FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Brown
212/207-7344
David.Brown@HARPERCOLLINS.COM
Haunted Graveyards,
Embalming Secrets,
And the Life of a Corpse After Death
CEMETERY STORIES
KATHERINE RAMSLAND
"There is a coffinload of fresh, entertaining, arcane, and scary
gems in here that I will take to my grave."
-New York Times bestselling author Michael Palmer
"If you didn't know that Juan Perón kept Evita's plastic-coated body in his dining room, then you must read Cemetery Stories. Katherine Ramsland takes us on a spectacular romp through the world of the macabre. Wonderful fun."
-#1 New York Times bestselling author Whitley Strieber
Oh, don't you laugh when the hearse goes by, Or you will be the next to die, They wrap you up in bloody sheets, And then they bury you six feet deepÉ
-from Cemetery Stories, a child's song about death
Understandably, most of us are afraid of death and all that it entails. It's a subject that is shrouded in mystery and we worry about what will happen to our bodies after we die. Katherine Ramsland, the renowned biographer of both Anne Rice and Dean Koontz and the acclaimed author of the Vampire and Witches' Companion Guides, is no exception. And after the death of a close friend, she decided she wanted to learn more about death and burial and hopefully demystify a subject that most people know nothing about. She intended to go undercover and find out what was really going on behind the closed doors of the "death-care" profession.
CEMETERY STORIES (HarperEntertainment; October 1, 2001; $13.00) is the result of Katherine Ramsland's intense research and is a frank, no-holds-barred look at the people who work in, are associated with, love, care for, or have anything to do with funerals and cemeteries. Some of the tales Katherine has collected are humorous, some are poignant, and some are truly disturbing. But all of them are illuminating and utterly fascinating.
Readers will learn about the history of morgues, funerals, and burials, the different professions within the death-care business, and the reasons why people decide to become involved in such a macabre career. They'll also find out what really happens during an autopsy, an embalming, and the training needed to become a funeral director. Katherine Ramsland goes far beyond the fundamentals of death and includes a myriad of the strange and intriguing stories she heard while conducting her research. Some of the highlights include:
· The strange embalming techniques performed on Russian leader Vladimir Lenin and Argentina's first lady Evita Perón.
· The importance of tombstone epitaphs as a form of self-expression.
· A detailed account of what happens to a body physiologically after death.
· What the difference is between a coffin and a casket.
· Details on the real life "Body Farm" located in Knoxville, Tennessee.
· Stories about the notorious tenants of the famous Père-Luchaise cemetery in France: Oscar Wilde, Frédéric Chopin, Marcel Proust, and Jim Morrison of The Doors, are all buried there.
· Details on the interesting cemetery rituals that revolve around the graves of Edgar Allen Poe and Rudolph Valentino.
· Sobering accounts of the existence of necrophilia and profiles on famous necrophiliacs, including Ed Gein and John Wayne Gacy.
Readers will be amused, disturbed, and delighted by Katherine Ramsland's stories and will be amazed at the range of human behavior that surrounds the subject of death. With CEMETERY STORIES she has written a book that not only entertains but also examines the emotional issues of death and dying with sincerity and compassion.
Katherine Ramsland is the author of sixteen books, including the biographies of Anne Rice and Dean Koontz. She has a MA in forensic psychology, a MA in clinical psychology, and a Ph.D. in philosophy. She currently lives in Pennsylvania and teaches forensic psychology at Desales University. To learn more about Katherine Ramsland and her books, please visit the official Katherine Ramsland web site at: www.katherineramsland.com.
"Cemetery Stories is a grisly treasure trove of death facts and death lore.
Rather than pretending to be fearless, Ramsland admits her fears and attempts
to transcend them. A fascinating read."
-Poppy Z. Brite, author of LOST SOULS
CEMETERY STORIES:
Haunted Graveyards, Embalming Secrets, and the Life of a Corpse After Death
By Katherine Ramsland
A HarperEntertainment Trade Paperback
Social Science/Death & Dying
October 1, 2001
$13.00/256 pages
0-06-018518-X
In a message dated 11/2/01 3:21:13 PM, lacorn@icfa.org writes:
Below is the most recent edition of ICFA WIRELESS. If you no longer wish
to receive this biweekly copy of the newsletter, please let me know.
Linda Budzinski
Communications Director
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
Reston, Virginia
1-800-645-7700, ext. 220
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ICFA WIRELESS &endash; October 30, 2001 Edition Vol. 2 No. 25
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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
OSHA Delays Parts of New Record-Keeping Rule
New Ergonomics Proposal Delayed
In NYC, Funeral Directors Receive Grief Counseling for Themselves
ICFA NEWS
November Product of the Month: ICFA Smart Presentation
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
OSHA DELAYS PARTS OF NEW RECORD-KEEPING RULE
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) published its revised record-keeping
rule for workplace injuries and illnesses, effective January 1, 2002.
However, on October 12, OSHA announced that three key provisions of the
new rule were being postponed until January 1, 2003. The three areas
subject to the delay are: 1) the definition of musculoskeletal disorder
(MSD), which currently is the focus of proposed Ergonomics regulations;
2) the requirement to check an MSD column on the OSHA log; and 3) the
criteria for recording work-related hearing loss.
OSHA is in the process of issuing a new Form 300, "Log of Work-Related
Injuries and Illnesses," and the Form 300 "Summary Log." Employers with
10 or fewer employees are exempt from most of the new rule's
requirements. A number of industries are also exempt from the rule
because of their history of low injury/illness rates. Details on the new
rule and exemptions can be found on the OSHA Web site at
http://www.osha.gov.
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NEW ERGONOMICS PROPOSAL DELAYED
In a related development, The U.S. Department of Labor announced that
due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, OSHA has decided to delay
the planned announcement of a new Ergonomics program proposal. An
earlier plan was hastily published in the final weeks of the Clinton
Administration. However, due to concerns with the complexity and cost to
American businesses, Congress voted to repeal the Clinton plan in an
historic first-of-its-kind action. The bill was quickly signed into law
by President Bush in March.
This summer, the Labor Department held several days of hearings in three
cities to receive testimony on developing new, simplified ergonomics
regulations. The ICFA submitted testimony calling attention to the low
injury/illness rates in cemeteries and funeral homes and urging an
exemption from any ergonomics requirements for businesses with little or
no history of musculoskeletal injuries. OSHA had planned to publish a
report in September but, according to a press release, the announcement
of the new proposed Ergonomics program is delayed until later this year.
More information can be found at http://www.osha.gov.
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IN NYC, FUNERAL DIRECTORS RECEIVE GRIEF COUNSELING FOR THEMSELVES
According to an October 26 article in The Washington Times, New York
City area funeral directors are receiving their own grief counseling in
the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade
Center. The article quotes Anthony Martino, vice president of the New
York Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association: "We're funeral
directors, but we're people, and we don't have ice water in our veins."
The association is planning a grief seminar for about half of its 200
members. Grief counselor Darcie Sims, who is preparing the seminar said,
"You might think they'd be prepared, but in the end they're like the
rest of us, never prepared."
Links to this article and others related to the industry can be found on
the ICFA News Page at http://www.icfa.org/newspage.htm.
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-------------------
ICFA NEWS
-------------------
NOVEMBER PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: ICFA SMART PRESENTATION
During the month of November, ICFA is reducing prices on its Smart
Presentation. The full-color ICFA Smart Presentation uses a compact,
modern format to explain the value of prearrangement and to encourage a
two-way dialog between counselors and the families they serve. It's easy
to train and easy to learn.
The Smart Presentation Complete Package includes the Smart Presentation
folders and script plus three "Smartsheet" inserts: the "Cost
Comparison" cemetery/mausoleum/cremation worksheet, the "Funeral
Arrangements" worksheet and the "Friends Helping Friends" referral
sheet. Regular Price: $280 per set of 250; November Price: $130 per set!
The Smart Presentation Basic Package, which does not include the
inserts, is available in English and in Spanish. Regular Price: $250 per
set of 250; November price: $125 per set!
The Smartsheet inserts also can be purchased separately. Regular price:
$10 per set of 250 or $30 for all three sets; November price: $6 per set
of 250 or $18 for all three sets!
Prices are in effect November 1-31, 2001. For more information, visit
http://www.icfa.org/Nov.htm. To order, call 1-800-645-7700, ext. 216.
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AND MORE É
The ICFA has announced the formation of a Music License Coalition to
provide music licenses for $185 annually per location. No trade
association membership is required to join the Coalition and obtain the
discount. Industry members interested in learning more can call the
Music License Coalition at 1-800-645-7700 or visit
http://www.icfa.org/music/.
Naked Sales IV: International Cemetery and Funeral Sales Management and
Marketing Conference, January 17-18, 2002, at Caesars Palace in Las
Vegas, Nevada, will cover topics such as affinity marketing,
demographics research, family service, hiring dos and don'ts, setting
sales team expectations, measuring performance and "motivation on a
shoestring." Attendees will receive a valuable binder filled with useful
handouts and ancillary information to take back to their locations. For
a complete program and registration materials, visit
http://www.icfa.org/nakedsales02.htm.
The ICFA has published its 2001-2002 Buyer's Guide and Membership
Directory. Members who are current on their dues will receive their
copies in late October or early November and are encouraged to check
their listings for accuracy. If your entries are incorrect or
incomplete, please fill out the card accompanying your directory and
return it to the ICFA. Members also may use the card to order additional
directories. For information or an order form, call the ICFA at
1-800-645-7700, ext. 216.
The ICFA News Page offers a timely collection of interesting and useful
news items related to the cemetery and funeral industry. Located at
http://www.icfa.org/newspage.htm, the News Page compiles articles from
around the world and is updated regularly.
The recently created ICFA Idea Network provides a forum for cemeterians,
funeral directors, suppliers and others to share ideas and discussion on
all areas of operations. To access the page, visit
http://www.icfa.org/ideanetwork.htm.
The ICFA KIP (Keeping It Personal) Awards recognize the best in
personalization in the cemetery and funeral services industry. All ICFA
members are eligible to attend, including cemeteries, funeral homes,
monument retailers, suppliers and related businesses. The deadline for
entry is January 15, 2002. For additional information and an entry form,
visit http://www.icfa.org/kip.htm.
The ICFA offers videotapes of presentations from Naked Sales I, the
highly successful 1999 Sales Management and Marketing Conference. Videos
of Naked Sales II and III will be available this fall. Prices vary; to
receive a complete listing of tapes and an order form, call ICFA Member
Services Administrator Alex Toth at 1-800-645-7700, ext. 216.
Since April 2000, the ICFA has waged an ongoing media campaign to
educate consumers about the value of remembrance, memorialization and
preplanning for cemetery and funeral expenses. For more information and
to view copies of the news releases, visit
http://www.icfa.org/media.htm.
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.
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.
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
1895 Preston White Drive, Suite 220
Reston, VA 20191
1-800-645-7700
(703) 391-8400
fax (703) 391-8416
http://www.icfa.org
Copyright 2001 International Cemetery and Funeral Association
In a message dated 11/2/01 4:18:54 PM, ICFA@xmr3.com writes:
*************************************************************************
ICFA WIRELESS - November 2, 2001 Edition Vol. 2 No. 26
*************************************************************************
THIS IS A SPECIAL EDITION OF WIRELESS NEWSLETTER
BREAKING NEWS: AN ATTEMPT TO DISCREDIT MUSIC LICENSE COALITION DEAL?
In the last 10 days, the cemetery and funeral industry's Music License Coalition has been contacted by all three of the music licensing agencies with requests to reconfirm the terms of the Coalition's respective group license agreements. The three agencies - ASCAP, BMI and SESAC - apparently had each been contacted by an unidentified party who raised questions about the status and validity of the Coalition's agreements. The Music License Coalition was formed this year with the goal of providing a $185 annual music license for all members of the funeral service industry. No additional dues are required to join the Coalition and no trade association membership is necessary.
The Coalition has had agreements on the table from ASCAP and BMI since July 2001; SESAC, the smallest of the three organizations with less than 10 percent of the total music inventory, on July 13 sent rate quotes based on the Coalition's potential numbers and indicated that an agreement on paper could wait until the end of the year when the Coalition began assembling its list of participating locations.
Representatives from both ASCAP and BMI this week affirmed that the necessary steps have been taken to provide the group discount in 2002 if the Coalition elects to finalize the agreements and offer the discount at that time. Although some new verbiage may be incorporated into the final agreements, pertaining to funeral services held at third-party locations, the existing agreements are essentially ready for signature. The Music License Coalition will not finalize the agreements for 2002 until late November when the level of participation has been determined. The Coalition now has close to 1,000 members and needs 5,000 by the end of November to be able to meet the objective of offering the group license for $185 annually.
Today, the National Funeral Directors Association circulated an e-mail bulletin with the following quote from Bill Lee, SESAC's senior licensing manager and the Coalition's primary contact at SESAC: "ICFA does not currently have an agreement in place with SESAC nor has there been a request to even begin negotiations." This came as news to Joseph W. Budzinski, one of the chief administrators of the Music License Coalition and ICFA internal chief operating officer, who has been working directly with the three licensing agencies since June 2001.
After receiving the bulletin, Budzinski forwarded SESAC copies of their July correspondence, including the proposal describing the Music License Coalition's composition and projected numbers, and documents detailing the terms that were discussed and which the Coalition had reached with ASCAP and BMI.
Budzinski called Lee for a clarification of his statement. Lee acknowledged the July discussions and rate quotes and attributed the confusion to an issue of semantics. "SESAC receives thousands of requests for rate quotes each year from a variety of music users and does not consider a negotiation process to begin until the specific terms of an agreement are discussed," he said. "Since I received your fax this morning requesting a license and proposing terms and conditions for that license, it would be fair to say that we are now in active contract negotiations."
Budzinski said he found it "interesting" that the music licensing agencies were all motivated within the past two weeks to re-examine their agreements with the Music License Coalition. "But it is also good to be informed that SESAC was still waiting for our go-ahead to translate our agreement in principle to an agreement on paper, and the time has arrived to do so," he said. "Of course, we are disappointed that anyone would want to cast doubts on the program. The Music License Coalition simply wants to provide everyone in the funeral service industry with an inexpensive group discount on the annual license - and without a hefty dues obligation. It would be unfortunate if any individual or organization were attempting to deny that opportunity to the companies in our industry."
The ICFA is continuing to enroll funeral homes and all other industry companies interested in joining the Coalition. Industry members interested in obtaining the $185 license without any additional dues payment should call 1-800-645-7700 or visit the Web page at http://www.icfa.org.
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
1895 Preston White Drive, Suite 220
Reston, VA 20191
1-800-645-7700
(703) 391-8400
fax (703) 391-8416
http://www.icfa.org
Copyright 2001 International Cemetery and Funeral Association
This message was sent by The International Cemetery & Funeral Association.
MORE
In a message dated 11/5/01 4:44:33 PM, lacorn@icfa.org writes:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Joseph Budzinski
1-800-645-7700, ext. 221
CONFIRMED: NFDA ATTEMPTS TO DISCREDIT MUSIC LICENSE COALITION
Latest Letter to Membership Includes Disinformation Regarding Rate
Structure
NFDA President Robert Vandenbergh, in a recent letter to the NFDA
membership, has revealed that NFDA is the party that has contacted
ASCAP, BMI and SESAC to raise questions about their agreements with the
Music License Coalition. Vandenbergh's letter also states that "claims
that both members and nonmembers of ICFA would get the same discounted
rates are unsubstantiated by all three licensing organizations" and "all
three licensing organizations say they have not negotiated any specific
rates with ICFA."
As reported in the WIRELESS on Friday, November 2, someone has called
the three agencies in the past several weeks in an apparent attempt to
persuade them to reexamine their agreements with the Music License
Coalition.
"Well, now we know who made the phone calls," said Joseph W. Budzinski,
one of the chief administrators of the Coalition and the primary liaison
to the licensing agencies. "It's too bad such a large and apparently
well-funded organization as NFDA would go to all that trouble but cannot
-- or chooses not to -- get the facts straight. If whoever drafted Mr.
Vandenbergh's letter had done their homework, they would have seen that
membership in the Music License Coalition has nothing to do with
membership in the ICFA. ICFA is merely the organization that has taken
the lead role in forming the Coalition. The agencies require that all
participating funeral homes must be members of the Coalition, and the
Coalition does not charge a membership fee. It's that simple."
Budzinski also noted that the Coalition does have rate quotes from all
three of the agencies. "The Coalition has stated very clearly that if we
have 5,000 participating members we can offer the annual license for
$185," he said. "I do not know why NFDA would claim the Coalition cannot
offer that price, except either because of wishful thinking on their
part or because they assume the music license must be a profit center.
The Music License Coalition will not make a large override on each
license but will sell the license at or near cost. Frankly, with the
number of funeral homes they have, I have no idea why NFDA does not
offer the music license to their members at a lower price, but that is
their business."
The ICFA joined in the formation of the Music License Coalition with the
belief that this kind of benefit should be available to all members of
the industry with or without membership in any particular trade
association and asks NFDA to endorse the program rather than continue
its efforts to discredit those seeking to deliver an affordable music
license. The Coalition's target audience is not dues-paying NFDA
members, but the many businesses in the industry whose owners do not
wish to pay a high fee or join an additional dues organization just to
be in compliance with the music licensing regulations.
Budzinski said that he spoke with numerous association leaders,
including NFDA's, about the Coalition and its purpose when it was first
introduced, and he is surprised that NFDA is working to discredit the
program: "No trade association is seeking to gain members at NFDA's
expense. We believe that NFDA should not be fearful of 'competition'
from the Coalition but should embrace a concept so obviously helpful to
a large majority of industry members."
Industry members interested in learning more about how to obtain the
$185 license without any additional dues payment should call
1-800-645-7700 or visit the Web page at http://www.icfa.org.
In a message dated 11/5/01 4:23:43 PM, Courtesy of Cremation Association of North America "CANA" through that terriffic guy Dave Daly in Washington State writes:
A BIG THANK YOU TO: Don Douthit, Ph.D., he is CANA's Scientific Advisor and wrote the article below.
CANA's Executive Director Jack Springer told that there are many more articles dealing with Cremation of specials cases on:
CANA's web site www.cremationassociation.org
Thank you Jack Springer, CANA Executive Director
With the post September 11th attacks on the United States, concerns of biological terrorism and the reported cases of anthrax in the states of Florida, New York and Washington, D.C., the following is a brief albeit succinct overview of the bacterial infection, it's modes of transmission, treatments and concerns to all funeral service professionals so that we may continue to responsibly serve the public.
Anthrax Bacillus Facts
Bacillus anthracis is a naturally occurring, aerobic, Gram-positive, rod shaped bacteria which forms spores on contact with oxygen, and was first written about by Louis Pasteur. What makes anthrax unique are the spores of the bacterium, which can survive in soil or on contaminated objects for years. Anthrax affects many species of grazing animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and horses and can also affect animals such as pigs and badgers if they have consumed tainted animal by-products as a food source. Herbivores, those animals that eat nothing but grasses, are very susceptible to anthrax, and suffer fatal sepsis with invasion of the bacteria into the bloodstream. When affected animals die, their bodies contaminate pastures following natural decomposition as the bacteria which they release produce spores. Carnivores can also occasionally be affected, but this is a fairly rare occurrence. Infection is usually by ingestion of food from spore-contaminated pastures, but is occasionally by inoculation or exchange of infected discharges from sick animals, or by consumption of heavily-infected meat. In rare cases, it can spread to people and cause life-threatening illness. Anthrax is most common in areas where people raise livestock and where public health programs are lax, which is generally in emerging nations. Materials contaminated with anthrax spores can reach any country in the world.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) and the National Center for Infectious Disease (NCID), Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, Meningitis and Special Pathogens Branch, there is NO evidence of person-to person transmission of anthrax.
As mentioned above, anthrax is most common in animals in agricultural regions of the world and is rare in humans. An estimated 20,000 to 100,000 cases occur yearly worldwide, and is very rare in the United States and in other countries where animals are inspected before and after slaughter. Anthrax is also rare in U.S. travelers, although certain handicrafts might be contaminated and should be avoided.
Normal human infection is acquired from infected animals, and is therefore usually an occupational disease of farmers, slaughterers, skinners, hide workers, tanners and woolworkers.
In these cases the infectious spores in the animal's hair, meat, bones or secretions are the source of the disease. In over 95% of cases the infection is cutaneous, due to inoculation of spores into small abrasions on the skin. When anthrax affects humans, it is usually due to a work-related exposure to infected animals or their products. Workers who are exposed to dead animals and animal products from countries where anthrax is common can become infected.
The signs and symptoms of anthrax
Regardless of how the bacterial spores are introduced into the body, (natural/accidental/occupational exposures, or as we have seen in sporadic cases of terrorist-like mailings), once in the body anthrax spores produce a powerful toxin that causes the signs and symptoms of illness generally described as 'flu-like symptoms. The signs and symptoms vary depending on how a person was infected.
Infection by skin contact:
Most cases occur by skin contact. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that looks like an insect bite. Within 1-2 days, it develops into a boil-like sore and then a painless ulcer with a characteristic dark (dying) area in the center. The infection can also cause swelling of the lymph glands near the site. About 20% of untreated cases will result in death. With proper treatment, deaths from this type of anthrax are rare.
Infection by inhalation:
People who get anthrax by breathing in spores have symptoms that are like a common cold or the flu. After several days, the symptoms can progress to severe breathing problems and shock. This type of anthrax usually results in death in 1-2 days after the start of severe symptoms.
Infection by ingestion:
Intestinal infections from eating contaminated meat are rare. The infection causes severe inflammation of the intestinal tract. The first signs are nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever, followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases.
Anthrax Vaccination
An anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans since November of 1970. The vaccine is reported to be 93-95% effective in protecting against anthrax infection from skin contact. The vaccine is currently approved only for healthy men and women ages 18-65 years. Pregnant women should not be vaccinated. The vaccination is recommended only for:
· Persons whose work can expose them to imported animal hides, furs, bone meal, wool, animal hair (especially goat hair), and bristles
· Persons whose work in diagnosing or investigating anthrax cases might bring them into contact with anthrax spores
· Military Personnel
Because anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological warfare, the Department of Defense began implementing systematic anthrax vaccination of all U.S. military personnel beginning in the summer 1998.
Treatment Following Exposure
Following a suspected accidental/occupational or other than types of exposure to anthrax, treatment is with common and widely available antibiotics. The penicillin group of antibiotics is the usual treatment of choice in those patients who are not allergic to penicillin, but oral tetracycline, or ciprofloxacin are also commonly used in treatment of the disease. If anthrax is not diagnosed in a timely fashion, by the time that pneumonia or septicemia are recognized, treatment may not arrest the disease and will lead to death in a matter of days.
Post Mortem Care
While all indications are that anthrax is a rare disease with a sporadic incident rate within the United States, given the climate of the world following the September attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., a brief discourse on post-mortem care of the deceased by anthrax toxin is reasonable, should anthrax be used as a biological weapon. According to Dr. Kenneth Todar, University of Wisconsin Department of Bacteriology, the mode of death of an infected person is not well understood at this time. Death is apparently due to oxygen depletion, secondary shock, increased vascular permeability, respiratory failure and cardiac failure. Death from anthrax in humans or experimental animals frequently occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. The level of the lethal toxin in the circulation increases rapidly quite late in the disease, and it closely parallels the concentration of organisms in the blood.
Every funeral service professional having potential contact with the deceased (i.e.: removal personnel, denier, embalmer, cremationist, etc.) must remember the basic tenant of the disease: there is no evidence of person to person infection. Additionally, anthrax is not a blood-borne pathogen. Blood tests performed to determine exposure to the disease, test for the presence of anthrax antibodies, not the presence of anthrax bacteria in the blood. Given the aforementioned modes of death, each case should be evaluated individually per normal case analysis, keeping in mind that death from anthrax is acute, following a rapid progression of multi-organ failure .
Prudent Universal Precautions should be followed at all times during contact periods with the deceased, including double gloving. This includes the cremationist regardless if the body has been embalmed or not.
EMBALMING
Formaldehyde and gluteraldehyde are documented to be 100% effective as a disinfectant to eliminate the anthrax bacteria. Informational papers written in the 1930's thru the 1960's refer to the use of formaldehyde vapors to rid large rooms and animal barns of the bacterial spores. Given that anthrax is commonly inhaled as a mode of infection, special attention should be paid to the treatment of the lungs and overall thoracic cavity. Additionally, the oral and nasal cavities should be packed with absorbent cotton treated with a formaldehyde/gluteraldehyde-based disinfectant. Any epidermal lesions should be lanced if pustules are present, drained, debrided and treated with a phenol or formaldehyde/gluteraldehyde topical pack. The area should be treated as needed prior to encasing the area in plastics. Terminal disinfection should incorporate a formaldehyde/gluteraldehyde-based disinfectant or the use of hypochlorite in a 10% dilution following initial cleaning with disinfectant soap and rinsing with water. Instruments may be disinfected in a formaldehyde or gluteraldehyde-based cold chemical sterilent or autoclaved after initial disinfection. Soiled clothing or bedding belonging to the deceased or to an institution where the death took place should be washed separately in hot water, detergent and diluted liquid bleach.
CREMATION
Cremation remains 100% effective in destroying anthrax as a disease. Any bacterial spores which may have been present within the nostrils or nasopharhyx would be destroyed early in the cremation process and would not be present in stack emissions. Worthy of restatement is the use of Personnel Protective Equipment by the certified/licensed operator and the use of Universal Precautions as aforementioned. This would include the use of a filter mask covering both the nose and mouth. The same quality mask worn during processing is satisfactory. Finally, it should be the policy of the operator not to re-open the cremation container container/casket following delivery from funeral home personnel.
In a message dated 11/2/01 1:29:18 PM, LSNCFDA writes:
NCFDA E- LINE o NOVEMBER 1, 2 001
MEDIA RESPONSE
At a the October 23th Meeting of the NCFDA Education Committee the matter of effective response to the media was discussed. NCFDA is current working on a special educational program designed to address this need. Our ongoing discussions with a professional media consultant will enable us to address questions posed by the press.
In recent days, all of funeral service has again received some bad press due to allegations (against two individuals) for stealing preneed funds. Given the ongoing and increased level of media interest, we should be very aware of what we share with the press. Who speaks for your firm? Do you know not to "speak off the record?" Do you know the do's and don'ts when dealing with the press? If you need assistance, please feel free to call us. Better yet, if you are confronted with any media inquires relating to funeral service, please refer them to NCFDA.
NCFDA DISTRICT 6 MEETING POSTPONED!
Plans for a District Meeting on November 14 have been postponed at this time until the first of the year. However, mark your calendar for the joint District 6 & 8 Christmas Party which is scheduled for December 3 at the Painted Plate in Greensboro, NC. Details will follow at a later date.
NCFDA BROCHURES
NCFDA has just updated the following brochures that are now available from the NCFDA Office:
"What Do I Do Now"
Information on North Carolina estate settlement following a death
$.20 each or $17.50/100
"In the Public Interest"
North Carolina Preneed information
$.20 each or $17.50/100
"Understanding Your Rights as a Licensee"
Understanding your rights when a complaint has been filed against you with the NC Board of Mortuary Science.
Free copy to NCFDA members.
STATE CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS
Now available on the web site for the State Center for Health Statistics is the "Detailed Mortality Statistics"&emdash;both state and county tables&endash;for the year 2000"
www.schs.state.nc.us/SCHS
NCFDA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Nov 5 Deadline for State Board ballot return is 5:00 PM at State Board office.
Nov 7 State Board Meeting at 9:00 AM and ballot counting at 1:00 PM at their office in Raleigh.
Nov 8 NCFDA District 2 Meeting with Dr. John Lambeth on OSHA Rules & Regulations and Mark Henderson, Executive Director of the NC Board of Mortuary Science, on Laws & Legislation. The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn in Williamston with dinner at 6:00 PM and the program from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Costs for dinner and program are $15 per NCFDA Member and $20.00 per Non-Member. Contact C. S. Hanchey at 252-752-2101. (2.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 8 "Funding Methods for Prearranged Funeral Contracts" by Vision Insurance Western Sizzlin', Conover from 9:50 AM &endash; 2:30 PM. Contact Michael Wilson at 336-877-3960. (6.0 c.e.c.). Also Held at the Following Locations:
Nov 15 Ryan's, Asheville
Dec 6 Western Sizzlin', Conover
Dec 13 Ryan's, Asheville
Nov 13 NCFDA Board of Directors Meeting at the School of Funeral Service at Fayetteville Technical Community College at 10:00 AM.
Nov 14 "Cremation in the New Millennium," etc. at the Goldsboro Country Club sponsored by Arnold Wilbert Corporation in conjunction with the NC Crematory Authority from 8:30 AM &endash; 3:30 PM. Fee: $25.00 includes lunch buffet. Contact Vickie Zimmerman at 800-672-4748. (5.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 14 NCFDA District 6 Meeting: Plans for a meeting on this date have been postponed at this time.
Nov 14 "Specialty Uses of Life Insurance, etc." sponsored by Heritage School at the Ramada Inn, Kopper Kettle Restaurant in Goldsboro, from 9:00 AM &endash; 4:15 PM. Contact David Clark at 800-422-2011, ext. 1021. (3.5 c.e.c. approved)
Nov 13-14 "Funeral Funding Regulations" (2.5 c.e.c.) and "Preneed Insurance Lifecycle Performance" (1.0 c.e.c.) by Homesteaders Life Company in Fayetteville from 8:00 AM - 2:15 PM. Contact Steve Whitaker at 800-777-3633, ext. 440.
Nov 15 "Understanding Diversity in Funeral Service" at LCC, Bullock Building #1, Room 150 at Lenoir Community College in Kinston from 5:00 &endash; 10:00 PM. Contact Jessie Wooten at 252-527-6223, ext. 716. (5.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 15-16 Funeral Funding Regulations" (2.5 c.e.c.) and "Preneed Insurance Lifecycle Performance" (1.0 c.e.c.) by Homesteaders Life Company in Winston-Salem from 8:00 AM - 2:15 PM. Contact Steve Whitaker at 800-777-3633, ext. 440.
Nov 19 "Safety & OSHA Compliance, etc." at Little Church on the Lane Social Hall in Charlotte from 2:00 &endash; 8:00 PM. Contact Chris Headley at 704-334-6421. (5.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 20 NCFDA District 7 Meeting with Dr. John Lambeth on "Occupational Safety & Health for Funeral Homes and Crematoriums" from 9:00 AM &endash; 4:00 PM. (Registration begins at 8:00 AM and pre-registration is preferred by November 15.) Registration fee is $75.00 for NCFDA members for lunch and program and $95.00 for Non-Members. Contact Gary Overcash at 910-895-4422. (6.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 26 NCFDA District 5 Meeting with Kevin O'Barr of NC Department of Labor on OSHA in NC Funeral Homes at Carver's Restaurant, 2711 Capital Blvd., Raleigh with a social at 5:00 PM, Meal at 6:00 PM and program from 7:00 &endash; 9:00 PM. Meal choices are prime rib, steak, chicken or shrimp and the cost is $27.50 for dinner and program or $20.00 for program only. Contact Anthony Minshew at 919-963-3117. (2.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 29 NCFDA District 10 Meeting with Mark Henderson of the NC Board of Mortuary Science at the Sagebrush in Morganton with dinner at 6:00 PM and the program at 7:00 PM. Contact Susan Cox at 828-635-8002. (2.0 c.e.c.)
Dec 3 Joint NCFDA District 6 & 8 Christmas Party at the Painted Plate in Greensboro, NC. Details will follow at a later date.
Dec 4 "Understanding Grief & Loss" sponsored by the James Sprunt Community College Small Business Center in Kenansville from 9:30 AM &endash; 3:30 PM in the Boyette Building on the main campus. The cost is $35.00 and includes a catered lunch. Pre-registration is required. Contact Julia Herring at 910-296-2430 or e-mail jherring@jscc.cc.nc.us. (Requested 5.0 c.e.c.)
Dec 7 "Criminal Investigation, etc." at Cleveland Community College in Shelby from 9:00 AM &endash; 4:00 PM. Contact Chris Nanney at 704-481-4117. (5.0 c.e.c.)
Dec 12 "Fundamentals of Outer Burial Containers" at Arnold-Wilbert Corp. in Goldsboro from 8:30 AM &endash; 2:30 PM. Contact Vickie Zimmerman at 919-735-5008. (4.0 c.e.c.)
June 10 &endash; 12, 2002&emdash; NCFDA Annual Convention at the Grove Park Inn Resort, Asheville, NC
Additions, Corrections and/or Deletions to E-Line
Send additions, corrections and/or deletions for the NCFDA E-Line to Membership Services Director Pat Hayes at: phncfda@aol.com
BeyondIndigo, the leading online grief company, launched its new Aftercare Program in October. The program is called Your Grief Journey. You can take a tour of this program at http://www.beyondindigo.com/vendor/. It is available to Funeral Directors through three different packages:
Level 1: Funeral Home refers customers to Beyond Indigo and receives a sales commission. Check out our affliates program at http://www.beyondindigo.com/affiliates/
Level 2: Funeral home links directly to BeyondIndigo from its website and receives a sales commission through our affiliates program at http://www.beyondindigo.com/affiliates/
Level 3: Beyond Indigo Products integrateseamlessly with the funeral home website for direct resale to its customers. Please see http://www.beyondindigo.com/vendor/.
Beyond Indigo provides grief support andinformation for the funeral industry as well as individuals who aregrieving. Products include Beyond Memories, an online memorial product; BeyondCaregiving, a way to keep connected with loved ones while grieving; BeyondWords, an online journal; and other web products for the funeral industry.
The Beyond Indigo website contains a multiple online support community withthousands of posts. Content areas include; Grief, Children & Grief, Death& Spirit, Funeral Information, Caregiving & Terminal Illness, Healingfrom loss, Sudden &Violent Death, Quizzes and Expert Q & A's. Viewerscan read peoples' stories about their loss as well as submit their own story.
Beyond Indigo is an expanded site originally known as www.death-dying.com and has been in business for the last four years. Beyond Indigo can beaccessed by going to www.beyondindigo.com or www.grieving.com. Sign up today at http://www.beyondindigo.com/vendors/or http://www.beyondindigo.com/affiliates/. Call Kelly at 952-294-8031 for more information.
In a message dated 11/2/01 10:00:08 AM, fspano@nfda.org writes:
John,
I hope the attached will be of use to you.
Regards,
Fay Spano
The NFDA Bulletin
November 1, 2001 09-01
Convention
Thank You for Coming to Orlando. Despite the tragic events of September 11, 2001, NFDA's 120th Annual Convention & Expo World in Orlando, FL, went on and was a great success. Thank you to everyone who attended. For complete coverage, watch for the November 2001 issue of The Director.
House of Delegates Votes on Firm-Based Membership Structure. On October 9, 2001, the NFDA House of Delegates approved to change the association's structure from an individual-based to firm-based membership in 2003. Under the new structure, a funeral firm will be considered an NFDA member, as well as all of the licensed individuals employed at that firm.
For more information on this and other amendments passed by the NFDA House of Delegates, visit NFDA Online at www.nfda.org/membership/proposed/index.html.
September 11, 2001
NFDA's 9-11 Relief Fund Collects More Than $40,000. As of October 31, 2001, NFDA's 9-11 Relief Fund raised $40,591.38. The fund was established to aid with expenses related to the terrorist attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001. Since officials have indicated dollars for relief and recovery efforts will not be as extensive as originally anticipated, NFDA believes that collected funds will go toward a worthwhile grief and bereavement-related cause.
Donations can be mailed to:
National Funeral Directors Association
NFDA 9-11 Relief Fund
PO Box 1451
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1451
You also can visit NFDA Online at www.nfda.org/september11/donate to make a donation.
Members interested in collecting funds at their funeral home may use an NFDA 9-11 Relief Fund ad slick, which is available for download through NFDA Online at www.nfda.org/september11.
The New York Times Covers the Funeral Service Profession. NFDA Immediate Past President John Carmon was interviewed for a story in the October 20, 2001, issue of The New York Times on the negative economic effects some funeral directors are experiencing in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. The favorable story points out that the disaster gave funeral directors a chance to do what they do best¯be caregivers, serve their community and offer counseling. As Carmon and other funeral directors point out in the article, "Disaster's Toll Doesn't Necessarily Mean Profit for Those who Bury Dead," many funeral directors have donated services or discreetly discounted services for victims of the attack.
NFDA Offers New York its Support. NFDA President Bob Vandenbergh wrote to Dr. Charles Hirsch, chief medical examiner in New York, to extend NFDA's support if there is any further assistance needed with the ongoing relief and recovery efforts.
Vandenbergh communicated that, in addition to the federal D-Mort team members, there are more than 1,500 NFDA members who have volunteered since September 11, 2001, to help if needed, in any way. The letter stated, "These are trained, licensed, compassionate funeral directors and embalmers from around the country who have expressed interest in lending their expertise with the sensitive issues related to the relief and recovery efforts."
Through discussions with D-Mort National Commander Tom Shepardson and New York State FDA Executive Director Bonnie Tippy, NFDA has been made aware that the medical examiners office in New York is overseeing the massive cleanup efforts, and that outside help may potentially be needed. NFDA will keep its members posted of any developments.
Arlington Not Accepting Cremated Remains From Mail Carriers. Due to events of September 11, 2001, and the major concerns with postal issues, effective October 29, 2001, Arlington National Cemetery will no longer accept cremated remains mailed through the U.S. Postal Services or delivered by common carriers. Family members and funeral home representatives may hand carry these remains to Arlington on the day of the service or up to three (3) working days prior to the service.
When out of town family members/friends are not attending the interment/inurnment, the next-of-kin or personal representative should arrange through their local funeral home/cremation society for delivery. Delivery should be arranged with a Washington, D.C. area funeral home for further delivery to Arlington National Cemetery.
NFDA Sends Mums to New York. Service Corporation International donated red, white and blue mums to display around the refrigerated trailers. NFDA was notified by the D-Mort team in New York that the mums began wilting. NFDA and FTD donated a continuous supply of fresh flowers in October 2001 to show support of the D-Mort team, which has worked tirelessly since September 11, 2001.
Some Families Eligible for Compensation as Victims of Crime. Families who lost a loved one or were injured as a result of the September 11, 2001, tragedy may be eligible to receive compensation from the Office for Victims of Crime. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the territory of Guam have established compensation programs for crime victims. These programs reimburse victims for crime-related expenses, including medical costs, mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs and lost wages or loss of support. For more information, call the Office for Victims of Crime at 202-307-5983 or visit www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/.
Please be Careful During This Time of Heightened Security. As you are aware, security measures have increased substantially since September 11, 2001. During this time of heightened security, it is more likely for shipping containers of any kind to be opened and inspected. This includes shipping containers holding human remains. Anytime human remains are handled it should be with the utmost appropriateness and dignity. Please make sure all remains are wrapped completely and carefully whenever they are being transported.
Education
Teleconference Focuses on Treating Anthrax Cases. NFDA is offering a teleconference that focuses on treating individuals with diseases such as anthrax and other bio or chemical hazards, "Bio/Chemical Hazards: The New Battle Ground." The teleconference will be held November 9, 2001, 1-3 p.m. Central Standard Time. Participants will receive an update on the current situations facing the country and the funeral profession. Funeral directors will be given recommendations they should follow if an incident occurs in their community.
The two-hour telephone-based learning session will be presented by NFDA's Occupational Safety and Health Administration Consultant James F. Burnside, III, Professional Compliance, Inc., Baltimore, MD; Stephen Kemp of Stinson Funeral Home, Detroit, MI; and David J. Weber, David J. Weber Funeral Homes, Baltimore, MD.
The $95 fee covers long-distance fees and connection, materials, and continuing-education processing for one person. Additional participating licensed funeral directors at the site may obtain continuing-education credit for $35 per individual. The session is approved for 2 hours of continuing education by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and most state boards. You will not want to miss this program.
To register, contact an NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332, or visit NFDA Website, NFDA Online, at www.nfda.org/careers/biohazard.html.
Member Benefits
NFDA Offers Unbeatable Music Licensing Agreement. NFDA members using copyrighted music can obtain their licenses from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP); Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI); and the Society of European Songwriters and Composers (SESAC) at one-third the cost of individual licenses. NFDA is the only funeral service organization to have signed contracts with all three licensing music agencies.
The International Cemetery and Funeral Association (ICFA) recently published information regarding the creating of an agreement with the music licensing companies to provide funeral directors a similar offering as NFDA's music licensing program. "ICFA does not currently have an agreement in place with SESAC nor has there been a request to even begin negotiations. NFDA is the only funeral service organization with an agreement in place," said Bill Lee, senior licensing manager of SESAC. NFDA represents 10,000 funeral homes and has the most bargaining power; therefore ensuring the best rates. For more information, call 800-228-6332 and ask to speak with a member services representative, or visit NFDA Online at www.nfda.org/memberpage/benefits/index.html.
NFDA Directory of Members Goes Online. In late 2002, the NFDA Directory of Members will begin its transition to NFDA Online, www.nfda.org, allowing membership and supplier listings to be updated with the most current information. The online version will be able to offer several enhanced features not achievable in a printed format.
As a result of this enhanced benefit, the Directory of Members will be published in its current form for the final time in 2002. If ever a time to ensure all your branch listings are included, and all address, phone, fax, e-mail, and Website information is current, this is it!
For just $75 per listing, your branch locations will appear in both the printed 2002-2003 Final Edition Directory of Members and the Online Directory of Members once it has been developed. If your funeral home has a Website, NFDA also will have the ability to link from the Online Directory of Members to your Website. NFDA Online currently has more than 55,000 visitors a month. They will soon have immediate access to information about your funeral home.
You don't want to miss out on this opportunity! The renewal deadline for the 2002-2003 Final Edition Directory of Members is January 15, 2002.
Government Relations
NFDA Staff Meets with OSHA Administrator. NFDA Staff met with new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Administrator John Henshaw at a meet-and-greet breakfast and briefly discussed several issues of concern to funeral service. Henshaw and his staff expressed an interest in conducting a more in depth discussion, which will take place at a later date.
NFDA Staff Attends National Women's Business Council Meeting. The National Women's Business Council is one established through statute, that serves as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the Small Business Administration, Congress and the President. Staff attended this meeting in an observatory capacity, and with the intention of nominating a member of NFDA to the Council.
NFDA Invited to SBA Conference. NFDA staff was invited to participate in a conference sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA), titled "Advocacy at 25: Looking Back, Looking Ahead." The Conference was celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. NFDA staff participated in break-out sessions dealing with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as well as a discussion about the Future of Small Business. Conference presenters included SBA Administrator Hector Barreto, Chief Counsel for Advocacy Tom Sullivan, Senior Editor of Fortune Magazine Jeff Brinbaum and Acting Chief Counsel Susan Walthall.
NFDA Staff Meets with Arizona and Michigan Candidates. In October 2001, NFDA staff met with candidates for open-seat races in Arizona and Michigan. These meetings helped to increase the profile of the NFDA Political Action Committee with new individuals running for office.
Third-Party Emotional Distress Lawsuit Opens Liability Questions. The NFDA Government Relations Department has released an issue advisory regarding a third-party emotional distress lawsuit in Pennsylvania, Shumosky v. Lutheran Welfare Services of Northeastern. In this case, a nurse accidentally stuck herself with a needle used on an AIDS patient. The plaintiff claims that the defendant negligently failed to inform the plaintiff that the patient had AIDS and, as a result, she had suffered severe injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
This case opens up a question as to whether or not a healthcare facility, in the absence of a state statute that would prohibit disclosure to a licensed funeral director upon removal of remains, could be liable to the individual making the removal if it can be shown that the person being removed had a bloodborne or airborne pathogen, that the healthcare facility knew it, and there was exposure to the individual making the removal.
For more information on Shumosky v. Lutheran Welfare Services of Northeastern, visit NFDA Online at http://www.nfda.org/memberpage/govrel/advisory/2001/oct25.html.
NFDA Offers Members Military Repatriation and Funeral Protocol. NFDA has posted information on its Website to serve as an initial guide for members in providing funeral services in the event of military fatalities in Afghanistan or elsewhere in the Middle East. The process is similar to that already in place for members of the armed forces, both active and reserve, and members of the National Guard who die while on active duty. NFDA continues to be in constant contact with the military regarding this information, and has offered its assistance in any way possible. To view this information, visit NFDA Online at www.nfda.org/memberpage/govrel/repatriation.html.
Public Relations
Fay Spano Hired as Public Relations Manager. Fay Spano has joined NFDA as its public relations manager. In this capacity, Spano oversees NFDA's public relations initiatives and media relations. An award-winning broadcast journalist for 10 years, Spano has previously served as a street reporter, anchor and news director at several Milwaukee-area talk radio stations. She also has worked as a public relations counselor for the past six years at two of the largest Milwaukee-area advertising and public relations agencies. She is an excellent resource available to state associations and members, and can be reached at 800-228-6332 or by e-mailing her at fspano@nfda.org.
Member News
Does NFDA Have Your E-mail Address and Fax Number? To speed NFDA's vital communications to you, NFDA needs to have your current e-mail address and fax number. We urge you to e-mail us at mmichels@nfda.org, or to call an NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332.
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/2001-Bulletin/110101.doc
Fay Spano
Public Relations Manager
National Funeral Directors Assoc.
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
fspano@nfda.org
PRESS RELEASE For Further
Information Contact
For Immediate Release Donald Dixon
(800) 331-6270
Franklin, OH. Don Dixon, Dean, Academy of Advance Funeral Planning
announced Academy training dates for 2002. The announcement comes on the
heals of a record number of graduates in 2001. Over 40 attendees earned the
title Advance Funeral Planning Professional.
Training dates for 2002 are: January 8-11 and January 22-25; February
26-March 1; March 26-29; April 23-26; May 21-24; June 25-28; July 23-26;
September 24-27 and October 22-25.
Since The Academy's founding in 1994, over 150 graduates have received
diplomas and become results oriented producers for their funeral home and/or
cemetery. What makes The Academy of Advance Funeral Planning sales training
different from all other pre-need training courses? In addition to focusing
on educational accreditation, the Academy is a result-oriented program
developed for the serious minded pre-need producer. The unique course
curriculum and teaching style includes originative approaches and techniques
that have been time tested, field proven and have consistently achieved
impressive sales results over the years. The focus of the training centers
on "The 3 P's;" Prospecting, 'Ppointment Setting and Presenting sm .
Academy training forgoes the typical lecture format in that its
developmental exercises are extremely interactive and participatory.
Training participants are given the hands on opportunity to work with and
use the most modern and effective probing, discovery, presentation, time
management and objection handling techniques taught anywhere in the pre-need
industry today.
Training sessions include: Introduction To Funeral Service; Evolution of
Advance Funeral Planning and it's exposure in the media; Prospecting and
Lead Generation; Time Management and Organizational Skills; Goal Setting;
Funding Vehicle Options; Merchandising; The Cremation/Direct Disposition
Consumer; Insurance Product Comparative Analysis; Result Tracking; Ethics:
Probing and Listening Skills Development and much more.
The Academy of Advance Funeral Planning is open to anyone with a sincere
desire to gain the most effective advance funeral planning sales training in
funeral service today. Classes are limited in size to provide an extensive
amount of interactive role-playing opportunities.
For more information or to request an informational brochure contact Mr.
Donald M. Dixon, Director, Academy of Advance Funeral Planning, 121 East
Second Street, Franklin, Ohio 45005. Phone (800) 331-6270 or visit their web
site at http://www.theoutlookgroup.com.
Press Release For more
information contact
October 18, 2001 Chris Kuhnen -
(800) 331-6270
For Immediate Release
Franklin, OH. - As most Americans are aware, former President Bill Clinton
and former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole have teamed up to chair a
scholarship fund campaign that will provide educational assistance for the
children and spouses of those killed or permanently disabled as a result of
the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. The two promised to help build
the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund tm, which was founded by the
Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America (CSFA) and the Lumina Foundation
for Education. Organizers hope to raise the funds needed to distribute at
least $100 million to financially needy applicants for use at all types of
postsecondary education, including two and four year collages, trade and
vocational schools, and others. The goal of the Fund is to continue for as
long as there is need from the families of the attack victims.
Outlook Group Advance Funeral Planning Professionals (AFPP's) are doing
their part to support this extremely worthy cause. On a voluntary basis
from October 12, 2001 through April 30, 2002 Outlook AFPP's will donate
$0.50 from each funded funeral prearrangement contract to The Families of
Freedom Scholarship Fund. Outlook Regional Development Directors will match
each $0.50 donation and The Outlook Group, Inc. corporate office is unifying
the cause by additionally donating $0.50 per contract. This totals $1.50 per
funded contract. In 2001 The Outlook Group, Inc. sold over 2,200 contracts
during this same time period. Based on final sales figures, AFPP donations
and matching funds could total over $3,300.00.
Charles W. Anderson, CEO and President, The Outlook Group, Inc., stated,
"Outlook employees were deeply affected by the events of September 11 and
eager to show their support". He went on to add, "Giving to the Families of
Freedom Scholarship Fund is an opportunity for those in the advance funeral
planning profession to come together to help ensure a bright future for the
many families of the victims of this senseless tragedy!"
Individuals can donate or apply for scholarship funds on-line at
www.familiesoffreedom.org or by calling toll free (800) 335-1102.
MORE
PRESS RELEASE For further information contact
For Immediate Release Chris Kuhnen (800) 331-6270
October 26, 2001
OUTLOOK GROUP ANNOUNCES WEB SITE ENHANCEMENTS
Franklin, OH. The Outlook Group, Inc. today announced major changes to
their web site. Comprehensive, updated and interactive information about The
Outlook Group, Inc. and the Academy of Advance Funeral Planning can be found
at www.theoutlookgroup.com.
The newly improved web site provides solid, timely information about the
many pre-need planning services and lucrative career opportunities The
Outlook Group, Inc. offers along with a FREE newspaper ad series. New
features include: Local Weather Forecast/Satellite and Doppler Radar; Tip of
the Month, Academy of Advance Funeral Planning Training Calendar and Course
Outline, Links, and high definition digital photographs of company wide
meetings, training sessions, awards and employees.
For more information about The Outlook Group, Inc. log on the Internet at
www.theoutlookgroup.com. Phone toll free (800) 331-6270 or write The
Outlook Group, Inc. 121 East Second Street Franklin, Ohio 45005.
In a message dated 10/23/01 8:35:57 PM, dsrock@cemeteryshop.com writes:
The Cemetery Shop, www.cemeteryshop.com, has added two new training classes to their growing set of services.
The classes are "Beginning Genealogy" and "How to Write an Obituary".
Both classes are being hosted on the CareerPro of Virginia Training web site which offers a full range of on-line training classes.
www.career-pro.com/training/index.htm
These two classes are just the beginning of a whole host of Genealogy
and Funeral Related classes that will be offered.
--
Sincerely,
Doug Srock
The Cemetery Shop http://www.cemeteryshop.com
AutolinkPro http://www.autolinkpro.com/index.cgi?1247
Moneylegs http://www.moneylegs.com/cgi-bin/refer.cgi?4623
Sextant Mall http://www.sextantmall.com
CareerPro Training http://www.career-pro.com/training/index.htm
In an effort to make our site as user friendly as possible and also productive, The Cemetery Shop has eliminated their Vendor Area. Instead, they will feature Banner ads and reciprocal links with other web sites.
In conjunction, they have substantially reduced their advertising rates
for those who wish to place ads on the site. Their new ad rates can be
found at
http://www.cemeteryshop.com/advertise.htm
--
Sincerely,
Doug Srock
The Cemetery Shop http://www.cemeteryshop.com
AutolinkPro http://www.autolinkpro.com/index.cgi?1247
Moneylegs http://www.moneylegs.com/cgi-bin/refer.cgi?4623
Sextant Mall http://www.sextantmall.com
CareerPro Training http://www.career-pro.com/training/index.htm
In a message dated 10/25/01 7:40:00 AM, John B, Mike, Cathy & Jack in Massachusetts sends us writes:
As reported in the Boston Globe
LAWRENCE - Mildred Ruiz was already reeling from a double loss. Nearly five months after her father died from diabetes, she arrived at her mother's home to find she had passed away while sitting at the kitchen table.
But that painful loss two weeks ago was only the prelude to an insult, she said.
She released her mother's body to the Hart-McLennan Funeral Home, but after completing the embalming, funeral director Derek Wallace refused to finish the job - and Ruiz said it was because she was buying a less expensive casket from another company.
He wouldn't release the body to another funeral home, either, Ruiz said, unless she paid a $1,710 certified check for services Wallace said he had already performed.
The case is under investigation by the state.
Wallace said he turned away the business because he was too busy and called the case a misunderstanding.
But Ruiz said he told her a different story shortly after finding out that she purchased her mother's casket from Casket Royale, of Hampton Falls, N.H.
''He said, `Well, this is how I make my living.' And, I said, `Are you telling me that because I bought the casket somewhere else you will not do my mother's funeral?' He said, `Yes, that's what I'm telling you,''' said Ruiz, who has prepared complaints with state officials and the Federal Trade Commission, which regulates funeral homes.
''He was treating my mother like a loaf of bread, like she was meaningless,'' said Ruiz, 33, a single mother from Lawrence who works as a fiscal monitor for the state's Commonwealth Corp.
Wallace maintains the dispute has nothing to do with money.
''We just didn't have the chapel space. We were just too busy with seven or eight'' funerals at the time, he said. ''They wanted calling hours and a service during hours that we were already booked. I tried to do everything I could to help them.''
Byron Blanchard, treasurer of The Memorial Society, a watchdog group of the funeral industry, said it was an unusual case because FTC rules state that funeral homes cannot refuse to do business with people who bring their own caskets or other burial items.
According to the FTC, violating the rule carries a maximum penalty of $11,000.
Wallace could have more trouble from a state investigation into the allegation that he refused to release the body of Ruiz's mother, Rosa Rios, until he was paid.
''He was holding the body for ransom. That is reason for Wallace to stop being a funeral director,'' said Blanchard.
Wallace denies that he refused to release the body until he was paid.
Still, the case has attracted attention of the Board of Registration for Funeral Services, part of the state's Division of Professional Licensure, which oversees the state's 3,100 embalmers and funeral directors.
Christine Zybert, the division's spokeswoman, confirmed that the board has opened an investigation of Wallace but, in keeping with division policy, she would offer no other information.
Garry Burke, a funeral director in Andover who took over the Rios job from Wallace, said he was surprised that Wallace asked him for a certified check, and he said he believes Wallace overcharged Ruiz.
''About the first words out of his mouth were `Do you have a check?' I believe we could not have gotten Rosa's body if I did not have a check,'' said Burke. ''It's a horrible situation. It gives everybody a black eye.''
Meanwhile, casket maker Alex Ghersi of New Hampshire, upset over the incident, decided to return Ruiz's money and give her the casket for free.
''The handling was disgraceful, to say the least,'' Ghersi said.
Elements of Celebrating a Life
By: Dennis C. McGee, Jr.
As business Professionals we are taught that educated consumers are indeed the best consumers to make the most informed and educated purchases. In funeral service, who is better than licensed funeral service practitioners to teach our client families the value of ceremony, ritual & memorialization. when planning a meaningful funeral experience education works on both sides of the arrangement conference table. As funeral experience arrangers we must learn vital information from our families, Implement what we have learned from the arrangement conference, supplement those details with ritual and ceremony and conclude with disposition.
When beginning to assemble all the details to celebrate someone's life in a meaningful way the experience arranger must learn all they can, through conversation, to provide a solid foundation in creating an experience that is going to exceed the client family's expectations. Essentially, as usual, we must collect the necessary vital information but this is where the arranger and the family cooperatively work to begin the story. One of the most important duties of a funeral is to confirm the reality of death and help separate existing relationships from before death with the deceased and invest into anew relationship after death. This first stage will help prepare the family to say good-bye in a meaningful way.
During the visitation, viewing, calling hours, wake or whatever term you like to use the funeral experience arranger must take all of those details of the deceased's life that her learned from the family in the arrangement conference and implement them into the visitation. This is the first time and place the legacy the deceased left can be told. Photographs, memorial boards, personalized casket interiors, corners, engravings and so on all help explain who and what the deceased was passionate about. Thus, telling a story of a life that has been lived. Secondly, the visitation is the opportunity to mourn the loss of a relative or friend. This is the opportunity for the public to view the deceased and for the first time confirm the reality of death and begin to work through the five stages of grief.
In what has-been coined the "traditional funeral" immediately after the conclusion of the visitation some sort of funeral ritual takes place. When creating a meaningful funeral experience the experience arranger supplements the story that is being told with ritual and ceremony. in times of great emotional distress we call on religion and spirituality to help us cope with what is at hand. Whether a liturgy, a mass, a simple service at the funeral home or some other appropriate location ritual and ceremony helps resolve grief and facilitate healthy mourning.
Finally, at the conclusion of learning from our client family then implementing what we have learned and supplementing it with memoralization, ritual and ceremony its time to dispose of the deceased. Cremation, earth burial entombment is regardless. Final disposition should have been discussed in the learning stage and handled appropriately. Perhaps scattering of cremains will be the most meaningful or entombment into a family mausoleum or a simple earth burial. Accompanying the dead and processing to its final place of disposition is the last opportunity for the family to separate themselves from existing relationships with the deceased and to help them reinvest into new relationships after the death.
celebrating a life is a series of steps (learn, implement, supplement and dispose), that relies on both the family to learn and recognize the value in memorialization, ritual and ceremony, as well as the experience arranger to learn what details the deceased was passionate about and the details the family felt was important enough to convey in the story to make their funeral experience meaningful for themselves and their family.
Dennis C. McGee, Jr., Funeral Director
Sweeney Funeral Home
Riverside, NJ
In a message dated 10/31/01 9:31:01 AM, leiva_dave@yahoo.com writes:
TROPICAL WOOD COFFINS
Our company produces and commercialize tropical wood coffins from Ecuador under the requirements that satisfied the client's needs. OVERSEAS TRADING CORP. is an reliable company that gives the best and responsible deal with the client through our main office located in Quito and an excellent team of dedicated people.
We offer you a door to door delivery service (CIF terms)or to your nearest seaport or you can pick the merchandize yourself. ( FOB terms). The company is seeking new markets with the purpose of make international relationships with people interest in our products.
Our coffins are made of tropical wood so the client obtains a good quality product with a good price.
In a message dated 11/03/01 9:16:23 AM, Ingrid in New York writes: Hi John, I don't know who wrote this, is this Metzler the new chief at NFDA, Interesting note about Cremated Remains, looks like we will be driving all our remains to the National Cemetery.
See you in July "I"
Subj: Re: Just in from Arlington Cemetery.......
In a message dated 11/02/01 5:19:48 PM, cpepper@nfda.org writes: courtesy of Sally Lowe. The information below is on the Arlington Cemetery website. http://arlingtoncemetery.org/special_notice.html We will be getting this information out to our members in our next ebulletin (which was this morning) and it is on our website.
To All Family Members, Personal Representatives and Funeral Directors
Due to events of September 11, 2001, and the major concerns with postal issues, effective October 29, 2001, Arlington National Cemetery will no longer accept cremated remains mailed through the U.S. Postal Services or delivered by common carriers. Family members and funeral home representatives may hand carry these remains to Arlington on the day of the service or up to three (3) working days prior to the service.
When out of town family members/friends are not attending the interment/inurnment, the next-of-kin or personal representative should arrange through their local funeral home/cremation society for delivery. Delivery should be arranged with a Washington, D.C. area funeral home for further delivery to Arlington National Cemetery.
Sincerely,
John C. Metzler, Jr.
Superintendent
Christine Reichelt-Pepper
Acting Chief Executive Officer
National Funeral Directors Association
13625 Bishop's Dr.
Brookfield, WI 53005-6607
262-814-1527
262-789-6977 (fax)
cpepper@nfda.org
In a message dated 10/24/01 11:27:44 PM, Tim in New Jersey writes: hope all is well up there. i bet the leaves are awesome now. it was 80 here today - i was out on the golf course. if you didn't catch this on aol i figured you'd get a kick out of it. take care, tim (in new jersey)
10/24: AOL News: Mother Sends Son's Ashes to Loan Co. >>
Mother Sends Son's Ashes to Loan Co.
By MARYCLAIRE DALE
.c The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Tired of the red tape involved in proving her son dead, a woman sent a baggie containing some of his ashes to the company processing his student loans.
The baggie and accompanying letter arrived at Sallie Mae's office in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Oct. 12 as concern was growing about anthrax-tainted letters.
``We treated it as it was an anthrax scare. It was a gray powdery substance,'' said company vice president Joseph Bailey.
The 25-year-old college student died of a drug overdose in Georgia, leaving behind about $35,000 in federal student loans, Bailey said. The loans are discharged if Sallie Mae or the lender receives an original or raised-seal copy of the death certificate.
The woman, from Washington state, first contacted Sallie Mae about the death May 17 but apparently became frustrated that the loans had not been discharged, Bailey said. He refused to name her.
``She wasn't mad. It was just a bizarre response,'' Bailey said.
Police and hazardous materials teams were called to the company, which has 800 employees and handles over 100,000 pieces of mail a day at its office about 100 miles north of Philadelphia. Several workers went to their doctors for tests.
``People were freaking out and going to the doctor thinking they had handled anthrax,'' Bailey said.
A funeral director later confirmed the bag, with about two teaspoons of white-and-gray flecked ashes, contained human remains. The company planned to return the remains to the woman.
AP-NY-10-24-01 2130EDT
Copyright 2001 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
In a message dated 10/27/01 1:36:24 PM, Melissa in Chicago writes:
<< John - I appreciate your email and the changes you've made. Before I ever saw your article, I had been reading a book called Germs by Judith Miller (she was one of the people infected in NYC by anthrax), Stephen Engleberg, and William Broad. This book looks at the spectrum of biological weapons and has extensive interviews with Wm. Patrick who has had more experience than one with the development of biological weapons. On page 122 there is a discussion of the potential deaths of soldiers during Operation Desert Storm (which was just 10 years ago) from botulism and anthrax bioweapons developed by Iraq and Russia. The following is an exact quote:
"In January: as the allies prepared for the ground war that would culminate with the invasion of Kuwait, Schwarzkopf's aides confronted a grisly question: If soldiers were killed by a germ attack, what should the military do with there remains? Botulinum toxin decays rapidly, so victims of that microbe could be buried in temporary graves and then exhumed for interment in the United States. Anthrax, with its highly persistent spores, was another matter. "The presence of living anthrax spores in the remains can only be confidently excluded if the bodies are incinerated. a memo from Fort Detrick said. If that was not possible the remains would have to be soaked in a powerful bleach to kill all the spores. The bones could then be flown back to the United States for Burial with minimal risk to morticians."
I think this statement speaks for its self. No one knows were this anthrax came from or when it was produced but numerous articles and TV reports suggest it is potentially from Iraq or Russia's old stores. I have to state that neither you nor Kim are MD's and have no experience with bioweapons. Are you confident of what you will be putting in print? Perhaps wording to the effect that these are the personal beliefs of Kim and the Dodge Company.
One last issue, is that many people have believed that Kim is a licensed embalmer. Her inclusive language ("when we ....") makes it sound as if she is embalming herself. I have learned that she is not embalmer. I would suggest that perhaps you want to make that clear. Her husband being an embalmer has no bearing on what she is writing about under her name
Melissa
In a message dated 10/27/01 2:13:55 PM, Fred in Massachusetts writes:
PART I.
~~~~~~ I promise. Really I do! ~~~~~~~~
After the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, which
killed six and injured 1,000, President Clinton
promised that those responsible would be hunted down
and punished.
After the 1995 bombing in Saudi Arabia, which killed
five U.S. military personnel, Clinton promised that
those responsible would be hunted down and punished.
After the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi
Arabia, which killed 19 and injured 200 U.S.
military personnel, Clinton promised that those
responsible would be hunted down and punished.
After the 1998 bombing of U.S. embassies in Africa,
which killed 224 and injured 5,000, Clinton promised
that those responsible would be hunted down and
punished.
After the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, which killed
17 and injured 3 U.S. sailors, Clinton promised that
those responsible would be hunted down and punished.
Maybe if Clinton had kept his promise, an estimated
7,000 people would be alive today.
An interesting question: This question was raised on
a Philly radio call-in show.
PART II.
~~~~~ And another thought ~~~~~~~
Without casting stones, it is a legitimate question.
There are two men, both extremely wealthy. One
develops relatively cheap software and gives
hundreds of millions of dollars to charity. The
other sponsors terrorism.
That being the case, why is it that the US
government has spent more money chasing down Bill
Gates over the past ten years than Osama bin Laden?
PART III.
~~~~~~ Remember What? ~~~~~~~~
It is a strange turn of events. Hillary gets $8
Million for her forthcoming memoir. Bill gets about
$12 Million for his memoir.
This from two people who have spent the past 8 years
being unable to recall anything about past events!
Incredible!!
"We will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail." -George W. Bush
In a message dated 10/30/01 10:17:59 AM, LSNCFDA writes:
NCFDA E-LINE ¥ OCTOBER 29, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NCFDA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
Article on "Arbitration to Settle Employment Claims"
Current Calendar of Events
NCFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA
November 13, 2001 o Fayetteville, NC
Welcome and Announcements
Membership Report
District Director Recruitment Package
Service Corporation International
Financial Reports
Finalize & Adoption of 2002 Budget
Personnel Committee Report
Funeral Service Curriculum and Class Visit - Restorative Arts
Committee Reports:
Convention Committee
Education Committee
Membership Services
Web Site Development
PAC/Fund Raising
Redistricting
Communications and Policy Questions
Death of Member/Non Member Policies
Fax Broadcast &endash; E-Mail &endash; Newsletter Notices
Funeral Attendance (policy) by Executive Director/President
Review & Development of District Director Policies
Old Business
Mid Winter Conference
Proposed Cremation Changes
2003 Convention Update
New Business
Cincinnati Insurance Endorsement
NFDA Convention Report
District Director Representative to the Executive Committee
Adjournment
USING MANDATORY ARBITRATION TO SETTLE EMPLOYMENT CLAIMS
By: T. Scott Gilligan, NFDA General Counsel
Funeral homes, like all businesses across the country, have experienced a substantial increase in employee lawsuits alleging discrimination on the basis of age, sex, religion, race, and disability. Several factors have made this problem particularly acute for funeral homes.
First, fewer family members are following their parents into funeral service. This means that firms who traditionally relied upon family to staff the funeral home now must look to the workforce for the first time.
Another notable factor is the significant increase in the number of women entering funeral service. While this is a welcome change for the profession, it does present challenges as evidenced by the increase in claims of sexual harassment and sexual discrimination against funeral homes.
As any funeral home which has been sued by a disgruntled ex-employee can affirm, litigation is a time-consuming, disheartening, and expensive experience. Moreover, since litigation is conducted in a public forum, the claims and counterclaims being made in open court can be very harmful to the reputation of the funeral home, its staff, and the ex-employee.
To avoid the emotional and monetary cost of litigation, and the public exposure it can bring some employers have begun to require employees and job applicants to assert their claims through arbitration rather than litigation. The use of mandatory arbitration to handle employee claims recently received the blessing of the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Circuit City Stores v. Saint Clair Adams. In that suit, Circuit City placed a mandatory arbitration clause on its employment application form. The Supreme Court upheld the validity of that requirement and ruled that any employee who signed the form must use arbitration instead of litigation to bring a claim against the employer.
If funeral homes wish to utilize mandatory arbitration to handle claims from future employees, we would recommend that they place the following language on the employee application form that is signed by the job applicant:
"I agree that I will settle any and all previously unasserted claims, disputes or controversies arising out of or relating to my application or candidacy for employment, employment and/or cessation of employment with _________ Funeral Home, exclusively by final and binding arbitration before a neutral arbitrator. By way of example only, such claims include claims under federal, state, and local statutory or common law, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, including the amendments of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the law of contract and the law of tort."
Any members with questions regarding this article should call NFDA General Counsel T. Scott Gilligan at (513) 587-4440.
NCFDA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Nov 1 NCFDA District 8 Meeting with Dr. Winston, Medical Examiner with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, at the Village Inn Golf & Conference Center in Clemmons, NC with dinner at 6:00 PM and the program at 7:00 PM. Costs: $25.00. Contact Dorman Caudle at 336-765-8181. (Requested 2.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 5 Deadline for State Board ballot return is 5:00 PM at State Board office.
Nov 7 State Board Meeting at 9:00 AM and ballot counting at 1:00 PM at their office in Raleigh.
Nov 8 NCFDA Convention Committee at Grove Park Inn in Asheville at 2:00 PM.
Nov 8 NCFDA District 2 Meeting with Dr. John Lambeth on OSHA Rules & Regulations and Mark Henderson, Executive Director of the NC Board of Mortuary Science, on Laws & Legislation. The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn in Williamston with dinner at 6:00 PM and the program from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Costs for dinner and program are $15 per NCFDA Member and $20.00 per Non-Member. Contact C. S. Hanchey at 252-752-2101. (2.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 8 "Funding Methods for Prearranged Funeral Contracts" by Vision Insurance Western Sizzlin', Conover from 9:50 AM &endash; 2:30 PM. Contact Michael Wilson at 336-877-3960. (6.0 c.e.c.). Also Held at the Following Locations:
Nov 15 Ryan's, Asheville
Dec 6 Western Sizzlin', Conover
Dec 13 Ryan's, Asheville
Nov 13 NCFDA Board of Directors Meeting at the School of Funeral Service at Fayetteville Technical Community College at 10:00 AM
Nov 14 "Cremation in the New Millennium" at the Goldsboro Country Club sponsored by Arnold Wilbert Corporation from 8:30 AM &endash; 3:30 PM. Contact Vickie Zimmerman at 800-672-4748. (5.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 14 NCFDA District 6 Meeting: Plans for a meeting on this date have been postponed at this time.
Nov 14 "Specialty Uses of Life Insurance, etc." sponsored by Heritage School at the Ramada Inn, Kopper Kettle Restaurant in Goldsboro, from 9:00 AM &endash; 4:15 PM. Contact David Clark at 800-422-2011, ext. 1021. (3.5 c.e.c. approved)
Nov 13-14 "Funeral Funding Regulations" (2.5 c.e.c.) and "Preneed Insurance Lifecycle Performance" (1.0 c.e.c.) by Homesteaders Life Company in Fayetteville from 8:00 AM - 2:15 PM. Contact Steve Whitaker at 800-777-3633, ext. 440.
Nov 15 "Understanding Diversity in Funeral Service" at LCC, Bullock Building #1, Room 150 at Lenoir Community College in Kinston from 5:00 &endash; 10:00 PM. Contact Jessie Wooten at 252-527-6223, ext. 716. (5.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 15-16 Funeral Funding Regulations" (2.5 c.e.c.) and "Preneed Insurance Lifecycle Performance" (1.0 c.e.c.) by Homesteaders Life Company in Winston-Salem from 8:00 AM - 2:15 PM. Contact Steve Whitaker at 800-777-3633, ext. 440.
Nov 19 "Safety & OSHA Compliance, etc." at Little Church on the Lane Social Hall in Charlotte from 2:00 &endash; 8:00 PM. Contact Chris Headley at 704-334-6421. (5.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 20 NCFDA District 7 Meeting with Dr. John Lambeth on "Occupational Safety & Health for Funeral Homes and Crematoriums" from 9:00 AM &endash; 4:00 PM. (Registration begins at 8:00 AM and pre-registration is preferred by November 15.) Registration fee is $75.00 for NCFDA members for lunch and program and $95.00 for Non-Members. Contact Gary Overcash at 910-895-4422. (6.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 26 NCFDA District 5 Meeting with Kevin O'Barr of NC Department of Labor on OSHA in NC Funeral Homes at Carver's Restaurant, 2711 Capital Blvd., Raleigh with a social at 5:00 PM, Meal at 6:00 PM and program from 7:00 &endash; 9:00 PM. Meal choices are prime rib, steak, chicken or shrimp and the cost is $27.50 for dinner and program or $20.00 for program only. Contact Anthony Minshew at 919-963-3117. (Requested 2.0 c.e.c.)
Nov 29 NCFDA District 10 Meeting with Mark Henderson of the NC Board of Mortuary Science at the Sagebrush in Morganton with dinner at 6:00 PM and the program at 7:00 PM. Contact Susan Cox at 828-635-8002. (2.0 c.e.c.)
Dec 7 "Criminal Investigation, etc." at Cleveland Community College in Shelby from 9:00 AM &endash; 4:00 PM. Contact Chris Nanney at 704-481-4117. (5.0 c.e.c.)
Dec 12 "Fundamentals of Outer Burial Containers" at Arnold-Wilbert Corp. in Goldsboro from 8:30 AM &endash; 2:30 PM. Contact Vickie Zimmerman at 919-735-5008. (4.0 c.e.c.)
June 10 &endash; 12, 2002&emdash; NCFDA Annual Convention at the Grove Park Inn Resort, Asheville, NC
Additions, Corrections and/or Deletions to E-Line
Send additions, corrections and/or deletions for the NCFDA E-Line to Membership Services Director Pat Hayes at: phncfda@aol.com
In a message dated 10/30/01 6:10:05 PM, Lyn in Massachusetts writes:
Posted by editor on Monday, October 29 @ 18:14:45 CST The Boston Globe Consumer Beat Column (BAY STATE DOES NOT PAY FULL COST OF FUNERALS FOR THE POOR) Source: The Boston Globe Publication date: 2001-10-28 Arrival time: 10/29/01 12:50
Oct. 28--BAY STATE DOES NOT PAY FULL COST OF FUNERALS FOR THE POOR: Everyone eventually dies, but is everyone, no matter what their financial circumstances, entitled to a funeral and a burial when they go?
That's the question states and municipalities across the nation are grappling with as the economy weakens and budgets tighten.
Ohio this summer became the latest state to halt funding for indigent burials because of budgetary pressures. By some estimates, nearly a third of the states refuse to cover funeral and burial expenses for people on state assistance programs.
Many other states and municipalities provide aid, but amounts vary widely. Los Angeles County, for example, will cremate an indigent person but it won't pay for more expensive funeral and burial costs. Connecticut will pay a maximum of $1,200 for death expenses, while Illinois recently increased its maximum grant to $1,500 and is scheduled to hike it again next year.
Massachusetts provides $1,100, a figure that hasn't changed in 18 years. But the antiquated state law covering indigent burials requires a lot of services for that money, including a casket with a metal name plate, a burial plot, a hearse, and a car for the immediate family. Cremation is not an option under the law, although state officials and funeral directors look the other way if that's what the family wants.
The problem is that funerals and burial plots don't come that cheap. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average funeral costs $6,130, not including burial. While that figure may be on the high side, there's no denying that $1,100 doesn't come close to covering the total cost.
"It's mostly an insult," said Ronald Harrell, president of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association and owner of Harrell Funeral Home in Springfield. "Basically, we're providing free funerals."
Peter Stefan, owner of Graham, Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlors in Worcester, handled 164 indigent funerals last year, far more than any other funeral director in the state. He says he goes out of his way to treat such cases with respect, but is infuriated by the lack of cooperation from state welfare workers and by the stinginess of the state.
"The whole thing is a sham," he said, adding that he is considering filing suit against the state. "I'm subsidizing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
Deacon Anthony Rizzuto, executive director of the office of Catholic cemeteries at the Archdiocese of Boston, said he is well aware of the cost crunch. He said the church tries to help, offering cemetery space at sharply reduced rates or for free. "We turn no one away for lack of ability to pay," he said. He declined comment on the state's responsibility.
The overall cost to the state is minimal -- $2.74 million in fiscal 2001 for 2,489 indigent funerals. Despite the relatively low cost, neither Acting Governor Jane Swift's administration nor state lawmakers seem poised to do anything about it.
Dick Powers, a spokesman for the state Department of Transitional Assistance, said that, as a practical matter, the 18-year-old $1,100 reimbursement figure should be increased. "But in light of the current fiscal crisis, I don't think anyone is going to be in a hurry to do it," he said.
Harrell said his association is developing legislation to address the problem. He noted the current law caps the cost of an indigent funeral and burial at $1,500 -- $1,100 from the state and a maximum of $400 from the deceased's estate or family and friends. He said the association's bill will propose raising the state contribution and lifting the cap, allowing family members or friends to contribute more if they can afford it.
Stefan doubts anything will get done, and says funeral directors will be forced to cut corners or resort to creative accounting. "The state's not going to pass any bill to increase welfare costs," he said.
Byron Blanchard, treasurer of the Memorial Society of Boston, a funeral business watchdog group, said it's clear that the requirements of the law and the size of the state's contribution have to change. "I don't know what the answer is," he said. "It's a societal kind of question."
In a message dated 10/29/01 7:42:52 PM, OQuinn Peebles writes:
Thought you might like to see this. She is a go getter, and has a heart for funeral service.
-----------------
Forwarded Message:
Subj: Web-Site
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2001 4:05:00 PM
From: AGRAVEgal
To: AGRAVEgal
Sent on: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10536
Although I am attempting to fax my newsletter to everyone, this is not always successful. My newsletter is also available on the internet at
A Grave Undertaking Here is an excerpt from the main article: There has been recent information in e-mails and faxes concerning the payment of monies in South Carolina from First Citizens Bank to the SC Funeral Associations. Here are even more details concerning the information provided.First Citizens in South Carolina pays SC Funeral Associations an amount of money. Since banks are perceived to have plenty of money, this may sound like a nice source of revenue for these associations. It would be especially welcome if these associations are in a tight financial situation. However, it only takes a review of the rates paid to the preneed accounts on deposit to realize who is actually financing these payments......rest of article
- Betty Lynn
"...reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle." - George Washington
In a message dated 10/28/01 10:35:09 AM, Melareps2 writes:
Dear John-
I am a woman director/embalmer in the Midwest. Is the lady sure that she is being singled out because of her sex or is it because she is an intern and not on the company payroll? If she is not on the company payroll then what would happen if she got hurt on a housecall, while driving a company car, etc.? Who is liable? Are funeral homes allowing male interns to do make arrangements, etc.? Or is it that she only interns for a few weeks so why train someone who will be living shortly? When I looked for where I wanted my internship, I picked the hardest working funeral home and worked 40 hours a week for 8 weeks for FREE. Why? Because I wanted to be an apprentice at this funeral home and used the time to prove to the powers that be that I was willing & able to perform the necessary tasks of an apprentice. You have to build up muscle to do a home removal and the only way to do it to work out or move bodies from table to cot, from cot to table or from hospital bed to cot, etc. Believe me there have been times when I was on duty and a house call came in and both myself and the director who went out with me had a very hard time moving the body. (Thank God the family didn't want to watch because to me it was very undignified.)
I now work in a funeral home that has two female embalmers, two female funeral directors and two male funeral directors. (One of the guys keeps joking with all the females around that he has a harem lol.)
Anyway, where there is a will there is a way. Most interns/apprentices don't learn enough to feel competent upon graduation. It takes time and bodies (about 100 cases) before you feel like you know what you're doing. If all apprentices/interns are in the same boat then your employer upon graduation knows that you still need to learn how to make arrangements/embalm. A lot of funeral homes don't like to have someone who already knows because they want to mold you into their way of doing things.
So keep a stiff upper lip, learn everything that you can, and remember that the golden license only will open the door for you, you have to walk through it.
Wichita, KS
Below is original letter on the issue
In a message dated 9/27/01 10:42:24 PM, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania writes:
Dear Sir:
Unfairness..........that is exactly what I am experiencing within the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area regarding funeral service. Yes, I fully understand that "life isn't fair"; however, I decided to use the word "unfairness" instead of "discrimination." I am a woman, over 40 years of age, but did very well in Mortuary School and received several awards, (that and a $1.50 will get me a cup of coffee).
I am presently serving my internship (shabby as it may be) in Allegheny County.
I use the word "shabby" due to the complete lack of "TEACHING" during this internship. This is definitely NOT an isolated situation. Women are not ALLOWED to drive hearses, do home removals, do arrangements,etc. I am primarily "used" for cleaning and embalming sometimes. The fact is, if a woman can even find an internship in this area..................it is PART time, and we are NOT being taught the necessary requirements that the state demands. The preceptors and owners are downright lying, just saying that the required 35 bodies & 25 arrangements are completed. Therefore, what is happening is many "women" are getting that golden license in their hands and really don't know much more then they did upon Mortuary School graduation! This is NOT the fault of the intern.........but the fault lies directly with the employer.
I'm glad I've voiced my views on the matter. If nothing else it has helped me to deal with my resentment against the funeral service today. Owners...........please take heed of my words!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 10/31/01 12:41:01 AM, Tim in Massachusetts writes:
A drunk stumbles out of a bar and he makes his way into the cemetery behind the tavern. He walks right to the edge of a freshly dug grave, loses his balance and falls in.
There's a puddle of water in the hole, and he spends the rest of the night yelling, "Help me, I'm cold! Someone help me, I'm cold!"
At closing time, another drunk walks behind the bar and hears the noise. He gets to the open grave, looks down and says, "Of course you're cold, you idiot, you kicked all the dirt off yourself!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 10/23/01 9:56:58 PM, Scott@fletcherfuneralhomes.com. writes:
Hi John,
I have 9 Kelco double casket racks for sale - Excellent condition, bottom racks are connected to the top and roll out to display the bottom unit.
Also, if anyone is interested in a 2000 Lincoln Towncar, black, excellent condition, 39,000 miles, vinyl roof, e-mail to Scott@fletcherfuneralhomes.com.
Thanks
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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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