June 2020

Page A10 JUNE 2020 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A Five Ways Facebook Can Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.nomispublications.com Monthly Columns online at Dr. Troyer’s free library of Facebook tutorial videos can be found at www.JasonTroyer.com. Dr. Jason Troyer is a grief expert, author, former psychology profes- sor, and therapist. He helps funeral homes and cemeteries connect with their communities through Facebook content and grief sup- port materials. He frequently provides community presentations, professional workshops, and trainings across the country. In addition to providing his Facebook content service and presen- tations, he also works at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service & Grandview Cemetery in Maryville, TN. Dr. Troyer can be reached at DrJasonTroyer@gmail.com. You can view all of his video tutorials and learn more at www.JasonTroyer.com. By Jason Troyer, PhD Facebook Made Easy 5) Recognize Staff Facebook provides owners and managers a great op- portunity to recognize the work and sacrifice of their own staff members. Each employee has their own so- cial network in your community and their friends and family love to see positive posts about them. Birth- days, work anniversaries, weddings, and births/adop- tions can all be ideal opportunities to share something positive about your staff. Be sure to “tag” the employee if they have a Facebook account so that their friends and family are more likely to see the post. Simply put, Facebook is a fast, free, and powerful way to stay engaged with your community. There has never been a time when it has been more important to keep your families updated on the continually chang- ing rules and regulations. conditions. Your Facebook page is an ideal place to offer your gratitude and thanks for these professionals. 3) Share Unique Memorialization Options Many funeral and cemetery professionals are struggling with not being able to provide their typical service options. But the pandemic has forced the profession to become more creative. A few examples of creative funeral rituals include drive-thru visitations, hearts, balloons, or flow- ers serving as “stand-ins” for service attendees, and oth- er innovative options. Get permission from the family to share pictures and videos of these creative memorialization options on your Facebook page. This reminds the com- munity that you are working hard to support families on their worst days and that you continue to value funeral and cemetery rituals – even if they have to be adjusted. 4) Go Live! Many funeral homes and cemeteries are using Facebook Live to broadcast services so loved ones can view and par- ticipate in the ceremony. Facebook Live has many advan- tages including being free and easy to use. A couple of re- minders for using Facebook Live effectively. a) Provide the name of the decedent so viewers know which service they are watching b) Use a tripod or other device to hold the recording de- vice steady. c) Be sure your recording device is fully charged before starting. d) Consider plugging a microphone into the recording device to provide the highest quality audio. e) Always have someone else check your Facebook page to ensure the Facebook Live video is working (there may be a 20-30 second delay). As I write this, most states are still limiting funeral and cemetery events to 10 people or less. I have no idea what the conditions will look like in 2 weeks or 2 months; the only thing I know for sure is that funeral homes and cem- eteries will need to continually update their communities about the most recent rules and regulations for their area. Sharing information on your website is helpful, but making changes on your website can often be compli- cated and may require contacting your website com- pany. The easiest way to update the frequent changes to local rules and regulations is through your Facebook page. Creating a Facebook post is free, it takes less than 2 minutes to create and post, and it can easily be shared in your community. To help you during these chaotic times, here are 5 ways you make the best use of your Facebook page during the pandemic. 1) Just Post It First, be sure you are using your Facebook page regu- larly. If your last Facebook post was Easter or New Year’s Day, you’re not taking full advantage of how Facebook can help you connect with your community. Regular posts about the most recent rules and regulations in your area will also help cut down on the number of phone calls and emails with simple questions. This will save you time and energy for more important things. 2) Offer Gratitude The pandemic has forced many different profession- als into the limelight as they provide essential services. Professionals in the fields of medicine, sanitation, de- livery services, education, grocery stores, and other ar- eas have been asked to perform long hours and in risky Martin Thompson & Son Cremation & Funeral Service acquires Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home ter at 4350 River Oaks Boulevard. The former Thomp- son’s Harveson & Cole Avenue property on 8th Avenue in the Fort Worth medical district was sold in March. According to Thompson, the combined companies will be called Thompsons Cremations & Funeral Services. Several of the former Thompson’s Harveson & Cole em- FORT WORTH,TX— Martin Thompson, president of and funeral director for Martin Thompson & Son Cre- mation & Funeral Service, has announced the purchase of Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home. The transaction closed on April 10, 2020. “Thompson’s Harveson & Cole has over 100 years of ser- vice to the Fort Worth community,” said Thompson. “My father, GuyThompson, was one of the very best in the busi- ness. I’m thankful to my sister, Cindy, for being such a great steward to the family business at Thompson’s Harveson & Cole. As my son, Jon Thompson, and I carry on our fam- ily’s legacy, we are extremely grateful for her leadership.” Clients will have two convenient location options for viewings and services once the current social distancing restrictions are lifted: company headquarters at 6009 Wedgwood Drive and the John Knox Presbyterian Cen- Martin Thompson & Son Cremation & Funeral Service Martin Thompson ployees are continuing with the Thompsons. Martin, his wife, Janice Thomp- son; and son, Jon comprise the leadership team. A third generation funer- al director, Jon received his mortuary science degree from Amarillo College. His aunt, Cindy, applauds the family’s efforts. “Martin and I were raised to care for others during their time of need,” said Cindy, former president of Thompson’s Harveson & Cole. “I am proud that he and his son will continue this important legacy. A Texas legacy, with over a century of service, Thomp- sons Cremations & Funeral Services offers 21st century families compassion, professionalism, and quality, with thoughtful funeral and cremation services. For more in- formation, call 817-336-0345 or 817-292-2250. Visit www.thompsonfunerals.como rwww.thompsonfuneral.com to learn more. Digital Directory Now Available Download instantly at www.nomispublications.com Save on Shipping!