Abbott & Hast Publications - This Month's Issue of Mortuary Management

Cover Photo by Walt Bilofsk: overlooking the legendary Mediterranean harbor of Alexandria, Egypt, is the city’s most beautiful mosque, the El-Mursi Abul-Abbas Mosque. Built in 1775 by Algerians, it stands over the tomb of the 13th-century saint, Abul Abbas.

March 2010

Random Thoughts Far Out of the Box
Editorial by Ron Hast
As the heading suggests, Ron throws out some random thoughts this month — here are a few:

Are funeral homes and cemeteries colleagues or competitors? The public sees us as one and the same. As more people choose cremation, would it be well for funeral homes to embrace cremation services?

The public mistakenly believes we are “running out of land” for burial, but existing cemeteries have unoccupied land to accommodate most all deaths, in a single grave, far into the future.

There are now retailers that sell caskets to the public — and with major price differences compared to funeral home offerings. Where the casket comfort zone regarding pricing will land is worthy of discussion.

Many families are choosing other venues for memorial services rather than the funeral home. If the traditional funeral home facilities are restrictive (chapel only), the “gathering” will move elsewhere.

Cremation is the unwanted stepchild for many funeral service providers, but the public has made it clear cremation is quite acceptable. Why, then, do so many funeral providers continue to demean cremation?

Rural and privately owned and operated funeral homes often have an advantage over the consolidated businesses — and tend to rank at the top in community praise and appreciation.
Colleague Wisdom:
Currently Pennsylvania rules and regulations under funeral law do not allow food and beverages for the public on funeral home property. The exception is an approved separate area where they may be provided at no cost — any funeral home making a penny on this service would be in violation.
Just Conversation
Ron Hast
With the recent tragedy in Haiti, we have seen the images of giant industrial tractors’ scoops loaded with bodies — as well as the thousands of bodies shown in a dump burned en masse. There should be no shame or criticism regarding those who made decisions as to methods or procedure in this exhausting task. The Haiti situation also brings a new twist regarding body recovery, care and final interment. In most disasters the protocol with each body recovered is to place anything close by that may help with identification, then wrap and refrigerate in large mobile vans until, one-by-one, effort is made toward I.D. But there is no opportunity to employ identification of body or grave with the challenges in the Haiti disaster.

A recent article in The Forum, the New Jersey State membership magazine, “Fluid in, Fluid out: Embalming with Alternative Fluids,” discusses formaldehyde as a chemical and its effect on the embalmer and decedent — and possible alternatives.

Five states currently prohibit food in funeral homes because of (inaccurate) concerns relating to public health, but many providers do allow it. This month’s Colleague Wisdom once again delves into the debate.
The Tax Man Cometh…Maybe
By Douglas O. Meyer
The federal estate tax law changed dramatically at the beginning of 2010, so now many who would have not been affected by the tax in previous years should bear it in mind. Doug tells you what you should know.
Surviving Burnout
By Gregory Johnson
There’s no question our profession is demanding. It requires working not only strange and sometimes long hours, but it can be stressful in dealing with the public on a day-to-day basis. Different issues affect each of us in different ways, and eventually burnout will take its toll. Greg relates some tips on how to help get through these difficult periods.
The Funeral Director’s Role as Teacher
By Justin Huie
For those graduating students fortunate enough to find an internship with a reputable funeral establishment, what further “education” will they receive from you? The answer will determine the future of our business.
February Funeral Monitor
Federal Taxes: A Boring Subject, But…

The tax laws will change dramatically in 2011, returning to old figures that allow only a million dollars of total estate value to be exempt from estate tax — many are surprised to learn what actually constitutes “estate value.” This is an alert to funeral service providers who have not considered much about this subject to read it.
First Impressions
By Shun Newbern
Your initial contact with a family is their first impression of you — thus, it is imperative that your introduction, whether via phone or in person, is your best effort. Shun illustrates some examples of what you can do to make that happen.
The Last Impression
By Richard Callahan
The last impression you make is also very important, and Richard tells the story of a woman who had taken care of her husband with a protracted illness for 53 years and would “see him through to the very last.” She wanted to be there when he was removed from the hospice, to see him when she made the arrangements and wanted to be present when he arrived at the crematory. She even requested to assist in placing his container in the retort. She thanked all involved for the inner peace she felt at being able to continue to “do” for her husband until there was nothing else left to do. The positive effect of allowing her to deal with her loss in the way she had to, provided her the peace of mind she needed. First impressions are important — as are last impressions.
Funeral Service Brother and Sister Win One Million Dollars Plus Prizes on National TV
Siblings Nick and Starr Spangler grew up in the family funeral business together, but they recently made headlines by winning cash and prizes on the CBS TV series, The Amazing Race. Read all about this brother and sister team’s unforgettable experience.
Embracing Change
By Kim Stacey
Change is a constant, and it can be monumental — or subtle. As we age, we often resist change, but that can mean trouble for our businesses and our personal lives. Accepting change is one thing, but learning to embrace it for all it brings is quite another. Kim asks you to step back and think about the things that will help you succeed. You don’t have to get caught up in these temporary fearful times — things will get better, and you will be more effective in running your business.

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The Story Behind Our Cover Photos

During casual conversations with our readers, we are occasionally asked why the scenic covers of Mortuary Management have no relationship to funeral service. Publisher Ron Hast explains that our covers are purposely chosen to be supportive of the surroundings they are often found in. “I recall visiting funeral establishment lobbies over the years where trade magazines were visible. Covers often carried lines about embalming and other issues that could be disquieting to a bereaved family. We know that many receptionists and others read trade journals during visitation hours and covers are visible to others,” Ron says. Most readers concur. The picturesque scenes are also representative of the respect and enjoyment of nature by everyone at Abbott & Hast Publications and have been the compliment of many.
Our magazines are mailed with the label on a removable protective dust cover to allow viewing of the cover photograph in its entirety. Select cover photographs may be purchased by calling (800) 453-1199.