THE

BULLETIN

Vol. 14

No. 6 December 1999

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FERNSIDE

A Center for Grieving Children

Robert Stutman

In the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to share an article about a wonderful center located in Cincinnati, OH, that I became involved with first as a pizza server on group nights and now as a board member. It's called Fernside, A Center for Grieving Children. As members of NCBVA, we handle burial vaults every day, but it's easy to lose sight of what's going on for the families who are burying their loved ones. To us, it's business,. to them, it's a death that has changed their lives forever Getting involved in Fernside has helped me to see beyond the vault sale, beyond the funeral service, beyond the burial.., into the eyes of grief and eventual healing. I urge you to become involved in any after-care centers or griefworkshops in your town. Fernside has given me so much more than I could ever give them! — Holly Bridgers, Director, District 3

Helping Children Heal BY RACHEL BURRELL AND BARB COE

W hen a death happens in a family, everyone is concerned about the children, but nobody knows quite what to say or do for them. Frequently, very little is said, or

euphemisms are used such as, "He's no longer with us." Sometimes the only explanation a child gets is something about the person going to heaven. It's not terribly unusual for a child to be hustled off to another house, sometimes missing the entire funeral and visitation. As time goes on, parents can be so immersed in their own grief that they have little energy left. The family, teachers, and others seem to want the child to be "OK." The child often takes on the role of "non-griever"... feeling alone, powerless, angry, and confused.

At Fernside: A Center for Grieving Children, In Cincinnati, Ohio, children and their parents/guardians come together to share the experience of living without a parent, guardian, brother, or sister. In small peer support groups, children can be noisy, silly, or whatever,

but each child knows they are in a special place with special friends. There is an atmosphere of respect, trust and caring. Each group makes up its own set of ground rules. "Let everyone have a chance to talk." "It's OK to say anything but if you don't want to talk, you can always say, 'pass.' "Lots of time is spent getting to know each other and "building" the group.

Children are gently encouraged to express their feelings. Dress-ups, puppets, arts and crafts, games, cooking, sewing, hammering, and all sorts of activities are utilized to address death and grief. Some enjoy making collages, while others may use musical instruments to "play out" how ANGER sounds. The rumpus room is a favorite spot for releasing pent up feelings in a safe way. The walls are hung with paper chains, where each link is decorated in memory of a loved one. As children tell their stories and experiences, they

See HEALING CHILDREN, Page 4

Speakers To Tackle Employee Issues In a moment of indiscretion, one employee could destroy your company.

Robert Stutman, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) knows all about substance abuse, violence, and other issues that could expose your company to liability and maybe even shut it down forever. Stutman will be a guest speaker at NCBVA's Annual Convention June 11-16, '00. It's a serious issue and you'll want your

feet of terra firma for this one. Stutman's presentation will be during the part of our meeting that will be held at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Miami prior to sailing on The Majesty of the Seas.

Stutman was called "the most famous narc in America" by New York Magazine. Turn on the TV and you'll probably see him. He is the Special Consultant on Substance Abuse for the CBS News division; and has been interviewed on most of the major news and new

commentary shows. Open a magazine or newspaper, and there's Bob again: he's been featured in Time and Newsweek and dozens of newspapers. (See related article, Page 12)

When Stutman retired from the DEA he started a management consulting firm which designed and implemented comprehensive and practical substance abuse prevention programs. The company is now owned by Employee

see SPEAKERS, page 5

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2 NCBVA BULLETIN December 1999

IEE MAY BE THE WORLD'S LEADING MANUFACTURER OF

CREMATIONEQUIPMENT... BUT WE'LL NEVER BE FIRST Ken Robinson

Paul Rabill.

The Reason Well Never Be First Is Because, We Pride Ourselves In Putting . Our Clients First By focusing on our clients needs. we've built an organization based on customer satisfaction. From an exten-sive array of services to manufacturing the most durable, cost-efficient equip-ment on the market, we put our clients first.

Client First' Dedication With all the technologically advanced products we offer, we wouldn't con-sider a sale successful without total service to our clients. That's why we believe our responsibilities begin by supplying potential clients complete information prior to their making a decision, and con-tinue far beyond the sale of our cremation eq(Jipment.

In Mexico Contact Lucas DePalacto Mexico. 1).1'.

Phone S98-9111 • FAX i63 - 1493

Investment Analysis This free analysis will indicate if a crematory is a profitable venture for you. We consider your indi-vidual circumstances and evaluate vital information on costs, depre-ciation, tax savings and estimated profits. We also offer a space and placement evaluation for the pos-sible . installation of a cremator within your new or existing fitcility.

Environmental Permits And Zoning Made Easy We guarantee that our equipment will comply with your state environmental regulations. Well even assist with local zoning approvals and complete the pa-

perwork for you. If your existing c r e in atorS aren't in com-pliance, we can help there too. Well de-sign and pro-pose upgrades to modernize them to meet compliance standards.

Complete Follow Through

After your crematory is installed, we'll send a

In Canada Contact Bill Bowes The Eckels Company • Guelph. Ontario, Canada

Phone 519-824-8020 • FAX 519-824-7161

Avar-rak 3 Body

technician to inspect each unit and train your personnel how . to operate and care for it. You'll receive a com-plete owner's manual, and we'll assign you a customer service representative who will remain your personal link to IEE. We also offer a toll-free service hotline, should you need assistance with problems on our cremation equip-ment or any other make or model.

Quality equipment, unsurpassed ser-vice before and after the sale, and our "client first" policy— IEE keeps work-ing for you.

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & ENGINEERING CO.

P.O. Box 5 r-796 • Orlando, FL 32854-7796 in Florida (q07) 886-5533 • FAX (407) 886-5990

Toll Free 1-800-327-2831

December 1999 NCBVA BULLETIN

3

President's Message BY WARREN CHANDLER

Merry Millennium, One and All! We've just returned from the National Funeral Directors Association convention in

Kansas City. All of the national companies were represented and it was good to see our many vault manufacturer, supplier, and funeral director friends. Although attendance seemed a little down this year, there were many new things for the funeral directors in attendance to experience.

The trend toward personalization of services and merchandise was certainly noticeable. Interestingly, our concrete burial vaults have carried personalization for many years... the casket folks have finally taken a page from our playbook.

Sadly missed at this NFDA convention was Howard Raether, "Mr. Funeral Director," who died October 6. The National was represented at his service in Milwaukee. The death care profession lost a great man.

On a lighter note, don't miss the boat. We really would like to see each of you on our NCBVA cruise in June. We know that won't be possible, someone has to mind the store. But as the cold winds.start to whip up this month, think how nice it would be to be basking in the Caribbean. See the story on page 1 and additional information on pages 10-11 or call the NCBVA office if you have any questions.

As we complete this last letter from the president of NCBVA for the year... in fact, for the millennium; it has certainly provoked some thought and reflection on my part. I'm sure this upcoming leap into the year 2000 has done the same for you.

Our industry is making changes and facing many more. We face challenges in business, legal, environmental, and personal fields daily. But we're fortunate. None of us has to go this complicated route alone. We've got a strong national organization to help us deal with these changes and we have each other, too. United, moving into this new century, this new millennium, we can be a force for the positive. We can keep our businesses safe and competitive. If we listen to one another and work together, there are no problems we can't put behind us.

Please accept the very best holiday wishes from my family and me. Merry Millennium! At this writing, our Executive Director Tom Monahan 's father is ill. Please keep him

in your thoughts and prayers.

'4*-0 , 14"000PAIG0 6444411{44.14*-e 14%0*

National Concrete Burial Vault

Association, Inc.

900 Fox Valley Drive, Suite 204 Longwood, Florida 32779-2552

http://www.ncbva.org (800) 538-1423 Fax: (407) 774-6751

President Warren Chandler, Sr.

Master Grave Service, Inc. Bogart, GA

President-Elect Timothy Brutsche

Brutsche Concrete Products Battle Creek, MI

Secretary/Treasurer Jack Swihart

Saginaw Wilbert Vault Corp Saginaw, MI

Immediate Past President Hugh McQuestion

Lakeshore Burial Vault Co., Inc. Brookfield, WI

Directors, District 1 Robert Hardy

Hardy Doric, Inc. Chelmsford, MA

Kelly Pellicano Graffius Burial Vault Co.

Reading, PA

Directors, District 2 Warren Chandler, Sr.

Master Grave Service, Inc Bogart, GA

Dan Hicks Hicks Industries

Mulberry, FL

Directors, District 3 Bob DonateIli

Baumgardner Products Co. Akron, OH

Holly Baxter Bridgers Baxter Burial Vault Service

Cincinnati, OH

Directors, District 4 Jeff Grayson

Superior Vault Co. Charlestown, IN

Jack Swihart Saginaw Wilbert Vault Corp

Saginaw, MI

Director, District 5 J.C. Clifton

Quality Burial Vault Co. Houston, TX

Graham MacLeod Detroit Wilbert Vault Corp.

Detroit, MI

Executive Director Thomas A. Monahan, CAE

Certified Association Management Company Longwood, FL

Legal Counsel J. Scott Calkins Harrisburg, PA

4

NCBVA BULLETIN

December 1999

Signs That You've Had Too Much of the '90s

You try to enter your password on the microwave. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three. You email your colleague at the desk next to you to ask "Do you wanna go out for lunch?" and he replies, "Yeah, give me 5 minutes." You chat several times a day with a stranger from South America, but you haven't spoken to your next door neighbor yet this year. Your reason for not staying in touch with your friends is that they don't have email. Your idea of being organized is multicolored post-its. You hear most of your jokes via email instead of in person. When you go home after a long day at the office, you still answer the phone in a business manner. When you make long distance calls from home, you automatically dial "9" to get an outside line. You've sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three different companies. You really get excited about a 1.7 % pay increase. Your biggest loss from a computer crash is all of your jokes. It's dark when you drive to and from work, even in the summer. You know exactly how many days you've got until retirement. Interviewees, despite not having the knowledge or experience, terminate the interview when told the starting salary. When you see a good looking, smart person, you know it must be a visitor. Being sick is defined as not being able to walk or being in the hospital. You're already late on the assignment you just got. Your boss' favorite lines are: "When you've got a few minutes .. .Could you fit this in...? In your spare time... When you're free... I know you're busy, but..." Every week another collection envelope comes around because someone you didn't know had started is leaving. You wonder who's going to be left to put money in your 'leaving' envelope. You only have makeup for fluorescent lighting. You read this entire list nodding and smiling. As you read this list, you thought about sending it to your "friends you send jokes to" email group. It crosses your mind that your jokes group may have seen this list already, but you can't be bothered to check, so you send it anyway.

VAULT DECORATION SPECIALISTS

P's-fT,TIPLAQUE INC.

1635 Poplar St. P.O. Box 610964 Port Huron, MI 48601

810-982-9591 1-800-875-9591 FAX 810-982-1182

"Over 50 Years of Business"

HEALING CHILDREN, continued from page 1

begin to reach out to each other. After one young boy tells about his mother dying slowly of cancer, a shy girl is then ready to tell how her father died in a sudden accident. Often misconceptions come out and then simple factual information can gently be shared. Teens draw timelines of their lives, indicating points where changes happened, good and bad. Holidays are approached with open discussion about changes in traditions, and everyone learns some new memorializing traditions from diverse religions and cultures. Slowly a new self begins to emerge. Children realize that they can hold on to the love relationship with the person who has died, that choices are open to them, and that our time on earth is a time for growing and for learning to share another person's pain and another person's joy.

At Femside, across the country, and in other nations, support for children who are grieving a death is growing. Creative 'care is happening and we are learning from the children that when a death happens, they need us. We can explain clearly what has happened. We can say it is "OK" and good for them to get their feelings out in a safe way. We can listen when they are ready to tell their stories. We can help them figure out how to adjust to the changes in their lives. We can encourage them to cherish their memories and value life. Let's learn from each other so that we will have a much better idea of how to help children when a death happens.

Rachel Burrell is Founder and Director Emerita at Fernside and Barbara Coe is Outreach coordinator

DORIC PRODUCTS recently seated its Board of Directors for 1999-2000. Standing (L to R) are Charles Foskey, Mike Crummitt, Hugh Mc Question, Steve Vincent - Vice Presi-dent, and Ace Brewster. Seated (L to R) are Jim Wiens, Warren Chandler - President, Adair Payment and Gerald Hardy - Secretary/Treasurer.

December 1999 NCBVA BULLETIN 5

Funeral Industry Carving its Niche on The Web Caskets for sale on the Internet. Websites, software and national directories for funeral homes. Online obituaries and videos to preserve a loved one's memory. Death is a burgeoning industry in cyberspace.

"This is the future," said Jack Clarkson, the marketing director of Heavenlydoor.com who was among those gathered in Kansas City, MO, in November for the annual convention of the National Funeral Directors Association. Heavenlydoor.com lists everything from cemeteries and monument makers to virtual gravesite visits. It's all designed to help customers in a difficult time while increasing profits for funeral providers, Clarkson said. "People say te Internet seems like kind of a cold way to plan a funeral. But we think this takes the cold out and still leaves the personal part in," he said. "They can do this at home without a lot of pressure."

Many companies also create special memorials to the deceased. Celebratea Life.com features online obituaries and CD-ROMs that hold pictures, messages and mementos. "We're trying to take the old and marry it with the new," said Robert Robinson,

the company's executive director. "We do this for the non-techies, and for families that travel all over the world and aren't near the deceased."

A spokesman for the 14,000-member funeral directors association said e-commerce —along with stores that sell caskets at wholesale prices and other funeral-related businesses—still isn't a significant part of the industry. About 35,000 caskets were sold via the Internet last year, only a fraction of the 1.8 million coffins sold overall during that time, said spokesman Ronald Troyer. But Troyer, a 31-year veteran of the business, said he expects technology to bring more changes as aging baby boomers, comfortable with computers, begin to ponder the inevitable.

"We still see a lot of funeral home directors reluctant to join the technology age," he said. "That is going to change in the next five to seven years."

The increase in nontraditional funeral service providers has prompted the funeral directors group to push for stronger federal controls. NFDA wants tighter regulation on Internet companies, wholesale casket sellers

and cemeteries that also provide caskets, said Kelly Smith, another association spokesman.

Nontraditional funeral-related companies currently are not required to follow the so-called "funeral rule." "Our concern is that the customer ought to be protected no matter where they shop," Smith said. "We think to protect consumers, the same types of requirements should be extended to everyone providing funeral services," he said.

Michael Turkiewicz of Portland, OR FuneralNet.com said he expects the FTC to regulate the Internet funeral-service firms when it rewrites its consumer rights rules next year. He doesn't think it will be a problem for legitimate companies. "These new companies still have to provide customer satisfaction," he said. "That doesn't change." Source: Associated Press Newswire

SPEAKERS, continued from page 1

Information Services, Inc. (El) and Stutman is chairman.

He'll tell you how to systematically reduce your risk.

How often have you watched one of your best employees and said, "Boy, if only I had a dozen like him." Helping you to "clone" your best employees and reduce turnover is the objective of an employee testing system that will be demonstrated at the Annual Conference by Albert H. Zinkand. He is president of Employee Selection and Development, Inc. (ESDI).

Companies, large and small, worldwide are using the Hire SuccessTM Employment Testing System in their employee selection and development efforts. Bert Zinkand successfully used his personality skills and testing in management to turnaround a number of major companies and eventually turned to the testing industry. He is a frequent speaker at industrial conferences, and is active in corporate consulting on the use of personality and skills testing to improve bottom-line profits.

Zinkand will also be speaking during the pre-sail part of the program on June 11 at the Miami Airport Hilton Hotel, Miami, FL

6

NCBVA BULLETIN

December 1999

National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc. Member Application for Plant Inspection

Name of Plant

Plant Mailing Address

Plant Street Address

Plant Telephone Number

Fax Phone Number

Owner's Name

Evening Telephone Number

Plant Manager/Contact Person

Evening Telephone Number

Types of Outer Burial Receptacles Produced 0 Top Seals 0 Air Domes 0 Sectionals Other

Please return this application with full payment to:

The National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc. 900 Fox Valley Drive, Suite #204 Longwood, FL 32779-2552 (800) 538-1423 Fax (407) 774-6751

As an NCBVA member in good standing, the total of your Plant Certification Inspection will be $750. Full payment should be enclosed with your application.

December 1999 NCBVA BULLETIN 7

NCBVA PROUDLY RECOGNIZES THE FOLLOWING

COMPANIES WHICH HAVE A CURRENT

STANDING IN THE

PLANT CERTIFICATION

PROGRAM

Abel Vault & Monument Co. Pekin, IL

American Concrete Industries Bangor, ME

American Vault & Concrete Products

Detroit, MI American Wilbert Vault Corp.

Forest Park, IL Arnold Wilbert Corp.

Goldsboro, NC Atlas Concrete Products, Inc.

Orlando, FL Automatic Wilbert Vault

Tacoma, WA Babylon Vault Co., Inc.

New Windsor, MD Baumgardner Products Co.

Akron, OH Baxter Burial Vault

Cincinnati, OH Baxter Vault Co.

Baxter Springs, KS Binghamton Burial Vault

Binghamton, NY Brewster Vaults & Monuments

Millville, NJ Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

Fargo, ND Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

Morris, MN Brown-Wilbert Vault, Inc.

St. Paul, MN Bruns Norwalk Vault Co.

Saint Louis, MO Brutsche Concrete Products

Battle Creek, MI Brutsche Concrete Products

Benton Harbor, MI C & M Precast

Kerrville, TX Calumet Wilbert Vault Co. Inc.

Gary, IN Carolina-Doric, Inc.

Florence, SC Central Burial Vaults, Inc.

Oklahoma City, OK Central Burial Vaults, Inc.

Tulsa, OK Century Vault Co., Inc.

Taunton, MA Chandler Wilbert Vault, Inc.

LaCrosse, WI Childs Eagle Vault Co.

Anderson, SC

Clinton Wilbert Vaults, Inc. Clinton, IA

Cooper Wilbert Vault Co. Barrington, NJ

Costello Vaults Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada

Crummitt & Son Vault Corp. Martins Ferry, OH

D.G. Robertson, Inc. Williston, VT

Dardanelle Vault & Monument Dardanelle, AR

Deihl Vault & Precast Co. Orangeville, PA

Delaware Valley Vault Co. Inc. Chester, PA

Detroit Wilbert Vault Corp. Detroit, MI

Doody Burial Vaults, Inc. Winchendon, MA

Doric of Central Arkansas Little Rock, AR

Doric of Kansas Vault, Inc. Iola, KS

Doric of Nashville, Inc. Nashville, TN

Doric of Northeast Arkansas Jonesboro, AR

Doric of South Texas Elsa TX

Doric of Texas, Inc. Houston, TX

Doric Concrete Vaults, Inc. Newton, KS

Doric Manufacturing Co. Boaz, AL

Doric Mississippi, Inc. Jackson, MS

Doric-South, Inc. Demopolis, AL

Doric Vault of Eastern NY Inc. Hudson, NY

Doric Vault Co. of S. Illinois Marion, IL

Eagle Burial Vaults Perry, GA

Eagle Burial Vault Co. of LA Ruston, LA

Esterly Burial Vault Co. West Reading, PA

Everlasting Vault Co. Randallstown, MD

Florida Wilbert, Inc. Jacksonville, FL

Fond Du Lac Wilbert Vault Fond Du Lac, WI

Forsyth Bros. Concrete Prod. Terre Haute, IN

Gettysburg Burial Vault Co. Gettysburg, PA

Grable Vault Co. Logansport, IN

Gray Bros. Inc. Kansas City, KS

Gross Vault & Monument Thomasville, GA

Hairfield Vault Co. Hickory, NC

Hardy Doric, Inc. Chelmsford, MA

Ham n Vault Service Massillon, OH

Harris Precast, Inc. La Porte, IN

Heilman — Wirtz, Inc. Cedar Hill, TX

Hicks Industries, Inc. Mulberry, FL

Hydraulic Dolly, Inc. Altoona, PA

J.P. Vincent & Son, Inc. Galena, IL

Jacson, Inc. Henderson, TX

Jefferson Concrete Corp. Watertown, NY

L-D Vault Service Chattanooga, TN

Lakeshore Burial Vault Co. Brookfield, WI

Ludlow Burial Vault Co. Ludlow, MA

Marion Vault Works Marion, IN

Markham Burial Vault Services Richmond, VA

Master Grave Service Athens, GA

Mercer Vault Company Fredericksburg, VA

Milan Burial Vault, Inc. Milan, MI

Milwaukee Wilbert Vault Co. Milwaukee, WI

Nor-Don Vault Co. Inc. Strafford, MO

Norwalk Vault Co. • Johnstown, PA

Odon Vault Company, Inc. Odon, IN

Omaha Wilbert Vault, Inc. Omaha, NE

Ostwalt Vault Co. Concord, NC

Palm Vault Co. Ada, OK

Peoria Vault Co. Peoria, IL

Perfection Vault Woodson, IL

Phenix Vault Phenix City, AL

Pioneer Vault, Inc. Doylestown, PA

Pope Concrete Products Waycross, GA

Poplar Bluff Doric Vaults, Inc. Poplar Bluff, MO

Precast Concrete Products Inc. Blissfield, MI

Quality Burial Vault Co. Houston, TX

Rex Vault & Mausoleum Svc. Newton, IL

Riefler Concrete Products Hamburg, NY

Ringtown Wilbert Vault Works Ringtown, PA

Roland — Wilbert Vault Co. Marion, IA

Saginaw Wilbert Vault Corp. Saginaw, MI

Saline Vault Co. Sweet Springs, MO

Santeiu Vaults, Inc. Detroit, MI

Scranton Wilbert Vault Jessup, PA

Shenandoah Valley Vaults, Inc. Dayton, VA

Shore Vault & Precast Co. Exmore, VA

Simerly Concrete Products, Inc. Bristol, TN

Simerly Vaults, Inc. Knoxville, TN

Sterling Unlimited Inc. Woodsboro, MD

Suhor Industries, Inc. Oklahoma City, OK

Superior Burial Vaults, Inc. Salt Lake City, UT

Superior Vault Bryantown, MD

Superior Vault Company LTD Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Swan's Concrete Products Westbrook, ME

Tucker Vault Co. Farmington, MO

Turner Vault Company Toledo, OH

Wayne Burial Vault Co., Inc. Indianapolis, IN

Welte Vault Co. Danbury, IA

West Plains Vault & Mfg. Co. Pomona, MO

Wicomico Vault Co., Inc. Salisbury, MD

Wieser Precast/Doric Vault Co. La Crescent, MN

Wieser Precast Stewartville, MN

Wilbert Burial Vault Co. Atlanta, GA

Williams Vault Company Emporia, VA

Willmar Precast Co. Willmar, MN

Winchester Building Supply Winchester, VA

Zeiser Wilbert Vault Elmira, NY

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8 NCBVA BULLETIN December 1999

AARP Newsletter Features Consumer Advocate Thirty-six years after Jessica Milford wrote her sensational book

about the funeral industry, Lisa Carlson is carrying the torch for reform and is considered by some to be the country's leading advocate for the rights of consumers regarding funerals.

She was featured in the November issue the AARP Bulletin, which reaches an extensive readership of more than 20,000,000 and has even been invited to speak at funeral industry conferences. In the article, free lance writer Beth Baker explains that Carlson believes the US Funeral industry is "riddled with shoddy practices, greed and insensitivity" and Carlson is on a mission to change it and tell consumers what they can do about it. She has written a book and runs the nonprofit Funeral and Memorial Societies Association (FAMSA) and its sister organization, the Funeral Consumers Alliance, from her home in Vermont. The groups support the consumer's right to choose a dignified, meaningful, affordable funeral.

She also believes that the "traditional" funeral has been created and manipulated by the industry.

Carlson advocates against pre-paid funerals, advising consumers to plan ahead but not pay ahead. In a related article, an AARP consumer specialist notes that Americans 50 and older are increasingly paying in advance for funeral and burial goods and

services. Older citizens are being bombarded with aggressive marketing tactics by funeral homes and cemeteries to make such purchases of preneed products which amount s to between $20 billion and $40 billion.

In addition, Carlson objects to embalming, the professional services fee, and the take over of small businesses by the large corporate chains. According to research by FAMSA, most states have far more funeral homes than needed. According to the author, Carlson maintains that such a glut would push prices down as companies compete for business but funeral homes inflate their prices because they know their grief-stricken customers are unlikely to shop around. And she maintains that the Funeral Rule is loosely enforced and inadequate. AARP has joined other consumer groups that want the FTC to expands it oversight role to include all funeral and burial providers, not just funeral homes. "The funeral rule needs to be broadened to reflect the fact that the funeral industry has changed profoundly in recent years," says AARP legislative representative Jeffrey Kramer.

Carlson has gained some respect even in the funeral industry as a women who "does her homework and tries to be credible." At industry conferences in Orlando, FL and Tacoma, WA, she recently spoke, urging that "what's good for consumers is good for the industry." Other consumer advocates give her high marks. The article quotes John Wasick, special projects director at Consumer's Digest as saying, "She's been instrumental getting attention focused on issues in the funeral business [and] brings a lot to the table."

Carlson feels that things haven't changed much since Jessica Milford wrote, "The American Way of Death," but she's doing her part by answering e-mails, phone calls, etc. telling people how to find lower-cost caskets, what their legal rights are and even how to bypass the funeral home. She believes the regulation in most states allowing only funeral directors to sell caskets is ridiculous, pointing out that you can order one on the Internet by over night delivery.

With baby boomers aging and dying, Carlson predicts that the more-affordable funeral movement is growing. The boomers wrote their own wedding vows and demanded natural childbirth and they'll want to take control of the funeral experience too.

Vault manufacturer members: reserve your "Business Card" ad today! Call NCBVA - 1-800-538-1423 X 102

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Sharie King President Bates Precast Concrete, Inc. 6431 Ocean Pond Ave. Lake Park, GA 31636

Kirk Naugle President Lycomings Burial Vault, Inc. 350 Spruce St. Montoursville, PA 17754

Jack Friedman President Willbee Concrete Products 2323 Brooklyn Rd. Jackson, MI 49203

Harrell W. Minchew, Jr. Vice President Minchew Sand & Concrete Products, Inc. 4095 Minchew Blvd. Waycross, GA 31503

Welcome New Members

LAKESHORE BURIAL VAULT CO., INC

December 1999

NCBVA BULLETIN 9

10

NCBVA BULLETIN

December 1999

5allAq101\A Year 2000

Convention Cruise

June 11-16, 2000 Join the National Concrete Burial Vault Association

for its millennium year convention cruise aboard the "Majesty of the Seas"!

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Saturday, June 10, 2000

Travel and Arrival at Miami Airport Hilton Hotel, Miami Florida

Sunday, June 11, 2000 (Pre-sail program at Miami Airport Hilton Hotel) 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. NCBVA Annual Membership Meeting — Miami Airport Hilton Hotel 10:00 a.m. -12:00 Noon "Employee Testing" -Albert H. Zinkand 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. "Drugs in the Workplace" - Bob Stutman 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. Exhibitors Showcase Cocktail Reception

The Majesty of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Premier megaships with luxurious staterooms, fabulous food, entertainment, and activities for the whole family. Sail away with your NCB VA friends to ports of call in Nassau and Coco Cay, Bahamas, and Key West, Florida. Cabins are limited so make your reservation today!

The registration fee includes your choice of cabins, all the food you can eat and all NCBVA educational programs.

Note: Saturday and Sunday night stay at Miami Airport Hilton Hotel will be an additional fee. All in-port tours are optional.

Mix Education With Pleasure— Just Add Water! For more information call NCBVA at (800) 538-1423

Monday, June 12, 2000 8:00 a.m. - Noon Plant Tour - Hicks Industries 2:00 p.m. Busses Depart Hotel for Cruise Terminal 3:00 p.m. Royal Caribbean Cocktail Reception Welcoming NCBVA 5:00 p.m. Ship Sails for Bahamas

Tuesday June 13, 2000 8:00 a.m. - 10 a.m. NCBVA Shipboard Educational Seminar 10:00 a.m. Ship arrives in Nassau, Bahamas

Wednesday, June 14, 2000 3:00 a.m. Ship leaves Nassau Bahamas 8:00 a.m. Ship arrives at CocoCay, Bahamas 5:00 p.m. Ship departs CocoCay, Bahamas

Thursday, June 15, 2000 10:00 a.m. Ship arrives Key West, Florida 5:30 p.m. Ship departs Key West, Florida

Friday, June 16, 2000 9:00 a.m. Ship returns to Miami

Cabin Category:

Member

Non Member

3rd/4th Person in Same Cabin

Port Service Fee

Departure Tax

Category F

x $749

A x $849

x $499

x$85

0 x$3

December 1999

NCBVA BULLETIN

11

NCBVA Cruise 2000 - Convention Registration Form June 11-16, 2000 - Majesty of the Seas - Miami

Name of Company

Mailing Address

City, State, Zip Code

Telephone Number Fax Number

Registrants: (Please indicate which registrants are children.)

First Name

Last Name Nickname (for name badge)

Registration fees per person (Indicate number of registrants per rate)

Category H Category K

x $699 x $649

x $799 x $749

x $499 x $499

x$85 x$85

x$3 x$3

Attendees! All attendees are re- quired to pay the Depar- ture and Port Service Fee.

Cabins are assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Gratuities are not in-cluded

Registration fees are based on double occupancy per cabin and include accommodations, and meals per person. Reduced prices are offered for 3rd/4th guests, including infants and children, who share accommodations with two full-price paying adults. Single occupants must pay the full double occupancy rate (rate below x2) or contact NCBVA and we can try to match you up with a roommate.

Category N

l■ x$599

_ _x $699 1021

0 x$499

A'11

x$85

U _()) x $3

Total Registration Fees $

*Non-members who join NCBVA within 30 days of the convention may apply the $100 non-member difference toward their annual dues.

PAYMENT INFORMATION -- in order to process your registration, we need either a check for payment in full or credit card information. Refunds less a $100 administrative fee will be provided if cabin can be resold prior to sailing. I hereby authorize NCBVA to process my registration for the NCBVA Convention on the credit card listed below.

171 Check (Make check payable to NCBVA, mail with this completed form) 0 MasterCard 0 Visa CI American Express

Card Number Expiration Date:

Special Needs It is important to us that you enjoy NCBVA's conference. If you have any special needs, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you.

Print Name (As It Appears on Card)

Signature

Mail or fax (credit card registration only) this form to: NCBVA * 900 Fox Valley Drive Suite 204, Longwood, FL 32779-2552 * Phone: (407) 788-1996* Fax: (407) 774-6751

Industry Calendar

February

17-19

Doric Spring Meeting Holiday Inn Terre Haute, IN

21 -24 World of Concrete Expo Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL

24-25 Death Care World Expo '00 International Order of the Golden Rule Ernest Morial Cony. Ct. New Orleans, LA

March

29-Apr 1 International Cemetery and Funeral Association Cincinnati Convention Center Cincinnati, OH

June

11 -16 NCBVA Millennium Cruise Departs Miami, FL To Bahamas & Key West, FL

August

23-26

Cremation Association of North America Annual Convention The Westin Harbour Castle Toronto, Ontario, Canada

November

19-20 Cremation Certification Program for Equipment Operators CANA Orlando, FL

12 NCBVA BULLETIN December 1999

Fax calendar items to Jan Monahan,

Production Coordinator The Bulletin

(407) 774-6751

What They Do on Their Own Time Could Jeopardize Your Business BY ROBERT M. STUTMAN AND CHRIS COWARD

Editor's Note: Robert M. Stutman will speak at NCB VA's Annual Conference. See related story, page 1

W hat I do on my own time is my business. Ever hear that from your workers? Of course, it's true—to a point. I mean, if an employee has a drink or even several drinks on a Saturday night—hey, that's none of our business.

But what about the other drugs? A study released in August 1999 led by neurologist Karen I. Bolla of Johns Hopkins University suggests indirectly that weekend cocaine and crack use is an employer's business. The study shows that cocaine and crack damage the brain's prefrontal cortex; this part of the brain, among other things, inhibits bad behavior. Findings suggest that this damage is long-term.

We already knew about the effects of marijuana. A study by Jerome Yesavage and others from Stanford University and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) measured a very specific long-term effect of marijuana: the way it reduces pressure on the optic nerve. The study is old (1989), but because the human eye and brain are pretty much the same now as in 1989, the findings are still valid.

These researchers gathered a group of pilots and asked them to perform some standard tests (using flight simulators, not real planes). They put a hash mark on the runway and told the pilots to come as close as they could to landing on the mark. On average, the group landed within 12 feet of the mark.

Then the pilots were given weak joints of marijuana which contained two percent THC. (Today's joints are usually much stronger.) One hour later, while the pilots were feeling this one weak joint, they were put back on the simulators. Some of them crashed or missed the runway entirely, but on average, they were off the mark by about three times as much as before.

What's really interesting is what happened 24 hours later. The pilots were brought back and interviewed. When asked how they felt, they said they felt great, just as good as they did before the marijuana—they felt good because they were not high. Once again on the simulators, they tried to land their "planes." Two of the 50 pilots crashed, and on average, the group missed the mark by about twice the baseline substance-free average of 12 feet, and it was one day later. What this study proves is that marijuana affects the ability to judge distances accurately, but it does this long after the high is over, definitely 24 hours, and, quite possibly 48 to 72 hours later.

One reason for this effect is that marijuana is fat soluble. When it comes into your system, it clings to your fat cells and will stay there for eight to 30 days. The two organs in the body with the most fat cells are the liver and the brain. When marijuana sticks in the brain, it controls a lot of things, depth perception included.

Marijuana affects two other important functions in the workplace, as well: motivation and short-term memory.

What does this mean for employers? The attitude used to be: "If the person isn't high, it's not my problem." Whoa. If that person is driving a forklift, a crane, a bus, a plane, or an automobile, that person's cocaine or marijuana use may well be your problem, even if he or she is not high.

There's a torrent of litigation against companies who are not taking proper procedures to provide a safe enough workplace. Violence and preventable accidents are just two of the prices that employers pay for complacency.

The issue, after all, is protecting everyone's interest. Particularly, it's about protecting employees who do not use drugs or abuse alcohol, but who come to work every day and have a right to expect not to be hurt by someone who does.

Robert M. Stutman is Chairman, and Chris Coward, is Director of Marketing and Publications, Employee Information Services. Reprinted from the monthly newsletter "Drug-Free Workplace" with the permission of M Lee Smith Publishers LLC and Employee Information Services.

From the NCBVA National Staff at Certified Association Management Company

Longwood, Florida

December 1999 NCBVA BULLETIN 13

Use and Misuse of the Word "Burial"

The word "burial" is often used as a synonym for funeral. Some examples

are: burial insurance, burial allowance, burial trusts, burial organizations, burial plans, and burial certificates. Burial "space" is even defined to include caskets and vaults. Then too, funeral directors often refer to persons they "buried." In almost every one of the instances associated with the above and other uses of burial, a funeral is involved.

When the misuse of burial was discussed in the past, it was brushed aside as being incidental to, not inherent in, American post death activities and practices. That situation is changing just as it did with the erroneous use of funeral and memorial services as synonyms.

The increase in the number of cremations

generated a number of people who, based on what they have heard and/or read, believe that when death occurs, there are two basic options: a funeral with burial, or a cremation. Little if any, cognizance is given to a funeral before cremation or, a memorial service, most times after cremation. To many, a direct disposition is implied.

What can be done about it? Those within funeral service must use proper terms in lieu of burial other than in association with interment or entombment. In reality, most burial insurance is to provide merchandise and services for a funeral. Funeral insurance is most often used now. Many burial trusts are funeral trusts. Burial allowances are funeral and/or plot allowances. Burial organizations are most time funeral oriented. Funeral directors, unless they are

cemeterians, don't "bury" people. They provide services, facilities, and merchandise prior to disposition of the body.

The probability of governments changing their terminology will be enhanced by proper usage within funeral service. Of greatest importance is an awareness of proper term usage so the public realizes that death is not followed by just a burial or cremation. There is more that most times comes before and other after the disposition of human remains.

This article first appeared in The Forethought Link, a publication of Forethought Insurance. It was written by the late Howard Raether, former executive director of the National Funeral Directors Association.

14

NCBVA BULLETIN

December 1999

.stio4,9‘

THE LOGAN VAULT HANDLER By Axis Corporation

PROVIDING SERVICE AND REALIBILTY FOR OVER 40 YEARS

THE LOGAN VAULT HANDLERS ARE MANUFACTURED WITH ONLY NEW BRAND NAME PARTS—NOT USED OR RE-MANUFACTURED. This gives you better dependability and longer life of your Handler. Our new 3/4 ton axle is manufactured

narrower than the standard 3/4 ton truck axle to allow for more maneuverability in the Cemetery. The Logan Vault Handler can handle both straight and cross grave settings. The Logan is equipped with hydraulic variable speed Forward and Reverse, also a High and Low range

gearbox STANDARD.

STRENGTH IS NOT IN THE STEEL ALONE IN A VAULT HANDLER; IT IS IN THE DESIGN The Logan was designed to withstand the stress of a heavy load and yet light enough not to tear up turf in the

Cemetery. The Logan was designed over 40 years ago and has seen many improvements in maneuverability and efficiency. The Logan Vault Handler is designed to give you optimum power using reliable parts and

durable construction. It has been tested, beaten, used and abused for over 40 years. The Logan always was and still is the benchmark of Vault Handling equipment, And that is why we are the

Standard of the Industry AXIS CORPORATION P.O Box 668 BELLEFONTAINE OHIO 43311 1-800-422-AXIS(2947)

FAX 1-937-592-5230 axisObright net www.briqht.net/"axis CALL FOR INFORMATION ON OUR NEW OPTIONS LIST AND OUR

DISINTERMINT MODEL

Plan now for the Year 2000 Convention Cruise

JUNE 11-16, 2000

December 1999

NCBVA BULLETIN 15

Join the National Concrete Burial Vault Association for its Millennium Year cruise

aboard the "Majesty of the Seas"

The Majesty of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's premier megaships with luxurious staterooms,

fabulous food and entertainment, and activities for the whole family. Sail away with your NCBVA friends to

ports of call in Nassau and Coco Cay, Bahamas, and Key West, Florida. Cabins are limited so

make your reservation early!

The registration fee includes your choice of cabins, all the food you can eat and all NCBVA educational programs.

Call NCBVA at

1-800-538-1423 and request an information packet

MIX EDUCATION WITH PLEASURE ---JUST ADD WATER!

National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc. 900 Fox Valley Drive, Suite 204, Longwood, FL 32779-2552

FIRST CLASS Address Correction Requested

Industry News and Notes Doric of Northeast Arkansas recently held an 8-hour Continuing Education Class. The class covered burial vaults including Doric, Clark and Vantage. The classes were held at Doric of Northeast Arkansas' plant in Jonesboro with approximately 60 funeral directors in attendance.

The Arkansas State Board of Funeral Directors passed an eight-hour CEU requirement in 1996. Richard Jernigan, Jr., President of Doric of Northeast Arkansas, has taught a four hour class (The Strength of Doric) since 1996 and reports that records indicate that 282 funeral directors have taken this course for a total of 1,128 CEU hours. He notes that in the months following a class, the quality of vault sales rises. He urges vault dealers in states with continuing education requirements to consider this program. Continuing education classes offer the vault dealer an opportunity to emphasize facilities, product knowledge, sales techniques, and the importance of a burial vault to the funeral director.

Husband and wife political consultants who take pot shots at each when given the chance, James Carville and Mary Matalin, will keynote the International Cemetery and Funeral Association's (ICFA) Annual Convention and Exposition March 29-April 1,2000 at the CincinnatiConvention Center, Cincinnati, OH. They will speak March 30 at the General Session, expected to be ICFA's largest ever. Carville and Matalin worked in opposing camps during the 1992 presidential elections. He worked for Clinton. She worked for Bush. Registrations are now being accepted for the 2000 Expositon.

Trigard launched two new product lines at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) show. The new 54" Serenity designed for toddlers is a casket/vault combination and is manufactured out of high impact polystyrene. The Caroline is a new product line of burial and cremation vaults t offering a distinctive feminine touch that sets it apart from other Tiigard products.

Joseph Henican III, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stewart Enterprises stepped down suddenly last month, and William Rowe was elected as the new CEO. Rowe was elected president and chief operating officer of the company in 1994. According to a newswire report, Stewart owns and operates 634 funeral homes and 157 cemeteries in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim.

Funeral service watchdog groups are criticizing a revised law that they believe two Tennessee legislators will profit from. Representative Tim Garrett and State Senator John Ford are funeral directors. The revised law states a person can't be cremated until at least 24-hours after death. Relatives would also be pemiitted to change the written wishes of a deceased person who wanted to be cremated. Critics say the two lawmakers pushed for the changes so grieving family members would spend money on traditional funerals. Garrett says he didn't think there was a conflict of interest in sponsoring the bill.