September 2024 Family Owned & Operated Since 1974 • www.NomisPublications.com • 1-800-321-7479 Previously Published as the YB News ... Still the Place for Your News! News FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NOMIS PUBLICATIONS, INC. CELEBRATING OUR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 8570 FOXWOOD CT Youngstown, Ohio 44514 Classified Ads Shipping Directory Index of Advertisers Funeral Home Returns to Dalhart, Texas Forest Lawn Celebrates its 175th Anniversary By Laurie Esposito-Harley Therapy Dog Bear Luis Mendoza DALHART,TX—The community of Dalhart has been waiting for a funeral home to return to the historic building at 424 Rock Island Avenue for 23 years. “The community would always talk about this house,” says Luis Mendoza, owner of Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services. “They would say they wished the funeral home was back where it used to be. It’d been over twenty years, but they’d still bring it up.” The house on Rock Island Avenue was built and opened as Peeples Funeral Home in 1921. “It has 42” wide doors, and ramps from room to room instead of steps,” says Luis. There is even a ramp from the first floor to the basement, where the original staff apparently slid coffins downstairs. The Rock Island location operated until 2001. In 2001, Phillip Hass moved the firm to the location of the current Horizons Funeral Home. The Rock Island building was eventually converted into a residential home. The historic building was eventually sold in 2020 and in 2024 the opportunity presented itself for Luis to buy. The closing took place on February 22, 2024. Renovations began right away. Luis remodeled the entire first floor. “I had a lot of help, and I was even helping with work to get it ready,” he says. On April 15th, the funeral home became official with the state of Texas. Luis is originally from Plainview, TX. He graduated a year early in 2004 and went to work at the prison to support his young family. But he couldn’t help thinking he belonged somewhere else. Foreground: Schickel memorial, Section 11. Background (right): Blocher memorial, Section 11. John Blocher, designer; erected by McDonnell & Sons. Photo: Andy Olenick Iconic Forest Lawn Main Street gate. Photo: Andy Olenick BUFFALO,NY— Forest Lawn Cemetery, an exemplary landscape of the American rural cemetery movement, recently kicked off the celebration of its 175th anniversary. Since its founding, Forest Lawn was and continues to be an active cemetery with more than 169,000 permanent residents. With its wellmaintained parkland, waterways, wildlife, remarkable funerary art and architecture, and a tree canopy that recently earned the cemetery its designation as a Level I Arboretum, Forest Ward’s Funeral Supplies you can count on dOUG Ward for your funeral supply needs. www.wardstransportservice.com Call today 912-309-9295 Mix & Match $49 95 ea. When You Buy 2 or More! Individual @ $6995ea. ONLY Continued on page A18 Continued on page A2 CCMS’s New Educational Cremation Center See Page A22 Funeral and Burial Traditions of Iceland See Page A10 COMING NEXT MONTH... NFDA CONVENTION PREVIEW
Page A2 September 2024 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. The contents of any advertisement submitted for publication are only the publisher’s responsibility if the error is made by the publisher’s typesetting department, and then only to the extent of the typesetting charges. Advertisers are responsible for adhering to individual state regulations regarding advertising. The contents of any news article submitted for publication is subject to editing and is published at the sole discretion of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any news article or advertisement. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or part, without the exclusive consent of Nomis Publications, Inc. Editor: Margaret (Peggy) Rouzzo © 2024 by Nomis Publications, Inc. 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-A28 and Section B, which contains the Classified Advertising and consists of pages B1-B28. 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 Critical Thinking by Jon O’Hara.....................................................................A10 Embalming 101 by Wally Hooker......................................................................A8 HearseHub by Mike Jamar................................................................................B6 Klicker’s Krossword Korner.............................................................................B4 Last Writes by Jim Kurtz.................................................................................A16 Memoires des choix des Jacque by Kate Frediani-Gorman..........................B10 Museum Corner...............................................................................................A22 Musings with Marika by Marika McMeans......................................................A14 Observations by Steven Palmer.....................................................................A12 Powerhouse Marketing With Welton by Welton Hong.....................................A6 Random Musings by Nancy Weil......................................................................A4 Share This With Widowers by Fred Colby......................................................A20 Monthly Features Educational News.......................................................................................... A20 Death Notices. ............................................................................................... A26 Suppliers News................................................................................................ B1 Association News.......................................................................................... B13 Shipping Directory........................................................................................ B18 Classified Ads. .............................................................................................. B21 At that time, Amarillo College offered a program in Mortuary Science, and Luis enrolled in 2007. “I moved to Amarillo to go to college. I didn’t know a single person. My parents thought it was crazy, but I knew it was what I had to do,” says Luis. He called Keith Bassett with A to D Mortuary Services every day for two weeks about a job. “He was so busy,” says Luis. “Now I understand.” After a month in Amarillo Luis was hired and began his career. Over 17 years he worked in Plainview, Lubbock, and even in Denver for a year. “It was way busier. Too busy to do things the way I like to do things,” says Luis. In 2020, Phillip Hass passed away. The funeral home was sold to a corporation and became in 2021, Luis Funeral Home Returns to Dalhart, Texas Continued from Front Page moved to Dalhart to manage Horizon. Dalhart is in the middle of nowhere. It’s 90 miles NW of Amarillo and the last stop in Texas,” says Luis. I had never worked in a corporation before, and it just wasn’t what I expected. My goal had always been to be a funeral home owner. To be able to help families. Funerals can be costly, but they can also be a beautiful thing. Every single person deserves their story to be told and deserves a service in their honor. This shouldn’t leave a financial burden on the family.” His hope was to do this back home in Plainview. Instead, he was in Dalhart, where he had never lived before. “I was trying to go back home, but every door kept closing,” Luis says. He began getting frustratContinued on page A19
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Page A4 September 2024 By Nancy Weil Recently my daughter attended the retreat where I had been so many years ago. The one which inspired the article I am reprinting again. She went into that sweat lodge and when the first wave of steam hit her face, she was out of there. Before she left efforts were made to make her comfortable. She was reminded to breathe. They told her she could lift the covering by the doorway and let some light and cooler air come in until she had adjusted to the heat. Encouragement was given, but in that moment all she wanted to do was leave. This was not like a hot yoga class. She told me it was not the dark that bothered her, but the thickness of the air when the water was poured over the hot stones. In that moment she did not want support, she wanted relief. So, she left. She does not regret her decision. She is happy that she gave the experience a try. It was just not for her. How often do we face something unfamiliar and realize it is not what we expected it to be? Our response to this situation may be based on fear (get me out of here), or facing a challenge (bring it on), or perhaps surrender (let it go). In many instances we have the choice to opt out, leave, or extricate ourselves from an uncomfortable feeling. We also have the choice to give ourselves some grace when it doesn’t work out as we thought it would. Sometimes trying equals success. My daughter’s experience had me think about this article I wrote about my first sweat lodge experience. I think it still has value to remind us of what a sweat lodge has to do with grief. Hope you enjoy it again…or for the first time. Imagine that you are in a small enclosed placed sitting on a cold, hard floor in total darkness. The heat begins to climb as you wonder how you will be able to take a breath. The fear begins to rise from within and all you can think about is how to escape. And you are aware that you have put yourself in this place precisely because it scares you. 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 A Hand in the Dark This is the situation I found myself in when I took part in my first sweat lodge. A small, tarped hut becomes a sauna of sorts, as you partake in an ancient ritual that is steeped in Native American traditions. The idea is to cleanse yourself – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually of all that no longer serves you. When I entered the lodge, all I thought was that darkness, heat and confined spaces don’t serve me. I was scared. Then it happened. As we began, the leader called out to me, “How are you doing, Nancy?” I answered back, “Freaking out.” In that moment, my partner in life reached out in the darkness and held my hand. Rather than run for the door, I took strength in his presence and I stayed. As the singing began, I realized that I was breathing and that this was actually fun. Round after round I embraced the experience and realized that the fear was nothing more than that: False Evidence Appearing Real. The process freed me to know that most of the things that keep us from what we want, are really inside ourselves. When I returned to work following that experience, I realized that grief can be like my sweat lodge experience. While each person grieves their loss in their own way, what you may need in order to make it through your grief is simply a hand to hold on to until you can emerge from the darkness. Everyone has fears to wrestle with. “How will I make it through without my loved one?” you may wonder. “What if …?” and “How can I ever ….?” These thoughts come up again and again. You may feel trapped by your sadness and unable to see the way to happiness and peace. Yet with the help of someone to guide and support you, that hand that reaches out when you most need it, you will find your fears assuaged and peace returning for a moment or two. There will even come a day when you are the hand that reaches out to a newly bereaved person and provides the hope they need as they travel through their own dark moments. We receive…we give…we heal. And a hand reaches out in the dark And calms my worried soul. It brings me comfort and takes me to a place within that is serene - A place that I did not know existed in me. I grasp your hand and know that I will survive whatever challenges lay ahead. I grasp your hand and take strength from knowing that there is someone who cares. I need a watchful eye over me while I wrestle my fears and Heal my hurting heart. My soul feels safe with you beside me and I know That as long as I hold onto you I will have new eyes that can see in the darkness And I will rise above the despair and embrace the light. www.derma-pro.net sales@derma-pro.net Nadene Cover-Up Cosmetics Ltd. A name you know... ...Products you trust 800-531-9744 Fax 903-641-0383 www.PearlsPremium.com (508) 653-0800 American Cemetery Magazine “2024 Innovator of the Year” See Booth 117 at CCC LANCASTER COUNTY,PA— Third-generation funeral director, Charles F. “Chad” Snyder III, owner of Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory has been a part of the Lancaster County community since 1947, originally started by Chad’s grandfather, Charles F. Snyder. Chad grew up watching his grandfather and father Charles F. “Chip” Snyder, Jr, serve the people of Lancaster County, PA before joining the funeral profession himself in 2004. As a member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors, Chad hopes to put to use his and his family’s years of experience in the funeral profession to serve as a bridge between state policy makers, the general public, and funeral directors in the state of Pennsylvania. “Funeral service is a deeply compassionate profession, and with it comes a tremendous level of responsibility,” said Chad. “I am honored to represent the hard-working funeral directors in Pennsylvania, the next generation of funeral service professionals, and to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.” As a voice for the funeral directors of Pennsylvania, Chad Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park Welcomes Congregation Or Chadash as its 31st Partner Congregation CLARKSBURG,MD— The Garden of Remembrance Gan Zikaron Memorial Park has announced that Congregation Or Chadash in Damascus, MD has become the 31st partner congregation of the Washington region’s Jewish nonprofit community cemetery. “Geographically, Or Chadash is the closest synagogue to our Memorial Park,” notes Glenn Easton, executive director of the Garden of Remembrance. “We are pleased to welcome our neighbors and serve the families in their congregation at their greatest time of need,” he concludes. Founded in 1984, Congregation Or Chadash is known for its excellent religious education and its open and inclusive attitude. Rabbi Alison Kobey has served as the Rabbi and education director of the Reform synagogue since 2009. The Garden of Remembrance includes partner congregations from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and Renewal synagogues and serves families who are not currently affiliated a congregation. A partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the 152-acre memorial park is a certified Level I Arboretum, a Hybrid Green Burial Cemetery, and a Forest Conservation Preserve. The Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park is located near Interstate 270 (Exit 18) at 14321 Comus Road in Clarksburg, MD. For a complete list of the Garden of Remembrance’s thirty-one partner congregations and additional information about the Memorial Park, visit www.gardenofremembrance. org or call 301-428-3000. Chad Snyder Appointed to Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors Charles F. Snyder III aims to help the state implement professional standards that will allow funeral professionals to bring the highest quality care to Pennsylvania families and their loved ones, just as Chad and his team strive to do for the families they serve at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory. Chad hopes that the high-quality care they provide at the family-owned funeral home can help guide his efforts to influence the policy enacted by the Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors, while he also hopes to learn from his fellow funeral directors to provide even better service to Lancaster County. “I have a great deal of pride in leading a company and team known for its exceptional care and delivery of exceptional and meaningful funeral services,” said Chad. “My goal is to both share the practices that have benefitted our community members and learn more from my peers to continue to improve our services. Collaboration and connection are the keys to excellence. I’d like to thank our team, my wife Lee Shand Snyder, senator Scott Martin, senator Ryan Aument, and our governor Josh Shapiro for their appointment and trust in me.” Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory has been family-owned and operated for three generations in Lancaster County, PA. They offer both burial and cremation services at each of their six locations as well as products and services through their monument company, Heritage Monuments. Snyder Funeral Homes is well known for their excellent care and for their involvement in the community, evidenced by the Penn Square Clock they donated to the City of Lancaster in 2016. Learn more at snyderfuneralhome.com.
Page A5 September 2024
Page A6 September 2024 By Welton Hong We all go through periods of time when we’re living in our own bubble, focused on only what’s in front of us. We forget to send our relative’s birthday card, fail to ask how our neighbor is feeling after a minor surgery or let two weeks pass before replying to a friend’s text message. Hey, we’re only human. And while that’s OK—sometimes even beneficial—in our personal lives, it’s not ideal when running a business. What I mean is, that type of insular thinking won’t help your funeral home thrive in a competitive landscape. To maintain a competitive edge, you need to be apprised of the bigger picture—in the know about industry trends, local news and what your competitors are up to. And one of the simplest and most effective tools to keep you in the loop is Google Alerts. This powerful, free service allows you to monitor the web for specific topics and get notifications whenever new content matching your criteria pops up online. Google Alerts can be a game-changer for funeral homes in several different ways. Let’s talk about industry trends first. By setting up Google Alerts for keywords like “funeral industry trends,” “funeral home innovations” or “cemetery management,” you’re setting yourself up to receive a steady stream of updates on the latest news and developments in the field. These insights are gold. They help you pivot and adapt your services to meet emerging demands and integrate new practices. Google Alerts can be your secret weapon to keeping an eye on your competitors, too. Set alerts for the names of local competitors, and you’ll be able to track their online activities—whether they’re rolling out new services, hosting events or grabbing media attention. This intel is invaluable for informing your own business decisions and fine-tuning your marketing tactics to stay competitive. Managing your online reputation is another area where Google Alerts shines. Create alerts for your funeral home’s name to stay informed about any mentions or reviews. This allows you to swiftly respond to feedback, address any concerns and engage with your community. Being proactive about your online reputation builds trust and credibility, crucial factors in attracting and retaining clients. Google Alerts can also help you spot media opportunities. By setting up alerts for terms like “funeral services” or “end-of-life planning,” you can identify chances to contribute to articles, blogs or news segments, positioning your funeral home as the go-to expert. Plus, staying updated on local news about community events, obituaries or other relevant topics can reveal opportunities where your services might be needed, helping you to offer timely support and build stronger community ties. Your Secret Weapon: How Google Alerts Can Benefit Funeral Homes Powerhouse Marketing with Welton While Google Alerts is a useful tool, don’t be afraid to explore other services to enhance your information-gathering efforts. Talkwalker Alerts offers comprehensive monitoring with more detailed filtering options. Mention provides real-time tracking of your selected keywords across various platforms, including social media, blogs and forums, with in-depth analytics and insights. Awario excels in social listening, keeping you tuned into conversations about your funeral home on social media. Don’t live in a bubble. Whichever route you choose, remember that in deathcare, being informed is your ticket to staying ahead and delivering top-notch service. 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 www.vischerfuneralsupplies.com DUPO, IL – Greg Leesman (L), Burce Leesman (R), of Leesman Funeral Home are shown with John Muster of Muster Coaches while taking delivery of their new 2024 Cadillac Heritage hearse built by Federal Coach. Established in 1896, Leesman Funeral Home has 4 locations serving the Dupo, Millstadt, Red Bud and Columbia communities. LEESMAN FUNERAL HOME Muster Coaches 1-800-274-3619 Calhoun, KY FILIGREE HEART SUN, MOON, STAR PUFF HEART 1-800-788-0708 The Original Keepsake Jewelry ORDERS@MADELYNCO.COM NFDA New Orleans Booth #1736 Service Corporation International Announces Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results HOUSTON,TX—Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI) reported results for the second quarter of 2024. Tom Ryan, the Company’s Chairman and CEO, commented on the second quarter performance: “Today we reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.79 and net cash provided by operating activities excluding special items of $220 million. Revenue grew $21 million due in part to the performance of the cemetery segment, resulting in slight growth in margins over the prior year quarter. During the latter part of the quarter, we experienced a higher than anticipated decline in funeral services performed, which in light of our high fixed cost structure, impacted our quarterly performance. On a positive note, we generated strong cash flow from operations that met expectations, which allowed us to reinvest and grow our business, as well as return capital to shareholders, through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter.” Quarterly Dividend Declared SCI also announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of thirty cents per share of common stock. The quarterly cash dividend is payable on September 30, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 13, 2024. Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI), headquartered in Houston, is North America’s leading provider of funeral, cemetery and cremation services, as well as final-arrangement planning in advance, serving more than 600,000 families each year. At June 30, 2024, SCI owned and operated 1,490 funeral service locations and 492 cemeteries (of which 306 are combination locations) in 44 states, eight Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information please visit www.scicorp.com. Return Home Partners with People’s Memorial Association SEATTLE,WA— Return Home, a leading terramation service provider, is proud to announce its expanded partnership with People’s Memorial Association in a joint effort to support access to affordable end-of-life care through the Funeral Financial Assistance Fund. This collaboration aims to alleviate the financial burden on families during their time of loss. As part of this partnership, Return Home will be donating four terramation services per year completely free of charge. In addition, four more services will be offered at half the market price, ensuring more families have access to dignified and eco-friendly end-of-life care. If someone is in need of financial assistance for a loved one who has passed away and are interested in terramation services, please contact the Co-op Funeral Home of People’s Memorial in Seattle, WA who will oversee the arrangements for the donated services. Applications are submitted to and reviewed by People’s Memorial Association. Terramation (aka natural organic reduction) is a process that mimics the natural decomposition of organic matter, which allows the body to return to the earth in a dignified and respectful manner. The journey begins with placing the deceased in a carefully designed vessel, alongside a blend of organic materials like alfalfa, straw, and sawdust. This vessel helps meet the need for a controlled environment that ensures optimal conditions for decomposition. Over time, naturally occurring microbes in the body work their magic, breaking down the organic matter in our bodies into nutrient-rich soil, referred to as “compost.” Terramation legalized in Washington state in 2019, and Return Home was one of the first companies offering the service in 2020. “Return Home is honored to be a part of PMA’s community support services, and passionately believes that compassionate, green death care be made available to everyone, regardless of income,” said Micah Truman, chief executive officer at Return Home. “Every family deserves the ability to gently return their loved one to the earth, and we are honored to be of service.” This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to making end-of-life care accessible and affordable for all. The Funeral Financial Assistance Fund, administered by People’s Memorial Association, provides financial aid to families who are unable to afford funeral services. The Funeral Financial Assistance Fund is limited to care within Washington State, and the arrangements must be handled by one of PMA’s partnering funeral homes. In addition to this new terramation offering, this fund supports families seeking cremation, aquamation, and burial services. Return Home is a pioneering terramation service provider dedicated to offering sustainable and compassionate endof-life care. By utilizing the natural process of terramation, Return Home transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil, promoting ecological restoration and leaving a positive legacy for future generations. Visit returnhome.com for more information. People’s Memorial Association is a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring everyone has access to affordable and meaningful end-of-life care. Through education, and consumer advocacy, People’s Memorial Association helps individuals and families navigate the complexities of end-of-life planning and funeral arrangements. Visit peoplesmemorial. org for more information. SEND US YOUR NEWS! PO Box 5159, Youngstown, Oh 44514 1-800-321-7479 info@nomispublications.com
Page A7 September 2024 Church & Chapel Metal Arts, Inc. www.church-chapel.com | (800)-992-1234 | Info@church-chapel.com BODY POSITIONING 1000 Pound Capacity! Chapel Furniture | Funeral Home Supplies | Urns Family Owned and Operated Since 1933 2616 W. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60612 Angelus Prep Block CC 10121 Soft Touch Headblock CC 10126 Wedge-Ease CC 10128 Hydraulic Scissor Lift CE CP 1000 Styrofoam Headblock CC 10127 CHAPEL FURNISHINGS & SERVICE ITEMS LED Redneck Light Bulbs CE 600 Casket Facial Lamp CB 645 Wood Reserved Seat Signs Reserved, Family, Pallbearer Replacement Body Straps CB 5404-4 Casket Lift Supports CB 4900-2 Large Body Positioners CC 10134 Small Body Positioners CC 10132 Lamp Shades 15+ different styles Portable Register Stand CE XL-8 Pedestal Directory AA 866-10 Portable Self-Folding Traffic Guides (Set of 5 w/ wall bracket) CB 6401-5 Please No Parking Funeral CB 6402-5 Funeral Parking Only CB 6407-5 No Parking CB 6408-5 Blank CB 6406-5H No Parking w/ Handicap Symbol Funeral Stickers CE WS 647 BODY LIFTING DUODRAPE CB 4005-2 Casket Pedestals CE 6950 Casket Lifter & Transport Truck CB 6320-ND-2 Sampson “One Man”Hydraulic Body & Casket Lifter CB 7760SQ Memorial Display Tray CC 644-MV Monteverdi Chapel Set White Casket Flag Band CC 1950 1000 Pound Capacity! ALUMINUM NAME PLATES 4” Block - Chrome Finish 3” Block - Gold Finish 3” Script - Polished Bright Finish 3” Slant - Polished Bright Finish 2” Block - Polished Satin Finish 2” 2 Line Plate - Polished Bright Finish Available in polished or satin standard finish. There are many custom styles, including bright chrome and brass plated name plates available for an extra charge. Stock Finish - Polished Bright & Lacquered Slant Style Font available at no additional Charge Plates sold in pairs 2” Block, Standard or Slant $12.50 per letter Max 21 letters & spaces per plate 3” Block, Standard or Slant $16.50 per letter Max 13 letters & spaces per plate 4” Block, Standard or Slant $18.75 per letter Max 11 letters & spaces per plate Above prices are per letter, per plate. Minimum charge per plate $1 50.00 Double line plates are priced per letter - at 2 times the longest line. 50% upcharge for Script Style letter. Upcharge for brass or chrome plating $100.00 per plate, per line. PHONE: 773-489-3700 FAX: 773-489-3434 800-992-1234 800-626-3299 info@church-chapel.com • www.church-chapel.com
Page A8 September 2024 (800) 321-0566 Shipinman.com info@shipinman.com We take care of the stress, so you can take care of your families. THIS NOT THAT Meet with families Stuck on hold Let us be your transportation department. This month we will look at a case where the driver of an early morning automobile crash died as the result of rolling her vehicle. She was ejected and suffered severe left side abrasions to her face and forehead from skidding on pavement, as well as dicing from the shattered windshield as well as trauma. She died in her sister’s arms… We’ve discussed in the past the importance of the pre-case analysis… in cases such as this, we must do an initial cleansing of the face to remove blood and other artifacts of the incident to see what we are actually dealing with. Many times, the underlying damage isn’t as significant as we initially thought, after we get them cleaned up. (Fig. 1) When embalming anyone with traumatic facial injuries, as embalmers, we must be cognizant of the probable danger of swelling as the damaged tissue reacts with our arterial solution. We must not inject at too high (ROF) Rate of Flow. Low and slow would be the order of the day and patience wins the race! You must not push fluid too fast! Following a thorough embalming with adequate firming of the tissue, we have created a good foundation for our restorative efforts. The next step is to ensure the tissue is dry and firm. If not, it is important to use a strong cauterizing chemical to finish drying the damaged soft tissue. Next, I suggest using a fresh scalpel to excise the rough outer margins of the wound…be sure to additionally treat the newly excised tissue to prevent leakage. Most failures involving reBy Wally Hooker, CFSP, MBIE storative materials are the result of not having a firm, dry foundation to build on. I can’t stress this step enough! (Fig. 2) In conversation with the funeral director who met with her family…he suggested they bring in a long scarf to be used by the hairdresser to cover the wound and missing eyebrow… like an oversized headband and style her hair around it. I thought there was a better and more appropriate way, and I was going to give it a try! The skidding injury above her left eye removed the eyebrow and left a large area of skin/tissue missing on her forehead, exposing her skull, along with a deep laceration beside her eye with tissue missing and a laceration above her left lip. To suture the lip, I used a doubled waxed dental floss, with a ‘hidden stitch’ and used a small C curve suture needle using locking forceps to hold the needle. The beauty of using dental floss is, it is very small, durable and virtually ‘pulls’ into the tissue and requires very little wax work to hide the suture. The laceration beside her eye left a gap of app 3/8” of missing tissue and attempting to pull it together to suture was going to leave a distortion of the tissue. I chose to just snug the margins taut and use wax to repair the damage and missing tissue. I had concerns about the size of the wound in the forehead and was worried the movement of the skin could possibly cause a problem with the wax at the margins. To mitigate this issue, I used a ‘basket type weave’ to hold the margins snug so there would be no movement of Embalming 101 the skin surrounding the wound. I used a small S curve needle to secure the ligature to the muscular tissue just below the surface of the skin. Again, well embalmed, dry tissue is necessary to ensure a good firm base and secure for the attachment of the ligature. (Fig. 3) We will continue with this case next month. Until then keep up the great work! Wallace P. (Wally) Hooker CFSP, MBIE, is the owner, funeral director and embalmer of Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, IN. He and his wife, Janet designed, established and built their funeral home in 2004. Wally is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, where he serves on the Advisory Board. He is Past President of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association and previous board member of North American Division of the British Institute of Embalmers. In addition, he has served as chief deputy coroner/investigator of Fountain County, IN for the last 24 years. FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.NomisPublications.com Monthly Columnsonline at Can We See Him/Her? (Part 4) Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Fig. 2 purchase the company’s outstanding shares and convert to private ownership. Shareholders overwhelmingly voted to approve the plan of arrangement at a special meeting in late July, paving the way for the transaction to close in the beginning of August. “An investment in Park Lawn gives us a path to continue to infuse critical capital into the profession at a time when it is difficult for operators to find reliable and knowledgeable financing partners,” affirmed Steve Shaffer, Homesteaders president, CEO and board chair. “It deepens our commitment to the funeral profession in a significant way and provides attractive returns that we can reinvest in higher policy growth and new tools for our existing and future customers.” “Like Park Lawn, Homesteaders’ commitment to the profession is deeply embedded in their operations and culture which makes them a very attractive longterm partner for us,” said Green. “Homesteaders shares our values, understands our business and is committed to serving families for the long term.” Shaffer, who is open about his goals to prepare the 118-year-old preneed company for the next 100 years, views this investment as a deepening of Homesteaders’ commitment to the funeral space. “We have already committed $250 million to funeral home partners through our lending program,” Shaffer explained. “No other preneed provider can match the financial commitment Homesteaders has and continues to make to secure the future success of the funeral profession and support private ownership.” Homesteaders Life Company, a mutual company owned by its policy holders, is a national leader providing products and services to help people design a better farewell. Visit homesteaderslife.com to learn more. PLC is a Canadian-owned funeral, cremation and cemetery provider. PLC and its subsidiaries own and operate businesses including cemeteries, crematoria, funeral homes, chapels and event centers throughout Canada and the United States which provide a full range of services and merchandise to fulfill the desires of individuals and families seeking to honor their loved ones. PLC operates in three Canadian provinces and seventeen United States states. For more information, visit www.parklawncorp.com. Homesteaders Finalizes Investment in Park Lawn, Facilitates Transition to Private Ownership WEST DES MOINES,IA— Homesteaders Life Company and Birch Hill Equity Partners and have closed on a capital investment to transition Park Lawn Corporation to private ownership. The Canadian-based funeral and cemetery company and their experienced management team will continue to operate their businesses across the United States and Canada, but Park Lawn will cease to be publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. In June, Park Lawn CEO Brad Green notified shareholders of a proposal to Mourning Thymes Offers Free Leadership Courses NORTH MIAMI BEACH,FL— Mourning Thymes, a free resource for the death community, is now offering free leadership classes. Classes are aimed to help widows of all ages obtain free information and resources to help them along their healing process. After losing a spouse, one of many challenges may be returning to the workforce, finding a new direction, and a new source of income. Where do people begin? How do they navigate the job market and job search technology? How do they write a resume and interview for a job when they are grieving and just trying to find their way? These courses will help build skills and confidence alongside other widows in similar circumstances. Free classes include: Leadership 101, Craft Your Career, Environmental Influencer, Minimal Living, Website Development, and Finance & Fundraising. Their passion is based on a range of humanitarian, environmental, and creative initiatives - generating a connection to our ancestors, land, and future. Visit Mourning Thymes for more information or email mourningthymes@outlook.com.
Page A9 September 2024 starmarkcp.com (888) 366-7335 sales@starmarkcp.com Copyright © 2024 Starmark. All rights reserved. Specific portions of Starmark products are covered by one or more U.S. Patents. Additional patents pending. To learn more visit starmarkcp.com/patents. It’s what’s on the inside that counts. All Starmark Metal and Hardwood Ceremonial Caskets are equipped with: Replaceable Headpanels Durable No-Break Support for Smooth Opening/Closing Perfect Fit & Fray Free Interior System Touch-Up Kits Scan to learn more about our complete collection of Ceremonial Caskets Hardwood and Metal Ceremonial Casket Interior Adjustable Bed System SonataOak NOMISSEPT24 Loading Position Metal Interior
Page A10 September 2024 www.vischerfuneralsupplies.com Various Sizes • Cultured Marble Vinyl-Wrapped Colors Quality Cultured Marble DYNASTY URNS IS A DIVISION OF CUSTOM MARBLE DESIGN, INC. — U.S. PATENTS NO. 9,775,760, NO. 9,827,158 For Those Who Demand The Best and Know The Difference.™ See the Complete Collection or Request a Catalog: DynastyUrns.com Call Today (800) 886-2725 Personalized Urns Laser Engraving • Custom Colors Memorial Portraits 15+ Stunning Vinyl Graph Wraps 8 By Glenn Gould Funeral and Burial Traditions of Iceland and the Faroe Islands: A Tapestry of Viking Legacy and Modernity third of the population residing in Reykjavik. 85% of the population resides in small, oceanside communities ranging from 20,000 to 400. Funerals in Iceland are primarily conducted in small churches scattered across the countryside, each with seating for fewer than 100 mourners. Funeral and burial traditions in Iceland and the Faroe Islands weave a rich tapestry of Viking heritage and contemporary practices, reflecting their unique histories and cultural evolutions amidst stunning North Atlantic landscapes. Iceland: Echoes of Viking Lore in Modern Ceremonies Iceland, a land of fire and ice, holds onto its Viking roots in its funeral traditions, blending ancient Norse beliefs with modern necessities. Founded by Irish Catholics in the 9th century and later shaped by Viking settlers who embraced Lutheranism, Iceland boasts a cultural amalgamation that influences its funeral rites today. The Viking belief in honoring the deceased with dignity and respect has transcended centuries, manifesting in current practices. Iceland’s population approximates 550,000, with oneThese churches often have on-site cemeteries, providing a tranquil resting place amidst Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. Embalming is rare in Iceland, a tradition that harks back to Viking times when bodies were Continued on page A11 As funeral professionals, we’re all governed by federal and our individual state laws. These laws and regulations span from the disposition of human remains, preneed, OSHA, licensure just to name a few. Some of our governing laws have been in place a long time and make total sense. While others, due to the changing of times, make little or no sense as we move forward in deathcare. Many of you reading this can probably think of an example of a governing law in your state that might need an adjustment to accommodate our changing times. I’m here to tell you, your voice matters and can be heard. Here’s a quick story. I live and work in Michigan where I was born and raised and call home to this day. Like your state, Michigan is far from perfect with funeral law. We have an archaic law on the books that is crippling preneed. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the growth regulator for preneed insurance products in our state and has been since the 80’s. Michigan is the only state with such regulation. It was enacted with good intentions, but times have changed. Our CPI regulation has deterred and forced preneed companies to pull out of our state for decades. Currently, there are only 2 preneed insurance companies accepting new business in MI. For some perspective, our neighbors in Ohio and Indiana have 20+ preneed carriers operating in their respective states. We knew something had to be done, and I watched as Virginia, which up until recently maintained a similar regulation, changed their law. Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to Jimmy Altmeyer, a funeral home owner who led the change in Virginia. Jimmy, a much more experienced CEO, was gracious with his time and was willing to share his insights with me. He said, “Jon, you’ve got to take this on. Bring the people together. Form a coalition of your colleagues, suppliers, state organizations, and the like to begin taking on this legislation.” And we have. Moving this bill through the chambers has been quite the journey. We are very optimistic that we will see SB 268 pass this year and signed by Governor Whitmer. By Jon O’Hara, CEO, Great Lakes Partnership Making preneed more accessible to ALL Michiganders, including funeral professionals. We went through similar steps last year. Sadly, our bi-partisan was vetoed because we ran out of time. But that didn’t stop us. We went right back to work in 2023 and are on track to pass this much needed legislation. Now, if we’ve motivated you to promote change in your state. Just know, you will fail and fall. You just need to get back up. For us, it was a House bill last year and a Senate bill this year. And there are no guarantees for a win this year in our state, although we are VERY optimistic on round two. It was a Republican sponsored bill last year and Democratic sponsorship this year. Go figure. Point is, there are many issues that are bipartisan in our profession that can actually be addressed. And maybe you’re the one to start the conversation. Here are my tips to getting your voice heard and approaching the narrative in your state. Number One: There is power in numbers. Find the common ground between funeral homes and colleagues within your state. Form a coalition of support and get people talking. We have hundreds of funeral homes across Michigan supporting our efforts. We could never do this alone. Number Two: Collaboration and communication is essential. Lay down your swords and work with competitors for the greater good. Working as a team is the key to your success. If you’re not good at talking to politicians, find someone who is. Work together, not separate. Number Three: Have a strategic plan. A plan is important in navigating the choppy waters of politics. Work with an expert in government relations that is respected and has deep relationships in your state government. There will be an investment, but you don’t stand a chance without a lobbyist. Finally, remain patient. It’s never going to go as fast as you want. There are thousands of bills, and your issue is in a pile alongside hospitals, corporations, and BIG special interest. Talk to legislators’ eye-to-eye. Remember you’re a voter and have deep connections in your community. Be politely persistent. Your voice can be heard, but not by screaming. Critical Thinking: The Evolution of the Funeral Profession For our damaging CPI issue in Michigan, it all began with an introduction and a half hour conversation. A colleague graciously provided his time and was instrumental in charting our course for success. Even if I’m not an expert on your issue, I’m willing to return the favor should you need some tips on how to start your conversation. Reach out anytime, I’m always here to help. This column is reprinted from July 2023 Talkin’ Politics: Let Your Voice Be Heard FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.NomisPublications.com Monthly Columnsonline at Jon O’Hara is a forward thinking funeral director & CEO of the Great Lakes Family of Companies. Jon is a first generation funeral director and in addition to working as a funeral director, he has also worked for Aurora Casket Company, Tributes.com, and The Outlook Group. He founded Great Lakes Partnership in 2018, which has grown from solely a pre-need marketing organization to a strategic consulting partner for funeral homes. He is also currently building his first funeral home location in Chesterfield Twp, MI. He lives in the Detroit area with his wife, Michelle, two sons, Henry and Teddy, and Labradoodles Sydney and Annie. Contact Jon O’Hara at 586-636-6611 or johara@greatlakespartnership.com.
Page A11 September 2024 Partner with us today! 877-848-6243 thumbies.com PENDANTS | RINGS | BRACELETS | EARRINGS | CREMATION | ACCESSORIES COLLECTIONS THE MESSENGER CO. THEMESSENGERCO.COM | 800-827-5151 FEATURING: Monarch with Marble Signature Stationery, Lennox Urn & Token, Giving Heart Weighted Pillow Contact your Sales Representative today to learn more! Create captivating collections of stationery, urns and keepsakes that compliment each other! KEEPSAKES TO cherish FOR A LIFETIME. Funeral and Burial Traditions of Iceland and the Faroe Islands typically buried without preservation. Even today, obtaining embalming services can be challenging, reinforcing the country’s preference for natural decomposition. Icelandic law mandates that bodies be buried or cremated within eight days of death, emphasizing a swift and respectful transition for the deceased. The influence of Vikings is palpable in Icelandic funeral practices. The ancient Viking belief in Valhalla, a majestic hall where fallen warriors are honored, resonates in the Icelandic emphasis on memorializing the deceased’s accomplishments and contributions. While ship burials are rare today, the reverence for the sea and nature permeates Icelandic funeral Continued on page A12 Continued from Page A10
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