NEWSSEPTEMBER 2023 Family Owned and Operated Since 1974 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY PO BOX 5159, YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO 44514 1-800-321-7479 WWW.NOMISPUBLICATIONS. COM Previously Published as the YB News • Still the Place for Your News! Ward’s Funeral Supplies 912-309-9295 you can count on dOUG Ward for your funeral supply needs. www.wardstransportservice.com Ferno Junkin MOBI Visit Us At Booth #811 Ellsworths Resume Operations of Funeral Homes By Zac Zwaschka, Madison Daily Leader Bob Ellsworth (middle) pictured with new team members Mark Kahler (left), Nate Hofman, Kim Klinkhammer and Terry Lee. Photo Courtesy Madison Daily Leader Willoughby Funeral Home Ellsworth Funeral Home MADISON,SD— For nearly 40 years, Bob and Cindy Ellsworth owned and operated the Ellsworth Funeral Home in Madison, as well as the Willoughby Funeral Home in Howard since 2012. They passed the torch to Alex Nurnberg in 2018, but five years later, the couple has officially returned to both locations. “We missed serving area families and friends as we had since 1979,” Bob Ellsworth said. “We’re committed to earning the trust of area residents and providing the kind of professional service they deserve and expect.” The Ellsworth name has been synonymous with funeral services in South Dakota for even longer, as Bob’s parents, Ray and Blanche, opened the first Ellsworth Funeral Home in 1948 in their hometown of Estelline. Continued on page A20 Adam Treviño of Treviño Funeral Home Has Been in the Industry for Almost 64 Years Adam Treviño BEEVILLE,TX— Adam Treviño, owner of Treviño Funeral Home in Beeville, TX has been in funeral service for almost 64 years, and with no intention of retiring, he says he plans to stay in the industry “as long as God wants me to do it.” Adam’s father, Genaro R. Treviño, opened the funeral home in 1930 in Gonzales, TX. In 1938, when Adam was only six months old, he moved to Beeville, where it has remained since. In 1963, at the age of 25, Adam took over from his father and began running the business. “When I took over, business was very slow,” Adam says. When his father started the home in 1930, Adam says you didn’t need to have schooling to be a funeral director. You only needed to apply for a director’s license. Adam, however, is a 1959 graduate of A.C. Jones High School. He then attended the Commonwealth College of Science, graduating in 1960 with a degree in funeral science. Adam is dedicated to the community of Beeville. “It’s a small town, but it’s special,” he says. He is very involved with the fire department, police department, and other departments within the city. He recently brought 100 cases of water to the fire department, because the area has been so dry. “You have to give back to receive,” he says. Continued on page A2 2023 NFDA International Convention & Expo Las Vegas, Nevada September 10-13 Pre-Convention Highlights Begin on Page A 21 Exhibit Hall Page A 25 Look for Convention Highlights throughout the issue www.NomisPublications.com @Nomis.Publications Like Stop by Booth 1757 Join the Celebration NOMIS PUBLICATIONS, INC. CELEBRATING OUR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Classified Ads Shipping Directory Index of Advertisers
Page A2 september 2023 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Section A Published monthly by: Nomis Publications, Inc. PO Box 5159, Youngstown, OH 44514 1-800-321-7479 • fax 1-800-321-9040 www.NomisPublications.com info@NomisPublications.com Subscription: United States $30.00 - Canada/Mexico $60.00 - Outside North America $75.00 Circulation 21,000 per issue. Deadline for Press Releases: 5th of the Previous month. Advertising: Display Ad rates sent upon request. Classified and Shipping Directory rates published in each issue. All advertising must be received by the 5th of the previous month. Due to the vast amount of sources, the publisher is not responsible for the content of any news articles or advertisements. Nor is the publisher responsible for any loss of revenue by failure to insert an advertisement. 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ISSN 1944-1126 Funeral Home & Cemetery News online at www.NomisPublications.com Online Directories US & International Funeral Homes • Supply Companies Cemeteries • Pet Memorialization Companies Trade Associations • Plus Much More... www.NomisPublications.com NOTICE The FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY NEWS is sent in two parts. Section A, which includes pages A1-A48 and Section B, which contains the Classified Advertising and consists of pages B1-B24. If you do not receive both sections please call 1-800-321-7479 or email info@nomispublications.com. Like @Nomis.Publications FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS 800-321-7479 ~ www. NomisPublications. com SEND US YOUR NEWS We welcome news of the industry Send us information on your firm today! FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Need Help Putting Your Press Release Together? Call Peggy at 800-321-7479 ext. 220 email Peggy@NomisPublications.com fax 1-800-321-9040 mail PO Box 5159, Youngstown, OH 44514 Send us any press release related to your firm which would be of interest to your fellow industry professionals. All press releases are published free of charge and at the discretion of the publisher. Be sure to include any photographs. Staff additions... Staff promotions... Anniversaries... Apprenticeships... Remodeling... Moving... New Ideas... Community Service Projects... Graduates... Obituaries... etc. Columns Aftercare by Linda Findlay...............................................................................A8 Critical Thinking by Jon O’Hara.....................................................................A14 Embalming 101 by Wally Hooker....................................................................A16 HearseHub by Mike Jamar................................................................................B6 Memoires des choix des Jacque by Kate Frediani-Gorman..........................A38 Museum Corner...............................................................................................A42 Musings with Marika by Marika McMeans......................................................A18 Observations by Steven Palmer.....................................................................A12 Powerhouse Marketing With Welton by Welton Hong.....................................A6 Presidential Funeral Trains by Todd Van Beck..............................................A10 Random Musings by Nancy Weil......................................................................A4 Share This With Widowers by Fred Colby......................................................A20 Monthly Features Association News.......................................................................................... A38 Educational News.......................................................................................... A41 Death Notices. ............................................................................................... A46 Suppliers News................................................................................................ B1 Calendar of Events........................................................................................ B2 Shipping Directory........................................................................................ B14 Classified Ads. .............................................................................................. B17 Continued from Front Page Adam is well-known in the community, often seen in his signature suit and tie. He’s known as “Mr. T… Heavy on the T” by residents. He attends local sporting events and spends time with residents at the Woodridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center every Sunday. Even at 85, he is still the first one in at the funeral home in the morning and the last to leave. He prides himself on providing personal service to members of the community. “I have never used an answering service,” Adam says. “If you call us, no matter day or night, you are always greeted with our familiar voices.” He still does all the funeral services and some of the embalming. Even though Beeville is a fairly small town, being a funeral director still requires a lot of dedication. Vacations, holidays, and birthdays are put on hold or celebrations canceled due to obligations at the funeral home. However, Adam finds it important to be there for families during their most troubling times. Many families are comforted with the knowledge that he and his wife Diana, along with his entire staff, is available at a moment’s notice to assist them in their time of need. Adam and Diana have been happily married for 15 years. Together they run the funeral home, side by side, at all times. Adam contributes his success to his hometown neighborhood. “My success is the west side of Beeville, and I thank the families we have served. They are the reason we have been successful and are still in business.” Adam is dedicated to investing in the future generations of funeral directors by sharing his knowledge and guiding younger generations as they enter the industry. He says he’s been deeply involved with eight to twelve young funeral directors. “I teach them the way I learned, the right way,” he says. Adam believes in the importance of showing compassion, integrity, and dedication to his families and makes sure the younger generations see that demonstrated from him daily. “I am the only one in the whole state of Texas that’s going on 64 years in the service,” Adam says. “Some might be older than me, but they’re retired. My plans are not to retire ever.” He really enjoys what he’s doing in life, which is more than just an occupation to him. What advice does Adam want to share with his colleagues? “Always be prompt and maintain a good reputation,” he says, adding “People know who I am, and that’s a blessing.” Adam is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English. He says that oftentimes, he works with Mexican families who have come over the border and require his services. He can maintain his professionalism by conducting interviews and services in Spanish. The second generation funeral director, embalmer and owner was recognized in the June 2020 issue of Texas Director, the official publication of the Texas Funeral Directors Association, for his 60 years as a funeral director and embalmer. “I wasn’t able to receive it in person. The convention was postponed because of Covid,” Adam says. His goal at this point in his life is to be awarded his 70 year pin. Adam Treviño of Treviño Funeral Home Has Been in the Industry for Almost 64 Years Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park Welcomes Young Israel Shomrai Emunah as its 30th Partner Congregation CLARKSBURG,MD— The Garden of Remembrance (Gan Zikaron) Memorial Park in Clarksburg, MD is pleased to announce that Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (YISE) of Silver Spring, MD has become the 30th Partner Congregation of the Washington region’s nonprofit Jewish community cemetery. The first Orthodox synagogue established in Montgomery County, MD in 1951, the YISE section of Gan Zikaron is in the memorial park’s Orthodox section which conforms to the congregation’s religious practices. YISE is one of the largest Orthodox synagogues in Maryland. The rabbinic, professional, and lay leadership of YISE have been appointed to the memorial park’s advisory committee. The thirty Garden of Remembrance Partner Congregations include Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and Renewal congregations. The memorial park also serves those not affiliated with a synagogue. “Gan Zikaron serves the Jewish Community one family and one congregation at a time,” shares Hank Levine, president of the memorial park’s volunteer board of directors. “We honor our loved ones and comfort the bereaved at their greatest time of need,” concludes Levine. A complete list of the Partner Congregations can be found on the memorial park’s website (gardenofremembrance.org) Founded in 1999 by Washington Hebrew Congregation, the Garden of Remembrance (Gan Zikaron) Memorial Park is comprised of 152-acres of rolling hills, grass fields, and shade trees surrounded by a Forest Conservation Preserve and has been accredited as a Level I Arboretum and a Hybrid Green Burial Cemetery. An affiliated agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the memorial park has an experienced staff of caring counselors and is overseen by a volunteer Board of community leaders. The Garden of Remembrance is located near Interstate 270 at 14321 Comus Road in Clarksburg, MD. For additional information about the Memorial Park, visit www. gardenofremembrance.org or call 301-428-3000.
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Page A4 september 2023 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Section A R&S MARKERS FREE Sample Upon Request CREATE CUSTOM TEMPORARY GRAVE MARKERS FOR AS LOW AS $5.25 EACH PHONE: 561.963.4732 EMAIL: INFO@RSMARKERS.COM WWW.RSMARKERS.COM 331.229.8981 Allow your customers to remember the one who has passed with a tangible imprint that captures the unique impression every life makes. Offered in a variety of keepsakes: pendants, cremation keepsakes, earrings, armed services style dog tags, rings, tie tacs, charms, and keychains as well as custom requests. Available in Sterling Silver as well as in 14kt. Yellow, White or Rose Gold with genuine birthstones. For a Free Display Kit contact us at: 1-800-774-0306 www.pmkeepsakes.com | pmkeepsakes@aol.com HANDCRAFTED IN THE USA A Keepsake of Love PMI008-5x4 AD 04-2023.indd 1 4/5/23 7:55 PM By Nancy Weil In most businesses when sales slack and customers aren’t coming in their door, they run a promotion. BOGO (Buy one, get one free) at shoe stores. Coupons for money off at clothing stores. Free appetizer at a restaurant. Sales promotion banners in their front window to entice you inside. But what if your business is in deathcare? Running a promotion can be a bit trickier when someone’s death is involved. Even with pre-need we are still reminding people of their own mortality and this requires a delicate balance between marketing and compassion. Add to this the unpredictability of when a death will occur. Unlike other businesses we cannot lure a “customer” in until they actually die. This is also a once and done business model – no repeat customers come in our doors. We are not Starbucks where consumers visit us daily and use their app to pay over and over again. So, what can be done when bills are mounting and sales are slow? The first thing that I advise is that when no one is coming in your door, that is the time for you to go out yours and raise community awareness of your business. Make new relationships or deepen old ones with those who work in senior care. There are two approaches to this method. One is to get in front of seniors who may be in need of your services either through pre-planning their funeral and burial or as an at-need client at some point in the future. The other approach is to get in front of caregivers – the staff who work at senior living apartments, senior centers or hospices. Think of the places in your town that have an activities director. These folks are always looking for programs to fill their calendar. Next think of what hobby or interest you or a staff member or even a 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 that then they would die. I addressed this by offering one of five “life adventures” if they preplanned: winery tour, golf lessons, spa gift card and more were options given and gratefully accepted. The pandemic created premature deaths that may now be impacting the number of cases you handle this year. However, that does not mean that you are powerless to take control of your business and how you market. No matter what you decide to do, remember that you too can “Make Your Plan, Then Live Your Life.” Do You Have a Coupon? friend has that could make a great program to offer. Then contact the activities director and book your presentation. This ensures that your funeral home or cemetery name will be advertised to everyone who lives in or uses that facility. Even if they don’t attend, you will still receive the benefit of this free publicity. At your event be sure to bring business cards, planning guides or other promotional materials. A point to remember: No hard sales tactics here. This is not a free lunch to learn about preplanning where the pressure is on to make an appointment. Your presentation is about providing a service, creating relationships and reminding them about your company. Additionally, seek out staff and find out what you can do for them. Senior care living and hospice staff are understaffed, overworked, and tired. Just like funeral directors they love what they do and the people they serve, but trying to keep up leaves them stressed and overwhelmed. Reach out and ask how you can support them. Maybe they could use a sponsor to bring in food for their staff meetings. Perhaps they would enjoy an ice cream truck pulling into their parking lot and offering a tasty treat on a hot day. Some may be looking for educational programs that will help them provide better information to those they serve. Just remember that many of these facilities run 24/7. Don’t neglect the second and third (overnight) shifts. There is nothing worse than coming into work and seeing the remnants of a cookie tray or a pizza box with a thank you note taped to the top sitting empty in the trash can. Finally, get creative. I have seen cemeteries run the BOGO type of sale on graves. I personally ran a preneed marketing campaign that I called: Make Your Plan, Then Live Your Life. I based this on the number of times people told me that they did not want to plan their funeral or burial because they were afraid David John Cook’s New Novel takes Readers on a Journey of Life and Death David John Cook KANSAS CITY,MO— David John Cook has announced the release of his newest novel, Sending People to Heaven – The Undertaker. “This book opens the door to more understanding of the death care industry – and those that work within it,” says Cook. Sending People To Heaven – The Undertaker pulls back the curtain on the extraordinary life of John, a licensed mortician working within the unseen world of caring for the dead...and the living. Go behind the scenes and experience the profoundly serious and, at times, amusing interactions John has with his staff as they unite in handling the preparation of the dead, and serving the grieving families left behind. Woven within the chapters are tender stories of tragic grief and loss, often heart-wrenching and shocking as families face the raw reality of death. David is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and has worked in the death care industry for over thirty years. He has written both magazine and newspaper articles on the subjects of death, grieving and healing after loss. He is also a public speaker and has shared his educational insights on the industry, death, dying and moving forward from the loss of a loved one. He graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from The University of Utah. David and his wife reside in the Midwest. They have seven children and four grandchildren. Throughout David’s experiences as a mortician, he has learned to treasure living as a tremendous gift of adventure, growth and self discovery. Sending People To Heaven- The Undertaker will take you on a journey of life and death, shock and denial, anger and guilt, bargaining and acceptance ... and finally, remembering. According to Cook, the book has become an educational experience for many and is now available at most major bookstores including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and Target. Learn more at www.davidjohncookauthor.com. Like @Nomis.Publications Booth #1507
Page A5 september 2023 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Section A The Director’s Assistant™ Single Source Solutions Provider All state and federal forms included The INDUSTRY’S FIRST AND OLDEST CONTACT 1-800-240-1016 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR VISIT WWW.CONTINENTALCOMPUTERS.COM Accurate real time accounting Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable Payroll General Ledger Inventory End user customizable interface E-Signatures, inventory, customer feedback surveys Booth #1323
Page A6 september 2023 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Section A www.vischerfuneralsupplies.com By Welton Hong In an age dominated by digital marketing, one might easily overlook the significance of offline strategies. Especially for a profession like funeral services, where personal connections, respect, and trust are paramount, offline marketing can hold a special relevance. And yes, I’m aware of the irony: I run a digital marketing agency, after all! I’m passionate about inspiring funeral home owners to fully embrace the benefits of online marketing. However, as I always say, the important thing is to do what’s best for your firm. And that typically means you should invest in a variety of promotional activities, both online and offline. Choosing a funeral home is a deeply personal decision that relies heavily on local reputation, word of mouth, and physical presence. Effectively leveraging offline marketing can help funeral homes build a solid foundation within their communities. Here are four pivotal tips to harness the potential of offline marketing for a funeral home: 1. Community Involvement and Sponsorships Engage with your community: Attend local events, fairs, or community gatherings. This not only demonstrates that the funeral home is an active member of the community but also fosters relationships with potential clients in a non-commercial setting. Sponsorship opportunities: Consider sponsoring local events, teams, or charitable initiatives. It showcases your commitment to the well-being and growth of the community. 2. Educational Workshops and Seminars Host workshops: Educate the community about funeral planning, the importance of wills, or grief counseling. This positions your funeral home as a trusted expert in the field, willing to offer value beyond immediate services. Collaborate with experts: Partner with local counselors, lawyers, or other relevant professionals for these workshops. It not only enhances the credibility of the information being shared but also broadens your network and exposure. 3. Traditional Media Advertising Local newspapers and magazines: Even in the digital age, many people rely on local publications for news and updates. (This is especially true if you serve a more rural area with a small newspaper strongly focused on local news.) Craft sensitive, respectful advertisements or editorials that address the importance of preplanning or celebrate the lives of community members who’ve recently passed. Radio and TV spots: Consider investing in slots during times when your target demographic is most likely listening or watching. Share stories, offer advice, or simply communicate the history and values of your funeral home. 4. Referral Programs Incentivize word of mouth: Encourage satisfied clients to refer friends and family. While it’s essential to be tactful (given the industry), a referral program can still offer incentives like discounts on memorial products or future services. Don’t Forget About Offline Marketing Powerhouse Marketing with Welton Partner with local businesses: Develop partnerships with flower shops, local clergy, or hospice care providers. I realize that’s a bit obvious: You know these entities often meet with families in need of funeral services, and a mutual referral system can benefit both parties. But it’s worth keeping in mind for your overall marketing plan. The Bottom Line Offline marketing, when done with sensitivity and a genuine commitment to community, can significantly enhance a funeral home’s reputation and reach. Engaging with the community, offering education, utilizing traditional media, and fostering partnerships are all potent tools for building trust and authenticity. While the world continues its rapid digital march, there remains an irreplaceable value in face-to-face interactions and tangible connections, especially in an industry centered around human emotions and life’s profound moments. By integrating these offline marketing strategies, funeral homes can ensure they remain pillars of support and service in their communities. Welton Hong is the founder of Ring Ring Marketing® and a leading expert in creating case generation from online to the phone line. He is the author of Making Your Phone Ring with Internet Marketing for Funeral Homes. For more information, visit www.FuneralHomeProfits.com. FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.NomisPublications.com Monthly Columnsonline at As time advances, so does the desire for change and modernization within many industries. Remaining vigilant and adapting to the world around you is becoming increasingly important. More specifically in the funeral service industry, adapting to these industry changes can not only benefit your business but make it more efficient in regards to operation. Responding to the continuous change of family’s needs, remaining competitive with other funeral homes, capitalizing on new opportunities, and expanding and growing. Complacency can hurt your business prospects. Always consider branching out into new directions, as anything from green funerals to providing virtual services can help you remain ahead of the game. Remaining proactive and moving forward with the changing needs of your staff and customers allows you to move together with industry trends, creating new opportunity for revenue while more effectively serving your customers. In being a funeral service professional, we choose every day to comfort the brokenhearted, to see others at their weakest and most vulnerable. We see the absolute worst life has to offer. A front row seat to the most horrible of all horrible, and for me, I feel indebted to those who sit before me. We see children, innocents, disease, accidents, heartache, fathers, Remaining Relevant in a Competitive Industry By Hannah M. Burns Hannah M. Burns erations, saving you time and money while better catering to the needs of your customers. Although many first calls are taken via phone, people are looking at your website. Who works for you? What are the reviews? What do you offer? What is pricing like for your services? Your clients are going to look at your website appearance, or lack of an online presence, to see how you are serving others within your community. Many in the profession find technology scary but demystifying and embracing it can deliver exceptional benefits to the business and your service levels. As younger people enter the field of mortuary science, they are bringing change and innovation to the precedents. As the world changes, new opportunities arise for those who are willing to take them. Just because a family may not accept an offer, it is nice to have the option to do so and the ability to be able to choose. These could start as services that add extra value, like memorial items, offering catering services, or live streaming and recording. The key to this is ensuring all options are being shared and presented at arrangement meetings so families have a clear understanding of their choices. For this, it is important that funeral directors feel comfortable and confident to transparently share these options so that the family can make the best decisions for their situation. The idea of change for many within the industry is unwarranted and many don’t entertain the forthcoming innovations that could potentially benefit their business and their pockets. Guiding and supporting your employees will minimize error, allow them to adapt more quickly, and feel more comfortable in doing so. Overall, flexibility is the key to maintaining profitable business operations in 2023 and beyond. While you cannot control the changing environment, you can adjust your ability to react to unforeseen changes by making sure you are always in the best position possible. Work to understand how trends are affecting the deathcare industry and how families’ preferences for deathcare are changing, so you can make proactive adjustments to better serve those that come before us. A student at Mid-America College of Funeral Service, Hannah Burns is halfway through her educational journey. In October, she obtained her apprentice license in her home state of Maryland, where she began working full time at Bounds Funeral Home (Dignity Memorial) alongside her sponsor. mothers, and those so alone no one comes to cry for them. Our hearts continue to grow in ways we could never fathom. It is an honor to serve these families. They come to us, most with no experience on where to go or what to do, we guide and direct them while offering consolation and compassion. No two family’s needs are the same and we have the meet each one right where they are. Optimizing advances made within the industry is optimal in providing excellent service to the family while serving their loved one. Technology has changed the way we interact with almost every facet of our lives, and funerals are certainly no exception. Adopting new technologies can help you streamline op-
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Page A8 september 2023 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Section A 1-888-792-9315 • mymortuarycooler.com Scan QR for our website Cots not included MODEL # TR3 Triple Cot Roll-In Mortuary Cooler AMC N W FAST SHIPPING AVAILABLE ON SELECT PRODUCTS Call: 661-250-1507 • Visit: www.XLIndustries.com Available Through Quality Suppliers Made in USA Unique items found only at xl industries Providing the Best-Designed Tools for Your Services Since 1926. Dozens of products that give you years of service and store compactly when not in use. Lightweight and easy to take to gravesides or churches. Pole Rack with Shelves extends from the floor to the ceiling Combo Expansion “B” Rack “J” Casket Floral Rack Sets down on top of casket Platform Shelf O-1 additional display surface for many XL large stands By Linda Findlay Aftercare more saturated and less bright, such as sapphire blues, are more energizing. Green seems to make positive emotions stronger and negative emotions weaker. People tend to like colors they associate with objects they love, and this can influence a person’s mood or actions, help you have a happier view of your life and a healthier state of mind. Helps you relax. Grab a fresh box of crayons or colored markers and a coloring book to get started. Let your emotions guide the colors you choose. The repetitive movement of your hand induces a calm meditative-type state. Not into coloring? Try an alternative such as a colored light bulb, color wash video, or chromotherapy sauna. Helps you sleep. Scientists have found that bright blue light may help reset your circadian rhythm if it gets out of whack. Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. Improve your memory. Colors can affect what you remember. Use green to help you remember positive words. Red makes it more likely to recall negative words. Chromotherapy Options • Paint a color-by-number picture. • Color your bath water • Plug in a colored nightlight. • Hang a colored glass prism. • Paint the walls of your bedroom or office. • Add colorful home décor. • Use colored bulbs in your lamps. • Enjoy a color wash YouTube video. • Download a color therapy app. • Enjoy a chromotherapy sauna. Often people who are grieving are made to feel as Last month, I talked about Forest Therapy as a healing modality. The healing modalities that I would like to continue to share are science-based modalities that are proven to help people cope better. We are not in the business of taking people’s grief away, but there are suggestions that we can make. This month I want to share information about Chromotherapy. What are the benefits of Chromotherapy? Colors are all around us, and they aren’t meaningless. They play a role in how we feel by influencing our emotions and how we react. Although chromotherapy has been around since ancient Egypt, researchers are now adapting to the idea of chromotherapy as a modern healing modality and have begun to study the scientific properties of how color affects our brain and emotions. How it works. • Calms the amygdala, the fear center of the brain. • Takes you outside the thinking part of your brain. • Certain colors can invigorate a depressed mind or soothe an agitated mind. • Lowers blood pressure. • Relaxes breathing. • The repetitive hand motions used in coloring a picture induces a meditative state. Why it works. Several ancient cultures including the Egyptians and Chinese practiced the use of colors to heal. Chromotherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or colorology and is widely used today as a holistic or alternative treatment. Emotional connection. Our emotional response to color has to do with saturation and brightness. Colors that are less saturated but bright are generally relaxing, and those that are Linda Findlay is the founder of Mourning Discoveries, Grief Support Services. She is a 29-year career Aftercare Coordinator, a published author, and an advocate for bereaved families. She is the founder and co-creator of The Grief Cruises and managing partner with The International Grief Institute. Linda can be reached at 315-725-6132 or Lf6643@yahoo.com. Visit www.mourningdiscoveries.com, www.thegriefcruises.com or www.internationalgriefinstitute.com. FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.NomisPublications.com Monthly Columnsonline at Healing Modalities: Chromotherapy though they should be “over” their loss. First, there is no getting over our losses. We learn to live with loss, being a part of who we are. Second, we need to do the exact opposite. We need to find ways to maintain connection, we don’t want to let go. I regularly make suggestions to families about how they can maintain connections with their loved one using color. I suggest wearing their loved one’s favorite color on special days or for no reason at all. I have suggested that they bake or order a cake for their birthday with their loved one’s favorite color of frosting. Color can be used to help us feel connected to our loved one. Color can also help us, the care giver, to take care of ourselves. We can use our tools to take care of our families and we can use those same tools to take care of ourselves. It not only can be helpful for us to try Chromotherapy, once we do, we are better to be able to suggest it to our families. Check back next month to discover a new healing modality! CORONA,NY— ABOVE International Transport Solutions, has announced the launch of an innovative and TSA-approved freight forwarder, offering expert services in worldwide repatriation. With over 30 years of combined experience as licensed funeral directors, ABOVE understands the challenges and complexities that families and funeral directors face when dealing with repatriation. The team at ABOVE International Transport Solutions possesses in-depth knowledge of worldwide repatriation Streamlining the Repatriation Process with ABOVE International Transport Solutions procedures, having successfully worked with consulates. This includes securing necessary documentation, and developing strong relationships with airlines, to ensure a seamless repatriation process. ABOVE prides itself as Funeral Directors supporting Funeral Directors. They understand that unfamiliar protocols and regulations can make repatriation a daunting and time-consuming task for funeral directors. The team is here to offer support throughout the entire process, providing a streamlined experience for both you and the families you serve. Beyond handling precious cargo, they go “above and beyond” to offer a range of essential services. These include consulate documentation for all 195 countries, official apostilles, certified translations of necessary documents, ground transfers, and more. ABOVE aims to make repatriation easy and simplified, allowing you to focus on serving your families during their time of need. ABOVE is committed to streamlining the process of repatriation. One call, one provider, one invoice: all selected services consolidated on a final bill and considered a cash advance for your funeral establishment. ABOVE’s strategic partnerships with numerous airlines worldwide enable the most efficient and affordable routing options available. Dedicated to expediting the repatriation process, ABOVE will diligently search for the most budget-friendly rates and efficient, direct routes possible. From consulate documentation and translations to flight arrangements, ground transportation, and providing essential merchandise like air trays and Ziegler boxes – ABOVE can handle it all. For further information or inquiries call 212-597-9140 or email info@ abovetransport.com. “I Love My Funeral Director” “I Love My Cemeterian” Perfect Gift for Any Occasion! visit www.NomisPublications.com or call 1-800-321-7479 SEND US YOUR NEWS! PO Box 5159, Youngstown, Oh 44514 1-800-321-7479 info@nomispublications.com
Page A9 september 2023 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Section A In a groundbreaking stride towards enhancing the embalming process, the Frigid Embalming Machine is making waves in the funeral industry with its cutting-edge technology and an array of innovative features. Offering unmatched versatility, efficiency, and control, this state-of-the-art machine allows funeral professionals to embalm with their fluid of choice, setting new standards for the art of preservation. The Frigid Embalming Machine’s patent-pending Mix/ Self-Clean feature is at the forefront of its pioneering design. Funeral directors can now customize the embalming fluid according to their specific requirements, tailoring the preservation process to the unique needs of each individual case. With the added benefit of a self-cleaning mechanism, this feature streamlines the post-embalming cleanup, saving valuable time and ensuring a hygienic and seamless experience. At the heart of the Frigid Embalming Machine lies its custom-designed laboratory-strength Borosilicate Glass Tank. This cutting-edge tank material guarantees the highest level of durability and transparency, allowing embalmers to monitor the embalming process closely. The Frigid Embalming Machine takes precision to the next level with its Hydraulic Flow Sensor. This feature enables real-time monitoring of the fluid flow rate, allowing embalmers to fine-tune and optimize the embalming process. The result is an unprecedented level of accuracy, ensuring each case receives the precise amount of embalming fluid required for the best possible preservation. Funeral professionals can bid farewell to guesswork with the Dual Digital Displays on the Frigid Embalming Machine. With one display showcasing the pressure and the other monitoring the machine’s flow, embalmers have comprehensive control and access to critical information at their fingertips. This intuitive setup enhances efficiency, empowering embalmers to focus solely on their craft. Notably, the Frigid Embalming Machine has undergone rigorous international testing and certification, solidifying its position as a trusted and reliable solution. Meeting the highest industry standards, funeral professionals can rest assured that the machine is not only state-ofthe-art but also adheres to strict quality and safety measures. As funeral directors strive to provide the most dignified and respectful services for families, the Frigid Embalming Machine emerges as an indispensable tool in their arsenal. Its groundbreaking features, ability to inject phenols, and precise monitoring capabilities redefine the embalming process, empowering funeral professionals to uphold the highest standards of preservation. With the Frigid Embalming Machine leading the way, the future of embalming shines brighter than ever before. Empowering Embalmers with Unprecedented Control and Efficiency Introducing the Frigid Embalming Machine TREATING DECUBITUS ULCERS: A GUIDE FOR EMBALMERS In a transformative breakthrough for the funeral industry, SILITECH, the cutting-edge Silicone Technology, is proving to be a game-changer in arterial embalming, ushering in an era of enhanced preservation and moisture retention. Embraced by embalmers worldwide, SILITECH chemicals boast unique properties that break up hydrogen bonds, enabling deeper diffusion of embalming chemicals, and ensuring optimal distribution throughout the body. One of the key advantages of SILITECH chemicals lies in their ability to disrupt hydrogen bonds, facilitating the better distribution of embalming chemicals within the arterial system. This breakthrough promotes greater diffusion, reaching even the most distal regions of the body, ensuring a more thorough and comprehensive preservation process. As a result, embalmers can achieve a level of preservation that was previously unattainable, providing families with a lasting, lifelike memory of their departed loved ones. Moreover, SILITECH chemicals’ inert properties play a pivotal role in the success of the embalming process. By effectively delivering embalming chemicals to both superficial and deep tissues, SILITECH ensures that every part of the body receives the necessary treatment. This comprehensive distribution helps in maintaining the natural texture of the tissue, providing a dignified appearance to the deceased. The advantages of employing SILITECH chemicals in the embalming solution extend beyond enhanced preservation. One of the remarkable properties of SILITECH is its ability to aid in moisture retention. By preserving the body’s natural moisture levels, SILITECH chemicals prevent dehydration, allowing the deceased to maintain a more lifelike and peaceful appearance during visitations and funerals. The impact of SILITECH technology on the mortuary sciences is undeniable. Its capacity to break up hydrogen bonds, enable deep diffusion, and ensure comprehensive chemical distribution Every embalmer knows that decubitus ulcers can be common these days. Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure sores, are areas of damaged skin and underlying tissues that develop when there has been prolonged pressure on the skin. These sores can be common in individuals who may not be able to reposition themselves frequently enough, such as those who are bedridden or restricted to a wheelchair. Pressure, friction, and moisture are the main causes of decubitus ulcers. If left untreated, these sores can progress and become infected and necrotic. These ulcers can be observed by the embalmer as swelling and necrotic tissue around the affected area. The area may also have unpleasant odors associated with them. If the ulcer is in an advanced stage, arterial embalming may be limited to the area as the vasculature structure, including capillaries, may be compromised. Here is how an embalmer friend of mine approaches these conditions. First, begin the arterial embalming procedure as you normally would. A slightly stronger solution might be necessary. I create this by adding Frigid Rigid (1-RIGID) to the solution I am making. Rigid, a 35-index fluid, is designed to aggressively treat problem areas. Make sure to observe the affected area. You may notice that blood and arterial fluid leak from the area. This is a good sign. This indicates that blood is being displaced by your arterial solution. It is recommended that you continue to inject the body as normal. After arterial injection, I treat the area with Vis-OGuard Gel (1-VISOGUARD) overnight. I prefer this gel over others because it is viscous and “sticks” to the affected area. This viscosity ensures exposure of the preservative chemicals to the tissue. Vis-O-Guard gel also contains the active ingredient found in Frigid’s STOP that helps to combat tissue gas and maggot infestation; both of has elevated arterial embalming to an unprecedented level of efficacy. Combined with its inert properties that aid in moisture retention and tissue texture preservation, SILITECH chemicals have become a beacon of hope for embalmers, offering them a profound and effective way to perform the embalming procedure. As SILITECH continues to gain prominence among embalmers, we can expect further innovations that will reshape funeral practices and redefine the standards of preservation. The legacy of this revolutionary technology will undoubtedly endure, leaving an indelible mark on the industry for generations to come. In a fast-paced world with high turnover rates among cemetery staff, the challenge of maintaining and operating lowering devices has been a growing concern. However, a groundbreaking solution is here: Frigid’s On-Site Services. With their team of experienced technicians, Frigid offers a seamless experience by coming directly to your location, ensuring top-notch inspection and repair of your equipment to meet their high service standards. By partnering with Frigid, cemeteries can enhance their burial services’ quality, foster employee engagement, and safeguard against potential gravesite accidents. Regularly scheduled maintenance visits are a key component of Frigid’s service offerings. Recognizing the importance of preventative measures, Frigid ensures that equipment receives regular check-ups, reducing the risk of unexpected malfunctions and prolonging the devices’ lifespan. This proactive approach helps cemetery managers avoid costly breakdowns and ensures seamless burial operations, preserving the dignity of funeral services. Frigid’s commitment to empowering cemetery staff is evident through their comprehensive training programs. The company not only handles equipment repairs but also takes the time to train cemetery staff, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary for selfsufficiency. This approach enhances employee engagement, as staff members gain confidence in handling lowering devices. Emphasizing safety as a top priority, Frigid’s On-Site Services safeguard against potential accidents at gravesites. By maintaining equipment to the highest standards, Frigid plays a vital role in providing a safe and secure environment for both cemetery staff and families during burial services. Frigid’s suite of on-site services includes device repair, regularly scheduled maintenance visits, new equipment setup, and operator training, as well as preventative maintenance training. Flexibility is a cornerstone of their service, as Frigid is willing to tailor service plans to fit each cemetery’s unique budget and needs. To learn more about Frigid’s On-Site Services or to schedule a visit, cemetery managers are encouraged to contact Frigid directly. The company’s dedication to quality, efficiency, and employee empowerment makes them the go-to choice for cemetery equipment maintenance needs. SILITECH by Frigid Fluid: a Game-Changer in the Prep Room which commonly be found on decubitus ulcers. After about eight hours, I wash the area and treat it further with Paulex Powder (1-PAULPOWD1). This is a great product for further disinfection, sanitation and odor reduction. I make sure to use plastic garments over the affected area. For example, if the ulcer is found in the sacrum area, I would use a Plastic Coveralls (2-COVEPLAS-S). This helps ensure that the powder stays in place and continues to work on the affected area. Embalming can be challenging, especially when dealing with decubitus ulcers. However, with careful observation and the use of specialized products, embalmers can effectively treat the affected area and preserve the body. It’s important to remember that each situation is unique and may require a different approach. Invest in the BEST, Choose Frigid Certified Service for EFFICIENT Cemetery Equipment Management BY DAMON DE LA CRUZ BY ALEX HOLMES BY FRIGID FLUID BY BRIAN YEAZEL The Frigid Embalming Machine (seen above) can inject phenols and high index cavity fluids! Service Manager, Alex Holmes is ensuring that a casket lowering device is up to Frigid standards. President and CEO of Frigid Fluid, Brian Yeazel. Try Silicone Technology today with our Silitech Introduction Pack! Order today at www.frigidfluid.com or call (708) 836-1215. EXPO - LAS VEGAS Come visit us at NFDA Expo Booth #1803 & #959
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