june 2020 the undertakings - issue 2 · postal mailbox 380 / 7956 vaughn road physical address / 7...

June 2020 - Issue 2 The Undertakings

Inside This Issue

Article Page

AFDA Mission Statement

“That the Alabama Funeral Director’s Association encourage

and promote only the highest of professional standards for men

and women engaged in the funeral service profession; strive to

provide continuing educational forums for exchange, development and

dissemination of knowledge and information beneficial to its members and

the public; and cooperate with other organizations, public and private to

achieve our mission.”

The President Writes................Page 3FYI................................................Page 4Denise's Soapbox........................Page 52019-2020 AFDA Board of

Directors.........................Page 6Committee Appointments.........Page 7AFDA Trust Board

Committee......................Page 8

In Memorium.............................2Risk Manager

Important Stuff.........................Page 14Federate Insurance Q&A.........Page 15AFDA Trust Report.................Page 19Notice from VA........................Page 19It's Your Life..............................Page 20Stan Clemons..............................Page 21Danny Otts.................................Page 23AFDA Convention Letter........Page 25Registration Form-AFDA

Convention...................Page 27

ADFA Advertising Rates2019/2020....................Page 34

Convention Brochure..............Page 31

Nominating CommitteeReport..............................Page 9

Responsibilities.............Page 13

The Undertakings - June 2020


The President Writes ...

Kendall Glover, CFSP

AFDA President / 2019—2020

Due to these circumstances your AFDA Board faced decisions regarding our annual

convention of either postponement or cancellation. With so many unknowns even today, the

Board felt we had limited options and made the decision to postpone the convention until

Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, 2020. I pray that as we move toward that date each of

you will make plans to attend.

As we continue moving forward with our lives and service to our communities I pray for you

and your family for Blessings and Safety in the coming days. Thank you for allowing me to

serve you!

Kendall Glover

President.

As I sit here writing to you, I am thinking about

what has taken place since our AFDA Mid-

Winter meetings in January. The COVID-19

pandemic was not something we thought about

at that time. These past three months we have

seen our lives change as never before with

shelter in place, no church, no sports, etc.


ASI has closed their Post Office Box, effective immediately. Below is the

address to send all future correspondence.

Administrative Systems, Inc.3380 Tremont Road

Suite 200Columbus, Ohio 43221

Phone: 1-800-486-1531Fax: 1-800-469-0702

WE RESTORE SIGHT THANKS

TO YOU!

I’M BACK TO PAINTING AND CREATING. I’m back to doing things that make me happy. My cornea donor’s selfless gift means everything to me and my family.

-Kim, wife to Rodney, mom of 6girls, artist, cornea transplantrecipient

The Undertakings - June 2020Denise’s Soapbox ...

Denise Edmisten, CCO

AFDA Executive Director

-Denise

We Hurt Too

directors deal with death on a daily basis that they are immune to the emotions and pain brought about by the loss of a loved one or close friend. It’s just a ordinary part of an ordinary day. My recent observation showed me that’s not the case.

I was visiting a close friend who is a funeral home owner and director. She stays busy, very busy. Many times while at her home I’ve seen her leave a family gathering, dress professionally, grab her keys and head out to meet a family or conduct a service, appearing to be just like an 8 to 5 job.

This particular day she was enjoying the Spring weather, grandchildren,friends and family. Coffee was abundant - it was a pajama type day. Her

Funeral professionals are surrounded by death, they’re taught about death in mortuary school, they dress the bodies of deceased, reconstruct and make presentable decedents for family viewing. Meeting with grieving families, consoling, advising and guiding them as loved ones travel through the “valley of the shadow of death.” Death, the cessation of life, is a part of the lives of the funeral profession.

One would think that because funeral

phone rang, she answered and her face turned pale. The “Oh-NO” that I’ve heard and said many times was spoken. Her hand, fingers opened covered her face as she bowed her head and her shoulders began to shake as she sobbed, unashamedly, she sobbed.

Pacing the floor was next with the questions of “how” “why” “when” sprinkled with an occasional “ I just can’t believe this.” I saw pain, I heard despair and unbelief.

My friend had been told of the unexpected death of a long time close friend. There was no preparation, there was no apparent illness that would have caused this sudden friend’s demise.

After a while the tears subsided. She sat quietly. You could see the aura of shock fading as she began to absorb the reality of what she’d been told. You could see the hurt!

I have an intense respect for the funeral profession. I have been on “this” side of the desks many times in the deaths of a husband, parents and affecting me most deeply, the death of my daughter. The love, compassion and care with which I was treated in each case made me know you are God called to be a funeral director, it is a ministry. Even with the deep respect that I have for each of you and what you do I, too, thought it was “your job”. I now realize that YOU HURT TOO.

The Undertakings- June 2020

AFDA Executive Officers

Kendall Glover, CFSP _______________ President Glover Funeral Home

1468 Hartford Highway Post Office Box 888 Dothan, AL 36301

334-699-3888E-Mail: [email protected]

Spouse: Caroline Glover

Buffy Johnston, CFSP _______________ President-Elect Mobile Memorial Gardens

6040 Three Notch Road Mobile, AL 36619


Vacant ___________________________ Vice President

Timothy “Tim” H. McRae, CFSP ______ Secretary Treasurer

McRae Funeral Home Post Office Box 784

Boaz, AL 35957 256-593-2233

E-Mail: [email protected]: Melissa McRae

Heath O. Bowen, CFSP ______________ Immediate Past President

Johns-Ridout’s Funeral Parlors 2116 University Boulevard Birmingham, AL 35233


Spouse: JoAnne Bowen

Geoff L. Halbrooks _________________ Policy Board Representative

Peck Funeral Home 1600 Highway 31 Southwest

Hartselle, AL 35640 256-773-2541

E-Mail: [email protected]: Lisa Halbrooks

District Directors & AFDA Staff

Jason R. Wyatt _____________________ Director District 1 (2021)

Norwood-Wyatt Chapel Funeral Home 707 North Temple / Post Office Box 207

Fayette, Alabama 35555 205-932-6702

E-Mail: [email protected]: Stephanie Wyatt

Chris Martin, CFSP, CPC, CCO ________ Director District 2 (2020)

Spry Funeral Home Huntsville 2411 Memorial Parkway, NW

Huntsville, AL 35810 256-759-0226

E-Mail: [email protected]: Belinda Martin

William “Bill” T. Clark _______________ Director District 3 (2021)

Serenity Funeral Home Post Office Drawer 190009

Mobile, AL 36582 251-653-4781

E-Mail: [email protected]: Kathy Clark

JoEllen Gray Pritchard _______________ Director District 4 (2020)

Gray Funeral Home 110 Martin Luther King Boulevard, N

Post Office Box 427 Union Springs, AL 36089


Denise Edmisten ___________________ Executive Director

Alabama Funeral Directors Association Postal Mailbox 380 / 7956 Vaughn Road

Physical Address / 7 Clayton Street Montgomery, AL 36116

334-956-8000 - Office / 334-956-8001 - FAXE-Mail: [email protected]

2019—2020 AFDA Board of Directors


BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE

Tim McRae, CFSP * ................................. 256-593-2233 Buffy Johnston, CFSP ** .......................... 251-667-7700 Mark Dryden ........................................... 256-463-2287 Bart Kirtland .............................................. 256-878-2424 Mike Morrison, CFSP ................................ 256-383-7311 Jimmy O’Bryant, Jr. ................................... 334-636-4456

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Dr. Bill Counce * ........................................ 205-915-2771

FUNERAL TRUST OF ALABAMA

Geoff Halbrooks, CCO * ............................ 256-773-2541 Mark Bement, CFSP .................................... 256-352-3130 Heath Bowen, CFSP .................................... 205-251-5254 Mark Craddock, CFSP ................................. 251-866-7487 Hunter Hobson ........................................... 334-222-4567 Buffy Johnston, CFSP ............................... 251-667-7700 Tim McRae, CFSP ..................................... 256-593-2233 Rev. Calvin Meadows, CFSP ..................... 205-665-1106 Carrel Ann Spears ...................................... 334-493-2506

GIFT OF LIFE / DONATION

Randy Anderson, CFSP, CCO *................. 256-234-2511 Hunter Hobson .......................................... 334-222-9567 Terry Sorrells ............................................... 334-886-7777 Jared Stanton ............................................. 256-734-0208

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Mark Craddock, CFSP * ............................. 251-866-7487 Doug Williams** ........................................ 256-734-0208 David Benefield ......................................... 256-396-2888 Dr. Bill Counce .......................................... 205-915-2771 Rev. Calvin Meadows, CFSP..................... 205-665-1106 Carrel Ann Spears ...................................... 334-493-2506 Jeremy Wade ............................................. 334-272-6501

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Buffy Johnston, CFSP * ............................ 251-667-7700 Chris Grimsley ........................................ 334-298-8728 Danah Minges ......................................... 205-752-0826 Mike Perry .............................................. 256-362-2344

Mike Sartin ................................................ 256-574-3965

ORGAN DONATION AD HOC COMMITTEEE

Dr. Bill Counce *. ...................................... 205-915-2771 Richard Clark ............................................ 205-477-4888 Jared Stanton ............................................ 256-734-0208

OUTSTANDING SERVICE COMMITTEE

Koven Brown, CFSP * (Emeritus) ......... 256-435-7042 Luther Watts * ............................................ 205-648-6611 Steve Bradford ........................................... 256-974-0685 Benjie Hughes, CFSP ............................... 251-621-5890

PARLIMENTARY PROCEDURES

Mitch Boles * (AFDA Counsel) ................. 205-994-5538

RESOLUTIONS / CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS COMMITTEE

Doug Williams * ....................................... 256-734-0208 Mark Craddock, CFSP............................... 251-866-7478 Geoff Halbrooks, CCO ............................. 256-773-2541 Chris Martin, CFSP, CPC, CCO .................. 256-759-0226 Jimmy O’Bryant, Jr., CFSP, CCO ............. 334-636-4456 John Purdy, CFSP .................................... 256-534-2471

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

Whit Miles, CFSP * (Emeritus) ................. 205-487-6405 Benjie Hughes, CFSP ............................... 251-621-5890 Mike Sartin ................................................ 256-574-3965

SMORT – EMERGENCY & DISASTER COMMITTEE

Doug Williams * (Commander) ............... 256-734-0208 Heath Bowen CFSP ** .............................. 205-251-5254 Geoff Halbrooks, CCO .............................. 256-773-2541 Buffy Johnston, CFSP ............................... 251-667-7770 Chris Martin, CFSP, CPC, CCO................ 256-759-0226 Jeremy Wade ............................................. 334-272-6501

AFDA ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Denise Edmisten, CCO, Executive Director 334-956-8000 / Phone334-956-8001 / FAX

[email protected]

President Kendall Glover, CFSP has appointed the following members to serve on

AFDA committees during the 2019-2020 Association Year.

Thank you for your willingness to serve!

Your support and cooperation are appreciated.

Chairpersons and Committee Members * Designates Chairperson or ** Co-Chairpersons

Ex-Officio – President Serves On All Committees


AFDA Executive Committee Members

Geoff Halbrooks – Chairman

Peck Funeral Home

Post Office Box 427

Hartselle, AL 35640

Office: 356-773-2541

Email: [email protected]

Kendall Glover, CFSP – President

Glover Funeral Home

Post Office Box 888

Dothan, AL 36301

Office: 334-699-3888


Buffy Johnston, CFSP – President-Elect**

Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home

6040 Three Notch Road

Mobile, AL 36619

Office: 251-661-7700


Vice President – Vacant

Tim McRae, CFSP – Secretary/Treasurer

McRae Funeral Home

Post Office Box 784

Boaz, AL 35957

Office: 256-593-2233


Heath Bowen, CFSP – Immediate Past President**

Johns-Ridout’s Funeral Parlors

2116 University Boulevard

Birmingham, AL 35233

Office: 251-5254


Trust Participant Board Members

Mark N. Craddock, CFSP – Term Expires – 2020

Freeman Funeral Home

Post Office Box 247

Citronelle, AL 36522

Office: 251-866-7487


Hunter Hobson – Term Expires – 2021

Foreman Brown-Service Funeral Home

Post Office Box 427

Andalusia, AL 36420

Office: 334-222-4567


Mark Bement, CFSP – Term Expires – 2022

Hanceville Funeral Home

100 Michelle Street, NW

Hanceville, AL 35077

Office: 256-259-6430


Rev. Calvin Meadows, CFSP – Term Expires - 2023

The Good Shepard Funeral Home

Post Office Box 475

Montevallo, AL 35115

Office: 205-665-1106


Carrel Ann Spears - Term Expires - 2024

Wyatt Funeral Home

Post Office Box 875

Opp, AL 36467

Office: 334-493-2506


Alabama Funeral Directors Association

Trust Board Committee

2019-2020

** Non-Voting Member


The Nominating Committee for the slate of officers (2020-2021) met via conference call May 14, 2020

The following nominees are offered for election to office at the annual membership

meeting of the AFDA, September 6, 2020.

Secretary-Treasurer: Jason Wyatt

Vice President: Tim McRae, CFSP

President-Elect: Buffy Johnston, CFSP

President: Kendall Glover, CFSP

Immediate Past President: Heath Bowen, CFSP

Other nominations except for President may be received by the Nominating Committee until 30 days before the annual meeting (August 6, 2020). After that members may make

nominations from the floor until 15 days before the annual meeting (August 17, 2020). If any nominations from the floor are made, an additional report shall be mailed to the membership

10 days prior to the annual meeting (August 24, 2020).

By-laws “Election shall be by ballot and a majority of the vote cast shall elect, except the President-Elect who shall automatically move to the office of the President and the President

shall automatically move to the office of Immediate Past President.”

Nominating committee: Heath Bowen, CFSP, Chair, Amy Justice, Jimmy Stewart, Benjie Hughes, CFSP

ALABAMA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

7956 Vaughn Road, PMB 380 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36116

PHONE: (334) 956-8000 * FAX (334) 956-8001

Nominating Committee Report May 14, 2020

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


July 3, 2020AFDA Office Closed in

observance of Independence Day

August 2 - 5, 2020 Leadership Conference

Charleston, SC

September 4 - 7, 2020 134th Mid-Summer

AFDA Annual Convention

Pint Clear, AL

September 7, 2020 Labor Day

AFDA Office Closed

October 12, 2020 Columbus Day

AFDA Office Closed

October 18 - 21, 2020 NFDA National Meeting

New Orleans, LA

November 11, 2020Veteran's Day

AFDA Office Closed

November 26 - 27, 2020Thanksgiving HolidayAFDA Office Closed

December 24 - 25, 2020Christmas Holiday

AFDA Office Closed

~ Disclaimer ~

The Undertakings is published as a membership service of the Alabama Funeral Directors Association (AFDA), Inc.

Portions of this newsletter are taken from other sources which we believe to be reliable. However, The Undertakings is not meant to provide a complete authoritative statement on the subjects discussed. The services of an attorney, accountant, or other professional should be sought in legal, tax, and compliance matters.

Copyright © 2016—Alabama Funeral Directors Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission of the published.

The appearance, reference or advertisement of any product(s) or service(s) in this publication shall not be deemed an

endorsement of such product or services by the AFDA unless specifically stated. ⬧ ⬧ ⬧ ⬧ ⬧ ⬧

CALENDAR OF EVENTS


Should family and friends so desire, expressions of sympathy may be made to the association’s

scholarship fund, the

J. Whit Miles, CFSP Scholarship FundC/O Alabama Funeral Directors Association Postal

Mail Box 380 / 7956 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116

Please be certain to indicate to whom acknowledgements should be sent and include

the appropriate address.

In Memoriam

Celebrating The Lives of Our AFDA Members, Family Members & Friends

*William S. 'Bill' PerryUsrey Funeral HomeTalladega, Alabama

April 28, 2020

*Maxie SearcySearcy Funeral HomeEnterprise, Alabama

May 1, 2020

Hugh D. 'Toby' MillerMiller Funeral Home

Oxford, AlabamaApril 28, 2020

*AFDA Past President


Risk Manager Responsibilities As a business owner, you’ve probably noticed that anticipating risk and preventing accidents has a positive impact on your daily operations, your employees’ morale, and your bottom line. You’ve also probably noticed that the job is bigger than it first appears. To make sure the job is done — and done right — many business owners delegate the responsibility to a risk manager. What the risk manager’s role looks like varies. Some businesses choose to add the responsibilities to an existing employee or manager’s duties, while others create a new role that focuses solely on risk management. Whichever model you decide to follow, a risk manager’s job should include some basic characteristics:

Risk Identification. Risks come in many forms — safety hazards, hiring and human resources practices, and regulatory compliance, just to name a few. A risk manager’s primary focus is the detection and mitigation of such risks, which could cause property loss or damage, injury, death, or legal liability. Key in that process is producing a plan for identifying and remedying potentially hazardous conditions and situations. The plan, and the risk manager who creates it, need to be flexible, allowing for the changing needs of the business, employees, and environment.

Performance Measurement. This is where a risk manager proves his or her value to a business. By recording figures related to damage, property loss, and other factors, a risk manager can illustrate the effectiveness of a risk management plan. The facts gathered also feed into risk identification, acting as a guide for further development of the plan.

Documenting the results of a company’s risk management plan also reveals other helpful information — like the hidden costs of a loss — that demonstrates the importance of emphasizing safety on the job. A thorough set of measurements can help avoid financial losses, but can also increase efficiency, by creating a proactive environment in which operations run smoothly and losses are avoided.

Management Communication. To be truly effective, a risk manager must have the full support of the decision makers. This includes a direct line of communication for sharing information with members of senior management. While data that affects a business’s financial performance should be the key element in any report, it’s important to not forget the human side of a loss. Preventing injuries, illnesses, and deaths is a compelling reason to improve workplace safety.

A risk manager is an important part of a high-functioning business. The role requires care, organization, and planning. It also requires passion, confidence, and the energy to take control of a business’s risk management culture. The right person will recognize the importance of designing and following through on a comprehensive risk management plan, helping protect the business’s people and bottom line.

This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The

information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances. © 2020 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.


~ Funeral Trust of Alabama ~

Have Questions? Need Supplies? Need

Semi-Annual Or Annual Report?

Do Yourself A Favor …

Call Administrative Systems, Inc. (ASI)

Directly At 1-800-486-1531

Or Visit ASI’s Website -

www.funeraltrustofalabama.net

NFDA HOUSING - NFDA EXPO – OCTOBER 2020

The suggested hotels for the October NFDA Convention have not yet been released.

It may be June 1, 2020 before they are.

Please plan to make your own reservations as I will

not be getting a large block of rooms this year.

Thank you


continued on Page 16...


WHAT CANORGAN DONATIONMAKE POSSIBLE?FIRST DANCES AND SO MUCH MORE!Kidney recipient, George Smith is able to dance, laugh and share the important moments with his family and friends because someone said “yes” to organ, eye and tissue donation.

Visit LegacyofHope.org for more information.


Administrative Systems, Inc. *

Alabama Eye Bank *

Astral Industries, Inc. *

Ambulance & Coach Sales

American Benefit Life insurance Co.

AnswerTel of Athens, Inc. *

Atlantic Coast Life Insurance *

Bass-Mollett Publishers*

Brown-Service Funeral Homes, Inc. *

Crescent Memorial

Covington Casket *

Federated Insurance *

Funeral Services, Inc.*

Funeral Trust of Alabama *

Heritage Memorial Funding *

Jefferson State Community College *

Matthews / Aurora Funeral Solutions *

Messenger *

Music City Mortuary *

Perkins Financial, LLC *

Physicians Mutual Benefit Company*

Service Casket Company *

Shields Southeast Sales *

The 770 Group at UBS *

TriHaz Solutions*

Truitt Insurance & Bonding Company *

UBS Financial Services

Bold / Indicates Preferred Provider

* / Indicates AFDA Associate Member

~ AFDA Associate Members & Preferred Providers ~

We Are Proud To Have You On Team AFDA!

AFDA Scholarship Information

The Alabama Funeral Directions Association is committed to

excellence in funeral service education. Two AFDA $1,000.00

scholarships ($500.00 per semester) will be awarded to

qualified students whose plans are to complete their education in

an accredited mortuary science school and service the

public in their choice profession in the State of

Alabama.

All scholarship applicants must be sponsored by an

active member of the AFDA. All scholarships will be

awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship

Committee of the AFDA. Awards will be based on

application information, academic record and evaluation. The

decision of the Scholarship Committee will be final. Should

there be no applicants or if the applications do not meet the

standards set by the committee, the committee reserves the right

not to make the award. All awards will be made prior to the

beginning of a full semester.

The student and the school will be notified by mail of the

award. Upon proper invoices from the accredited school, the

funds will be paid directly to the school on a pro-rata basis until

the award is exhausted. The scholarship award is to be used

exclusively for the payment of tuition of mortuary science

classes, and textbooks necessary for the mortuary classes. If for

any reason a recipient should drop a mortuary science required

class o r discontinue their education in the field of mortuary

science, the unused portion will remain in the AFDA

Scholarship Fund.

For a scholarship application, please go to:

http://www.alabamafda.org/Portals/0/PDF/

Scholarship%20Application%203.pdf

Even though you personally may not be in need of

scholarship assistance, remember there are plenty of

aspiring funeral service practitioners in Alabama that

could use a little help. Give them a heads up and

s h ar e in f o r mation regarding the availability of the AFDA

Scholarship. The application process is painless!

Submission Deadline For Next Award

August 01, 2020


Perhaps We Can Help …

As you know, the Alabama Funeral Directors Association initiated a new member service a while

back, one we feel you will come to appreciate over time. Admittedly, you may not need to avail

yourself of our placement service at this time, but should the need arise in the future, remember us.

Specifically, AFDA member firms in need of a funeral professional or support staff should e-mail

their position information to Denise at [email protected]. Likewise, licensees or support

staff need only to forward their respective resumes to Denise.

Of importance is the fact that all information will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Information will be submitted to

potential employers only upon your written authorization.

Files will be kept on file for 90 days, but the time limit may be extended as appropriate. Should a position be filled or

employment achieved, the association office should be notified accordingly; not only as a courtesy, but also so that

Denise will not assume that the position is still open or an potential employee is available.

Lindley and Lindley Funeral Supply

One call, that’s all!

601-946-3430 • 601-946-3818


Geoff Halbroooks, Chairman Welcome to 2020!

Wow, what a roller coaster ride we have been on! It would seem that that this whole entire year has been riddled with turmoil! Covid 19 has completely changed our lives and has affected our economy and the stock market in a very bad way! I am happy to say that the FTA is only down around 5 percent. This means that we have weathered the storm well. Just another example of how your pre-need money is taken care of. The Funeral Trust of Alabama Board and its’ associates have been hard at work for you!

If you are not taking advantage of the Member Benefit Fund and you have full-filled some contracts, you may have suffered a loss. These events, the down turn of the stock market, is exactly why we have the Member Benefit Fund. You need to be participating!

Annual renewals are in the process now and we are working with ALDOI to get your renewal information. You may have received a letter requesting an Annual Trust Statement and that the department must have it within 10 days. You can disregard this letter and simply use the semi-annual reports. There will be a requirement in 2021, unless we can get something worked out with ALDOI. Please know that we are engaged daily with those folks and that we have you best interest at heart.

If you have any questions or if you would love to find out about how to join the Member Benefit Fund, give me a call.

Hope to see everyone in September at the Point!!

Geoff Halbrooks


Key Points of Income Protection

In today’s world, business owners have more on their plates than ever before. Balancing customer, supplier, and employee demands with personal and family commitments can be a challenge. As long as you have the ability to go into work each day and earn a living, you are able to provide for your employees and family. However, what would happen if you became sick or injured and could no longer work? How would you ensure a continued stream of income and support your family while keeping your business running?

Without a plan to protect your income, you may be putting the future of your business and family in jeopardy. While May is known for warmer weather and Mother’s Day, it is also Disability Insurance Awareness Month. A disability insurance policy can offer peace of mind by providing monthly income if you are unable to work due to an injury or illness. When choosing a policy to protect your income, there are several key characteristics to consider.

One of the most important features of a disability policy is the definition of disability. Some products are based on the individual’s inability to work at their specific occupation, and some are based on the inability to work at any occupation for which the individual is reasonably qualified. Generally, a policy that bases the disability benefit on whether you can perform your regular “own” occupation is preferable to one that uses an “any” occupation definition. Here are some other key things to look for:

• Renewability — Can the insurance company change the premium or benefits after the policy is in force? A “non-cancelable” policy guarantees the insurer cannot modify the policy in the future.

• Rehabilitation Benefit — Occupational training may be provided to help an insured return to work in their own occupation or one for which they are reasonably suited.

• Partial Disability — What happens if the insured can still work part time? The ability to work limited hours and still receive a benefit can be desirable.

• Additional Benefits — Disability policies can also offer custom riders that can expand or improve the existing benefits.

Help protect your most valuable asset — the ability to earn an income. Contact your local Federated representative to discuss ways Federated can help you address the catastrophic impact of a disability.


Stan Clemons An Alabama Funeral Director Who’s Not Standing Outside the Fire

In 1993 Country star, Garth Brooks co-wrote and recorded “Standing Outside the Fire” one line being “But you’ve got to be tough when consumed by desire, ‘Cause it’s not enough just to stand outside the fire.”

Stan Clemons felt consumed by the need to serve recently going to New York City to aid in transport and removal of Covid-19 decedents.

Stan is a licensed funeral director who works with Roselawn Funeral Home, Decatur and Valhalla Funeral Home in Huntsville. He became intrigued by the funeral profession while still in high school in Huntsville and went into the DO high school program there.

An email was sent out to funeral directors across the state – one of many calls for assistance in New York City not only from Alabama but from across the nation. Stan felt the tug at his heart strings. His wife, Jill, had concerns for his safety but the call was too strong.

Stan packed and left for New York City at 2 p.m. by 3 p.m. immediately after landing he was sent on his first removal, he stepped right into the fire. He said being from Alabama he didn’t know what to expect, would he be stereotyped as an outsider? Stan says nothing could be further from the truth, he was immediately accepted and made feel welcome, a humbling experience.

The first day he arrived 157 bodies were waiting to be picked up and it continued in that range until the day he left to return to Alabama.

When Stan arrived at the Care Center hospital he found trailers that had been positioned there for more than two weeks and each contained removals that had been there that long. Each was identified only by a number.

Families in search of their loved ones remains would arrive at the Care Center, present the loved ones’ identification number and the search through the body bags would begin. The mental fatigue was a problem after seeing families leave with their retrievals to go straight to the funeral homes and in some cases straight to the cemeteries.

continued on Page 22...


Stan recalls one instance where he was called to go to a home to make the removal of a daughter, he reports that before he got to the door the mother of the home had also died and two days later he was called back to the same house as the father in the home had also succumbed to the virus.

Some nights Stan says he’d go back to his hotel, sit down and just cry for the families who’d lost so much. “We deal with tornado deaths and things of nature in the South, but never in my thirty-one years of funeral service have I experienced anything like this,” Stan said.

Once Stan returned to Alabama he had to quarantine, away from family and friends. His temperature was checked three times a day to check for any fever. This was mentally exhausting as well.

The folks in his hometown have called him a ‘hero”. Stan answered that he was simply doing what had to be done. “The heroes are the ones in New York that are still fighting this disease.”

When asked what he would say to his fellow funeral professionals Stan answered, “This is what we train and went to school for, this is what we do. There’s no one else to do what we do. A doctor is a doctor and a nurse is a nurse. We take care of the dead.

In America we always extend helping hand, you never know when you, yourself, may need help. I’d like to thank all the funeral homes in Alabama that reached out to me and my manager in support of what they allowed me to do. And thank you to all those who prayed for me while there.”

Thank you, Stan, you are model for the profession and we are so glad that you didn’t “stand outside the fire.” Welcome home.


Danny riding Oreo

When Danny Otts is not at work you’ll find him with the horses. Danny Otts, Owner/manager of Otts Funeral, Sulligent for 33 years. His funeral home was a start up business after he worked in funeral homes since the age of 17. Danny said it wasn’t his intention to go into the funeral profession, he’d worked at putting up tents and transporting flowers, however, he received “the call”. Danny, like so many others, acknowledges that the funeral profession is indeed a calling. “If you weren't called, then I don’t know how you stay in this demanding

Choosing not to do rodeos Danny, his Dad and brother chose instead to show horses locally and won many awards. At the present time Danny has six horses, one Tennessee Walking horse and the other racking horses. If you’ve never watched a racking horse at work, it is amazing at the speed with which the horse maneuvers.

Danny’s love for horses was pretty much a family thing. He grew up on his

Danny, age 10, riding Fancy. Horse standing beside Fancy is called

Ginger. (above)

Danny Otts riding Miss Kitty One

business,” Danny said. He, at the age of 7, got his first Shetland pony, Ginger and then he graduated to a larger Welsh pony, Fancy. Both were kid friendly and would let a rider feel safe and have fun, on horseback.

Danny riding Miss Kitty One with Leogh Anne Walker riding

Miss Kitty Two (below)

grandfather’s large cotton and soybean farm. There were plenty of horses and mul es, it was a way of life with most of his immediate family. Danny has five grandchildren, three of them ride. Danny enjoyed riding with his Dad who participated in trail rides until he was 80 years of age. Danny’s Dad died at the age of 84 and Danny misses his riding partner. His favorite place to ride is Hodges Equestrian Park in Hodges, Alabama and the prettiest trail is Big South Fork located near Oneida, TN. There is a big horse facility and you are riding in the Cumberland Mountains. Danny says you’ve got to be conditioned for long rides. His longest has been about 20

miles. “It’s great stress management, you can get anywhere on the back of a horse,” Danny said. For Danny riding is a getaway from the business and an escape that he enjoys, his

his favorite hobby. He fishes and has a boat, but horses are the best. Danny’s words of wisdom for fellow funeral directors is to encourage anyone to have an escape, if not some like horseback riding, something that you enjoy and gives you stress release. Giddy-up, Danny, enjoy your beauties

Danny Riding Rusty

Anna Otts riding Miss Kitty Two

Danny (Miss Kitty One) riding with

Keeton Otts (Rusty) on the left and Cameron Otts

(Miss Kitty Two) on the right


ALABAMA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION, INC. PMB 380, 7956 Vaughn Road

334-956-8000

Montgomery, Alabama 36116

TO:

FROM:

All AFDA Members

Tim McRae, CFSP Secretary/Treasurer

SUBJECT:

DATE:

2020 AFDA Convention Registration & Hotel Reservations

June 1, 2020

As a member of the Alabama Funeral Directors Association’s (AFDA’s) Executive Committee, it gives me great pleasure to extend an invitation to you to join your colleagues at the association’s 134th Annual Convention,

In Grand Style which will convene 2020 at The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, Point Clear, Alabama. At this juncture, AFDA members and guests will learn, play and relax, not to mention rekindle long-standing friendships and make new ones.

Registration Forms. Attached for your consideration is a convention registration packet which outlines everything you need to know about convention and the activities which have been planned with you in mind.

When it comes to completing your registration form, please remember that it is extremely important that you complete the form in its entirety and that you forward it to Denise Edmisten no later than August 24, 2020 so that proper arrangements may be made on your behalf. The Grand has very specific timing requirements for submitting accurate counts. Please include your check or credit card payment in the amount of $475.00 for each registered. Wrist bands will once again serve as your entrance ticket to all events. Additional event movie style tickets may only be purchased by registered convention attendees for member guests who must be preregistered for the specific event(s). Saturday and Sunday night dinner tickets are available at $85 each. Note, this only covers the cost of the meal charge paid by the AFDA.

Children’s Participation. All children planning to attend convention events must be registered on the form so arrangements may be made to include them in age-appropriate scheduled activities.

Children’s meals up to 12 years of age are $75 total for Saturday and Sunday evenings. 13 years and older must register at the adult fee.

Children’s camp is offered to ALL hotel guest. You must register your child(ren) with the Grand Hotel in advance to reserve a place each night ($60 per child per night). When the hotel’s camp is full—it’s full, no exceptions. You will be responsible for your own child’s care.

Children may dine at the kid’s buffet on Saturday evening and stay with the parents, if you wish, for the BINGO event. $ 30 per child per meal.

URGENT: The AFDA cannot offer childcare for Sunday evening’s banquet. You must make arrangements for childcare through the hotel’s camp or on your own.

Over, please.


AFDA Convention Room Block. You are responsible for making your own room reservations. In order to do so, please call Marriott Reservations at 1-800-544-9933 and ask to be included in the AFDA room block or go to www.grand1847.com and go “Accommodations”. Click on “Accommodations”. Scroll down to “Start Planning Your Stay” and enter the dates as appropriate. Click on “Find Rates.” This should take you to a to “Edit” in the upper right-hand corner. Once you hit “Edit,” scroll down to “Special Rates” There you will see a box marked “Groups” where you will type in AFAAFAA which should take you to the Alabama Funeral Directors Association group room block. Codes: Resort View: funfunr Bayview: funfunb Make your selection and you are on your way. Without exception, all reservations must be received by the hotel on or before August 15, 2020.

Faxed reservations will not be accepted by the hotel. Should it become necessary for you to cancel your reservation(s), the hotel requires a five (5) day notice prior to your scheduled arrival date. If you fail to cancel your reservation(s) five (5) days prior to your anticipated arrival, your credit card will be charged for one night’s room and tax. State and local sales tax and occupancy taxes are currently 8% and the mandated service charge 24% respectfully. Hotel confirmation will be issued by The Grand Hotel – Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa. In the event you do not receive a written confirmation, please call the hotel to confirm your reservation(s).

Submission of Reservation Forms. USPS mail, fax, scanned email only. Please do not call Denise to register you for the convention.

Funeral Trust of Alabama Reward Points cannot be used with online registration. Points may be used on mailed, scanned or faxed registration forms.

Please Forward Your Registration Forms & Payments To:

Alabama Funeral Directors Association 7956 Vaughn Road, PMB 380

Montgomery, AL 36116 Alabamafda.org Fax: 3343-956-8001

Remember, all hotel reservations must be made on or before August 15, 2020 and

all registration forms must be received on or before August 24, 2020

On-site registration surcharge - $ 100.00 per person. Save your funds … register early!

Thank You For Helping To Insure An Easy and Efficient Registration Process.

2020 AFDA CONVENTION REGISTRATION SEPTEMBER 4 – 7, 2020

Name of Company: _____________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________________ City: ________________State: ___ Zip Code: _________ Phone: ___________email: _______________

CONVENTION REGISTRATION FEES AFDA Members ……………………………………………………………………………………....$ 475.00 Spouses/ Significant Others (Attending with an AFDA Member) ………………………………...$ 475.00 Sponsors/Vendors……………………………………………………………………………………..$ 475.00 Children ages 4-12 …………………………………Kid’s meals...………………………see prices per meal Children ages 12+………………………………..Adult Buffet meals…………...……………….…$ 145.00

The only individuals who qualify to register at the member rate are owners, managers, licensed funeral directors, licensed embalmers and their spouses/significant others. Additionally, sponsors/vendors of the 2020 Annual meeting may register at the $475.00 rate.

Below list the names of those registering for the convention. List names exactly as they are to appear on name badges. For each person registered check each event that person will attend. If additional forms are needed, copied forms are permitted. Sign up for only those functions you plan to attend.

Attendee’s Name

(Please print)

Friday Evening

Reception

Saturday Buffet B’fast

Saturday Cocktails

& Dinner

Sat.. Kids’

Meal w/ parent

$30

Sunday B’fast

Sunday Cocktails

President’s Banquet – Child meal

$30

Childcare must be secured thru the

hotel

Fees Due Steaks

Well done

Total:

To Register: Fill out this form completely and mail to the Alabama Funeral Directors Association, PMB 380, 7956 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or fax with credit card information to AFDA at (334) 956-8001. Registration is available on line at www.alabamafda.org

Payment: Full payment must accompany registration form.

My check is enclosed in the of $ _________ Please charge to: � Visa � MasterCard � AMEX

Name on card: ___________________________________________________________________________

Expiration date: _________ Card number: _____________________________________Sec code: _______

Signature: ___________________________________________________________________

Cancellations: All cancellations must be received in writing and faxed by 5:00 p.m. on August 28 to receive a refund.

http://www.alabamafda.org/

Fishing Tournament: Saturday, Sept 5, 2020, $25 per person – You must sign up to have a spot in the tournament and must be 12 years or older. (Names)

Volleyball: (Sponsored Advanced Eyesight Network) (Names of players) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Corn Hole Tournament (Sponsored by Atlantic Coast Life Ins.) Saturday Sept 5, 2020

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bay Boating: Saturday, Sept 5, 2020 8:30 -10:30 a.m.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hotel Information Marriott Grand Hotel, Point Clear, AL

Call Marriot Reservations at: 1-800-544-9933 (Marriott Central Reservations)

CODE: ALFALFA 251-928-9201 (Grand Hotel)

HOTEL CUTOFF DATE: August 14, 2020

ON SITE REGISTRATION WILL BE AN

The Officers & Members Of The Alabama Funeral Directors Association

Invite You To Join Them For The Association’s

134th Annual Convention

~ In Grand Style ~

Where The Association’s Members And Guests Will Learn, Play And Relax

At The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa

One Grand Boulevard, Point Clear, Alabama

September 4 – 7, 2020

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Denise Edmisten At [email protected] / 334-956-8000

Hope To See You There!

Friday, September 4, 2020

Registration ................................................... Bucky’s Birdcage Lounge…………………………… 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Cocktail Reception ........................................ Julip Point .................................................................... 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Sponsored By: Ambulance & Coach Sales & Matthews Aurora Funeral Solution

Saturday, September 5, 2020

Breakfast Buffet ……………………….Card Room ................................................................. 6:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.

Lagoon & Sky lounge……………………………… 6:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

Sponsored by: Funeral Trust of Alabama

Registration ................................................... Bucky’s Birdcage Lounge ........................................... 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions N-Shore Fishing Tournament .................................................... 7:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.**

Must pre-register. Children must be 12 years of age or older

Cash Prizes Sponsored By; Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions

Boats Sponsored By: Matthews/Aurora Funeral Solution

Brown Service Funeral Homes

Mitch Boles, Attorney at Law

Funeral Directors Life Ins. Co – Kerry Overton

NEW EVENT: ……………………………………………Boating in the Bay ................................…………… 8:30-10:30

Sponsored by Covington Casket Company

Brown Service Funeral Homes

Beach Volleyball ........................................... Beach Poolside............................................................. 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.

Sponsored By: Advancing Eyesight Network

NEW EVENT; Corn Hole Tournament ………………………….time to be determined

Grand Ballroom Patio

Sponsored By: Randy Mathews And Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company

NEW EVENT ................................................. FUN PHOTO BOOTH…………………………………6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

....................................................................... Sponsored by Legacy of Hope

Reception……………………………………Grand Patio South ........................................................ 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Partial Sponsorship – Legacy Group and Mobile Memorial Funeral Home;

UBS Financial Services; Administrative Systems, Inc; and RBC Financial Services

Cash Grab Bag .............................................. Grand Patio South ........................................................ 6:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Sponsored By: Truitt Insurance & Bonding, Inc.

Dinner ……………………………………….Grand Ball Room…………………………………… 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Sponsored By: AFDA

Gaither Choir - ……………………………Entertainment… AFDA Members…………………… 8:00 P.M.

BINGO .......................................................... ..................................................................................... 8:15 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

Sponsored By: AFDA

Prizes Provided By: Pierce Chemicals

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Breakfast ....................................................... Card Room ................................................................... 6:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

....................................................................... Overflow: Lagoon and Sky lounge…………………...7:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.

Co-Sponsors: Batesville Casket Company & Mitch Boles, Attorney at Law

Education Seminar (2 CEU) .......................... Magnolia Room ........................................................... 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

....................................................................... Dennis Dalton, The Dodge Company

....................................................................... “Helpful Hints to Make Your Job a Little Easier

1. Death of Brain Aneurysm

2. Suicide by Gunshot to the head

3. Hematoma of the Hand

General Business Session (1 CEU) .............. ..................................................................................... 10:00 A.M. – 12 NOON

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN ........................... ..................................................................................... 12 NOON – 1:00 P.M.

Education Session (2 CEU)………………………. ............................................................................ 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Chris L. Richard, Attorney at Law Medicare and Medicaid spenddowns

Photo Shoot (Executive Officers & Board) .. Presidential Suite ......................................................... 4:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.

President’s Reception .................................... Grand Ballroom ........................................................... 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Dinner ........................................................... ..................................................................................... 7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

Wrist Bands MUST be worn for entry into all events – No Exception

These are your meal tickets.

Wrist Bands provided by Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home

Monday, September 7, 2020

Post-Con Wrap .............................................. ……….Lagoon Room……………………………….. 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

AFDA Staff & Hotel Staff

AFDA Board Meeting……………………………….Lagoon Room………………………………..10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

AFDA Board Orientation……………………………Lagoon Room ................................................. 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Reminder …

Our Business Meetings Are Open To AFDA Members Only

Open Sessions – Open To All Registered Convention Participants

The AFDA reserves the right to cancel any and all of its convention programs due to circumstances beyond its control.

Should circumstances arise that result in the postponement of a program, registrants will have the option to either

receive a full refund or transfer their registration fee to the same program at a future date. The AFDA’s liability for any

cancellation is limited to a refund of the registration fee and shall not extend to any other claims, including but not

limited to travel expenses, cancellation fees, lost wages, inconvenience, and other related costs.


Established in 1977, AnswerTel is operated from Athens, AL. Our

staff is on-site with live agents 24/7.

Our continual goal is to provide courteous, friendly, professional

assistance to your callers, families and staff. We may be the first

impression that families have of your funeral home, and we strive

to make that a good impression.

Whether the call is for a removal, pre-need planning, obituary in-

formation or requesting directions or florist phone numbers,,

AnswerTel staff is ready to assist when your directors are not able

to.

Please call Chris Teeples or Marie McGuire at 888-230-9404 for more information or go to www.answertel.org .


Alabama Funeral Directors Association

2019-2020 Advertising Rates ~ The Undertaking

One Issue Four Issues Totals / For Issues

$225.00

$325.00

Width x Depth

4” x 5”

5” x 8”

8’ x 10” $425.00

$600.00

$600.00

$200.00 Per Issue,

$300.00 Per Issue

$400.00 Per Issue

$550.00 Per Issue

$550.00 Per Issue

$ 800.00 Total

$1,200.00 Total

$1,600.00 Total

$2,200.00 Total

$2,200.00 Total

Edition Closing Date

03/01/2020 02/12/2020

06/01/2020 05/13/2020

09/01/2020 08/12/2020

Ad Size

¼ Page

½ Page

Full Page

Inside Front Cover

Inside Back Cover

Spring Edition

Summer

Fall

Winter 12/01/2020 11/11/2020

All ad insertions and materials for publication for the current issue must be received at the AFDA office prior to the listed

closing deadline dates. Ad copy should be provided in either .pdf or .jpg format.

As of March 2018, The Undertakings is published online at www.afda.org and is a full-color publication.

Ad copy will be accepted on a first come, basis. The Alabama Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) reserves the right to

determine the eligibility of advertisements for inclusion in its newsletter.

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________ State: _____________________________ Zip Code: __________________

E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________ Cell Phone: _______________________ Fax: ________________________

Number of Issues: ________________________________ Total Amount Due: ______________________________

Please Make Checks Payable To: Alabama Funeral Directors Association

7956 Vaughn Road, PMB 380

Montgomery, Alabama 36116

Email To: [email protected] or [email protected]

Please Charge My Credit Card: _____ Visa ______ MasterCard _____ American Express

Name On Card: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Expiration Date: _____________________ Card Number: _____________________________ SC: _______________

Cardholder’s Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Please Know That We Appreciate Your Ongoing Support! Thank You!

june 2020 the undertakings - issue 2 · postal mailbox 380 / 7956 vaughn road physical address / 7...

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