April 2024

Page A4 april 2024 By Nancy Weil I came across this poem I wrote exactly 10 years ago and discovered that we continue to sing the same song about cremation. It is a perceived threat to our business and our profit margins and, yet, as the rates continue to rise funeral home owners and cemetery directors must find a way to address this new way of doing business. Cremation Random Musings Serving as Member Resources Director at the International Order of the Golden Rule, Nancy Weil brings her years of experience working in the funeral industry to funeral directors across the globe. Her professional experience includes serving as Director of Grief Support and Community Outreach at Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater, FL and at eleven cemeteries in Western New York. Nancy travels throughout the country offering presentations on how to reduce stress, combat compassion fatigue and offer support for those who are grieving through her company, The Laugh Academy. With certifications as a Grief Services Provider and Grief Management Specialist, Funeral Celebrant, Soul Injury Ambassador and Laughter Leader, Nancy is uniquely qualified to bring new perspectives into how to best meet the needs of the families you serve. For more information on how Nancy can help you and your company grow, visit her website: www.TheLaughAcademy.com or email Nancy@ TheLaughAcademy.com. FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.NomisPublications.com Monthly Columnsonline at The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same The percentage keeps rising, As cremation they choose, And now I have a case Of the cremation blues. The visitations get shorter, The church has empty pews, Caskets and vaults sales I’m certain to lose. I don’t understand it, I’ve paid my dues. Holidays, nights and weekends, With no time to snooze. This was never a problem, No one had a clue How cremation would change The things that we do. Appointments to keep As pre-needs I pursue, And customers questioning If my prices are true. I am honest and caring, Professional through and through, Yet my income is dropping From these cremation blues. I show them their options And honor their views. I offer top value For the service they choose. My families all love me, The repeats and the new, Going beyond expectations Is how my business grew. Cremains fill my safe, For the family flew Back to their hometown Before telling me what to do. “The cemetery waits To bury Uncle Walter with Aunt Sue All I need now is A decision from you.” “Yes, the cemetery needs to be paid In advance that is true, But they’ll bring peace of mind And a place to go when you’re blue.” “Just throw them away? Or scatter brother Stu?” You think it won’t matter to them, And it won’t matter to you. I sigh very deeply, As clearly I review The consequence of their actions And the ethics I imbue. I would not want to walk In any one else’s shoes For funeral service is my passion And I love what I do. So, let’s stop our whining, Stop dreaming of taking a cruise ‘Cuz there’s no need to have The cremation blues. is not a trend; it is a decision more people are making for a wide variety of reasons. The only thing that does not change is the need to take care of these families with the same level of expertise and compassion that is shown to full-service clients. What song will you be singing in 2024? Will it be the blues or a jazzy anthem of welcome? RALEIGH,NC— City of Oaks Cremation proudly marks over a decade of unwavering commitment to both consistent pricing and outstanding customer service since its establishment in 2012. Distinguished by its steadfast pricing policy, City of Oaks Cremation has not altered its costs since day one, exemplifying a dedication to fair and reliable service. This ensures families reCity of Oaks Cremation Celebrates 12 Years Somer Addison ceive transparent and consistent pricing during their most challenging moments. Integral to this success is Somer Addison, the esteemed location manager, whose nearly eight years of continuous service defines her as the backbone of City of Oaks Cremation. Addison’s dedication significantly contributes to the compassionate and professional atmosphere that clients rely on. Embracing modern conveniences, the company offers online pricing and flexible communication options while maintaining face-to-face consultations for those who prefer it. City of Oaks Cremation expresses gratitude for the trust placed in its services over the past 12 years. With Addison’s steadfast leadership, the company looks forward to continuing its mission of providing dignified and compassionate cremation services for years to come. DIGITAL DIRECTORY Available Download instantly at www.NomisPublications.com Save on Shipping!

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