closing systems, recruiting sellers and more. The complete
Naked Sales V program will be available in October. For more information,
call the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER PRENEED PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: CLASSIC SALES MANAGEMENT VIDEOS
For the month of September, the ICFA is offering a significant discount on
its Sales Management videotapes when you buy a set of three. Recorded in the
1990s at the ICFA's Sales Management and Marketing Conferences, these tapes
offer timeless preneed sales advice and "how to" information from some of the
most notable speakers in the industry. Tapes include:
o Field Training
o Motivating the Trained Counselor
o Sales Meetings
o Defining Your Market and Projecting Sales
o Holding a Successful Sales Meeting
o Getting Counselors to Get Results
o Setting Up a Family Service Program
o Making Sales Meetings Exciting
o Commonly Asked Questions by Sales Managers
Tapes are regularly $50 each; September sale price: Any three for $60! For
additional information, visit http://www.icfa.org/september.htm or call the
ICFA at 1-800-645-7700.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 9/20/02 18:34:39, Will in Georgia writes
Thanks for all the great news, by the time we read it in the state bulletin it's old news, thanks for giving us a heads up! Long before the ball hits the ground.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Got any Hot News for us. Issues that involve funeral service, in your community, it in, Everything you see here was send in by someone just like you. If there is a newspaper article in your area, send the link and we can all learn from it, even if it is your opinion we all learn from one another. Any HOT NEWS OR SCUTTLEBUTT WILL BE POSTED IN THE READER'S WRITE BACK SECTION.
Send your story or issue to FSPA just click here --->Lowellma@aol.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 9/10/02 2:40:55 PM, jacaulcrick@yahoo.com writes:
Dear Lowell:
I really want to become a professional mortician, but do not have the funds to pursue college education in the USA. Sincerely, if you can find me any sponsor or scholarship to pursue my funeral service education in America, I will work for the person or organization to refund their money.
Hope that you will be able to help me in this light.
Sincerely yours,
Abangolee John Caulcrick e-mail ------> jacaulcrick@yahoo.com
Monrovia, Liberia, West Afirca.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You are welcome, to write us with your comments, suggestions, complaints and especially stories about funeral service. Please remember only FSPA members will have information posted in the weekly update, it's easy click here ---> Mailto:Lowellma@aol.com Your participation is appreciated and essential.
You are welcome, to post your professional article here, you need to author your article and agree it will be posted with your full name. Please remember only FSPA members will have information posted in the weekly update, it's easy click here ---> Mailto:Lowellma@aol.com Your participation is appreciated and essential.
FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION does not share membership info with anyone, no one will be given your information with out your permission or a court order.
To Join the Funeral Service Professional Association you must derive some of your income from the funeral industry, students and retirees from the funeral profession are welcome as well, please e-mail the following information.
If you skip answering one of the seven questions, you are wasting your time, the standards are the same for everyone, FSPA is open to everyone in funeral service, we are all equals here no exceptions, FSPA will not tell anyone who you are unless you request your identity be disclosed, FSPA is only open to any type of Funeral Service Professional, or Funeral Service Affiliate such as: Funeral Association employees, Mortuary School Students, Funeral Service product providers and Funeral Service Media.
Accountants will tell you FSPA is a write off ! Please check with your accountant. If s/he approves Go get yourself a nice laptop and possibly write off your hardware as well as AOL or other Internet service charge as an expense, the more your participate in FSPA the more proof you have.
If you have a suggested question this please just send it along, none of FSPA 's mail will be possible with out your sending information into us,
To make life easier on me
First and foremost, Send your info or story in to FSPA.
2nd Please put on the top line your name and location, like "John from Massachusetts writes :"
3rd please address the subject line put:
This is just a hobby, if you send and don't address the subject line with FSPA, it usually delete it because it looks like junk mail, FSPA get over 50 pieces of mail a day, most gets deleted, THE SUBJECT LINE is the key so please, use the subject line properly. Put FSPA in the Subject line along with the flavor of your message.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE the posting(s) you send are some times resent to others be careful, if you are proud of what you said and want the world to know how you feel Put your name, location and e-mail address at the end.
However If you don't want the world to know your ideas and you want to remain anonymous, just put name withheld at the end. FSPA does not reveal who its members are nor does FSPA lend it's list of members to others. There is no need to identify yourself. If you are not proud of your response (like the air line lost a body on us) it is not recommended you identify yourself, since we can all learn from problems. We need your input! Your answers go all over the place, E-mail is so easy to forward. We are happy to learn from your problems and issues, there is no need to identify yourself if you don't want to, South Western United States if just fine.
If the article you want is from a commercial publisher YOU MUST get permission from the person or company who created the story.
Because e-mail can be altered electronically, the integrity of this communication cannot be guaranteed. Any of the items you read here, you are free to reuse, understand, the postings are just that, the items are for the most part cut and pasted from E-mail, others FAXed and of course from funeral publications and other media. What you see here is never checked, if you do decide to republish or quote any thing FSPA puts out, check it out, please do not name the individual who sent the article without their permission. If you see fit to use any information from FSPA please give us credit. Ages ago a state association news letter posted a quote using the senders name, she was not a happy camper nor was her company, please use caution in the future. We appreciate your understanding and we need your support.
Consider these steps for your life.
1. Work like you don't need the money.
2. Love like you've never been hurt.
3. Dance like you do when nobody's watching.
C YA
John
BOTTOM LINE: WE ALL WORK FOR THE BETTERMENT OF FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSION AND THE DEATH CARE INDUSTRY THE CONSUMERS WE SERVE AND THE PROFESSIONALS WE WORK WITH. IF YOU SEE ANYTHING WRONG, IF SOMETHING HERE REALLY OFFENDS YOU, LET'S WORK TOGETHER. PLEASE NOTIFY FSPA IMMEDIATELY, YOU CAN E-MAIL TO lowellma@aol.com Or call FSPA in the United States Voice 978-458-6816 Fax 978-459-0115 or the old fashioned way through the mail at FSPA c/o 14 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852-3399 USA
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