MFDA Bulletin - Winter 2019

Thank you for your past membership with MFDA.

We look forward to your continued investment in the future of funeral service by renewing your 2019 MFDA membership. If you have any questions regarding membership, please contact MFDA by calling 763-416-0124 or email kathy@mnfuneral.org.

Sincerely,

Dan Dahl, President

Darlyne Erickson, Executive Director

1. Provided representation through our professional lobbyist to keep a close watch on legislative issues. Defeated online price list disclosure requirement legislation. Proactive legislation on cremator operator certification of unlicensed individuals.

2. Offered additional Body Prep CEUs during the new MFDA District Regional Meeting format held throughout Minnesota.

3. Mentored young professionals through MFDA’s 3rd Leadership Academy program.

4. Provided a direct voice to the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section on behalf of our members.

5. More than 500 attendees took advantage of education offered by MFDA throughout the year.

Membership continues on page 21…

MFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Dan Dahl

Dahl Funeral Home East Grand Forks, MN dan.dahl@midconetwork.com

Treasurer

Chris Jacobson

Bell Brothers Funeral Home Duluth, MN chris.jacobson@tlcofduluth.com

DISTRICT DIRECTORS

Joe Mahn (District 1)

Mahn Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Red Wing, MN jmahn62@hotmail.com

Tonya D. Borth (District 2)

Kolden Funeral Home Le Sueur, MN tonya_04@hotmail.com

Marquis Madison (District 3) Totzke Funeral Home Fulda, MN totzke@mchsi.com

Lance Peterson (District 4/5)

Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Service Willmar, MN lance@petersonbrothers.com

Scott Benson (District 6 & 7) Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, Inc. Robbinsdale, MN sbenson@delmore.com

Brian Dingmann (District 8) Dingmann Funeral Care Annandale, MN brian@dingmannfuneral.com

Andrew Yaggie (District 9) Glende-Nilson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fegus Falls, MN andrew@glendenilson.com

Tim Anderson(District 10) Anderson Funeral Home Twin Valley, MN timanderson@arvig.net

David Huso (District 11) Rowe Funeral Home Grand Rapids, MN husodavid@yahoo.com

Secretary

Kelly J. Kelly

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes Kasson, MN kjkell0803@yahoo.com

Past President

Ashley Czaplewski

Hoff Funeral and Cremations Service St. Charles, MN ashley@hofffuneral.com

POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

Pat Patton, CFSP Patton-Schad Funeral Home Sauk Centre, MN ppatton@pattonschad.com

PAST PRESIDENT REP

Norman Larsen, CFSP Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN nlarsen@greenlarsen.com

STAFF

Darlyne Erickson, CAE Executive Director 763-416-0124

612-940-8169 (cell) info@mnfuneral.org

Amy Beckham (Administrative) amy@mnfuneral.org

Sue Sack (Accounting) sue@mnfuneral.org

Kathy Sheridan (Membership/Convention) kathy@mnfuneral.org

Miki Tufto (Communications/Convention) mtufto@mnfuneral.org

7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311

p: (763) 416-0124 • f: (763) 416-0124

e: info@mnfuneral.org

www.mnfuneral.org

2019 MFDA Calendar

May

September

InSight

October 9-10

MFDA Preneed Insurance Course

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth

October 27-30

NFDA International Convention & Expo Chicago, IL

Who We Are: Minnesota Funeral Director’s Association (MFDA) is the statewide resource dedicated to supporting our member’s growth professionally, ethically, and operationally.

What Is Our Mission: Our mission is to enhance and support funeral service excellence through our programs, legislative representation and service to Minnesotans.

How We Accomplish This:

• Essential and enduring principles that guide our organization’s behaviors and actions

• Advancing the value of funeral service consistent with the changing needs of society

• Advocacy on behalf of consumers and members

• Visionary leadership trust and confidence in staff and volunteer leadership

• Promotion of integrity; honest and ethical behavior within the funeral industry

• Collaboration with others in the interest of consumers and members

• Recognize the importance of education as a vehicle to enhance both public service and public image

Executive Director’s Report

By Darlyne Erickson. CAE

Happy New Year to all!

MFDA had a busy 2018 and it seems that we are just flowing (effortlessly?) into 2019. Fortunately, we finished out the year on a high note by the numbers. Last year about this time we decided to change things up by offering more opportunities for continuing education by taking a look at our district meeting schedule and other opportunities for education. Just because we have always done it one way, doesn’t mean we can’t experiment with a bit of change. We learned a few things along the way and will continue to fine tune our 2019 offerings. Take time to look at the information in your 2019 membership renewal packet where we have outlined some of the areas we will be focusing on. The online calendar at http://www.mnfuneral.org is also a great resource as it will be updated continually.

This past year I was invited to again represent MFDA at University of MN’s new student orientation. This is always a great opportunity to introduce what an association is all about to the newcomers. I chose to use a puzzle analogy as a way to describe the interconnectedness of funeral service. As a funeral director, whether an employee or firm owner, you all depend on a variety of people and support services.

The puzzle will look a little different for all of you, but think about the important contacts would include….

• University of MN Mortuary Science,

• MN Dept of Health/Mortuary Science,

• Anatomy Bequest,

• Medical Examiners,

• Doctors,

• Cemeteries,

• Crematories,

• Clergy,

• Celebrants,

• Grief Counselors,

• Minnesota Funeral Directors Association,

• National Funeral Directors Association,

• CANA,

• and the list goes on.

There is power in numbers and it is the main reason the concept of associations, as a whole, were created many years ago.

Everyone is touched by death, and as a professional in funeral service, you are poised to be the first in line to offer caring, qualified assistance to your families. You do this with the knowledge that you have many of the above resources (i.e. puzzle pieces) at your disposal. We are all in this together!

As an association, we only succeed if you, either as an individual licensee or an owner of a licensed funeral home, succeed. Granted everyone has a different idea of what “succeeding” looks like, but our goal as an association is to listen to your concerns and do what we can to address the issues. We are able to do this as a group legislatively, whereas individually it may not be as effective. There is power in numbers and it is the main reason the concept of associations, as a whole, were created many years ago.

Thank you for making the decision to be a part of this intricately important profession. We appreciate the opportunity to do what we can to advance the professionalism of funeral service.

From the President

By Dan Dahl, MFDA President

Happy New Year! There have

been a lot of things happening in the world of MFDA, and I will bring you up to speed on some of the happenings.

First of all, this fall we did away with the 10 District meetings and condensed them into four. Hopefully that was not a huge inconvenience for all of you, but we had great turnouts at all of them. If you stayed through the entire meeting you would’ve had the opportunity to receive 1 OSHA CEU, 3 Body Prep CEUs, and 3 General CEUs.

We also had a number of directors from Minnesota attend the National Funeral Directors Association Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. What a wonderful experience to attend this conference, attending many classes, learning from other directors from around the nation and even around the world and get their take on the types of services that can be presented to families.

By the way, we are not the only ones with a 50-60 % cremation rate in the country.

During our Winter Board meeting this year, we had the opportunity to have a conference call with Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section staff. We discussed many topics from open communications, and hopefully updates on changes with MDH through MFDA, which in turn we will be able to pass along to MFDA members to possible changes in the cremation authorization.

Once again, Heritage Cremation Providers is back in the news. They have been operating under a number of different names to get around the cease and desist order from a number of states. Before you do any trade calls for out of state funeral homes, please be sure that they

We’re banking on you!

are not the Heritage Cremation Providers operating with a different name.

Now for the public service announcement. Last but not least, as some of you may know, I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in October. It was found during a routine PSA Test, and because of the persistence of my Urologist, it was finally found even after 2 biopsies. I had a prostatectomy in Mayo on November 16, and so far, it appears I am cancer free. For the sake of your family and yourself, no matter your age, take time for the very easy PSA Test. It could save your life. It saved mine.

Regards,

Dan Dahl, 2018-19 MFDA President

A fundraiser by 2018 Leadership Academy of the Minnesota Bankers Association

What is a community bank?

A community bank is locally owned and operated by people who understand the local needs of families, businesses and farmers. Community banks focus on the needs of the businesses and families where the bank holds branches and offices.

Northview Bank, Heritage Bank, Union Bank & Trust, PrinsBank, and BANKWESTare all community banks located within the state of Minnesota who have teamed up to raise money for the Children’s Grief Connection. Children’s Grief Connection provides hope and healing to grieving children and their families. This organization

assists families who struggle with feelings of fear, regret and disconnection. Their isolation is broken by joining with other traumatized families who are experiencing the same heartache. Together in the safe and compassionate setting of Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camps, families make deep connections that provide support and understanding. Isolation is replaced with connection.

The 2018 Minnesota Bankers

Association Leadership Academy members’ goal is to provide support and connect with children, and their families, dealing with grief by raising money for the purchase of a vehicle allowing them to bring supplies to camp sessions, haul campers, and travel to various locations for presentations. Please consider joining with your community bank to support this cause. If you have any questions, please contact Dean Steinwand of Heritage Bank in Willmar at 320-214-3940

Donations to this campaign can be made directly to Children’s Grief Connection by visiting www.childrensgriefconnection.com

Legislative Update

By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates

The 2019 session begins with many new faces, and a new majority in the House. Following the November elections, the new House DFL majority holds 75 seats to the GOP’s 59 – while the Senate remains under GOP control by just one seat (34-33) following the lone senate special election. Minnesota has the only legislature in the country with split control.

The session will offer opportunities to educate new and returning lawmakers on the important role that funeral directors have in the end-of-life process, as well as in their communities. As funeral service around the state faces workforce shortages, MFDA is seeking solutions including proactively working on legislation to modernize Minnesota’s reciprocal licensing for funeral directors from other states. In doing this, it will be important to maintain the high standard that Minnesota’s licensees currently have.

MFDA will also be facing some new issues, as we’ve already heard from some who are seeking to over-regulate the funeral industry by requiring cremations to be performed only by licensed morticians. On the other side of the coin, we know that there will also be a push to de-regulate the funeral service profession, allowing non-licensed individuals to perform the tasks of licensees, a significant change from current law.

Cook Girard Associates continues to attend the Mortuary Science Ad Hoc Committee, facilitated by the Department of Health. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to have open lines of communication with the Department, so that solutions to issues that arise can be met in a timely manner.

Cook Girard Associates, representing the MFDA, is recognized at the capitol as the voice of funeral service in Minnesota. We will work to ensure your concerns are well articulated and representative of MFDA membership. As always, Cook Girard Associates will keep MFDA up to date on issues of impact to the funeral service profession.

New Leadership Academy begins March 13

Hear from our 2017-2018 Leadership Academy graduates about their experience:

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

The MFDA Leadership Academy experience enables both experienced and emerging leaders to excel – now and into the future. Participants will learn leadership concepts and proven techniques, as well as gain important insights into the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.

The 2019 Class is scheduled to begin Wednesday, March 13, with applications due by Thursday, February 28.

• This program will teach you skills that will enhance both your funeral home and the impact in your community.

• You will learn strategies for personal growth and organizational development that will help you and your funeral home.

• You will build lasting relationships with classmates, fellow leaders in your profession. Your classmates today will be the people you call on tomorrow for advice, support, or to share a humorous moment.

• You will become a part of the MFDA legacy of leadership. Leadership academy alumni will participate in building the strong heritage of Funeral Service and advancing the mission of MFDA.

To apply for the upcoming Leadership Academy, visit www.mnfuneral.org/leadership and complete application online or download PDF application.

What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?

“The MFDA Leadership Academy has taught me many valuable lessons and skills. I have taken these skills and brought them back to our company and have already started implementing them into our daily operations.”

Brett W. McReavy, Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels

“Leadership Academy has taught me more about myself than I had intended. It has taught me about why I act the way I do, why I interact with others the way I do, and how I should react with others based on my personality. In all reality, that is the most beneficial in my opinion. How can one be a leader or be confident in themselves if they do not even know their own self? The Academy has also taught me many new ideas tactics, and techniques that I can use in my daily life. “

Camille Steffel, Anderson – TeBeest Funeral Home

“I have learned that strong communication and listening skills are essential to become an effective leader. When these skills are used properly, people around you will be motivated and confident in their roles.“

Craig Buysse, Anderson Funeral Home

“One thing in particular that stood out to me was that being a leader does not mean ordering people around and dictating on how to do it ‘your’ way and only your way. Instead, being a successful and productive leader is someone that takes other’s opinions and ideas into consideration and can collaborate and learn together. They always see themselves as a ‘work in progress; they see how continuing to learn and being educated is important to being a more productive person.”

Tonya Borth, Kolden Funeral Home

“I have learned that being a leader has many different meanings. There is no one way to do it and no one can do it alone. I have learned many tools that will help me become involved with others to better our company as a whole. “

Jordan McReavy Seitz, WashburnMcReavy Funeral Chapels

“There have been so many things that I have learned from the six sessions of MFDA Leadership Academy. The biggest thing I took away was working with different personalities. No matter what, everyone is different, and everyone works differently. To be able to work together as a true team we all need to look at each other’s strengths and use them. Another thing I have learned would be communication. Communication is key when working in a business. Sometimes it takes for you to tell someone how you truly feel for them to truly understand. If you don’t speak up about issues or tasks that need to be accomplished, then majority of the times those tasks or issues will fall through.”

Kyle Tebeest, Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home

“The leadership academy has taught and made me realize that there are many ways you can lead. Each person has a unique style of communicating their thoughts or concerns to others; it’s just a matter of fine tuning your own style to make it work.”

Lance Ehrlin, Vertin-Munson Funeral Home

“I have learned a lot about myself and a new way to lead people. I have learned that no matter what, you put people together for a common goal or profession and they will surprise you on their accomplishments. I learned that it’s ok not to talk all the time and to listen more. You get more accomplished.”

Matt Wieser, Wieser Vault

New Leadership Academy continued…

Personal quotes about the MFDA Leadership Academy:

“It has taught me so much about myself and the people that work around me. It has opened my mind up to many solutions for brainstorming as a business and solving problems. I would recommend this program to any funeral director old or young.”

Kyle Tebeest, Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home

The MFDA Leadership Academy is a great tool and resource no matter how far along you are in your career; it really makes you examine yourself. It also allows you to network and meet your peers in the same industry across the state.

Lance Ehrlin, Vertin-Munson Funeral Home

“The Leadership Academy is an excellent tool for an individual to develop the leadership skills needed for advancement in their professional and personal lives. This academy is also a great stepping stone to leadership roles within our Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.”

Craig Buysse, Anderson Funeral Home

“I highly recommend this program to anybody interested in taking a deeper look into leadership, but also in yourself as an individual. Bruce and Chad bring a new dynamic forward that will make you think about things from a different perspective. I have personally grown from this experience and I will use these new tools for years to come.”

Brett W. McReavy, Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels

“The MFDA Leadership Academy is a group of individuals with ultimately the same goal that can get together and discuss their careers, aspirations, goals, tactics, etc. with zero judgement from those peers. It is an excellent resource to build on your own self and personality and grow as an individual.”

Camille Steffel, Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home

“I really enjoyed all the time we spent together and the lessons I learned. I will always be an advocate for the leadership academy. It is shaping a better future for our profession and building a stronger community within it.”

Jordan McReavy Seitz, Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels

“This program was incredibly insightful and helpful in finding my own weaknesses and strengths. I initially thought that this program was geared more toward newly licensed individuals. Instead, I believe that this program would benefit more individuals who are not newly licensed. It would be a good refresher course for those individuals on how to more effectively communicate with their peers and colleagues. It would be a good tool for owners of funeral homes to take this class as well, to help better understand and communicate with staff and how to collaborate and work together. Never feel like you’re too old to learn new concepts and strategies, and to not get stuck in doing the same thing just because you’ve always done it that way. “

Tonya Borth, Kolden Funeral Home

LifeSource Update

With 2018 coming to a close, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who care for families and their loved ones. We thank you for your dedication, skill, compassion, and care for each and every family you serve. LifeSource also wishes to share that we are extremely thankful for the collaboration with the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. Through this collaboration we have had the chance to connect with Funeral Directors across the state at the convention, fall district meetings, the newsletter, and in person. The district meetings allowed for possibilities of learning, listening, sharing and connecting with directors across our state. Funeral directors had the opportunity to share techniques they use in their funeral homes, offer constructive feedback to us for improvement, and we also learned that we need to connect with our funeral director partners more.

With that said, we would like to share some exciting news. In this coming year we will have two opportunities to engage our funeral director partners. The first of which is a Funeral Director’s Advisory Council. We wish to connect further with our partners through the donation process and how we can work together for a more collaborative process to better jointly serve families. We hope to include all types of firms (large and small, rural and metro, etc.), so that the majority of the partners that we serve are represented. This will be an inaugural group which will be meeting virtually and should be beginning after the first of the year. Our vision is to give more of a voice to funeral director partners through the donation process. If you are interested in participating in the counsel, please reach out to Kelley Romanowski at Kromanowski@life-source.org.

Our second announcement surrounds this coming year’s convention.

Save the date: May 20, 2018!

LifeSource in conjunction with Dodge will be hosting two half-day lab education sessions the day before convention focusing on embalming and restoration techniques post donation. This will be an amazing opportunity to gather CEU credits as you learn some of the latest techniques to aide in embalming a donor. A special guest speaker and embalmer, Matt Smith will be joining us. More information to follow in the next edition of the newsletter.

On behalf of LifeSource, the donor families and recipient families, thank you!

MFDA to host NFDA’s Cremation Certification Program in April

The recognized standard for funeral service professionals, NFDA’s Cremation Certification Program covers cremation ethics, crematory operations and maintenance, safety, compliance and liability issues, cremation customer service, and much more.

MFDA will be hosting the Cremation Certification Program on Wednesday, April 24 at Grand Casino in Hinckley. Registration details will be available at www.mnfuneral.org at the end of January.

If you offer cremation to the families you serve, whether you currently own or operate a crematory, are thinking of opening one or want to evaluate a thirdparty crematory, this training is necessary for your success. This course is based on Cremation Standards for Funeral Service Professionals, published by NFDA, which attendees receive upon arrival at the seminar.

Obtaining certification requires passing the online NFDA Cremation Certification Test within a designated time frame. A test link is provided to candidates whose complete attendance has been verified in writing by the onsite instructor. During registration, attendees may choose the designation they will earn upon successful completion of the program:

• CCSP - Certified Cremation Services Provider: For funeral directors and staff that offer cremation services through a use of a third-party crematory

• CCO - Certified Crematory Operator: For crematory owners and/or operators

Cremation Certification seminars are approved for up to 7 CE hours by APFSP and most state licensing boards.

Cremation Certification Fees

NFDA Member

$495 (CE)

Nonmember Funeral Director

$655 (CE)

Non-Funeral Director

$495 (No CE)

Student Member*

$160 (No CE)

U.S. Dollars on U.S. Bank

Seminar fee includes the comprehensive manual, seminar presentation, continental breakfast and lunch, exam and scoring, CE processing and certificate.

*Online registration is not available for students. Call 800-228-6332. Special pricing is available for multiple attendees from the same firm and active-duty military. Call 800-228-6332 for details.

2019 MFDA BULLETIN ADVERTISING RATES

SPRING 2018 Legislative Update

By Judy Cook, Cook Girard Associates

The Frunge is coming!

The Children’s Grief Connection’s largest fundraiser of the year, The Frunge, will be held Saturday, March 2 at Lola’s Lakehouse on frosty Lake Waconia in Waconia, MN. Visit their website at www.childrensgriefconnection.com for more details and follow them on Facebook (search for Children’s Grief Connection).

And don’t forget about the Fuzzy Bear Frunge!

Children that are not old enough to Frunge in Lake Waconia are invited to participate in the Fuzzy Bear Frunge, an inflatable slide into a pool of teddy bears!

Things to Do, Nightlife & Restaurants Near

MFDA’s 2019 Annual Convention will be held in Rochester for the first time in its history at the Mayo Civic Center on May 20-22, 2019. We will highlight areas of downtown Rochester in our Bulletins leading up to Convention.

If you’re attending a conference or event at Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester, MN, you’re within easy walking distance of many fun things to do and places to go. Mayo Civic Center, Rochester’s convention and event center, is connected via climate-controlled skyways and underground pedestrian walkways to an abundance of unique activities and entertainment options, as well as dozens of exceptional restaurants and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Things To Do Near Mayo Civic Center

Consider these entertainment options and activities in the flourishing downtown area near Rochester, MN’s convention and event center, the Mayo Civic Center:

The Rochester Art Center is located in the same building as the Mayo Civic Center and features contemporary art exhibits from some of the country’s most talented artists. During a break in your conference, stroll through a strikinglydesigned, spacious gallery that serves as a cultural center for innovation and creativity in southeastern Minnesota.

The Rochester Civic Theatre (also located in the same building as the Mayo Civic Center) presents a variety

of professional and community theater, music, and dance performances. Attending a production at the Civic Theatre is just the ticket to an entertaining evening after your last meeting of the day!

Trolley tours, which load in downtown locations connected to Mayo Civic Center via the skyway system, are a wonderful way to see the sights and experience the history of Rochester. Individuals can hop aboard a Rochester Trolley & Tour Company sightseeing tour of the city or region, or meeting planners can book a group trolley tour for attendees.

Trolley tour options include a Rochester City & Mayo Historical Trolley Tour, a Rochester Microbrewery Trolley Tour, a Frank Lloyd Wright Trolley Tour, a Wine Trail Trolley Tour, and more. Enjoy listening to your knowledgeable tour guide tell Rochester’s most interesting stories while riding in one of five charming, well-maintained old trolleys named after famous figures in the city’s history: Will, Charlie, W.W. Mayo, Alfred, and Henry.

Dozens of unique boutiques and stores are located at the Shops at University Square, connected to Mayo Civic Center via skyway, and in the underground pedestrian walkway system. You’ll find onlyin-Rochester gift shops and clothing boutiques, as well University of Minnesota Rochester

apparel at the M Gear Store

For convention attendees interested in health and wellness, the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, located in a state-of-the-art 7-story Healthy Living Center, is open to the public. Enjoy a free 20-minute personal wellness consultation, take a tour of the wellness facility, book an appointment in the Rejuvenate Spa, and more. The Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program also creates custom group retreats that could be a memorable experience for convention groups or teams traveling to Rochester, MN together.

Festivals on Peace Plaza are always popular with convention attendees. During the summer months, the city hosts a weekly outdoor festival, “Thursdays on First & 3rd.” Bands perform on two stages each week, and downtown streets are lined with booths serving up delicacies from local restaurants and featuring items handcrafted from local artists. For a long weekend every winter, Peace Plaza is transformed into an outdoor ice bar experience, SocialICE. SocialICE features several uniquely designed and themed ice bars – each with signature drinks – as well as lighting effects, ice sculptures, and more.

Rochester Downtown Farmers Market is a must-do for visitors who are in town on a Saturday morning from May through October. Meet our local farmers and explore dozens of booths featuring fresh

Olive Juice Studios

Mayo Civic Center

veggies, fruits, meats, flowers, and more. Be sure to try the scrumptious warm cinnamon rolls while you’re browsing! Located at 4th St & 4th Ave SE, just across the Zumbro River from Mayo Civic Center.

If you only have a few minutes to spare, several walking routes begin at the Mayo Civic Center. You can access Rochester’s 85 miles of paved, interconnected biking and hiking trails right outside the center along the Zumbro River.

Restaurants Near Mayo Civic Center

A wide variety of locally-owned, only-inRochester restaurants are within blocks of Mayo Civic Center. Here’s a taste of a few restaurants that convention attendees may want to try:

Dooley’s Pub – A great choice for large groups, this spacious and lively sports bar is open for lunch and dinner, with a full menu served late into the night for convention attendees and event-goers who need an extra boost.

Porch and Cellar – You can’t beat this newly-opened establishment for its charm and local flavor. Located in a historic train depot on the outskirts of downtown, Porch and Cellar offers two unique restaurants in one building. Try Porch (shown below), located upstairs, for its “proper fried chicken,” or venture downstairs to Cellar for craft cocktails and plates.

Terza Ristorante – Convention attendees and event-goers always give rave reviews to Terza, which hand-crafts and serves fresh pastas and desserts “with amoré” in a stylish, friendly environment. Start your evening with appetizers and cocktails on the establishment’s rooftop patio lounge, La Vetta, located seven stories above the restaurant.

Bleu Duck Kitchen – You’ll love the combination of “fine dining” and “fun dining” at Bleu Duck Kitchen, which provides innovative American cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The menu emphasizes locally-grown produce and meats, and features an exhibition kitchen for you to follow the action as your food is prepared.

Chester’s – A favorite spot for downtown visitors to grab lunch or enjoy Happy Hour, Chester’s offers casual upscale dining and made-from-scratch food. Sit on the patio (seasonally) just steps from the beautiful Peace Plaza Fountain.

The Loop – Featuring American fare and creative cocktails served in a contemporary space, you’ll appreciate the diverse menu and vibrant ambiance of one of Rochester’s most popular restaurants.

Pescara – Pescara serves sustainable, fresh, line-caught fish on a daily basis, as well as chops, steaks, and other refined dishes. Experience high-quality service, savor fine wine, and enjoy elegant surroundings at this sophisticated eatery.

Nightlife Near Mayo Civic Center

Continue enjoying the city of Rochester after your meetings conclude for the day. Here are just a few nightlife hot spots located within a few blocks of the convention center and downtown hotels: La Vetta – La Vetta’s seventh floor rooftop bar (shown above) —provides panoramic views of the city – offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is the perfect place for networking during Happy Hour.

Its fire lanterns and heaters keep the atmosphere pleasant for outdoor seating much of the year.

Grand Rounds Brew Pub – Serving fresh food and craft beer that is brewed onsite, you can experience the city like a local at this neighborhood pub in the heart of the city.

Kathy’s Pub – Treat yourself to a cocktail and a view from the third floor rooftop patio at Kathy’s Pub. Features live band performances, pool tables, darts, and a sports bar.

Olive Juice Studios

Olive Juice Studios

Dear Friends,

U of M Mortuary Science Update (Oct. 2018)

By Michael LuBrant, Program Director

It’s hard to believe that we are now at semester midterm; it seems like just yesterday we were welcoming our new class at Orientation Day, and yet this past weekend we had our first snowfall (albeit a light one!). We have been busy with a variety of events and activities, many of which are noted (with photographs) on our Facebook site. If you have not yet “Friended” us on Facebook, please do so today so that you are kept up-todate about events as they happen: www. facebook.com/ummortsci. What follows is a brief summary of some the things that have been happening on campus in our program this semester.

Beginning in August, I attended all four Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Regional District meetings. Likewise, I participated in the Fall Arrowhead Funeral Directors Association meeting, which was held last week. At these meetings, I discussed program updates, and distributed to attendees for placement in funeral homes informational brochure racks about exploring a career

in funeral service. We are working hard to provide practitioners with resources to promote both our Program, and also the profession of funeral service.

Over September 18-20, we were visited by a Site Visit Team from the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), as part of our specialized reaccreditation process. The purpose of the visit is to ensure our Program’s compliance with our national accreditation Standards. The visit went extremely well. The Team noted numerous Program strengths in their report, which they shared with us during their exit meeting. Significantly, no concerns were noted.

Last week, we hosted a student and practitioner pancake networking breakfast here on campus. We had over 50 attendees, including funeral directors from across Minnesota, as well as North and South Dakota. It was a great opportunity for students to get to know their professional colleagues, as well as discuss future employment opportunities.

Faculty members Angela Woosley and Marc Markell are currently at the National Funeral Directors Association annual convention in Salt Lake City, taking time to network with colleagues and participate in educational seminars that will benefit their teaching work here on campus.

Likewise, several students are busy preparing to volunteer with the Children’s Grief Connection grief camp, to be held in early November. Our Student Leader, Ean Sinn, has done a great job connecting our Program students to professionals and activities that enhance their understanding of what it means to be a funeral director. We are proud of how our students are engaging in extracurricular activities that directly impact their development as future funeral directors.

Go Gophers!

Michael LuBrant Program Director

The Dodge Company Announces Retirement of Jack Adams

After almost 30 years as a Dodge representative, Jack Adams will be retiring at the end of the 2018. While Jack will be giving up his daily duties of calling on customers, Jack plans to continue submitting articles to the Dodge Magazine, working with Dodge on technical clinics, helping to develop program materials and to continue teaching at Worsham College. Along the way, he will also work with state funeral associations with embalming programs.

Tim Collison, Dodge’s Chief Operating Officer, recalls when Jack started with Dodge; giving up his trade embalming service in Chicago and beginning his distinguished career representing Dodge in the Chicagoland territory, as well as nationally

and internationally. As he said, “Who knew back then, that he (Jack) would become one of the most recognizable and respected faces and names in funeral service?”

Please help join us in congratulating Jack on his retirement and a job well done! Jack may be reached at jackgonefishinn@gmail.com.

If you are interested in having Jack present, email Sally Belanger a note at sbelanger@dodgeco.com, and she will see if something can be worked out that is mutually convenient for all concerned. Local, Chicagoland practitioners may reach out to Jack at jackgonefishinn@gmail.com or 708-278-8491.

Mark Your Calendars!

Exciting 2019 NFDA Events Planned

Plan ahead! NFDA’s 2019 calendar is packed with exciting conferences and events, specially planned to help you take your career and your business to the next level. Don’t miss your chance to grow personally and professionally through unique opportunities to learn from the some of the best minds in the profession!

Make plans to attend:

• February 22-24

Cremation Conference St. Pete Beach, FL

www.nfda.org/cremationconference (Registration Now Open!)

• February 24-26

Business Conference St. Pete Beach, FL

www.nfda.org/businessconference (Registration Now Open!)

• March 10-12

Meet the Mentors Atlanta, GA www.nfda.org/mentors (Enter Now!)

• April 3-5

Advocacy Summit Washington, D.C. www.nfda.org/advocacysummit (Registration Now Open!)

• April 12-14

Professional Women’s Conference, Annapolis, MD www.nfda.org/pwc

• May 16-17

Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar Pittsburgh, PA www.nfda.org/embalmingseminar

• July 13-16

Leadership Conference San Diego, CA www.nfda.org/leadership

• August 15-16

Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar Nashville, TN www.nfda.org/embalmingseminar

• October 27-30

NFDA International Convention & Expo Chicago, IL www.nfda.org/convention

Also, don’t miss NFDA’s exclusive training and certification programs –dates and locations for programs in 2019 will be announced soon:

• Arranger Training

www.nfda.org/arrangertraining

• Cremation Certification Program www.nfda.org/cremationcertification

• Certified Preplanning Consultant

www.nfda.org/cpc

Book Review: “ANXIETY, the Missing Stage of Grief.”

by Claire Bidwell

Smith, LCPC

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC

The walls feel like they’re closing in.

You can’t breathe, your mouth is dry, you’re dizzy, and your heart pounds. Not to make it any less scary, but it isn’t the first time you’ve had a panic attack like this; you’ve had a lot of them since the funeral last summer. In the new book “Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief” by Claire Bidwell Smith, LCPC, you’ll see how, when the walls close in, you can open a door. It started at a crossroad in her life: when she was fifteen, both of Claire Bidwell Smith’s parents were diagnosed with cancer at the same time. She became a caretaker and felt isolated; after her mother died, she had her first panic attack and it ultimately changed everything. Once her father was gone, too, Smith decided to make grief her life’s work.

When it comes to grieving, she says, there is no “wrong,” but there are things we get wrong – especially the “Five Stages of Grief.” Those, according to author Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, were written for the dying, not for those who grieve. Grief, says Smith, makes other emotions surface – and one of those is anxiety.

To be anxious is to be afraid of something, “real or imagined.” It’s being hypervigilant or over-reactive, sometimes unnecessarily. While it’s true that general anxiety can be good, even helpful, what sets it apart from grief-based anxiety is that the latter stems “directly from the experience of loss.” Specifically, we’re anxious after loss because “we are not coping with [the loss] adequately.”

When it comes to grieving, she says, there is no “wrong,” but there are things we get wrong – especially the “Five Stages of Grief.” Those, according to author Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, were written for the dying, not for those who grieve.

While you shouldn’t ever be afraid to ask for professional help, there are things you can do yourself to work through this.

First, understand that death itself affects how you grieve: grief over sudden loss is different than grief after long-term illness. Talk to people, tell your story, or join a “grief group.” Reach inside and rely on your own resilience, journal what you’re feeling, and find a way to honor your loved one’s life. And finally, face death by preparing for your own demise. It’s “one of the best ways to overcome our anxiety…”

“Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief” is great in premise but rough in reading.

The most obvious thing that readers may notice is repetition, and not in a good way: there are several instances in which phrases are reused, almost word-for-word, and that can be distracting. There are also instances of head-scratching contradiction.

And yet, certainly, there’s help inside this book – examples of other’s struggles, exercises to open minds, and questions for insight – and those are things that can’t be ignored if you’re hurting. That’s in addition to author Claire Bidwell Smith’s calming tone, which is easy to understand and sensible, as well as comforting, in a we-can-fix-this way that will resonate with readers who need that.

Overall, “Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief” has its rough spots, but might be good to have in your arsenal if you do, too. It’s bumpy, but it may be the thing when you’re up against the wall.

Claire Bidwell Smith, LCPC

New Book by Dr. Alan Wolfelt Offers Healing Daily Practices

Companion Press announces the publication of a new book entitled Grief Day by Day: Simple Practices to Help Yourself Survive… and Thrive by renowned grief educator Dr. Alan Wolfelt.

Dr. Wolfelt has often said, “When words are inadequate, use ceremony.” In this new book, he provides you with the tools to do just that. Whether you are experiencing grief or a caregiver to those in grief, this new resource will provide you with everyday practices to allow your grief to become authentic mourning. Learn the essential ingredients that make up a healing ritual. Try some of the many solo rituals gathered here or reach out to friends and loved ones who might like to try one of the

Complete Your CE Online

simple group ceremonies. By incorporating the healing power of ritual into your days, you’ll be not only surviving your grief, you’ll be building in meaning and hope so that you can go on to thrive. This is an ideal resource for caregivers to provide to those in grief to help facilitate their healing.

Author, educator, and grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt serves as Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. The author of “Grief One Day at a Time, Understanding Your Grief,” and many other books for grief caregivers and mourners, Dr. Wolfelt is committed to helping people mourn well so they can live well and love well. He is available for interviews on the normal, necessary journey through grief and on healing through active mourning.

Grief Day by Day is available in both softcover and e-book formats. To order and to learn more about Dr. Wolfelt’s books on grief and loss, visit www.centerforloss.com or call (970) 226-6050.

The Minnesota Funeral Directors Association has teamed with FuneralCE®, a service of WebCE®, to offer online continuing education courses for funeral professionals. These online CE courses for Funeral Directors and Embalmers provide instant results and feedback, unlimited free retakes and online certificates of completion. Courses are approved by the state boards as well as the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practitioners (APFSP) for Certified Funeral Service Practitioners (CFSP).

FuneralCE® Features:

• 24x7 mobile-ready access

• Highest quality content

• Unlimited, free exam retakes

• Fastest state reporting

• Live customer support

MFDA members receive 10% off when you enter the following coupon code checkout:

o Funeral CE coupon code: mnfuneral18

o Prelicensing coupon code: preneed18

FuneralCE’s online catalog includes a variety of funeral CE courses that cover topics like: OSHA, mass fatality, pre-need planning, communicable diseases, mortuary law, ethics and green funerals.

Discounts are automatically applied at checkout. Additional charges for paper materials, shipping, state filing fees and some specialty courses may apply.

Details at www.webce.com/mnfuneral

Risk Mangement Corner: Fire Prevention

By Federated Insurance

Just like buildings, fires come in all types and sizes. The ripple effect on the community, customers, and the business itself can be stressful. To reduce the likelihood of a devastating fire, business owners and risk managers should take the initiative to keep their property and employees safe.

Property insurers evaluate and assume risks with an understanding that while some fires are unavoidable, most building fires are preventable. A property underwriter generally reviews a fire risk according to the Construction, Occupancy, Protection and Exposure (COPE). This set of criteria evaluates a property based on a number of factors that indicate risk of loss. Building materials, the type of fire protection available, and other buildings that are close enough to fuel the fire are among the circumstances taken into account.

Applying the COPE characteristics as you look at your facilities can be useful for developing fire-prevention plans. You likely are not able to alter your building’s construction, but you can ensure maintenance of heating and electrical systems, and practice proper storage and handling of flammable materials. Good housekeeping can eliminate conditions that have the potential to turn into catastrophes. When a fire starts, a quick, effective response can make the difference between minor smoke damage and a loss of business — or life.

Fire prevention is not just a one-time task, but should be a routine and ongoing process. People can become complacent or forgetful about fire risk. Involve employees, supervisors, and managers in recognizing potential fire hazards so the problems are addressed.

Most fires are avoidable if you pay attention to a few specific hazards. To identify these hazards, regularly complete fireprevention checklists. When you discover unsafe conditions, you can monitor and help control them with a preventive maintenance plan. Proper set-up, scheduled care, and adherence to manufacturer’s usage specifications are vital to keeping equipment in safe working order and preventing fires. Some commonplace situations can become surprising sources of fire. Federated provides an industry- and business-specific customizable fire risk evaluation checklist. Find the checklist at https://www.federatedinsurance.com/link/PROD_655182.

It is up to the business owner to finish development and implementation of the checklist, and train employees.

Now is the time to reinforce fire prevention at your business as part of a solid risk management program. For more resources on fire prevention, contact your local Federated marketing representative. Federated clients can also contact the Federated Risk Management Resource Center at (800) 838-1760.

Membership has its Privileges!

Areas of Accomplishment in 2018 Thanks to Your MFDA Membership!

6. Conducted a survey of Minnesota funeral directors on workforce concerns and provided results with goals during MFDA’s Convention.

7. Offered preneed insurance course approved for both MN insurance and funeral director CEUs with registration discounts for MFDA members.

8. Launched new online CEU options with registration discounts for MFDA members.

9. MFDA’s Career Center provides options for both employers and job seekers to use with a 50% discount for MFDA members.

12 6

10. Produced our quarterly Bulletin newsletter, MFDA Membership Directory, and customizable brochures/forms.

11. Attended the MN Hospice & Palliative Care Conference and MN Forensic Science Conference to connect and collaborate with attendees about our funeral home members.

12. Partnered with NFDA and InSight on quality education held in Minnesota (Certified Crematory Operator, Arranger Training, and Certified Celebrant Training).

New Initiatives Your MFDA Membership Will Provide in 2019!

1. Continued representation through our professional lobbyist in 2019.

• Proactive legislation on modernizing reciprocal licensing to help alleviate workforce shortages.

• Continued proactive legislation on crematory operator certification of unlicensed individuals.

• Upcoming challenge of deregulation legislation, with groups seeking to eliminate many duties from licensure requirement.

2. MFDA’s Convention will be held at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. Our 1st time in Rochester in 129 years! LifeSource in conjunction with Dodge will be hosting two half-day lab education sessions on the first day of convention, focusing on embalming and restoration techniques post donation. This will be an amazing opportunity to gather CEU credits as you learn some of the latest techniques to aide in embalming a donor. Special guest speaker and embalmer Matt Smith will be joining us.

3. Mentor our 4th group of young professionals through MFDA’s Leadership Academy program.

4. Continue to provide a direct voice to the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section through regular meetings with MDH and MFDA staff.

5. MFDA Public Relations committee to focus on public awareness campaign to focus on MFDA member funeral homes to be used via social media and other advertising outlets.

6. Continue to address workforce challenges through advisory committees and tasks forces. Partnering with the U of M Mort Sci program to conduct a survey of Minnesota funeral directors on workforce concerns and provided results with goals during MFDA’s Convention.

2019 Event Calendar

APRIL

3-5

NFDA Advocacy, Washington, DC

24

NFDA Cremation Certification Program, Grand Casino, Hinckley

MAY

20-22

MFDA 129th Annual Convention, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester

JULY

13-16

NFDA Leadership Conference, San Diego, CA

SEPTEMBER

Date TBA

District 11 Meeting

Date TBA

Northern Regional District Meeting (District 9, 10)

Date TBA

Central Regional District Meeting (District 4, 5, 8)

24-26

InSight Certified Celebrant Training

OCTOBER

Date TBA

Southern Regional District Meeting (1, 2, 3)

Date TBA

Metro Regional District Meeting (6, 7)

9-10

MFDA Preneed Insurance Course

27-30

NFDA International Convention & Expo, Chicago, IL

The perfect funeral director candidate could be closer than you think.

Employer Benefits

• Access highly-qualified, professional candidates.

• Generate high return on recruitment advertisement spending.

• Easy-to-use job posting and resume search capabilities.

• Access to job board networks for broader job distribution to qualified candidates.

• Only pay for resumés of interested candidates.

• Applicant tracking and management capabilities.

• Internal messaging system automatically stores messages sent from the job seeker in the candidate’s file.

• User-friendly template system to resuse job postings, pre-screen filters and automatic letters and notifications.

• MFDA Members receive 50% off their listing by using coupon code MFDA50 at checkout.

http://mnfuneral.careerwebsite.com

SPECIAL THANKS

TO MFDA’ S 2019 ALLIED MEMBERS

MFDA thanks those individuals who have shown their commitment to MFDA and its members by becoming Allied members. To contact a member, call the MFDA office at 763-416-0124, refer to your MFDA Directory, or visit the online MFDA Buyer’s Guide at www.mnfuneral.org.

Anatomy Bequest Program

Jake Anderson, Andrew Ashton, Paul Hill, Angela McArthur, Sarah Paulsen, John Straub, Tamara Voss

www.bequest.umn.edu

Artco Casket Company, Inc.

Al Whitmer, Steve Doscher, Wally Gelecinskyj

www.artcocasket.com

Asphalt Associates

Brad Larson

www.asphalt-associates.com

Baines Professional Vehicles

John Baines

www.4hearse.com

Batesville

Mark Worley

www.batesville.com

Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

Dave Gavin, Christopher Brown, Andrew Brown, Bruce Bratton, Brett Jacobsen, Maleia Kavitz, John Schmitt, Jeff Bauer, Jerry Brown www.brown-wilbert.com

Children’s Grief Connection

Coral Popowitz

www.childrensgriefconnection.com

Chosen Payments

Jim Luff

www.chosenpayments.com

Cousineau, VanBergen, McNeese and Malone

Michael Sharkey

www.cvmmlaw.com

Custom Goldsmithing Inc.

First Impressions Fingerprint Jewelry

Jake Fuhrman

www.jewelrythatmatters.com

Decorating Den Interiors

Gina Wolleat

www.gina.decoratingden.com

Director’s Buddy

Brian Denny

www.directorsbuddy.com

Dodge Company

Lincoln Plain

www.dodgeco.com

Federated Funeral Directors of America

Kim Alexander

www.federated-funeral.com

Federated Insurance

Connor Odykirk

www.federatedinsurance.com

Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association

Kari A. Hubbard

www.forestlawnmn.com

Funeral Directors Life

John Harrington

Scott Tufto

www.funeraldirectorslife.com

Funeral Home Gifts

Karl Weisenbeck www.funeralhomegifts.com

Graceful Burial

Kelly Moore www.gracefulburial.com

Hays Companies

Scott Stence www.hayscompanies.com

Heritage Bank

Dean Steinwand www.heritagebankna.com

Homesteaders Life Company

Steve Byhre www.homesteaderslife.com

Johnson Williams Funeral Car

Todd Anderson www.jwfuneralcars.com

Keith M. Merrick Co., Inc.

Kyle Grimes www.keithmerrick.com

Kelco Supply

Alicia Carr www.kelcosupply.com

Keystone Funeral Home Design Build

Russ Karasch www.keystone.db.com

Laker Insurance

Patrick Zalusky

LifeSource Organ and Tissue Donation

Melinda DeVries www.life-source.org

Lions Gift of Sight (Formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank)

Sara McFee www.mnlionseyebank.org

MAS Communications

Mary Reeves

www.mascommunications.net

Matthews Aurora Casket

Roger Ruth, Alexis Smith www.matw.com

Messenger

Bob Hoaglund

www.messengerstationery.com

Midwest Medical Examiners Office

Angie Chalmers

www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com

Monumental Sales

Dave Dobe

www.sunburstmemorials.com

Mutual of America

Tom Burkhart

www.mutualofamerica.com

Northwestern Casket Co. David Koll www.nwcasket.com

Pekin Life Insurance Company

Michelle Vos

www.pekininsurance.com

Pluto Boes Legal

Cheryl Vos www.plutolegal.com

Scene Clean

Nate Berg

www.scenecleanmn.com

Senior Advantage Consultants

Julie and Jim Palm

www.sradvantageconsultants.com

Steinhaus Supply Services

Steven Steinhaus

United Heritage Insurance

Bob Hanson

www.unitedheritage.com

University of Minnesota

Mortuary Science

Michael LuBrant

www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu

Wieser Vault

Matt Wieser, Todd Wieser

www.wieser-doric.com

Willmar Precast Company

Ron Jasperson

Why Funeral Directors Life?

“Funeral

is more than just a

With

we have access to an entire team of professionals who are experts in social media, marketing, educational programs, training, and so much more, which has been a huge benefit to us.”

John

Scott