April 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 PO Box 5159 Youngstown, Ohio 44514 2009 CADILLAC HEARSE $16,500.00 59,000 MILES, SOUTH GEORGIA CAR, $18,500.00 CONTACT WARD’S FUNERAL SUPPLIES, DOUG WARD, 912-309-9295 Beth Grindstaff, Licensed Funeral Director, receiving the P.O.E. Award for Twiford Funeral Home Twiford Outer Banks Chapel (Manteo) Twiford’s former Hatteras Chapel Twiford Elizabeth City Chapel Sam and Dora Twiford, Sr. Sam Twiford, Sr. TFH Veteran’s Park Flag Display David Twiford, Jr. David Twiford, Sr. Sam Twiford, Jr. J.J. Twiford Twiford Funeral Homes Celebrates 90 Years ELIZABETH CITY,NC— When Sam A. Twiford, Sr. founded Twiford Funeral Homes in 1933 his motto was, “We may have several funerals today, but remember, the families we are serving only have one.” Located in Elizabeth City and Manteo (Outer Banks), North Carolina, the Twiford family has embraced this legacy while giving back to the community. The initial Twiford Funeral Home in Elizabeth City was situated over a furniture store owned by the founder’s father, S.W. Twiford. S.W. began working at Quinn Furniture Company when he and his wife Lillian Lassiter Twiford moved to Elizabeth City. He eventually purchased the business from Mr. Quinn. Sam Sr. expressed an interest in being a funeral director. S.W. helped him start his funeral home, located in a room above the furniture company. Sam Sr. expanded the business to Manteo in Dare County in the late 1940s where S.W. opened Quinn Furniture Store adjacent to the funeral home. Sam Sr. later expanded into Virginia with the purchase of the James Derry Funeral Home in Norfolk. The home was called the Derry-Twiford Funeral Home and was in charge of the funeral arrangements for General Douglas MacArthur. Sam Sr. and his wife Dora Wells Twiford had two children, Sam Jr. and David Sr. Dora was also a licensed funeral director and worked with her husband at Twiford, offering dedicated work that furthered the business’s success and work within the community. In the late 1960s, Sam Jr. and David Sr. joined their parents in the business. Over the years, Twiford Funeral Home expanded to Chesapeake, VA; Hertford, NC; Hatteras, NC; and Gatesville, NC as well as New Hollywood Cemetery. After the death of Sam Sr. in 1988, the growth continued with the acquisition of the Northside Chapel in Elizabeth City, followed by developing a perpetual care cemetery, Laurel Memorial Gardens, for the citizens of Currituck and Dare Counties. The CreContinued on page A2 San Antonio College Opens On-Campus Funeral Home See Page B10 NFDMA 40 & Under Summit See Page A19 2024 CANA Symposium See Page A20 ICCFA DEAD Talks Sales Conference See Page A15 Classified Ads Shipping Directory Index of Advertisers
Page A2 april 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 Appropriate to Greatness by Alice Adams and Duane Hills..........................A22 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 Musings with Marika by Marika McMeans......................................................A14 Not Just A Widow by Patty Desiderio.............................................................A20 Observations by Steven Palmer.....................................................................A12 Powerhouse Marketing With Welton by Welton Hong.....................................A6 Random Musings by Nancy Weil......................................................................A4 Monthly Features Association News.......................................................................................... A12 Death Notices. ............................................................................................... A26 Suppliers News................................................................................................ B1 Educational News.......................................................................................... B10 Shipping Directory........................................................................................ B18 Classified Ads. .............................................................................................. B21 Twiford Funeral Homes Celebrates 90 Years “Veteran’s Park” at Twiford’s Elizabeth City Campus Dora Twiford Center, Elizabeth City Campus The property was also enhanced with the Sam A. Twiford Veterans Park. They also operate TwifordDirect.com, a user-friendly platform which allows families to complete all arrangements online from the comfort and privacy of home. Operation Toy Soldier showcases the Twiford family’s commitment to supporting the families of deployed United States military personnel. Through collaboration with Twiford Funeral Homes and community partners, over 20,000 new toys have been gathered and distributed to the children of active-duty service members. In 2023, a remarkable 4200 toys were generously donated to Operation Toy Soldier. Thirteen years ago, Twiford Funeral Home launched the Retire Your Flag with Honor initiative. This program involves collecting worn, damaged, or old United States flags and placing them on a veteran’s cremation container. By doing so, the funeral home pays tribute to the veteran by draping their container with the flag. Plus, the flag is properly disposed of in a dignified manner as specified in U.S. Code, Title 4. The program has ensured that thousands of flags unfit for display are retired from service through burning each year. Twiford Funeral Home has initiated a Grief Support Group that welcomes individuals who have experienced loss. This group, which meets two times each month, offers a secure and empathetic environment to assist people in coping with recent or past losses. The group is led by Scott Willison, a funeral director at Twiford and also a minister, providing expert facilitation and support. Twiford Funeral Homes achieved a significant milestone by being inducted into the NFDA’s Hall of Excellence after receiving its 10th Pursuit of Excellence Award. This award recognizes the extensive involvement in the Pursuit of Excellence program and the continuous demonstration of exceptional service. Twiford Funeral Homes has proudly achieved receiving the NFDA’s Pursuit of Excellence Award for 36 years in a row – meaning they are among “the elite funeral firms that have demonstrated a commitment to raising the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to strict ethical and professional standards and providing outstanding service to families and communities.” By sharing their achievements and dedication to the community, David Twiford, Sr., David, Jr., and J.J. are hopeful that they can inspire other family-owned businesses to adopt the concept of giving back. Having served their community for 90 years, Twiford Funeral Homes embodies the essence of providing essential services and unique programs to the community, reflecting their core values. For more information, go to www.TwifordFH.com. Continued from Front Page mation Society of Virginia in Virginia Beach with a second location in Newport News was added along with their crematory, Albemarle Crematorium. The locations in Hertford and Gatesville were eventually purchased by employees who helped grow those businesses. The Chesapeake location and the Cremation Society of Virginia were sold on December 31, 2009. After Sam Sr.’s death, Twiford Funeral Homes was run by Dora, Sam Jr., and David Sr. until March 2008, when David Sr. became the sole owner. His two sons, David Twiford, Jr. and J. J. Twiford became partners in January 2015. The three men still run the business today. A state of the art building to house Albemarle Crematorium was built on the Church Street property in December 2013. Anne Marie Hutzenbiler Joins the Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park Staff CLARKSBURG,MD— Anne Marie Hutzenbiler, an experienced and licensed funeral director, has joined the staff of the Garden of Remembrance (Gan Zikaron) Memorial Park as a memorial counselor and funeral coordinator. Hutzenbiler previously worked at HinesRinaldi Funeral Home for 14 years and before that at Collins Funeral Home. She earned her B.S. degree from the University of Maryland and studied at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. “The Garden of Remembrance is pleased to welcome Anne Marie to the Gan Zikaron family,” said Glenn S. Easton, executive director of the nonprofit memorial park that embraces all streams of the diverse Jewish community. “Anne Marie brings many years of experience and knowledge of our community,” Easton said. The Garden of Remembrance has been serving the greater Washington Jewish community for nearly 25 years. Nestled in Upper Montgomery County on 152 acres of rolling hills, forests, and meadows, Gan Zikaron includes sections for its 30 Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and Renewal partner congregations, in addition to large community gardens for those who are unaffiliated. “Anne Marie will bring warmth and knowledge to our bereaved families, helping us to maintain our high level of care,” noted Hank Levine, volunteer president of the Garden of Remembrance. “We serve the entire Jewish community, one family at a time, and Anne Marie will play a key role in the pursuit of our mission,” added Levine. Hutzenbiler will be involved in all aspects of the Garden of Remembrance including funeral arrangements, memorial monument sales, family advance planning, and community outreach. The Garden of Remembrance is located at 14321 Comus Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871 and can be reached at 301-428-3000 or info@ gardenofremembrance.org. 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Page A3 april 2024 $3,523 IN STOCK 15 AT THIS PRICE $856 EACH WHEN PURCHASING 6 OR MORE $989 EACH WHEN PURCHASING 1-3 $929 EACH WHEN PURCHASING 4-5 $734 EACH WHEN PURCHASING 6 OR MORE $809 EACH WHEN PURCHASING 1-3 $799 EACH WHEN PURCHASING 4-5 32” WIDE 750 lb CAPACITY 26” WIDE 550 lb CAPACITY Oversized Dressing Table Model #FS1-0034XL Oversized Hydraulic Embalming Table MODEL #FS1-1001 Ships Fully Assembled Standard Dressing Table MODEL #FS1-0034 View Online! Dual Action Brake Pedal View Online! View Online! View Online! CAN HOLD UP TO 1,000 lb 1-888-792-9315 Columbia, SC: (803) 769-8153 • Pittsburgh, PA: (412) 515-3019 • Reach us locally! mymortuarycooler.com 140 Kwickway Lane, Building #7 • Johnson City, TN 37615 Email: cool@mymortuarycooler.com MADE IN USA $6,423 12 INCH LOAD HEIGHT Industries Lowest! HD 1000 Plus Low Profile Lift MODEL #HD-1000LP Ships Fully Assembled • 67”x 27”Top • Optional Weight Scale +$595.00 (not included) • Built in charging station • Can be used for side or end loading • Standard Load Height 12”, 12.5” with scale • Max Load Height 69”+/- • Industrial Strength with over 1000 lb. load capacity. AMC N W IN STOCK READY TO SHIP AMC N W FAST SHIPPING AVAILABLE ON SELECT PRODUCTS AMC N W FAST SHIPPING AVAILABLE ON SELECT PRODUCTS
Page A4 april 2024 By Nancy Weil I came across this poem I wrote exactly 10 years ago and discovered that we continue to sing the same song about cremation. It is a perceived threat to our business and our profit margins and, yet, as the rates continue to rise funeral home owners and cemetery directors must find a way to address this new way of doing business. Cremation 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 The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same The percentage keeps rising, As cremation they choose, And now I have a case Of the cremation blues. The visitations get shorter, The church has empty pews, Caskets and vaults sales I’m certain to lose. I don’t understand it, I’ve paid my dues. Holidays, nights and weekends, With no time to snooze. This was never a problem, No one had a clue How cremation would change The things that we do. Appointments to keep As pre-needs I pursue, And customers questioning If my prices are true. I am honest and caring, Professional through and through, Yet my income is dropping From these cremation blues. I show them their options And honor their views. I offer top value For the service they choose. My families all love me, The repeats and the new, Going beyond expectations Is how my business grew. Cremains fill my safe, For the family flew Back to their hometown Before telling me what to do. “The cemetery waits To bury Uncle Walter with Aunt Sue All I need now is A decision from you.” “Yes, the cemetery needs to be paid In advance that is true, But they’ll bring peace of mind And a place to go when you’re blue.” “Just throw them away? Or scatter brother Stu?” You think it won’t matter to them, And it won’t matter to you. I sigh very deeply, As clearly I review The consequence of their actions And the ethics I imbue. I would not want to walk In any one else’s shoes For funeral service is my passion And I love what I do. So, let’s stop our whining, Stop dreaming of taking a cruise ‘Cuz there’s no need to have The cremation blues. is not a trend; it is a decision more people are making for a wide variety of reasons. The only thing that does not change is the need to take care of these families with the same level of expertise and compassion that is shown to full-service clients. What song will you be singing in 2024? Will it be the blues or a jazzy anthem of welcome? RALEIGH,NC— City of Oaks Cremation proudly marks over a decade of unwavering commitment to both consistent pricing and outstanding customer service since its establishment in 2012. Distinguished by its steadfast pricing policy, City of Oaks Cremation has not altered its costs since day one, exemplifying a dedication to fair and reliable service. This ensures families reCity of Oaks Cremation Celebrates 12 Years Somer Addison ceive transparent and consistent pricing during their most challenging moments. Integral to this success is Somer Addison, the esteemed location manager, whose nearly eight years of continuous service defines her as the backbone of City of Oaks Cremation. Addison’s dedication significantly contributes to the compassionate and professional atmosphere that clients rely on. Embracing modern conveniences, the company offers online pricing and flexible communication options while maintaining face-to-face consultations for those who prefer it. City of Oaks Cremation expresses gratitude for the trust placed in its services over the past 12 years. With Addison’s steadfast leadership, the company looks forward to continuing its mission of providing dignified and compassionate cremation services for years to come. DIGITAL DIRECTORY Available Download instantly at www.NomisPublications.com Save on Shipping!
Page A5 april 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 A6 april 2024 www.vischerfuneralsupplies.com AMRA INSTRUMENTS Researched, Developed and Patented by Funeral Directors Research,Inc. visit www.amrainstruments.com for links to our Supply Chain Partners ™ ® By Welton Hong You probably already know many people’s first impulse when seeking funeral services is to do an online search (aka “Google it”). So, if you’re already using standard Google ads, or pay-per-click (PPC) ads, to promote your funeral home, that’s great—kudos to you for understanding where people look for your services and capitalizing on that knowledge. With that being said, you might notice a new type of ad being displayed above yours, and you’re wondering what the deal is—I would be, too. Introducing local service ads (LSAs). Before I explain further, let me clarify one thing: LSAs are not the same as PPC ads. They can, however, enhance what you’re already doing with your PPC ads. Let’s get to it. LSAs are a digital advertising tool offered by search engines like Google, designed to help local businesses stand out to potential customers in their area. When someone searches for a service, LSAs display at the top of the search results, showing a business’s name, ratings and contact information. And unlike traditional PPC ads, businesses pay per lead, not per click, which can significantly enhance the cost-effectiveness of their advertising efforts. While LSA’s aren’t exactly new—they’ve been around for awhile in other industries—they are new to deathcare. Here’s a few good reasons you might want to consider experimenting with this type of ad. 1. Increased Visibility LSAs ensure funeral homes appear right at the top of these search results, significantly increasing their visibility. This positioning is critical during such a sensitive time, as families often don’t have the luxury of extensive research and tend toward quick decisions based on immediate information. 2. Targeted Local Advertising LSAs are designed to connect businesses with local customers, making them ideal for funeral homes that typically serve specific communities or geographical areas. This local focus ensures advertising efforts are concentrated where they can make the most impact, reducing wastage on uninterested or irrelevant audiences. 3. Trust and Credibility For funeral homes, trust is a non-negotiable commodity. And one of the unique features of LSAs is the Google Guarantee badge that accompanies verified businesses, offering a form of insurance to customers. The badge acts as a seal of trust, assuring potential clients of the credibility and reliability of the service offered. Moreover, customer reviews are prominently displayed, providing an avenue for funeral homes to build trust through transparency and real-world testimonials. 4. Cost-Effectiveness Because LSAs operate on a pay-per-lead basis, funeral homes have the advantage of paying only for leads that are directly interested in their services. This model is more economically efficient compared to traditional advertising methods, where costs are incurred for broad visibility, regardless of the engagement level of the viewers. LSAs allow for better budget control and ensures marketing dollars are spent more judiciously. Stand Out with Local Service Ads Powerhouse Marketing with Welton Implementing Local Service Ads Setting up LSAs for a funeral home is a process that requires attention to detail and compliance with verification standards. Basically, the initial steps involve creating a business profile and getting verified, which includes background checks and license verifications to uphold service quality and safety standards. While this may sound daunting, it primarily ensures only reputable businesses can advertise, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the platform. And if you need help with this, don’t hesitate to consult a digital marketing professional. Once verified, funeral homes can manage their ads through a user-friendly interface, set their budgets and specify the service areas they cover. The real-time nature of lead management through LSAs allows funeral homes to respond promptly to inquiries, further enhancing their reputation for attentive service. While the setup process is detailed, the payoff in terms of targeted visibility, cost efficiency and increased credibility makes it a worthwhile endeavor for funeral homes to increase visibility in the search results of people who are really looking for them. 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 PEACHTREE CITY,GA— Greg Rollings, the founder of Rollings Funeral Service (RFS), recently revealed an exciting new direction for the company’s growth strategy. In the announcement, Rollings highlighted the incredible opportunities within the funeral service industry and the strategic steps needed to attain them. He explained that RFS required two essential elements to fully embrace these prospects: an expansion of its operational team and increased access to capital for growth. With great enthusiasm, he shared that the company has successfully achieved both of these objectives. In late 2023, RFS appointed Bob Page, a respected figure with a three-decade legacy in the funeral service industry, as chief operating officer. Rollings expressed his deep honor and enthusiasm for Page’s appointment, citing their longstanding relationship and impressive track record. “I first met Bob 30 years ago and have watched and admired his accomplishments throughout the industry,” stated Rollings. “I feel terrific knowing that our businesses will have his operational leadership at the helm.” Then, in January 2024, RFS strengthened its financial foundation with a significant infusion of equity by Vineyard Capital Partners, a financial partner of RFS since the beginning. This additional capital positions the company for ongoing growth and success in a constantly evolving industry, Rollings Funeral Service Embarks on a New Era of Growth and Expanded Leadership Greg Rollings ensuring RFS can continue to provide excellent service to the families it serves. It also allows Rollings to have a pathway to retirement while securing the long-term mission of RFS, which has been at the core of the company since the beginning – private ownership. This strategic transition represents a significant milestone for RFS, a company that Rollings and his wife, Debbie, established 22 years ago. Over the years, it has grown into one of the nation’s most respected private funeral home operators, currently serving over 12,000 families each year. With these strategic changes, Rollings will step into the role of chairman of the board for RFS. Although he will no longer handle day-to-day operations, he will remain actively involved in shaping the company’s strategic direction and will provide guidance to Page. As the largest individual owner of RFS, Rollings’s dedication to the company’s mission remains unwavering. In addition, Rollings will continue to work with the acquisition team to grow the company. RFS has always had a mission to help funeral home owners sell and still remain privately owned; this concept has been fundamental to RFS since 2002 and will continue. In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Rollings acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and commitment of every RFS team member. He expressed his complete confidence in the team’s ability to continue the company’s mission and thrive, underscoring his unwavering support for their shared objectives. With these strategic changes and added operational leadership, the future looks promising for RFS. As the company’s locations continue to provide exceptional service, they remain well-positioned for even greater operational achievements and an accelerated acquisition strategy. Rollings Funeral Service was founded by Greg and Debbie Rollings over two decades ago and is one of the nation’s most respected private funeral home owners. The company continues to actively expand through acquisition. @Nomis.Publications Like us on Like
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Page A8 april 2024 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 SHROUDS Green Burial Cremation www.kinkaraco.com (415) 874-9698 100% American Made In my 30 plus years as a funeral director and serving with our coroner’s office as an investigator/deputy coroner…I have made more death notifications to families than I can recall. Some cases remain very vivid, while many have diminished from memory over time. Many of these deaths leave an indelible footprint in our memory and hearts. These traumatic injury deaths share a common theme…the family usually asks two questions. Where are they and can we see them? My friend and colleague Dominick “Nick” Astorino presents a very poignant lecture built around, “Can We See Them?” With death and viewing the deceased…seeing is believing. Viewing a deceased loved one lost in an unexpected, tragic event brings comfort to families and friends. A body-present service gives family and friends the opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one...to hold their hand, kiss them, spend time with them. Unfortunately, along the way, we as a profession, have stepped back from explaining the value of open casket services. In addition, we seem to be reluctant to explain our talent and abilities to families. Too often, well-meaning MEs, coroners, law enforcement officials, etc. have told families viewing their loved one was out of the question. These professionals do not know our talents and abilities and should stay in their lane! For many of us it’s a challenge, but for most of us, along with experience, talent and ability, we work with HEART! Without our hearts in the mix, I find people fall short in presenting quality results. By Wally Hooker, CFSP, MBIE Too many firms simply throw in the towel and do not attempt reconstructive efforts. Not going the extra mile to provide open casket services leaves big questions in the minds of families left behind. They are left to imagine the worst…for a lifetime. Sometimes our work isn’t perfect, but we can provide acceptable “open casket results”…this is where the healing begins. The manager of a large firm lamented to a group of us at a conference, they don’t have the time or employees for reconstructive work…they either suggest a closed casket or direct cremation. Many of you have heard me say, “We have seen the enemy and it is us!” Here is a prime example. This person became agitated when they were challenged for this mindset. When a family makes a decision and chooses our funeral home, they are placing their trust, confidence and expectations in us. The firm I am discussing is totally disrespecting and under-serving the families in their care. Perhaps we have become too complacent in our roll…it is vitally important we all take a step back and consider when working with a family that just suffered a loss, “What if I were in their shoes?” What would be your expectations? How would you feel if a lazy funeral director told you no, you can’t view your loved one? How would you feel if, after the services you found the firm you chose simply didn’t want to bother with time consuming restorative surgery? This disgusts me and it’s difficult not to be judgmental toward this lack of professionalism…we’ve come too far in Embalming 101 our profession to simply allow it to be thrown away! If you or your staff are not capable or prepared to perform difficult restorative efforts, swallow your egos and consider calling someone in to save the day! The families you serve expect you to go the extra mile for them…don’t let them down! The next few articles will be dedicated to everyday RA efforts. Be well and enjoy the beautiful spring weather ahead, and… don’t be a Knucklehead embalmer! 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 1) Fargo Cemetery Partners with Eickhof Columbaria Inc for Fabrication and Installation of a New Columbarium Carriage Services Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results; Mel Payne Steps Down as Chairman HOUSTON,TX— Carriage Services, Inc. (NYSE: CSV) announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. Carlos Quezada, Vice Chairman and CEO, stated, “We are pleased to announce our strong fourth quarter and full year 2023 results. Total revenue grew by 5.2% in the fourth quarter and 3.3% for the full year, despite the COVID ‘pull forward’ impact resulting in modest declines in funeral contract volume experienced during the year. This momentum, marking four out of five consecutive quarters of solid performance, instills confidence and excitement in our core initiatives as we advance into 2024 and focus on fulfilling our new purpose statement, which is ‘Creating premier experiences through innovation, empowered partnership, and elevated service.’ For those interested in learning more, we invite you to explore our newly launched website and discover our refreshed Carriage image, which aligns with our vision of the Carriage of the future,” concluded Mr. Quezada. Mel Payne Transitions to Advisory Role After 32 years of founding and building Carriage, Mel Payne, has chosen to step down from his role as Executive Chairman of the Board and transition to a new role as special advisor to the Board of Directors, which will allow him to be available and share his wealth of knowledge and insights with the Board of Directors and the senior leadership team. Mel will continue as a member of the Board until his current term expires at the May 2024 annual meeting of stockholders. Mel, who served as Carriage’s only CEO and Chairman of the Board for the Company’s first 32 years, started with a vision in 1991 that was born out of a very personal and impactful experience he had following the loss of a loved one. He turned that experience and vision into a team of more than 2,700 employees and 200 businesses, all driven by a collective mission of serving families during the most challenging time of their lives. “Next to my family, Carriage has been and continues to be, the greatest love of my life. The friendships I have made over the years are priceless, and watching the growth and development of so many wonderful leaders throughout the organization has been a true highlight of my career. I have complete confidence in Carlos’ vision and ability to lead Carriage into its next chapter of growth, and, as still a large shareholder, I will be cheering on the team and offering support,” stated Mr. Payne. “Mel has built a special company and is one of the true pioneers in this profession. He has handpicked an incredibly talented senior leadership team, and the Board is excited for the future of Carriage and our stockholders,” stated Lead Independent Director, Don Patteson. For more information and full results, visit www.carriageservices.com. Artist’s rendering of the new memorial space at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo, ND FARGO,ND— The Riverside Cemetery Association is planning a new memorial space with columbaria for families seeking cremation memorialization. When the first phase is complete, it will provide space for the respectful inurnment of over 1,200 individuals. Columbaria have separate inner recesses, called niches, that hold urns. Each niche in this new space will accommodate two funerary urns, making them suitable for married couples or an individual person. Once the inurnment is complete, the names of the individuals are sand carved into the granite, as well as their birth and death dates. The columbarium, built by Eickhof Columbaria in Crookston, MN, is finished in granite quarried in North America. Eickhof Columbaria has spent over 35 years developing a better way to engineer, design, and fabricate columbaria. Their attitude fosters a culture of constant improvement and that attitude, along with their experience, is the reason they are the industry leader of columbaria at churches, cemeteries, higher learning institutions, and retirement communities, in the United States. Their product has been tested for years by exposure to all different types of climates and weather. This has allowed them to make product improvements based on direct experience, providing their customers with an American made columbarium that is more beautiful, requires less future maintenance, and operates simply during inurnment ceremonies. For more information, visit www.eickhofcolumbaria.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @eickhofcolumbaria. Send Us Your News! We welcome news of the industry. info@NomisPublications.com PO Box 5159, Youngstown, OH 44514 CALL 1-800-321-7479 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY News
Page A9 april 2024 By Elleanor Starks, cfsp Founder and Executive Director 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, Inc. Legends of Funeral Service Whether continuing their family’s legacy or taking a leap of faith into the profession, these Legends have become leaders through hard work and dedication to the Funeral Service Industry. As managers, owners, role models and mentors, each of these individuals have an inspired and have used their talents to help others. Legends encourage creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and teamwork. Julia Roberta March March funeral home Baltimore, Maryland Julia Roberta March worked alongside her husband, William C. March, in owning and operating the William C. March Funeral Home in Baltimore. She and her family had resided on the second floor of the funeral parlor originally located at 928 East North Avenue. In 1978, they moved one block from the row house and built the funeral home, followed by another location in West Baltimore in 1985. While her husband, a young mortician made funeral arrangements for the funeral parlor, Roberta handled the day to-day work as the office clerk, the cosmetologist, the dresser, and greeting families. Roberta became known for her signature hairstyle: a large black bun, stylish hats, and stately grace when conducting a funeral. She became a licensed funeral director in 1963 and cared for every family that came through their doors for nearly forty-nine years. The couple’s hard work was a testament to their four children, Cynthia, Erich, Victor, and Annette, who eventually joined them to expand the businesses and continue their legacy, which includes eight funeral homes/life tribute centers in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia, and a 155-acre cemetery, King Memorial Park in Randallstown, MD. Roberta and her husband had strong values in giving back to the community they served. Known for her kind and warm personality, Roberta’s involvement in the community included the following organizations: Funeral Directors and Morticians Association of Maryland Inc, Maryland State Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Ladies Auxiliary of Funeral Directors, and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. She served as the treasurer of the FDMA of Maryland and was named the Woman of the Year in 2005 by the Women’s Auxiliary of the national association. On April 18, 2006, Julia Roberta March died after 12 years as a breast cancer survivor. In 2007, her children founded Roberta’s House Family Grief Support Center in Baltimore, a non-profit to provide grief education and support for children and families who experienced the death of someone close. Julia Roberta March has left a great legacy of compassion and healing for grief for thousands. It all began with her love for serving bereaved families in their greatest time of need. Julia Roberta March
Page A10 april 2024 In an era dominated by technological advancements and digital communication, there is a great opportunity for generations to reconsider the significance of some of our timehonored traditions. The value embedded in gestures like a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact during conversations, and the irreplaceable experience of meeting in person persists as an essential aspect of human connection. This is especially relevant in professions such as funeral service, where the humanistic touch plays an irreplaceable role. Beyond being a simple formality, a handshake is a universal sign of respect, trust, and sincerity. Its roots trace back through history, symbolizing agreements, sealing deals, and fostering a sense of connection. In a world that increasingly relies on virtual interactions, preserving the essence of a strong, confident handshake becomes a powerful statement. It embodies the values of authenticity and establishes a foundation for genuine human connection. The handshake, in this context, becomes more than just a gesture; it becomes a bridge between the grieving and the comforter, a tangible expression of shared sorrow and support. Eye contact, another timeless tradition, holds the power to transcend words. When engaged in a conversation, By Jon O’Hara, CEO, Great Lakes Partnership maintaining eye contact communicates attentiveness, sincerity, and a genuine interest in the person speaking. In an age where screens often create constant distraction, the value of direct eye contact is easily overlooked. Encouraging the younger generation to embrace this tradition fosters better understanding, empathy, and an authentic connection that cannot be replicated through virtual means. While technology has undoubtedly made communication more accessible for the families we are serving and even our supplier partners, the personal touch of face-to-face meetings remains unparalleled. In funeral service, where empathy is non-negotiable, physically being present for grieving families establishes a connection that transcends the limitations of screens and keyboards. The tactile, sensory experiences of a handshake, eye contact, and in-person meetings contribute to the richness of our interactions, grounding us in shared history and shared humanity. And the families we serve deserve our efforts to maintain these genuine expressions of humankind. In conclusion, challenging our youth and the next generation of funeral service professionals to appreciate and uphold past traditions is not a call for stagnation but an invitation to blend the best of both worlds. The digital age should not eclipse the timeless essence of human connection, especially in our profesCritical Thinking: The Evolution of the Funeral Profession sion. A good handshake, eye contact, and personal meetings are not relics of the past but enduring symbols of our shared humanity, creating a legacy that enriches our lives and professions for generations to come. 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. The Timeless Value of Human Connection Forest Lawn Appointments Gabriel Enriquez Vice President-Long Beach Park Lawn Corporation Announces Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2023 Results and Appointment of New Director TORONTO,ONTARIO— Park Lawn Corporation (TSX: PLC, PLC.U) announced its financial operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023, the appointment of a new director and its 2024 financial outlook. “Our focus on operational efficiency and cost management contributed to improved profitability and bottom-line growth during the 2023 calendar year,” stated J. Bradley Green, Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Green continued, “In addition, during the fourth quarter, we achieved an important milestone in the Company’s history through the strategic disposition of certain legacy businesses which has allowed us to reshape our platform and reallocate resources to support a more efficient operating environment. We are excited for the opportunity to fully realize our potential through our strong operating acumen as we look towards 2024 and beyond.” For the three-month period and year ended, December 31, 2023, revenue increased by approximately 2.3% to $88M and 6.6% to $347.6M, respectively, over the comparable prior periods. Appointment of Maggie MacDougall In furtherance of its commitment to deepening and diversifying the skills and backgrounds of its directors, the Company also announced the appointment of Maggie MacDougall as an independent director to its Board of Directors. Ms. MacDougall will serve as a member of the Governance and Nominating, Human Resources and Compensation and InService Corporation International Announces Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results HOUSTON,TX— Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI) reported results for the fourth quarter of 2023. Revenue increased $28 million to $1.1 billion. Tom Ryan, the Company’s President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, commented on fourth quarter results: “We delivered a solid quarter as we closed out 2023 and are pleased to report growth in revenue and adjusted earnings per share. These results are all made possible by our greatest asset, our 25,000 associates. Their hard work, dedication, and focus on our client families are what makes this company so strong.” Quarterly Cash Dividend Increased SCI also announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in its quarterly cash dividend to thirty cents per share of common stock. This quarterly cash dividend declared represents a 3.4% increase from the previously declared quarterly dividend of twenty-nine cents per share of common stock per quarter. The quarterly cash dividend announced is payable on March 28, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2024. For more information and full results, visit www.sci-corp.com. vestment Committees. “We are pleased to welcome Maggie as a new director to the Park Lawn Board,” said Deborah Robinson, Chair of the Board. “Maggie’s deep experience in working closely with similarly sized organizations, as well as the Canadian capital markets, will provide us with additional expertise as we execute on our growth strategy. Her addition to our team aligns with the Board’s desire to balance skillset with experience, diversity and tenure.” PLC is the largest publicly traded Canadian-owned funeral, cremation and cemetery provider. PLC operates in three Canadian provinces and seventeen U.S. states. For more information about Park Lawn Corporation, please visit our website at www.plcorp.com. Gabriel Enriquez GLENDALE,CA— Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries CEO Darin Drabing has announced the appointment of Gabriel Enriquez to vice president-Long Beach. The internal promotion represents the caliber of strong leadership present throughout Forest Lawn’s staff as well as Enriquez’s twentyplus year commitment to serving Forest Lawn’s communities. Enriquez began his career with Forest Lawn in 2002 as a client representative at Forest Lawn-Glendale. During his overtwenty-year career at Forest Lawn, Enriquez has served as a memorial counselor, funeral service supervisor, and most recently crematory manager. “We have been fortunate to benefit from Gabriel’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and ever-growing expertise,” said Drabing. “We are proud to bestow this leadership role onto such a deserving member of our team.” In addition to Enriquez’s promotion, Forest Lawn also appointed Angie Ray, former vice president of Forest Lawn-Glendale, to vice president-Cypress, and Shivon Ozinga, formerly vice president in Long Beach, to vice president-Glendale. Both Ray and Ozinga are respected members of the Forest Lawn management team. For more than a century, Forest Lawn has been an integral part of Southern California. Since its founding, Forest Lawn has committed itself to providing outstanding service and beautiful environments for family outings, remembering loved ones and commemorating holidays. Forest Lawn’s locations in the Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties serve all faiths and cultures, and offer a wide range of celebrations and special events with competitively priced cremation and traditional funeral services throughout Southern California. www.NomisPublications.com 1-800-321-7479 “I Love My Funeral Director” “I Love My Cemeterian” Now is the PERFECT TIME to order the PERFECT GIFTS
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