Page A38 september 2023 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Section A www.vischerfuneralsupplies.com The Fan Man, Inc. Fans Calendars Urns Register Books Dresses Advertising Specialties John Mannion “WhatEver You Need” 1-800-671-8280 Cell: 803-417-2940 Thefanman@comporium.net bankersadvertising.com/thefanman AUSTIN,TX— At their 137th annual convention in Irving, the Texas Funeral Directors Association (TFDA) elected Jason Harrell as the president of the Association. With an extensive background in the funeral service profession and a commitment to NEWS Association Memoires des choix des Jacque (Memories of Jack’s Recipes) Original Recipes from Dottie and Jack Frediani Shared by Kate Frediani-Gorman Cremation Products Inc. 800-837-0701 www.CremationProductsInc.com SHRIMP AND BLACK BEAN SALAD 1 pound cooked, shelled shrimp 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained ½ cup thinly, sliced celery 1 small green pepper, cut into strips 2/3 cup mild picante sauce 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped 2 Tbsp oil 2 Tbsp honey 1 tsp lime peel; 2 tsp juice Lettuce leaves Cherry tomato halves Combine shrimp, beans, green pepper, celery and onion in large bowl. Combine remaining ingredients except tomatoes and lettuce; mix well. Pour over shrimp mixture; toss lightly to coat. Cover and chill 2-24 hours, tossing now and then. Spoon onto lettuce-lined plates, garnish with tomatoes. Serve with additional picante sauce. TIP: When celery loses its crispness, place it in a pan of water with raw potato slices for a few hours. When you remove the celery, it will be crisp. Good Eating! SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH TOMATOES 1 medium spaghetti squash 2 Tbsp water ½ cup green onions, sliced ½ tsp salt ½ cup chopped red or green pepper 2 large tomatoes, chopped 2 tsp fresh basil, minced ¾ tsp dill weed 2 Tbsp grated parmesan Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Put cut side down in baking dish and add hot water ½ inch deep. Cover and bake at 350º for 30-40 mins until tender. In a skillet, heat water; add pepper and onions. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, parsley, dill, basil, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, until tender. When squash is cool, scoop out pulp, separating strands with a fork and place in a large bowl. Add tomato mixture and toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese. Introducing the New President of the Texas Funeral Directors Association: Jason Harrell Caleb, Jerry, Patsy, Jason and Christy Harrell Jason Harrell excellence, Jason brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this esteemed role. Harrell, who is partner and funeral director at Harrell Funeral Home in Austin, brings 35 years’ experience in funeral service to his new role as TFDA president and will work to promote the highest standards of funeral service, advocating for funeral directors across Texas. “Jason’s vision, energy and passion for the profession make him an ideal fit for leading our association into the future,” said Harvey Hilderbran, TFDA executive director. The new president has served in various leadership positions within the TFDA, including President and Vice President of the South-Central Chapter, and PresidentElect, Secretary-Treasurer of TFDA. In 2022-2023 he served on the following committees: Budget, Building & Long-Range Planning, State Board Exam, Bylaws & Resolution, Convention Site Selection, Legislative, Media Relations, Membership, PAC committees. In past years he has also served on the Disaster Relief committee. He is an advocate for the Emerging Leaders within TFDA and was awarded Funeral Director of the Year by TFDA’s South-Central Chapter in 2018. He also currently serves on the Board of Trustees for St. David’s South Austin Medical Center. Over his lifetime, Jason has enjoyed giving back to his community through Boy Scouts. He is a third generation Eagle Scout and his sons, Caleb, and Zac, recently extended that honor into the Harrell family’s fourth generation. Jason is the 133rd TFDA president and the fifth Austinite elected to lead the organization. Jason’s late father, Arvin Harrell, was president in 1995, and Harrell Funeral Home’s general manager, Darryl Thompson, served as president in 2013. “I am honored to serve as the president of the Texas Funeral Directors Association,” said Harrell. “It is an honor to follow in my father’s footsteps as a second-generation funeral director, and like him, I am learning of the great rewards in giving back to my community, my profession and serving directors across the state.” “I am committed to upholding the values and standards of our profession while advancing TFDA’s mission. Together, we will continue to elevate funeral service in Texas and support funeral directors as they continue to selflessly serve their families and communities.” The newly-elected president will work closely with TFDA’s board of directors, committees, and members to ensure the association continues to provide needed resources, education, and support for TFDA members. Further, he also will advocate for all Texas funeral directors while upholding the association’s mission of serving families with compassion, dignity, and professionalism. “One of my top priorities in 2023-2024 are completing and implementing a new Texas State Board Exam to help provisional funeral directors become licensed in the State of Texas,” said the veteran director. “More than 30 percent of funeral directors taking the National Exam do not pass it. TFDA’s new state exam, developed in partnership with Texas mortuary colleges, will serve to launch more funeral directors into their new profession.” “In addition, I am committed to offer TFDA members new educational opportunities and benefits as we work to increase participation and make specialized certifications more accessible,” the new president said. “We also want to increase engagement across all generations of our membership. The mentoring and camaraderie among the various ages within our profession are vital to move us all forward in our individual practic- Continued on page A39 SEND US YOUR NEWS PO Box 5159, Youngstown, OH 44514 1-800-321-7479 info@nomispublications.com www.nomispublications.com
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