August 2020

Page A30 AUGUST 2020 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A Funeral Directors Research,Inc. AMRA INSTRUMENT, LLC 623 N. Tower (P.O. Box 359) Centralia, WA 98531 “the shorter the supply line the better off you are” WEB DIRECT GIFT & PRICING TM ® www.amrainstruments.com www.preproomdirect.com mymortuarycooler.com Are you state compliant? News Association ContinueD Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association Announces New Board Members Jay Foster Recognized as OFDA 2020 Young Funeral Director Jay J. Foster COLUMBUS,OH— During the Ohio Funeral Direc- tors Association’s Annual Membership Meeting on June 17th, the 2020 Young Funeral Directors Annual Distin- guished Service Award was given to Jay Foster of J.E. Foster Funeral Home. Jay is a second-gener- ation funeral director, working with his father at J. E. Foster Funeral Home with locations in Toronto and Smithfield, OH. He has been an integral part in creating and opening the Jefferson Cremation Service and has chosen to dedicate his life to pro- moting funeral service. Order of the Golden Rule Responds to the COVID-19 Pandemic INDIANAPOLIS,IN— In response to the pandemic, OGR has not only been addressing the needs of their members, but also offering new programs to others in the funeral profession. “This pandemic has had a pro- found impact on the funeral industry,” said OGR’s executive director Mark McSweeney. “Members look to us for assistance in addressing their needs and the needs of the families they serve.” A financial seminar with Dan Isard focused on how funeral homes can financially survive during the pandemic. Members also shared ideas and re- sources during weekly round table talks, including the best resources to stream funeral services. Due to the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), a social media campaign to raise public awareness on this topic was created by Mike Hepburn of Your Social Strategy and launched on Facebook garnering over 24,000 views and 3,300 engagements. Barron’s News cited three OGR members as expert resources in an article they ran about the coronavirus’ impact on funerals. In response to the complex mourning issues that coronavirus restrictions have created, OGR members can now invite their families to attend a virtual grief support group to provide a supportive place for the bereaved to connect. OGR members also offer A Vir- tual Hug, a program that allows family and friends to record a voice message of comfort along with a memory or two. A “Stay Connected” marketing cam- paign has social media posts to remember those who have died during the pandemic, as well as pre-plan- ning posts and COVID-19 related memes. Carpet Markers are now available for members and non-members to help keep people at a safe social dis- tance when visiting the funeral home. Each floor de- cal contains an uplifting message to help make wait- ing in line a little easier (and safer). As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact those in funeral service, OGR will continue to re- spond with new programs and products. For more in- formation on what OGR has to offer, contact Nancy Weil at nweil@OGR.org or 512-334-5504 ext. 304. MADISON,WI— The Wisconsin Funeral Di- rectors Association re- cently announced that via a membership quorum of over 25 active members from unrelated firms elec- tions for the 2020-2021 Board has concluded. The WFDA board of directors welcomed the following officers for 2020/2021: president- elect : James Wolfe of Janesville; vice presi- dent: Steve Lazarczyk of Lake Geneva; and secre- tary/treasurer: Matthew Myhrum of West Bend. Assuming the presi- dency is Jenna Krenz of Portage and moving into the position of immedi- ate past president is Dr. Camelia L. Clarke of Milwaukee. These offi- cers will be starting their terms immediately. An installation ceremony is scheduled to be held dur- ing the annual conven- tion in October. FDAK Members Light Up Green for COVID-19 Deaths Along With Kentucky Pictured are: Kentucky State Capitol, Johnson’s Funeral Home, Georgetown; James H. Davis Funeral Home, Owensboro; Jones Funeral Chapel, Morgantown; Governor’s Mansion; Middendorf-Bulluck Funeral Home, Ludlow; Kentucky Funeral Directors Service Center, Frankfort; Blackburn and Ward Funeral Home, Versailles; Bosse Funeral Home, Louisville; Highlands Funeral Home, Louisville; William L. Danks Funeral Home, Beaver Dam; and Stith Funeral Home, Danville. FRANKFORT,KY— Ken- tucky Governor Andy Beshear has asked Ken- tucky to light up their businesses and homes, along with the State Cap- itol and the Governor’s Mansion, green in re- membrance of those in- dividuals who have lost their lives to COVID-19. FDAK along with several members of the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky have done just that. Your Rea l Source . Anywhere . Any t ime . Online Directories Updated Daily PO Box 5159 • Youngstown, Ohio 44514 800-321-7479 kim@nomispublications.com L king For a Funeral Home, Trade Service or Supplier on your Computer, Tablet or Cell Phone? Go To