2007 4th quarter page 1 2007 4th qtr. newsletter - ifsa · 2008. 9. 12. · 2007 4th quarter page 5...

2007 4th Quarter2007 4th Quarter2007 4th Quarter2007 4th Quarter2007 4th Quarter Page 1Page 1Page 1Page 1

President’s MessagePresident’s MessagePresident’s MessagePresident’s MessagePresident’s Messageby Myrna Gordonby Myrna Gordonby Myrna Gordonby Myrna Gordonby Myrna Gordon

Hello to everyone!

As I write this I am thinking aboutall the many things that I have left todo before Christmas and actually itfeels very overwhelming. I wish that this time of the yearwasn't so busy and that there was more time to reflect andremember what the real meaning of Christmas is. I hopethat each of you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessedNew Year.

Steve and I had the privilege to go up North, attendDistrict meetings and visit funeral homes in the Lewis &Clark and Coeur d'Alene districts. We really enjoyedgetting to see old friends, meet new ones and tour all thedifferent places of business. You all are to be commendedfor the work you do and the services you provide. Tothose of you that we haven't yet had the opportunity tovisit, you are on the list and we hope to see you soon.

I want to remind everyone about the 2008 IFSAAnnual Convention. It will be held in McCall on June29th, 30th, and July 1st. We have some neat eventsplanned and hope to see you there. We will get moreinformation to you at a later date.

Happy Holidays. ~ Myrna Gordon

anananananIdaho FuneralIdaho FuneralIdaho FuneralIdaho FuneralIdaho Funeral

Service AssociationService AssociationService AssociationService AssociationService AssociationQuarterly PublicationQuarterly PublicationQuarterly PublicationQuarterly PublicationQuarterly Publication

PublishedDecember 20, 2007at the IFSA offices of

Kenneth L. MalleaExecutive Secretary

Ph (208) 888-2730Fax (208) 888-2789

P.O. Box 820Meridian, Idaho

83680-0820

email: [email protected]: www.ifsa.us

Newsletter Editor:Perri Anne Sanders

2007 — 2008 Officers2007 — 2008 Officers2007 — 2008 Officers2007 — 2008 Officers2007 — 2008 Officers

PresidentMyrna Gordon(208) 376-5400

First Vice PresidentDoug Webb(208) 852-0533

Second Vice President( Vacant )

Past PresidentKevin Rosenau(208) 733-6600

2007 — 2008 T2007 — 2008 T2007 — 2008 T2007 — 2008 T2007 — 2008 Trusteesrusteesrusteesrusteesrustees

Coeur d’Alene DistrictEli Yates (‘07-’09)(208) 664-3151

Eastern DistrictCraig Geary (‘07-’10)(208) 357-3231

Lewis & Clark DistrictBill Malcom (‘03-’08)(208) 743-4578

South Central DistrictJeff Rasmussen (‘06-’11)(208) 678-2100

Treasure Valley DistrictSteve Gordon (‘07-’12)(208) 376-5400

2007 4th Qtr.2007 4th Qtr.2007 4th Qtr.2007 4th Qtr.2007 4th Qtr.NewsletterNewsletterNewsletterNewsletterNewsletter

Page 2Page 2Page 2 IFSA NewsletterIFSA NewsletterIFSA NewsletterIFSA NewsletterIFSA Newsletter


Reminder - Fax in Your Letter, Please!

The Dept. of Vital Statistics (Idaho Health & Welfare) has asked our help in reminding you to fax in your letter authorizing them torelease your quarterly death certficate info to IFSA.

If you don’t still have the Oct. 5 email we sent you, you can get a printable or MSWord form document from our website(www.ifsa.us/copiestoprint) (bottom of that page). They have only received letters from 24% of our members, so if you haven’t,please get yours in. Thanks for your help!

IRS 2008 QFT Contributions

Source: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-07-66.pdf

.28 Funeral Trusts. For a contract entered into duringcalendar year 2008 for a “qualified funeral trust,” asdefined in § 685, the trust may not accept aggregatecontributions by or for the benefit of an individual inexcess of $9,000.

Included with this Newsletter -

FCA Idaho newsletter (Fall ‘07)

FCA Idaho’s Annual Meeting Minutes (May ‘07)

NFDA General Price List Review Request Form

Article - Green Burials (Chicago Tribune, Dec. 5, 2007)

IRS 2008 Optional Standard Mileage Rates

Source: IRS.gov, Nov. 27, 2007

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issuedthe 2008 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate thedeductible costs of operating an automobile for business,charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, the standard mileage rates for the useof a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

50.5 cents per mile for business miles driven;

19 cents per mile driven for medical or movingpurposes; and

14 cents per mile driven in service of charitableorganizations.

The new rate for business miles compares to a rate of 48.5cents per mile for 2007. The new rate for medical andmoving purposes compares to 20 cents in 2007. The rate formiles driven in service of charitable organizations hasremained the same.

Funeral Consumers Alliance

Enclosed is a copy of the latest offering from the Funeral Consumers Alliance.It is interesting to note their comments/criticisms of the highly acclaimed “TheUndertaking” shown on PBS Frontline. About all they have to say is, “Yeah,but what about the General Price List?”

The leading advocates for this group in Idaho want to be funeral providerswithout the training or licensing. They also want to change the law to allow“a crematory only” without the full compliment of facilities or personnelrequired by Idaho law.

These people attend every meeting of the State Board of Morticians and maybe introducing legislation in the upcoming 2008 session. We willimmediately inform you of further developments.

FTC Activity in Boise (August, 2007)

In August two FTC compliance "shoppers"visited funeral homes here in the Treasure Valley.One man and one woman were calling onfuneral homes, sometimes just the one andsometimes both. They were very polite,articulate and well dressed. They wouldindicate they were considering funeralarrangements.

The focus of the FTC in such encounters is to seewhether your funeral home staff is complyingwith the requirements of the rule. Are youproviding a copy of the GPL prior to discussingfuneral arrangements, goods or services? Is yourGPL in compliance with the FTC rule? Do youprovide the casket price list and outer burialcontainer list?

NFDA offers a very low cost service to membersfor a comprehensive review of your GPL andother required price lists. If you follow theprogram you will never have any problems.

If you or your staff should fail to comply withthe rule, FTC will commence enforcementprocedures. To avoid this unpleasant situation,make sure your firm is in compliance and trainyour staff in the requirements of the FTC rule.

(To access the NFDA review form, go tohttp://www.nfda.org/files/membership/

GPLreview.pdf)


Warm up these cold winter daysWarm up these cold winter daysWarm up these cold winter daysWarm up these cold winter daysWarm up these cold winter daysby planning your Summer Family Vacation!by planning your Summer Family Vacation!by planning your Summer Family Vacation!by planning your Summer Family Vacation!by planning your Summer Family Vacation!

Call now to make your reservations at theCall now to make your reservations at theCall now to make your reservations at theCall now to make your reservations at theCall now to make your reservations at theWhitetail Club & ResortWhitetail Club & ResortWhitetail Club & ResortWhitetail Club & ResortWhitetail Club & Resort

in beautiful McCall, Idaho for thein beautiful McCall, Idaho for thein beautiful McCall, Idaho for thein beautiful McCall, Idaho for thein beautiful McCall, Idaho for the

IFSA 2008 Annual ConventionIFSA 2008 Annual ConventionIFSA 2008 Annual ConventionIFSA 2008 Annual ConventionIFSA 2008 Annual ConventionJune 29 - July 1June 29 - July 1June 29 - July 1June 29 - July 1June 29 - July 1

Display tables will be available in theDisplay tables will be available in theDisplay tables will be available in theDisplay tables will be available in theDisplay tables will be available in themeeting area. As display space ismeeting area. As display space ismeeting area. As display space ismeeting area. As display space ismeeting area. As display space is

limited, IFSA’s valued Alliedlimited, IFSA’s valued Alliedlimited, IFSA’s valued Alliedlimited, IFSA’s valued Alliedlimited, IFSA’s valued AlliedMembers will have firstMembers will have firstMembers will have firstMembers will have firstMembers will have first

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Whitetail Club & Resort(800) 657-6464

http://www.whitetailclub.com/


by Jeff Blackmerby Jeff Blackmerby Jeff Blackmerby Jeff Blackmerby Jeff BlackmerThe NFDA Policy Board met in Las Vegas in October as part of the NFDA annual convention. Several items wereup for discussion including an endorsement of a funeral director only curriculum for mortuary colleges. The policyboard was split on whether to endorse a funeral director program. Most states that have a single license thought itwould be a step backwards and the states that have duel licenses supported the idea. The proposal was tabled willbe revisited in the future.

A very emotional and touching presentation was presented by Shaun Meyer (NFDA At Large Member) from Utah regarding the Make AWish Foundation. The Policy Board supports the Make A Wish Foundation in its efforts to grant terminally ill children their wishes intheir battle with their illness.

The annual NFDA Advocacy summit will be March 10-13 in Washington,DC, so be ready for IFSA President Myna Gordon's phone call asking foryour annual contribution to the NFDA Pac.

Thanks again to the IFSA Board of Directors for allowing me theopportunity to represent IFSA at the national level.

Sincerely,

Jeff BlackmerIdaho Policy Board Rep.

PolicyPolicyPolicyPolicyPolicyBoardBoardBoardBoardBoardReportReportReportReportReport

IFIFIFIFIFSSSSSA Thanks OurA Thanks OurA Thanks OurA Thanks OurA Thanks Our

Who Support IFWho Support IFWho Support IFWho Support IFWho Support IFSSSSSA andA andA andA andA andIdahoIdahoIdahoIdahoIdaho’s F’s F’s F’s F’s Finest Finest Finest Finest Finest Funeral Directors!uneral Directors!uneral Directors!uneral Directors!uneral Directors!

Allied Members

A.J. Distribution, Inc.A.J. Distribution, Inc.A.J. Distribution, Inc.A.J. Distribution, Inc.A.J. Distribution, Inc. (800) 426-6555Terry & Linda Porter

AAAAAurururururora Caskora Caskora Caskora Caskora Casket Companyet Companyet Companyet Companyet Company (801) 485-5802John & Dixie Platt

Community TCommunity TCommunity TCommunity TCommunity Tissue Serissue Serissue Serissue Serissue Servicesvicesvicesvicesvices (208) 389-2194Sally Kurdy ~ See ASee ASee ASee ASee Ad on Pd on Pd on Pd on Pd on Page 11 ~age 11 ~age 11 ~age 11 ~age 11 ~

Deaton KennedyDeaton KennedyDeaton KennedyDeaton KennedyDeaton Kennedy (360) 576-7820Jill Stevenson-Moreland

FFFFFederated Insurance Coederated Insurance Coederated Insurance Coederated Insurance Coederated Insurance Co..... (800) 527-5999Humberto Cruz ~ See ASee ASee ASee ASee Ad on Pd on Pd on Pd on Pd on Page 2 ~age 2 ~age 2 ~age 2 ~age 2 ~

Great WGreat WGreat WGreat WGreat Western Insurance Coestern Insurance Coestern Insurance Coestern Insurance Coestern Insurance Co..... (800) 621-5688Chad Iverson (801) 557-4094

Hillcrest Memorial GardensHillcrest Memorial GardensHillcrest Memorial GardensHillcrest Memorial GardensHillcrest Memorial Gardens (208) 459-4949

Matthews Crematiion DivisionMatthews Crematiion DivisionMatthews Crematiion DivisionMatthews Crematiion DivisionMatthews Crematiion Division (800) 327-2831Guy Esposito x 142

Memorial Monuments & VMemorial Monuments & VMemorial Monuments & VMemorial Monuments & VMemorial Monuments & Vaultsaultsaultsaultsaults (208) 888-2665Robert L. Chandler

Midwest CaskMidwest CaskMidwest CaskMidwest CaskMidwest Casket Companyet Companyet Companyet Companyet Company (801) 328-9849

Ric’s Capital City FloristRic’s Capital City FloristRic’s Capital City FloristRic’s Capital City FloristRic’s Capital City Florist (208) 377-0120Ric Martindale

SinoSource, InternationalSinoSource, InternationalSinoSource, InternationalSinoSource, InternationalSinoSource, International (801) 589-0222Jess Hunsaker [email protected]

The Dodge CompanyThe Dodge CompanyThe Dodge CompanyThe Dodge CompanyThe Dodge Company (866) 646-5428Larry Whitaker Bill Martin (425) 432-6438

United Heritage Life Ins. CoUnited Heritage Life Ins. CoUnited Heritage Life Ins. CoUnited Heritage Life Ins. CoUnited Heritage Life Ins. Co..... (208) 475-0970Patty W. Klingberg

VVVVVantage Pantage Pantage Pantage Pantage Prrrrroductsoductsoductsoductsoducts (800) 481-3303Marty Flynn

WWWWWells Fells Fells Fells Fells Fargo Master Targo Master Targo Master Targo Master Targo Master Trustrustrustrustrust (208) 393-5449

WMS FWMS FWMS FWMS FWMS Financial Grinancial Grinancial Grinancial Grinancial Groupoupoupoupoup (303) 843-0782Don Williams


FTC Issues Advisory Opinion onComputer-Based Casket Programs

T. Scott Gilligan, NFDA General Counsel

Oct. 3, The Funeral Rule was promulgated 25 years agowhen very few in the funeral industry could haveenvisioned consumers selecting caskets from acomputer-based program. Therefore, it is not surprisingthat compliance issues have arisen as some funeralhomes have replaced casket display rooms and printedCasket Price Lists with computer-based programs thatcan show an unlimited array of casket options toconsumers.

One critical issue surrounding computer-based casketprograms is whether they may replace printed CasketPrice Lists or if they must be used in conjunction with aprinted Casket Price List. In other words, do funeralhomes that show consumers caskets by way of acomputer sill have to distribute a printed Casket PriceList?

Unlike the General Price List, the Casket Price List (andthe Outer Burial Container Price List for that matter)does not have to be given out to a consumer forretention. For that reason, the FTC recognized in theFuneral Rule that instead of using a printed Casket PriceList, other formats, such as notebooks, brochures andcharts could be used by the funeral home if they containthe same information as a printed Casket Price List. Todetermine whether computer-based casket programswould fall under this exception, NFDA submitted arequest to the FTC staff for an advisory opinion.

On October 1, 2007, Craig Tregillus, the FTC FuneralRule Coordinator, confirmed that presenting pictures ofcaskets and alternative containers together with priceinformation by means of a computer is consistent withthe Funeral Rule’s provision permitting price informationto be displayed in other formats. Mr. Tregillus did cautionthat the information required by the Funeral Rule wouldneed to be displayed in a clear and conspicuous mannerduring the presentation on the computer.

It is important that funeral homes using computer-basecasket programs ensure that the program includes all ofthe caskets and alternative containers routinely offeredfor sale by the funeral home. The computer-basedprogram does not need to include caskets that requirespecial ordering. The price of each casket and alternativecontainer should be listed in a clear and conspicuousmanner. Further information on what the FTC considersto be a “clear and conspicuous” disclosure in acomputer-based program can be found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/dotcom.

If NFDA members have questions regarding this article,they should contact NFDA’s General Counsel ScottGilligan at 513-871-6332.

N F D AComputerized Casket Selection:Are You in Compliance with the FTC?

Oct. 17 When the FTC Funeral rule was written, no onecould have anticipated that families would be able toselect caskets using a computer program. The FTCrecently issued an advisory on whether funeral homesusing computer-based casket selection programs mustalso provide a printed Casket Price List. In short, theanswer is no, as long as the information required by theFTC on a printed Casket Price List is “displayed in a clearand conspicuous manner during the presentation on thecomputer.” [See previous article] for more informationon what is required to be in compliance.

March 11 Could Be YOUR Day -"National Funeral Director & Mortician Day"

Dec. 12 Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) has introduced aresolution in the Senate designating March 11, 2008,National Funeral Director and Mortician Day. Theresolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee forconsideration. Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH) is expected tointroduce this resolution in the House soon. March 11falls right in the middle of NFDA’s Advocacy Summit,when hundreds of funeral directors will visit Capitol Hillto meet with their Senators and Representatives todiscuss issues of concern to funeral service and smallbusiness. To read the full text of the resolution, visit theLibrary of Congress and enter the phrase “NationalFuneral Director” in the “Search Bill Text” box. Ask yourSenators to co-sponsor and support passage of thisresolution by contacting them through NFDA's Congress-at-a-Click tool.

Watch for Your Economic Census Form -IT’S THE LAW

Dec. 12 More than 4.7 million businesses throughoutthe United States, including funeral homes, crematoriesand cemeteries, will receive a 2007 Economic Censusform from the U.S. Census Bureau in mid-December.Forms go to all but the very smallest businesses in thistally done once every five years. The forms ask for basicinformation like your location, employment, payroll, andsales by type of product or service. Businesses thatreceive a form are required by law to respond byFebruary 12, 2008. Businesses, communities, andgovernments use Economic Census data for planning andmarket development. Statistics are published for morethan one thousand industries as well as for states,counties, cities and metropolitan areas. For moreinformation, visit the Census Bureau or call 1-800-233-6136 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday).

Have You Reserved Your Copy of the“FRONTLINE: The Undertaking” Outreach Kit?

In October, PBS’s FRONTLINE documentary seriespresented an intimate, deeply moving view of funeralservice and the work of the funeral director in itspresentation “The Undertaking.” Share this importantinformation with your community through a special beused in a patient is considered a distributor. Device


S P O T L I G H Tdistributors are subject to many federal and staterequirements, including licensing and recordkeepingrequirements. Current laws do not make exceptions for“charitable use.” Therefore, funeral directors that shipdevices to a charitable organization are violating federallaw and are at risk for sanctions. Funeral directors mayship medical devices back to the original manufacturerwithout violating distribution laws. [Go to http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=988] for a legal advisoryfrom NFDA’s General Counsel Scott Gilligan. Additionally,the October issue of The Director will feature an articleon this topic.

Employers Must Pay forOSHA-mandated Protective Equipment

Nov. 28 OSHA recently announced a new rule requiringemployers to pay for almost all personal protectiveequipment required by OSHA standards. As a matter ofgood practice, most funeral homes already provideemployees, free of charge, all OSHA-required personalprotective equipment. This new rule does not create newrequirements regarding what personal protectiveequipment employers must provide. Employers cannotrequire employees to provide their own personalprotective equipment, but if an employee chooses to usetheir own personal protective equipment, the employermust ensure that the equipment is adequate to protectthe employee from workplace hazards. This rule goesinto effect on February 13, 2008, and must be fullyimplemented by May 15, 2008. For more information,contact NFDA's free OSHA Support Line at 800-633-2674. NFDA members can also have a free 15-minutephone consultation on OSHA-related matters with NFDAOSHA Counsel Ed Ranier; contact him at 410-539-5881.

New CDC Guidelines on Radioactive MaterialsDeveloped with the Funeral Director in Mind

Nov. 21 As recent world events have shown, there is aneed for health care and funeral service professionals tobe better prepared for a variety of scenarios, includingthose where decedents' bodies are contaminated withradioactive material (transportation accidents, terroristattacks, medical treatments, etc.). The Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, with the guidance ofNFDA Past President R. Doggett Whitaker Jr., CFSP, CPC,has developed a new brochure entitled "Guidelines forHandling Decedents Contaminated with RadioactiveMaterials." These guidelines address how medicalexaminers, coroners, and funeral directors should handledecedents in these types of scenarios. The brochurecontains suggestions for ways to deal with loose surfacecontamination, internal contamination and shrapnel onor in the body. You can download a PDF of the brochureor call NFDA at 800-228-6332 to have a copy mailed toyou.

Don’t Just Give Those Pacemakers Away!

Sept. 19 This year, there has been a buzz aboutcharitable organizations that recycle pacemakers andother medical devices. While their intentions may begood, NFDA representatives have reviewed laws

regarding the shipping of pacemakers and defibrillatorsand found that funeral directors may not ship medicaldevices, such as pacemakers, to charitableorganizations. Under federal law, any person who ships adevice that will ultimately be used in a patient isconsidered a distributor. Device distributors are subjectto many federal and state requirements, includinglicensing and recordkeeping requirements. Current lawsdo not make exceptions for "charitable use." Therefore,funeral directors that ship devices to a charitableorganization are violating federal law and are at risk forsanctions. Funeral directors may ship medical devicesback to the original manufacturer without violatingdistribution laws. [Go to http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=988] for a legal advisory from NFDA'sGeneral Counsel Scott Gilligan. Additionally, the Octoberissue of The Director will feature an article on this topic.

Avoid a Potential Lawsuit: Don’t IncludeExpiration Dates on Credit/Debit Card Receipts!

Nov. 21 According to the National Small BusinessAssociation, small-business owners who print receipts forcredit and debit card purchases could find themselvesthe target of a lawsuit based on the Fair and AccurateCredit Transactions Act, which took effect December 4,2003. That law restricts the allowable informationprinted on electronically generated credit card receipts;the receipts can no longer include the expiration date ormore than the last five digits of the card number.Individuals who continue to print receipts that includesuch information, and do so “willfully,” can be held liableto pay their customers economic damages of between$100 and $1,000, plus unlimited punitive damages andattorneys’ fees. The aim of this bill is to protectconsumers against identity theft. For more information,visit the National Small Business Association Website.

Source: NFDA Bulletins


STATE TOTALS 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

Cremation 49.02% 47.60% 45.95% 44.20% 42.68% 39.76% 39.67% 37.97% 36.61% 35.77%

Non-Cremation 50.98% 52.40% 54.05% 55.80% 57.32% 60.24% 60.33% 62.03% 63.39% 64.23%

District I

Cremation 64.16% 65.34% 64.36% 60.37% 60.17% 54.76% 60.33% 57.94% 59.39% 59.45%

Non-Cremation 35.84% 34.66% 35.64% 39.63% 39.83% 45.24% 39.67% 42.06% 40.61% 40.55%

District II

Cremation 62.98% 59.95% 56.33% 58.71% 52.60% 49.23% 46.58% 50.50% 46.70% 46.34%

Non-Cremation 37.02% 40.05% 43.67% 41.29% 47.40% 50.77% 53.42% 49.50% 53.30% 53.66%

District III

Cremation 46.46% 46.19% 43.03% 41.60% 40.11% 38.18% 37.50% 34.64% 29.63% 30.61%

Non-Cremation 53.54% 53.81% 56.97% 58.40% 59.89% 61.82% 62.50% 65.36% 70.37% 69.39%

District IV

Cremation 56.33% 55.28% 53.65% 51.45% 50.56% 47.39% 45.91% 43.14% 41.28% 39.86%

Non-Cremation 43.67% 44.72% 46.35% 48.55% 49.44% 52.61% 54.09% 56.86% 58.72% 60.14%

District V

Cremation 42.49% 40.70% 39.52% 38.88% 36.76% 34.17% 33.79% 31.00% 31.54% 29.77%

Non-Cremation 57.51% 59.30% 60.48% 61.12% 63.24% 65.83% 66.21% 69.00% 68.46% 70.23%

District VI

Cremation 30.74% 26.75% 27.52% 26.00% 23.85% 23.69% 21.45% 21.82% 21.89% 19.69%

Non-Cremation 69.26% 73.25% 72.48% 74.00% 76.15% 76.31% 78.55% 78.18% 78.11% 80.31%

District VII

Cremation 28.30% 24.13% 23.41% 23.89% 23.74% 21.70% 20.06% 19.54% 19.18% 18.42%

Non-Cremation 71.70% 75.87% 76.59% 76.11% 76.26% 78.30% 79.94% 80.46% 80.82% 81.58%

IDIDIDIDIDAHO CREMAAHO CREMAAHO CREMAAHO CREMAAHO CREMATION RATION RATION RATION RATION RATESTESTESTESTES 1997 - 20061997 - 20061997 - 20061997 - 20061997 - 2006

Source: Idaho Dept. of Health & Welfare, Bureau of Health Policy & Vital Statistics, via email Oct. 9, 2007

Below you will find the cremation rates for Idaho for 1997-2006. Please note that when a method of disposition was marked as “Removalfrom Idaho”, those were counted as non-cremation as we do not know what the final method was in the other states. I have also brokenthis down by area for further use as well.

FFFFFinal 2005 Statistics and Pinal 2005 Statistics and Pinal 2005 Statistics and Pinal 2005 Statistics and Pinal 2005 Statistics and Prrrrrojections to the Yojections to the Yojections to the Yojections to the Yojections to the Year 2025ear 2025ear 2025ear 2025ear 2025 2006 Preliminary Data

Source: Cremation Association of North America (http://www.cremationassociation.org/docs/CANA-Final06Prelim.pdf)

Year Idaho Crematories Idaho Cremations Idaho Deaths % of deaths cremated2000 39.65%2001 39.75%2004 20 4,518 10,028 45.05%2005 1 20 4,944 10,385 47.61%2006 2 20 5,297 10,703 49.49%2010 57.79% projected

1 Preliminary Final Statistics2 Preliminary Statistics


Our Sympathies to ~Our Sympathies to ~Our Sympathies to ~Our Sympathies to ~Our Sympathies to ~Dennis Haren, in the loss of his father,John “John “John “John “John “Jack” HarenJack” HarenJack” HarenJack” HarenJack” Haren, 69, on November 1, 2007

HAREN-WOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL (Payette, ID)

Heidi Heil and family in the loss of her brother-in-lawof 20 years, WWWWWalter Palter Palter Palter Palter Parkarkarkarkarkeeeee on November 9, 2007.

SERENITY FUNERAL CHAPEL (Twin Falls, ID)

John and Tom Buck, in the loss of their father,Edward BuckEdward BuckEdward BuckEdward BuckEdward Buck, on November 14, 2007

POTTER FUNERAL CHAPEL (Emmett, ID)

Welcome New EmployeesWelcome New EmployeesWelcome New EmployeesWelcome New EmployeesWelcome New Employees ~~~~~Alan EgbertAlan EgbertAlan EgbertAlan EgbertAlan Egbert, formerly of Thomason Funeral Home, is nowemployed at the HHHHHARENARENARENARENAREN-----WWWWWOODOODOODOODOOD F F F F FUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERAL C C C C CHAPELSHAPELSHAPELSHAPELSHAPELS (Ontario,Oregon and Payette, Idaho)

Brad SparrBrad SparrBrad SparrBrad SparrBrad Sparrowowowowow is returning to his hometown and joiningwith CCCCCOLONIALOLONIALOLONIALOLONIALOLONIAL F F F F FUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERAL H H H H HOMEOMEOMEOMEOME (Pocatello) this month. Heserved his apprenticeship here in Pocatello, attendedmortuary school at Cypress College and worked inCalifornia for nine years and Montana for four years. Bradcomes from a large, close-knit family and is excited to beclose to family again. We are pleased and honored to havehim on our staff, and are looking forward to a longworking relationship.

CCCCCOLONIALOLONIALOLONIALOLONIALOLONIAL F F F F FUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERAL H H H H HOMEOMEOMEOMEOME also welcomes CalebCalebCalebCalebCaleb BurkBurkBurkBurkBurkeeeee, anewly licensed MRT who grew up mainly in Pocatello,graduated from Snake River High School, and is planning toattend Mt. Hood Community College next fall. Caleb’smother is the service coordinator for Creekside Hospicehere in town. He is a very likable gentleman and is eager tolearn and progress in this industry.

Member News & HappeningsMember News & HappeningsMember News & HappeningsMember News & HappeningsMember News & Happenings ~~~~~Michael Bell would like to congratulate his wife,Sara BellSara BellSara BellSara BellSara Bell, on completing her schooling and passing the stateexam to become a funeral director.

BBBBBELLELLELLELLELL F F F F FUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERAL H H H H HOMEOMEOMEOMEOME (Boise, ID)WAY TO GO, SARA!

HHHHHARENARENARENARENAREN-----WWWWWOODOODOODOODOOD F F F F FUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERALUNERAL C C C C CHAPELHAPELHAPELHAPELHAPEL is hosting it’s 4th annualHoliday Memorial Program at both of their chapels onFriday, December 21, 2007. Payette’s chapel program willbe held at 4:00 pm and Ontario’s program will begin at 7pm. Both programs will consist of special holiday music, a

candle lighting ceremony, a tribute video with the names offamilies they have served over the past year and photo’s offamily members that have been provided by families andpersonalized Christmas tree ornaments.

LarrLarrLarrLarrLarry and Py and Py and Py and Py and Paula Whitakaula Whitakaula Whitakaula Whitakaula Whitakererererer celebrated their 50th WeddingAnniversary with a party and a trip to San Francisco, allprovided by their children.

THE DODGE COMPANY

Congratulations, Larry & Paula!

Employment Opportunities ~ Employment Opportunities ~ Employment Opportunities ~ Employment Opportunities ~ Employment Opportunities ~Licensed Morticians/Emblamers - PLicensed Morticians/Emblamers - PLicensed Morticians/Emblamers - PLicensed Morticians/Emblamers - PLicensed Morticians/Emblamers - Prrrrrovoovoovoovoovo, UT, UT, UT, UT, UT

Berg Mortuary is looking for licensed Funeral Directors/Embalmers who would like to work in beautiful Provo, Utah.We have two openings for full time staff. Excellent workingschedule, great people to work with. We are a privatelyowned firm. Benefits include: health insurance, dental, life,paid vacation, sick leave, attractive retirement plan andcompetitive wages.

Please call Berg Mortuary at (801) 373-1841 and ask for Todd,or fax resume to (801) 371-0110, or email to [email protected]

Welcome New Allied MemberWelcome New Allied MemberWelcome New Allied MemberWelcome New Allied MemberWelcome New Allied Member~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Matthews CremationMatthews CremationMatthews CremationMatthews CremationMatthews Cremation ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Matthews Cremation Division (MCD) is a global-leadingmanufacturer of new cremation equipment, service and repairof all cremator makes and models, caskets, urns, supplies, andmerchandising solutions for the death care industry.

At Matthews Cremation, enhancing our service and supportfor Idaho funeral homes, cemeteries & crematories is aprimary focus. With the addition of our Oregon ServiceCenter, we’ve drastically reduced shipment times and costs onall of the essential cremation supplies, parts and refractorymaterials our customers need. With certified technicians basedout of this location, we’ve been able to expedite service andrepair scheduling while also reducing these costs.

We are very excited to be a new Allied Member of the IFSA.We are looking forward to being active members, and toassisting members of the IFSA in any way we can.

Sincerely,

Guy EspositoGuy Esposito, Western Region Account ManagerService, Supplies, Accessories, Urns

Matthews Cremation Division 800.327.2831, x142 phweb: www.matthewscremation.com 407.886.9514 fax

P.S. Check out our "Did You Know" educational series forcontinuously updated industry news and information at:

www.matthewscremation.com/industry/matthewsUniversity.asp


AARP Magazine Attacks PrepaidFunerals

Source: ICCFA Wireless, Dec. 4, 2007

The current issue of AARP magazine(Jan-Feb 2008) contains a lengthyarticle criticizing prepaid funeralcontracts. “R.I.P. Off” initially focuseson the Clayton Smart scandals inTennessee and Michigan, butultimately urges readers not to prepayany funeral arrangements. “Both AARPand the Funeral Consumer Allianceadvise against pre-need contracts inmost cases.” AARP also invites readersto share their preneed funeralexperiences, good or bad, on itsmessage board. AARP states that it hasover 39 million members age 50 andolder. The article can be viewed onthe AARP Web site atwww.aarpmagazine.org/money/funeral_rip_off.html.

FTC Provides Funeral RuleOpinions Online

Source: ICCFA Wireless

The Federal Trade Commission hasrecently made available online itsnumerous staff advisory opinions inresponse to requests for interpretations ofthe Funeral Rule. These opinions date backto 1994 and include the nine most recentopinions issued during 2007. The opinionsare summarized in a listing and have linksto view and download the full text letters.Topics of inquiry have included whetherthe use of computerized displays of casketprices comply with the Rule’s casket pricelist requirement and whether funeralproviders may routinely charge a fee forthe refrigeration of bodies separate fromthe non-declinable basic service, amongmany others. The earliest opinion from1994 discusses the applicability of theFuneral Rule to a company that launchesremains into space.

The online resource provides an excellentway of staying current on new FuneralRule opinions. To view and download theopinions, check the FTC Web site atwww.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/funerals/staffopinions.shtm.

TheLighter Sideof Death by Paul Orlando

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“Geez, Hank. What IS that? Sushi?Get it out of here before I gag!”

Cremation, Resomation,What’s Next?

Source: NFDA Bulletin

According to experts, the demand forgreen funerals may increase as babyboomers start planning their funerals. Acompany from Scotland introduced a new,eco-friendly method of cremation calledresomation. In the resomation process, thecasket is submerged in water/chemicalmixture inside a pressurized steel chamber.The mixture is heated and the body tissuesare dissolved, leaving behind the bones.The company describes the process as “avery efficient, speeded up version ofnatural decomposition.” While it isreported that the initial cost of aresomator is quite high, when comparedwith a retort, operating costs are far less.This alternative to traditional cremationhas been in the news in recent weeksbecause Goodwin Funeral Home, an

NFDA-member firm in Manchester, N.H.,has received approval from the localplanning board to operate a resomator.

Click www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/FRONTPAGE/708270313 to read aboutGoodwin Funeral Home’s efforts to installa resomator and (see the following article)to learn more about the resomationprocess.

In case you missed it In case you missed it In case you missed it In case you missed it In case you missed it —————


The Real Ecological and Mercury-Free Alternative to Cremationand Burial

Source: www.resomation.com

What is ResomationTM?

ResomationTM is an environmentallyresponsible, non-burn, water basedprocess which sympathetically returnsthe body to its constituent elements. Itutilises and advances a naturallyoccuring alkaline hydrolysis reaction torapidly breakdown the body leavingbehind a pure white bio-ash which canbe returned to loved ones.

Alkaline Hydrolysis takes place in thenatural environment when bodies areburied in a shallow grave in the soil.Here, although the reaction is expeditedby soil bacteria, the process is slowtaking sometimes years to complete.ResomationTM greatly speeds up theprocess using an alkali/water mixtureand a temperature of around 170Celcius.

The process takes place in a machineknown as a ResomatorTM

What is left after the process?

After Resomation the body is brokendown into 2 constituents. The first ofthese is an innocuous liquid containingthe building blocks of life - amino acids,small peptides, sugars and salts. Thisliquid contains no DNA and has noanalytically detectable link to theoriginal body. The second constituent iswhat is known as bone 'shadows'. Thebone shadows are pure calciumphosphate and although they maintainthe structure of the bone they are verysoft and easily crushed into powder or'Bio-ash'. This Bio-ash can be returnedto relatives as in cremation.

Is ResomationTM a proven technology?

There are already two similar systemsinstalled in medical schools in the US,one of which is located in a veryprestigious clinic in Rochester,Minnesota. Between them they haveprocessed over one thousand bodies todate. Operators of the system are veryhappy with the performance of thetechnology. The question is not doesthe process work but rather do youwant it to work for you?

"Resoma" is Greek for "..rebirth of thehuman body "

Can Cremated Remains beLegally Scattered on U.S. ForestService Land?

Source: funeralwire.comMay 15th, 2007

17 years ago, Nancy Bowman of RapidCity, S.D., scattered the cremated remainsof her husband, Mert, at a spot in theBlack Hills National Forest that the couple- both artists - loved, the Rapid CityJournal reports. Little did she know, shewas violating local forest-service policy -just as many families do every year. If theyask, "I tell them, no, we don't allowhuman remains to be scattered on nationalforest land," Rick Hudson, the recreationand special use program manager for theBlack Hills National Forest, told theJournal. ?Mert was a hiker, climber andcaver. He just loved the Hills,? his widowtold the newspaper. He died at age 53 ofkidney failure in 1990.

Hudson said he doesn't recall anyonebeing prosecuted for scattering crematedremains. in the Black Hills National Forestin the 3 decades he has worked there. "Butif we discovered someone doing it, wewould take action," he said.

Forest Service workers recently stopped aMissoula, Mont., woman from spreadinghuman cremated remainds on public lands,the Journal reported. Fran Coover andtwo friends, through her "Ladies in White"

business, offered to hike into a wildernessarea, scatter a customer's crematedremains, hold a ceremony, take a photo ofthe site and record the GPS coordinates, sothat relatives and friends could return tothe scattering site. Her fee: $390. Federalofficials turned down her permit requestbecause it was a commercial venture;Coover has appealed the ruling. But thereare no nationwide regulations stipulatingwhether private citizens can scatteredcremated remains, the newspaper reports.In Montana, the Forest Service maintains a"don't ask, don't tell" approach to privatescattering, the paper says.

Rapid City funeral director Ken Kirkestimates that 40 percent of all deaths inPennington County, S.D., now involvecremation rather than earth burial orabove-ground entombment. TheCremation Association of North Americapredicts that 51% of all deaths will involvecremation by 2025, which meansscattering questions will only becomemore common, Kirk said. Kirk FuneralHome hosts two cremation seminars eachyear, and they are always well attended,the Journal reports. Kirk tells clients whatrules and guidelines are on the booksabout scattering on public land, but alsonotes that "cremation renders the bodytotally harmless as far as the spreading ofany disease," the newspaper reports. "I feellike I've done my job that way. Beyondthat, it's the family's business."


Dec. 25—Tuesday ..................... CHRISTMAS DAY

Jan. 1—Tuesday ......................... NEW YEAR’S DAY

Jan. 15,16—Tues, Wed .............. Idaho State Board of Morticians Board Meeting

Jan. 17Jan. 17Jan. 17Jan. 17Jan. 17—Thursday—Thursday—Thursday—Thursday—Thursday ............................................................................................... IFIFIFIFIFSSSSSA Board of TA Board of TA Board of TA Board of TA Board of Trustees Meetingrustees Meetingrustees Meetingrustees Meetingrustees Meeting ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. DoubleTDoubleTDoubleTDoubleTDoubleTree Hotel, Boise, IDree Hotel, Boise, IDree Hotel, Boise, IDree Hotel, Boise, IDree Hotel, Boise, ID

Jan. 21—Monday ...................... MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

Feb. 2—Saturday ....................... Groundhog’s Day

Feb. 14—Thursday .................... Valentine’s Day

Feb. 18—Monday ..................... WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY

Feb. 29—Friday ........................ Leap Year day

Mar. 17—Monday ..................... St. Patrick’s Day

Mar. 23—Sunday ...................... EASTER SUNDAY

May 5—Monday ...................... Cindo de Mayo

May 11—Sunday ....................... Mother’s Day

May 26—Monday .................... MEMORIAL DAY

June 15—Sunday ....................... Father’s Day

June 29June 29June 29June 29June 29—Sunday—Sunday—Sunday—Sunday—Sunday ......................................................................................................... IFIFIFIFIFSSSSSA Board of TA Board of TA Board of TA Board of TA Board of Trustees Meetingrustees Meetingrustees Meetingrustees Meetingrustees Meeting ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Whitetail Club Whitetail Club Whitetail Club Whitetail Club Whitetail Club & R& R& R& R& Resort, McCall, IDesort, McCall, IDesort, McCall, IDesort, McCall, IDesort, McCall, ID

June 29June 29June 29June 29June 29—————July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 July 1 (Sun--Tues) ....... IFIFIFIFIFSSSSSA 2008 Annual ConventionA 2008 Annual ConventionA 2008 Annual ConventionA 2008 Annual ConventionA 2008 Annual Convention ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Whitetail Club & RWhitetail Club & RWhitetail Club & RWhitetail Club & RWhitetail Club & Resort, McCall, IDesort, McCall, IDesort, McCall, IDesort, McCall, IDesort, McCall, ID

July 4—Friday ........................... INDEPENDENCE DAY

( Please let IFSA know of your District events or anything you’d like added to the calendar )

Be ye naughtyor be ye nice

Count yer blessings,count ‘em thrice!

Count ‘em morning,noon and night

If ye be grateful,ye be all right!

2007 4th quarter page 1 2007 4th qtr. newsletter - ifsa · 2008. 9. 12. · 2007 4th quarter page 5...

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