MFDA Journal - Mississippi Funeral Directors Association

MFDA Journal
M i s s i s s i p p i
Funeral
2013 – 2014
COMMITMENT AND COMPASSION
Waller Funeral Home
Oxford, MS
Performing as a professional while providing
funeral services when all emotions, including
your own, are at a peak can be very difficult.
Even if we had not personally known the
deceased, how easy it is to put ourselves in the
place of the family and be affected by the
grief they are feeling.
President-Elect
Ladd Pulliam
Jones and Son Funeral Home
Richton, MS
First Vice President
Greg Pegues
W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors
Tupelo, MS
Secretary-Treasurer
Sandra Chancellor
Chancellor Funeral Home
Byram, MS
Past President
Bill Chancellor
Chancellor Funeral Home
Florence, MS
Northern District Governors
Sammy Reed
Lee Memorial Funeral Home
Verona, MS
Stacey Parker
Houston Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Houston, MS
Central District Governors
John Wise
Boone Funeral Home
Greenville, MS
Bill Clark
Natchez Trace Funeral Home
Madison, MS
Southern District Governors
Joe Hutchins
Saulters-Moore Funeral Homes, Inc.
Prentiss, MS
Richard “Dicky” Laird
Laird Funeral Home
Natchez, MS
NFDA Policy Board Representative
A. Wendell Stringer
Stringer Family Funeral Services
Crystal Springs, MS
Editor
Jean A. Weiss
MFDA Account Executive
Association
The Caring Professionals
By Beth Rosson
President
Beth Rosson
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes
Gulfport, MS
A Message from the MFDA President
MFDA Board of Directors
Second Vice President
Kippy Lang
Directors
Spring 2014
Yet we take our responsibility very seriously; and, because those we
deal with are operating in a stressful situation, it is even more
important that we maintain our mental and physical composure. It is
our job to effectively assist our families beginning with the first
notification of death straight through the closing of the grave and
also provide follow up care and counsel.
I know you have all heard at some time during your career, “How do
you do this?” By their very question they are recognizing the difficulty
of being confronted with hurt and suffering daily and, in many of our
lives, constantly. We all have our standard answers to this question.
When I’m asked this question, I always try to let my answer show in
equal parts, my commitment to funeral service and my compassion
for every individual whose path I cross surrounding a death. While we
all know that we must remove ourselves to some extent, we realize
that we must never be so far away that we cannot be touched.
The MFDA Convention is right around the corner and I encourage you
to register if you haven’t already done so. We have a terrific
educational program including a talk on marketing cremation and a
wonderful presentation from the Mortuary Branch Chief at Dover Air
Force Base. There will also be plenty of time to socialize and relax. It’s
a great opportunity for you to bring family and employees/associates.
We will also have 29 industry exhibitor booths, many of whom have
sponsored events or the overall convention program. We could not
host the convention without their continued support, so I encourage
you to stop by and chat with each of the exhibitors and sponsors.
Blessings,
Will you be there?
MFDA Annual Convention
June 8 – 10th
Beau Rivage, Biloxi, MS
See schedule and registration at the end of the MFDA Journal. Or go to
www.mississippifuneraldirectors.com to download a registration form.
U.S. Postal Service Changes Policies on Shipping Cremated Remains
From the United States Postal Service announcement:
Effective December 26, 2013, the Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 601.12 to require mailers to use only Priority Mail Express
service when shipping cremated remains. The Postal Service will no longer authorize cremated
remains to be sent using Registered Mail service. Although these revisions will not be published in the
DMM until January 26, 2014, these
standards are effective immediately.
12.9.3 Cremated Remains [revision as
follows:]
***Mail pieces sent to domestic addresses
must be sent using Priority Mail Express
service. In some states, the law requires
that cremated remains be sent via
Registered Mail. It is unclear how the new
USPS policy will be applied in those states.
Registered Mail includes additional
tracking; this enables you to track the
package and helps ensure that cremated
remains arrive safely.
Given the new policy requiring the use of
Priority Mail Express service, NFDA
recommends that you specifically request
and pay for tracking and require a
signature on delivery to help ensure that
cremated remains are delivered to the
correct individual in a timely manner.
To
learn
more
about
shipping
requirements, visit the NFDA website,
www.nfda.org
Highlights from the MFDA’s Mid-Winter Seminar in Starkville, MS
MFDA's Mid-Winter Educational Seminar was held on January 26-27, 2014 at the Hilton Garden Inn,
Starkville, MS was a big success with robust attendance. The MFDA Foundation sponsored Vernie
CFSP, a licensed embalmer
Fountain,
and founder of the Fountain National Academy. He gave an
in-depth, 4-hour presentation on embalming and reconstructive techniques that can be performed
with severe trauma cases focusing on several types of injuries, disfiguring facial injuries, and massive
crushing head injuries. SFC (RET) Elroy Winding, Military Funeral Coordinator State of Mississippi, also
gave a presentation on Military Funerals and Procedures.
Many thanks go to Terry Gentry of Waters Funeral Home for arranging and catering the pre-event
dinner at the MS State University Palmeiro Center. Terry also arranged for group guided tour of the
new multi-million dollar Leo Seal Athletic Building. It was a wonderful evening of socializing and
delicious food. Even supporters of rival schools enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tour.
Left: Brook Williams, Manager of Family Services for the Mississippi
Organ Recovery Agency.
Above: Greg Merchant with the Mississippi Mortuary Response Team
and President of the MS Coroner’s Association
Thompson Named Manager of Mortuary Service
MFDA MEMBER
ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS
Welcome to Greyson River Reed,
grandson of Sammy Reed of Lee
Memorial Funeral Home in Verona,
MS. He was born on February 7th.
If you have news you would like to share
with the membership, please send to:
info@mississippifuneraldirectors.com
Jason Johnston , General Manager of West
Tennessee Funeral Associates , LLC (a
proud MFDA member) Memphis family
owned firms and the long time Affordable
Mortuary Service (formally Mid-South
Mortuary
Service–Tennessee
Mortuary
Service announces the addition to their
quality staff by adding a chief embalmer
and mortuary service/transport manager,
John R. Thompson. Mr. Thompson grew up
in rural South Mississippi. He graduated from
Hattiesburg High School. Mr. Thompson
moved to Atlanta, GA and enrolled in Gupton-Jones College of
Funeral Service in September of 2006. He earned his degree in
Applied Science of Funeral Service and passed The International
Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards in August of 2007.
He served his apprenticeship in Jonesboro, GA and became dual
licensed in May of 2009. He currently holds Funeral Director and
Embalmer Licenses in Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. In July 2011,
Mr. Thompson became a Certified Crematory Operator through the
ICCFA (International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association). Mr.
Thompson has worked in a couple of high volume facilities both
corporate and independently owned. Johnston states that Thompson
will continue to bring the highest level of quality in preparation work
through removal, embalming, restorative art, shipping and funeral
home assistant service to the highest quality as was established over
29 years ago by such men as the late Mortician John Brasfield.
Affordable is located at 3774 Summer Ave., Memphis (800)-358-8575.
MFDA Foundation Scholarship Winners Announced
The MFDA Foundation also awarded four $500 scholarships to Mortuary Science students. The winners included
Cameron Cook from Northwest Mississippi Community College, Ashley Dean and Crystal Duncan from Mississippi Gulf
Coast Community
College, and Robert J. “Butch” Jones, II from Holmes Community College.
Keith Reed (c), Instructor at NWMCC
accepts the scholarship check for
Cameron Cook from Beth Rosson, (l), MFDA
Board President, and David Ainsworth (r),
MFDA Foundation Board President.
Beth Rosson, (l), MFDA Board President,
and David Ainsworth (r), MFDA Foundation
Board President present a scholarship
check to Robert J. “Butch” Jones, II a
student at Holmes Community College.
Crystal Duncan(c) from Mississippi Gulf
Coast Community College accepts a
scholarship check from Beth Rosson, (l),
MFDA Board President, and David
Ainsworth (r), MFDA Foundation Board
President at Holmes Community College.
Mortuary Science students from three Mississippi Community Colleges attended the Mid-Winter Seminar. From left are: Holmes
Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Northwest Mississippi Community College. Pictured with them
are MFDA Board President Beth Rosson, and MFDA Foundation Board President David Ainsworth.
More MFDA Mid-Winter Seminar Photos. . .
Mississippi Funeral Directors Association
Annual Convention
June 8 – 10, 2014
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
General Convention Registration HOTEL INFO
Host Hotel
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS
Reservations
Call 888-567-6667 and ask for Mississippi Funeral Directors
Association group rate. Rates cannot be changed at check-in
or check-out.
Room Rate
$149 + local/state tax, (Sunday – Thursday)
$209 + local/state tax, (Friday & Saturday)
There is a daily resort fee of $9/day. Group rates extended 3
days prior and after.
Cut-Off Date Friday, May 16, 2014
Reservations made after May 16th will be accepted by hotel
at a space and rate availability only.
Amenities
Resort fee includes daily newspaper, fitness facility, bottled
water/2 per guest room, unlimited local and 800 calls, wireless
internet, complimentary parking, and pool access.
Thank You Sponsors
As of May 21, 2014 Ambulance & Coach Sales Aurora Casket Company Batesville First Guaranty Insurance Company Great Jackson Mortuary Heritage Memorial Funding Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency Security National Life Insurance Company Superior Funeral & Life Ins. Co. Vantage Products Corp. Unity Financial Life Insurance After the Expo Party
Join us “After the Expo” on Monday evening for a special dinner reception of food, fun, and fellowship at the Beau Rivage! You’ll want to hang out, relax, and enjoy a casual evening of socializing and networking. A delectable Mardi Gras style menu and cash bar will get you in the party mood. Stay on‐site, connect with old friends, and meet new friends/clients. This is an optional, ticketed event for $65 per person and includes a cash bar. We encourage you to attend to make this a convention group evening. Sponsored by Aurora Casket Company Ladies’ Luncheon
Ladies, join us at historic Mary Mahoney’s Old French House restaurant for a special social luncheon. Join us for the Annual
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 12:30 pm Mary Mahoney’s President’s Reception & Banquet 110 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi, MS Tickets: $40 per person  New MFDA Officers Installed Special Guest Speakers: Sisters of ABC’s Good Morning America’s, Robin Roberts  MFDA Awards Sally‐Ann Roberts, Anchorwoman for WWL‐TV in New Orleans Dorothy Roberts McEwen, MSW, LCSW  Sales Club Awards Director of the South Mississippi Regional Center/Jewelry Designer  Silent Auction Winners Benefitting the MFDA Foundation educational and scholarship programs Photo:gulfportgalleria.com Tossed Green Salad; Entrée choice: Broiled Salmon, Crabmeat Sauce over Pasta, Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus, Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin, Fresh Jumbo Fried Shrimp, Grilled Chicken Breast, George Salad; Dessert: Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce Sponsored by Heritage Memorial Funding Featured Speakers
Beth Cavanaugh
is the Director of Marketing for Batesville’s Strategic Business units, responsible for all marketing for Cremation Options specializing in cremation products and business solutions and Technology Solutions providing online technology solutions for the death care market. Over the course of her career she has launched 4 business lines, 100+ consumer products, and 100+ integrated nationwide marketing campaigns for consumer and business to business products and services. Most recently, Beth was Marketing and Business Development Director at America’s largest health and wellness website, SparkPeople.com, where she helped create new distribution channels for offline products through strategic product development and partnerships. Prior to this, Beth was Director of Marketing for The HoneyBaked Ham Company where she helped transform their brand strategy from the traditional holiday brand to an all occasion brand through new emerging business lines including a Cafe retail lunch experience, catering and alternative distribution kiosks. Beth has over 25 years of diversified consumer and business to business marketing experience in the retail, financial, healthcare, online and deathcare industries which provide new insights on how to best understand consumers and apply innovative marketing tactics to meet their growing needs. Beth holds a BS in International Business and Foreign Affairs/Diplomacy from Miami University. She resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her family. William “Ziggy” Zwicharowski is the Mortuary Branch Chief, Dover Air Force Base Port Mortuary, Dover, DE where he has served for 14 years. He is a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps, and is a licensed funeral director/embalmer in Pennsylvania and Delaware for more than 29 years. He is a graduate of Lackawanna Jr. College, Scranton, Pa (Business) and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He was the founder and owner of Wm. Zwicharowski Funeral Home which he sold in 1999 to take a position at Dover. Ziggy has served in some of the biggest major Mass Fatalities including the USS Cole Bombing, Space Shuttle Columbia, 911 Pentagon Attach Victims, and over 8,000 War Fallen from Iraqi and Afghanistan. His current responsibilities include: oversight of all the embalming, restoration, dressing, and casketing of U.S. Military remains that are identified and autopsied at Dover by the Armed Forces Medical Examiners. He has been married 29 years to his wife Teri. They have two children, Kayla and Billy. Taking Chance Movie showing and Q&A session with William “Ziggy” Zwicharowski, who served as an adviser on the movie. Based on real‐life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobla, volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19‐year‐old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming. Starring Kevin Bacon. The film was the most‐watched HBO original in five years, with over two million viewers on the opening night, and more than 5.5 million on re‐airings. Critics often attribute this success to its apolitical nature, not directly depicting nor offering an opinion of the Iraq War. Bacon received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie. The film received ten nominations for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, winning the Emmy for "Outstanding Single‐Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries or Movie." Source: Wikipedia Timothy P. Finney, M.D. received his orthopedic training at Louisiana State University Medical School. He completed a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopy at Sports Medicine West in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Finney has worked with high school, intercollegiate, semi‐professional and professional athletics in the Greater New Orleans Area. He has been a team physician for the New Orleans Saints football team since 1993. He was selected as one of the U.S. Olympic team physicians in 1996. Dr. Finney received the NFL Team Physician Society's Outstanding Team Physician of the Year Award for 2005. He has participated in the training of LSU family practice sports medicine fellows and is a clinical professor at LSU. His interests include sports related injuries and pathology of the shoulder and knee. 2014 MFDA Convention Schedule
Schedule subject to change. Registration badges must be worn at all on‐site events; Tickets will be taken at all ticketed events. Sunday, June 8, 2014
10:30 am – Noon Noon – 12:30 pm 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm MFDA Services Board of Directors – Azalea D Board lunch – Azalea D MFDA Board of Directors – Azalea D Joint MFDA Services & MFDA Boards of Directors – Azalea D MFDA Foundation Board of Directors – Azalea D 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Pre‐Need Trust Participant Only Meeting – Azalea D **Dinner on your own Monday, June 9, 2014
7:30 am 8:00 am – 9:00 am 9:00 am – 9:45 am 9:45 am – 10:00 am 10:00 am – 11:30 am 11:30 am – Noon Noon – 1:00 pm 11:00 am – 4:00 pm 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm 2:00 pm – 3:45 pm 3:45 pm – 4:00 pm 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm **Breakfast on your own Registration opens MEMBERSHIP MEETING – Magnolia A PRE‐NEED FUNERAL TRUST SESSION (open to all attendees) Break – sponsored by First Guaranty Insurance Company GETTING TO KNOW THE CREMATION CUSTOMER: AN INITIAL ACTION PLAN by Beth Cavanaugh, Director of Marketing, Batesville’s Strategies Business Units; More and more, families are selecting cremation as a means of final disposition when the death of a loved one occurs. So often those in funeral service have a very narrow view as to what families really want when they select cremation. This presentation explores the growth of the cremation rate in the United States, factors that contribute to this growth and factors that drive the decision‐making process for cremation families. Sponsored by Batesville – Magnolia A TALK OF A LIFETIME (NFDA Speaker) – Magnolia A MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON – Speaker: New Orleans Saints Team Physician, Dr. Tim Finney; Student of the Year Awards. Sponsored by Batesville – Azalea C&D Exhibitor Set‐up – Magnolia B, C, D MILITARY BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS and DOVER'S MISSION by William Zwicharowski, Mortuary Branch Chief, Dover Air Force Base Port Mortuary – Magnolia A TAKING CHANCE Movie showing and Q&A session with William Zwicharowski, who served as an adviser on the movie. Based on real‐life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobla, volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19‐year‐old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming. Starring Kevin Bacon. – Magnolia A Break SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE – Sponsored by Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency – Magnolia A EXPO OPEN – MFDA Foundation Silent Auction Open – Magnolia B, C & D AFTER THE EXPO PARTY & RECEPTION – separate ticketed event – Sponsored by Aurora Casket Co. – Magnolia E‐G
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
8:00 am – 9:00 am 8:00 am – 9:00 am 9:00 am – 11:30 am 12:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm **Breakfast on your own Past‐President’s Breakfast – Azalea D Sales Club Meeting – Mrs. Q Restaurant EXPO OPEN ‐ MFDA Foundation Silent Auction Open – Magnolia B, C & D Ladies’ Luncheon @ Mary Mahoney’s – separate ticketed event  Special Guest Speakers: Sisters of ABC’s Good Morning America’s, Robin Roberts: Sally‐Ann Roberts, Anchorwoman for WWL‐TV in New Orleans Dorothy Roberts McEwen, Jewelry Designer PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION – Silent Auction Open – Auction ends at 6:55 pm – Magnolia E&F BANQUET & AWARDS CEREMONY – Sponsored by Heritage Memorial Funding – Azalea Ballroom  Installation of Officers  MFDA and Sales Club Awards  MFDA Foundation Silent Auction Winners Announced 2014 MFDA Annual Convention
FUNERAL HOME ATTENDEE & GUEST REGISTRATION Contact Information: List of Attendees: _____________________________________
1.___________________________________ Contact Name _____________________________________ Company _____________________________________ 2.___________________________________ Address 3.___________________________________ _____________________________________ City _____________________________________ State Zip Code _____________________________________ Phone 4.___________________________________ 5.___________________________________ Fax _____________________________________ Email FUNERAL HOME ATTENDEE & GUEST REGISTRATION FUNERAL HOME ATTENDEE & GUEST REGISTRATION:
*includes full admission to:  Monday & Tuesday Expo  Monday Membership Meeting, Speakers & Luncheon  Tuesday President’s Reception & Banquet. (Note: After the Expo Party is separate ticket and registration)  1st Member Full Registration @ $225 ea $_______ #____ Each Additional Full Registration @ $175 ea $_______ Total Due $______________ No refunds for tickets or registrations after May 28th unless event cancelled.  Enclosed is my check payable to MFDA.  Faxing registration. Check is being mailed.  Please charge my credit card for $____________. Check one:  MC  Visa  AmEx  Discover Card Number ___________________________________ A LA CARTE or ADDITIONAL GUEST TICKETS: Exp. Date______________ Security Code ___________ #____Monday or Tuesday Expo Only @ $25 ea $_______ #____Monday Member Luncheon @ $55 ea $_______ #____Tuesday Banquet @ $80 ea $_______ Billing Address__________________________________ #____Children under 12 – Tuesday Banquet @ $40 ea $_______ City___________________________________________ OPTIONAL TICKETS (not included with registration)  Email invoice to____________________________ **Not included with full registration #____After the Expo Party @ $65 ea $_______ #____ After the Expo Party ‐ Child under 12 @ $30 ea $_______ #____Tuesday Ladies’ Luncheon @ $40 ea $_______ Print Name on Card______________________________ State______________ Zip ______________________ MFDA
134 Fairmont Street, Suite B
Clinton, MS 39056
phone 601.978.1920  fax 601.978.1950
email: info@mississippifuneraldirectors.com
www.mississippifuneraldirectors.com
The Mississippi Funeral Directors Association honors individuals
who have been in the funeral service profession for 50 years
each year during the MFDA Annual Convention Banquet.
If you, or anyone you know, is eligible for this honor, please fill
out the form below and fax, mail or email to the MFDA Office
no later than Monday, May 19, 2014.
The 2014 MFDA Convention will be held June 8-10 at the Beau
Rivage, Biloxi, MS. The banquet will be on June 10th.
Convention registration and information can be found at:
www.mississippifuneraldirectors.com.
MFDA 50 YEAR HONOREE INFORMATION SHEET
Contact Person (if other than honoree) ___________________________________________________________
Contact Phone_________________________________
Honoree Name (as it should appear in print)
Contact Email____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Company Name (if still practicing) _______________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________ State ________________ Zip ________________________
Phone Number_________________________________ Email_____________________________________
Total Years Practicing Funeral Profession _________
Still Practicing
YES
NO
Date Retired__________________________________
 I am submitting a photo (mail original or email in jpg format)
 I am submitting a biography/resume of accomplishments
MFDA President will make the presentation, unless there Is a recommended/preferred person (ie,
current/past board member, special friend in the funeral service industry, etc.). If so, please list
preference below.
Name _____________________________________________________________________________________
Company (if any) ___________________________________________________________________________
Relationship to honoree ____________________________________________________________________
Phone Number_________________________________ Email_____________________________________
PLEASE COMPLETE FORM AND RETURN TO MFDA no later than Monday, May 19, 2014.
MFDA
134 Fairmont Street, Suite B, Clinton, MS 39056
Phone: 601-978-1920 Fax: 601-978-1950
Email: jweiss@mississippifuneraldirectors.com
Mississippi Funeral Directors Foundation
Silent Auction Donation Form
MFDA Convention
June 8 – 10, 2014
Beau RIvage, Biloxi, MS
There will be a Silent Auction benefitting the MFDA Foundation’s Scholarship & Educational Programs
at the MFDA Convention. If you have items that you would like to donate to the auction, please return
the form to the MFDA office no later than June 2nd. Items may be brought to the Convention or sent
to the MFDA office in advance. The MFDA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and
donations may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Item Donated: _____________________________________________________________
Estimated Value: $___________________________________________________________
Description: ________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Donor Name:________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________________State: ________ Zip: _____________
Phone: __________________________________ Fax: _____________________________
Donation Procured by: _______________________________________________________
For Office Use Only:
Opening Bid: $________________________
Final Bid: $___________________________
Winner: ____________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________
City:_______________________________________ State: ________ Zip: _____________
Phone:__________________________________ Fax:_______________________________
Mississippi Funeral Directors Foundation
134 Fairmont Street, Ste. B
Clinton, MS 39056
Phone 601-978-1920 Fax 601-978-1950
info@mississippifuneraldirectors.com