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In a message dated 11/8/02 7:50:18 AM Eastern Standard Time, Joe_Weigel@Batesville.com writes:
CONTACT: Joe Weigel Batesville Casket Company 812.934.1610
Batesville Casket Updates Warranties to Serve Funeral Directors and Families More Effectively
BATESVILLE, IN (November 1, 2002) - Batesville Casket Company announced today it is shortening the length of its metal casket warranties but increasing their scope to better align the warranties with the needs of today's funeral professional and funeral consumer.
The warranties will be expanded to include a wider range of quality standards related to materials and workmanship. Changes will be effective for all caskets manufactured beginning December 1, 2002. Also, depending on product model, Batesville metal casket warranties will extend for a period of five (5), ten (10) or fifteen (15) years.
"Our new metal casket warranties are stronger because we now warrant against defects in materials and workmanship, not merely that the caskets have passed a vacuum test," said Chris Ruberg, vice president of marketing for Batesville Casket.
Warranty revisions will have no effect on the way Batesville manufactures its metal products or the features of individual products. "Funeral professionals and families can continue to expect best-in-class quality, materials and professional workmanship from Batesville products," Ruberg said. "We are adjusting the warranty periods for our metal caskets to be in alignment with consumers' expectations, not because the products have changed in any way."
"As the leading casket manufacturer in funeral service, we feel it is our duty to bring our warranties more in line with other consumer durable goods which have warranties typically in the 5-, 10- and 15-year range," said Ruberg. "Given our litigious society and the public's skepticism for corporate America, we also believe it important to take this opportunity to clarify what our products will and will not do."
In addition to changing the warranty period, Batesville will no longer describe its gasket-equipped metal caskets as "protective." However, Batesville's metal caskets will continue to be manufactured with a rubber gasket to help resist the entrance of outside elements.
To prepare funeral professionals for the change, Batesville sales representatives will make available a folder containing samples of the new warranties and additional information about the changes.
About Batesville Casket Company
Batesville Casket Company, a subsidiary of Hillenbrand Industries (NYSE: HB) is recognized as North America's leading funeral service supplier of burial caskets, cremation products and related support services. Headquartered in Batesville, Ind., for over one hundred years, Batesville has been committed to helping funeral directors and the families they serve make every funeral meaningful. Visit www.batesville.com.
Good Morning Lowell,
I too apologize for not getting back to you sooner. We have been very
busy. To explain a little further - Funeraljobs.net does not charge the
candidates. The Funeral Homes pay the fee. We have two services, one
being the job board and the other the permanent placement division. The
companies pay to place their ad on the board and if they choose to use
our recruiting division, the pay an additional fee.
The service is free to the funeral director looking for a new
opportunity in the industry. We are running our ads in "The Director"
and "Mortuary Management." I am sorry to say that I can't compensate
you for spreading the word. We are a new company and just wanted to get
the information out the directors. I was seeking your help not for the
companies who pay the fees, but as stated above.
Thanks for getting back to me and have a great day!
Patricia L. Relyea
Executive Recruiter
(803) 396-8264
www.funeraljobs.net
"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing. "
Dale Carnegie
In a message dated 10/3/02 4:52:50 PM, kshay@nfda.org writes:
or Immediate Release
Contact: John Fitch, Jr.
202-547-0441
NFDA 2002 Voter Guide Released
Brookfield, Wis. &endash; With the upcoming congressional elections, the
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has compiled a voter guide
for its members. The guide highlights members of Congress that have
been supportive of funeral service issues.
"Voters will head to the polls in a few weeks to decide who will become
members of the 108th Congress," says NFDA Director of Government
Relations John Fitch Jr. "The Voter Guide is designed to help in the
decision-making process."
Available online at http://www.nfda.org/memberpage, the list features
House and Senate members that have received financial support from
NFDA's Political Action Committee (PAC) Fund during the current election
cycle. NFDA PAC contributions are based on the elected officials
support for funeral service, funeral directors and small business
issues. All contributions are decided by consulting NFDA's political
action committee and the state funeral director associations.
If a senator or representative does not appear on the list, NFDA's PAC
has not made a contribution to their campaign during this election
cycle.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the world's oldest and largest nationwide
funeral service association, serving about 13,500 members. To learn
more about NFDA, visit our Website at www.nfda.org.
In a message dated 10/4/02 9:48:59 AM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
919-876-7886 * 800-616-2332 * FAX: 919-876-5382
http://www.ncfda.org
E-LINE DATE: October 4, 2002
Senate Bill 1283 Ratified on October 4, 2002
Below is the text of Senate Bill 1283 as it relates to the NC Board of
Mortuary Science. The most significant changes are that the State Board
will now consist of 12 members (8 licensees, appointed rather than elected,
and 4 public members) as follows:
(1) Four appointed by the Governor, three of which shall be either a
licensed funeral director or a funeral service licensee
(2) Four appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the
Speaker of the House, two of which shall be either a licensed funeral
director or a funeral service licensee
(3) Four members by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the
President Pro Tempore of the Senate, three of which shall be either a
licensed funeral director or a funeral service licensee
RECONSTITUTION OF NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF MORTUARY SCIENCE
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2003
SECTION 4.2.(a) G.S. 90-210.18 reads as rewritten:
§ 90-210.18. Construction of Article; State Board; members; election;
qualifications; term; vacancies.
(a) The General Assembly declares that the practice of funeral service
affects the public health, safety and welfare, and is subject to regulation
and control in the public interest. The public interest requires that only
qualified persons be permitted to practice funeral service in North
Carolina, and that the profession merit the confidence of the public. This
Article shall be liberally construed to accomplish these ends.
(b) The North Carolina Board of Mortuary Science is created and
shall regulate the practice of funeral service in this State. The Board
shall have twelve members as follows:
(1) Four members appointed by the Governor, three of which shall
be either a licensed funeral director or a funeral service licensee.
(2) Four members appointed by the General Assembly upon the
recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two of which
shall be either a licensed funeral director or a funeral service licensee.
(3) Four members appointed by the General Assembly upon the
recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, three of which
shall be either a licensed funeral director or a funeral service licensee.
The public members of the Board may neither be licensed under this
Article nor employed by a person who is. To establish staggered terms, the
Governor, the General Assembly, upon the recommendation of the Speaker of
the House of Representatives, and the General Assembly, upon the
recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, each, shall
initially appoint one member to serve one year, one member to serve two
years, and two members to serve three years. A vacancy shall be filled for
an unexpired term by the appointing authority.
(b1) A member's term shall be three years and shall expire on June 30
or when that member's successor has been duly appointed, whichever is later.
No member may serve more than two complete consecutive terms. All members
of the Board shall have full voting authority.
SECTION 4.2.(b) G.S. 90-210.22 reads as rewritten:
§ 90-210.22. Required meetings of the Board.
The Board shall hold at least two meetings in each year at which
examinations shall be given to qualified applicants for licenses. In
addition, the Board shall meet monthly for the proper and efficient
discharge of its duties. Five members shall constitute a quorum."
SECTION 4.2.(c) G.S. 90-210.23(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b) The Board shall elect from its members a chair, a vice-chair, and
a secretary, no two offices to be held by the same person. The chair and
vice-chair and secretary shall serve for one year and until their successors
shall be elected and qualify. The Board shall have authority to engage
adequate staff as deemed necessary to perform its duties."
SECTION 4.2.(d) G.S. 90-210.25(a1) reads as rewritten:
(a1) Inactive Licenses. - Any person holding a license issued by the
Board for funeral directing, for embalming, or for the practice of funeral
service may apply for an inactive license in the same category as the active
license held. The inactive license is renewable annually. Continuing
education isnot required for the renewal of an inactive license. The holder
of an inactive license may apply for an active license in the same category,
and the Board shall issue an active license if the applicant has completed
in North Carolina a total number of hours of accredited continuing education
equal to five times the number of years the applicant held the inactive
license. No application fee is required for the reinstatement of an active
license pursuant to this subsection. The holder of an inactive license who
returns to active status shall surrender the inactive license to the Board."
SECTION 4.2.(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Mr. George
Parrott's and Mr. Stuart Cozart's appointments to and terms of office on the
North Carolina Board of Mortuary Science shall be as set forth in Section
3.3(a) and (b) of this act, despite the reconstitution of the Board as set
forth in Section 4.2(a) of this act. Mr. Parrott's appointment to and term
of office on the Board shall be that of the member appointed by the General
Assembly upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of
Representatives for the initial three-year term, as set forth in G.S.
90-210.18(b) as amended by Section 4.2(a) of this act when effective. Mr.
Stuart Cozart's appointment to and term of office on the Board shall be that
of the member appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of
the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term beginning on the
effective date of this act and ending on June 30, 2004, for the initial
one-year term, as set forth in G.S. 90-210.18(b) as amended by Section
4.2(a) of this act when effective.
SECTION 4.2.(f) Except as set forth in Section 4.2(e) of this act, the
members of the Board of Mortuary Science on January 1, 2002, shall continue
in office until June 30, 2003.
SECTION 4.2.(g) Beginning January 1, 2004, the Board of Mortuary Science
shall report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations
annually regarding its activities.
SECTION 4.2.(h) Sections 4.2(a) through 4.2(d) of this section become
effective July 1, 2003. The remainder of this section is effective when it
becomes law.
In a message dated 10/4/02 5:16:51 PM, John in Pennsylvania writes:
The Directories with a heart: the Lead Me Home Project
Many in funeral service already know the name Net-21 Media. We are the publishers of both MortuaryShipping.com and FuneralHomeDirectory.us. To those that don't know the names, here's a brief overview of the sites.
FuneralHomeDirectory.us, when complete in the fall of 2003, will be the largest (25,000+ pages) funeral home directory site and quite possibly, one of the largest sites on the Internet. We are presently wrapping up the Pennsylvania section of the directory. Connecticut, Vermont, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii are already complete. Other states have some entries (as FD's post them) while other states have "Coming Soon" notices.
I do not abbreviate firm names or addresses. We all work too hard, dedicate too much of our lives in service to our communites and profession to have the name William L. Robinson and Sons Memorial Funeral Chapel to become, Robinson, Wm. L. Sons Mem Fun Chpl.
The site is being visited by one person every MINUTE or roughly 1,500 people per day. It's easy to use, contains no "hostile" links, no funeral information, and with the "Quick Zip" feature, a visitor can find a funeral home with nothing but a zip code (or portion of the firm's name) and complete the search in under 12 seconds. Try it.
Basic listings, like membership in FSPA, is FREE. A basic listing is 3 lines and consists of the funeral firm's name, address and one telephone number.
Upgrades are either $12.00 or $29.00 per year. The $12.00 upgrade bolds the firm name, adds a web or email address, ownership status and an additional telephone (toll free or fax) number. The $29.00 adds a dedicated profile PAGE to the site. Keep in mind, the cost of the upgrades is YEARLY, not monthly or quarterly.
Top five placement is on a first come, first published basis. We charge no more for this. We believe that speed should be rewarded, not a bulging wallet. I'm simply trying to level the playing field in an advertising game that is getting more competitive every day.
MortuaryShipping.com is a directory of firms who want to reach out to grow their shipping or receiving business. $39.00 buys a listing on 3 cities PLUS a dedicated profile page. Other packages are available.
MortuaryShipping.com can save a firm hundreds of ad dollars every year. In an age of diminishing margins and an increase in alternative services, this is critical. Firms can decrease ads in traditional print directories and add the line, "Visit our profile: MortuaryShipping.com/yourfirmname". They can then fill their dedicated page with the names of hospitals, nursing homes, cemeteries or crematories they serve. All of this data is fully searchable using a powerful server-side search engine.
Nifty and thrifty, huh? I think it's about time.
Here's where BOTH directories blow everyone else away....
"The Lead Me Home Project"
FuneralHomeDirectory.us contains an online memorial to those who died on 9-11-01. Every name is listed and I continue to receive photos from family members which I publish on the individual's "panel." The letters I receive daily are heartbreaking.
Net-21 Media will donate 20% of the revenues from both sites (excludes the $12.00 upgrade on FuneralHomeDirectory.us) to purchase a GUIDE DOG that will be sponsored by participating funeral directors. The dog will be dedicated to those who perished on 9-11.
We get to name the dog but we CANNOT choose where the dog will be placed. The need is obviously great for these highly-trained companions.
A press release will be prepared for participating FD's to use in their local newspapers, they will receive a certificate to display in their lobbies or arrangement offices, and their names will appear not only in the directory, but in a special "Sponsor" area as well.
As a group we donate millions (the WWII Memorial for example) to purchase plaques that will be seen or noticed by few. This is a practical, on-going project that will directly IMPACT the life of a blind person somewhere in the United States.
Although a guide dog is carefully chosen and highly trained, I'd like to believe that "our" dog will LEAD HOME a blind person with the aid of 3,000 souls pulling from the other side.
I think it's a noble project worthy of everyone's participation. This is public awareness and goodwill mission of staggering proportions. Spread the word to your local associations and let's show the world what funeral directors can do when they band together!
The cost of sponsorship is $6,000.00. I'd like to wrap up the details for 2003's pup by December 15, 2002. I'll keep FSPA members informed with weekly updates to the newsletter.
If anyone has questions about either directory or the Lead Me Home Project, please email me at Net21Media@aol.com.
Wishing all FSPA members peace.
John at Net21Media@aol.com
PS - For 2003, I'd like to name the dog "Morti". (Sorry Robin...put it's a GREAT name.) Does anyone have any other suggestions?
In a message dated 10/5/02 5:21:30 AM, Mark in Florida writes:
Friday, October 4, 2002
Story last updated at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2002Federal government sues SCI Funeral Services
The Associated Press JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The federal government has sued one of the nation's largest funeral companies alleging that it discriminated against a hearing impaired worker.According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lawsuit filed in federal court, a funeral director moved from New York to Jacksonville, where he was hired by SCI to work as a crematorium operator and later as an embalmer.The man says SCI, which does business in Jacksonville as Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, would not promote him to the position of funeral director because of his disability.EEOC investigators also said the man was getting paid less that someone else with comparable credentials.In addition, the man says he was harassed by one of his managers, who mimicked how he spoke and mocked him with gestures of a mentally disabled person.The funeral worker eventually filed a discrimination claim with the EEOC. He continued to work for SCI and complain about the treatment. SCI eventually fired him.The EEOC is seeking an injunction to prevent future acts of discrimination and compensatory and punitive damages against SCI.The EEOC said it filed suit after it was unable to reach a voluntary settlement.SCI disputed the EEOC's charges."These allegations are entirely without merit," said Greg Bolton, a spokesman for SCI in Houston.SCI operates 3,100 funeral service locations, cemeteries and crematoriums in North America, South America and France and generates more than $2 billion in revenues, according to its Web site.___On the Net:Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: www.eeoc.govSCI Corp: www.sci-corp.com
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
Sen. Dodd Set to Introduce Historic Bill Regulating Industry
FTC Staff Estimates that 'Do Not Call' List Proposal Will Be Finalized by
Year's End
ICFA NEWS
Four Keynote Speakers to Cover Range of Issues at 2003 Convention
November Product of the Month: 2002-2003 Buyer's Guide & Membership Directory
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
SEN. DODD SET TO INTRODUCE HISTORIC BILL REGULATING INDUSTRY
Staff for Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) have stated that Dodd is likely to
introduce a lengthy bill that, for the first time, would regulate the death
care industry, including cemeteries, funeral homes, crematories, monument
retailers and any business that sells funeral-related goods or services. The
ICFA has been working with Dodd's office since the senator announced his
intentions to introduce federal legislation this past April.
The ICFA has filed detailed comments with Dodd on a "discussion draft" of the
bill and expressed our concerns with many provisions. The bill is divided
into two parts or titles. Title I would establish a new "Office of Funeral,
Burial and Disposition Services" within the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services. The Office's director would develop a series of standards for
industry members that would be enforced by the states through a grant program.
Title II of the draft bill codifies the FTC Funeral Rule into a federal
statute and extends its coverage to anyone who sells funeral goods or
services including markers, memorials and grave opening and closing services.
The bill also prohibits preneed telemarketing and door-to-door solicitation
and establishes a private right of action whereby consumers could sue
industry members and receive a minimum of $5,000 in damages per violation.
When the 107th Congress adjourns before the end of this year, all pending
bills will automatically expire. However, the ICFA has learned that Dodd
intends to re-introduce the bill, or a revised version of it, into the 108th
Congress that convenes in January. A detailed review of the discussion draft
bill is contained in the "Washington Report" column in the November issue of
International Cemetery & Funeral Management magazine.
---------------------------------------------------
FTC STAFF ESTIMATE THAT 'DO NOT CALL' LIST PROPOSAL WILL BE FINALIZED BY
YEAR'S END
Federal Trade Commission staff assigned to the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule
review proceedings have stated that a final rule containing a national "Do
Not Call" registry will probably be published before the end of this year.
The creation of a national Do Not Call list would allow consumers to contact
the FTC and request that their home telephone number be added to the list.
All telemarketers would be required to obtain the list from the FTC and
refrain from calling numbers on the list or face progressively steep fines
for violations.
The ICFA had obtained an exemption from the Telemarketing Rule for
"appointment calls" whereby no selling occurs over the phone but the caller
merely proposes setting a date for a face-to-face meeting. Earlier this year,
the FTC announced it would maintain the "appointment call" exemption to the
Rule, but proposed that the Do Not Call registry should apply to such calls.
On June 7, the ICFA testified before an FTC public workshop urging that the
Rule should maintain its distinction between telemarketing calls where
efforts are made to sell over the phone and appointment calls where nothing
is sold over the phone. At this point it is unclear whether the Do Not Call
registry will affect appointment calls in the final version of the Rule.
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
-------------------
ICFA NEWS
-------------------
FOUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS TO COVER RANGE OF ISSUES AT 2003 CONVENTION
The ICFA 2003 Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 at the Las Vegas Hilton,
Las Vegas, Nevada, will include four keynote addresses on today's most
pressing industry topics:
Todd Van Beck, president of the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in
Houston, Texas, and dean of the ICFA University College of Funeral and
Commemorative Services, will bring a lifetime of wide-ranging experience to
his discussion on how to provide superior service to families.
Gary Laderman, Emory University professor and author of the upcoming book,
"Death and Funeral Service in America," will share an informed "outsider's
view" of current and future societal trends affecting the way our industry
conducts business.
Ann Bastianelli, an industry marketing expert who "wowed" attendees at the
ICFA Fall Management Conference, will present up-to-the-minute research
supporting her positive, productive message on how to serve and prosper in
the future by better understanding the consumer.
Glenn Gould, president of MKJ Marketing Inc. in Largo, Florida, will explain
how cemeteries and funeral homes can build future revenue through effective
public relations.
In addition to the keynote speakers, the Convention will offer more than 11
hours of exhibit hall sessions and numerous educational breakout seminars.
Mark your calendar and watch for additional details in future editions of the
ICFA Wireless. For more information or to register, call the ICFA at
1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
NOVEMBER PRODUCT OF THE MONTH:
2002-2003 BUYER'S GUIDE & MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
For the month of November, the ICFA is offering a special discount on its
recently published Buyer's Guide & Membership Directory. This 264-page
directory of cemeteries, funeral homes, suppliers and related businesses and
organizations offers the most comprehensive index of individuals working in
the industry. It includes contact information for:
o 5,500+ ICFA-member cemeteries, funeral homes and allied businesses;
o 300+ industry suppliers;
o 151 international, national, regional and state industry associations;
o 100 U.S. and Canadian state/provincial cemetery regulators and funeral
service boards;
o 51 mortuary science schools; and
o all ICFA officers, board members and committee chairs.
Additional highlights include a set of industry guidelines for cremation;
recommended monument installation guidelines; and information on ICFA's
governance, membership benefits and upcoming educational programs
ICFA members receive a free copy as part of their membership benefits and can
purchase additional copies at a discount. Regular member price: $25. NOVEMBER
MEMBER PRICE: $15. Regular non-member price: $45. NOVEMBER NON-MEMBER PRICE:
$30. (Shipping and handling fees will be additional.) For more information or
to order, call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
AND MORE É
The ICFA Sales and Marketing Committee will present Naked Sales V: The Five
Commandments of Sales, January 16-17 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New
Orleans, Louisiana. Aimed toward sales managers and top counselors, the
two-day conference will provide dozens of innovative ideas for maximizing
each step of the sales process. For program and registration information,
visit http://www.icfa.org/naked_sales_03.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
The Music License Coalition, an independent group of funeral directors from
throughout the United States who have joined together to purchase music
licensing at a group rate, plans to offer a one-year, $185 license in 2003.
Funeral homes that belong to the Coalition pay no dues and are not required
to hold membership in any other industry group. For more information or to
join the Coalition, visit http://www.icfa.org/music/ or call 1-800-645-7700.
The ICFA Personalization Committee is accepting entries for the 2002 KIP
(Keeping It Personal) Awards, recognizing personalization of products and
services within the industry. Award recipients will be recognized as part of
a seminar on personalization at the ICFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas,
Nevada, March 10-13, 2003, and in International Cemetery & Funeral Management
magazine. The deadline for entries is December 6. Rules and entry information
can be found at www.icfa.org/kip.htm or by calling 1-800-645-7700.
The ICFA Internet Expo at http://www.icfa.org/expo/index.html, is the largest
online exposition in the cemetery and funeral service industry. Cemetery and
funeral home owners and operators will find more than 300 providers in over
100 product and service categories at the Expo. Exhibit space is provided as
a free, exclusive benefit to all ICFA supplier and professional members.
Check it out today!
Need a labor relations and employment law attorney? Check out ICFA's benefit
program offering free telephone legal consultations at
http://www.icfa.org/pepperman.htm .
The ICFA News Page at http://www.icfa.org/newspage.htm takes you to sources
throughout the world for industry news and updates. It brings you the most
comprehensive selection of funeral service and cemetery news available
anywhere, along with frequently updated general news items related to
national and world events. The News Page is the fourth most visited page on
the ICFA Web site. Stop in each day and you'll see why.
The ICFA uses a national media placement agency to distribute an ongoing
series of newspaper articles and radio announcements with positive preneed
and memorialization messages. Placements to date have been highly successful,
reaching hundreds of markets throughout the country. For more information and
to view copies of the actual releases, visit http://www.icfa.org/media.htm .
ICFA members can establish their own Web sites for just $14.95 per month,
with no up-front fees. FuneralAssistant.com provides complete Web site
design, up to six pages; monthly site hosting; assignment of a Keyword that
directs Internet customers to the site; and Web site updates. For more
information, visit http://www.icfa.org/WebBenefit.htm .
In a message dated 10/29/02 5:15:53 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
N.J. To Dig Up Graves For Turnpike Construction
More Than 3,000 Bodies May Be Buried There
Posted: 9:01 a.m. EST October 29, 2002
TRENTON, N.J. -- The New Jersey Turnpike Authority will spend nearly $4 million to remove thousands of bodies from a five-acre grave site in Hudson County and rebury them at another location. An archaeologist, osteologist and mortician were hired Monday to help unearth the remains from a potter's field. The work, which is needed to make way for a new turnpike interchange in Secaucus, will cost $3.89 million and be overseen by state Superior Court Judge Thomas Oliveri. "In essence, we are following the rules established by the court," Joseph Orlando, a turnpike spokesman, told The Record of Bergen County for Tuesday's editions. "It shows we are going about this with the best of intentions and in full compliance with the court." Officials said the work should not interfere with construction on the interchange, being built between Exits 15E and 16E on the turnpike's eastern spur. They still expect to complete the project in 2004. The cemetery was used by Hudson County's former poorhouse, mental hospital and penitentiary, and officials believe that more than 3,500 bodies may be buried at the site. Details about the grave site remain sketchy, but records suggest that the bodies were buried there sometime between the 1860s and 1950. An unknown number of remains were disinterred and relocated when the Turnpike was built in the 1950s.
NOTICE: This transmission is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain privileged and/or confidential material. Any retransmission, dissemination, review or other use of, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please contact the sender, destroy this message and delete the material from any computer, computer storage or other media. Information in this message that does not relate to the official business of Michael A. Flynn or F.J. Higgins Funeral Home Inc. shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by either.
In a message dated 10/29/02 2:01:00 PM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
919-876-7886 * 800-616-2332 * FAX: 919-876-5382
http://www.ncfda.org
E-LINE DATE: October 29, 2002
Gail S. Partin
Mrs. Gail S. Partin, Administrative Assistant with Brown-Wynne Funeral Home
in Raleigh for over 29 years, died Monday, October 28, 2002.
A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, October 30, at 2:00 PM at
Millbrook Baptist Church in Raleigh. Interment will follow at Raleigh
Memorial Park.
She is survived by her children: Heather Robbins and husband Frank of
Kernersville and Mandy Partin of Charlotte and their father and stepmother,
Rudy and Mary Wiatt Partin of Raleigh.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Fund of Millbrook Baptist
Church, 1519 Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.
In a message dated 10/29/02 12:53:55 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
Bereft of buglers, US goes techno
By Andrew Buncombe in Washington
29 October 2002It is a tradition dating back more than a century to play "Taps" &endash; that low, mournful bugle tune &endash; at military funerals in the United States.Until now it has also been a tradition for real buglers to blow their horns but a shortage of the real thing means planners are having to seek a non-traditional solution.The Pentagon has bought 50 "technologically-enhanced" bugles that will allow any member of a funeral honour guard to play "Taps" even if they possess not a jot of musical talent. By simply putting the bugle to his or her lips and then pressing a button, the bugler will "play" a digitally-recorded version of "Taps" that is amplified by a small device hidden in the cone of the instrument."In addition to the very high quality of sound, it provides a dignified visual &endash; something families tell us they want," the deputy assistant secretary of defence, John Molino, told the Washington Post.By law, any military veteran who left the service with an honourable discharge is entitled to a two-person honour guard at their funeral, along with the folding and presentation of the US flag and the playing of "Taps".But with fewer than 500 qualified buglers available and tens of thousands of veterans dying every year, resources have been stretched.Two years ago, Congress passed a law allowing a recording of "Taps" to be played through a tape recorder but relatives complained the experience was not the same.
In a message dated 10/27/02 8:37:28 PM, Michael in Pennsylvania writes:
John,
this is a site ( www.graves4sale.com ) that I am launching this week, it serves a market that at this time is not served very well.Feel free to share the site with others and to recomend it to families. This is the first generation of the site and I plan to grow it as needed.
Contact: Fay Spano For Immediate Release
800-228-6332 October 23, 2002
NFDA #43-02
NFDA Reveals New Direction "For the LIFE of Your Business"SM
Convention Advances Major Changes for National Association
Brookfield, Wis. - During the National Funeral Directors Association's (NFDA) Annual Convention and Exposition in San Antonio, Texas, NFDA revealed its new brand strategy to help members survive and thrive in today's rapidly changing marketplace. Hints of NFDA's new look were dropped throughout the four-day event, and the closing session included a rousing presentation by Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper and newly installed President Dwayne Spence that revealed the revamped business model and the research behind it.
"NFDA's new proactive strategy was driven by key findings from NFDA's market research study," explained Pepper. "The research pointed out that consumers value funeral service but that they are looking for different options and traits from funeral directors and that the public trust of the profession is eroding. These realities mean funeral directors need to change the way they do business if they want to meet the needs of today's families, rebuild public trust of the profession and educate consumers. NFDA is re-engineering to help our members adapt to today's changing families."
New Look
Outwardly, the new brand includes a new logo, redesigned Website, cutting-edge recruitment and retention advertising campaign, and the phrase "For the LIFE of Your Business."SM
At its core, the new NFDA is helping funeral directors prosper and survive by boosting member credibility, delivering accountability to members and consumers, and building member businesses by helping them develop the relevant skills needed to succeed in today's changing marketplace.
-MORE-
Page 2, For the LIFE of Your BusinessSM
New Code of Ethics
"The changes in NFDA's business model have already begun," continued Pepper. "At this convention our Policy Board voted on a new code of Professional Conduct and our House of Delegates passed the new code, which will be enforceable in 2004. We also have begun reaching out to consumers with our first Funeral Service Consumer Day. This extremely successful event was a step toward breaking down the public's misconceptions of funeral service and rebuilding the professions credibility."
The announcement and unveiling was an exciting ending to an extremely successful show. During the event, more than 3,000 attendees visited nearly 350 exhibits on the Expo floor, and participated in the workshops, general sessions and other festivities.
More Convention Highlights
In addition to the new association strategy, convention highlights included the installation of new board members, the NFDA Rally/President-elect's Reception, and a drawing for a Harley Davidson V-Rod motorcycle. The convention also featured a number of well-received workshops, including a panel discussion on the final day entitled "Consumers, Corporations & Change". One of the most riveting sessions of the week, the panel featured CEOs of several major publicly held funeral corporations discussing the changing funeral service environment.
NFDA's Convention & Expo will return to Las Vegas in 2003 from October 19-22.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. It is the world's oldest and largest nationwide funeral service association, serving about 13,500 members. To learn more about NFDA, visit our Website at www.nfda.org.
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In a message dated 10/25/02 12:18:29 PM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
We Regret to inform you of the death of:
Katherine (nee Hughes) McNamara
Mother of NJ State Funeral Directors Assoc. President & Passaic FDA Brian T. McNamara, CFSP
McNamara-Katherine (nee Hughes) of Paterson, NJ formerly of Totowa, NJ on Wed. Oct. 23, 2002. Beloved wife of the late Bernard T. McNamara, Sr. Devoted mother of Brian T. McNamara of Paterson, Dennis M. McNamara of Quantico,VA & Bernard T. McNamaraJr., Oak Ridge, NJ. Dear Sister of Mari Guedio of CT. Loving grandmother of Chelsea McNamara. Funeral From the DeLuccia-Lozito Funeral Home, 265 Belmont Ave. Haledon NJ (973)942-2144 on Sat. at 8:30 am. Funeral Liturgy at St. James R.C. Church Totowa NJ at 9:30 am. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. The Family will receive their friends on Friday Oct. 25th 2-4 & 7-9. Memorial gifts to Diocese of Paterson, Dept. for Persons with Disabilities, 1049 Waldon Rd. Jefferson Township, NJ 07438 would be appreciated.
In a message dated 10/25/02 10:01:37 AM, Mike in Massachusetts writes:
October 24, 2002
Frank Parisi
Frank Parisi, 50, a longtime resident of Rutland, died unexpectedly Oct. 23, 2002, while attending the National Funeral Directors Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. He was born April 9, 1952, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., the son of Joseph and Madeline (Baselice) Parisi. He was a 1970 graduate of Saratoga High School, a graduate with an associate's degree from Adirondack Community College, and the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse, N.Y. He married Kathleen Southern on Nov. 10, 1973. Mr. Parisi was a licensed funeral director in Vermont and New York state. He had previously been employed as manager for the McMahon, Lyon and Harnett Funeral Home in White Plains, N.Y., as director of Singleton Funeral Home in Glens Falls, N.Y., and as sales representative for Boyertown Casket Co. of Albany, N.Y. For the past 12 years he was sales and district manager for the Miller Casket Co. of Albany, N.Y., Rochester, N.Y., and Jermyn, Pa. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and past member of the Parish Council and the Religious Education Board. He was a member of the Vermont State Funeral Directors Association, New York State Funeral Directors Association, Adirondack Funeral Director Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and Knights of Columbus of White Plains, Glens Falls and Rutland. Survivors are his wife; a daughter, Stephanie Parisi, a student at St. Michael's College in Colchester; a son, Frank J. Parisi of Shelton, Conn.; his mother; a sister, Rachael Thorne of Saratoga Springs; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 18 Lincoln Ave., Rutland. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery in Saratoga Springs. Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Aldous Funeral Home, 44 N. Main St., Rutland. Memorial donations may be made to Arthritis Foundation, 257 S. Union St., Burlington, 05401, American Heart Association, New England Affiliate, 20 Speen St., Framingham Mass., 01701-4688, or to the American Diabetes Association, Vermont Memorial Processing Center, P.O., Box 31160, Hartford, Conn., 06150-1160
In a message dated 10/9/02 2:41:04 PM, DennisCMcGeeJr writes:
Dennis C. McGee, Jr., CFSP
Ladies and gentlemen within the funeral experience community, the only thing we have to offer is service. Licensed funeral directors are the conduits in which all the details of a meaningful funeral experience pass in order to reach our families that we serve. Through education, experience, expertise and technique only funeral directors can put together the sum of all parts in order to serve our families and help them build a memorable funeral experience that is meaningful for them, their families and friends.
Embalming, the cornerstone of memorable funerals, is a practice exclusive to our industry. No other business people other than licensed funeral directors operating out of licensed funeral homes have the education, equipment or facilities to complete such a procedure. This service, to our families, allows us to help them say good-bye to a loved one and acknowledge the reality of their loved one's death by being able to view and visit with the deceased. Starting with this element, which all funeral experiences should, it's not the type of fluid and dye or how much you use. It's not the type of embalming machine or table or positioning blocks, not the type of mouth formers and eye caps employed. It's the technique and skill of the embalmer added to all of those things to put together the sum of all parts which produces and incomparable service to the families whom we serve.
Everyday more and more independent retailers challenge the funeral industry. Retail casket stores, monument and Internet merchandise dealers even cemeteries are trying to gain access to the public consumer. The merchandise that we have helped our families select for so many years is not an individual detail chosen only to facilitate disposition. Many agree that the casket and/or urn play a significant role in the funeral experience. However, the personalization of that casket or urn is what truly displays, through symbolism, the passion and personality of the person who has died, adding more significance to the entire experience and relevance to the life of the deceased in connection with the funeral experience. Only licensed funeral directors who are focused, memorable, experience arrangers can help today's families, through discussion at the arrangement conference, select the details that make the funeral relevant to the person who has died and celebrate the memorable moments of their life. For example, many funeral homes in my state have had the task of arranging the funerals for many of the families who had lost a loved one irrecoverably in New York on September 11, 2001. While recently attending a seminar at our state convention a colleague shared a story that he advised a family, during the arrangement conference, to purchase a cloth-covered casket and ask their family and friends to fill it with memorabilia that was significant and relevant to the life of the person who has died during the period of the visitation. He went on to say that the family had purchased a grave along with a minimum vault and interred the "treasure chest" at a local cemetery at the conclusion of the funeral. According to Martha Whitmore Hickman, "To tell the story is a way of moving the grief along, and so contributes to our own healing." Although the sale of both the casket and vault were minimal, where Internet and retail merchandise stores compete, the experience was meaningful for that family because the innovative service the funeral director provided gave the family an opportunity to actively take part in a memorable occasion. He was able to give the family a tangible object to grieve over and a place to mourn as well as having the opportunity to memorialize the deceased by sharing the items he enjoyed while alive. In this example the funeral director put together the sum of all the parts and turned it into a unique and memorable funeral experience
Over the last year or so American citizens were reminded of the importance and necessity of ritual, ceremony, symbolism and closure, just like the family in the above example. The tradition of viewing the deceased, surrounding the dead with lifetime luxuries, introducing spiritual ceremonies, processing to the place of committal and praying over or celebrating the disposition at the place of committal are all important elements of the funeral experience. By turning to ceremony and ritual, mourners can invest into their beliefs to help them overcome their grief work. Only licensed funeral directors serving as memorable experience arrangers can arrange for ceremonies to occur at places thought to be meaningful by the family. Through service, experience and guidance licensed funeral directors can share with families the importance in resolving grief and returning to normal living after the death of a loved one. Historically processing to a final resting place in a funeral cortege has ceremoniously allowed mourners to divest in relationships with the deceased during life and begin to invest in new relationships with the deceased after death has taken place. Additionally it allows us to deliver the dead to a final place where they may rest, returning the remains to earth from which they came. According to doctor Wolfelt we as funeral directors should companion with those who grieve. We should walk along side them, not lead them, and assist our families who grieve in selecting appropriate locations, clergy and religious ceremonies in order to put together the sum of all parts so that a meaningful funeral experience will unfold.
Through exclusive services such as embalming and restorative procedures complimented by being empathetic listeners as well as having the availability to so many different and helpful products and services to offer our families, licensed funeral directors are the conduits in which all the details of a meaningful funeral experience pass. The union where all products, services, time, knowledge, skills and experience meet is the sum of all parts.
Suggested side bars:
"Licensed funeral directors are the conduits in which all the details of a meaningful funeral experience pass in order to reach our families that we serve."
"Only licensed funeral directors who are focused, memorable, experience arrangers can help today's familiesÉ"
"Through service, experience and guidance licensed funeral directors can share with families the importance in resolving grief and returning to normal living after the death of a loved one."
About the Author:
Dennis C. McGee, Jr., CFSP is a licensed funeral director at the Sweeney Funeral Home in Riverside, New Jersey. Dennis has recently been certified by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and has had articles published in the NJSFDA's Forum, the NFDA's Director, the American Funeral Director and the FSPA online newsletter.
In a message dated 10/10/02 2:14:24 PM, danisard@f4sight.com writes:
I know you have recently requested information on our Winter Seminar Series, but as of yet, have not registered. Let me tell you why our seminars are the best you can attend and a little about each location.
There are 3 things that make a seminar great;
1) The speakers,
2) The topics, and
3) The method of presentation.
Our seminars are strong because we are professionals and work full time
within your industry. As for myself, I have been involved in funeral
service as a consultant since 1984. I have run funeral homes and
cemeteries, enhanced the profit and ease of management in over 500 funeral
and cemetery businesses, valued over 1400 funeral homes and 30 cemeteries
and have been involved in the acquisition or representation of a seller in
about 500 transactions. I have written 2 books on funeral operations and
acquisitions matters. No one is more widely published on issues of preneed
than I am.
Scheduled to present with me is Curtis Rostad. Curt is a funeral director,
former funeral home owner, was the Director of Education for a national
consolidator and is also Wyoming's State Executive Director. He has written
a book on receivables and Curt is one of the most widely viewed authorities
on OSHA, as well as, operating subjects. Dan and Curt have proven they can
make 20 hours of classroom matters go very smoothly and can keep your
attention. So, the speakers are A+!
The seminar topics must be topics that can leave you feeling invigorated
about the challenges of your funeral home and give you matters that you can
take home with you and implement. This year's seminar will cover several
subjects that will fit this criteria:
· THE COMPLETE CYCLE OF SERVICE
· THE 21ST CENTURY FUNERAL HOME
· CREATING A CULTURE OF SERVICE
· HOW TO BEST WORK WITH EMPLOYEES
· HOW TO TELL IF YOUR BUSINESS IS OPERATING CORRECTLY
· CREATING A PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR YOUR PROTECTION AND EMPLOYEE GUIDANCE
· ADVERTISING TO THE CONSUMERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY
· THE FUTURE OF CREMATION
· HOW TO EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS
Each of these topics will enhance your business upon your return to work, as
well as, motivate you to want to deal with these challenges.
The method of presentation uses electronic projection for visuals,
occasional video and audio prompts. We also use a great deal of 'real world
' case studies we have come across. And, if this doesn't keep you alert for
20 hours, we give out silver and gold dollars for correct answers!
Continuing education credits are through the Academy of Professional Funeral
Service Practice and if we have sufficient time to do so, we can work with
you to arrange for any additional CEU's.
Now, all this is wonderful, but if we held these seminars in the basement of
a school in Pana, IL, you probably wouldn't come.
Beginning January, our first seminar will be on the island of Kauai. If you
have ever been to Kauai, I don't need to say anything more. If you have
never been there, January is the best time to see it first hand. The south
side of the Garden Isle is the little piece of desert. So we have wonderful
beach filled days and the vista holds the Pacific Ocean. This time of year,
the whales are in Hawaii and their trek begins right past our Sheraton Beach
Hotel. The Sheraton is a favorite because of its ocean front rooms, great
natural beach, nice amenities and it was totally rebuilt just a few years
ago. Kauai is what Hawaii was 30 years ago. The dates are January 13th to
the 17th, with a welcoming party on the night of the 12th.
Our Scottsdale, AZ seminar is held at the Radisson. This hotel hosts my
wife's favorite spa, is located within minutes of great shopping, numerous
world class golf resorts and restaurants that are tantalizing! For the
golfers, each afternoon we offer a different golf outing for attendees and
their guests. The gold dollars make great ball markers! The winter in
Scottsdale is mild and the views of the mountains are crystal clear. This
is the perfect winter get-a-way. The dates are February 3 to the 7th.
For those who want their CEU's in only 3 days, we offer Las Vegas. I won't
bore you with a description of Las Vegas, because if you don't know all that
it has to offer by this time in your life, you just don't get out much. We
have the same programming, but spend 2 full days and 1 half day in seminar
presentations, rather than the 5 mornings of Hawaii and Scottsdale.
Evenings are left open for your own recreation. While Las Vegas needs no
explanation, our host site does. We are at the incredible Bellagio Hotel!
Wow! This is a shopping, gaming, dining mecca under the disguise of a
hotel. We will be there February 24th to the 26th.
One thing that makes our seminars unique is the advance preparation that we
do. We will be providing some custom designed material for your business,
specific to your business. This takes a little time on your part to prepare
and some time on our part to create. The sooner we know you are attending
the better.
So, there you have it, my push to motivate you to join us. For more
information go to our website F4sight.com or call and ask for Cate Gordon at
(800) 426-0165. Or just hit your reply button to send me any questions you
have directly!
Aloha,
Dan Isard
President
Foresight Communications, Inc.
In a message dated 10/17/02 8:38:51 PM, Mike in Boston writes:
Online-Funeral.com { Main } Online Funeral is the leader in video solutions for funeral homes
KATES-BOYLSTON PUBLICATIONS
For Immediate Release CONTACT: Jeffrey L. Kraft Tel: 732-767-9300/410-707-9801
Email: jkraft@ucg.com
Kates-Boylston Publications Acquired By UCG
Monday, October 14, 2002: Kates-Boylston Publications, Inc., Iselin, NJ, announced today that it has been acquired by UCG Information Services, LLC, a leading business-to-business publisher based in Rockville, MD.
The move is intended to carry on the tradition Kates-Boylston has established as the leading publisher of magazines, directories, books and other business-related products in the funeral service market. Its industry-leading properties include American Funeral Director, which is celebrating its 125th year; American Cemetery, publishing 75 years in 2003; and The American Blue Book of Funeral Directors. Kates-Boylston Publications was formed in 1926.
"After careful consideration, I came to the conclusion that UCG was best equipped to carry on our tradition of providing the finest news and information products to the funeral service market while keeping within the standards that Kates-Boylston has established over the past 76 years," said Adrian F. Boylston, Kates-Boylston's former President and CEO. "In addition, I felt UCG was best equipped to expand on that tradition to better serve the market for the future," he added. "UCG has a demonstrated commitment to editorial excellence and a proven track record of stability and growth. They will serve the funeral service industry well." Boylston remains with the company as Publisher Emeritus and will continue to be active in the death-care industry as an advisor to the company.
In a related move, UCG named Jeffrey L. Kraft as General Manager of Kates-Boylston Publications and Associate Publisher for American Funeral Director and American Cemetery. Kraft has a 25-year track record of sales and operations-management success in the media industry. Prior to joining UCG, he served as an independent media-industry consultant.
"I look forward to serving our customers even better in the future by blending the award-winning editorial, sales and operational talents of both Kates-Boylston and UCG to produce a greater number of business-related products and services specifically for funeral service and cemetery professionals," Kraft said. "We see tremendous opportunity in these markets."
"I also look forward to us building on the rich 76-year record of service Adrian Boylston and his family have given to the funeral service industry by continuing to promote progress and best practices, and providing forums for the free exchange of viewpoints and ideas," Kraft added. Kates-Boylston will have an expanded presence on the exhibit floor next week at the National Funeral Directors Association's Annual Convention and Expo in San Antonio, TX.
UCG, a limited partnership founded in 1977, is a diversified business-to-business information services company serving 14 vertical markets, including the funeral service profession for 10 years. UCG has more than 2 million customers worldwide and 600 employees. More information about UCG can be found at www.ucg.com
-30-
100 Wood Avenue South, Suite 206 Iselin, NJ 08830 Tel: 732-767-9300 Fax: 732-767-9741
Membership participation at the basic level, North Carolina has the right idea, I'd like to see the new star studded NFDA let their membership vote, did you know that the only people who can vote for NFDA officers are not actually members, non dues paying associations send delegates who vote in NFDA's officers, therefore technically speaking NFDA's election process is closed to their own members. ICFA's members vote their officers into office.
Massachusetts FDA members are lucky to get a news letter biannually.
In a message dated 10/3/02 9:30:00 AM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
919-876-7886 * 800-616-2332 * FAX: 919-876-5382
http://www.ncfda.org
E-LINE DATE: October 3, 2002
NC BOARD OF MORTUARY SCIENCE ELECTION RESULTS
The North Carolina Board of Mortuary Science received 1,264 ballots with
1,239 ballots determined acceptable for their election of two new board
members. Licensees elected two of the following three candidates (who are
either a funeral service licensee or hold a funeral director1s and an
embalmer1s license):
James 3Jamie2 L. Boles, Jr. 688
Kimberly D. Kelsey 647
Rudy N. Lea 940
Mr. Boles and Mr. Lea will replace outgoing board members Willis H. Groce,
Jr. and Darryl Hart on January 1, 2003
In a message dated 10/20/02 6:52:43 PM, Judy in Massachusetts sends us:
A RED MARBLE
During the waning years of the depression in a small southeastern Idaho community, I used to stop by Mr. Miller's roadside stand for farm-fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used, extensively.
One particular day Mr. Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me.
"Hello Barry, how are you today?"
H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas ... sure look good."
"They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?"
"Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time."
"Good. Anything I can help you with?"
"No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."
"Would you like to take some home?"
"No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with."
"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?"
"All I got's my prize marble here."
"Is that right? Let me see it."
"Here 'tis. She's a dandy."
"I can see that. Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?"
"Not 'zackley .....but, almost."
"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble."
"Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller."
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said: "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps."
I left the stand, smiling to myself, impressed with this man.
A short time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering. Several years went by each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon our arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts ... very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and composed, by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary, awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. Eyes glistening she took my hand and led me to the casket. "Those three young men, who just left, were
the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last when Jim could not change his mind about color or size ... they came to pay their debt. "We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but, right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three, exquisitely shined, red marbles.
Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.
A wish for you!
Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles -- A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself. An unexpected phone call from an old friend. Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.
I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in... The fastest line at the grocery store. A good sing along song on the radio. Your keys right where you look.
I wish you a day of happiness and perfection -- little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you, holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.
I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.
Send this to the people you'll never forget and remember to send it also to the person who sent it to you. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them. If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in too much of a hurry and that you've probably forgotten your friends.
Take the time!
ICFA 2003 CONVENTION: COMING TOGETHER 'UNDER ONE ROOF' FOR INDUSTRY'S MOST PROGRESSIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
RESTON, VA (November 7, 2002) - The International Cemetery and Funeral
Association's 2003 Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 at the Las Vegas
Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada, will bring together professionals from
every area of the industry to learn the most effective ways to advance
their businesses and improve service to families.
More than 1,000 cemeterians, funeral directors, cremationists, memorial
designers, suppliers and service providers will gather Under One Roof
for three days of supplier expositions and "no-nonsense" educational
programs. All Convention General Sessions and Exposition activities will
take place Under One Roof in the state-of-the-art Hilton Center. This
year's program offers:
Keynote addresses from four industry leaders - Attendees will hear from
four highly respected and sought-after speakers:
o Todd Van Beck, president of the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral
Service in Houston, Texas, and one of the industry's top funeral service
educators;
o Gary Laderman, professor at Emory University and author of the
upcoming book, "Death and Funeral Service in America";
o Ann Bastianelli, well-known cemetery and funeral industry marketing
expert; and
o Glenn Gould, president of leading market research and advertising firm
MKJ Marketing.
Breakout sessions on today's most pressing industry challenges -
Industry presenters will share their expertise on a wide range of
topics, including:
o enhancing funeral service;
o cremation marketing and presentations;
o handling difficult customers;
o creating meaningful memorials;
o personalizing cemetery and funeral services;
o family service programs;
o revenue generating programs;
o lead management;
o competing with Catholic cemeteries and funeral homes;
o Funeral Rule codification;
o legal and legislative issues;
o mausoleum design;
o endowment care trusts;
o ... and much more.
Supplier Exposition - With more than 180 booths and table top displays,
this year's Expo will offer industry members exceptional opportunities
to meet face-to-face with industry suppliers and learn new ways to
expand their businesses and improve their services. The Exposition will
be open for more than 11 hours, and show times will not compete with any
other Convention activities. As always, the ICFA will provide continuous
complimentary food and beverage service throughout all Expo hours.
For more information on the ICFA 2003 Convention & Exposition, call
1-800-645-7700 or visit the "ICFA Conferences" page at www.icfa.org.
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association
representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization
industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 6,000 cemeteries,
funeral homes, memorial designers, crematories and related businesses
worldwide.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 10/27/02 10:32:59 PM, Jody in New York writes:
John, FYI we missed you in San Antonio, Mass FDA Exec was also among the missing, your state assn needs revamping, when are you going to spend more time on your own state affairs?
Jody in New York
Hi Jody, I committed to go to New Jersey's Convention, I hear San Antoinio was a blast, I will do my best to be in Las Vegas, both ICFA and NFDA are going there this year, however I am engaged in acquiring another facility so my out of time days have been limited to a precious few, glad I was missed.
I could not agree with you more that our state assn needs revamping, I don't get responses from the Mass Funeral Assciation or their New England Funeral Trust, like many of our colleagues in this profession, there are not enough minutes in a day and when it comes to battles I choose them carefully. I depend on the Mass State Board to keep the profession posted on events. With Federal Funding proposed to help states police their own licensees - Mass FDA may become extinct.
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Got any Hot News for us. Issues that involve funeral service, in your community, it in, Everything you see here was send in by someone just like you. If there is a newspaper article in your area, send the link and we can all learn from it, even if it is your opinion we all learn from one another. Any HOT NEWS OR SCUTTLEBUTT WILL BE POSTED IN THE READER'S WRITE BACK SECTION.
Send your story or issue to FSPA just click here --->Lowellma@aol.com
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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.
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To make life easier on me
First and foremost, Send your info or story in to FSPA.
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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.
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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 prob