tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51265088693257785962024-03-13T16:50:27.598-07:00Let's talk about it...Let's talk about it...<br><br>To our valued families and friends, this blog was created to be informative for you, the consumer and bring you to better understand the funeral industry while making aware those things that could jeopardize your decision making process.<br><br>If there is a question or comment you would like posted or discussed, please email us at <a href="mailto:contact@avenidasfuneralchapel.com">contact@avenidasfuneralchapel.com</a>, and we will get it up as soon as we can.Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-71757663216217415592015-01-31T16:58:00.001-07:002015-01-31T16:58:38.219-07:00WORDS FROM A "LICENCED" FUNERAL DIRECTOR.<h4>
<i><span style="color: red;">This opinion I found on REDDIT of all places is a good synopsis that sums up just about everything I learned about the funeral industry on my own and is spoken verbatim and are the opinions of a licensed funeral director:</span></i></h4>
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I’m a funeral director. Our entire <i>industry</i> is basically a pyramid scheme. It blows my mind how blindly people accept that certain things “have to” be done to the body of their loved one. Think about that for a second: this is the last tangible remnant of someone you loved and you are now going to pay stranger thousands (oftentimes HUNDREDS of thousands) of dollars to <b>(warning: graphic from here on out</b>) systematically mutilate that body.</div>
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There is nothing dignified about having one’s mouth wired shut, eyelids forced closed by spiked plastic contact lenses, and ramming a trocar into the abdomen to puncture organs so that they can be suctioned out. After the embalming fluid is introduced, the anus and vagina are stuffed with cotton and other absorbent materials to prevent what we refer to as “purge.” This charming phenomenon can occur any time after death – yes, before or after embalming, at any stage of decomposition – when the fluid created by tissues breaking down is leaked through any nearby orifice, oftentimes the nether regions. </div>
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The process creates an enormous environmental problem; using toxic chemicals which are flushed into our sewers along with those pureed livers, hearts, spleens, pancreas’ which then also flow into our sewers. Oh, what’s that? I told you embalming is a legal requirement for public sanitation? That’s utter bullshit. If anything, it creates a sanitation problem if the cemetery you use is anywhere near a municipal water line, which most “commercial” cemeteries are.</div>
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In fact, in most states, the law only requires embalming if you are transporting a body across state lines or are not planning to inter for more than 72 hours and/or having a public viewing. It has not a single thing to do with public health. It’s a <i>cash cow,</i> plain and simple. It is barbaric, costly, and does not keep the body from deteriorating. But we’ll tell you just about anything you need to hear to get you to agree to it.</div>
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What I’m doing here is incredibly illegal (secrets) and I know it, but on the slim-to-none-chance that you’re a sharp-minded consumer in the midst of your grief and call my state’s licensing board about it, all I have to do simply tell them you were mistaken. I’ve seen funeral directors force-feed families absolute horseshit – saying <i>anything</i> – to get them to sign a contract. Here’s a hint: don’t sign any pre-printed “form” contracts. Most of the contracts we use are super vague, so we can charge you for just about anything and justify it by pointing to your signature on the dotted line. It is in your best interest to only agree to specific itemized charges – i.e., have the hearse but no limousines. Or have hair/makeup done without any embalming. The law is very specific and on <i>your side</i>, but we count on your ignorance and vulnerability.</div>
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Even better, find a trusted friend or family member who is more emotionally stable right now and appoint them as your lawyer/detective. You know that bitchy sister-in-law everyone has who makes major holidays a nightmare? I can spot her a mile away and will do everything I can to keep her out of financial discussions – because I know she will take that obnoxious nagging and throw it at me for every single penny I’m trying to get out of your family. See my co-workers standing around looking somber and respectful? They’re not there to just have a presence of authority, they are studying you. </div>
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They are watching the family dynamic and will report back to me with any potential angles I can play to manipulate your emotions, which family members are taking it the hardest and will therefore be the easiest prey, and their estimation of your financial well-being. If, by the way, you appear to be less affluent, I’ll tell you to take your business elsewhere. This is not a hospital and I don’t provide a service – this is a business. If you aren’t paying me (in full and up front, generally), all you’re getting is my sympathy.</div>
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Do yourself a favor and read the FTC Funeral Rule. It’s very clear and concise in stating what you as the consumer are required to do and what rights you have. Did you know the casket I’m selling you for $5000 is really just a nicely decorated plywood box? If you were smarter, you’d know you don’t have to buy that from me. In fact, the law requires me to allow you to “BYOB.” Costco and Wal-Mart sell very reasonably priced nice caskets on their websites. If you happen to be armed with that tidbit of information, I’ll try to make it a practical issue: it will be easier to use the caskets we already have here. Another line of crap. All of the caskets at the funeral home are demo models (and are actually nice napping spots on slow days). Anything you buy will be delivered to the funeral home via freight the next day, just like the Wal-Mart caskets.</div>
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Another well-worn sales tactic is to try to shame you into going along with the exorbitant cost, implying you didn’t really love grandma enough if you spend less than five figures with me. You should know, by the way, that everything you buy from me – a guestbook, prayer cards, even the damn obituary notices – is marked up <i>at <span style="color: red;"><b>least</b></span></i> 200%. See the picture I’m painting here, kids? Smoke and mirrors. It hasn’t always been like this, but with the corporatization of the death care industry, the almighty dollar is the only consideration anymore.</div>
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Whew, this is getting to be a novel. Sorry, hang with me just a bit longer – we are getting to the major issue here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttffo3IJcU2EMsLzHcHyw-apMD3O6Chs7yg0WR2vfhd4-vEpmZ0plgKInj0Ha6xc0bQTW7pSgr92aM2I1yVUNNAkAXBrTBJwtCHT_0u8OKmwhqooL-fbDjOnkdpRmQYIywQiCq8BuA3SS/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttffo3IJcU2EMsLzHcHyw-apMD3O6Chs7yg0WR2vfhd4-vEpmZ0plgKInj0Ha6xc0bQTW7pSgr92aM2I1yVUNNAkAXBrTBJwtCHT_0u8OKmwhqooL-fbDjOnkdpRmQYIywQiCq8BuA3SS/s1600/index.jpg" height="108" width="200" /></a>Right now – literally <i>right now</i>, August 16, 2013 – the FTC is reviewing a merger between the <i>years</i> ago and is pretty much a figurehead at this point. Check his website carefully: at the bottom, you’ll probably see a copyright for either “Dignity Memorials” (SCI) or “STEI” (Stewart).<br />
two largest funeral service corporations in the United States: Stewart and SCI. Stewart has 500-ish locations while SCI has 2000+. This will create a mega-Deception-conglomerate that will control at least 40% of all funeral service business transactions in this country – and that, my friends, is what antitrust regulations refer to as a monopoly. We are racing full speed ahead to the genesis of the McFuneral Home and nobody is doing anything about it. The reason? Misdirection. There’s no <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubba!</td></tr>
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Stewart Funeral Home or SCI Mortuary in your hometown. They’re operating under the same names they always have, letting you believe that the good people of Bubba & Sons Memorial Chapels would never steer you wrong. Bubba’s been around for 50 years! Bubba’s handled your family’s funerals for generations! Let me tell you something: Bubba cashed out </div>
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Every single thing you’ve read in this thread about cutting corners, shoddy work, under-trained and under-paid employees, outsourcing certain processes, covering up mistakes… <b>ALL OF IT HAPPENS IN THE FUNERAL INDUSTRY.</b> Now, most of us are decent human beings and aren’t interested in getting freaky with dear old granny, but in terms of services performed and their actual value, you trust us <i>WAY, WAY TOO MUCH.</i></div>
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You know how shitty the cell phone service provider market is right now and how worked up everyone gets about that? <a href="http://www.funerals.org/newsandblogsmenu/blogdailydirge/2872-ftcreleasescimerger">The funeral industry is worse.</a> And we should all be raising hell, because <i>EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US</i> is going to have to conduct business with the deathcare industry eventually — be an informed consumer and know who you’re really giving your money to.</div>
Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-77947793130157403902014-11-23T12:54:00.004-07:002014-11-23T12:59:31.451-07:00ABUSING THE GIFT OF "TISSUE DONATION".<!-- Entry Text --> <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">$$$$$$$ - IT PAYS, BUT NOT YOU - $$$$$$$</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>I FOUND THIS ON THE INTERNET, COULDNT SAY MORE ABOUT IT, BE VERY, VERY CAREFULL AS TO WHO YOU CHOOSE FOR TISSUE DONATION/WHOLE BODY DONATION, I AM FINDING THAT MOST ARE VERY, VERY UNETHICAL AND ARE IN IT FOR THE CASH.</em></span></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;">FOR THE RECORD, AVENIDAS TRANSPORTS AND REFERS TO "LIFE LEGACY" AND "DONOR NETWORK" FOR BODY DONATION, I STAND BY THEM 100%</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Miguel L.</i></span><br />
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<strong>By Kate Willson</strong><br />
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<em>This is the fourth installment in an <a href="http://www.icij.org/" target="_hplink"> International Consortium of Investigative Journalists</a> series.</em><br />
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Mandi Eisenbeis stood over her dad. It was a Thursday in May 2011 when she said her private good-byes at a funeral parlor in Lodi, Calif. George "Randy" Eisenbeis had died young, felled at age 57 by a methamphetamine overdose.<br />
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As she looked at him lying in the coffin, she noticed his hands were oozing blood.<br />
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Eisenbeis didn't know what had happened until later, when she learned the funeral director had sent a scathing complaint to the California Transplant Donor Network, the nonprofit organ and tissue bank that had stripped out Randy Eisenbeis' usable parts.<br />
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"To say this was simply a 'hack job' would be a compliment," Lodi Funeral Home's Michael Collins wrote in <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/395445-funeral-home-letter.html" target="_hplink">a letter</a> accompanied by a series of graphic photos of the torn-apart corpse. "I guess we should consider ourselves lucky that you left his head and his hands for viewing, and yes, that is his severed foot in the photo to the bottom left of the embalming table."<br />
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In March the family <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/395446-eisenbeis-2nd-amended-complaint.html" target="_hplink">sued</a> the California organ bank, accusing it of fraud, mutilation of a corpse, and infliction of emotional distress.<br />
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According to call logs made of the consent process, the bank told Mandi Eisenbeis at least four times during the recorded consent process that the body would be properly put back together. She and the family couldn't give informed consent, the lawsuit charges, because those promises were lies designed to manipulate them into giving their okay.<br />
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The California Transplant Donor Network is accredited by the industry gold standard -- the <a href="http://www.aatb.org/" target="_hplink">American Association of Tissue Banks</a>. According to its policies, tissue banks are required to reassemble a body out of respect for donors, their families and the professionals who handle bodies on their way to burial or cremation. <br />
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The tissue bank declined requests to comment for this story. In court filings the tissue bank has denied wrongdoing. In an earlier public statement the organization suggested that Randy Eisenbeis' corpse had been in good condition when it sent it to the morgue for autopsy. "No matter how complex the reconstruction process may be, it is a standard to which we adhere consistently," it said. "Unfortunately, we cannot speak to what may transpire once a donor's body leaves our control." <br />
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The medical examiner's <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/400714-eisenbeisautopsy.html" target="_hplink">autopsy findings</a>, however, reported that Randy Eisenbeis came to him naked and skinned, with his feet "separated from the ankles." <br />
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What happened to Randy Eisenbeis may not be typical of how bodies are treated when they enter the tissue donation system. But as a worst-case scenario, his story provides a window onto a system that some say operates with inadequate regulatory scrutiny -- and raises questions about how well the industry lives up to its own standards about the manner in which tissue banks obtain consent to take tissues from the recently departed.<br />
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Families often know little about what happens after they say "yes." Ethics experts say many families in the U.S. and other countries assume that standard donor agreements apply only to hearts, lungs and internal organs. They don't realize that in the brave new world of tissue harvesting, the dead's bones, skin, tendons and heart valves can be cut out and used to create medical devices that can be sold for profit around the world.<br />
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<strong>Lack Of Information</strong><br />
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Tissue from about 30,000 cadavers in the United States is cleaned and milled into medical devices each year and some is exported around the world. U.S. companies also obtain tissue from places including Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Latvia. <br />
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In many countries, the law allows tissue harvesting unless a donor opts out before death. In the United States, federal law requires that tissue harvesters get families' approval. How they do that is up to states to decide -- and many states have few requirements or guidelines. People are often unaware just what they are giving away when they agree to become a donor. And families often don't know that when they okay donations to nonprofit organizations such as the California Transplant Donor Network, the tissue routinely goes to for-profit companies, feeding a billion-dollar industry that uses those tissues for everything from repairing a knee to plumping up a penis.<br />
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Without uniform federal standards, it is mostly left up to tissue banks to decide how much information to share with donor families. Few states require that companies tell families their loved ones' tissue can be sold overseas, sent to a for-profit company or used in cosmetic procedures such as wrinkle-fillers and nose jobs. <br />
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"At present the industry thrives because of public ignorance and indifference regarding the for-profit involvement," Robert Katz, a law professor from Indiana University <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/393834-nota-report-katz.html" target="_hplink">wrote in 2006</a>. "Most donors are either unaware of such involvement, or it does not trouble them enough to stop donating."<br />
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In a <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/395031-consentsiminoffstudy-2010.html" target="_hplink">2010 study</a> by researchers Laura Siminoff and Heather Traino, 70 percent of donor families said they'd object to a loved one's tissue going to a for-profit business. Yet fewer than one in five said they'd been told that the harvested tissues could go to a for-profit company.<br />
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U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/393821-schumer-safetissueact-2007.html" target="_hplink">introduced legislation</a> in 2007 that would have established mandatory requirements for what banks had to tell donor families, as well as try to limit the profits companies can make from the donation. But the bill died after heavy lobbying by the industry, Schumer said.<br />
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Industry representatives have declined to answer questions for this story.<br />
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<strong>A Legal Gray Area</strong><br />
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<a href="http://christruitt.com/" target="_hplink">Chris Truitt</a>, a former industry insider, is among the advocates who are working to reform the system and force companies and nonprofits involved in the process to do a better job of informing the grieving about what will happen to remains of family members who've died. Truitt is the author of a book, "Dark Side of Tissue Donation," which exposes what he sees as abuses and profiteering within the donation system.<br />
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He began working in the industry after living through a family tragedy.<br />
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His daughter, Alyssa, was born with a condition that causes fluid to build in the brain. When Alyssa died at age 2, the Truitts donated her organs and tissues. It soothed the pain to know their daughter's death had helped others in need. He and his wife began promoting donation. <br />
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"I felt it was basically my calling in life," Truitt said. "I ended up doing what I could to find a position working in the field."<br />
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Truitt signed on with nonprofit tissue bank Allograft Resources of Wisconsin. "My job was to go out and do the procedures. To recover bones, skin, veins, heart valves," he explained. "We'd take the long bones out, we'd take skin out, take the veins out, take the heart valves out." <br />
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The tools were mostly those found in any operating room -- scalpels, retractors, scissors, and clamps. Sometimes, though, Truitt and other recovery technicians also used metal wedges and mallets to break through the bone. <br />
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Still, they prided themselves on being "stewards of the gift." Donors, he said, were treated with respect. Once, an elderly woman whose husband had died thanked Truitt for his work. "She said that at his age in life, he and she both felt that they were completely useless, they had nothing left to give. <br />
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But by being able to donate, it kind of showed that they still meant something, they were still worth something, they were still able to help somebody."<br />
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But the bank's record keeping was abysmal, making it <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/393798-483-allograftresourceswisconsin-2000.html" target="_hplink">impossible to track</a> the tissue from donor to hospital buyer. In 2000 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/393804-allograftresourceswisconsinwarning2000.html" target="_hplink">warning letter</a> -- a serious and uncommon reproach. That's when RTI Biologics -- which had until then bought all the bank's tissue -- took over responsibility for its operations.<br />
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Once RTI got more involved in daily operations, Truitt said, training was upgraded. Experts came in to show him and his coworkers how to recover tissue in the most efficient manner. "I don't think they made it any more professional," he said. "I think they made it more industrial."<br />
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The industrial part of processing and distributing tissue is so different from the soft nonprofit face that donor families are often shocked. "The for-profit trade in body parts is a legal gray area," said Joshua Slocum, executive director of the <a href="http://www.funerals.org/about-the-fca" target="_hplink">Funeral Consumers Alliance</a>. "This affects the confidence of the public and the whole donation process." <br />
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Truitt has nothing against for-profit companies being involved in the industry. He just wants families to be fully informed when the dead's remains are used to make commercial products. "What I'm saying is that I want that choice. I want to be able to know what that means. And I don't think that's what families are getting."<br />
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That can be a challenge, given differences in disclosure laws among states as well as families' vulnerability during the time of grieving.<br />
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Some families don't want all the details, and it's up to the organization seeking the tissue to judge how much to disclose, according to Christina Strong, a lawyer for organ and tissue banks and an expert on donation regulations.<br />
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Some families, Strong said, might say, "This is freaking abuse. Look, I'm giving OK. That's it." Others might say, "Yes, take it," but they want an open casket funeral, which means that they need to be aware of the kinds of tissues to be taken and how that will affect the person's appearance and clothing selection.<br />
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Most tissue donation center requests analyzed in the 2010 study didn't tell families that they could decide not to donate. And none told families they could change their minds after initially agreeing, according to the study published earlier this year in The Journal of Trauma, a medical journal.<br />
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Families often have even less information and fewer rights when it comes to harvesting tissue from the dead overseas. Express consent isn't required, for example, when a company gets tissue from some former Soviet nations.<br />
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RTI's trade-partner turned subsidiary, Tutogen Medical, has obtained tissue from the Czech Republic, Hungary and Latvia, where everyone is a donor unless they expressly opt out. The company also <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/395033-ukrianebanks-fda.html" target="_hplink">obtains tissue</a> from Ukraine, where government morgues can recover tissue from the dead if they gain family consent. <br />
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Four of Tutogen's Ukrainian suppliers have been investigated for allegedly taking tissue against the wishes of donors or their families. The first case was <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/393825-ukraine-2005-courtruling-kievcitybureau.html" target="_hplink">dismissed</a> when prosecutors couldn't prove the tissue hand been transplanted. The second was dismissed after the defendant died while a court deliberated his case. Two recent investigations are still pending. <br />
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The income that can be made from recovery to distribution is anywhere from $80,000 to $200,000, according to industry experts and court testimony. There is a cost involved in recovering, processing and distributing the tissue.<br />
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Overseas and in the U.S., some companies that profit from human tissue spend considerable resources cultivating sources of fresh bodies. <br />
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Phillip Guyett, who worked as a ground-level body wrangler in California, North Carolina and Las Vegas before he was <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/395248-guyett-sentencinghearing.html" target="_hplink">sent to prison</a> for falsifying death records, said the demand for tissue grows more intense every year. One tissue buyer, Guyett said, summed up the all-out competition for corpses this way: "Whoever has the most bone wins."<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Profit Machine</span></strong><br />
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When RTI took over the Wisconsin tissue bank where Chris Truitt worked, he said employees were pushed to compete hard with other tissue banks for access to bodies -- courting hospitals, funeral homes and morgues. "We would convince them when they came across a death to call us in for the tissue, rather than some other tissue bank," Truitt said. <br />
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Once the tissue left the bank, it was sent to RTI, sterilized and milled into implants. "It is a medical device. It's regulated as a medical device," he said. "It's no longer part of Uncle John. It's product XYZ123."<br />
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Skin from the Wisconsin bank was also sent to New Jersey-based LifeCell. Truitt says a representative of LifeCell initiated an award for the person who could recover the most tissue from a donor. He said the award was named the Golden Dermatome Award after the instrument designed to strip layers of skin off a donor's back, thighs and arms.<br />
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Life-Cell did not respond to questions about the award but said in a statement to ICIJ that the company "is committed to improving patients' lives."<br />
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"When they started giving out those rewards, it really sunk into me that instead of being stewards of the gift and treating each donor with the ultimate in respect, the company was actually looking at each donor as a profit machine, as nothing more than raw resources," Truitt said. "And it was our job to take as much of those resources as we possibly could."<br />
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He left the bank, disillusioned that any profits could be made from recycling human tissues from donors like his daughter. He even had his name removed from his state's list of tissues donors, but remains an organ donor. He hasn't given up hope.<br />
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"Saving lives, making lives better. That's what it should be all about," Truitt said. "I talk with a lot of recipients. I talk with a lot of donor families. And we all feel the same thing. It's too important a thing, too incredible a thing to just stop. We have to fix it instead." <br />
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Mandi Eisenbeis hopes that her family's lawsuit, filed this spring in San Joaquin County (Calif.) Superior Court against the California Transplant Donor Network, will spur that kind of reform among recovery banks. <br />
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The case is still in its early stages; the family's lawyers hope lawmakers will notice the case and call for changes in how they obtain consent and treat donor bodies.<br />
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Eisenbeis said the condition of her father in the coffin -- and the photos she saw afterward that showed the full picture of the mutilation -- roused her to take her complaints to the bank.<br />
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Three times, she said, she sent copies of the funeral director's letter and pictures to the tissue bank. <br />
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Three times the bank said it never received the mail. Then, she said, it stopped picking up the phone at all.<br />
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It was only after getting the silent treatment, she said, that her family decided to file the lawsuit.<br />
"I don't want anyone to go through what I felt the day I saw those pictures," she said. "For me, I just wanted things to change, and when I saw those pictures I knew that I had to do everything I could to get someone to stand up and listen to me."<br />
<br />Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-40671399142884206632014-04-02T06:03:00.003-07:002014-04-02T06:03:25.913-07:00BODY DONATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS<span class="userContent"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_533c09b55fa400f35472766">
BODY DONATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS<br /><br /> I have received many, many questions after my last post on body donation. Again, like cremation or burial, We at Avenidas Funeral Chapel neither condone or recommend body donation. it is a personal choic<span class="text_exposed_show">e. But should you choose to donate, please be informed and ask questions. Know what your are getting yourself into. It is not bad, just different.<br /><br /> Question: Who is eligible to donate for the advancement of medical education and research?<br /><br /> Answer: Almost anyone can donate regardless of age, health and location within the United States. Although a few exclusions exist, most people qualify. Please contact us for your donation options.<br /><br /> Question: If I am an organ donor for transplantation, can I still donate for medical education and research?<br /><br /> Answer: There is not a definite answer to this question. It depends on which organs and tissue were donated for transplant and what current organs and tissue are needed by medical educators and researchers. <br /><br /> Question: If I am declined as an organ donor for transplant, does that mean that I am also excluded from donating to medical education and research?<br /><br /> Answer: No. Transplantation and medical education and research have very different exclusions. Transplantation exclusions are much stricter, requiring viable, non-diseased tissue. However, in medical education and research donation, diseased tissue is desirable and is often matched up with a medical educator or researcher studying that particular disease.<br /><br /> Question: Can my family request cremated remains?<br /><br /> Answer: Yes. The return of cremated remains to the next-of-kin is an option and is free of charge.<br /><br /> Question: Can I specify the research program and/or institution I wish to donate to?<br /><br /> Answer: This is difficult to do since different research programs accept tissue at different times. However, most will work with you or your loved ones to make every reasonable effort to fulfill your wish.<br /><br /> Question: Does an autopsy prohibit donation for medical education and research?<br /><br /> Answer: No. An autopsy does not exclude donation for medical education and research. However, a blood sample will need to be drawn prior to the autopsy.<br /><br /> Question: Do I need to pre-consent in order to be a donor?<br /><br /> Answer: No. After death has occurred, the legal next-of-kin can consent to donation if all family members are in agreement.<br /><br /> Question: Where does your donation facilities funding come from?<br /><br /> Answer: That facility is a self-funded medical education and research tissue bank that receives reimbursements from universities, government agencies, corporate and private medical institutions for the professional services we provide. They also adhere to all state and federal regulations through the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.<br /><br /> Question: What is the corporate status of the facility you refer and its affiliated research programs?<br /><br /> Answer: we refer a facility that is incorporated as a taxable organization. The medical education and research programs that rely on that facility for anatomical tissue specimens are both for profit and non-profit.<br /><br /> Question: How does my religion feel about organ and tissue donation?<br /><br /> Answer: Most major religions are supportive of organ and tissue donation but we recommends checking with your spiritual advisor.<br /><br /> Question: Are there any financial costs associated with whole body donation for medical education and research?<br /><br /> Answer: Most whole body donation facilities pays for a direct cremation (cremation, transportation and filing of the death certificate). If a donor’s family chooses to have an urn, memorial service, ship out of ashes etc., those additional selections can be arranged with the funeral home at the family’s expense.<br /><br /> Question: Is the personal information of donors kept confidential?<br /><br /> Answer: Absolutely, Donor companies adheres to strict confidentiality practices. All donors are assigned a unique identification number that is used throughout the donation process to keep the donor’s personal information confidential.<br /><br /> Question: Why is human tissue donated for medical education and research purposes?<br /><br /> Answer: There is no substitute for human tissue when studying the body. Physicians, doctors, medical educators and researchers around the world rely on donated tissue to help further medical advancements and/or to complete their studies on the many debilitating diseases that continue to afflict mankind.<br /><br /> Question: When will cremated remains be returned to the family?<br /><br /> Answer: The donation process does not slow the cremation process. Remains are usually returned to the family within 4-6 weeks.<br /><br /> Question: If I’m a donor, can I have a traditional funeral service?<br /><br /> Answer: Most whole-body donors are cremated and therefore a traditional funeral with an open “viewing” casket is not an option. However, a closed casket service is a possibility.</span></div>
</span>Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-74641293709765957932013-12-22T09:53:00.000-07:002013-12-22T19:00:53.167-07:00THE DARK SIDE OF TISSUE DONATION........ One mans Journey.<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><em>The following article was copied from the website </em></span><a href="http://christruitt.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><em>christruitt.com</em></span></a><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><em> . I do not make any claims to its authenticity and it is strictly informative in nature. It is one mans "Journey". It is a very good blog. Remember, THIS GUY WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY AND DONATED HIS DAUGHTERS ORGANS, He has seen both sides.....</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Miguel</span></em><br />
<h2>
The Dark Side of Tissue Donation</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACqIR0yILYV8bir_2KGKwD1si4XRN7etvRUXwH4tuVAOCpvsYWpgxLfu8HGPxSHUFuV4m1pwkVqHByXbOqIj4wwB41NJn40YomkzqAceDYUojoYyChxlpFfi1yNt5d8jwQ4R5iZihspxI/s1600/body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACqIR0yILYV8bir_2KGKwD1si4XRN7etvRUXwH4tuVAOCpvsYWpgxLfu8HGPxSHUFuV4m1pwkVqHByXbOqIj4wwB41NJn40YomkzqAceDYUojoYyChxlpFfi1yNt5d8jwQ4R5iZihspxI/s320/body.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
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For as long as tissue banks have been in existence there has been a debate over which is a better steward of the gift; a for-profit agency or a not-for-profit agency.</div>
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At the heart of the debate is the fact that no donor family likes the idea that someone may be getting rich from the sale of their loved one’s organs and tissues. The family is donating the gifts for purely humanitarian reasons; their hope is that someone else’s life will be saved or at the very least made better by the gifts so graciously donated.</div>
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This is how my wife and I felt when we chose to donate our two-year-old daughter’s organs and heart valves on March 1st of 1999. At the time our number one goal was to create something positive from the death of our daughter; to help someone else live by giving our daughter’s organs and tissues. We simply assumed that whoever used our daughter’s gifts would be good stewards of the gifts meaning that they would be procured appropriately and distributed appropriately.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Personal Journey</span></strong></div>
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The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinic’s Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) harvested our daughter’s liver, pancreas and intestines and Allograft Resources (which was a not-for-profit tissue procurement organization at the time) harvested her heart valves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclX6VpIYgROsK3UulTLh_k3GqhL8xRJC5njlOW2g2O5h10VBkjS783jeOLu4-dGO7dBNurjJP0JmCsLdF8LcEg45XFb3PRg6D2wMMVw0jQQVkBJe1ngsLxlLTmDz1iyVZGXhHo5iWD0lo/s1600/girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclX6VpIYgROsK3UulTLh_k3GqhL8xRJC5njlOW2g2O5h10VBkjS783jeOLu4-dGO7dBNurjJP0JmCsLdF8LcEg45XFb3PRg6D2wMMVw0jQQVkBJe1ngsLxlLTmDz1iyVZGXhHo5iWD0lo/s1600/girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclX6VpIYgROsK3UulTLh_k3GqhL8xRJC5njlOW2g2O5h10VBkjS783jeOLu4-dGO7dBNurjJP0JmCsLdF8LcEg45XFb3PRg6D2wMMVw0jQQVkBJe1ngsLxlLTmDz1iyVZGXhHo5iWD0lo/s1600/girl.jpg" /></a><br />
After our daughter’s death and subsequent donation we had the incredible chance to meet the recipient and her family. We were able to see first-hand the good that can come from organ and tissue donation. Our single goal was achieved; through our daughter’s gifts helped save another family from going through what we were going through at that very moment – planning for the funeral of our baby girl.<br />
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I believed in organ and tissue donation so strongly that shortly after my daughter’s donation I was hired by Allograft Resources as a member of their procurement team. Over the years, though, Allograft Resources was essentially “bought” by the organization that processed the donated tissues that Allograft Resources recovered – Regeneration Technologies Inc. (RTI) of Alachua, FL (a for-profit company). As Allograft Resources began changing hands, the focus of the “business” began changing from helping donor families to helping the company’s bottom line.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6zHHg0xN8fhy_T4NueYUYt6oyX5yeFalauk_mHCotY7Myaigdah2h-NHg75HQAYPmQ_CUd2mHLE6KXNZjwOX3_ZDbS06nMLEFadDZ0xjJx5wdBmavB92BL77-6ow3IiXnjNaJkQQ9hOV/s1600/ugly+dollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6zHHg0xN8fhy_T4NueYUYt6oyX5yeFalauk_mHCotY7Myaigdah2h-NHg75HQAYPmQ_CUd2mHLE6KXNZjwOX3_ZDbS06nMLEFadDZ0xjJx5wdBmavB92BL77-6ow3IiXnjNaJkQQ9hOV/s200/ugly+dollar.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><em>The Ugly Dollar raises its head yet again</em></span></td></tr>
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Soon after the acquisition of Allograft Resources RTI became a publicly traded company. That is when things really started going down hill. For example LifeCell, a skin processing company, began handing out <span style="color: red;">“Golden Dermatome” awards <span style="color: black;">(a dermatome is the surgical instrument used to procure skin)</span> to the people that recovered the most skin per donor.</span> Instead of being careful to follow the wishes of the family <span style="color: red;"><em>our procurement teams competed against each other to see who could recover the most skin</em></span>. In reality, the Donors were reduced to nothing more than a square footages of skin.</div>
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Another example of “beefing up the bottom line” was the introduction of “research” tissue procurement. Families are told that tissues not suitable for transplant may be suitable for use by researchers searching for cures for diseases and conditions. What the families weren’t told was that research tissues may include the procurement of an entire foot, an ear, a nose, a spine – virtually anything (especially if the donor was to be a direct cremation).</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">$100,000.00. </span><span style="font-size: small;">That is <span style="color: red;"><em>ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS!</em></span></span></strong></div>
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By the time a procurement team was done with a donor, the tissues could be sold for a total that sometimes topped <span style="color: red;">$100,000</span> (from what limited information I could gather – tissue banks are tight-lipped about the values of human tissue).</div>
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I began investigating where the money trail led. The emotion behind this charged topic is simple: no donor family wants to think that some company executive is driving around in a <span style="color: red;"><em>Jaguar purchased with an exorbitant salary earned from the sale of donated organs and tissues</em></span>. Unfortunately, though, <em><span style="color: red;">that’s exactly what is happening</span></em>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqe5aq6br7jEPwauOELy3mDAR9QgZS183hG4Dwk_gAsys259McpjyOuJtjimIY6Z5VUHfVGLqADELFfONEvrPr_Y8r1V3rZXEl9Kcrb6RS5s9DszH2gzEudibdEbh4aYVRsEysuCZGoTE4/s1600/jaguar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqe5aq6br7jEPwauOELy3mDAR9QgZS183hG4Dwk_gAsys259McpjyOuJtjimIY6Z5VUHfVGLqADELFfONEvrPr_Y8r1V3rZXEl9Kcrb6RS5s9DszH2gzEudibdEbh4aYVRsEysuCZGoTE4/s320/jaguar.jpg" width="320" /></a>In reviewing RTI’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and stockholder reports the true</div>
magnitude of the money being earned by this one company alone is very obvious.<br />
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In 2003 RTI listed net revenues at $75.5 million and in 2004 that number climbed to $92.7 million. In 2003 executive compensation packages added up to over $1.4 million dollars with the CEO earning over half a million dollars alone.</div>
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In 2005 available bonuses for the executives range from <strong><span style="color: red;">$250,000</span></strong> for the CEO to <span style="color: red;"><strong>$90,000</strong></span> for the VPs and total <span style="color: red;"><strong>$710,000</strong></span> together. This is in addition to the 4% raise that was approved for each executive’s salary.</div>
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As if this wasn’t enough, RTI set up a “retention and severance agreement” designed to “maintain stability” following the company’s announcement that they’re exploring “strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value”. The retention and severance agreement would come into play should the company be sold if the “strategic review” leads to the sale of the company.</div>
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Over $1.7 MILLION<strong><span style="color: red;"> ($1,700,000.00)</span></strong> has been set aside to reward employees for staying with the new company as a retention bonus or to be paid as severance pay should they lose their job in the shuffle.</div>
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At the heart of the matter is one, simple fact ; </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: red;"><em>everyone is making money off the donated organs and tissues and not one cent finds its way back to the donor or donor family</em></span></strong>.</span></div>
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Procurement teams are paid, the facilities where the procurements are taking place are paid, procurement agencies’ operating budgets are paid, shipping to processing labs is paid, processing costs are covered and the final cost to the end recipient is charged by the hospital who is charged by the processing lab for that particular tissue. Even the nurses and doctors in the transplant surgery are paid. Thousands of people make their livings (and damn good livings) off gifts so graciously donated by humanitarians.<strong><em><span style="color: red;"> </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: red;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">How is this fair?</span></em></strong></div>
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There is a federal law on the books that makes it illegal to sell human organs and tissues but it does allow for the recovery of<strong><span style="color: red;"> “necessary costs and fees”</span></strong> relating to the procurement, processing and transplanting of the donated tissues. unfortunately these companies are responsible and the CEO's are the ones designating the outrageous prices for procurement, processing and transplanting of the your deceased family members donated tissues. In other words, they sidestep the law to designate how much they will charge to do the <span style="color: red;">"Paperwork",</span> and tell the federal government that the tissue is free. This can vary from patient to patient, tissue sample to tissue sample, or decedent to decedent. Its what they choose to charge for the <span style="color: red;">"Paperwork". </span><span style="color: black;">Not the tissue........</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Something for the family.....</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfwRLViPEYRKwNLOzOaceqrPNB7627Su-twNb8wlsMczlBD2dZ7kn9EPkNiUMrAXmWx5LAo4D05XmxTg7GlUjbovbojxtKN3gXK_X5rahyphenhyphenwJ5_umQxgaMbo52mlygzlCVSgGCZ7oZZ7q4/s1600/sad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfwRLViPEYRKwNLOzOaceqrPNB7627Su-twNb8wlsMczlBD2dZ7kn9EPkNiUMrAXmWx5LAo4D05XmxTg7GlUjbovbojxtKN3gXK_X5rahyphenhyphenwJ5_umQxgaMbo52mlygzlCVSgGCZ7oZZ7q4/s200/sad.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
It is time that the greedy for-profit and not-for-profit organ and tissue banks stop hiding behind this law and start paying at least something back to the donor family. Keep in mind; no donor family will ever say that they hoped to realize a financial gain by donating their loved one’s tissues. Everyone, like me, has deeply personal reasons for donating. However, that doesn’t mean that everybody but the family should make money from the gifts.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Average Funeral....</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: red;">My proposal is simple; require tissue banks and organ procurement organizations to pay for an “average” funeral for the donor (with “average” taking into account the geographic and economic region’s average funeral costs). The family can choose a more elaborate funeral but the OPOs and <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJd-R2qRO_SHnIDIKA-yKLoneBbucJf4NwH44qR88_JKQr-wwFINaCKjGx6aeh6wAIJ0xvHgxsQtTt7wKUz45_p3HS3v93Stxe656XndJqUxc3PJpWWlFjEAyLo3yIklR3Hc_HE3Vv1MA/s1600/funeral+costs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJd-R2qRO_SHnIDIKA-yKLoneBbucJf4NwH44qR88_JKQr-wwFINaCKjGx6aeh6wAIJ0xvHgxsQtTt7wKUz45_p3HS3v93Stxe656XndJqUxc3PJpWWlFjEAyLo3yIklR3Hc_HE3Vv1MA/s1600/funeral+costs.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Average Funeral Costs.......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
tissue banks would only be required to pay out “average” costs. The family should also be given the opportunity to use the payout to fund any memorial or charity they wish (such as a bench in the park or donation to hospice care etc.).</span></div>
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This would end the hotly contested and often debated for-profit versus not-for-profit status. In the end, everyone in the business turns a profit off the gifts so graciously donated. It is only right that the family receive a portion to either cover the funeral or to be used charitably. Although it is a statement that you will probably never hear voluntarily from a donor family, if everyone else is making money from our loved ones’ gifts we deserve something too.</div>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-19220849173345598732013-10-24T20:28:00.001-07:002013-11-17T06:12:25.749-07:00NATIONAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR ASSC. BURIAL PRICE VS AVENIDAS BURIAL PRICE <div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW0kX-co3rAvpJs7FXss5ShT-iDyXWcvl0XGkxk5364gZFgy7QzPwjG9YeMf6MS5nI-lTAscFFRoDerF-W1QURw1o1fHKzxecLfXynUVPnE90UB7DZspS35R0LheJJhI8cindTc4EjzNW/s1600/service_burial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW0kX-co3rAvpJs7FXss5ShT-iDyXWcvl0XGkxk5364gZFgy7QzPwjG9YeMf6MS5nI-lTAscFFRoDerF-W1QURw1o1fHKzxecLfXynUVPnE90UB7DZspS35R0LheJJhI8cindTc4EjzNW/s1600/service_burial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<span style="color: red;"><em>BURIAL VS BURIAL, HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? YOU DECIDE IF THATS HONESTLY WHAT YOU WANT TO PAY...</em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW0kX-co3rAvpJs7FXss5ShT-iDyXWcvl0XGkxk5364gZFgy7QzPwjG9YeMf6MS5nI-lTAscFFRoDerF-W1QURw1o1fHKzxecLfXynUVPnE90UB7DZspS35R0LheJJhI8cindTc4EjzNW/s1600/service_burial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW0kX-co3rAvpJs7FXss5ShT-iDyXWcvl0XGkxk5364gZFgy7QzPwjG9YeMf6MS5nI-lTAscFFRoDerF-W1QURw1o1fHKzxecLfXynUVPnE90UB7DZspS35R0LheJJhI8cindTc4EjzNW/s200/service_burial.jpg" width="200" /></a>The <span style="color: blue;"><em>National Funeral Directors Association</em></span> (NFDA) released the results of its 2013 Member General Price List Study in August 2013. The report provides a comprehensive picture of the diversity of costs associated with a funeral/burial service in the United States..</div>
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Perhaps the most frequently requested piece of information produced by the survey is the national average cost of a funeral. Since the 1960s, <strong>NFDA </strong>has calculated the average cost of a funeral by totaling the costs of the following items: </div>
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Non-declinable basic services fee </div>
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Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home </div>
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Embalming </div>
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Other preparation of the body</div>
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A metal casket or rental casket</div>
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Use of the funeral home and staff for viewing </div>
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Use of the funeral home and staff for a funeral ceremony </div>
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Use of the funeral home and staff for a graveside service or urn </div>
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Use of a hearse </div>
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Use of a service car/van </div>
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A basic memorial printed package (e.g., memorial cards, register book, etc.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCAkIljn7CpCfUJLNw2w_JvvlrWywTL3qmRU2tDoa_cYmRyYBz_-oDmzsE98wGc1kGiQcnLkzhjdV4VGeG5z3duCh3BGHYAHA1P9g82lbna_h79894mqC1Cv1WQR4xzG0F_d6_brMkg1_/s1600/nfda_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCAkIljn7CpCfUJLNw2w_JvvlrWywTL3qmRU2tDoa_cYmRyYBz_-oDmzsE98wGc1kGiQcnLkzhjdV4VGeG5z3duCh3BGHYAHA1P9g82lbna_h79894mqC1Cv1WQR4xzG0F_d6_brMkg1_/s200/nfda_logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The national average cost of a funeral, as quoted by the NFDA for calendar year 2013 is $7,635. If a grave vault is included, something that is typically required by a cemetery, the average cost is $8,933. The cost does not take into account cemetery, monument or marker costs, crematory fees (if cremation is selected instead of burial), or miscellaneous cash-advance items, such as flowers, obituaries and funeral procession escorts. Many factors contribute to the final determination of how an individual funeral home prices its good and services, including the firm's business philosophy and the market in which it operates and corporate or independent ownership.</div>
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National AVERAGE Cost of an Adult Funeral vs. Avenidas Funeral Chapel as per the National Funeral Director Association
for 2013</div>
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<u><strong>Services or Merchandise <em> NFDA</em> COST <em>Avenidas</em> COST</strong></u></div>
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Non-declinable basic services Charge $1,975 $795<o:p></o:p>
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Transfer of remains to funeral home $285 $250</div>
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Embalming $695 $395</div>
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Other preparation of the body $225 $160</div>
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Use of facilities/staff for a visitation $495 $295</div>
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<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing="">
Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony $495 $295</use></div>
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<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing="">Use of facilities/staff for a graveside service or urn $495 $175</use><br />
<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing="">Basic Memorial Print Package $150 $85</use></div>
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Hearse $295 $300</div>
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<u>Service car/van</u><span br=""><u>
$130 $50 </u></span></div>
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<strong>Subtotal without casket $5,240 $2,800</strong></span></div>
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<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing=""><span br="">Metal casket $2,395 $850<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (12 different styles)</span></span></use></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Average cost for the most frequently purchased casket)</span></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing=""><span br=""><u>Average cost of funeral with casket $7,635 $3,650 </u></span></use><br />
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<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing=""><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></use><br />
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<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing=""><span br="">Vault(grave box) $1,298 $680 <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(concrete grave box)</span></span></use></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Average charge for the most frequently purchased vault)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
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<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing=""><span br=""><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Total with services, vault and casket</span> <span style="color: red;">$</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">8,933 </span> <span style="color: blue;">$4,330</span></span></strong></span></use><br />
<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing=""><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"></span></strong></use><br />
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<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing=""><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">That's a savings of</span><strong> $4,603.00</strong> <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">with</span><strong> </strong><span style="color: purple;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Avenidas Funeral Chapel</span></em> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">or the standard price for a cemetery plot, or even a second funeral service. (pre-arrangement?) That gives you $273 left over (mariachi?).</span></span></use></div>
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<use br="" facilities="" for="" of="" staff="" viewing=""><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></use><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd76gw9ATN6UcTBCBzKWm6Iq-jDYR5Y8uJf29GyqJJXt8oUVbkgAb-a9fJgisZY5fhlHL_OReGJ6njShUvAGXzvw8OJyAwlIyGYYrw_9U0XyAgwRrATnU1oo7fhYpnNkVpy2bU9aKLbMLw/s1600/affordable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd76gw9ATN6UcTBCBzKWm6Iq-jDYR5Y8uJf29GyqJJXt8oUVbkgAb-a9fJgisZY5fhlHL_OReGJ6njShUvAGXzvw8OJyAwlIyGYYrw_9U0XyAgwRrATnU1oo7fhYpnNkVpy2bU9aKLbMLw/s1600/affordable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd76gw9ATN6UcTBCBzKWm6Iq-jDYR5Y8uJf29GyqJJXt8oUVbkgAb-a9fJgisZY5fhlHL_OReGJ6njShUvAGXzvw8OJyAwlIyGYYrw_9U0XyAgwRrATnU1oo7fhYpnNkVpy2bU9aKLbMLw/s200/affordable.jpg" width="200" /></a>So there you have it. This is a survey of random funeral homes, including those in the greater Phoenix area and their pricing for services for burial, but can also give you an idea as to what they may charge for cremation. The price comparison that is introduced reflecting Avenidas Funeral Chapels prices is as those items selected from our General Price List. We have funeral packages that offer much more at a substantial saving to you and your family far under the price listed above. These are burial packages that are inclusive of everything needed, also we have access to cemetery property at a local cemetery for $2,995, opening and closing included. Oh, and that price for direct cremation? $585. Compared to our local corporate competitor? $2,200.</div>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-32828604624911172412013-09-16T18:43:00.002-07:002013-09-18T08:19:07.527-07:00PRE-PAID FUNERAL OR PRE-PAID RIP OFF? YOU DECIDE...<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><em>An article I found on Insure.com. It is informative and very neutral. Please feel free to develop your own conclusions.</em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskGCay2nSmE_UsfC81VRd5onn7bVAXAwSQgJjGJG2lmGLlrcyUSU7Xa-5hOi4E7Kfi479tHnHJKKWeaKLROh7KHbn2LAxLEBuMjconpNvzkWwJiuPSIP7X5qzRN0iUUx-BoioNDHmUgVh/s1600/III.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskGCay2nSmE_UsfC81VRd5onn7bVAXAwSQgJjGJG2lmGLlrcyUSU7Xa-5hOi4E7Kfi479tHnHJKKWeaKLROh7KHbn2LAxLEBuMjconpNvzkWwJiuPSIP7X5qzRN0iUUx-BoioNDHmUgVh/s200/III.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have you ever considered what your funeral should be like,
what kind of service there should be, or even what kind of coffin you would
prefer? If you're over age 50, you probably have, and you may have even done
some pre-planning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">According to a 2007 survey by AARP, 34 percent of the
over-50 population has done some pre-planning and 23 percent have pre-paid a
portion or all of the funeral or burial expenses for themselves or someone
else. That translates into 20 million people age 50 or older who have already
paid some funeral expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A traditional funeral, including a casket and vault, costs
about $6,000, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and additions
such as obituary notices, flowers and limousines easily run up the total to
over $10,000.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are plenty of reasons to pre-plan and, if possible,
pre-pay your final arrangements long before the need arises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pre-planning, is it worth it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Most funeral homes today offer pre-planning services. This
allows you to go in and make arrangements for some or all of your own funeral,
down to every detail. The funeral director will give you a price list for goods
and services, which is required under the FTC's "Funeral Rule."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-planning relieves your family of significant stress and
uncertainty over arrangements. It may even head off arguments among family
members over what you wanted for your services and burial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Price guarantees?<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you elect to pre-pay your arrangements, many funeral
directors will offer a price guarantee. That means you can lock in today's
prices no matter when your funeral is held in the future. With funeral prices
only destined to go up, this is a smart choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If your prices are not locked in and you pre-pay, your
family may need to pay extra at the time of your funeral to make up the
difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In drawing up pre-paid contracts, funeral directors may
offer guaranteed prices for some items but not for others. For example, prices
on flowers and grave services may not be guaranteed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-paying a funeral<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once your pre-planned arrangements are set, you can elect to
pay a portion or all of the bill before your death. This too lifts the burden
from family members and helps ensure that your wishes are carried out. There
are three main ways to fund a pre-paid funeral:</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Final expense insurance <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pre-need insurance <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pre-need trusts </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Pay On Death Account </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Final expense insurance</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Final expense insurance, also known as "burial" or
"funeral" insurance, is a life insurance policy with a low face
value, such as $5,000 to $50,000, that you buy directly from an insurance
company. You can name any beneficiary, typically a family member, who would
make the claim and receive the money upon your death. That beneficiary would
then be responsible for using the money to carry out your wishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The beneficiary legally could decide to use the money any
way they want, so make sure you trust your beneficiary. Also, if your benefit
amount exceeds the cost of your funeral, the beneficiary keeps the difference.
For example, if you have a final expense policy for $15,000 and your services
and burial end up costing $12,000, your beneficiary would pay the bill and keep
the extra $3,000.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Final
expense" insurance policies are low face value term or whole life
policies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Final expense policies are either "term life"
(which covers you for a specific time period or until a certain age, then
expires) or "whole life" (which covers you for the rest of your
life). They are generally either "simplified issue" policies, for
which you're asked several medical questions but don't have to take a medical
exam, or "guaranteed issue," where the policy is issued to anyone who
applies with no medical questions asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">For example, Globe Life markets final expense policies
through direct mail with face values from $5,000 to $50,000. Globe Life's final
expense policies are "term to 80," meaning that the policies expires
at age 80 if no benefit has been paid. They are "simplified issue" policies
with applications that ask for your medical history going back three years. The
maximum age for buying Globe Life final expense insurance is 75.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">People who have a serious health problem may receive a
policy with a "graded death benefit," which means the coverage amount
increases over time and your beneficiaries won't receive the full face value if
you die within the first few years of the policy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Remember that any life insurance policy can be used to pay
for a funeral. You can buy any term or whole life policy and instruct your
beneficiary to use a portion or all of the death benefit for your funeral.
Standard term and whole life policies, however, aren't offered in low face
amounts like $5,000, which is why final expense policies can be handy if you
need insurance money only to cover funeral expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you have other financial obligations, such as a mortgage
and dependents who are counting on you to pay for college, you're better off
buying a standard term life or whole life policy in an amount that can cover a
number of family needs, including final expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-need insurance<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another type of life insurance policy, called pre-need
insurance, is intended for the person who has selected specific arrangements at
a funeral home and wants the assurance that those arrangements will be paid for
and implemented. Unlike final expense policies, which you buy directly from an
insurance company, pre-need policies are sold by funeral home directors or their representatives who are
also licensed agents. The funeral home is the beneficiary of the policy and the
funeral director or his agent receives a commission, like any agent, for selling you the
policy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">These policies can be paid in one lump sum or over time.
Funeral directors who are agents for pre-need insurance typically offer
policies underwritten by just one company. That means you won't be able to
"comparison shop" for price; you'll have to take the pre-need policy
rate that's offered or decline it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The funeral home is the beneficiary of the pre-need
insurance policy. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> </o:p>Say you've picked out a funeral home and made
pre-arrangements there by selecting goods and services that total $5,000. If
the funeral home offers pre-need insurance, you could purchase a policy right
there for $5,000. Even better would be if the funeral home offered a price
guarantee for your selections. If they don't, and your future funeral costs
$6,500, your family would need to pay the extra $1,500 to carry out your
wishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-need insurance saves your family effort, too. The
funeral director makes the claim, receives the money, and carries out your
wishes. Before buying, find out what happens if you change your mind and want
to move arrangements to a different funeral home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Insurance is king," says Chuck Wetmore of
American Funeral & Cemetery Trust Services in Oregon, which helps
administer pre-need trusts around the country, including the California Master
Trust. Wetmore estimates that about 80 percent of pre-paid funerals are funded
by insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-need insurance laws vary by state and New York does not
allow the sale of pre-need insurance at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-need trusts<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another option is to make pre-arrangements with your funeral
director and fund those arrangements by putting cash into a trust, which holds
the money until your death and then disperses it to the funeral director. This
arrangement also relieves your family of last-minute decisions. But just as
with pre-need insurance, if you don't have a “price guarantee” on your funeral
selections, it's possible that the money you put into a trust today won't fully
cover expenses in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Under this arrangement, your payment for funeral
arrangements is deposited into a federally insured bank until your death.
Depending on your state, your money may be put into an individual trust account
or a "master" trust, which pools many individual trusts. The value of
the trust can rise and fall depending on the investment performance. However,
if you have a guaranteed-price contract from your funeral director, he takes on
the market risk from the trust and must provide the services you selected no
matter how well the trust's investments have performed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A pre-need trust holds the money until your death and then
disperses it to the funeral director. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many states allow funeral directors to keep a portion of
your trust payment. For example, Washington allows a funeral director to keep
10 percent, Nebraska allows 15 percent and Colorado allows 25 percent.
California allows nothing to be retained by funeral directors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">No matter what amount a funeral director may retain, if you
cancel your trust you will receive all your money back.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If trust investments have done well, there will be
"overage" between the trust value and the cost of the funeral. What
happens then varies by region. Some funeral directors
will pocket the difference; east of the Mississippi, they usually return it to
the family. In New York, any money left in the trust after funeral costs must
be returned to the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-need trusts can be revocable or irrevocable. Funds in a
revocable trust can be withdrawn at any time if you change your mind. But if
you're spending down your assets in order to qualify for social services such
as Medicaid, you'd need to put your pre-paid funeral money into an irrevocable
trust, which cannot be withdrawn until your death and removes it from your
assets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your funeral director may offer both pre-need insurance and
trust services. If you're set on using a particular funeral home, your pre-pay
options will be limited by what the funeral director has chosen to offer.
Funeral directors who offer only pre-need trusts do not have to go through the
time and expense of getting licensed in order to sell pre-need insurance in the
state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Pay on Death account<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Establish a "Pay on Death" (POD) account at your
bank. This is an account designating your funeral home as the beneficiary upon
your death. Make sure you inform the funeral home, family members, executor and
lawyer of the existence of the account. You can cancel the account without
penalty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Earmark a savings account. Make provisions for your family
members to withdraw funds at your death to pay for funeral services. You can
always change your mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Weighing pre-need insurance
vs. pre-need trusts<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70zosQz5mPsLWHaRUDsie4DqHc1gcaJkmynToaXXpbMZJRJuGW9bY4WLJnHMy7W_c6sPdWJcAscW2brwY3BlopMwxWiHpjq7sdEPcriSEakfl-NDR8PrkLD5_jIH9DfowJGn2vYRt8Eps/s1600/pros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70zosQz5mPsLWHaRUDsie4DqHc1gcaJkmynToaXXpbMZJRJuGW9bY4WLJnHMy7W_c6sPdWJcAscW2brwY3BlopMwxWiHpjq7sdEPcriSEakfl-NDR8PrkLD5_jIH9DfowJGn2vYRt8Eps/s1600/pros.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In Wetmore's opinion, "Trusts are better for the family
and the funeral director." If you're weighing your options, here are some
important points to consider:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span></span></div>
<ol>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><em><span style="color: #660000;">Ask for a guaranteed price plan no matter how you'll fund your funeral. <o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
</li>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">For items and services that cannot be price-guaranteed, ask for a written estimate of the cost so your family will know what to expect. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You may be declined for insurance due to age or health. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The funeral home director receives a commission for selling you a pre-need policy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can't "comparison shop" for pre-need insurance rates; the funeral director chooses your insurer, but you select the face amount. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Funeral directors may have financial incentives for selling a large volume of pre-need policies; for example, they may receive extra compensation if they sell a lot of policies for one company. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you use a pre-need trust, make sure your contract includes a cancellation clause. Some states may allow a "revocation fee" to be charged. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If your money is held in a trust, in some states your family members may be able to strip down your funeral service arrangements and receive cash back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Know where your trust money is being invested; you may receive an annual statement of earnings or be required to report interest income on your taxes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[endif]--><em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you received social services before your death, your family cannot receive trust money back; any difference between the funeral cost and the trust amount would have to be returned to the state. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you're buying a final expense or pre-need insurance policy, find out if it's possible you will pay more premiums than your beneficiaries will receive in death benefit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #660000;">AARP urges you to find out if your pre-paid arrangements can be moved to another funeral home.</span></em> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">"It's all taken care
of"<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-paid funerals, no matter how they're funded, and guaranteed-price
contracts can offer tremendous peace of mind to you and your family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">But people may have different ideas about "taking care
of everything."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Mom/Dad said everything was taken care of." That's
what We hear often when we talk to families. Yet families who were
told by parents that "everything was taken care of" often had
unpleasant surprises upon arriving at the funeral home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In our experience, often some families are surprised
to discover that only a burial plot had been paid for. Others are surprised to
find out that a list of desired arrangements was made at a funeral home but
nothing paid for. Still other families have been told that "everything is
taken care of" but never told which funeral home has the paperwork. And
then there are the families who find out after a funeral that a pre-need plan
was in place at a funeral home across town. (In that case, proceeds go back to
the family.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">any way, it tends to cause a lot of turmoil within the family, if not done right, But what is right? That is up to you, the family or the individual to decide...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whatever level of pre-arranging you do, make sure that key
members of your family know what's in place and where.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Where can I go with this policy?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The magic about a pre-need funeral insurance is that you can use it anywhere!!! (unless it specifically says). If you are told you cant, ask the funeral home to "SHOW YOU". Better yet, TAKE it to another funeral home and ask them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lets say you purchase a policy at a local funeral home in Tolleson or Goodyear Arizona. The policy itself has a value of about <strong>$6,500.00</strong> In that policy you have purchased;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Basic Service of the funeral director and staff</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Transport to the funeral home</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Embalming & body preparation</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Dressing Casketing and cosmetics</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. 20 gauge Casket of your choosing at the time</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. 2 hour visitation</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Church service</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. Hearse</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. Flower van</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. Book and folders</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11. Casket cross</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
12. Graveside service</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
13. Cash advance items of $1,000.00 for;</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Flowers</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Escorts</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Some cemetery charges</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Musicians</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Death certificates</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Dove release</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All these items are charged or added up at that specific funeral homes charges. Thus <strong>$6,500.00</strong> is your cost.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So lets say you want to go to another local funeral home in Avondale where the same services cost about <strong>$3,800.00...</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, that leaves you with <strong>$2,700.00</strong> too use as you wish to add more to the same service for the deceased at this lower costing funeral home, or even take home with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's <strong>$2,700.00.....</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, as the policy grows old, the cash you pay into this policy grows interest, that interest is used to pay for the service when you need to use it at that times charges. That is how funeral homes "lock in" those prices.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
BUT!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Should you choose to use that policy at another location, that is less expensive than the local Goodyear or Tolleson funeral home, you will probably have funds <strong><span style="color: red;">"LEFT OVER".</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="color: red;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong> <span style="color: black;">Let me repeat that, you will probably have funds </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">"LEFT OVER"</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What can you do with those funds? ANYTHING YOU LIKE! Add on to the service, spend it at the cemetery for a marker, use it to have a luncheon after the service or even a little gathering for food. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Basically, it is your to decide. Just because it is in the policy does not mean that you HAVE to give it to the funeral home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, and that "CASH ADVANCE" amount in the policy? it was put there to pay for those items listed above, please do not let the funeral director con you into upgrading the casket using that money. That is pure profit for them, and now you have to pay for those cash advance items out of pocket. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So there you go, now you know. Use the policy where you want, no matter what the funeral home says. It is to be used to bury the deceased, not profit the funeral home.</div>
Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-23688372790102089232013-08-27T14:51:00.003-07:002013-08-27T15:37:50.965-07:00YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND A TON OF MONEY ON A FUNERAL, HERE'S WHY...<header class="mtn mbl"><h1 class="headline">
<span style="font-size: large;">You Don't Have to Spend a Ton on a Funeral - Here's Why...</span></h1>
<div class="headline">
</div>
</header><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18ogealrggac4jpg/ku-bigpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="marquee js_annotatable-image cursor-crosshair" data-asset-url="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18ogealrggac4jpg/ku-bigpic.jpg" data-chomp-id="18ogealrggac4jpg" height="179" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18ogealrggac4jpg/ku-bigpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="twelve columns marquee-asset-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;">
As the director of <a data-ls-seen="1" href="http://www.funerals.org/" sl-processed="1" target="_blank">Funeral Consumers Alliance</a>, a nonprofit that helps people avoid funeral fraud, I know all about mortuary mythology. (That’s what I call the collective "wisdom" about death, dying, funerals, and dead people.) Most Americans get their information about how to bury the dead from the people we pay to do it for us—not exactly the most disinterested source.</div>
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</div>
<div class="row post-content js_text-annotatable" style="text-align: justify;">
<em>Funeral directors aren’t all crooks...</em> and making your living burying the dead is a perfectly respectable career. But they are in business to pay their bills. Even super-savvy shoppers let their brains go on vacation when they buy one of the most emotionally fraught and potential costly services. You don’t walk into the car dealer with a blank check and you shouldn’t do it at the undertaker’s. </div>
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</div>
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<div class=" div="" fits="" get="" here="" how="" post-content="" row="" s="" send-off="" style="text-align: justify;" tastes="" that="" the="" to="" your="">
It's a fact of life that we're all going to die at some point. While it's not something you probably want to think about, you can make … <a data-ls-seen="1" href="http://lifehacker.com/5992722/one-day-youre-going-to-die-heres-how-to-prepare-for-it" sl-processed="1"><span style="font-size: small;">(Read this link)</span></a>
<span style="font-size: small;">Consumers call </span><a data-ls-seen="1" href="http://www.funerals.org/affiliates-directory" sl-processed="1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">FCA</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> by the thousands and talk about death in the subjunctive mood: “Well, I don’t <em>need</em> your services now, but if anything <em>should ever</em> happen to me. . .” Death is </span><a data-ls-seen="1" href="http://lifehacker.com/5992722/one-day-youre-going-to-die-heres-how-to-prepare-for-it" sl-processed="1"><span style="font-size: small;">not an optional lifestyle choice</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> that may not be right for you. Having suffered a heart attack at age 36, I can tell you you’re not too young to die, either. That conversation with your kids about how to budget, compare credit card rates, protect your online life? You need to have it about death, too. Funeral planning is family planning, and leaving the ones you love without the tools they need is like sending your kids out of the nest believing the stork is going to deliver their first baby.</span> </div>
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</div>
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<div class=" div="" fits="" get="" here="" how="" post-content="" row="" s="" send-off="" style="text-align: justify;" tastes="" that="" the="" to="" your="">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Gleaming Casket or Plain Pine Box. Does it Matter?</span></strong></div>
<div and="" budget.="" class="row post-content </div>
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</div>
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<a href=" fo36vcvdu="" h0eoeamx4i="" imageanchor="1" promethean.jpg="" s1600="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" xa6nqta937y="">
<img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh272fh_uIfyPT8bnvXAHVthFtOQTMZcLdjvBo1aisMNSk_DuAAM2_PHPVontO0jo6YAyytsfwtIcEbRKomOdv7lm1d45BnBQ42bxqGc_XjWjaTT3S6FwK-Q19MXfG4oVmwyEpWIGUDDT16/s320/promethean.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta;">No gleaming casket will put dear mom on the fast track to sainthood</span>, and <span style="color: blue;">no plain pine box will insult dad.</span> Whether you choose something simple or something elaborate, the dead will stay dead and our love for them will live on. So, what's a "dignified" funeral? Whatever you decide and whatever fits your family's emotional needs and budget. I've been to two-day affairs with the dead on display and I've been to homespun potluck memorial services at Uncle Stu's house. There was no difference in the amount of laughter, tears, and hugs. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Don't Spend $8,000 to $10,000 on a funeral
</span></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This figure gets passed about as if it were a law of nature. The truth is a "funeral" can mean anything from a bare-bones cremation to a three-day viewing and procession to the grave (and anything in between). Local Funeral Consumer Alliance groups do price surveys of burial and cremation costs and they routinely find a difference of thousands of dollars, all for exactly the same service. But if you do like most people and use the same funeral home every time, you'll never know if you're paying more than you need to. Would you make any other major purchase without comparing options?
<span style="font-size: small;">Funerals are a "distress purchase," so the Federal Trade Commission's</span>
<a data-ls-seen="1" href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0070-shopping-funeral-services" sl-processed="1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Funeral Rule</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> gives you specific protections. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>The rule requires funeral homes to:</strong> </span>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="row post-content js_text-annotatable">
<ul><span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Give price quotes by phone <strong>(HONEST ONES!)</strong></span></li>
<li><give a="" about="" any="" arrangements="" at="" beginning="" itemized="" li="" menu="" of="" prices="" printed="" right="" talk="" the="" you=""><span style="font-size: small;">Let you choose item-by-item (vs. forcing you to buy a package)</span> </give></li>
<li><give a="" about="" any="" arrangements="" at="" beginning="" itemized="" li="" menu="" of="" prices="" printed="" right="" talk="" the="" you=""></give>Accept a casket you bought elsewhere or made yourself without charging a fee. </li>
<li>Be truthful about any laws that do or don't require you to buy specific things.
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Law Says What?</span>
</strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUswzKoX8vgc8vsl9vMmXZPW3eFf1AJE8Zuc4q_L0QidB_vJ63LKjgYXdLVgzTGtDmpsMLWCNVqnUCUyZbKPQiec1Gi5Fioevpt94cySG2frLta05V6xLClgEIsEwaDGb61mbHctEwaBT/s1600/law.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUswzKoX8vgc8vsl9vMmXZPW3eFf1AJE8Zuc4q_L0QidB_vJ63LKjgYXdLVgzTGtDmpsMLWCNVqnUCUyZbKPQiec1Gi5Fioevpt94cySG2frLta05V6xLClgEIsEwaDGb61mbHctEwaBT/s1600/law.jpg" /></a><strong></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If someone, especially someone in the death care business, tells you that the law requires or prohibits<br />
something, treat it as "it didn't happen or they didn't say it." Insist that they show you the actual law if they are persistent. Nine times out of ten, it never existed in the first place. Sometimes people are just passing along "what everyone knows or what they've heard," and sometimes you're being scammed to pad the bill. Those people are using their assumed experience in the industry to guide you, not maliciously, but still...
</div>
<strong> </strong><br />
<strong><em>Here are some things you should know:</em> </strong><br />
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
No federal or state law requires embalming for all deaths.(not one)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
No federal or state law requires embalming as a condition of viewing the body. (not one)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
No federal or state law requires a casket or a grave vault as a condition of burial, and there are no government standards for casket construction.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Dead people aren't a public health problem. You're infinitely more likely to catch the flu from other mourners who are breathing and coughing.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Most states don't even require you use a funeral home. Yes, I'm saying it's legal to do it pioneer-style and have a simple funeral performed entirely by the family.</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<input name="ASIN.1" type="hidden" value="0942679342" /><input name="Quantity.1" type="hidden" value="1" /><strong> Prepaying Isn't Magic - </strong>"Except for folks who have to "spend-down" to qualify for Medicaid, prepayment isn't usually in your best interests. Yes, the funeral home probably told your parents they'd lock in today's prices and that everything was "all taken care of." But the fact is, prepaid funerals are regulated differently in every state, and in many cases you can lose a great deal of what you paid if you cancel or change your mind before death. What's more, kids whose parents prepaid for their funerals are some of the hardest consumers to help if circumstances have changed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Bottom line:</strong> You can't "take care of everything" for your family any more than you can guarantee them career success or a comfortable environment. Your family doesn't need nice-sounding but unrealistic promises—they need you to help educate them on how to plan and carry out your final arrangements without confusion or overspending. OH! there is no such thing as "UNDERSPENDING" while making arrangements. <span class="text-annotation-footnote-wrapper"></span>
</div>
Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-27507878855767886272013-08-03T09:16:00.000-07:002013-08-04T09:09:32.796-07:00THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AND CREMATION. WHAT IS "THE RIGHT WAY"?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><em>I thought it necessary to give you the rule of Catholic law to assist you in making decision in regard to burial over cremation for Catholics. Seeing how burial is almost becoming a financial impossibility and many Catholic Cemeteries and NOW Mortuaries are charging prices that are unobtainable to families, you need to know your options.</em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a Catholic, may I be cremated?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W-6Idj-hHbVcjpd5uDQe1I-lLXRRh-HrrtsPp6_nIzZUfx4rOXzr85hHTq67TiNmgcRvr0WV8566Z7qUYth5TQXI0q0quEfOSntfSSA6jNkUju5BjvCBpHEssDIdJLQRhOQ71zntN5hB/s1600/stainglass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W-6Idj-hHbVcjpd5uDQe1I-lLXRRh-HrrtsPp6_nIzZUfx4rOXzr85hHTq67TiNmgcRvr0WV8566Z7qUYth5TQXI0q0quEfOSntfSSA6jNkUju5BjvCBpHEssDIdJLQRhOQ71zntN5hB/s200/stainglass.jpg" width="150" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong> </strong></span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>YES, YES, YES,</strong> In May 1963, the Vatican's
Holy Office (now the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith) lifted the
prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. This permission was
incorporated into the revised Code of Canon Law of 1983 (Canon # 1176), as well
as into the Order of Christian Funerals. It then became standard practice to
celebrate the funeral liturgies with the body and then take the body to the
crematorium. Most recently the bishops of the United States and Holy See have
authorized the celebration of a Catholic funeral liturgy with the cremated
remains when the body is cremated before the funeral.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do I need to ask permission to be cremated?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>No,</strong> but it is a good idea to
discuss your reasons with your pastor or other parish minister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When should cremation take place?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Church prefers that cremation
take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body. <strong><em><span style="color: blue;">However, in the American
culture, cremation often takes place immediately or soon after death</span></em></strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Sometimes, however, it is
not possible for the body to be present for the Funeral Mass. When
extraordinary circumstances make the cremation of a body the only feasible
choice, <span style="color: blue;"><strong><em>pastoral sensitivity must be exercised by all who minister to the
family of the deceased</em></strong></span>." Order of Christian Funerals, Appendix II) <span style="color: blue;">(in other words, the catholic priest may authorize this, do not let them tell you it is Christian/Catholic rule)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it necessary to embalm?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When cremation follows the
funeral liturgy, embalming is usually necessary. When cremation follows soon
after death, <strong><em><span style="color: blue;">embalming is not necessary in Arizona, (if no viewing is to be had and the funeral home is to refrigerate) Honestly, that is the law, But the funeral home may require if it is their policy</span></em></strong>. Each state has its own regulations in
this matter, but generally the rule is that a deceased human body that is not
buried or cremated within 24 to 48 hours is to be embalmed or refrigerated. However,
simple embalming and the use of a cremation casket need not involve excessive
costs.<span style="color: blue;"> (Funeral Homes are not required to have refrigeration facilities in Arizona, it is a "catch 22". be cautious if you are told the un-embalmed body must be embalmed. If there is no refrigeration, move on)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it necessary to purchase a casket for cremation?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvk5pjd4dx5ruLCtlAKETMpBXxK7DMusfb0CfB1mtVIpqw6yXyYOgnf0EJSEVAtKxHMXwWzaIW4ZD616GGpUasVHUQL3pStM17QaRJbV6KUXOnFrHkqeXzxH2SrkgSswl3ExtX9uLyIHY/s1600/ccasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvk5pjd4dx5ruLCtlAKETMpBXxK7DMusfb0CfB1mtVIpqw6yXyYOgnf0EJSEVAtKxHMXwWzaIW4ZD616GGpUasVHUQL3pStM17QaRJbV6KUXOnFrHkqeXzxH2SrkgSswl3ExtX9uLyIHY/s200/ccasket.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>No.</strong> The only thing required is a
simple container in which the body can be transported and placed in the
cremation chamber. <span style="color: blue;">(cardboard box, you will need nothing more, do not be oversold on anything else)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you choose to have the body
present for Mass, with cremation to follow, rental is an option. Many funeral
directors offer regular caskets for rent, as well as the special cremation or
shell casket which you may purchase. <span style="color: blue;">(again, do not be sold on a wood "cremation casket", these are very expensive and easy to be over marketed)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the proper container for cremated remains?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnZ6Yzm-QCO5_0PlHBlzByOOqFOvprSd5DtpHv9WntAD-tkgNyKFObECRsC2UVq3SUdBqk651pIMtDH0v3aI6vhDTOgIqVYdYlhmXxrjC5Uv45SI0oJoa4hJhZXLXHBUQ2akaonC6hA1b/s1600/curn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnZ6Yzm-QCO5_0PlHBlzByOOqFOvprSd5DtpHv9WntAD-tkgNyKFObECRsC2UVq3SUdBqk651pIMtDH0v3aI6vhDTOgIqVYdYlhmXxrjC5Uv45SI0oJoa4hJhZXLXHBUQ2akaonC6hA1b/s200/curn.jpg" width="171" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Appropriate containers (not
necessarily expensive) such as a classic urn are proper for the cremated
remains. At the present time the U.S. Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy has
determined only what is not a proper container. Although jewelry, dishes,
statuary and space capsules are now being offered, they are unacceptable in
Catholic funeral practices. It is also unacceptable to have your cremated
remains made into jewelry, dishes and the like. <span style="color: blue;">(a simple plastic box provided by the funeral home is acceptable. Also sheet bronze cubes are acceptable)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How are cremated remains transported?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a matter of personal
choice. Individuals personally carrying a deceased person's ashes will often
have the added responsibility of packing and transporting the urn. You may wrap
the container of cremated remains with the possibility of sending it as accompanying
baggage or take it along as carry-on luggage. Some states regulate the
transport of cremated remains. Ask the airline office or your state's
Department of Public Health for specific before preparing the cremated remains
for transport by air. Where no legal regulations exist regarding transport of
cremated remains, cremated remains in a standard shipping container are usually
sent by U.S. Mail, UPS or another common carrier. <span style="color: blue;">(UPS, FEDEX and the like will no longer transport cremated remains, USPS via registered mail)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Must cremated remains be buried/entombed?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gONLbng6WZUsb3-qIz6Wi6APJO3oc42o7UUUKP6BKYaLFCyV5ETplCA3J80PzMTs9yjZx6rTr-OksZU42Cm8EpfDPSRh21LkP3t9GEQ2HWY6LOa3d-We_wPDEMQaz8LkWNWQaFHLg38u/s1600/burial;urn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gONLbng6WZUsb3-qIz6Wi6APJO3oc42o7UUUKP6BKYaLFCyV5ETplCA3J80PzMTs9yjZx6rTr-OksZU42Cm8EpfDPSRh21LkP3t9GEQ2HWY6LOa3d-We_wPDEMQaz8LkWNWQaFHLg38u/s200/burial;urn.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Yes.</strong> Burial options include a
family grave in a cemetery marked with a traditional memorial stone or an urn
garden, a special section in a cemetery with small, pre-dug graves for urns, or
a columbarium. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People do a lot of different
things with cremated remains: some scatter the remains, some keep them at home,
some leave the remains at the crematorium or the funeral home. Some choose
burial or inurnment in a cemetery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Church recommends burial or
inurnment of cremated remains as a mark of respect for the human body which was
a temple of the Holy Spirit, was nourished at the Eucharistic Table and will
share in the Resurrection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 1997 the bishops of the United
States published a booklet called Reflections on the Body, Cremation, and
Catholic Funeral Rites that presents pastoral guidelines for Catholics who
choose cremation. In part the US bishops say: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The remains of cremated
bodies should be treated with the same respect given to the corporal remains of
a human body. This includes the manner in which they are carried, the care and
attention to appropriate placement and transport, and their final disposition.
The cremated remains of a body should be entombed in a mausoleum or
columbarium; they may also be buried in a common grave in a cemetery. The
practices of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the
ground or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the
deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires (budget permitting). <span style="color: blue;"><strong>Whenever
possible,</strong></span> appropriate means of memorializing the deceased should be utilized,
such as a plaque or stone that records the name of the deceased."</span></em> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition, the value of
memorialization is twofold: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Memorials constitute a visible
history of our faith community. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Memorials are an important aid
to survivors, providing a focal point for the expression of grief and a place
of comfort as survivors go through the grieving process. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">Be very, very careful of this, a cemetery (any cemetery) will try to sell you a full sized grave for burial. You do not need one, also, you can save the cremated remains for a later time for burial with a spouse or family member.</span> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong> </strong></span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Burial or Inurnment Options</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first selection related to
burial or inurnment of cremated remains is really the last selection, i.e. the
urn to hold those remains which are returned from the crematory. That selection
will be guided by the following decisions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general terms, there are two options for
the final disposition of cremated remains: in-ground burial and above-ground
inurnment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>I.</strong> Ground Burial of Cremated
Remains: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">•In existing full grave with
arrangements for one or more cremation burials and suitable memorialization. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">•In a ground burial area designed
with smaller graves to accommodate cremated remains and provision for either
flush ground or above-ground memorialization. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="color: blue;">In the same grave space as
already utilized or reserved for another family member's full burial, with
observance of the cemetery's regulation for memorialization in such
instances.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>II.</strong> Above-Ground Inurnment of Cremated Remains
in a Columbarium:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjjuJCYpSdu2ds4S222Q1eECihIdCJgYsVMD5DWrVaQMcpl9anImOz9vU_74IR399MlAVQXrNl4AcUq9Uuw4d_ralSS5kxxCRWWn0RLtFlYaO3095wzTYz8NnAC80CySdSvuym-HAt3-w/s1600/Romanesque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjjuJCYpSdu2ds4S222Q1eECihIdCJgYsVMD5DWrVaQMcpl9anImOz9vU_74IR399MlAVQXrNl4AcUq9Uuw4d_ralSS5kxxCRWWn0RLtFlYaO3095wzTYz8NnAC80CySdSvuym-HAt3-w/s200/Romanesque.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">•A columbarium with an open face
(glass front) may be selected; this is only found inside of a building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">•A columbarium with a closed face
granite construction generally will be found in both interior or exterior
settings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">•A columbarium with a closed face
marble construction will generally be found in colder and wet climates inside a
building only. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">•In some instances a cemetery may
make provision to allow for the inurnment of one or more cremated remains in a
full mausoleum crypt and permit memorialization on the face of that crypt for
the remains of the individual inurned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In making the selection of the
cremation urn one should keep in mind the location selected - will it be seen
or concealed? Does the urn space selected make provision for identification of
the individual? Obviously, a glass fronted niche will not do so and therefore
the memorialization or the identification will have to be executed on the urn
itself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">Burial at a "Catholic Cemetery is not a requirement. DO NOT fall for sales tactics in regards to this. Remember, Catholic Cemetery sales personnel operate on commission just like corporate funeral. Do not be fooled.)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">Veterans get buried for free at any "Veterans National Memorial Cemetery in the United States", any of the 121 of them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is a columbarium?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A common practice is the
entombment of the cremated remains in a "columbarium". It is an
arrangement of niches, either in a mausoleum, a room or wall into which an urn
or other worthy vessel is placed for permanent memorial. Generally, niches
range in price per space from $800. to $2,500.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May I scatter the ashes?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm94gfMj-CMiYatxThGEZS55F-qRvTuX6SJ63H_fRN8wZDIuBJlGt2Z2_BQS0w7FmscDwtd2mcNXRu5XyA1aDTJ7fUb7FJ7f6AnqUeFqvcugHoKlVXeK1kHHG4WdvQ-GM02hZcB_Qesvc2/s1600/sscater.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm94gfMj-CMiYatxThGEZS55F-qRvTuX6SJ63H_fRN8wZDIuBJlGt2Z2_BQS0w7FmscDwtd2mcNXRu5XyA1aDTJ7fUb7FJ7f6AnqUeFqvcugHoKlVXeK1kHHG4WdvQ-GM02hZcB_Qesvc2/s1600/sscater.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>No.</strong> "The practice of
scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or
keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased
are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires." (Order of
Christian Funerals, Appendix II) <span style="color: blue;">(Sometimes, this is the wish of the deceased, consider their wishes if they served in the military. The difference between scattering at sea or burying at sea is to not scatter all over the sea, just in one spot)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May I bury the ashes at sea?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi-XrFpdmRHOz36r2DXcITMuT4SgGjNEU1PEQsv7MSfLPURumiBxzzcFIWswDNHK3GSH8GHdNbRZJFhuDoua2uTxUB3eXy4dvL99aBq6-skxxSD3GiQyNt7nARBAgPbdL3c82jgu0thsl/s1600/atsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi-XrFpdmRHOz36r2DXcITMuT4SgGjNEU1PEQsv7MSfLPURumiBxzzcFIWswDNHK3GSH8GHdNbRZJFhuDoua2uTxUB3eXy4dvL99aBq6-skxxSD3GiQyNt7nARBAgPbdL3c82jgu0thsl/s1600/atsea.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Yes.</strong> Burial at sea of cremated
remains differs from scattering. An appropriate and worthy container, heavy
enough to be sent to its final resting place, may be dropped in to the sea. The
burial of cremated remains at sea in this manner seems to be a appropriate
alternative to the long-standing and revered custom of a traditional burial at
sea. Please consult your local government for environmental regulations. (See
Order of Christian Funerals, #405.4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May anything be added to cremated remains such as the cremated remains
of other persons, pets or other objects?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The principle of respect for the
cremated remains of a deceased Christian embraces the deeper belief in the
individuality of each baptized person before God. Throughout history, the
mingling of remains has never been an accepted practice, except in
extraordinary circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who decides if I am cremated?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In most cases you make the
decision to be cremated. However, your survivors may decide to have you
cremated, generally due to special family circumstances, but rarely against
your will.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><a href="http://www.avenidasfuneralchapel.com/cremation/index3.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">(PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REVIEW ARIZONA LAW ON CREMATION AUTHORIZATION)<o:p></o:p></span></a></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do I make my wishes known?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you desire that your body be
cremated you can make those wishes knows in your will and in documents designed
to help plan and prepare your funeral. <span style="color: blue;">(Self Cremation Directive in Arizona)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do I have to honor my parent's or spouse's wish to cremate them?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>No.</strong> but out of respect for loved ones,
you will want to do all you can to carry out the wishes of the deceased
concerning funeral services provided they are in keeping with Church practice <span style="color: blue;">(and within your budget)</span>.
Yet, you must always keep in mind the therapeutic value to the family of
celebrating the full funeral liturgy with the body present. This may
significantly outweigh your reasons for cremation before the funeral liturgy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What funeral rites are celebrated when a person is cremated?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All the usual rites which are
celebrated with a body present may also be celebrated in the presence of
cremated remains. The United States' bishops have written new prayers and have
printed them as an appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals. During the
liturgies, the cremated remains are treated with the same dignity and respect
as the body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The following rituals may be celebrated:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prayers after Death<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This ritual is used immediately after death.
The presence of the minister, the readings, and the prayers can be of great
comfort to the family. (Order for Christian Funerals, #101-108)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gathering in the Presence of the
Body<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This ritual can also be of great comfort to
family members and friends. It allows for a time of simple prayer and shared
silence. (Order of Christian Funerals #109-118)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vigil for the Deceased<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If cremation has already taken place, friends
and family may still gather to pray. While it has been a tradition to pray the
rosary in some regions, the Vigil for the Deceased in a Liturgy of the Word
service, which includes prayer for the deceased and recognition of his/her
Christian life. (Order of Christian Funerals #54-97)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What length of time is there between death, cremation and the funeral
Mass?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The answer to this question
depends on various factors, just as in the case of funerals with the body. The
place of death, the location of the crematory, scheduling a time for cremation,
the schedule at the parish church, and other circumstances impact the timing.
Once all arrangements have been made, you should generally allow at least one
day between death and the celebration of the funeral liturgy. <span style="color: blue;">(that is not feasibly possible with today's churches, scheduling can take up to 7 days)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What happens at the Funeral Mass with cremated remains?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Significant attention should be
given to the primary symbols of the Catholic funeral liturgy, as stated in the
Order of Christian Funerals and its commentaries. The paschal candle and
sprinkling with holy water are primary symbols of baptism and should be used
during the funeral Mass. However, the pall is not used. Photos and other
mementos may be used at the vigil, but are not appropriate for the Mass. During
the Mass, the cremated remains should be treated with the same dignity and
respect as the body. They are to be sealed in a "worthy vessel." They
may be carried in procession and/or placed on a table where the coffin normally
would be with the Easter candle nearby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The body is always laid to rest
with solemnity and dignity. So too, the Order of Christian Funerals provides
for the interment of cremated remains (Order of Christian Funerals, #428).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">CANON LAW TITLE III: CHURCH FUNERALS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Canon - 117 <strong>S1</strong> Christ's faithful who have died
are to be given a Church funeral according to the norms of law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S2</strong> Church funerals are to be celebrated
according to the norms of the liturgical books. In these funeral rites the
Church prays for the spiritual support of the dead, it honors their bodies, and
at the same time it brings to the living the comfort of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S3</strong> The Church earnestly recommends that the
pious customs of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless
this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">There you have it, that's pretty much the law written by the Catholic Diocese. Now, knowing that Jesus was a poor man that served the poor, do you really think that he would want you to remove food from your mouth to accommodate rules that were written by men? My point being, do the best you can to follow the churches rules, but don't take from yourself to the point were it hurts to follow "GUIDELINES". Do what you can, seek guidance from the church and funeral home. If the only guidance they can give you is "spend more money", reconsider the source.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">One more thing, the diocese is now in the business of funeral service providers, yes, they now have funeral homes and those funeral homes must make a profit to support the church, so, with that, ask yourself when you choose to use these facilities if it is in your best interest when your are being sold a $6,500 funeral package, or you are being suggested a simple cremation to accommodate you budget.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Miguel Legaspi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avenidas Funeral Chapel</span></div>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-69259677423653604312013-07-27T19:06:00.000-07:002013-08-20T19:20:34.962-07:00HIGH FUNERAL PRICES = GUARANTEED QUALITY FUNERAL SERVICES? THINK AGAIN!<span class="userContent"></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span style="color: blue;"><em>Question - IS IT GUARANTEED THAT HIGH PRICES ENSURE GOOD QUALITY IN THE FUNERAL INDUSTRY?</em></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span style="color: red;">ANSWER -</span> <span style="color: red;">Not it is not.</span> </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Higher prices tell you one of five things;</span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">1. The facility has a very high overhead (bills, Staff & such).<br /> 2. The business owner has very rich taste.<br /> 3. The business is corporate owned and has shareholders.<br /> 4. The business just charges allot.<br /> 5. All of the above.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2yq6wWcIsnZ29cyLZJ4-CuF0U9_7aXSpfPAcOMjlONY0aNSPIn2Oex-6rs1a-YuHcCYMYHhZudesB7KNdO7r8sgTTWJE3VKwr_lTSJdobEFkqkFTmELKJrQmGfSoRdUlr8EVUJARJUc1/s1600/quality-service-logo-294x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2yq6wWcIsnZ29cyLZJ4-CuF0U9_7aXSpfPAcOMjlONY0aNSPIn2Oex-6rs1a-YuHcCYMYHhZudesB7KNdO7r8sgTTWJE3VKwr_lTSJdobEFkqkFTmELKJrQmGfSoRdUlr8EVUJARJUc1/s200/quality-service-logo-294x300.jpg" width="196" /></a><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">I’m sure we all can remember at one time or another that one specific business that charged outrageous prices and we thought that because of that, the services or merchandise or things they sold were going to be of an <span style="color: red;"><strong><em>“above and beyond”</em></strong></span> quality, but then “BAM!” once we use the services, we realized that the quality was poor and the services are those of days gone by. </span></span><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">But wait a minute! they <strong><em>SAID</em></strong> it was going to be "QUALITY", you know, "Beyond Expectation"!<br /><br /> The funeral industry in general has made it a point of being gobbled up by “Corporations” who have made it a point of buying quality, good named businesses and running them into the ground, all the time ridding on the name of the family or facility that use to own them. This was not their intent but after working in the “Corporate” funeral industry for exactly one year and nine months, It became apparent that there are those within the “Corporate funeral industry that only care about Fridays paycheck. (not all, but they are there). <br /><br /> Now, for an independent funeral home to make such claims like “HIGHER PRICES MEANS BETTER QUALITY” is not only untrue, but also misleading. That is like me saying, “I cook good food, you should pay me to eat my good food”. (I’m a horrible cook). It also is a form of advertising that service providers use to try and get you to believe that funeral home services are really worth $7,000 to $10,000, or a simple metal casket is worth $2,000. (I believe these charges not to be true)<br /><br /> I’ll tell you something about funeral services. Let’s look at cremation. I charge <strong>$569</strong> for cremation of a standard size adult. It takes 3 to 7 days maximum to have this process complete. <br /><br /> Our profit = <strong>$383</strong><br /><br /> Cremation costs me<strong> $186</strong>. That’s it! I pay <strong>$186</strong> for cremation. <br /><br /> Of that:<br /><br /> <strong>$155</strong> is to have the deceased cremated at a local crematorium.<br /> <strong>$12</strong> is for the cremation container (cardboard box).<br /> <strong>$4</strong> is for the permit.<br /> <strong>$15</strong> is for the County Fee’s.<br /><br /> Now, my local competitor the next town over charges you <strong>$1,725</strong> for the exact same thing, using the <em><strong>exact same crematory</strong></em> as I do and the exact same guidelines established by the state. (They are not wrong for charging what they charges, this is America, they may charge what they like, the question is...., is it your decision to pay those high prices?)<br /><br /> Their profit = <strong>$1,539,</strong> That is:</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><strong> ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDERED AND THIRTY NINE.....................................00/100</strong><br /> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-nwKirlg-qr8tlKunIiuTVj1zfichkPxe8mxK6SrTeY3EYHkaq4GMuvSdcouYWzT7pg0cYatELtQx4_pdStU8yscKpyKEhkzbr77YUaXbpuazTFjRi90nYohAjq3pHg8PyHOsK6tZlsr/s1600/QualityManagement1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-nwKirlg-qr8tlKunIiuTVj1zfichkPxe8mxK6SrTeY3EYHkaq4GMuvSdcouYWzT7pg0cYatELtQx4_pdStU8yscKpyKEhkzbr77YUaXbpuazTFjRi90nYohAjq3pHg8PyHOsK6tZlsr/s200/QualityManagement1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Of our two facilities, their advertised reason for higher prices is due to the “QUALITY” of service they provide. Now, there is nothing wrong with that, any individuals can charge anything they like for services as long as it is priced as such on the General Price List they provide. The price they charge “MUST” match the price shown on the GPL.<br /><br /> So I ask you, if you are having no services, if you are not using the hearse, if you are not purchasing a casket, if there are no flowers, if you are not having any stationary done, if the only visit you are making to the funeral home is to make arrangements and pick up death certificates….. Then why the difference in cost? <br /><br /> Overhead. Overhead is usually the high cost driving factor. But! remember that initial list up top that we spoke of? Take your pick. Also, using the excuse of overhead is also the second best reason a funeral service provider will give you for high prices.<br /><br /> My original point being is that a vast majority of those things that the “Old School Traditional Funeral Home” charges are WAY overpriced. Not that there is anything wrong with that, if they choose to charge it and you choose to pay it, there is no law broken.<br /><br /> Remember, <strong>FUNERAL SERVICES DO NOT COST THAT MUCH!</strong> </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">How do I know? <em>I own a funeral home! </em></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><em></em><br />ALSO! <strong>ALL FUNERAL HOMES SELL AND USE ALL THE SAME MERCHANDISE, period!</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">So what is their a reason to charge you more? It's all the same stuff, isn't it? Yes, it is.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh_Fx4N-AVCQov6tzcKhp3dA4Ou5wqdQoy8EwcH9VIMpaUovyOdo60_f6mFV9UdgZGBj6DaGlQQS6lGespmuP7nZ8ONWstux1IZlcnxRWfsnA9NrROsLv8ZjOwKT6tLIZH4SmwFBRQkuy/s1600/you-get-what-you-pay-for-37911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh_Fx4N-AVCQov6tzcKhp3dA4Ou5wqdQoy8EwcH9VIMpaUovyOdo60_f6mFV9UdgZGBj6DaGlQQS6lGespmuP7nZ8ONWstux1IZlcnxRWfsnA9NrROsLv8ZjOwKT6tLIZH4SmwFBRQkuy/s200/you-get-what-you-pay-for-37911.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Really?</em> and the difference is...?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">You would think good quality service is something you would want to give if you claim to have such a strong passion to serve in the industry, not hold it hostage to the highest payer.<br /><br /> But The high priced funeral industry has nothing to fall back on to counter an affordable funeral homes low pricing other than, “YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR” or “QUALITY COSTS MONEY” or something that they cannot prove or show you until you already have used their service. By then, it's to late. Take a good long look at the picture to the right, it speaks leaps and bounds as to the industry, what they are trying to do, and what they are trying to think they are doing. I mean, a hugs a hug when you need one.<br /><br /> So the next time you read, or are told something as outlandish as something about “Quality” and one’s high prices, or shown a list of google reviews that could have been posted by “Anyone”, (Hmmmmm) consider looking a bit farther and if you don’t like what you see, then go back to them. In the end, the choice is still yours, spend wisely.<br /><br /> Thanks,<br /> Miguel Legaspi</span></div>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-24396850804543891402013-05-04T21:59:00.000-07:002013-06-01T19:49:47.826-07:00DINGITY MEMORIAL, WILL THEY NEVER, EVER LEARN.........<em><span style="color: red;">Due to a cease and desist letter I received in the mail by a certain corporation. I can not use them by name, but they will continue to be referred to as Corporation Service International, or CSI.</span></em><br />
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<strong>TRAGEDY STRUCK JENNIE MORROW’s</strong> family twice this year. After her sister died of lung cancer in the spring, her mother succumbed to a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease in the summer. But the two funerals couldn’t have been more different. </div>
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While she says her sister’s funeral was fairly priced, she says her mother’s funeral was a costly affair punctuated by forced package deals, misleading funeral directors and disingenuous contracts. In a province with the most expensive traditional funerals in the country, Morrow’s experience sheds light on a potentially troubling underside of the funeral industry. </div>
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It was a warm July morning just before dawn when her 89-year-old mother passed away quietly in her sleep. Heeding the octogenarian’s wishes for a funeral mass and burial at the Catholic church near her childhood home, Morrow’s family called a funeral home in Digby. Jeyne’s Funeral Home sent a hearse to collect the body and Morrow went to meet with the funeral home. She was dumbfounded by what she was told. </div>
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“When my mother died and we called to make the arrangements, they didn’t say anything about having to buy a package,” <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Morrow</span> said in an interview. “But when I sat down with the funeral director, I was told they don’t sell funerals, they sell packages.”</div>
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The funeral director of Jayne’s Funeral Home, a division of <em><span style="color: red;">Corporation Service International</span></em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, based in Houston, refused to offer a price list and instead insisted on a package deal, she said. </span>The packages started at <span style="color: red;">$9,099</span> but didn’t include taxes or the cost of the church mass or reception, Morrow said. </div>
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After she expressed concern with the cost and asked where her mother’s body was being held, the funeral home did not offer her a price list but instead knocked <span style="color: red;">$1,100</span> off the price, she said. “It was almost time for the funeral and they already had her body. It’s like they’re holding you hostage.” </div>
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<span class="drop_initial_small" multiline="0">Jayne’s Funeral Home referred calls to its parent company, which owns funeral homes across the United States and Canada, including nine in Nova Scotia. </span>Jessica McDunn, a spokeswoman for the international provider of funeral goods and services, declined to comment on personal matters. “We’re very sorry for the family’s loss,” she said. “We take very seriously our commitment to our families, and that includes guarding their privacy.” </div>
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However, McDunn said the firm does not have a policy that requires funeral homes to sell packages rather than select services. “But we believe that our pricing is fair, given the services and benefits we provide.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="ellipsis" multiline="0">We do follow the guidelines and rules that are set before us for each province, state or country.” </span><span style="font-size: small;">Mark Duffey, president and CEO of Houston-based funeral planning and concierge agency Everest, said <em><span style="color: red;">Corporation Service International</span></em> is the</span> <span style="font-size: small;">largest funeral home operator in the world. </span>“They’re a publicly traded company on Nasdaq and their business model is about maximizing revenue,” he said in an interview. “They are generally the high-price leader in every market they’re in. In the United States and Canada, on average, they are 38 per cent more expensive than an independently owned funeral home.” </div>
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Duffey said the corporation has a package pricing policy that requires employees to show clients a package price. However, he said every <em><span style="color: red;">Corporation Service International </span></em>funeral home has a general price list. “If she wasn’t shown a price list, it was probably a violation of their corporate policy.” <span class="drop_initial_small" multiline="0">Shortly after her mother’s funeral, Morrow received a call from the funeral director asking her to come in for a meeting. She said it was not possible, and the director offered to visit Morrow at her home near Yarmouth. </span>“I just told her just to send the paperwork out in the mail but she didn’t want to.” While the funeral director told her it was a bill, what Morrow received in the mail was a “Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected/Purchase Agreement.” </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The contract broke down the funeral package prices. It included a <span style="color: red;">$499</span> online obituary (garbage), or what Jayne’s Funeral Home referred to as a “</span><span style="font-size: small;">Memorial” Internet archive. </span>It also included a <span style="color: red;">$375</span> “ Tribute Burial Memorial Package (garbage),” which Morrow described as a black box with thank-you cards and other items. “We didn’t want all this silliness. They charged us for so many trinkets and foolishness that we didn’t need.” Other fees included a <span style="color: red;">$199</span> compassion helpline (garbage), a<span style="color: red;"> $299</span> aftercare planner (garbage) and<span style="color: red;"> $99</span> estate protection (garbage). </div>
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And while every service included a fee — <span style="color: red;">$1,065</span> for transportation, <span style="color: red;">$595</span> for attending the church ceremony, <span style="color: red;">$395 </span>for “other care and preparation” and <span style="color: red;">$295</span> for registration and documentation — the funeral home tacked on another<span style="color: red;"> $1,948</span> in professional staff and service fees. </div>
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Total Extra Fees is<span style="color: red;"> $5,769</span> that has nothing to do with burial. Total funeral package was <span style="color: red;">$9,099</span><span style="color: black;"> before tax. The difference in cost is <span style="color: red;">$3,330</span> for merchandise and services.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">“Their methods of doing business are appalling, given the vulnerability of the people who they do business with.” </span>But Morrow said the most alarming thing about the contract wasn’t the fees but the fine print. Below the list of costs is a paragraph indicating that Morrow acknowledged having the option to purchase either a package or select services a la carte. The purchase agreement says: “You also confirm that you have been informed of your right to select only such services and merchandise as you desire.”</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Unlike the wording of the contract, Morrow said she had specifically asked for a price list and was told by the funeral home she had to buy the package</span> <span class="drop_initial_small" multiline="0"><span style="font-size: small;">normally provide clients with contracts before the funeral, McDunn said it depends on the situation. </span></span>Morrow complained to the Digby funeral home that she was being asked to sign a contract that indicated she had the option of obtaining services a la carte when she was compelled to purchase a package. The funeral home called her and tried to negotiate a lower price, asking what would make her happy, she said. “I said what would make me happy is to go to bed at night knowing they couldn’t do this to anyone else.” deal. </div>
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Another red flag was the date above where she was to sign. It had been filled out by the funeral home as July 24, the day before her mother’s funeral. “I realized this was a contract, not a bill, and that by signing it using a date before the funeral, it appeared as though I agreed to all this in advance.” Morrow also noticed that the third and final page of the contract was missing and called the funeral home. A few weeks later, she received the third page, the terms and conditions of the purchase agreement. The sixth item says: “You acknowledge that you were offered a copy of the current price lists.” <span class="drop_initial_small" multiline="0"><span style="font-size: small;">When <em><span style="color: red;">Corporation Service International</span></em> was asked if its funeral homes.</span> </span>Morrow said that out of respect for her mother she wants to be clear that she has the money to pay the $10,172.17 bill. </div>
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“My mother had plenty of money, and I have excellent credit and pay all my bills on time. “It’s a matter of principle. It’s wrong for them to do this.” Morrow made a complaint to the Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. </div>
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Two months later, the board responded with a letter. “The board is not in a position to intervene in the settlement of an outstanding account,” the letter said. Morrow said the issue is not about an outstanding bill but rather what she considers the shady business practices of a funeral home. No one from the board was available for an interview this week. According to the provincial Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act, these sorts of complaints are within the board’s mandate. </div>
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The act says the board can “investigate a complaint of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="ellipsis" multiline="0">any misrepresentation, negligence, professional misconduct or fraud by (a)funeral home.” </span><span class="drop_initial_small" multiline="0">The average cost of a traditional funeral in Nova Scotia is $10,495, according to a recent survey conducted by Everest. That makes the province the most expensive place for a traditional funeral in the country. </span></div>
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<span class="drop_initial_small" multiline="0"></span>Halifax is the priciest city to die in Canada, with an average funeral cost of $11,152, the survey found. Everest’s Duffey said the cost of a funeral has increased and recommended planning ahead to cut costs. Morrow’s “experience, unfortunately, is not uncommon. It shines a light on the fact that you need to plan ahead or have a funeral planner so that you’re not negotiating these matters under emotional duress or strain.”</div>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-32840042331099985782013-03-02T13:36:00.000-07:002013-08-15T08:45:34.438-07:00CREMATION AND DEEP DOUBTS ABOUT "NEPTUNA" SOCIETY.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><em>NOTE - Due to the cease and desist letter I received from a specific corporation, all names are to be considered fictitious, but then again, I did not write the article.</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><em>I found this article on the <strong>"Funeral Consumer Alliance"</strong> website, it is a good article.<strong> "Naptune Society"</strong> sells cremation in the Greater Phoenix area. Use caution. The purpose for this blog is to instill "guilt through association and Corporate responsibility.</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>C.S.I.</strong> or <strong>Corporation Service International</strong> Is a corporate funeral provider owned by investors, the largest in North America, if not the world. They are the Parent Corporation of :</span></span></em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #0066cc;"><strong>
<li><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">Neptuna Society</span></strong></em></li>
<li><strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Tredent Society</span></em></strong></li>
<li><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">Dingity Memorial</span></strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">Funeraria de Loss Angel</span></strong></em></li>
<li><strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Advantageous Cremation and Burial</span></em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em><span style="color: purple;">National Creamation Society</span></em></strong></li>
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<span class="createdate">Dated 22 February 2013 </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times;"><em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">by Lamar Hankins, past president of Funeral Consumers Alliance (credentials speak for themselves)</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Selling Cremation Door-To-Door</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">I just had the opportunity to be a “secret shopper” – from the convenience of my dining room table. Over the years, I have occasionally received solicitations from funeral homes or cremation services to encourage me to “pre-arrange” funerals or cremations. In recent months, I received two such solicitations from the Naptune Society. I responded to the last one, sending back their card and checking the box that indicated I wanted to receive more information.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">That information came through a phone call a couple of weeks ago asking if one of their representatives could visit me in my home. I said “yes” and a nice fellow showed up. His card identified him as an “Austin Area Counselor,” for <em><span style="color: blue;">Naptune Society, “America’s Most Trusted Cremation Services.”</span></em> I was treated to a sales pitch full of <span style="color: red;"><em>misleading or outright false claims</em></span>, all to get me to pay more than double the cost for a simple cremation in the Austin area.</span><br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">(This is not an uncommon practice with most C.S.I. firms, the counselors and sales people are under great pressure to make quota and beat last months numbers. I know, I worked for them.)</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">It was obvious that he knew nothing about me, or he probably would not have made the 45-minute drive to my home from his Austin location. I have spent the last twenty years as a volunteer advocate for funeral consumers with the Austin Memorial & Burial Information Society (AMBIS), as well as 18 years working as a volunteer with the national organization with which AMBIS is an affiliate, Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA). </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">The counselor and I spent an hour and a half discussing pre-arrangement options that Neptune offers. The best one, from Neptune’s perspective, is being offered right now at a <strong>$150</strong> discount, so the cost to me would be only <strong>$2,255</strong>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">Leading up to my request to know the price of the service was about an hour of information about the plan, and information he had gathered about what a few other funeral homes in the Austin area charge. The counselor had no way of knowing that just four days earlier, Nancy Walker (President of the AMBIS board) and I had finished surveying the prices of funerals and cremations for the 51 funeral services located in the Austin area. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLmkjVzNsis0VnHT5biup4SxJO_HXtycLss07FyvFdkgNPwisSlYq__aF-esQq4BbK5AjRJ9PPQQGRH5LC_SJuXo6RsJHyO1tKGIfwgzesOrH2yEsR_s6Q_B59ckLUpON_-E3L7IPe_E7/s1600/SCI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> Corporation Service International, Who are they?</span></strong></span>
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CSI is the parent owner corporation of:</div>
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<li><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">Naptuna Society</span></strong></em></li>
<li><strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Tredent Society</span></em></strong></li>
<li><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">Dingity Memorial</span></strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">Funeraria de Los Angel</span></strong></em></li>
<li><strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Advantageous Cremation and Burial</span></em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em><span style="color: purple;">National Creamation Society</span></em></strong></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>C.S.I.</strong> sells stock on the New York Stock exchange and is currently valued at <strong>$15.52</strong> a share. It has a trade volume of 1,659,908 shares, those shares are what need to be kept happy. <strong>THEY ARE CALLED INVESTORS.</strong> The investors "need" your money to be happy, more money than they needed last month to be happy, If they become unhappy, they will pull their investment or sell off their shares and the price falls on the stock thus making the corporation worthless. <em><strong>Get it?</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">It is noteworthy that the counselor mentioned that Naptune is owned by CSI the largest funeral provider in the world. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">Based on his inflection and the look on his face, I think I was supposed to be impressed by this. But I have written about CSI many times over the last twenty years, discussed legal problems with CSI’s legal staff, and had my own battles with them on behalf of my family over cemetery plots. Their world-wide activity and reputation was not news to me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">It surprised me that Naptune uses the outrageous charges at CSI facilities to show how much better its prices are – its counselor cited rates at several CSI locations that were much higher than Neptune’s. But it wasn’t a fair comparison; in most cases, what the counselor showed me were prices for elaborate cremation and related services, not Direct Cremation prices. Direct Cremation is universally defined as a simple cremation without a viewing or ceremony.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">When the counselor did show me a price from other providers for Direct Cremation, he pointed out that there were many hidden costs not covered by their price (e.g., refrigeration, crematory fee). But all of his examples were for prices higher than Neptune’s.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">For a <b>few</b> people, the best part of Neptune’s plan is that it includes – for <strong>$474</strong> – a “Transportation and Relocation Plan.” This is worthwhile if you are traveling overseas and die on the trip, but the contract for transportation services is not with Naptune. Instead Naptune is a third-party seller for the Medical Air Services Association (MASA). Based on the contract, it appears that MASA will transport the body to the nearest licensed crematory and will return the cremated remains as per the Naptune agreement. </span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">The counselor tried to convince me that the transport agreement was also very useful in the event I died while on a trip to the Texas coast (about a three and a half hour drive). He explained that a funeral home at the coast would have to take custody of my body and be paid for shipping it back to Austin for cremation. He did not know that I knew this was complete nonsense. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">If I die down at the coast, my chosen cremation provider in the Austin area could merely arrange for a funeral home, mortuary service, or crematory in the area where I died to handle the cremation for a low wholesale trade price – probably about <strong>$400</strong> – and send the cremated remains to the Austin area funeral service. My family would pay my chosen provider’s cost for direct cremation and receive my cremated remains. I’ve had personal experience with this. When my brother died twelve years ago, an Austin funeral home arranged his cremation in the county of his death, and my parents, who lived in that county, picked up his cremated remains directly from the local funeral provider where he died, paying the Austin funeral home for the entire cost.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">Next, the counselor tried to shock me by saying that funeral prices double every seven to ten years. I happen to have funeral cost surveys that AMBIS has done for many years, so I compared the costs from 2000 with those in 2012. Direct cremation averaged <strong>$1,468</strong> in our 2000 survey. In 2012, the average cost was <strong>$1,899</strong> – a 29% increase, not twice the cost from twelve years earlier. Of course, a lot of those increased costs can be attributed to CSICI funeral homes. Their cremation costs rose about 62% during this same period. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">In addition, the counselor told me that cremation in central Texas averages $2,700+, which is just not true. The 2013 AMBIS annual survey just published and available on-line at </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_992288748"><a href="http://fcaambis.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">fcaambis.org</span></strong></span></a></a></span>. It shows the average cost of cremation for the 51 funeral providers in the Austin Texas area priced is <strong>$2,053</strong>, nearly <strong>$650</strong> less than the counselor claimed.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">Of course, the counselor also did not tell me that I do not have to pay the average price. I can get Direct Cremation for as little as <strong>$695</strong> from two providers, and for <strong>$775</strong> or less from three others. This compares favorably with 2000 prices, which were <strong>$725</strong> from two providers and <strong>$740</strong> from another. So competition has made the lowest-cost Direct Cremation less in 2013 than in it was in 2000.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">But those were not the only misleading statistics the Counselor gave me. He told me that most funeral homes have two price increases yearly. Because we do an annual survey, we know that this is not true for most funeral homes. A handful have annual price increases, but many go two or three years without increases. In my experience, the number of increases has more to do with the general economy and the popularity of cremation, which takes business away from funeral services, than with any other factors. However, one funeral director told me recently that CSI was the best thing that ever happened to him. Because of CSI’s high prices, he can charge more and still offer a better deal than CSI funeral homes. Most of the Cook-Walden chain, which is owned by CSI, charges <strong>$2,740</strong> for Direct Cremation at four of its five locations.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">I was a bit startled when the counselor told me that Clark Howard, the radio consumer advisor, recommends the Naptune Society. For many years, Howard was a member of the Honorary Advisory Board of the Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA), for which I spent about eight years serving as a member of its board of directors, including four as President. To my knowledge, Howard has never endorsed pre-paying for funerals or cremation. A search of his website turned up no mention of the Naptune Society. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", times; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNe8vV5QrAvcHHwtLR6jowV0LVgLhFTLJTFYSRg_usRTCFXHal2F11k5iEAio7Wcqnx0pjWMzIucaWORz8T22_5FPgXr4cmQGYlZO2eXh9FQGybq9ukax2c-KMWTuSU0gaIZE2ujPabDIj/s1600/ashamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNe8vV5QrAvcHHwtLR6jowV0LVgLhFTLJTFYSRg_usRTCFXHal2F11k5iEAio7Wcqnx0pjWMzIucaWORz8T22_5FPgXr4cmQGYlZO2eXh9FQGybq9ukax2c-KMWTuSU0gaIZE2ujPabDIj/s320/ashamed.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-23189978668895819952013-02-12T11:15:00.001-07:002013-02-12T21:20:46.565-07:00WHY I DON'T WEAR A SUIT (AT WORK) & CAN"T FIGURE OUT WHY ANYONE DOES!<strong><em><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">To be on RECORD, this Blog is my PERSONAL opinion. Professionally, That which concerns me the most is that:</span></em></strong><br />
<ul>
<li><em><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">You are well taken care of</span></strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">You are not lied to</span></strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">You receive all that you have been charged for</span></strong></em></li>
<li><em><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">You are treated with great dignity</span></strong></em></li>
<li><strong><em><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Your loved one is treated as family</span></em></strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cKMWQcC0S383tCtfh9tzMbzZxpzUA6R4mSSbsAqmtiKIrFraFrBz96FJQZo11myfq1WfKsObBqFp4hHRk5ObBU8c2Q10z8bsmgMrrLUy5KdNm99WZwF5iv1P-C0wNZGqM5X9_5Bu6QYl/s1600/suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cKMWQcC0S383tCtfh9tzMbzZxpzUA6R4mSSbsAqmtiKIrFraFrBz96FJQZo11myfq1WfKsObBqFp4hHRk5ObBU8c2Q10z8bsmgMrrLUy5KdNm99WZwF5iv1P-C0wNZGqM5X9_5Bu6QYl/s1600/suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cKMWQcC0S383tCtfh9tzMbzZxpzUA6R4mSSbsAqmtiKIrFraFrBz96FJQZo11myfq1WfKsObBqFp4hHRk5ObBU8c2Q10z8bsmgMrrLUy5KdNm99WZwF5iv1P-C0wNZGqM5X9_5Bu6QYl/s1600/suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cKMWQcC0S383tCtfh9tzMbzZxpzUA6R4mSSbsAqmtiKIrFraFrBz96FJQZo11myfq1WfKsObBqFp4hHRk5ObBU8c2Q10z8bsmgMrrLUy5KdNm99WZwF5iv1P-C0wNZGqM5X9_5Bu6QYl/s200/suit.jpg" width="189" /></a>When I started <strong>Avenidas Funeral
Chapel</strong> I was 48 years old. I had lost my job as a Drag line Operator and Heavy Equipment operator due to the recession
and was close to losing my home (I did lose it) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was behind on allot of payments on
everything, but I did have about 8 suites. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
I bought all these wonders, Grey
pinstripe, Hunter Green, Royal Blue and on and on and on for some ridiculously
stupid price during my career in the funeral industry...... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To go with those fashion forward wonders, I
had several white polo button downs that I had purchased new and used from a
re-sale shop or sears or wherever, and about a million ties that I had bought
on sale or had gotten as hand me downs from friends. I realize now that other
than an on the job requirement for the many funeral homes I was employed by,
OH! How important I felt and THOUGHT I was respected by the community. (I was
wrong...)<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">SWEAT!</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU_aJi27Yatq9n4wmbzNXrB9a5vDoMLuYQjlZ79dhXuLv8GvqgCb2xS9vRbmOMM0c4Y91wqjHazCnH2AmYfZ4ODudSO23AurwUIFpIfLpkz5tlbqAfthq8sTa-y4kDxpWKm8Omnw6nlWI/s1600/sweating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU_aJi27Yatq9n4wmbzNXrB9a5vDoMLuYQjlZ79dhXuLv8GvqgCb2xS9vRbmOMM0c4Y91wqjHazCnH2AmYfZ4ODudSO23AurwUIFpIfLpkz5tlbqAfthq8sTa-y4kDxpWKm8Omnw6nlWI/s1600/sweating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU_aJi27Yatq9n4wmbzNXrB9a5vDoMLuYQjlZ79dhXuLv8GvqgCb2xS9vRbmOMM0c4Y91wqjHazCnH2AmYfZ4ODudSO23AurwUIFpIfLpkz5tlbqAfthq8sTa-y4kDxpWKm8Omnw6nlWI/s200/sweating.jpg" width="200" /></a>I wore those babies when it was
cold. I wore them when it was 120 degrees plus outside. I wore them in the sun,
late at night doing removals, graveside in the middle of summer, In the cooler.
I wore them when families obviously looked at me across the table feeling RELAY
uncomfortable with the guy in the suite in the room. I ironed them and when I
could I got them dry cleaned. <strong>Avenidas Funeral Chapel</strong> was started in September
of 2010 and over the next few months, starting with those first suits; I wore a
suit every work day. I never bought new suits as the business grew. I bought
shirts and ties and shoes new instead of used. I went 2 1/2 years without a
vacation to make that company work, but I didn’t go a work day without a suit,
IN THE BEGINNING!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Someone had once told me that you
wear to work what your customers wear to work. That seemed to make sense to me,
so I followed it, and expected those who worked for me to follow it as well.
BUT I DID NOT MAKE THEM (I insist on name tags); there dress code was a
personal preference that they take great pride in enforcing amongst themselves. They must look neat and clean and never ever promote the attitude that they are better than the families we serve. (we are not)</div>
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</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Sorry, I'm to Damn Humble to Wear One<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltyuPi5xkbIdVJGR-4ZOjsZhGpaAw8tK-X3yJcz4vTjEj9Z-EDB9bX5kzeidrHqOMQhGI3rGwpJWHclSfjPi_8b5uNChY6BYF9ijwlEdV37GQnwtiD-K1k-ND0NXArdHojF7Nt-KBEkD-/s1600/humble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltyuPi5xkbIdVJGR-4ZOjsZhGpaAw8tK-X3yJcz4vTjEj9Z-EDB9bX5kzeidrHqOMQhGI3rGwpJWHclSfjPi_8b5uNChY6BYF9ijwlEdV37GQnwtiD-K1k-ND0NXArdHojF7Nt-KBEkD-/s1600/humble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltyuPi5xkbIdVJGR-4ZOjsZhGpaAw8tK-X3yJcz4vTjEj9Z-EDB9bX5kzeidrHqOMQhGI3rGwpJWHclSfjPi_8b5uNChY6BYF9ijwlEdV37GQnwtiD-K1k-ND0NXArdHojF7Nt-KBEkD-/s200/humble.jpg" width="194" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After I hired a manager, (Lorena)
I decided that I never would wear a suit to work again. I was able to hold true
to that, and up till now, the community really has not expected any more from
me other than what I wear now. You see, I am not a suite man. It is not
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not need to doll myself up to
convince you I am respectful or respectable. I do not need to sell you this
false image, for I am and I hold those character traits without placing them
behind fancy clothes to impress you with $900 suits or Cuff Links or lapel pins
or any of that nonsense. I am a simple guy that owns a funeral home that wants
to help you, that’s all!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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When Lorena was hired as my
manager, the suit went out the window completely. I vowed to never wear one
again other than weddings and funerals (not even my own), and only then because
it wasn’t worth the hassle to deal with people asking why you didn’t wear a
suit. I’m certain the people getting married didn’t care, and I don’t think
anyone is going to be looking down at me wondering why I showed up at their
funeral without a suit. Suits make no sense whatsoever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Why am I such a suit hater? I’m
not a suit hater, I just could never think of any good reason for any sane
person to wear a suit in the first place (especially in Arizona in the summer).<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYQzQ0s2W2RNO0L81jSwmmG8T5i5474s82A3cWd7Ktn0Pzd6PfZ-hP1sJ-9gYWdv1LywRzQRRm4q7xCvpYbbV88bQSdIXL3J9GIGBJlyYGBpwhU0LQNl6WjO7sAu-fPjO98RVfINMTMZc/s1600/ties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYQzQ0s2W2RNO0L81jSwmmG8T5i5474s82A3cWd7Ktn0Pzd6PfZ-hP1sJ-9gYWdv1LywRzQRRm4q7xCvpYbbV88bQSdIXL3J9GIGBJlyYGBpwhU0LQNl6WjO7sAu-fPjO98RVfINMTMZc/s1600/ties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYQzQ0s2W2RNO0L81jSwmmG8T5i5474s82A3cWd7Ktn0Pzd6PfZ-hP1sJ-9gYWdv1LywRzQRRm4q7xCvpYbbV88bQSdIXL3J9GIGBJlyYGBpwhU0LQNl6WjO7sAu-fPjO98RVfINMTMZc/s1600/ties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYQzQ0s2W2RNO0L81jSwmmG8T5i5474s82A3cWd7Ktn0Pzd6PfZ-hP1sJ-9gYWdv1LywRzQRRm4q7xCvpYbbV88bQSdIXL3J9GIGBJlyYGBpwhU0LQNl6WjO7sAu-fPjO98RVfINMTMZc/s200/ties.jpg" width="200" /></a>Exactly what purpose does a suit serve?
Why in the world are so many people required to wear a suit to work? Do the
clothes make the man or woman in the western world today? Does wearing a tie
make us work harder or smarter? Is this a conspiracy by the clothing, fabric or
dry cleaning industry to take our money?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Or are we all just lemmings
following a standard we all know makes zero sense, but we follow because we are
afraid not to? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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If you are a CEO, are there not
better things your employees could spend money on than multiple suits, ties,
dress shirts, dress shoes, dress socks, dry cleaning, and all the other
associated costs ? Gee, no suits would be the same as giving your employees a
tax free raise. Think that might make them happy? Or do employees consider
having to spend money on suits a perk?</div>
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</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I Am The KING!</span></strong><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMo9jMIOjhNQgsieg0nnCNW9oV1YjiDMINrWSZ1Q6nRTC0iVaq3h0h8wNfyzpUmr2GP1qzb-c7GvgdIlGMyuuuJIWVZll3kkAfdLp2kFRkryTKHKDKE7SY8LIkfpsM-uUM5YD4D6mFxJkh/s1600/Arrogance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMo9jMIOjhNQgsieg0nnCNW9oV1YjiDMINrWSZ1Q6nRTC0iVaq3h0h8wNfyzpUmr2GP1qzb-c7GvgdIlGMyuuuJIWVZll3kkAfdLp2kFRkryTKHKDKE7SY8LIkfpsM-uUM5YD4D6mFxJkh/s1600/Arrogance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMo9jMIOjhNQgsieg0nnCNW9oV1YjiDMINrWSZ1Q6nRTC0iVaq3h0h8wNfyzpUmr2GP1qzb-c7GvgdIlGMyuuuJIWVZll3kkAfdLp2kFRkryTKHKDKE7SY8LIkfpsM-uUM5YD4D6mFxJkh/s1600/Arrogance.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now I understand some people
think wearing a suit provides them with a certain level of stature. It gives
them confidence. It helps them feel good about themselves. Well let me be the
first to tell you that if you feel like you need a suit to gain that
confidence, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you got problems</i></b>. The minute you open your mouth, all those
people who might think you have a great suit, forget about the suit and have to
deal with the person wearing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Is there a reason other than “that’s
just the way it is”? Haven’t you looked at someone in a suit, trying to look
important and just thought how stupid and out of place it is? Why do we do this
to ourselves?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
I know this all is a crazy rant,
but come on now. If you have had to wear a suit to work every day, haven’t you
wondered why? If you are the CEO or in charge of a company, haven’t you
wondered yourself why you are making your employees waste all that money and
come to work and spend the day in uncomfortable clothing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf78h8EEwFkKTrJz4xzRryrW_pYVlNjEWVasTD4vCAZfeC2Wrv1LBd-1ar8yqvYuUeo7otBX0KMYN9ADqLW9uZ5JZvcFFQlLwOKdcm2FH1pV0Mf5L6N2AzzwSRaiaCamdR0abItAYEUEfv/s1600/recognition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf78h8EEwFkKTrJz4xzRryrW_pYVlNjEWVasTD4vCAZfeC2Wrv1LBd-1ar8yqvYuUeo7otBX0KMYN9ADqLW9uZ5JZvcFFQlLwOKdcm2FH1pV0Mf5L6N2AzzwSRaiaCamdR0abItAYEUEfv/s1600/recognition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf78h8EEwFkKTrJz4xzRryrW_pYVlNjEWVasTD4vCAZfeC2Wrv1LBd-1ar8yqvYuUeo7otBX0KMYN9ADqLW9uZ5JZvcFFQlLwOKdcm2FH1pV0Mf5L6N2AzzwSRaiaCamdR0abItAYEUEfv/s1600/recognition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf78h8EEwFkKTrJz4xzRryrW_pYVlNjEWVasTD4vCAZfeC2Wrv1LBd-1ar8yqvYuUeo7otBX0KMYN9ADqLW9uZ5JZvcFFQlLwOKdcm2FH1pV0Mf5L6N2AzzwSRaiaCamdR0abItAYEUEfv/s200/recognition.jpg" width="200" /></a>Give your suit wearing employees
a raise. Tell them every day is casual day. And if they choose to dress to
impress anyways? RECOGNIZE THEM! Take them to lunch, fill up their tank, do something other than making or demanding they wear a suite to work in 120 degree weather...<o:p></o:p><br />Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-11070557748942351632013-02-04T19:57:00.000-07:002013-06-01T20:17:25.808-07:00THE REMOVAL (TAKING YOUR LOVED ONE TO THE FUNERAL HOME)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong> </strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">NOTE - Due to the cease and desist letter I received from a specific corporation, all names are to be considered fictitious, but then again, I did not write the article.</span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Disclaimer</strong> - If none of this information pertains to your staff or your funeral home, don't worry about it. But don't be angry with me for speaking the truth......</span></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9nAbZGu-2bZyb2gG56Gx45Si9TUFNNGAUdpKq2LqwOuz5QQFdtQ2Ut05OKbeUsGwG34zsyW07j6MirqJKRl0gW-00rYp1XqevNUZ0fe1y4gKbigtAgad3jAEkYuiYHKqc5lVynIM_wjX/s1600/imagesCACJLLQ2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9nAbZGu-2bZyb2gG56Gx45Si9TUFNNGAUdpKq2LqwOuz5QQFdtQ2Ut05OKbeUsGwG34zsyW07j6MirqJKRl0gW-00rYp1XqevNUZ0fe1y4gKbigtAgad3jAEkYuiYHKqc5lVynIM_wjX/s200/imagesCACJLLQ2.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong>FIRST CALL</strong> - The initial visit of the funeral director (rarely), their staff representatives or their "Removal Service" to the place of death for the purpose of removing the deceased and to secure certain information
for which he has immediate need.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>REMOVAL -</strong> Transport of the deceased from the place of death be it a Hospice facility, the residence, the Medical Examiners office or the Hospital to the funeral home for refrigeration, storage or preparation while the administrative duties and responsibilities of the facility are conducted. This is done by either the funeral home staff or the "Removal Service".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">LETS TALK!</span>
</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong>Of all the concerns I have heard from the community, probably the biggest and most concerning has been, "How do I know your facility is going to be the one that picks up my Mom when she dies, <strong>HOW WILL WE KNOW"?</strong><br />
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMKmyV377-JVJoBZpAvDlhoHqQ2ikz2UBDzVTPF7JV2s-nB28PVeFFxibaVNfUh_S9y-FG44aezp2o8pE-lujeQvtlFeQDSWK9PZ3PvhD4Wgn2tpU2c6YVfpeCsQdoKazNT8WyXkZe_S5/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMKmyV377-JVJoBZpAvDlhoHqQ2ikz2UBDzVTPF7JV2s-nB28PVeFFxibaVNfUh_S9y-FG44aezp2o8pE-lujeQvtlFeQDSWK9PZ3PvhD4Wgn2tpU2c6YVfpeCsQdoKazNT8WyXkZe_S5/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMKmyV377-JVJoBZpAvDlhoHqQ2ikz2UBDzVTPF7JV2s-nB28PVeFFxibaVNfUh_S9y-FG44aezp2o8pE-lujeQvtlFeQDSWK9PZ3PvhD4Wgn2tpU2c6YVfpeCsQdoKazNT8WyXkZe_S5/s200/family.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong>You won't know</strong>, unless you do your homework and handle your affairs prior to the death. As much as the funeral home may want to ensure everything goes as smooth as it can, as much as they may want to release the burden of the moment or soften the blow from the loss of your loved one, the funeral home can not step into your shoes and tell the Hospice facility or hospital that "YOU" chose "US" at the time of death. This is illegal and for a "care facility" to accept the call or name from a funeral home is illegal. It is also illegal for a hospice or care facility to tell you that they work "specifically" with any one facility. By law, they are required to give you a choice of 3. (Arizona). I have always recommended to the family that at least one person, family representative or friend stay with the deceased until the funeral home of your choice arrives and identifies themselves as your selected and preferred facility. We usually respond in 1/2 hour so the wait is not long to give you a bit of comfort. If you want to ensure you are not getting a removal service, when the staff member arrives, ask who took the "first call?"</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>What if she ends up elsewhere?</strong></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Guess what, this happens also. This happens when the deceased passes away late at night and the hospice has not been notified of a facility or location. This happens late at night when an unethical hospice worker that is doing this for a "kick back" (this happens, I don't care what anyone says, not all the time, but it does). They hope that the family will not question the location selected, especially for just cremation. The bottom line is that no matter what, if the deceased ends up at a facility you did not ask for or select, even if you DID NOT pick one at all, you are not obligated to pay the removal charges. Tell the funeral home to bill the hospice that they selected without your permission.</div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Funeral Home is Here.....</span></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvt2dR2yxgaO3cx663Pn9dJ4jo1bh40Qu9iviNXRzSz9oHfeJO-QxUu5bhkNAZKdPamBIeYkwysH9qQzZH8Fl_hE2_HgyRC_2y5ESkQDGKOFZuYEN8W0g-8ngh6RT6jdizWagvCxMpYiU/s1600/knock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvt2dR2yxgaO3cx663Pn9dJ4jo1bh40Qu9iviNXRzSz9oHfeJO-QxUu5bhkNAZKdPamBIeYkwysH9qQzZH8Fl_hE2_HgyRC_2y5ESkQDGKOFZuYEN8W0g-8ngh6RT6jdizWagvCxMpYiU/s1600/knock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvt2dR2yxgaO3cx663Pn9dJ4jo1bh40Qu9iviNXRzSz9oHfeJO-QxUu5bhkNAZKdPamBIeYkwysH9qQzZH8Fl_hE2_HgyRC_2y5ESkQDGKOFZuYEN8W0g-8ngh6RT6jdizWagvCxMpYiU/s200/knock.jpg" width="133" /></a>A knock at the door, some of the family is in the room with Mom, some are in the kitchen, one of the family members answers the door and a younger looking guy is there in a shirt and tie, its usually not what you expected. He is kind, he says "hi, my name is ......" from such and such funeral home. You stop and turn your head and say "The Funeral Home is here!" Guess what, most of the time, they are not. In fact, they probably don't even work for the funeral home. It's a contract company that drives all over the valley doing what is called "REMOVALS". this is the term for picking up a deceased person and transporting them to the funeral home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The guy comes in and asks to see were the deceased is. He then asks for the person in charge. Not much is said and he will not say much. He gives the business card and fills out some paper work. He then speaks to the hospice nurse and asks when you are ready, just let him know. The hospice nurse will share with the family, "Perhaps you would like to leave the room while he places Mom on the gurney" Now, I discourage that, "IN FACT" I encourage family members to help if they wish, it is very comforting helps Begin the grieving process.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i3hBDdOgu8KKCdcg1UQ_fYRb5hyphenhyphenbbuArroL9G2WLtYtakt3QzUI50_ZMny3lvJhtfZpi3MmyE92JHTcQfmnULlU1o3m5WzxrIy_FCQazvXVU8IqW5nFuz4xMNC32csBJb2P4Cs4rAhEC/s1600/federal_chrysler_t&c_front_lo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i3hBDdOgu8KKCdcg1UQ_fYRb5hyphenhyphenbbuArroL9G2WLtYtakt3QzUI50_ZMny3lvJhtfZpi3MmyE92JHTcQfmnULlU1o3m5WzxrIy_FCQazvXVU8IqW5nFuz4xMNC32csBJb2P4Cs4rAhEC/s1600/federal_chrysler_t&c_front_lo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i3hBDdOgu8KKCdcg1UQ_fYRb5hyphenhyphenbbuArroL9G2WLtYtakt3QzUI50_ZMny3lvJhtfZpi3MmyE92JHTcQfmnULlU1o3m5WzxrIy_FCQazvXVU8IqW5nFuz4xMNC32csBJb2P4Cs4rAhEC/s200/federal_chrysler_t&c_front_lo5.jpg" width="200" /></a>The "Removal guy" or "Staff" from my funeral home then bring in the gurney, they lower it to the level of the bed and place a device called a "slide board" under the deceased. It is a flat plastic very smooth board that is used for "sliding" the deceased across the bed onto the gurney. The gurney has two straps to secure the deceased to it. The staff then covers the gurney but I encourage the staff to not cover the deceased face until they get to the front door. It has been my experience that the family walks with the deceased out to the van, again, I encourage this. I ask the children "Walk with your Mom or Dad". We get to the van and the deceased is placed in the back. The staff member then tells the family, "You will be contacted in the morning by the funeral home. Then you leave. Allot of staff from removal services are collage kids trying to get through collage or someone going to mortuary school. Remember, it is illegal for a removal staff person to pick up a deceased with alcohol on their breath.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Were do you go then?</strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZzS13aT8H14vdu3XUlSlO-AJ2FP1rmfqCC_qWrhkFqwMx2LjiwAQfTQF-77nOcAv55jlBn5pxlJIPwlQ8cz8l_VzQHBiiHS-UTzWYUM3SmG8lA5lat4BOWF8ZwcMNyhc-Z4ggpkz7vca/s1600/imagesCAGPI6ZI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Well, the "removal service" runs to the next removal and on and on and on at times taking your loved on a 3 to 4 hour "tour" of the city. Yes it is legal, and yes they are that busy. The "Funeral Home" staff go to the funeral home that they work for, but more and more removal vehicles go to a central processing unit were they take all the bodies that the company either cremates or buries. The corporate funeral homes use usually one facility in the area. We at Avenidas take the deceased to the funeral home, our funeral home in AVONDALE, Arizona. by our funeral home employee drivers. <strong>Thoompson Funeral Chapel</strong> of Goodyear AZ uses a "Removal Service" as does THE "no name" funeral home in Tolleson AZ, Avdantage Crystal Rose take the deceased to it's central "Prep. Unit" in central Phoenix, AZ. (Also known as CSI or The Dingity Memorial guys)</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Why do they do that?</strong></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB8XYf1-_gxSRRqkgj1t0dNrtwxSWtaRfuIXqRAREoxSjaBKeGl-irelC7yehI-IN89Bt2U6NiWWYvvZRxXFXAK2QALIa5lqZPDLNCfPhGuYaxG0Bkgejnn0Gpg4hWo5Tvo_YXrwlGfc2/s1600/vanvan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB8XYf1-_gxSRRqkgj1t0dNrtwxSWtaRfuIXqRAREoxSjaBKeGl-irelC7yehI-IN89Bt2U6NiWWYvvZRxXFXAK2QALIa5lqZPDLNCfPhGuYaxG0Bkgejnn0Gpg4hWo5Tvo_YXrwlGfc2/s200/vanvan.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Got to get to the next removal..........</strong>.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWAi7-czgMX6w-oZ3v3Rx8Guu3EWVdWC2Omhq5dwZW7Lqd1u4QEeWHe0dolUAwwwUnqcHDK_Qmrq-WIrJlF9EkO_2AArMWZWeVqYREgHrNfPVNo2S-mfNS_JH5DAFbq2OBsO80tGqbxxK/s1600/slob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWAi7-czgMX6w-oZ3v3Rx8Guu3EWVdWC2Omhq5dwZW7Lqd1u4QEeWHe0dolUAwwwUnqcHDK_Qmrq-WIrJlF9EkO_2AArMWZWeVqYREgHrNfPVNo2S-mfNS_JH5DAFbq2OBsO80tGqbxxK/s1600/slob.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Ring! Ring!.. not now</strong></em><br />
<em><strong> I'm sleeping.........</strong></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Because they can? I don't know, because the funeral director is to lazy to get out of bed in the middle of the night? (or the middle of the day or to busy playing video games) Save money? (not for you! not at the prices these other facilities charge) Who knows. Removal services are a good thing, most are very professional and courteous, but still, I have a staff and chose to run a funeral home so WE can serve you, not a removal service. It's a really good feeling when a family comes into see me and tells me. "Your guy was very nice and professional last night" and I can tell them, "May I bring him in so you can thank him personally?" I like that and they earned the re recognition.</div>
Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-2911105584794362012013-01-11T20:17:00.001-07:002013-01-12T07:30:19.683-07:00CREMATION CONTAINER SWITCH AND HOOK!<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE CREMATION CONTAINER SWITCH
AND HOOK SCAM!</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Through out </span> this blog, you will be introduced to various cremation containers, they are different in price and appearance, yet..... THEY ALL DO THE SAME THING!</span></span></i><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTWku93owx5hJCOJeUGJUsx0ZYJS6CFlL8SISQzumM2K_32YU_OAH1Edu4oalMJxw6InSFnCG-NxO1m6bj_WQ1NpEq237cIh-UpDoiC6lbe4Hb7ggTwjWxg2_hra5QqgElfC-dhyphenhyphenDOezi/s1600/BOXA.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTWku93owx5hJCOJeUGJUsx0ZYJS6CFlL8SISQzumM2K_32YU_OAH1Edu4oalMJxw6InSFnCG-NxO1m6bj_WQ1NpEq237cIh-UpDoiC6lbe4Hb7ggTwjWxg2_hra5QqgElfC-dhyphenhyphenDOezi/s1600/BOXA.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a cremation container <strong> ($45)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You have death in the family, you
choose cremation. You go to the funeral home and meet with the director. The Direct Cremation option is your service of choice. You
do all the paperwork; You understand th the direct cremation is offered with a basic cardboard
container. You are content with that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsWhjT3UoO0asOJP8kwlFCxNSjkhFnNMw746GhAclxor6A-cECcNd9nGynrPtaIaXBYgy3eYQIxCymnAYT_8d07VSSsMHVZ4xw9OeMEBmXJINgGCaTtPUgUZ98UMGRJqlc1bRnUuBhp2Q/s1600/LinedCremationBox_950_494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsWhjT3UoO0asOJP8kwlFCxNSjkhFnNMw746GhAclxor6A-cECcNd9nGynrPtaIaXBYgy3eYQIxCymnAYT_8d07VSSsMHVZ4xw9OeMEBmXJINgGCaTtPUgUZ98UMGRJqlc1bRnUuBhp2Q/s200/LinedCremationBox_950_494.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So is this one.. <strong>($135)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now comes the "switch", The Funeral
Director (owner?) tells you, “Now we select the cremation container for your
loved one” (that’s called a set up because there is <strong>ALL READY</strong> a cremation container included in the package, it is not illegal, but it is intended to
instill upon you a sense of desire for you to want to do the best). Next comes
a very attractive (and expensive) cremation container that you <strong>ASSUME </strong>is the one that comes
with the cremation service selected, it builds pride and gives you comfort in you and your decision to select an option that has this impressive container for your loved one. You are very pleased with what you see
and proud of your selection. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcjtqczXrY-9fw4oVN1IYfotueUBKk7hzhKk7_QsXVVeTs-l6X9q1JQKbmfvUtxNPa5qCDPV0uMbSloiBSkda3AbXxwlViIU4FX7JmDLCxR76B4nyGmn5ajhM43vPlZUdp3jVGffSBVIf/s1600/Basic+Alternative+Container_wr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcjtqczXrY-9fw4oVN1IYfotueUBKk7hzhKk7_QsXVVeTs-l6X9q1JQKbmfvUtxNPa5qCDPV0uMbSloiBSkda3AbXxwlViIU4FX7JmDLCxR76B4nyGmn5ajhM43vPlZUdp3jVGffSBVIf/s200/Basic+Alternative+Container_wr.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So is this..<strong> ($300)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now comes the “Let Down”. <em><strong>OH!</strong></em> I'm sorry sir, that is not the one that comes with the direct cremation, this is an "UPGRADE".........<strong><em> THIS ONE IS!</em></strong> You are then given a worn, tattered picture that shows the very basic cremation container (brown cardboard Box). It is nothing more than a simple box
that is used to transport the deceased to the crematory and cremation. It is not to be used for anything more than that. It is never presented to the public or available for prying eyes to see. Your jaw
drops, it is ugly and you feel very embarrassed knowing this is the container
that will be used for the deceased. (remember, no one is going to see it, The funeral director is BETTING that you will have the opinion that "I WILL KNOW WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE". He is counting on that to close his deal. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At that time you are told the price
of the two, the nicer container is HUNDREDS, if not thousands of dollars more, by then, the funeral director
has won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9 out of 10 people will upgrade
to the more attractive expensive unit out of shame and guilt. You have been manipulated into buying something out of guilt, that's all. From the sales perspective, this is a great form of marketing. But this is NOT a car sales lot and the funeral director IS NOT a used car salesman............, and your family member has just died.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why Did He Do This?</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They both are acceptable as a cremation container<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They both are acceptable for transporting the deceased</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They both are acceptable by the crematory</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They both fit the requirements of the law</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They both are combustible</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You were tricked into buying something that costs more and does the same thing</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Think about this for a moment...... <em>Why did he do this?</em> now you know, and if you knew then what you are reading now, now you are getting angry.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">REMEMBER!</span></span></b><br />
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</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBG-s5KoKIu5eOy7seQmFZsXwp8VGJYR1VK7y_mDjX9IA3vUazUd7HQNkKFKnlg4ugRt0YeNQSATWACXNW5dcBWVatJDszaZm_TH54kVFLuDNUhyJlsUL-YO9hVQX9qlqB-5PRkwcm40Ga/s1600/1111111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBG-s5KoKIu5eOy7seQmFZsXwp8VGJYR1VK7y_mDjX9IA3vUazUd7HQNkKFKnlg4ugRt0YeNQSATWACXNW5dcBWVatJDszaZm_TH54kVFLuDNUhyJlsUL-YO9hVQX9qlqB-5PRkwcm40Ga/s1600/1111111.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So is this.... <strong>($350)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The more expensive one is
introducing greater profit to the funeral home via an unethical practice by the
funeral director who played very heavy on your emotions and sentiment. This brought you to a point of <b>“SEVERE GUILT”</b> because you are thinking of accepting the simple cardboard container<b> "that is in your budget and gets the job done" </b>
over a more attractive box that is not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ETHICS…, WHAT IS THAT?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBODmBhbHVo9-zTWcKh9rxDLBzYbej2gOyFMI_D634DEPuipdGcqaOdWnsijQThPaHbtO50FqdFkt-XcSycXJHfdTf420ek_Si88lY3F7mEuk5Jxq0LCnH1BKa8ny-VeSvl8Rk8kbLRrhq/s1600/519_0000083939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBODmBhbHVo9-zTWcKh9rxDLBzYbej2gOyFMI_D634DEPuipdGcqaOdWnsijQThPaHbtO50FqdFkt-XcSycXJHfdTf420ek_Si88lY3F7mEuk5Jxq0LCnH1BKa8ny-VeSvl8Rk8kbLRrhq/s200/519_0000083939.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As is this one..<strong> ($450)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ethics</strong> is defined as a system of
moral principles: the ethics of a culture. Also defined as the rules of conduct
recognized in respect to a particular class or job title definition. "A
set of concepts and principles that guide us in determining what behavior helps
or harms sentient creatures (humans)". <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cambridge Dictionary states that the word
ethics is "commonly used interchangeably with 'morality' ... and sometimes
it is used more narrowly to mean the moral principles of a particular
tradition, group, individual or business.</span><br />
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD1vwpoKf8Lx49jSszzrT15rXMuxQ7VnIoyMmQbafCrODYTywthi_JfkZzLH3AMQWlxrF9rKXYsVmOJnqySD9mn0eO6LhNs_jvExBSsAlr7MEB8NB8Jkya2LzUSJcyj8hVQMi3L92zM34/s1600/EGA.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD1vwpoKf8Lx49jSszzrT15rXMuxQ7VnIoyMmQbafCrODYTywthi_JfkZzLH3AMQWlxrF9rKXYsVmOJnqySD9mn0eO6LhNs_jvExBSsAlr7MEB8NB8Jkya2LzUSJcyj8hVQMi3L92zM34/s1600/EGA.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ones not for sale, you have to earn it...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THIS IS THE UNITED STATES
MARINE CORPS DEFINITION!</span></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ethics </strong>means to do what is right,
because it is the right thing to do and do it right all the time, even when no
one is around and, no one is looking. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If something you do ever enters your mind as something you might get caught doing, it is <strong>"UNETHICAL".</strong></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">WHAT WENT WRONG?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The funeral director decided that
introducing his type of deceitful sales tactics and practices ant he convinced himself that this is acceptable. The risk is worth the financial gain. They have become one that shows absolutely no emotion or have become so callous as to the pain you are feeling during your loss, he has been overcome and drunk on greed. He hopes to gain a
profit and allows himself to guide you into a position where he or she emotionally have
the upper hand in sales by swindling you into something you do not need, nor did you ask for. He does not care if you can afford it. These practices are "Learned" practices.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUQk5lfq5G7wTFlS_HgKTLx2GPJgyQptrkxDUyRULBSo7cm5EJ9vGZCTO2b62itGXdahweFuoGfXr31DpdmNo8Ojdq3-yRjQYaUl0JXRgoJseZ7gQLNtm6cs8DgGzUX76JO18zcLdVd_h/s1600/Environmental-Woodland-Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUQk5lfq5G7wTFlS_HgKTLx2GPJgyQptrkxDUyRULBSo7cm5EJ9vGZCTO2b62itGXdahweFuoGfXr31DpdmNo8Ojdq3-yRjQYaUl0JXRgoJseZ7gQLNtm6cs8DgGzUX76JO18zcLdVd_h/s200/Environmental-Woodland-Blue.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about this one... <strong>($700)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is at this point in his career
that this individual has lost all sense of morality and his best interest, his financial Profit, his <strong> FINANCIAL GAIN</strong> became more important than your best interests.<strong> </strong>This
goes against the laws and principals of a funeral director, the trade and the
rule of thumb. He or she is well aware of this. They know that if found out, they could lose their license,
their business, their respect from the community and their freedom. This is a very serious offense and is punishable under the law.</span></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">HIPPOCRATIC OATH</span></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Hippocratic Oath is an oath historically taken by health care professionals that swear to practice medicine or the performance of their duties ethically, honestly and without question. It is common knowledge that funeral directors try to follow the same guidelines. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">SO LETS SAY I DON’T CHOOSE THE
FANCY BOX!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QiGeMSZO96x9BmA4avF7R3w7f3-Rt6HPLlmCWKQOZu8ou_fwJ2Tk3QjfOPZuR01vyc1WEIAnIf4cAPOMGRKP3cWbe9ks6d2w73GqttoJqa6NAwtGumSzXPmyMdVwGqcz8wfj4oGiKdsP/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QiGeMSZO96x9BmA4avF7R3w7f3-Rt6HPLlmCWKQOZu8ou_fwJ2Tk3QjfOPZuR01vyc1WEIAnIf4cAPOMGRKP3cWbe9ks6d2w73GqttoJqa6NAwtGumSzXPmyMdVwGqcz8wfj4oGiKdsP/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this one is to..<strong> ($800)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, the Funeral Home owner has exposed you to substantial duress during a most vulnerable time in your life, perhaps you knew it was not within your budget and you left thinking about it, It hurt you and your family because you were shamed and were exposed to options that you did not ask for and you did not want. This action was done with the sole intent of financial gain on behalf of the owner, all the time hoping that you will upgrade out of guilt, and not necessity. This is illegal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">SO WHAT CAN I DO?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With a statement and complaint to
any STATE funeral board, the investigators will open a case against the
facility and the state will file charges against this facility, the funeral
director and the owner.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju57H2QdmnnbJMU9zzbH40JftnwOi_xuTMMub-Ai7ZvSLmd9EGQ0RYVQdhkzOOkkrk-yaerZ9ceRcKJCUr3zvIjRUOYOv8FXWyXctXvnSGL5AGD1Ch6ZE5tLe0DJ0To_zad1e474wEFg6q/s1600/img_1187299941_15019_1242814422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju57H2QdmnnbJMU9zzbH40JftnwOi_xuTMMub-Ai7ZvSLmd9EGQ0RYVQdhkzOOkkrk-yaerZ9ceRcKJCUr3zvIjRUOYOv8FXWyXctXvnSGL5AGD1Ch6ZE5tLe0DJ0To_zad1e474wEFg6q/s200/img_1187299941_15019_1242814422.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Finally, this one is to.. <strong>($3,700)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If the Funeral Board finds in
your favor, you will then have all you need to bring criminal charges and a law
suit against this facility suing them for an undetermined <b>LARGE</b> amount of financial payment
and forfeiture of the facility license (if found guilty). At that time you
may also bring a civil suit against the funeral director (person) that did this to you
in the amount of thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars if found guilty.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, we all know that everyone is
innocent until found guilty, so we cannot assume until the powers that be say
they are.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdMySLrcOXBXPh0slCtqPeauQOe4hLmK2Wb6lbHRpadyNfP5GVnsEQyT3DE0QcOEl5qp1qpJ7OD7RucxQ3DU8VdwXMYK-UTuSh-F7ze5FgGQoIRVENH401gdeNY3irh_nGSYhpADpVITH/s1600/funerald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdMySLrcOXBXPh0slCtqPeauQOe4hLmK2Wb6lbHRpadyNfP5GVnsEQyT3DE0QcOEl5qp1qpJ7OD7RucxQ3DU8VdwXMYK-UTuSh-F7ze5FgGQoIRVENH401gdeNY3irh_nGSYhpADpVITH/s1600/funerald.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><strong>So ask yourself Mr. Funeral
Director, Is it worth it?</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">NEWS!</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oh, this would also make a GREAT Television
News Story if you were to give the “ACTION-LINE” a call. They love these
stories<b>, </b>and so does the public love to hear about these type of corrupt individuals....<b></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWO_n5ZtwW9B6lieVAC34qy7-FQwljFG6BcPYoXFvhK26t5o4o6niD0TBgCUg2_n-xD-JnZCBbKpTJK_3oEaKaIrTOJM1xcpFNTXLbstsEAottqQSdbCxCSuFk0luRLe-piGzMtpJ59Rp/s1600/tt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWO_n5ZtwW9B6lieVAC34qy7-FQwljFG6BcPYoXFvhK26t5o4o6niD0TBgCUg2_n-xD-JnZCBbKpTJK_3oEaKaIrTOJM1xcpFNTXLbstsEAottqQSdbCxCSuFk0luRLe-piGzMtpJ59Rp/s320/tt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">FLASH! Funeral Director and owner get sent to PRISON!</span></strong></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> FOREVER!</span></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Oh MY!.........,</span></strong> Lets not talk about the I.D. Viewing scam, shall we?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://avenidasfuneralchapel.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-id-viewing-scam.html" target="_blank"><b> (CLICK HERE TO READ ON!)</b></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-35984738496957670432012-11-30T19:29:00.001-07:002012-11-30T19:35:00.693-07:00THE I.D. VIEWING SCAM<h1 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;">I found this BLOG on the Internet, I am posting it due to the fact that as of lately families have been telling me of a specific funeral home in the southwest valley that has adopted these practices. REMEMBER! it is common practice for unethical and unscrupulous businesses to use these practices to prey on your emotions for profit.</span> </span></h1>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong>NOTICE - THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT BY LAW FOR AN I.D. VIEWING! NOR IS THERE A REQUIREMENT FOR AN I.D. VIEWING CASKET SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THE VIEWING.</strong></span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I.D. Viewing or Scam....., you decide.</span></h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFw0ivpDTHGuTVy9V0T3OTE3AVNBq5jsehe_EPptgS2LzhRDwvNKfD-kayLLRGDuD2awtseBthD8hp2p9BR_dZcDtAw7xmAfBR_Ec9aEiU87HNBZy8vffMf5it70Sg7yOYf-Ml67sipyR/s1600/AGURNEY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFw0ivpDTHGuTVy9V0T3OTE3AVNBq5jsehe_EPptgS2LzhRDwvNKfD-kayLLRGDuD2awtseBthD8hp2p9BR_dZcDtAw7xmAfBR_Ec9aEiU87HNBZy8vffMf5it70Sg7yOYf-Ml67sipyR/s1600/AGURNEY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFw0ivpDTHGuTVy9V0T3OTE3AVNBq5jsehe_EPptgS2LzhRDwvNKfD-kayLLRGDuD2awtseBthD8hp2p9BR_dZcDtAw7xmAfBR_Ec9aEiU87HNBZy8vffMf5it70Sg7yOYf-Ml67sipyR/s200/AGURNEY.jpg" width="200" /></a>Many funeral homes are now requiring "personal identification" or ID viewing prior to cremation, hoping that when you see Mom in a cardboard box, someone will ask if there isn't something a little nicer. In fact, this tactic was recommended at a funeral industry symposium—Keys to Cremation Success, "How to Add <strong>$1,400</strong> to Your Cremation Calls"—where the speaker admitted that such a maneuver was <strong>self-serving</strong>. Unless this occurs after a plane crash, for example, where there might be a legitimate doubt regarding the identity of the deceased, this is, indeed, a despicable and manipulative tactic. The funeral home certainly isn't going to show you the wrong body.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not only is it a basic responsibility of the funeral home to be certain of the identity before ever taking custody of a body, it is also a reasonable expectation that the funeral home will not co-mingle bodies or "lose" the identification. Yes, occasionally there are stories about the wrong body being cremated or the wrong body in the casket for visitation, but these represent sloppy funeral home practices, not a failure to identify.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof8Sd-8EcZwDJHQRrPhnBLV7cINfB-yiJigrBGmfPurVOCzfSH4xXWQVxaHaP3PfKCJZRuei1oLJ6aoJTYPGE6-oQiAGuzziMGXOCxFraQJhs2tcNi3P4qnKuiLa7CNGUndZx0n2z4ZSH/s1600/1111111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof8Sd-8EcZwDJHQRrPhnBLV7cINfB-yiJigrBGmfPurVOCzfSH4xXWQVxaHaP3PfKCJZRuei1oLJ6aoJTYPGE6-oQiAGuzziMGXOCxFraQJhs2tcNi3P4qnKuiLa7CNGUndZx0n2z4ZSH/s1600/1111111.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>This is an ID Viewing Container, </strong><br />
<strong>it costs </strong><strong>$69, they charge $300+</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some funeral homes have the gall to charge for this "required" viewing or for "preparation for ID viewing." According to the <strong>Federal Trade Commission</strong>, you may CERTAINLY decline either of these charges unless you specifically asked for private family viewing or unless there is a state law requiring personal ID viewing by next-of-kin. There are no such laws. (none in Arizona, or Goodyear for that matter)</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A son went to the nursing home to sign the permit for cremation after staff from an SCI-owned funeral home arrived to pick up his mother's body there. Although the nursing home staff had most certainly already done so, he was asked to identify his mother's body. When he said he had no desire to see his mother's body, he was asked to sign the following:</div>
<br />
<strong>ELECTION NOT TO IDENTIFY BY ACTUAL VIEWING</strong> <br />
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>I, _____________, having declined to make identification through actual viewing of the remains of ___________________________, my ____________________, hereby agree to indemnify and hold [an SCI-owned funeral home, The DIGNITY guys] and its officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates, agents, employees, successors, and assigns harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, suits or causes of action (including attorneys' fees and expenses of litigation) brought by any person, firm or corporation or the personal representative thereof, relating to or arising out of such failure to identify.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em> I understand that [the named SCI-owned funeral home, The DIGNITY guys] will wait three (3) additional days after all papers and/or forms required by law have been completed and filed with the appropriate governmental agencies before proceeding with cremation and will charge a storage/ refrigeration fee for the same.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong>~ DO NOT EVER SIGN ANYTHING LIKE THS! ~</strong></span> </div>
</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyNccDXQfCYIvJyq65QFHeMukAA3Iz84WoxgRaxiLqwb0XBORFMvPzJ-I6hFT3P6wFgbyN-E3EWGqtJqItBQU4NTq6wXRHyoni1Ab9Z-zJjLasRlE1yl85Q-Uel6mo9f520V5zw0VOlyX/s1600/BOXA.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyNccDXQfCYIvJyq65QFHeMukAA3Iz84WoxgRaxiLqwb0XBORFMvPzJ-I6hFT3P6wFgbyN-E3EWGqtJqItBQU4NTq6wXRHyoni1Ab9Z-zJjLasRlE1yl85Q-Uel6mo9f520V5zw0VOlyX/s1600/BOXA.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>This is ALSO a ID Viewing Container, </strong><br />
<strong>its Cost, $10, your charge $10</strong></td></tr>
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Well, being stressed at his mother's death and all that he needed to do while juggling work commitments, the son signed the form thinking it was a simple release. At no time was he told how much the storage fee would be, he claims. Six days later, he got a bill for <strong>$250</strong> dollars more than he expected: storage for five days at<strong> $50</strong> per day. Paperwork indicated that the bill had to be paid by the next day, a Friday, but he put off doing so to seek legal help. By the following Tuesday, the funeral home became threatening after a <span style="background-color: white;">Funeral Consumer Alliance</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>inquiry—additional storage would be charged because of the son's delay . . . because he had not signed any "contract." Even though the son had signed a permit to cremate when the funeral home picked up his mother's body at the nursing home, <span style="background-color: white;">Funeral Consumer Alliance</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>was told that the body had not yet been cremated because of the lack of a "contract." At no time—until Tuesday— was the son informed, he says, that a "contract" was the pivotal piece of paperwork necessary before his mother could be cremated. Eleven days had now elapsed with his mother's body stored in a cooler. One other reason the son was unwilling to sign the contract: His signature would indicate that he had been given all price and other disclosures required by the FTC prior to making any arrangements. Such information came after-the-fact—with the bill—and he had no intention of signing a false statement.</div>
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In legal terms, the son was a victim of duress and undue influence, not to mention the FTC violations that were committed. There was no legal reason to hold the body for three days AFTER all paperwork was filed, and the funeral home may NOT impose such a charge, let alone without notifying the consumer how much the charge will be. <span style="background-color: white;">Funeral Consumer Alliance</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span> is filing complaints with state and federal agencies on the son's behalf, but other consumers should be forewarned about this new manipulation of cremation customers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZXF2SUliTSTC6chnHXlwV67msiZhJ5ipjTv78iC4sTS9henrick2tmZy0Hi_DSryFR59oNPRbXFC9qqFpvODmnn_2kO26oDZyw9aKXMN-bWGEVyDNvJhVd6ty7ObO3GW9o1-FUxPWVWI/s1600/AAAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZXF2SUliTSTC6chnHXlwV67msiZhJ5ipjTv78iC4sTS9henrick2tmZy0Hi_DSryFR59oNPRbXFC9qqFpvODmnn_2kO26oDZyw9aKXMN-bWGEVyDNvJhVd6ty7ObO3GW9o1-FUxPWVWI/s1600/AAAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZXF2SUliTSTC6chnHXlwV67msiZhJ5ipjTv78iC4sTS9henrick2tmZy0Hi_DSryFR59oNPRbXFC9qqFpvODmnn_2kO26oDZyw9aKXMN-bWGEVyDNvJhVd6ty7ObO3GW9o1-FUxPWVWI/s1600/AAAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZXF2SUliTSTC6chnHXlwV67msiZhJ5ipjTv78iC4sTS9henrick2tmZy0Hi_DSryFR59oNPRbXFC9qqFpvODmnn_2kO26oDZyw9aKXMN-bWGEVyDNvJhVd6ty7ObO3GW9o1-FUxPWVWI/s200/AAAA.jpg" width="200" /></a>Please do not fall for this unscrupulous practice. This is just horrible. If it is your choice to wish to see the deceased prior to cremation, the facility has the right to charge you for this I.D. viewing, but only if you choose one. They can not tack on charges such as disinfection, preperation, any casket use or I.D. viewing casket. Its hard enough as it is, please dont let them make it more dificult, and they will try. Say goodby as you choose to, not as they choose for you.<br />Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-92024038873354786532012-11-26T19:02:00.004-07:002013-06-01T20:18:17.992-07:00LOSING A LOVED ONE AT CHRISTMAS...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRfKoNnqVQ-thD-SoXOYU7VeTtyWUqUF2qWD_jhmA2zUdYDgCs-BCnfcF6vRfth6PgpKnVf-kHQLZN8kMMaO0yJ668XADv7hb7HwxvuZXXt1vFlfMBDHgOydDiYaUoZ-Z_7uwhzrBfbn0/s1600/xmasgarl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRfKoNnqVQ-thD-SoXOYU7VeTtyWUqUF2qWD_jhmA2zUdYDgCs-BCnfcF6vRfth6PgpKnVf-kHQLZN8kMMaO0yJ668XADv7hb7HwxvuZXXt1vFlfMBDHgOydDiYaUoZ-Z_7uwhzrBfbn0/s400/xmasgarl.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA0e1kAVP7pctd6YbYPGHEh2TsN5v5BPsuy3s3b_U24xke4Gn_zVuLpUs4qRKwHtpg_HIpWZytF16JtWuFuhCjwiYAFGm7mUPa3gYL8Td2RIR-CpdPbGXFFoEn9sgZ_UjZeNKK0NJaubf/s1600/candles1-250x373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA0e1kAVP7pctd6YbYPGHEh2TsN5v5BPsuy3s3b_U24xke4Gn_zVuLpUs4qRKwHtpg_HIpWZytF16JtWuFuhCjwiYAFGm7mUPa3gYL8Td2RIR-CpdPbGXFFoEn9sgZ_UjZeNKK0NJaubf/s1600/candles1-250x373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"><em>Hi everyone, </em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"><em>I Found This article on the Internet. I added the pictures to try and give it a little chistmas spirit. Now, it has been my experience that most of us choose not to speak of death or sickness or losing a family member around the holidays. Mainly out of fear of spoiling the holiday for everyone or maybe because we don't want to remind ourselves that a real happy time we spent with the one we lost is gone, and we will never enjoy it again. This is part of life, the loss of a loved one. Whatever the reason, you <strong>CAN</strong> talk about it. It really makes things allot better. First the tears will come, then the memory, then laughter and probably more tears. But I promise you, you will feel better. Try to reach outside of the box and talk about the one you love, the memories, the good times. It honestly does help. I pray for all of those that are reading this trying to find an answer to the holidays during the loss of a loved one.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;">Merry Christmas!</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Edwardian Script ITC; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Miguel Legaspi..............</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA0e1kAVP7pctd6YbYPGHEh2TsN5v5BPsuy3s3b_U24xke4Gn_zVuLpUs4qRKwHtpg_HIpWZytF16JtWuFuhCjwiYAFGm7mUPa3gYL8Td2RIR-CpdPbGXFFoEn9sgZ_UjZeNKK0NJaubf/s1600/candles1-250x373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA0e1kAVP7pctd6YbYPGHEh2TsN5v5BPsuy3s3b_U24xke4Gn_zVuLpUs4qRKwHtpg_HIpWZytF16JtWuFuhCjwiYAFGm7mUPa3gYL8Td2RIR-CpdPbGXFFoEn9sgZ_UjZeNKK0NJaubf/s200/candles1-250x373.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Losing someone you love is hard. If your loved one dies around Christmas, it can be even harder. The way to deal with death at Christmas to realize that, when someone you love dies, change is unavoidable. However, change can also help you get through this difficult time. While you can't rush the grieving process, you can find ways make your holidays more pleasant and less stressful.</strong></em></span> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Deal With Day-to-Day Life and Holiday Stress When a Loved One is Dying.</span></strong></div>
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<span class="stepNumber">1. </span>Expect a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Preparing for loss is in some ways worse than death itself, because of the uncertainty and dread. Your feelings can vary by the hour, which is completely normal.</div>
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<span class="stepNumber">2. </span>Be good to yourself. Take time to sleep, cry, exercise and eat nutritious meals. Pray, meditate or just relax in a calm and quiet place. Distract yourself for a few hours with a book or film or spend time with a friend. You can't take care of your loved one or anyone else if you don't take care of yourself.</div>
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3. Encourage visits during your loved one's best times of day. If he is most alert and comfortable earlier in the day, ask visitors to come in the morning.</div>
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4. Consider which, if any, traditions you want to participate in this year. Think about your financial and emotional resources. Maybe you want to skip gift-giving this year or perhaps it would cheer you up and be a welcome distraction.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUbnlLba-0CQ6oMIUh9YnP2JIzxgjMl0yP8WVgC0Wfly-Dg88PSk_c_CdM3iTkPxXGt8J7VpdG41vdBHpdM0gHby0zSM03CHFqV_ZGkk8N8RSEet-Ivgff5SBzZFcF1X66xBxnmX8ozO7/s1600/obit_273_1323189782955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUbnlLba-0CQ6oMIUh9YnP2JIzxgjMl0yP8WVgC0Wfly-Dg88PSk_c_CdM3iTkPxXGt8J7VpdG41vdBHpdM0gHby0zSM03CHFqV_ZGkk8N8RSEet-Ivgff5SBzZFcF1X66xBxnmX8ozO7/s320/obit_273_1323189782955.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUbnlLba-0CQ6oMIUh9YnP2JIzxgjMl0yP8WVgC0Wfly-Dg88PSk_c_CdM3iTkPxXGt8J7VpdG41vdBHpdM0gHby0zSM03CHFqV_ZGkk8N8RSEet-Ivgff5SBzZFcF1X66xBxnmX8ozO7/s1600/obit_273_1323189782955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUbnlLba-0CQ6oMIUh9YnP2JIzxgjMl0yP8WVgC0Wfly-Dg88PSk_c_CdM3iTkPxXGt8J7VpdG41vdBHpdM0gHby0zSM03CHFqV_ZGkk8N8RSEet-Ivgff5SBzZFcF1X66xBxnmX8ozO7/s1600/obit_273_1323189782955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUbnlLba-0CQ6oMIUh9YnP2JIzxgjMl0yP8WVgC0Wfly-Dg88PSk_c_CdM3iTkPxXGt8J7VpdG41vdBHpdM0gHby0zSM03CHFqV_ZGkk8N8RSEet-Ivgff5SBzZFcF1X66xBxnmX8ozO7/s1600/obit_273_1323189782955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="stepNumber">5. </span>Celebrate this last Christmas in some meaningful way. Give cards and gifts and put up decorations. Even if your loved one is comatose, you can bring in a poinsettia or holiday floral arrangement to brighten the room and play favorite holiday music. Remember that is always possible that your loved one can hear you and feel your touch, even if you don't see any response. </a></a><br />
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</section><section class="Module body FLC" data-module="article-body"><span class="stepNumber">6. </span>Find counseling now. Your school, workplace or place of worship should be able to recommend someone. If cost is a concern, you can consider support groups, including Internet forums.<br />
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<span class="stepNumber">7. </span>Enjoy whatever you can during the holiday season. There is no harm or disrespect in celebrating. Your loved one would want you to find comfort where and when it comes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRfKoNnqVQ-thD-SoXOYU7VeTtyWUqUF2qWD_jhmA2zUdYDgCs-BCnfcF6vRfth6PgpKnVf-kHQLZN8kMMaO0yJ668XADv7hb7HwxvuZXXt1vFlfMBDHgOydDiYaUoZ-Z_7uwhzrBfbn0/s1600/xmasgarl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRfKoNnqVQ-thD-SoXOYU7VeTtyWUqUF2qWD_jhmA2zUdYDgCs-BCnfcF6vRfth6PgpKnVf-kHQLZN8kMMaO0yJ668XADv7hb7HwxvuZXXt1vFlfMBDHgOydDiYaUoZ-Z_7uwhzrBfbn0/s400/xmasgarl.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong></strong> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Accepting Christmas After they have passed.</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLG1JABEmbWfKkgyXD5oEjg2Thhe-TG-2kk4GuT3he2ochS0m3OyJ-pWLPhi6J7nDYQoOtdpE4wp4aWoMoz5z53Z0cc1dkZWQ-uqYccMX52kq9gS2xR47rJX97X3VN7dOxGHDgdFInAjeL/s1600/imagesCAK2KT8O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLG1JABEmbWfKkgyXD5oEjg2Thhe-TG-2kk4GuT3he2ochS0m3OyJ-pWLPhi6J7nDYQoOtdpE4wp4aWoMoz5z53Z0cc1dkZWQ-uqYccMX52kq9gS2xR47rJX97X3VN7dOxGHDgdFInAjeL/s1600/imagesCAK2KT8O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLG1JABEmbWfKkgyXD5oEjg2Thhe-TG-2kk4GuT3he2ochS0m3OyJ-pWLPhi6J7nDYQoOtdpE4wp4aWoMoz5z53Z0cc1dkZWQ-uqYccMX52kq9gS2xR47rJX97X3VN7dOxGHDgdFInAjeL/s1600/imagesCAK2KT8O.jpg" /></a><span class="stepNumber">8. </span>Recognize that feelings of sadness, grief and even anger may intensify during the holiday season. The added expectations and stimulation can make it even harder to deal with the anniversary of your loved one's death.<br />
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<span class="stepNumber">9. </span>Talk to friends and family. Ask for and accept emotional and practical help. Be honest about your feelings. You may hesitate to seem like a "downer" when everyone else seems to be celebrating, but realize that most people are eager to help. If you want to talk about the loved one, know that you can and let others know this.</div>
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<span class="stepNumber">10. </span>Consider which holiday traditions may be helpful and which may be hurtful. The first holidays following a death can bring back painful memories and emotions and the holiday media blitz can leave you stressed and exhausted. If you are too conscious of the empty chair, you may want to skip hosting Christmas Eve dinner for the entire extended family. Or you may find comfort in this tradition and in sharing memories with people who were close to your loved one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZwU7Rn_qgpsYJOSWg51CLNm9m0YldoTQpwBu2CJoSETlt-cAPulpKsb5yNMeFRUhtQRTokmZHNxGOusEBCD-SoPbr4M-vVcullKJmk7NxONJqv6hy8neE0FPuop4vBlwniIr-hPP7sZL/s1600/imagesCAIRENBT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZwU7Rn_qgpsYJOSWg51CLNm9m0YldoTQpwBu2CJoSETlt-cAPulpKsb5yNMeFRUhtQRTokmZHNxGOusEBCD-SoPbr4M-vVcullKJmk7NxONJqv6hy8neE0FPuop4vBlwniIr-hPP7sZL/s320/imagesCAIRENBT.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="stepNumber">11. </span>Find counseling. Your school, workplace or place of worship should be able to recommend someone. If cost is a concern, you can consider support groups, including Internet support groups.<br />
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<span class="stepNumber">12. </span>Help yourself by helping someone else. Offer support to others affected by your loss. Consider making a charitable donation or give a gift in memory of your loved one. You could also volunteer at an animal shelter or another charity, since they are often shorthanded during the holidays.</div>
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<span class="stepNumber">13. </span>Spend time with friends or family members. Invite someone to share a meal or see a concert with you. You could also volunteer at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter.</div>
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<span class="stepNumber">14. </span>Simplify what you can and ask for and accept help. For example, if you can't deal with making turkey with all the trimmings, you can have pizza or pasta.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2bIvXjDXtc-Gy1j7u1Zw22O3-iaMfxJA0vL4SMIuNRfKo7NHAd_9emtBrIRq0yMFgn6rh1hkTp3uG_DfcVvI4Fjv52-UXCIcFK3SnlS3ydjFanEwM1ubkWKiiCySAJnGYdKQ7FXhzI0-/s1600/imagesCAOF9A5V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2bIvXjDXtc-Gy1j7u1Zw22O3-iaMfxJA0vL4SMIuNRfKo7NHAd_9emtBrIRq0yMFgn6rh1hkTp3uG_DfcVvI4Fjv52-UXCIcFK3SnlS3ydjFanEwM1ubkWKiiCySAJnGYdKQ7FXhzI0-/s320/imagesCAOF9A5V.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="stepNumber">15. </span>Prioritize your own needs and the needs of those who are also most affected by the loss. Do what works for you and them. You may find comfort in familiar surroundings or you may want to visit somewhere completely new.<br />
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<span class="stepNumber">16. </span>Get through today. Don't worry about how you will handle the holiday next year or ten years from now. By then you may want to return to certain beloved traditions and locations, or you may want to celebrate elsewhere or in an entirely different way.</div>
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<span class="stepNumber">17. </span>Extend the meaning of the holiday to the natural world. In cold climates you could snowshoe or ski and in warm climates you could surf or water ski. Beautiful natural settings offer opportunities for peace and contemplation and for fun and exercise.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmY_yMkMfawRMvWMTvEossKBfBnmZe8VJsvlFD_4WSbGDiJf3Ed_X_NWsKlc7U5KLdSo6QiAfKCnGF9WicYZ5K7tPpT1z7R_BEeHyYOMJydlEXPo7GZiLVthAR74RN8ag-W7YoUON8VSg/s1600/11111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmY_yMkMfawRMvWMTvEossKBfBnmZe8VJsvlFD_4WSbGDiJf3Ed_X_NWsKlc7U5KLdSo6QiAfKCnGF9WicYZ5K7tPpT1z7R_BEeHyYOMJydlEXPo7GZiLVthAR74RN8ag-W7YoUON8VSg/s320/11111.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="stepNumber">18. </span>Remember and honor the loved one with a special toast, a favorite carol, a lighted candle or a favorite photo. You can also write a card or letter or keep a journal of your thoughts and remembrances. In the coming years, Christmas can be a time to remember your loved one. You can visit a place you both loved or that the person had always wanted to see and see it "for" her.<br />
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<span class="stepNumber">19. </span>Enjoy whatever you can during the holiday season. There is no harm or disrespect in celebrating. Your loved one would want you to find comfort where and when it comes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRfKoNnqVQ-thD-SoXOYU7VeTtyWUqUF2qWD_jhmA2zUdYDgCs-BCnfcF6vRfth6PgpKnVf-kHQLZN8kMMaO0yJ668XADv7hb7HwxvuZXXt1vFlfMBDHgOydDiYaUoZ-Z_7uwhzrBfbn0/s1600/xmasgarl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRfKoNnqVQ-thD-SoXOYU7VeTtyWUqUF2qWD_jhmA2zUdYDgCs-BCnfcF6vRfth6PgpKnVf-kHQLZN8kMMaO0yJ668XADv7hb7HwxvuZXXt1vFlfMBDHgOydDiYaUoZ-Z_7uwhzrBfbn0/s400/xmasgarl.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-42027485200320589582012-09-22T11:11:00.000-07:002014-02-09T09:01:58.392-07:00HOW TO JUSTIFY THE COST OF CREMATION IN YOUR AREA.....<br />
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WHY DOES IT COST SO MUCH?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Vswo1VYRG3Vi1PGWshR14hK7VK6oFo_WAhNMMwHrxoaNjVzLoAvTVMGZv0YR7YaV2VoSMudyBwNLXwmTIy2VUthQtRrKT-D-Z7NrcBwpzUF7IAUDyoKcKm-mHew4J4m68oGV1VQ8xWxS/s1600/cremation_chamber.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Vswo1VYRG3Vi1PGWshR14hK7VK6oFo_WAhNMMwHrxoaNjVzLoAvTVMGZv0YR7YaV2VoSMudyBwNLXwmTIy2VUthQtRrKT-D-Z7NrcBwpzUF7IAUDyoKcKm-mHew4J4m68oGV1VQ8xWxS/s200/cremation_chamber.gif" height="137" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical cremation chamber<br />
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The cost of cremation can be<strong> much, Much,</strong> <strong>MUCH</strong>! less than a traditional burial. Two of the main reasons for the reduction in cost are a fancy casket is not required no services nor is a burial plot necessary. The cost of cremation can vary widely depending on the services that are selected. A general guideline for "DIRECT" cremation costs is from around $500 to $3,200. You can, of course, get fancy and run the price up. Direct Cremation should reflect on a funeral homes "General Price List". The price can be advertised lower, but it can not be advertised higher, it also must be itemized.</div>
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Direct Cremation should Include all of the following, If it does not, beware of hidden charges;</div>
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A proportional share of the overhead cost</div>
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Removal of the deceased from place of death</div>
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Transport to the funeral home</div>
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Refrigeration for a specified amount of days</div>
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Arrangement conference</div>
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Filing of the death certificate</div>
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A Cremation Container (cardboard Box ONLY, that's all you will need, nothing more)</div>
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Transport to the crematory</div>
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The cremation process</div>
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A simple container for the cremains (NEVER accept a cardboard box, this is a ploy to make you feel guilty and purchase an urn) </div>
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* REMEMBER!, most facilities charge up to a specific weight, ensure you tell the facility if the deceased is a small, medium or large individual. This will alleviate any discomforting situations after you have made arrangements. A good funeral counselor will ask you this during the conference. If the deceased is over perhaps 250 pounds, expect more charges.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://avenidasfuneralchapel.com/cremation/index.html#Autho" target="_blank">More Rules and laws on cremation in the State of Arizona</a></span></strong> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Instructions</span></h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IhpnHjvdeuSxfefkkpsFyYi9snEVijsjkpj6Uza-ZOcjUMhAuQbxrljMyJ7T0J1gIHwaHLlYZcOJtJ9YCwTdwl-ZI6yXn5J329FsUyKdVncfmuwV2AzQRtecQgYHTkna2gcpMWHP6ssj/s1600/making-a-list-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IhpnHjvdeuSxfefkkpsFyYi9snEVijsjkpj6Uza-ZOcjUMhAuQbxrljMyJ7T0J1gIHwaHLlYZcOJtJ9YCwTdwl-ZI6yXn5J329FsUyKdVncfmuwV2AzQRtecQgYHTkna2gcpMWHP6ssj/s200/making-a-list-l.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>The first step in determining the cost of cremation in your area is to make some decisions in advance. If you know what services you want you can be sure that you are talking about the same thing with each provided that you contact regarding cremation costs. Make a written list of all the things you want to know and ask every one of those questions, there is nothing more interesting than watching a counselor squirm when you pull out, "The List". You will be surprised how much the answers will vary from person to person. Some things to consider are in the following steps.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Cremation Container</span></strong><br />
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This is the container the deceased goes into for cremation. Cremations can be done in simple wooden boxes, cardboard boxes or sometimes in nothing at all (not in Arizona). This depends on what is allowed by the laws in your area. You may have to pay for the wood or cardboard box. Ask if it is included in the cremation costs. You do not need anything more than a simple box, that is all, do not be talked up to purchasing a casket as something more fitting to the deceased memory (as described by you up selling counselor).The price of the cremation container Cardboard Box) should appear on your General Price List and also on your contract that you sign under "Merchandise". Some facilities charge well over $200 for a box.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AvenidasFC?ref=hl#!/AvenidasFC" target="_blank">Visit our Avenidas Funeral Chapel "Information Page"</a></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Final Disposition of Cremains</strong></span><br />
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<div data-type="adTracking" id="DMINSTR" name="&adunit_id=ca-ehow_300x250&ad_unit_type=CNT&ad_unit_network=GAP&revenue_basis=CPC&ad_position=-&revenue_tag=cult_funerals_burials" type="adimpression">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgJ2i-4I1pyfblNiFo2BluxcY7b4Hvwur8dNXPtfCxkb23D-2OhhuHjMzgFqkBNDHv5rWwp5YNt2hEK-ykK-VXwPh2e1FQJfARR8fCsnLEZ-HtMeyTlZSphPHc2Kuzq9AQwyHB2Fb4Uge/s200/1336606599_LR_Cremation%2520Scattering%2520Services.jpg" height="98" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A favorite place, a favorite time...</td></tr>
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A decision has to be made as to whether the ashes will be put into a mausoleum, kept in an Urn, or spread (Scattered). These choices all impact the cremation costs. A spot in the Cremation Urn" section of a mausoleum can cost several thousand dollars while scattering the ashes can be free. Urns a fairly inexpensive objects, you can bring your own and if a facility charges you to transfer the cremains, move on. Most funeral homes have something affordable, our urns start at $65. We have a cremation package for $599, urn included. Consider also ROSS, COLES, BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY or a hobby store to find something simple to your liking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSvX-o_d9lW36TP-IrXSqgGclVIK-T7IgxrN047B2vxrkFZKoHBzOPdhCjLadFEWL_L-gwZ3x9AO7UjOJJo8PGZyutp0AyFHQjAMlWfPqNgsBXzHdGvJ5MECOhQcmxRrXJ6ScoE7dSvKY/s1600/andydead.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSvX-o_d9lW36TP-IrXSqgGclVIK-T7IgxrN047B2vxrkFZKoHBzOPdhCjLadFEWL_L-gwZ3x9AO7UjOJJo8PGZyutp0AyFHQjAMlWfPqNgsBXzHdGvJ5MECOhQcmxRrXJ6ScoE7dSvKY/s200/andydead.gif" height="200" width="151" /></a>When you are discussing the services provided be sure to find out if pick up and transportation of the body are included in the cost of cremation or if you will be charged separately for it. I have always found it hard to understand the $95 after hour removal fee for two men. It is not uncommon for a family member to assist in placing the deceased on the removal cot.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Death Certificates</span></strong> <br />
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First off, please be patient. Inquire whether they will be providing you with a certified copy of the death certificate and cremation permit as part of the cremation costs. This should be included, one for social security and one for the Veterans Administration. A funeral home should be willing to assist you in obtaining more for up to 6 months after death. If they don't, they have poor customer service. Death certificates can take 2 weeks to a month for delivery, it is difficult not to get excited when they don't get to you quickly, again, please be patient, they will come. The Funeral Home should be charging you the same price that the county charges you for these. If they are marking them up, they should tell you. Death Certificates should be under the section of "Cash Advances" on a contract.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Delivery and Transport of Cremains</span></strong><br />
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Ask if delivery of the ashes to the family, cemetery or third party location is included in the cost of cremation. Ask if the funeral home will hold the cremains for a specific amount of days. FEDEX and UPS will not deliver Cremains, The United States Post Office is the only transport that will via registered certified mail that can be tracked. Expect to pay $50 on up. For transport out of country, follow the guidelines from the Embassy of the country you are taking them into. Yes there will be a charge for doing the paperwork, and there usually is ALLOT of paperwork that could take up to 30 days. Our Veterans Cremation Package with inurnment includes transport to the National cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona, 25 Veterans Memory Folders, 4 memorial bookmarks, Military Honors, a flag and taps. All for<strong> $585.00</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Crematories</span></strong><br />
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Well, many funeral homes try to promote that they own their own crematory, Less than 3% (three) of funeral home have their own crematory. Corporate funeral homes such as the Dignity guys and Advantage Cremation and Burial all use the same facility. They are all owned by the same crematory. Most crematories are very much above par, some are not, just like funeral homes. It has always been and will always be a tradition for a funeral home to contract with a crematory, unless a funeral home does a HUGE volume of cremation, it is not a good investment for them to open an on site crematory. This has always been the way it is. Be cautious of funeral homes that own their own crematory that charge a "Transport to the crematory" charge.... Huh? Right around the side of the building? What happened to the on site crematory?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb7Tfcph7MR_R2Lxpx_T-S_eFR-Ha2awan7gfR-BKxr2ntch8HQKd0q5QNm78snuB-X4p4-g_uPluvamCLQkYLmKlzFa-hX45V2HWYZA9GSPVnbWkaMYtts8wLRkn_7HVCRNLU1JBtiKB/s1600/budget_cutting_hg_clr1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 204px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 205px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb7Tfcph7MR_R2Lxpx_T-S_eFR-Ha2awan7gfR-BKxr2ntch8HQKd0q5QNm78snuB-X4p4-g_uPluvamCLQkYLmKlzFa-hX45V2HWYZA9GSPVnbWkaMYtts8wLRkn_7HVCRNLU1JBtiKB/s200/budget_cutting_hg_clr1.gif" height="200" width="200" /> </a>Once you have your thoughts together contact providers in your area for prices. Look on google, call and ask questions. Prices can vary greatly. Be very cautious of funeral homes that will offer you a cut rate bargain out the door that undermines their advertised price, <strong>WHY? Why would they do this?</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Service Industry</span></strong><br />
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Be aware that a funeral home is in the business to sell services so they will probably try to sell you more services. The funeral home is a SERVICE INDUSTRY! Some in the industry just feel that cremation is not the service they prefer to sell. Don't let the emotions of the time run away with your <strong>budget, Budget, BUDGET</strong>! I can not stress that enough. If you do not want to purchase a $500 urn, then don't. Stick to what you want to do. Find a location that is within your budget, not one that is convenient because you don't want to do this, you will thank yourself later for saving up to $1,800 for a direct cremation for traveling 10 miles out of your way.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Cremation Societies</span></strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A Cremation Society is very
similar in function to a funeral home, but with substantially lower overhead
costs (REALLY?). They are required to be operated by Arizona licensed funeral
directors. They maintain rigorous standards and security systems and are regulated
by the Arizona State Funeral Board. Cremation Societies have a smaller buildings
designed for small gatherings, but seldom can accommodate viewings, or visitations, they mainly are just office spaces. This customized design
does not mean that they provide lesser service and care to their clients and their
family members but it is suppose to allows them to have competitive price points and be value
driven. Unfortunately, this is the farthest from the truth. Most Cremation Societies are very pricey ($800 and up) and do not handle the disposition or "cremation" of the deceased at all. They contract out just like the funeral homes. Thus these cremation societies are nothing more than a fancy name for the same service, using the title "Society" to make the service appear as peer driven or of "People Just Like You and me"...</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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So, don't be fooled by these "Societies", though some have good intentions, many have fallen into that very deceitful and corrupt practices that many funeral homes have. They are nothing more than corporate additions to the funeral coffers. Cremation societies, while trying to promote affordability are no more than the corporate, high end funeral home in cost. You are probably much better off seeking out a small independent to save money.<br />
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National Cremation Society is owned by SCI, the Dignity Memorial Providers</div>
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Neptune Society is also owned by them, at least 75%, only because the Federal Trade Commission refused to allow them to purchase it all so they could not corner the market.</div>
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Cremation Society of Arizona is owned By Heritage, a large funeral establishment in Arizona.</div>
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<a href="http://google.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><br /></div>
<a href="http://google.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlE1xAlKGTsB1j-pB4-fk4mAbHYUGo3ITjgjeAwWfGcLZZcI2bSYzTcXb1KOvyWPmcxlpNHjHDHbMQNRQoEDwINbsTWMmEaDsPPX1nUTF8bwmCsUcfVlH2edEpE6B1VITrpRxBnLv2QOZ/s200/google.jpg" height="83" width="200" /></a>Cremation societies tend to get sold off to the next highest bidder and many horror stories have been shared of ones family member disappearing after being picked up. Not all of them, but some. "GOOGLE" cremation society scandals, you will see. Also, If you try to get a refund from these "Societies", most of the time all you will get is maybe a third of what you paid for with a letter telling you to read the fine print on the contract.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Cremation Pre-Payment Insurance</span></strong><br />
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With a Independent funeral home? Wow, consider it. It is such an affordable low cost service, do it and get it out of the way. Get the paperwork done and spend time with the family, it will be a weight lifted of of your shoulders. A good funeral home will send a pre-need counselor to your home to write the contract for services. 1/2 hour of your time, that's all it takes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhob-XYr6zXPGGfNafo0EzTMWg6XbPdH9HjLHPbtBalMA4m4tnNMgO_D2jLLkxo68AYQAwQBsJ9Wlo39o3_wKMRFsENUyktIkhXZp0I2kns8M7gUkThRhI7ZeX8oWB2w5AFsrKZNrSV00Pz/s1600/imagesCAERVQW5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhob-XYr6zXPGGfNafo0EzTMWg6XbPdH9HjLHPbtBalMA4m4tnNMgO_D2jLLkxo68AYQAwQBsJ9Wlo39o3_wKMRFsENUyktIkhXZp0I2kns8M7gUkThRhI7ZeX8oWB2w5AFsrKZNrSV00Pz/s200/imagesCAERVQW5.jpg" height="200" width="162" /></a><strong>Imminent death</strong> - You know, it is is difficult to consider but if your loved one is close to death, visit the facility of choice, do all the paper work and be done with it. <em><strong><span style="color: red;">NO FUNERAL HOME CAN TAKE PAYMENT UNTIL THE TIME OF DEATH!</span></strong></em> Its the law, its unethical and the funeral home is in a position to deny that you ever paid them anything. This is a common practice by those that sidestep this law. When your loved one passes, all you have to do is make payment and call the funeral home.<br />
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So there you have it, Things to consider about cremation. Remember, once again, if a funeral home gives you the impression that they are doing you a favor, then move on. That's just not good business. If it just doesn't <strong>"FEEL RIGHT"</strong> find another, or if you are being mislead in every direction except the one you want to go in, get out of there....<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Conversation</span></strong></div>
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I have an employee that worked for another independently owned funeral home the next town over, the topic of cremation price came up between himself and the owner as to why that facility charged so much for such a simple service, (they were charging 4 times as much as my facility at the time) The owners response was <em>"Why work so hard for such a little amount of money when you can charge 4 times as much doing nothing at all and getting them to believe it's worth it?"</em> That my friends, is the corporate attitude that is trying to keep the death care industry out of reach for most of you. In fact, those individuals just don't want to work hard for very lavish lifestyles providing mediocre, uncompassionate poor service all the time trying to get you to believe that this is what the services actually are worth, they are not. I do not now, nor will I ever put a price on compassion, death is hard, not only for the dying, but those they leave behind.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">13 Years</span></strong><br />
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Funeral homes, most anyway, in my 13 years in the industry, don't really care for direct cremation, in the corporate world, there are no bonuses for it, there are no reward points and there is so little profit in the funeral service owners eyes that most can care less if you come or go. You will probably get this impression when you call around and find out how cold they are on the phone or how quick they want to get you off of that phone. Remember, you being there for a simple little direct cremation in the owners eyes doesn't even gain him enough to make..........</div>
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His corvette payment.....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I would like to believe that when someone passes away in my family that I will be paying for their cremation with dignity, not someones joyride or ego that I have to climb over to get into the funeral home...</span></td></tr>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-72044033752524716582012-09-09T10:38:00.000-07:002012-09-09T10:45:22.928-07:00FTC KEEPS FUNERAL RULE LAPSES BURIED: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">FTC keeps Funeral Rule lapses buried: Plain Dealing </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sheryl Harris, The Plain Dealer</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted: 09/08/2012 12:00 PM</span></div>
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The Federal Trade Commission knows what its undercover investigators found in sweeps of Cleveland-area funeral homes conducted last year. The funeral homes rapped for alleged violations know what the FTC found. But you, as a member of the public, aren't allowed to know – even though the Funeral Rule was created to protect you. The agency recently denied a Freedom of Information Act appeal for more information about the sweeps and the violations. </div>
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Who did what? Only your funeral director knows for sure. The <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro19.shtm">Funeral Rule</a> protects grieving consumers. The rule is built around the requirement that funeral homes quickly provide consumers with price lists and allow people to choose ala carte from the list, so they can buy only the things they want. The chief problem with the rule is the secrecy with which the FTC enforces it. The FTC conducts enforcement sweeps in secret. It fines violators in secret. It even issues press releases congratulating itself on uncovering wrongdoing in the funeral industry without naming any names. </div>
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In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the FTC agreed to release the names of 12 funeral homes it fined or sent warning letters to, but it rejected The Plain Dealer's appeal for the name of a remaining funeral home that faces a fine. The Plain Dealer also appealed the heavy-handed redaction of the warning letters the FTC sent to nine of the 16 funeral homes inspected. The agency rejected the paper's arguments that the contents of the letters should rightfully be made public. </div>
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Under a deal the FTC struck with the National Funeral Directors Association in the mid-1990s, the commission<strong> </strong>gives funeral homes accused of significant violations this choice: (a) Make a sizable "voluntarily" payment to the U.S. Treasury and pay to enter a three-year education program run by the funeral directors' association or (b) be sued by the FTC and face penalties of up to $16,000 per violation. </div>
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The FTC assures funeral homes that if they take the "voluntary" route, the agency won't publicly release their names. The fine print, however, notes that funeral home names may be obtained through a Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, request. Fine print can be so tricky. Here are the few details the FTC agreed to exhume in response to FOIA requests: </div>
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• Three funeral homes agreed to pay fines to avoid being sued for what the FTC said were "significant violations" in two separate visits by FTC investigators posing as customers. As previously reported in this column, the FTC accused Ripepi Funeral Home in Parma, F.J. Corrigan Funeral Services in Chagrin Falls, and Mallchok Funeral Home in Parma of failing to provide FTC shoppers with price lists. </div>
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• A fourth funeral home also was accused of two significant violations, but the FTC won't reveal the name of that home – not even in response to a FOIA request – because the owner hasn't decided whether to pay the fine or be sued. There apparently is no deadline by which it needs to decide. </div>
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• Nine funeral homes received warning letters for what the FTC described in its letters to the homes as "serious violations of the Rule" but described in its public announcement of the sweeps as "minor compliance deficiencies." </div>
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The homes that received warning letters are Carey Funeral Home in Cleveland, DeJohn Funeral Home & Crematory in South Euclid, Ferfolia Funeral Homes Inc. in Maple Heights, The Gaines Funeral Home Inc. in Cleveland, Golubski Funeral Home Inc. in Parma, Humenik Funeral Chapel in Brook Park, Mandley-Vetrovsky Funeral Home in Fairview Park, Joseph C. Schulte & Mahon-Murphy Funeral Homes in Lyndhurst and Schuster-Straker-O'Connor Funeral Home in Parma. <br />
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The FTC has at times sent these warning letters if, for example, a price list doesn't carry a required disclosure or contains a fee the rule doesn't allow, but the letters the FTC made public in response to a FOIA request were so heavily redacted it's impossible to know what prompted the letters. </div>
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It's worth noting that three area funeral homes sailed through the sweeps without any problems. <br />
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The FTC denied The Plain Dealer's appeal challenging the redaction of the warning letters. The agency says it withheld details because revealing that information could "disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations." </div>
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Note the FTC didn't mind sharing that with the funeral homes. Its problem is sharing that information with you and me, the funeral-buying public. THIS THEY DO NOT!</div>
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This is galling. </div>
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The FTC is a hardworking agency with a huge mission. It protects consumers from almost anything that some other agency doesn't have jurisdiction over. Just in the past couple weeks, it's mailed consumers refunds it won by pursuing robocallers that charged people's credit cards, stores that overstated price savings, marketers that overhyped their supplements, and scammers who tricked consumers into paying for leads on federal jobs. </div>
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In the same period, the agency sued a company that promised its videos could to teach babies to read, got a get-rich-quick infomercial yanked from the airwaves and won a settlement from marketers who exercise equipment. Under its current administration, this agency been more energetic than it has been in years. But its dusty, furtive approach to the Funeral Rule doesn't serve anyone well. Not the agency. Not the funeral industry. And certainly not the public. Details about violations shouldn't be sealed in some crypt until the end of time. Compliance might be higher if funeral homes knew their names would be made public if the FTC found violations. </div>
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As it is, announcing that four unnamed homes in a city paid fines to avoid a government lawsuit casts a pall over every funeral home in a city. By making the findings more transparent, funeral directors and the public could be assured that the FTC enforces the rule fairly -- something that no one can determine with this much secrecy. </div>
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Certainly, the public would know whether to be more careful when doing business with certain homes. And describing real encounters that trigger warning letters and fines would give everyone a better understanding of what the rule means and what constitutes a violation. </div>
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The FTC needs to breathe some life – and sunlight -- back into its enforcement of the Funeral Rule, if for no other reason, for the sake of consumers forced to make the one purchase everyone dreads. </div>
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That's the group the Funeral Rule is supposed to protect. </div>
Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-38531530727863339412012-08-15T08:12:00.000-07:002012-08-16T06:31:56.323-07:00THE UGLY PINK CASKET, THE VETERAN AND THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL<em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Copyright © Funeral Consumer Information Society of Connecticut. This first appeared in the fall newsletter, 1998. Reprinted with permission.</span></em><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">HOW (CHEAP) Can You Go? (as cheap as you want...)</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ4rljADsMBZdcgU1RvMoKMcNbJ1p4g8k8ms1kI6YUPFEdrh583GxI38QcM7klGoZPKugcPP29brgN8Z1gxpoJ1PtG_NbzD5nv60YS0i0rGeOxrGk-RmmzsWKOGg5THMfpVs5IxYGQicr/s1600/imagesCAJWK1BV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx98oDqN-FMzC2snrPCiNby35zWgHlNREu5mTZFZ7M0EuX6636RNagXPCcS7avSXA-eDhgoCOpYxc844WE14y2cKUeanPn_mXv2H-yv2Je25J_qhyZR7M57XhQHrRIPiZVLDlZnAgbIjP/s1600/imagesCAVOKWOI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx98oDqN-FMzC2snrPCiNby35zWgHlNREu5mTZFZ7M0EuX6636RNagXPCcS7avSXA-eDhgoCOpYxc844WE14y2cKUeanPn_mXv2H-yv2Je25J_qhyZR7M57XhQHrRIPiZVLDlZnAgbIjP/s200/imagesCAVOKWOI.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ4rljADsMBZdcgU1RvMoKMcNbJ1p4g8k8ms1kI6YUPFEdrh583GxI38QcM7klGoZPKugcPP29brgN8Z1gxpoJ1PtG_NbzD5nv60YS0i0rGeOxrGk-RmmzsWKOGg5THMfpVs5IxYGQicr/s1600/imagesCAJWK1BV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ4rljADsMBZdcgU1RvMoKMcNbJ1p4g8k8ms1kI6YUPFEdrh583GxI38QcM7klGoZPKugcPP29brgN8Z1gxpoJ1PtG_NbzD5nv60YS0i0rGeOxrGk-RmmzsWKOGg5THMfpVs5IxYGQicr/s200/imagesCAJWK1BV.jpg" width="200" /></a>My father, Hugo L Black, died in 1971. At that time he was 85 years old and the second longest sitting Associate Justice in the history of the United States Supreme Court, having sat on the Court for nearly 35 years. An avid tennis player, he served on his two beloved courts—the Supreme Court and the tennis court— until a few months before his death. He gave up both reluctantly, but died at peace with his life and his death.<br />
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He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, not as a Supreme Court Justice but as a Captain in the Cavalry during the First World War. His grave is next to my mother, Josephine, who died in 1951 and had been a Yeomanette in the Navy during the same war. Their grave markers are standard government issue, and they note only the dates of birth, death, and service in the armed forces.</div>
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A funeral service was held for my father at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Over 1,000 people attended, including the President of the United States, the Supreme Court, judges, and many Congressmen and Senators. The Bishop of the Cathedral, Dean Francis Sayre, oversaw the arrangements and delivered a eulogy.</div>
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In making the funeral arrangements, we had only three directives from my father: </div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em> Simple</em></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em> Cheap </em></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em> No open casket</em></strong></span></li>
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These were not last minute orders. Our family had heard my father's views about funerals for many years. Appalled by the high costs, he felt that "funeral merchants" often took advantage of grieving families when they were at their most vulnerable. Coming from a humble background, he had seen families spend themselves into debt. He was equally appalled by any person who wished an elaborate and expensive funeral, seeing this as evidence that the person was "puffed up about his own importance in the scheme of things."</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Arrangments</span></strong><br />
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With my father's directives firmly in mind, we planned our trip to the funeral parlor to pick out a coffin. We had chosen Gawler's Funeral Home in Washington, D.C., recommended as a place used by many government officials [now owned by SCI, the <strong><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">DIGNITY</span></em></strong> guys]. Our group included three family members—my brother, my step-brother, and myself—and two Supreme Court Justices—Byron White and William Brennan.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The Casket Room</strong></span><br />
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The casket room was elegantly appointed. The carpeting, wall paneling and piped in music set a tone for coffin shopping in undisputed good taste. On entering, one's eye was immediately drawn to the extreme left wall where a superbly crafted dark wood coffin, softly spot-lighted to show the fine wood grain, was perched high on a velvet-draped dais. It looked like a throne coffin. However, we were steered counter clockwise, starting our search at the right. The caskets were arranged head to toe in a semi-circle leading up to the throne coffin, and it was obvious that we were going from least to most expensive.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The "Throne Casket"</strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkEEd_sfsZ6b3NeV7RETbkamozpWMqS-J4pb_XaKWJ970v78yTwpDKq9NI-4b-qzFbZPqwmplTlvLhz7tpwO9sLaMgOKomHUxRurJiHuehlrVM_yGWZ1Qdqinbq1CKInXpfTHUJbfPHdb/s1600/imagesCA8UVO4S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkEEd_sfsZ6b3NeV7RETbkamozpWMqS-J4pb_XaKWJ970v78yTwpDKq9NI-4b-qzFbZPqwmplTlvLhz7tpwO9sLaMgOKomHUxRurJiHuehlrVM_yGWZ1Qdqinbq1CKInXpfTHUJbfPHdb/s200/imagesCA8UVO4S.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkEEd_sfsZ6b3NeV7RETbkamozpWMqS-J4pb_XaKWJ970v78yTwpDKq9NI-4b-qzFbZPqwmplTlvLhz7tpwO9sLaMgOKomHUxRurJiHuehlrVM_yGWZ1Qdqinbq1CKInXpfTHUJbfPHdb/s1600/imagesCA8UVO4S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkEEd_sfsZ6b3NeV7RETbkamozpWMqS-J4pb_XaKWJ970v78yTwpDKq9NI-4b-qzFbZPqwmplTlvLhz7tpwO9sLaMgOKomHUxRurJiHuehlrVM_yGWZ1Qdqinbq1CKInXpfTHUJbfPHdb/s1600/imagesCA8UVO4S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The first coffin we came to—the cheeeeaaaap-est—was covered with pink organza, pink satin bows, with a pink ruffled skirt around the bottom. Tasteless and frilly, it seemed totally out of place. The next ones were also cloth-covered, but the cloth looked increasingly more expensive. Our salesman was surprised that we even glanced at these, let alone asked their prices, and indirectly dismissed these as a final resting-place for a man of importance. He began to hurry us on until we came to the <strong><em>throne coffin.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Sales Pitch</span></strong></div>
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We stood in front of this masterpiece of craftsmanship with heads slightly bowed reverently. "This," the coffin salesman said, "is the worthy resting place for a Justice of the United States Supreme Court." When we asked the cost of the throne coffin, he did not immediately give a dollar amount. He noted that while it was the most expensive, he knew that the price was not our main concern when burying a man of my father's stature. Cost considerations would be unworthy. This response was a big mistake and backfired immediately.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Plain Pine Box</span></strong> </div>
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Suddenly, almost simultaneously, we looked at each other, smiling as my father's directive hit us full force—cheap. We moved to another emotional dimension—common at wakes—going from a deep grieving sadness to an almost playful mood. Right there, in that elegant room, we knew that together we could do one last thing for my father. No one was going to talk us out of cheap! When pressed, the coffin salesman allowed that the throne coffin cost thousands of dollars. That settled that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IvTOb1vCdResOxp4oe_iPq6-6vnZPy6AEnzn0wpuuF8d5ncgCayOkrf0oeEQg08EMGiaQtTEuq0nUrbxsXDCKGvITundK6FJUqCvEM3R1Xi-rijXIzR6zMXL9DMpREivikq7h55Yb2Vm/s1600/2-solid-pine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IvTOb1vCdResOxp4oe_iPq6-6vnZPy6AEnzn0wpuuF8d5ncgCayOkrf0oeEQg08EMGiaQtTEuq0nUrbxsXDCKGvITundK6FJUqCvEM3R1Xi-rijXIzR6zMXL9DMpREivikq7h55Yb2Vm/s200/2-solid-pine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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We dispersed, zigzagging around the room, separately appraising the caskets and asking prices down to the penny. All of the polished wood caskets were soon dismissed as too expensive. It had to be a cloth-covered one. To the salesman's<strong> horror</strong>, Justice White began to scrutinize the first pink organza coffin and then asked what was under the frills. The salesman said it was just a plain, unfinished pine box. Then someone asked about the most expensive cloth-covered casket. That, too, was a plain pine box. When asked the difference between the boxes, the salesman—now completely befuddled—whispered that the more expensive had a "better shape." We looked and thought the shapes were identical.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>AND The Decision</strong></span><br />
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Huddling for a final conference, some-one asked, "Shall we get the pink, the cheapest?" and we all gave a resounding "YES." We said we would buy the pink for $165 with the cloth stripped off. The salesman said that was impossible, it would look terrible. We, however, wanted to see for ourselves since this was our coffin of choice. First one of us pulled away a little cloth to take a peek, then another ripped more forcefully, and finally we all started ripping off the fabric with careless abandon. Off came the bows, the coffin skirt, and all but a few patches of stubbornly glued pink organza. There stood a perfectly fine plain pine box. The debris littered the elegant carpet, but we were practically euphoric. We had followed my father's directive almost to a tee, with added bonus of deflating pretensions in this very pretentious room (though my father would have felt some compassion for the poor coffin salesman).</div>
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When we went into the office to settle the bill, the funeral home director, now understanding our zeal for cheap, asked timidly about filling in the nail holes and sanding down the glue spots. With a closed casket visitation at the funeral home and a display at the cathedral, they felt their reputation was at stake. We agreed, if nothing was added to the bill, and were assured nothing would be.<br />
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Dean Sayre of the National Cathedral made a final request in the spirit of my father's wishes. He asked that at the funeral we have the casket displayed without the American flag or flowers on top of it. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISJp5ADWMPwGkYZuJtdjMESWwW45Fdv8hvbHdqK4au6L4jHOxMopPDWojTB9fkucocRht8fGCPGjrrWi9vY2llXO51DtdFcoF-dFXTq34q7I0Y9XZaZ8NjOoqT5Jlt4eR0sO3RNfq-Xvu/s200/kveus6262s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If it is good enough for this place and a<br />
judge, You get the picture...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You See!, <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">He, as my father, had long been concerned about the excessive cost of burying the dead and the financial burden this put on living loved ones. He wanted people to see that the cost of a coffin did not symbolize the abiding love of the living for the dead, nor did it reflect the stature of a man.</span></em></strong></div>
Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-35296676867375666342012-07-19T19:26:00.002-07:002013-08-03T19:14:40.718-07:00FUNERAL HOME SALES PEOPLE OR SERVICE PEOPLE, YOU DECIDE.<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>NOTE - To all those ethical and moral funeral representatives, I commend you for standing by your personal oath to help and serve. If this post does not pertain to your business practices, then enjoy it and I think you will definitely understand exactly the type of people I am referring to. On the other hand, if this refers to you and your way of doing business........ To bad.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today we celebrate going over 1,000 friends on facebook, please feel free to view our facebook page and friend us. Thank you all for doing so already and enjoying the posts we place to keep all up to date.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaXHHgW85NzlzzpEFpy_RxX_KmjY2WiWtBybw6bDQx_zofwXQP-w9u5rpjtGhRk0Tx4tXfWgL5cVDZqnI9Ox5yMMvnJGx00-9dIgzV-JqDKZU4hGfOLWDl_Y_C_IgKW3Doznun2FWUxNX/s1600/used-car-salesman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaXHHgW85NzlzzpEFpy_RxX_KmjY2WiWtBybw6bDQx_zofwXQP-w9u5rpjtGhRk0Tx4tXfWgL5cVDZqnI9Ox5yMMvnJGx00-9dIgzV-JqDKZU4hGfOLWDl_Y_C_IgKW3Doznun2FWUxNX/s200/used-car-salesman.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hiya, Hiya, Hiya, Do I got a funeral </strong><br />
<strong>USED CAR PACKAGE FOR YOU!</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I know my "Special Friend" has missed me a great deal, yes very, very much...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well here I am again and I know it has been a very long time since my last BLOG. Yes a very long time.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have e</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xperianced a very large request for cremation services in the valley as of lately. Not because more people are passing, but because we are offering cremation at a very affordable price that has spread to the community and the word of mouth on this affordable service is getting out to the people. The community has grown tired of the deceit and lies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>PREYING ON THE ELDERLY</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hyphenhyphenfJPbF6VBj5XOKFndnnfZ8oZfQZJu0v9-yd-A4CMhOZI0qICVLf7Dx9nkCTd7Hi1h89Fzx4ypuvMGnKtWn_OEUCg4sjhRcET-NOMBURDRl8dBwqdutCWKI9SKD7d3n7y3_13woH_Bwi/s1600/ar134163935739586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hyphenhyphenfJPbF6VBj5XOKFndnnfZ8oZfQZJu0v9-yd-A4CMhOZI0qICVLf7Dx9nkCTd7Hi1h89Fzx4ypuvMGnKtWn_OEUCg4sjhRcET-NOMBURDRl8dBwqdutCWKI9SKD7d3n7y3_13woH_Bwi/s200/ar134163935739586.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Families are calling and are becoming aware that direct cremation no longer is worth the price that so many corporate and independent locations are charging. One corporate funeral provider in Sun City AZ just increased the price of Direct Cremation from $2,300 up to $3,200. The sad part about this is that a good 80% to 90% of the population in Sun City AZ are elderly retired who are on in years and are not able to make quick decisions or are a little lacking in guidance. Many Pre-Need funeral insurance counselors actually prey on Sun City and sell two or three policies for the same service over and over to the same elderly, all the time the senior not being aware that they will never use all and the counselor will clean up on a fat commission. How unethical and unscrupulous is that.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">JUST WHAT DO THEY DO?</span></strong><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_VkOyOzBU4ZI84bd4x07t1jhsbMs3QqdJAKLCru7GAwPl1Fanec5z5ro7u1dXilY6kW9leELGJzaUbWVWaRWKKv5chIga9qSKugwuub1HauUkOmk4rXmMpieCdeRu1k0oyCXNPhowY7u/s1600/imagesCA2U40GV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_VkOyOzBU4ZI84bd4x07t1jhsbMs3QqdJAKLCru7GAwPl1Fanec5z5ro7u1dXilY6kW9leELGJzaUbWVWaRWKKv5chIga9qSKugwuub1HauUkOmk4rXmMpieCdeRu1k0oyCXNPhowY7u/s200/imagesCA2U40GV.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/avenidasfuneralchapel" target="_blank">Come visit us</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So what is a funeral service representative? What do they do? are they a counselor? are they a minister? are they qualified in sales? are they business managers? are they anatomy specialists? are they designers? publication specialists? administrators? coordinators? crowd control specialists? etc. etc. etc?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, to be honest, they are a little bit of all of those things, but if you notice, one thing it does not say they are a cheap used car salesman, furniture salesman, or anything salesman for that matter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So why is it that a vast majority of those people that seek me out for something so simple as a direct cremation, come in so much on the defensive and keep reminding me over and over and over that "all we want is a direct cremation" or "don't try to sell or push anything on me like the guy down the street" or "we don't need a fancy wooden casket" or "were gonna scatter the ashes so we don't need an urn" or on and on and on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>
HOW IT SHOULD NOT BE...</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>…The people at the funeral home were an oily bunch who made
a sales pitch like carnival hucksters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Within thirty minutes of her funeral and just a before she was to be
buried, the funeral director says he wants to "secure payment", but
he acted like a goon working for a loan shark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told him she had burial insurance and I thought that they worked with
the insurance company like the doctors do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He told me no and what I should have been doing all along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I apologized and explained that I didn't know
what the procedure was since this was the first time I had buried a member of
my family, but I like most people couldn't just write a check a check for over
$6000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Never once did they explain
anything to me about the option of Insurance Assignment) I paid him the next
day and he was late with the death certificate by about a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally had to call the state on him for
being out of compliance with mandated timeliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THEN he finally sent me the certificate (BTW
it is best not to give those guys full payment until you get the certificate
since otherwise you won't have access to the funds that you need to settle
business of the estate).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is awful,
but it seems that when you are sick with grief, sleep deprived, not eating, and
you are so punchy you can't even drive, and there are people who take advantage
of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I am in the anger stage
of grief, but I don't think that my response is irrational….</em></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">WOW! I feel so bad because some poor people come in so spun up from the nightmare they just went through at "the other place". I usually tell a family at this point, because it's important to try to put a little calm into this poor families emotions, </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFCzB_a5EnSTpmo5v9yGmDnjVJoaMcqyCPad3alj4zd9z5f8zceoerDj12Ep2QE1y8YNnCSdKBn2qWpOJEz3h2G6eUuzVOyuqh6Cg5oCfwVpNI6KzJ0OJTaX-PsZdkIra8nwbT3pjyG0c/s1600/whb70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFCzB_a5EnSTpmo5v9yGmDnjVJoaMcqyCPad3alj4zd9z5f8zceoerDj12Ep2QE1y8YNnCSdKBn2qWpOJEz3h2G6eUuzVOyuqh6Cg5oCfwVpNI6KzJ0OJTaX-PsZdkIra8nwbT3pjyG0c/s1600/whb70.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><em>"OK, I am not a salesman, I am a serviceman, I am here to serve you, not to sell you. There are no cars in my parking lot nor is this wall mart. I want you to do only what you want and purchase ONLY what you ask for."</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the end of the conference, I tell them exactly what comes with the simple direct cremation and then I ask, </span><br />
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</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">"Is there anything else you might need or wish to inquire about?"</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr7kDkjZOcOqR1Ja5GJZ9tGPmCJEeFBSTp3cwqzYjCnoYt9eb_rhgblP-zGIdylnzZ1y7oBN9s0ZhUSn4w4PNTm4RwmhNBjoZQ2Mi1tiuQSzYX1h_bC5LZFGBCrxnX2qJEaXRw1ecV5Qj/s1600/imagesCAZNTVXU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr7kDkjZOcOqR1Ja5GJZ9tGPmCJEeFBSTp3cwqzYjCnoYt9eb_rhgblP-zGIdylnzZ1y7oBN9s0ZhUSn4w4PNTm4RwmhNBjoZQ2Mi1tiuQSzYX1h_bC5LZFGBCrxnX2qJEaXRw1ecV5Qj/s200/imagesCAZNTVXU.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For $7,000 I'll walk you to the grave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ladies and gentleman, I am not a salesman! We may make more revenue from selling a great big nice fancy expensive service (not as much as the other guys I'm sure), but if this is not what you want, why would it be In my best interest to make a family squirm by pushing something on them they just don't want or maybe even feel more uncomfortable because maybe they would like it but cant afford it, so now they are feeling bad because the counselor is making them feel bad. Do you think they will return to this location? NO THEY WILL NOT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>THE MAHOGANY BEAUTY</strong></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Z5ulvTjX5W90-wh1v03C7iPxrnDxxJ6EeCyzQT4uBkhUfDyJuuPjlqsJd7s1_D7LqaevSNYm4Y4csExoSfgu-PSDLCmjiVHRo-sFqmeU_k_0J9DUTVFuv9I7Ghgk7aAiT0gROvlEaIU/s1600/imagesCA26K03C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Z5ulvTjX5W90-wh1v03C7iPxrnDxxJ6EeCyzQT4uBkhUfDyJuuPjlqsJd7s1_D7LqaevSNYm4Y4csExoSfgu-PSDLCmjiVHRo-sFqmeU_k_0J9DUTVFuv9I7Ghgk7aAiT0gROvlEaIU/s200/imagesCA26K03C.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, if the guy down the street wants to take a collage course on high pressure sales so he can make that Mercedes payment by making you feel bad enough to purchase that Mahogany casket for a cremation for $10,000. So be it (we sell a solid Mahogany casket for $2,875), of course he's not gonna tell you that about $8,000 of that casket is pure profit. AND THEN! they charge you more to cremate the casket.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I guess I'm just gonna have to settle for a direct cremation sale. I'm not greedy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So remember, the next time you go to a funeral home for a simple direct cremation, be weary of a few things;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. Sitting you in the arrangement room and leaving so you can look at all the "stuff"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. Leaving the "Casket Book" on the table so you can look through the caskets</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. Telling you the cremains will be returned in a "plain Cardboard Box"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">4. Giving you the "Cardboard Box" without placing it in a dignified pouch at least.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">5. If you inquire, opening the Urn book to the middle. (Ask to see most affordable first)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">6. Telling you "now lets look at urns" when you did not ask</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">7. Telling you "now lets look at a cremation casket" when all you want is a direct cremation</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">8. If you select an Urn, charging you to transfer the cremains into it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">9. Selling you a cremation box for $95+ when they only pay $10 for it</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1TaDB_K6u0rPArZ76NiVDK00Pqqz9X97sVmvywu5vYL7Yx-8TduwcYTIJeHLk6d-pgkDGYeR6xTH3QQ_jvONWqKuaxzYzz-uBQK4kCbtyLvu6KGYudMUOqgePIGBxta-UjHWRFJ5gAx4/s1600/1PieceBox_237_123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1TaDB_K6u0rPArZ76NiVDK00Pqqz9X97sVmvywu5vYL7Yx-8TduwcYTIJeHLk6d-pgkDGYeR6xTH3QQ_jvONWqKuaxzYzz-uBQK4kCbtyLvu6KGYudMUOqgePIGBxta-UjHWRFJ5gAx4/s1600/1PieceBox_237_123.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can be used for a visitation to.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Number seven is probably the worst one, because families don't know they have the option of the simple cardboard box that costs the funeral home $10 or less. Most facilities charge $100 or more for this stupid cardboard box.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So now the family thinks that the cremation container has to be a casket, so they select one, even if its an affordable one, the funeral home is still selling you something that you have been convinced you need, when you don't. NEXT they ask you if you want the deceased dressed for the casket, you assume that the body needs to be dressed and if you inquire like most will:</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><span style="color: blue;">"Is that what people usually do?"</span></em> you ask...</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><span style="color: blue;">"Well yes, most people ask us to dress when we put them in a casket"</span></em></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You just paid for that when it is not needed. up to $150 at some locations. Lets not forget the disinfecting charge of $150 for the staff to handle the deceased to dress, (why?) were they infected with something? Do all bodies automatically start to get infected with "ANYTHING" at the time of death? No, they do not. Also, how about the cosmetics you will be convinced to have done so the deceased looks more "NATURAL", yup, another $150, I mean, you will be talked into this because you chose not to embalm. OH YES!, we have to place the deceased in the casket, Casketing = $150, AND! Lets not forget the ONE TIME refrigeration charge of $350 (Corporate Funeral Homes charge up to $695) because you now chose to have a I.D. viewing (that's what they call it) without embalming. OOPS! how about the use of the Chapel or a visitation room now! YUP! $410. As you can see, it all starts to add up.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">$1000 Direct Cremation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">$100 Casket Cremation Extra (to burn the casket as well)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">$700+ Cremation Casket</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">$150 Dressing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">$150 Disinfecting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">$150 Cosmetics</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">$150 Casketing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">$350 Refrigeration</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>$410 Visitation room charge (I.D. View)</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$3160 Total before TAX</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Guess what? All this started out with dressing because you "THOUGHT" you needed a cremation casket, or you were conned into believing you needed one OR (this is the worst one) You are asked if you want to see your "MOM" one more time?. Remember, The $10 cremation box is good enough. Even for an I.D. Viewing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The sad thing is, you went in there thinking you were going to pay a few dollars for a direct cremation. You are tired, hungry and sad. You are vulnerable to unscrupulous people that make a living doing this to people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">REMEMBER! most caskets are only sold for viewings or that if their was to be a formal visitation you could have it in the cremation box or even a rental casket. As the conversation and the arrangement conference continue, you find yourself getting farther and farther away from the cardboard cremation container and the direct cremation to a formal viewing/visitation that not only did YOU not want, the deceased didn't want, you cant afford and it appears the only person that WANT'S it is the funeral used car salesman.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uIl-qnDgo47VhuP1PptrGBkwDI7risTHVM7FMFszd36Cis11K5eXCo_0t5kI4aRPT5cHWIEx_Ihr6s6nsdc-5u7T8oVT3m8XpfWh8Fo7DKwTrWyJFuf96RBmo4EwjMSx8U-khfRNpdQW/s1600/imagesCA5SC5EP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uIl-qnDgo47VhuP1PptrGBkwDI7risTHVM7FMFszd36Cis11K5eXCo_0t5kI4aRPT5cHWIEx_Ihr6s6nsdc-5u7T8oVT3m8XpfWh8Fo7DKwTrWyJFuf96RBmo4EwjMSx8U-khfRNpdQW/s200/imagesCA5SC5EP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you know how many times I hear a family member tell me something like:</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><em>"I Don't know what happened, we started out at $1,000 on the phone for a cremation then after we got there it got all out of control after $3,000 and I just wanted to get out of there", so I just signed the papers and left.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As sad as it sounds, this happens all the time, more so then not. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG24Q94PiDJyZQFaDVKEUnKZAC_q2CrScyTruCk_lU_9Unlfxm0MI3VU7ZM_Fiu-H2lNN9Mv63Mpnd_eYwJidamYBLy_wcXMshBQArJZLRVXm6AOsKgQmscQ_M3SvnOAVmL5BFwP6KpjA/s1600/funeral-director.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG24Q94PiDJyZQFaDVKEUnKZAC_q2CrScyTruCk_lU_9Unlfxm0MI3VU7ZM_Fiu-H2lNN9Mv63Mpnd_eYwJidamYBLy_wcXMshBQArJZLRVXm6AOsKgQmscQ_M3SvnOAVmL5BFwP6KpjA/s1600/funeral-director.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>I take</strong> <strong>it my Funeral Used Car Salesman</strong><br />
<strong>treated you well and I got what I wanted?</strong><br />
<strong>(Uhhhh..... I mean what you wanted?)</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So please remember, you know what you want, if you don't, DO NOT go into a funeral home saying "I don't know were to start or what we want" That is a green light to go after you for every single emotional pull that the prestigious "Licenced Funeral Director" can. And most will, someone has to help him pay for his next overnight to his cabin in pine top or road trip to wherever, don't be that guy.</span></div>
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<br />Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-82343851188033148802012-06-10T20:29:00.004-07:002014-01-09T07:10:57.384-07:00THE DEATH OF THE DEATHCARE INDUSTRY<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>STILL HANGING IN THERE...</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGKFkx507yI2INIuFeFI4Os13nRFMoqOGbrNDRuuxlySFeIhqHZmqxZs7skPHNuDUSQXEuPfiCnv_kOD0pW6TZArWM8vmLBXoVM6KxjmLd82SDmKszgSyUT3-Q5f_isuUVBMZ5xkxtfpV/s1600/sc146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGKFkx507yI2INIuFeFI4Os13nRFMoqOGbrNDRuuxlySFeIhqHZmqxZs7skPHNuDUSQXEuPfiCnv_kOD0pW6TZArWM8vmLBXoVM6KxjmLd82SDmKszgSyUT3-Q5f_isuUVBMZ5xkxtfpV/s1600/sc146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGKFkx507yI2INIuFeFI4Os13nRFMoqOGbrNDRuuxlySFeIhqHZmqxZs7skPHNuDUSQXEuPfiCnv_kOD0pW6TZArWM8vmLBXoVM6KxjmLd82SDmKszgSyUT3-Q5f_isuUVBMZ5xkxtfpV/s1600/sc146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGKFkx507yI2INIuFeFI4Os13nRFMoqOGbrNDRuuxlySFeIhqHZmqxZs7skPHNuDUSQXEuPfiCnv_kOD0pW6TZArWM8vmLBXoVM6KxjmLd82SDmKszgSyUT3-Q5f_isuUVBMZ5xkxtfpV/s1600/sc146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGKFkx507yI2INIuFeFI4Os13nRFMoqOGbrNDRuuxlySFeIhqHZmqxZs7skPHNuDUSQXEuPfiCnv_kOD0pW6TZArWM8vmLBXoVM6KxjmLd82SDmKszgSyUT3-Q5f_isuUVBMZ5xkxtfpV/s200/sc146.jpg" height="200" width="142" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been open now going on one year and 9 months. In all this time I can honestly tell you that there are those out there that do not like me one bit. I have been threatened, cursed at, yelled at, hung up on, had my suppliers threatened with boycott if they continue to serve me, My hearse and my removal van have been vandalised, Someone dumped a can of garbage in my fountain, I have had my personal life at my worship facility brought to the attention of the church with no merit. I have had my community told my facility is unlicensed, that I have hidden pricing, I have been accused of cremating horses with bodies by the "OWNER" of one local funeral facility (we use the same crematory). I have been referred to as serving "Those People" in "That Part" of town..." (who are "those people"?, where is "That Part" of town?), Called a second class funeral home serving second class people in a second class neighborhood with second class pricing, Accused of having a "meltdown" as of late at a local cemetery (I have not been to this local cemetery in quite a long time, not sure of what a meltdown is). Probably the proudest thing I have heard is some fellow funeral homes were amazed and couldn't figure out how a Retired United States Marine, Drill Instructor was going to run a funeral home and have even been called "Marine Corps Boot Camp Funeral Home". (I'm proud of that one the most). These are just a few of about one BILLION things that my local professional funeral establishment competitors are doing to undermine my successful approach to the community that has been quite rewarding to them. We provide dignified and very affordable services that others can not come close to providing at our price.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Damn it I am very, very proud of that!</em></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">THE DEATH OF THIS INDUSTRY AS WE KNOW IT...</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDAp_e7hgADotQB-BsoFgmR-UPosaqVGOsC6dNhouPQuNzs93jHAxm1XD8SpSB_hVg_vxwNv32be8R98qo3a8HKGkVE9lwUblFQha8qCaM52K7fhsh13R7vy3UDmUgqh8X1nX0MI5bRgE/s1600/dead-at-computer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDAp_e7hgADotQB-BsoFgmR-UPosaqVGOsC6dNhouPQuNzs93jHAxm1XD8SpSB_hVg_vxwNv32be8R98qo3a8HKGkVE9lwUblFQha8qCaM52K7fhsh13R7vy3UDmUgqh8X1nX0MI5bRgE/s200/dead-at-computer.jpg" height="165" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ladies and gentleman, the funeral institution is dying. Long gone are the hay days of the 2 to 3 day wakes, flower cars, Copper Deposit caskets, Carnation wearing funeral director in a "Parlor" with thick Felt and velvet drapes hanging from the ceiling. Long gone are the "Greek" Columns of yesteryear that ensured you the atmosphere you paid for is well displayed and worthy of the second mortgage your Mom was swindled into taking out on the house to put your Dad away the "Right" way. Believe it or not, this was a very common practice used by the local "Funeral Director" back when all this funeral nonsense was being rehashed over and over, you know, "Back In The Day".</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx1JCQflSTxw1IsQgIV14jf8w46WhB2uGjFHb_VFsd148QDGSgPzmfb5IWZMk8Zmx1nXkU8c5r4nG_uzeW4fwqiQVNJHAjfv7NBl-9iRtwPcN-O7GSNcfrYSRLhjYhItlbKGZYNK2AEiY/s1600/economy-hanging-on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx1JCQflSTxw1IsQgIV14jf8w46WhB2uGjFHb_VFsd148QDGSgPzmfb5IWZMk8Zmx1nXkU8c5r4nG_uzeW4fwqiQVNJHAjfv7NBl-9iRtwPcN-O7GSNcfrYSRLhjYhItlbKGZYNK2AEiY/s200/economy-hanging-on.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The sad thing about the death of this industry is that so many of those that are hanging on till the bitter end are doing this at your expense. Prices are spiking, you may go into the giant behemoth outdated facility down the street and even though they swore off price comparisons against the more affordable location down the street, the first thing out of their mouth is "How much is that other place charging, I'll match it and beat it by 10%. My question - Why couldn't they just do right by the consumer in the first place and do that from the beginning?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial;">Now it appears, the funeral industry is an "investment". Most, if not all are doing the "save and spend" cycle of business. Save it then just spend it in Vegas or on that uncontrollable gambling debt or something like that. Nothing or very very little goes back into the business. This includes bills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There was a time when people wanted to help you, they wanted to serve and they wanted to help you carry your grief. Now its all about sitting with the family, taking your money and then passing "the case" on to some junior assistant so they can push the service to the end, most of the time not knowing what was going on. Doesn't matter, they got the cash, off to Hawaii.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ya know what? Not everyone is like that, I have served for some very fine funeral home owners. They care, but today it appears those individuals are far and few between. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can rest assured that every negative comment I have received on these blogs are from a disgruntled funeral home owner who doesn't like the idea of me telling you that the $7,500 funeral service you just paid for cost him or her or them about $1,000. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lot's of secrets, lots and Lot's. I just turned 50 years old, I sleep well at night, and I also know that as long as people keep trying to reveal everything they can about my business practices, which I might add are above par, I will be letting more and more out.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR42AufzjOt0PREocLBMUp5giPH-hxfS9cTLeHnrhWZO9XadV-eiOVETJ0EzBj1-2EuN9h-qa9ym9UhIbqE80WhNfcinlMORsKZaLJPZKy4ek-7FXm5284vcHshrna-KI_td4i7ZErlewP/s1600/imagesCAY6W311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR42AufzjOt0PREocLBMUp5giPH-hxfS9cTLeHnrhWZO9XadV-eiOVETJ0EzBj1-2EuN9h-qa9ym9UhIbqE80WhNfcinlMORsKZaLJPZKy4ek-7FXm5284vcHshrna-KI_td4i7ZErlewP/s200/imagesCAY6W311.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">DID YOU KNOW! that your funeral provider can purchase a customized hearse made by GM, CHRYSLER or FORD? Just like that new customized Cadillac that they purchased for $45,000. only for half the price, thus bringing the price down on the service. Also did you know that there is no reason at all to replace the funeral hearse every three years other than to satisfy the owners ego of having a "NEW" hearse, Hearses are some of the most pampered cars in any industry, why would you need to replace a car with 10,000 pampered miles on it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Did you know it costs LESS to lease or purchase a pre-existing building and convert it into a funeral home than it does to have one built? </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Funeral homes are facilities that pretty much exist to satisfy the ego of the owner. You pay for this.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMnS2tsvmn_DAMgkpBJ9YwCqcqnlcoRxGZf8u4QW5BvXGB_BXhBRq_wFxui3jD57C0OlrGCzFfj3_ZtP30v6R0EdtIgR9romdz2SzPcz40gCiW_w34KxUP65mFDows1fPT2VI2U0OjU7G/s1600/elephant-in-the-room5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMnS2tsvmn_DAMgkpBJ9YwCqcqnlcoRxGZf8u4QW5BvXGB_BXhBRq_wFxui3jD57C0OlrGCzFfj3_ZtP30v6R0EdtIgR9romdz2SzPcz40gCiW_w34KxUP65mFDows1fPT2VI2U0OjU7G/s1600/elephant-in-the-room5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMnS2tsvmn_DAMgkpBJ9YwCqcqnlcoRxGZf8u4QW5BvXGB_BXhBRq_wFxui3jD57C0OlrGCzFfj3_ZtP30v6R0EdtIgR9romdz2SzPcz40gCiW_w34KxUP65mFDows1fPT2VI2U0OjU7G/s200/elephant-in-the-room5.jpg" height="151" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm Sorry about your loss, lets talk about<br />
cremation..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMnS2tsvmn_DAMgkpBJ9YwCqcqnlcoRxGZf8u4QW5BvXGB_BXhBRq_wFxui3jD57C0OlrGCzFfj3_ZtP30v6R0EdtIgR9romdz2SzPcz40gCiW_w34KxUP65mFDows1fPT2VI2U0OjU7G/s1600/elephant-in-the-room5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Corporate funeral in America, and some private can not at all find a way to justify the outrageous, outlandish and engorged prices for their prices. It really quite comical as you sit there and they throw this price at you for over $7,000 for a funeral and they cant understand why you get this twisted lost look on your face. It's like the white elephant in the room, It just sits there. There's an uncomfortable moment, not for the counselor, the poor counselor, either make the sale or hit the bricks.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have seen families go in for a direct cremation into a corporate facility, ask for a direct cremation, get told "around $3,200" Oh no, I don't want a service, just a cremation. Then the long pause as the counselor responds with............. I KNOW! (Funland Mortuary, Diginty Memorial Guys, Sun City Arizona)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>AND THEN</strong> the industry came up with something new that they could sell to you instead of burial or cremation, LIQUEFACTION! (no kidding) Oh come on, enough is enough now......</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOhgkQZlSQLnvJ73aF-iKV4IKfWICLChgP7f-RcWW_tl5majBb-XlImlYqhmcm1YpohbtVJwJaQcfYPgErcC3t8Rf4NBtxbwDLSjfj4Yv7E7oYQ1okxW2lP4b8WD285gWF3QCl-YXEAb8/s1600/animated-gifs-cell-phones-04.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOhgkQZlSQLnvJ73aF-iKV4IKfWICLChgP7f-RcWW_tl5majBb-XlImlYqhmcm1YpohbtVJwJaQcfYPgErcC3t8Rf4NBtxbwDLSjfj4Yv7E7oYQ1okxW2lP4b8WD285gWF3QCl-YXEAb8/s1600/animated-gifs-cell-phones-04.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">So there you go, the funeral institution is dying, It is, the hold outs are holding on, hoping, hoping, hoping that you will forget everything you have learned since this whole funeral fiasco stated to unwind some 15 years ago, people just got fed up, you got fed up, you walked out of the Dino-mortuary, got on your "Smart Phone" googled "Low Cost Cremation" and BAM! you were guided around the block. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCp4e-RizPszgY3JH1TdidkBLHY4bsJWCztfgbqimqYkbWA-qs5tx9OHkltRLU8O7AgJbXRBdvoVF-Y4QzVqdsaXNrFGqQIOsZ3jLbADB2Oh35Y-jIw2uNR2jRioPffA79uKlW-OET77yD/s1600/animated-gifs-satellites-05.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCp4e-RizPszgY3JH1TdidkBLHY4bsJWCztfgbqimqYkbWA-qs5tx9OHkltRLU8O7AgJbXRBdvoVF-Y4QzVqdsaXNrFGqQIOsZ3jLbADB2Oh35Y-jIw2uNR2jRioPffA79uKlW-OET77yD/s1600/animated-gifs-satellites-05.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCp4e-RizPszgY3JH1TdidkBLHY4bsJWCztfgbqimqYkbWA-qs5tx9OHkltRLU8O7AgJbXRBdvoVF-Y4QzVqdsaXNrFGqQIOsZ3jLbADB2Oh35Y-jIw2uNR2jRioPffA79uKlW-OET77yD/s1600/animated-gifs-satellites-05.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Old School funeral home fails to realize that unlike them, you keep up with modern technology, you understand modern communication and you realized about 10 years ago that like other countries in this world, much can be said about bargaining. If they choose not to bargain, YOU can walk out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And you did. Be proud of yourself, bury your dead with what you define as "Dignity", not what they define it as................... or trade mark it as.</span></div>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-38885190102195696132012-04-27T07:20:00.002-07:002012-04-27T07:20:49.520-07:00HMMM, FUNERAL SCAMS!<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Funeral Scams!</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r5ya-Gp5q2SvOE4gYOsirPXxTn_KyMGPoitI_YXjAb7KH_gpyc2eSkxsZKH30vTRbpceSqQNXCwSGZXvCGiZqsSEHB3BB0GC4Km9qeLihvodrCO2SdxgVOWcWNBrx6IrAm2AvWSmHHq4/s1600/article-new_ds-photo_getty_article_171_236_78462063_XS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r5ya-Gp5q2SvOE4gYOsirPXxTn_KyMGPoitI_YXjAb7KH_gpyc2eSkxsZKH30vTRbpceSqQNXCwSGZXvCGiZqsSEHB3BB0GC4Km9qeLihvodrCO2SdxgVOWcWNBrx6IrAm2AvWSmHHq4/s200/article-new_ds-photo_getty_article_171_236_78462063_XS.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
I love to find things on the Internet that support everything I have been saying all along about the industry I work in. This is a little something I found this morning that I decided to share with you. It is pretty straight and to the point. I Hope you find it educational. I have found that many independent funeral homes fear any type of posted literature that are factual and to thew point about the industry. The best response they have for the family is <br />
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<em>"They are just saying things that will hurt you and are not being considerate of your emotional state in a time of Bla Bla Bla Bla....."</em><br />
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Get it? Do yourself a favor, please do not stay in the dark. Take this information and be educated in this industry, it is a very hard and cold industry to have to be involved with, But it is even harder and colder when you get taken advantage of by it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Edwardian Script ITC; font-size: large;">Miguel Legaspi</span><br />
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Today we discuss a topic we've never talked about before: funeral scams.<br />
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We know funerals are not something most people want to think about; however, we suggest you read through this issue now and then remember to look at it again if you ever need to plan a funeral or help someone else who is making the decisions for a funeral. It can really make a big difference, especially at a very difficult time.<br />
<hr style="text-align: center;" width="90%" />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Rolling Over in the Grave: Three Funeral Scams</h2>
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Most people would rather not think about funerals -- whether it be their own or that of a loved one. Yet knowing about funeral scams can save families from added heartache when they are already in an especially vulnerable state of mind.<br />
The average funeral with all the extras can easily cost a family over $10,000. For many people, a funeral will be one of the most expensive purchases of their lifetime, next to a car, and you cant drive a funeral around.<br />
Though most funeral directors are compassionate people who care about grieving families, the chance to sell high ticket items like cushion-lined mahogany caskets or embalming prior to cremation are business opportunities too good for some to pass up.<br />
The federal government protects consumers from unfair business practices with a law called The Funeral Rule. A few of its main points will help you know what to watch out for.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Casket Scam: First Impressions</h2>
One way funeral directors fatten profits is by introducing customers to their most expensive caskets first.<br />
Industry studies have shown the average casket shopper buys one of the first three casket models they are shown and usually the one that is in the middle price range.<br />
This means it is to the funeral director's advantage to steer customers towards showroom models first.<br />
The Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to show customers a list of all caskets the company sells with descriptions and prices before showing any models.<br />
The <a href="http://www.funeral-help.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Funeral Help Program</a> advises consumers to ask about lower priced caskets, even if they don't appear to be readily available. Some funeral homes tuck cheaper caskets away in a basement. They may even be painted "uglier" colors to seem less appealing.<br />
More attractive colors or cheaper models may need to be ordered, but should only be a phone call away.<br />
"At last count, there were over 500 models of caskets on the market for under $1000," according to their website. If you don't see what you want at a price you are willing to pay, immediately ask to see a catalog.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Funeral Package Discounts That Mislead</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdTho53gpHoXm2eGNwaWpAq4weuzA8YRu-b8QUok66L5NllWyAJCquPHZ5VV_1xmGvzJuYnm6RDKs8vMe00ZdPn0GL2yYEY2tM02MDedsZBpxGmef5ZlStcED1kgg5AkUcMjFupaE5Qnx/s1600/imagesCA4ZXEBB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdTho53gpHoXm2eGNwaWpAq4weuzA8YRu-b8QUok66L5NllWyAJCquPHZ5VV_1xmGvzJuYnm6RDKs8vMe00ZdPn0GL2yYEY2tM02MDedsZBpxGmef5ZlStcED1kgg5AkUcMjFupaE5Qnx/s1600/imagesCA4ZXEBB.jpg" /></a></div>
Traditionally, caskets were sold only by funeral homes. But now showrooms and websites sell caskets independently, sometimes at cheaper prices.<br />
The Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to use a casket you bought somewhere else without charging an additional fee.<br />
Some funeral homes have tried to get around the retail casket store competition with deceptive promotional packages. They offer "deals" that reduce the price of their caskets, but make up the difference by increasing the funeral director's fee by a comparable amount.<br />
Mortuary service fees are intended to cover the funeral director's time to plan the funeral, make arrangements with a cemetery and obtain required permits such as a death certificate. The FTC says these tasks should take about four hours or less and should not be a large expense.<br />
Be suspicious of any package deal that includes a mortuary service fee in the thousands of dollars.<br />
Any practice that seems like a casket pricing scam may be reported to Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Casket Gasket Scam: Preserved for Eternity</h2>
Another deceptive practice is selling "protective" caskets. These include a rubber gasket designed to delay the penetration of water into the casket, theoretically preserving the body from biological entities.<br />
The protective casket has been called the biggest rip-off in the funeral industry. The gasket costs $12 to $20, yet funeral homes typically charge $700 to THOUSANDS of dollars more for models with gaskets than for those without.<br />
The Funeral Help Program says the gasket can actually have exactly the opposite effect. Further, these gaskets could even make the caskets seal rupture if the deceased is not embalmed and the vessel fills up with methane gasses,(it will).. For this reason, mausoleums do not allow the gasket or they literally leave the casket open..<br />
The Funeral Rule forbids claims that "protective" features like the gasket help preserve the remains indefinitely, because they don't. They just add to the cost of the casket.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Six Funeral Tips:</h2>
The Federal Trade Commission -- the federal agency that enforces The Funeral Rule -- offers these guidelines for consumers planning a funeral:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Shop around in advance</b>. Compare prices from at least two funeral homes. Remember that you can supply your own casket or urn.</li>
<li><b>Ask for a price list</b>. The law requires funeral homes to give you written price lists for products and services.</li>
<li><b>Resist pressure</b> to buy goods and services you don't really want or need.</li>
<li><b>Avoid emotional overspending</b>. It's not necessary to have the fanciest casket or the most elaborate funeral to properly honor a loved one.</li>
<li><b>Recognize your rights</b>. Laws regarding funerals and burials vary from state to state. It's a smart move to know which goods or services the law requires you to purchase and which are optional.</li>
<li> Apply the same <b>smart shopping techniques</b> you use for other major purchases. For example, you can cut costs by limiting the viewing to one day or one hour before the funeral (if at all), and by dressing your loved one in a favorite outfit instead of costly burial clothing.</li>
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For more information on how to avoid funeral scams, check out the FTC website, <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/funeral.shtm" target="_blank">Funerals: A Consumer Guide</a>.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.funerals.org/" target="_blank">Funeral Consumers Alliance</a> offers additional tips on keeping funeral costs down.<br />
One last point: some funeral directors really lay on the guilt to get you to overspend. Making decisions beforehand -- and recognizing that you don't need to overspend to honor and show your love -- can help a great deal during a very difficult time.<br />
We know this was a difficult topic, but we thought it was important to give you the info about funeral scams that you might need someday.<br />
Anyway, that's a wrap for this issue. We wish you a great week!Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-8408948212102260752012-04-07T22:18:00.008-07:002014-06-02T05:31:13.617-07:00THE LOW COST BURIAL AND CREMATION SERVICES LOCATIONS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As of recently<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, there has been an increase in burial and cremation services. Now there is no problem with that, but most are on the rise being misrepresented as such and also being an illegal and unlicensed establishment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4co9xUyuzm5u1ONDRyOEDxSu-P3ThxDvuvcdbKX_cX4rgpyXyx10Q0Jw_YTxRkk-7dk7cNJU5gNtpmeVzRiLsnlPM-eJoWajgXjFOTluTZ9hGDv6BmlPTIwtxJD0umWA3XUKyMSW5DwOc/s1600/GPL.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4co9xUyuzm5u1ONDRyOEDxSu-P3ThxDvuvcdbKX_cX4rgpyXyx10Q0Jw_YTxRkk-7dk7cNJU5gNtpmeVzRiLsnlPM-eJoWajgXjFOTluTZ9hGDv6BmlPTIwtxJD0umWA3XUKyMSW5DwOc/s1600/GPL.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4co9xUyuzm5u1ONDRyOEDxSu-P3ThxDvuvcdbKX_cX4rgpyXyx10Q0Jw_YTxRkk-7dk7cNJU5gNtpmeVzRiLsnlPM-eJoWajgXjFOTluTZ9hGDv6BmlPTIwtxJD0umWA3XUKyMSW5DwOc/s1600/GPL.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4co9xUyuzm5u1ONDRyOEDxSu-P3ThxDvuvcdbKX_cX4rgpyXyx10Q0Jw_YTxRkk-7dk7cNJU5gNtpmeVzRiLsnlPM-eJoWajgXjFOTluTZ9hGDv6BmlPTIwtxJD0umWA3XUKyMSW5DwOc/s200/GPL.gif" height="151" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before I start, remember this, a funeral home cannot ask for more than what is on the price list for merchandise and services, so they want very much to keep the price high, but also don’t want to be known for offering discounts to the consumer all the time. They don’t want the reputation as one that just “Gives it away”. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So lets create another fictitious location that gives services at a lower cost.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, I have changed some of the names and corporations so as not to get sued.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what is this all about? Well, the “fictitious” International Service Corporation (ISC) out of Texas, the Digity Memorial Providers came up with a brilliant idea about 5 to 10 years ago to introduce another branch of funeral service providers called “Avdantage Funeral and Cremation Services. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reasoning behind this move was because a good part of the community that sought out the Digity guys to conduct funeral services were finding that they could not afford the facilities. So ISC started purchasing up allot of local funeral homes in the poorer areas of town. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Two Sides to the same Corporation</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It sounds like a great plan, but it was a plan done solely focusing on revenue and not much else. The service is adequate but not like the Digity locations, no bells and whistles here. The best part of it is, no matter which facility you use, a Digity or an Avdantage, you still have the deceased stored, embalmed, dressed, casketed and prepared at the same locations. Either L.A. Moore Grimsham in Phoenix or Moonland Mortuary in Sun City. You may be paying different prices, but it’s all being done the same way, at the same location by the same people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re just paying more or less, depending on which ISC facility you use. (Next time you go into a Digity or Avdantage facility, ask if the deceased is being held or prepared there, if they say yes, they are lying) Basically, your paying for the use beautiful building, that all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>So what does it take?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, the independents thought that ISC should not be the only ones getting in on the double pricing, so they tried to do the same thing. It's a small price to pay, to some it is worth the chance because by the time they get around to this level of poor thought process, all morals, ethics and values have been tossed out the window long, long ago. I mean all it takes to open a funeral home is:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">rent a small space (store front)Less than 500 square feet in a strip mall<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a chapel or a room called a chapel, Seats 10 or more<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Has an arrangement room with catalogs and a few urns<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A small preparation room with embalming table<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 bottles of embalming fluid<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Embalming tools and machine<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A hearse or a letter from a friend who has a hearse that can lend it to you saying he will<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A bathroom<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A phone<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That is all you</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> need. You don’t even need a cooler.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>The Storefront!</strong></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Qg7idl2PNipzkfjKQA3oo1z6U-xg4YFZsdVPaUxA2VAMmDonbEu21EwTLAlOdN7BQCUifsLTPeUoh9deQjh9XPAUlAXVSv_FHS95ERhuU7Ly5NDdeEYHVudcSpsGioGYdiVvIpzKYhB/s1600/StoreFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Qg7idl2PNipzkfjKQA3oo1z6U-xg4YFZsdVPaUxA2VAMmDonbEu21EwTLAlOdN7BQCUifsLTPeUoh9deQjh9XPAUlAXVSv_FHS95ERhuU7Ly5NDdeEYHVudcSpsGioGYdiVvIpzKYhB/s1600/StoreFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Qg7idl2PNipzkfjKQA3oo1z6U-xg4YFZsdVPaUxA2VAMmDonbEu21EwTLAlOdN7BQCUifsLTPeUoh9deQjh9XPAUlAXVSv_FHS95ERhuU7Ly5NDdeEYHVudcSpsGioGYdiVvIpzKYhB/s200/StoreFront.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So there you go, these individuals at these local facilities would rent a building (a storefront, there is nothing wrong with a storefront funeral provider), Have all this stuff cheaply installed, do all this, get inspected by the state board, get licensed and then close the building and not the business just having Quest or Cox forward the phone to the parent funeral home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a scam to serve the rich and the poor with two price lists from the same business. It is worth the loss because they were hoping the Arizona Funeral Board would not get around to inspecting them. There are only 3 investigators on the state board and they are swamped with paper work all the time. ALL THE TIME!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmmImDIbustO8lm6D39nwmsP4eyn17p46igvfCixL3AoQj51EqRIMCtwS-mjgymVUVxuPswfBsPeffxENosdGvdTxwH4aiT2zASbgXUuYkM_eM2j7PWryhHgYW2wW0140o1TItu0qT_cG/s1600/cell+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmmImDIbustO8lm6D39nwmsP4eyn17p46igvfCixL3AoQj51EqRIMCtwS-mjgymVUVxuPswfBsPeffxENosdGvdTxwH4aiT2zASbgXUuYkM_eM2j7PWryhHgYW2wW0140o1TItu0qT_cG/s200/cell+phone.jpg" height="200" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">HI! I'm a Stupid Idea!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well it got to</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> the point that some got cockier than that, even bolder and even <strong>stupider.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard of one funeral home on the waaaaaaaay west side of town whose owner was going to advertise a cremation and burial and have the number ring a dedicated cell phone number and have a staff member answer all the time and go to the families house for everything, the removal, writing the arrangement taking payment, contract and even returning the remains. The family would never know the difference. If the family couldn’t afford his funeral home, he would refer the family to that number and still get the sale. This is so illegal. (The state board is already watching this fiasco)</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some locations have even gone so far as to put a phone number on the Internet with no physical address</span></span>, and when you call the number it is always an answering service who will tell you that the director is in a meeting, in with a family or away on a service, he or she will call you back in 5 minutes,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time you call. It seems kind of odd after a while that this person never ever answers the phone. EVER!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>What does the state board say?</strong></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5vq-RP37iCzS8AW9pHKocLWMBKveMRrUloow3OWfIirfA0bXzc8M0GX7NyYX5Enw9vx29FR09KNNPH6Iqe6Atc71IoBbJDIHU7pZxnP-UeAq5MO9CxgC7mZJ6vkKbIb-CfrLB-Kz1w1Q/s200/imagesCA3RZPFW.jpg" height="114" width="200" /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As per the Arizona State board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, If your Funeral home, cremation Facility, Funeral service facility, whatever it is you are serving the community under a funeral home name or establishment....... if it is promoting funeral service “ANYTHING", it is required to have a physical address were the family can come to, make the arrangements and see the deceased. It is the law. and they can only advertise and promote ONE funeral business out of that location and use ONE General Price List.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So remember, the next time you go to a facility or call one, ask some questions. if they are all to easy to recommend you to a more affordable location and slide you a phone number across the table, be aware. If you do call on that other location, insist on going to the facility to handle the arrangements, if you go or the produce one, ask to see a license with a the business name and beware of funeral homes on the far west side of the valley that gives you a phone number of someone that might be able to “Help you out” That phone might just ring in the other room.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-73671712515521146062012-03-25T12:52:00.005-07:002013-10-31T06:30:44.558-07:00WHERE DEATH IS AFFORDABLE<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>The following is an article I found in a Michigan newspaper. It pretty much hits the nail on the head, large corporate and pricy independent are driving your options away from you and themselves out the door.</em></span> <span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Take a good hard look at what is left, it will be the future of a more affordable, personalized funeral service.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Miguel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7Wde_X3tyuorQ3JlgLtrhG8iZxOm2kmBTalWcicQ_UVM69jCCmF7Ee-z7_7Zs9COBQ-twt9dl-vajGjPHjPHZhd8AYsF0ru5JDfcYFSrw-gl6bCYix5tusrhcZe_1VtcbMrapDn6jqm7/s1600/imagesCA6XRE1Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">How it all begins...</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7Wde_X3tyuorQ3JlgLtrhG8iZxOm2kmBTalWcicQ_UVM69jCCmF7Ee-z7_7Zs9COBQ-twt9dl-vajGjPHjPHZhd8AYsF0ru5JDfcYFSrw-gl6bCYix5tusrhcZe_1VtcbMrapDn6jqm7/s1600/imagesCA6XRE1Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7Wde_X3tyuorQ3JlgLtrhG8iZxOm2kmBTalWcicQ_UVM69jCCmF7Ee-z7_7Zs9COBQ-twt9dl-vajGjPHjPHZhd8AYsF0ru5JDfcYFSrw-gl6bCYix5tusrhcZe_1VtcbMrapDn6jqm7/s200/imagesCA6XRE1Z.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>On Jan. 10</strong>, Diane and Randy Bathurst were having breakfast when Randy began to feel ill. He excused himself to lie down, and a moment later Diane heard a thud. When she arrived in the bedroom, Randy, 58, was unconscious on the floor. Paramedics couldn't resuscitate him; doctors said he had died instantly of a massive heart attack. Two days later, his widow is in a conference room in suburban Detroit meeting with Tom Macksoud, who runs a business called Simple Funerals. Bathurst, who has little income, wants a basic cremation with no casket and no service—just the way Randy would have wanted it. A traditional funeral home wanted to charge her $3,200. Macksoud's operation—with no employees, chapel or embalming room<span style="color: #b45f06;"> <em>(Embalming room AKA "Preparation Room" is required in Arizona, as is a chapel, hearse and conference room for arrangements),</em></span> just himself and the Chrysler Town & Country minivan he uses as a hearse—can do it for $1,100. "Thank you," Bathurst says, tearing up. "This means I can make two more house payments." Macksoud hugs her and, two days later, single-handedly retrieves her husband's 300-pound body from the rival funeral home and maneuvers it into his minivan, a process that takes more than an hour and leaves him exhausted. "Sometimes I think I should charge by the pound," he says<em>. <span style="color: #b45f06;">(In Arizona, most funeral homes charge additional costs over 250 pounds)</span></em></span></span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Make them go away!</span></strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_p65S0lrHlh1tDjhWjpduW6zCHO-9jB2K4oYl3BclM6EEprOoIrmOa5ctcakYIM9xkRLMlZpYb83lc0ogdyPGoUo8eEfzXne-rMkChw8xejfc-8AzoQGn2knNzasu-3OUXuK-E04l1mdN/s1600/southfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_p65S0lrHlh1tDjhWjpduW6zCHO-9jB2K4oYl3BclM6EEprOoIrmOa5ctcakYIM9xkRLMlZpYb83lc0ogdyPGoUo8eEfzXne-rMkChw8xejfc-8AzoQGn2knNzasu-3OUXuK-E04l1mdN/s200/southfront.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Also Known as "Alternative Funeral Homes"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">With its revenue directly tied to the death rate, the $15 billion funeral industry has always been seen as recession-proof. No matter how bad the economy, people always die and families always spend money memorializing them, often equating dollars spent with respect paid, and rarely shopping around. Funeral homes tend to be the oldest businesses in town and generally earn solid profits—one reason why, in the 1990s, large, publicly traded corporations began rolling up the industry. But this recession is proving different—and as it deepens, <em><strong>families are beginning to seek ways to cut bills that were once seen as sacrosanct (That which is very sacred, not to be trudged or changed due to its sacred right of passage)</strong></em>. Long-term trends (like the growing acceptance of cremation) are coalescing with the down economy to lead some industry veterans to sense a shift. <strong><em>"There's a major movement toward low-cost options right now,"</em></strong> says R. Brian Burkhardt, a funeral director in Wheaton, Ill., who writes an industry blog called Your Funeral Guy. "Those businesses that adjust will do fine—<strong><em>and those that don't will be gone."</em></strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BwroKcCAhhyphenhyphencnhlRfKY1KSyO0Lrw-8C6ODZz07RQgMGytEM4dmToXtk8FZHwpHgMEu_Xp0xElu0hpleHytimGclOgsqRGrmnzU39LZLmLHODiDij_88lcySci0ZFLQH055Nk-aGATB9p/s1600/istock_000008845511small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BwroKcCAhhyphenhyphencnhlRfKY1KSyO0Lrw-8C6ODZz07RQgMGytEM4dmToXtk8FZHwpHgMEu_Xp0xElu0hpleHytimGclOgsqRGrmnzU39LZLmLHODiDij_88lcySci0ZFLQH055Nk-aGATB9p/s200/istock_000008845511small.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">For Macksoud, 46, this penny-pinching couldn't come at a better time. For 20 years Macksoud worked in big funeral homes and eventually bought his own in Lapeer, Mich., a blue-collar town about 50 miles north of Detroit. But a few years ago he started noticing a change: fewer people were asking for the extravagant memorial service with the steel casket and limousine-led procession. "I realized all I needed was an office, a computer and my own car," he says. So in 2004 he sold his Lapeer business for $757,000, then took a few years off to spend time with his four kids.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Rebirth of a Dignified Industry</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last fall he jumped back in with Simple Funerals, which he runs from a 1,500-square-foot storefront in a strip mall next to a dry cleaner. There's a sitting room with an oriental rug, and a wall of shelves holding urns (starting at $90). Toward the back, Macksoud displays three coffins, starting at $495. (He sends folks seeking something higher-end to Costco, which has carried caskets since 2004.) Macksoud subcontracts with traditional funeral homes to use their embalming rooms and to store bodies. With such low overhead, his customer's average bill is less than $1,200, compared with nearly $10,000 for a traditional funeral. "<strong><em>It's not about the size of your funeral home or how many Cadillacs you have—it's about the service you provide</em></strong>," he says. (<em><span style="color: red;">BRAVO! Well Said...</span><span style="color: black;">)</span></em></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Keeping it Simple...</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Macksoud is 6 feet 1 with dark, thinning hair and a plain, soft-spoken </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ULQFqMfMVaCSk71r6gB60uoTF2GKahxkNKYrqeMfDug2Poub_qKrdEM6uQLiMSmxjMeiyIhAmGKQZH_rrtmxSAlYqkEEvV93PaBpU2j9GMnghkYvHttKwjTwfqa-FWi-DcXGmXM8z7Zx/s1600/imagesCA6FGP3J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ULQFqMfMVaCSk71r6gB60uoTF2GKahxkNKYrqeMfDug2Poub_qKrdEM6uQLiMSmxjMeiyIhAmGKQZH_rrtmxSAlYqkEEvV93PaBpU2j9GMnghkYvHttKwjTwfqa-FWi-DcXGmXM8z7Zx/s200/imagesCA6FGP3J.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Simple Funeral</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">manner. If you spot him driving around in his minivan—which carries a whiff of formaldehyde—you might guess he's an accountant or insurance agent. And while laypeople think funeral directors spend all day with dead bodies, much of Macksoud's business involves paperwork: ferrying death certificates to get physicians' signatures, dealing with the medical examiner and then off to the county clerk's office. Along the way, the phone connected to his dashboard-mounted navigation system rings every so often. "Simple Funerals," he says, keeping his eyes on the road. "This is Tom."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><strong>Helping You Find a Way....</strong></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJJwOuXETtIH3X7-kLe3IgIkYJPCDaXLUMTHVZNtG6esGZsJYDT4K2B7Ay92vpyIDuyrsN98Oa5EGqWzZ-9NuTlOUallvxpI8uq_FjahWgZhY0trzgYu1bqQvgFT8P6fcqyY5mEXPVJcT/s1600/imagesCADNYO1H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJJwOuXETtIH3X7-kLe3IgIkYJPCDaXLUMTHVZNtG6esGZsJYDT4K2B7Ay92vpyIDuyrsN98Oa5EGqWzZ-9NuTlOUallvxpI8uq_FjahWgZhY0trzgYu1bqQvgFT8P6fcqyY5mEXPVJcT/s200/imagesCADNYO1H.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">On many calls, he winds up alerting consumers to money-saving options they didn't know existed. For instance, a widow from Pontiac calls about her husband, a veteran who's just died. Macksoud tells her that as a veteran, he's entitled to a free plot, vault and grave marker in the Great Lakes National Cemetery—something the traditional funeral home she'd called first hadn't mentioned. "They would have missed out on selling her a vault and expensive plot," Macksoud says. "She was so appreciative. When things like that happen, I know I'm doing the right thing."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><strong>Responsibility...</strong></span><br />
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The responsibility of the funeral director is much more than ensuring the funds are collected, the check is cashed and the family is tucked away. The individual has a ethical and moral obligation to ensure that the family is well taken care of during a very vulnerable time. The job of the director is to as if "Keep the wolves away", Not to be a wolf in sheep's clothing. As we do not allow children to indulge in sweets during a time of hunger, we must ensure they receive proper nourishment and care. Not that a family is as if a child, but it is the moral and ethical responsibility of the director to ensure the family is looked after and cared for, for THEIR best interest, not the directors financial best interest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_pbThjvJ3TsQUs_eidmx0LDFpM6uD7NaBc4DCksbfd-rcxE9LiL8zUZTsIoHCtwacnJ-QQnyiU5Pkks8RD-iLRpQwC62AJEeBhWKDvspSX0fhXpf-HP8c6yzwu5MYP0tFFsLz5_ik_tD/s1600/imagesCA0K06I3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_pbThjvJ3TsQUs_eidmx0LDFpM6uD7NaBc4DCksbfd-rcxE9LiL8zUZTsIoHCtwacnJ-QQnyiU5Pkks8RD-iLRpQwC62AJEeBhWKDvspSX0fhXpf-HP8c6yzwu5MYP0tFFsLz5_ik_tD/s200/imagesCA0K06I3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I didn't know they couldn't afford it.. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's not my job to ask.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><strong>Conclusion...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">I do not think alone, As this article proves, there are those out there that are licensed funeral directors and embalmers that have not strayed from the given path. The Direction of the funeral industry is changing, some are desperately trying to hold on and ride that dying horse........</span></div>
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Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126508869325778596.post-57358422029159947932012-03-14T20:34:00.087-07:002014-02-12T06:34:36.277-07:00IF I LOOK FOR A MORE AFFORDABLE LOCATION, DOES IT MEAN I DONT CARE?<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Every funeral homes pricing is affordable to someone, but not all funeral homes are affordable to everyone………<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Miguel Legaspi</span></span></i><br />
<em><span style="color: blue;">Owner, Avenidas Funeral Chapel</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Recently I have started a new approach to advertising that has really made the difference to reaching the community I wish to serve. (that means everyone)</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMFaWpLSAbZRsUl8VWnJ2i2SRmg1baoxCVwRjUgPSxOiBIC4Eqh1RBKRvd5g6-P8mmS_l45xPVhwr2aKmxUajr-Y5jWvj1axx7xd90ULZHyUn30jQgHcfI_W_TkTVSln3ijKNGZzo75iy/s1600/imagesCAIAM8XE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMFaWpLSAbZRsUl8VWnJ2i2SRmg1baoxCVwRjUgPSxOiBIC4Eqh1RBKRvd5g6-P8mmS_l45xPVhwr2aKmxUajr-Y5jWvj1axx7xd90ULZHyUn30jQgHcfI_W_TkTVSln3ijKNGZzo75iy/s200/imagesCAIAM8XE.jpg" height="200" width="190" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I have noticed that great deals of people that have contacted me are at a point of total confusion by the time we talk. It starts with a very irate person demanding to know what hidden costs are in the cremation package I offer. I tell them none. They insist that there is more because everyone else is double to not quadruple the price of cremation that I offer. I have had people cry, thank me and tell me they would be right down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell them that we will be right here to help them when they arrive.</span> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm4DEkTevJmWG-fO2esaV1UBSsLKjy2ByUQn4RZlg7iuipHyhc2yGavXshZ18CgGcpJAqNBdtKwVmmHzWy4FezOUFNfNmPIkuem7GrpcUFjF3KqsVMcb2Sjwfw4htVQLzjGT_upphMdMM/s1600/imagesCASJYN42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoOwlFFM38TGPfDk72sQHMrP6O78zeRGYC0Yl2UN8M2o2npu8bIEpLInabwVU-XDKqyj6_bO-NiqI50XdVZyyF8eRc3I6MjxOr1aemG2dpUhg98Ker6G7WIixQLWraWUCisT-U0voXvm7/s200/imagesCAXD0PQ8.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm4DEkTevJmWG-fO2esaV1UBSsLKjy2ByUQn4RZlg7iuipHyhc2yGavXshZ18CgGcpJAqNBdtKwVmmHzWy4FezOUFNfNmPIkuem7GrpcUFjF3KqsVMcb2Sjwfw4htVQLzjGT_upphMdMM/s1600/imagesCASJYN42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another man came into my facility and asked for some simple pricing. I shared it with him and he could not understand why it was so difficult to get the same answer from another location close by. He was told by a lady:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <em> </em></span><em>“if he was from another funeral home, the prices were all the same, but I’m sorry, if you really are from a family, our prices are less than what is on our price sheet” </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>WHAT THE?</strong> He walked out of there lost, dazed and confused.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">HEY! That’s pretty scary stuff considering you are trying to find a location that will help you handle the simple arrangements of saying goodbye to your family member. Who is in charge? Are there not laws that protect the community from these types of shady marketing practices? YES THERE ARE! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>AZ State Legislature, Chapter 12-Article 3.1 -32-1375. Price lists; telephone information</strong></span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><strong></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="color: #990000;"> <strong><span style="color: black;">A.</span></strong><em> A licensee or registrant (employee) shall provide accurate information about the retail prices of funeral goods or services readily available for sale at the establishment at which the licensee or registrant is employed<u> to any person inquiring about these prices by telephone.</u></em></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong> (Psst! this means you!)</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> </span></strong> <span style="color: #990000;"> </span> <span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>B.</strong></span><em> If a person requests a price list by telephone, the establishment shall mail a price list to the caller and may charge a reasonable postage and handling fee of not more than two dollars.</em></span><br />
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<em> </em> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If a funeral home is evasive or cryptic in the way they appear to explaining pricing to you, GET OUT OF THERE! The funeral home is a business, they are not your friend until YOU decide they have deserved your friendship, trying to make best friends with you over the phone is stupid, they should be focusing on answering your questions......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Shopping</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the funeral industry, people have been forced to shop around looking for the best price but have found that they have to sacrifice in services to afford burial or cremation. This is so far from the truth. There are a few good facilities out there that really do care. They might not be the most glamorous or palatial facilities, but they do provide good service, compassion and understanding, all this for a very affordable price. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVpqmt2KstGhyphenhyphenNDrGtD5HQlJH4ZCp_XyNeDvBq9DpiBL-D87sJ8OTBFNZSmiFjUnanBAW9sOe5IveaGomNSFXysv6ypROIhjG7BLRjwofmE1P4KQf1PveLLSCxOkpapHNnK8Mt9yiAV5J/s1600/funeral_chart_63524artw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVpqmt2KstGhyphenhyphenNDrGtD5HQlJH4ZCp_XyNeDvBq9DpiBL-D87sJ8OTBFNZSmiFjUnanBAW9sOe5IveaGomNSFXysv6ypROIhjG7BLRjwofmE1P4KQf1PveLLSCxOkpapHNnK8Mt9yiAV5J/s400/funeral_chart_63524artw.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYlcS-HiTyhtD2juVtbcJ3Twa54EDYZDMqA_NXiPt0XRmnCabFljrmF1ntNn1RWEfNGXqIs0M6o6HNF7BsVLrvVpjnECsOT1SlQmtxDTrS7R5IdEciKvYL6OrCvETK9ag96z0domeyT4_/s1600/imagesCA9LSX3U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Not to sound funny, but the funeral industry is dying a slow death only to have some locations being reborn as we speak with the new definition of service and cost.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDQ7Ui8uKKkzABejBHI3Jer5t-WvOvCjct0cOgjAAYhB5a7TBmY_cdUnfyCjq7SI6yHojYoAyuapzsvvqAFGZ5NbVjIuxkB2Ek7P_rvJzE1nLiwJnYN0PxmKvcPYM7o5dOkA3NuCmCyux/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDQ7Ui8uKKkzABejBHI3Jer5t-WvOvCjct0cOgjAAYhB5a7TBmY_cdUnfyCjq7SI6yHojYoAyuapzsvvqAFGZ5NbVjIuxkB2Ek7P_rvJzE1nLiwJnYN0PxmKvcPYM7o5dOkA3NuCmCyux/s1600/images.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Long gone or on their way out are the facilities with sad draping curtains, dark rooms, thousand dollar caskets being served up by dark suits in slicked back hair driving high end sports cars that are being paid for with your $7,000 to $10,000 funeral service. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Funerals are becoming a thing of celebration, remembrance and reflection. All this being provided by people who care, don’t look at your car or your jewelry or shoes to see how much you can be taken for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">All I have is a little…..<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3XIBmdPx-MmnDgF_M-8S4w7MhxdgFN8Teh9nuGbxcYQK6vCKDZ_rE5bkhNsGL4eiLDvGb_Y7puTYlHdKnnDuKf_XwtD4T-tCnlpYUC0zqYDFEUpw3hPVxoF0cWstVXvYDuAaDbGtadlA/s1600/greed.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3XIBmdPx-MmnDgF_M-8S4w7MhxdgFN8Teh9nuGbxcYQK6vCKDZ_rE5bkhNsGL4eiLDvGb_Y7puTYlHdKnnDuKf_XwtD4T-tCnlpYUC0zqYDFEUpw3hPVxoF0cWstVXvYDuAaDbGtadlA/s200/greed.png" height="164" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Yes, I know, and I want it all!</em></strong></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So it has become the norm here in the Valley that everyone thinks that you have a funeral, you have a car wash. At least that is what the high end heavy roller funeral homes hope for. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is no shame in a car wash, but remember, the next time you find yourself short of funds needed to bury or cremate, try looking a bit farther, chances are you will find a facility just around the corner that provides very professional services at a very affordable price. Don’t be afraid to shop. There is no shame in that. To many times I have been approached by families after the fact with a great deal of remorse and guilt that they spent way to much on services but did not realize this until well after the fact. Perhaps if they were treated with a little bit more fair play and honesty by the facility that served them these feeling would not be so prevalent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><strong>Prostitution? </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><strong></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcscrs-z9xtRbDSUdOE8GPATtR0EQC7KrrndMcctOJh-5BTEU_TqUpbrNS4JlmmZ6qa6E08qmqPvwnWWwIj9fi9En71k9ZTUtGM0tOxLpd4pGXjrBoertoa5QA0ObAmxm9WzocjLyBxc_/s1600/imagesCAUQ2EIU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcscrs-z9xtRbDSUdOE8GPATtR0EQC7KrrndMcctOJh-5BTEU_TqUpbrNS4JlmmZ6qa6E08qmqPvwnWWwIj9fi9En71k9ZTUtGM0tOxLpd4pGXjrBoertoa5QA0ObAmxm9WzocjLyBxc_/s200/imagesCAUQ2EIU.jpg" height="113" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had a conversation with another local funeral home owner a while back and he told me that he felt any facility that offered funeral servicews for a price below the status quo was as if a cheap whore to society, selling themselves out to the comunity. For the life of me I find it idiotic that ANY business owner wold think that they set the standards or pricing for a service provided, and that anyone that provides service pricing below the status quo is some sort of prostitute. Why can't business just accept the fact that the smarter, more aware general population no longer wishes to pay high prices for overinflated service? What kind of stupid idiotic way of business thinking is that? Some people can not deal with business competition, it is easier to badmouth and belittle your competitor to the consumer than it is to justify service pricing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Be cautious of a location if they display the following:</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Having to walk around high end sports cars or luxury sedans to get into the building (Your buying them you know)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Evasive tactics over the phone when you call and inquire about pricing</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Continued invitations to come into the funeral home and “discuss” with them</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Continued questions as to if someone has passed</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Inquiries out of the blue as to if an insurance policy is available for payment</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Nice suits, expensive suits, REALLY expensive tailored suits</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Grossly <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">inappropriate, over the top empathetic behavior</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">False smiles, fake behavior, robotic fake behavior (you can tell, acts like a robot)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Invitations to sit in an arrangement room if all you want is pricing</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Attempts to separate family members (people talk more freely alone)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Asking for a phone number if you do not offer it</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bad reviews by locals due to over the top pricing</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Over the top cremation charges ($600 and up)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Over the top casket prices. ($1,800 and up) and being forced to look at them</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hearing the word "TRUST ME"</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Over the top GOOGLE reviews that hammer on the same person or service over and over and over and over and over...................................... Did I happen to mention.... OVER?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_ww2Ww_xbyD40S-3JnUZmB4W2W-5Po7elSJQe1n2M0UvBcyOTB8uFPcKfiNv9jKJDx34JKAggMjFD03KRIunyh6sEk2n_tU9xlGIY0rjMo3qLNUl3kGSNevL3_tmosI7OtQKueiING5K/s1600/300px-Rodeo_drive_street_sign-93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_ww2Ww_xbyD40S-3JnUZmB4W2W-5Po7elSJQe1n2M0UvBcyOTB8uFPcKfiNv9jKJDx34JKAggMjFD03KRIunyh6sEk2n_tU9xlGIY0rjMo3qLNUl3kGSNevL3_tmosI7OtQKueiING5K/s200/300px-Rodeo_drive_street_sign-93.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><strong><em>HEY THERE!</em></strong>, These are just a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember something, we all don’t shop at Macy’s or on Rodeo drive in Beverly Hills, we do not all drive Lamborghini's or Ferrari's . I see allot of very SMART people shopping at the inexpensive mom & pops and driving sub compacts. Not because that’s all they can afford, but because it is the smart thing to do. Do the smart thing, look for the inexpensive Mom & Pops. It's easy to claim to be a Mom & Pop, the proof is in the charges, or pricing. Some think that it is appropriate to charge as if being a Mom & Pop or "Family Owned" facility is a luxury. It honestly just means you care and take care of others like family. Is over the top pricing how you would treat family? I think not.</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The past is behind us, time to move forward!</span></strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqUTqv6xuWcJ4xuRi8SHf50jnRX5JxD4t-II5vywtJ7eJPLUdTJTy9LrplfEDgpkP1Z90REuwQlUODqJ4yVtSukR2UDFxQZDdXy_I-WfUd40FmvpQODlOS5tRHeXpTOoAt2YhXyV8g2gg/s1600/imagesCA6FH5CX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqUTqv6xuWcJ4xuRi8SHf50jnRX5JxD4t-II5vywtJ7eJPLUdTJTy9LrplfEDgpkP1Z90REuwQlUODqJ4yVtSukR2UDFxQZDdXy_I-WfUd40FmvpQODlOS5tRHeXpTOoAt2YhXyV8g2gg/s200/imagesCA6FH5CX.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The days of feeding the overrated, overpriced glutton funeral monster are done. We are finding that it is a weak, heartless, money hungry charlatan that has no interest in you or your needs, only focusing on your pocket book. Americans are more sensible and reasonable in their thinking. The last four to five years in America have shown us only one thing and they have grown tired of the haves trying to fleece the have not's for their hard earned savings. There are those at the top that want to work very little to make money off of our hard efforts and savings. Don't get caught in their web. <strong>THEY ARE STILL OUT THERE!</strong> It's time for everyone to tighten the belt and those that serve to realize that our hard earned savings are not for others to eat up like some sort of potato chip dip at a drunken beer bust. (Or caviar at a fine wine festival in the Hampton's)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGFDlpDJnVVmCn-SIXEDAo3RASCgHayANrf5SXqv4XVXlxZ7tUZ6i6NS3ILFI_eKeKcqnKUDq33Wzbrr9kUEklmxpmoPThTNKtZGy5z9GXCJRHU6FbOA0fmIwzVq1Z56EDLXBAw5SN5AI/s1600/imagesCAFV98SG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGFDlpDJnVVmCn-SIXEDAo3RASCgHayANrf5SXqv4XVXlxZ7tUZ6i6NS3ILFI_eKeKcqnKUDq33Wzbrr9kUEklmxpmoPThTNKtZGy5z9GXCJRHU6FbOA0fmIwzVq1Z56EDLXBAw5SN5AI/s320/imagesCAFV98SG.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember this guy? Look for him the next time you find yourself in search of guidance.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Shop around and think before you buy, or sign.............</span></div>
Avenidas Funeral Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104214610625969274noreply@blogger.com0