Tag Archives: cremation

April 4, 2013 · 11:41 pm

My Fathers Shirt…….

What do you want to happen with your stuff when you die? I’m sure that some of the big stuff has already been spoken for.  I found an article titled “Where’d you get that shirt?” that was written a few years ago but the message will not get old.

After my dad died, we all wanted something as a reminder. There was some jewelry, a lot of photos, and other day-to-day things he carried with him everywhere.  We all took something that was personally meaningful -  telling of our special relationship with ‘Jocko.”After a few months, my mother was ready to go though his wardrobe. A lot of his stuff was dated. I can still picture him wearing his light blue leisure suit and his brightly colored silk shirts.  In my mind, he always dressed to the nines for work. His casual wear was always clean and pressed.  He was a very stylish dresser in his younger days. In the end though, that was not the case.261895_131708696910109_1924950_n

A lot of it was donated. My brothers and I all took what we could use plus, a few items that sparked a memory. My mother did the same. I am happy to think that those clothes went to those who needed them.  My dad would be happy to know his silk flowered shirts had found new homes.

“So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.”  Helen Keller

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February 28, 2013 · 1:27 pm

Lets Plant a Tree……..

I have been asked a lot lately about urns. Not just urns but the urns and containers for cremains.
Alot of cremation families want to know what is available for cremains that still shows their commitment to the environment. I came across this unique urn with a dual purpose.
At first when you look at it, it looks like a gigantic drink cup from Cumberland Farms. The urn is made of biodegradable materials and can more than accommodate all of the cremains in a typical cremation.
The urn will hold the cremains for burial while also nourishing the tree seed which is already in the urn.

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This changes everything. What a great idea. A permanent tribute to your loved one anywhere you want. Wouldn’t it be nice to plant the tree in the backyard. The tree can be enjoyed for generations. When mom is doing the dishes she can look out and see the tree and remember her husband. The rest of the family will climb on it and maybe put up a swing or tree house. For a family that might be more transient the tree might be planted in a public place. A favorite church or school that was attended. Organizations might start to offer spaces where these trees can be planted. Of course before any planting can be done a ok by the owner of the property should be consulted.
Scattering urns are also a new popular item. In the coming weeks I will blog about some of the other options that folks have.

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September 25, 2012 · 5:38 pm

Poor business decisions

Poor business decisions, we have all made them.  Whether it is your business, or a company you work for, we have all made poor decisions, which cost businesses down the road.  Hindsight is twenty-twenty.

Small businesses have a real struggle getting things up and running to keep them going day-to-day.  WRCS has made it through its first year.  I am proud of what we have accomplished… and I’m surprised. Here we are despite the terrible economy and the fact that I am competing against a huge corporation with bottomless pockets.  They also have a local recognition (which I helped build over the last 12 years.) The question becomes how long will someone hold on to a losing business?

While working at the corporate funeral homes we never made a profit. Early on, from what I could see, it was a viable small business that supported its owner, his family and employees in comfort. After the business was acquired by a corporate funeral chain, things went downhill. The problem is not with the employees. The business did not fit the formula of the corporation.  There the layers of management are never-ending.  The more people working, the more money needed to pay them. These are not the folks answering the door and helping you in a terrible time. These managers are 3 deep and 6 high and are being paid as corporate staff, not like your local staff.

The money to support all of these managers comes from the customers. The money that keeps a huge corporate machine running is yours. The fact that these corporate funeral homes are the most expensive, not just in Vermont but also all over the country, is a testament that some corporate funeral homes are taking advantage of people every day. Your neighbors, your friends, and your family have paid too much for services and merchandise at your ‘local” funeral home.  The difference in prices between local funeral business and corporate entity’s is huge in most markets. Locally, these corporate funeral homes are $1,000s of dollars more than any local family owned business.

The question now is why a multi-billion dollar would company hold on to losing business. A business that has lost money from the first day they bought it.  This is a company with stockholders. (I wonder if a stockholder would be happy with their experience at our local facilities.) Do the stock holders know that there money is being wasted every day? Do they know that there facilities are falling down and families are being charged more than any funeral business in the state? I think if history holds true, there is not going to be any major improvements in these facilities. It is also evident that their prices are going up. The crazy thing is, regardless of the facilities, service, or price: someone has to pay for all those managers and a home office in Houston.

This first year at WRCS has been challenging. I have made some difficult business decisions and don’t regret any of them. Time will tell if they were good decisions or poor ones. I feel comfortable knowing that I have the flexibility to provide excellent service at a fraction of the cost of my competition. Surviving my first year has made me think I made a good decision starting WRCS. I look forward to my second year of assisting my community, with local services and fair prices, and over the next decade…. at which point, I will look back and see all of the decisions I have made. Twenty-twenty.

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September 13, 2012 · 11:30 pm

WRCS is celebrating a birthday…..

When I was younger, I was a closet fan of “gangsta” rap: Ice T, Ice Cube, Public Enemy, etc. The music worked for me.  It was my motivator when I went to the gym. On a lot of these albums, the artist includes a shout-out track.  Amid, big beats and loud guitars, the rapper thanks all the folks who helped him on the album.  WRCS is celebrating it’s one year anniversary and its ‘bout time to give some shout-outs.

INSERT MUSIC HERE (think kick-ass bass drum and the rhythmic ting of the high hat.  3  and  2 and 1…….)

Southeaster Vermont Community Action. These folks offer TONS of services. SEVCA’s Micro Business / Asset Development Program has been a huge asset. At moments of uncertainty, they pushed me forward.

Springfield Regional Development Corporation. I have worked with the Springfield office for the last 6 years.  Great group of folks.  They have helped with everything from writing a business plan to financing. Debra Boudrieau was especially helpful.

Eric Velto and Massucco Law were recommended to me through the radio station at which I work, WOOL.FM Radio. Eric has been very helpful.  Also a shout out to Attn. James Young of Londonderry VT.  Both of you are great at what you do. You are true professionals.

The Vermont Small Business Development Center. Training, Advice, and Resources.  Enough said.

Tristan McKenna Owner of Cheshire Family Funeral Homes and Tri State Crematory of Keene, Troy NH, many thanks. You are a gentleman and a true professional.  There is not a funeral director in the state of Vermont who would talk to me. Tristan took the time to talk to me and without that I wouldn’t be here at all.   Tristan and his associate John have been very professional and helpful. (If you need any type of mortuary services in the Keene area, this is the man to see.)

The Vermont Secretary of State Office has also been very professional and helpful. I have talked to just about everybody in that office at one time or another and have always been treated well. Special thanks to Dan Vincent of the investigation/inspection office.  The man knows his job.  Firm but fair.  Thanks.

The Vermont Department of Labor has been very helpful in some wage and hour issues I have had with my former employer. After talking to the leadership team at the federal level, they are continuing the fight on my behalf.

Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis has been an excellent resource and her management team in Washington, Boston, and Vermont has helped me on a number of issues. They have not rested and I appreciate that.

The Office of Professional Regulations has helped with everything from the on set to present day. I have had a huge amount of work with this office.  Starting a new kind of death care business has been a sort of discovery process for OPR and myself.  We got though it! Everyone has been super helpful.

Aaron at Tribute Artistry Monuments has been very easy to work with.  This man is very talented!  If you need any kind of monument services, this is the gentleman to visit. He will even help you pick a stone off your own property and personalize just for you.

Joe Coon, aka “Bill 2″. Joe knocked on the door and said “You need any help?” He has been with me ever since.  Thank you Joe.

Paul Clipper is the latest staff added and he has been a big help already.  Very happy that Paul is gonna be here and help us out.

Jana Bryan.  I cannot thank Jana enough.  She is my rock. Personally, she has gone above and beyond in every way that a true friend would. When I stumble, she reaches out to help me along. When I fall she picks me up and dusts me off and points me in the right direction. Professionally, she has been there whenever I have needed her. “what can I do to help?” I have heard those words from a lot of people in my life but Jana backs them up with action. She would do anything for me. And she has.  I love you Jana.

What’s next?  Of course I will continue to work to grow Williams River Services. It has been a year and yes we are still here.  I will continue to work with all the organizations any many more that are important to me personally and professionally.

During the last few months I have been thinking about writing a book – the perspective of a funeral service advocate. Working title is “Do you want fries with that? The dumbing down of the American funeral.”  What do you think?

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August 5, 2012 · 11:05 pm

Bio-Cremation

I have been talking about Bio-Cremation a lot recently. Everyone has a question about it. How does it differ from cremation? What is involved? Mostly, people want to know when it will be available in the area. To date, this is the most environmentally friendly alternative out there. It also has the potential to be the most cost effective option available to families. I found a great website that could answer ALL of your questions: from a short history to full description of how it all works.

People in the industry are talking about it – wondering whether it is a viable service in the funeral industry. Bio-Cremation, Flameless Cremation, and Chemical Cremation are all the same process. You can find a short video on the resource page that explains how it works.

I would love to be able to offer this service. As of now, the closest facility is in Ohio. Little by little, they are moving toward the Northeast. As the technology improves and all the kinks are worked out, they will become more affordable. Vermont currently has no legislation that would prevent the operation of such a unit; let’s welcome new green technology.

Interesting. More information is better. This is an option that will change the industry. The fact that there are more dead people residing in Queens, New York than living residents tells us that those opposed burial still may have another option. (Read about THAT here.)

The industry was at first scared to death of cremation.  Currently, in Vermont, 60 % of families choose cremation. I see a pattern.

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Video

Williams River Services is Basic Funeral Inc. Kinda…….Only without a advertising budget…..

This is a add for Basic Funerals. They are a company out of the Mid West that provides the same services as Williams River Cremation Services. If WRCS had a budget our add would look something like this……

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June 24, 2012 · 12:27 am
May 21, 2012 · 1:39 pm

You’re so vain. You probably think this May Press Release is about you.

for immediate release:

Williams River Cremation Services has been in business for only a short time, but they have made a huge impression with new services for end of life issues. Services are modeled around those of two hundred years ago. Back then, after the family had washed and dressed the deceased, they would call the undertaker who then assisted the family with anything needed to plan a meaningful service in their home or other location. If you think the funeral industry only can offer a 2 o’clock funeral, think again.

In September of 2011, Mark J. Kenney formed WRCS.  Since then he has served families from Brattleboro to White River Junction. Unlike any other end of life services in Vermont, WRCS has no formal funeral facility. Families who choose WRCS often celebrate where they are comfortable. Kenney meets his families in their homes to make arrangements. “This takes a lot of pressure off the families. Folks don’t want services in an outdated facility; and they don’t want to make arrangements there either. The best decisions are made when and where they are most comfortable.”

Families no longer have to deal with the cost of a funeral home for full service cremation or burial. “I have worked in a funeral home, here in Vermont, for 12 years. It’s tough to watch the prices go up. The best way to make it more affordable is to keep it local; being able to offer affordable services are a must in today’s economy.” He continues: “We have been able to assist some families in tough economic situations. WRCS has allowed me make cremation or burial personalized, respectful and affordable.”

Kenney, a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer knew this would be a different business model. “The state and I were at first unsure about how we were going to proceed. After things got rolling, we knew we were on to something that would change mortuary services in Southern VT.” Speaking of the cost issue Kenney said “Funeral homes have to charge you for the building and other overhead costs. Those charges are added to the bill whether you use the facilities or not. ”

For the families that want some involvement in cremation, WRCS offers the one of the lowest priced direct cremation in Vermont. “I am very proud to be able to offer this.” Kenney said. “The lack of overhead allows us to pass savings along to our families.”

Veterans and their spouses receive a 10% discount. Kenney, a veteran himself says it’s the least he can do for his brothers in the Armed Forces.

WRCS has taken the lead in Green Services in Southern VT, offering a selection of eco-friendly services and merchandise. “WRCS is proud to offer local products created by local artisans. Products which are not supplied locally are chosen for their quality and cost.”

Not many of us want to think about our mortality. Kenney wants people to feel comfortable talking about the subject. Using social media, an informational blog and website, WRCS is a resource for people to think about end of life issues in new ways.

WRCS is filling a important niche in the death care industry. The idea of green burials, home services, and supporting other local businesses were common practice 200 years ago.  It is nice to know that companies like WRCS continue to find new innovative ways to support the local economy, control cost, and educate consumers on all things end of life.

WRCS is located in Chester VT.  Please contact Mark J Kenney at 802 374-0172. http://www.williamsriverservices.com   mark@williamsriverservices.com

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March 21, 2012 · 1:37 pm

The newest member of The Justice League….

As I think about topics for a blog post, I review other websites and information for facts and advice. This time, I came across a website call cremationlady.com. I wasn’t too sure what to expect (…cremation lady?) but I was more than pleasantly surprised. 


There is a plethora of great information.  They cover everything from deciding on cremation or burial, to getting the graveside services you asked for, to the cost breakdowns of both cremation and burial arrangements.

The site offers 2 videos on funerary services.  “Making Sense of Final Arrangements and Funeral Costs” takes you from the first meeting with funeral director to the cemetery.  “Cremation Arrangements” is a great step by step video on what will need to happen if the family chooses a direct cremation. These videos are produced by a Hospice volunteer.

Once again, Hospice is leading the way in end of life services and funerary arrangements. Williams River Cremation Services stands behind Hospice and its efforts to educate the public about end of life services. The funeral industry does not present an honest face to the public; Hospice is the best advocate for families.

I really enjoy finding websites like cremationlady (…because that means I didn’t have to write it all myself!) Hopefully you will find some useful information there, and if you have any questions or need assistance, please call me. I am ready to be an advocate for your family, offer reasonable pricing, and provide the best, personal service.

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March 7, 2012 · 6:57 pm

Burial Vs Cremation - Differences

Reblogged from cremationideas:

Burial or Cremation? How To Decide

Life is full of choices that require decisions. One of the most important, and perhaps, difficult decisions to make is about final disposition of a body. This article discusses some of the Pros and Cons for burial and cremation. Once decided, it is advisable to make your decision known to your loved ones in writing.

Read more… 575 more words

I found this today and thought I would pass it along.  The facts about cremation and burial clearly explained. The article makes some great points. First and for most, Put your wishes down in writing and discuss it with your family.

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March 5, 2012 · 11:24 pm

Just in time for lunch…….

Last week I had a funeral to attend. I have done this 100’s of times over the last 20 years. Pretty simple plan: meet at the funeral home at 9:30, move to the church at 11, and then the cemetery by 12:30. And that was it. My mother was laid to her rest, just in time for lunch.

I mean this in the kindest way.  My mother would have appreciated the humor.   She spent her last years on earth as a prisoner in her own body. Dementia. Alzheimer’s. Whatever they want to call it.   It was a terrible ending for a mom who deserved better.  The reception afterwards was much more meaningful than the service we had in her memory. Please, let me explain.

The Mass was perfect in every way.  My mother’s niece cantered the Mass and that alone would have made my mom extremely happy. My sons were pall bearers. My daughter and her cousins were also part of the ceremony, assisting with readings and the Offertory.

The funeral home was outstanding. Kevin Sullivan is the owner of The Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home in Burlington, Massachusetts. His is small family business that is deeply rooted in Burlington and the surrounding area and I was grateful for that. I think Kevin is 4th generation and I have known him personally and professionally for over 20 years.

We were given exactly what we expected, and then some. The building was clean, well laid out and recently updated. The price was more than reasonable and far less than a few funeral homes where I live, in a much more rural area.

The reception was held at The Café Escadrille in Burlington, a landmark where my family had frequented back in the “good ole days.” They were extremely accommodating, and when we had more guests than expected, they rose to the occasion and handled everything. This is where everyone was comfortable. This is where new memories were made. This is what all of us wanted to do. Very few of us wanted to be at church though it was comforting to some.

The family got together again the following day.  It was awesome. The cousins got to spend a more relaxed time together. Everyone seemed to enjoy this time together.  It was what I needed to start my grief journey.

I am happy that Kevin was there for me when Mom died, and that we found the perfect place for our reception. It is unusual for me to be on this side of a funeral but it was nice to know that a friendly voice was on the other end of the line when I needed him. I will remember this as I continue to assist families.

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