2019 AFCCA Cemetery Maintenance Seminar Recap

On February 6th, 2019 we held another fantastic Cemetery Maintenance Seminar, held at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary & Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ.  Thank you to David Walker and his staff for working so hard to make sure this event was the success it was! We had a great lineup of speakers this year that covered everything from historical markers, lots and lots of soil and water conservation. Thank You Speakers Joe Ferrannini, Grave Stone Matter – …

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HB2694: Relating to Funeral Escorts (Bill held until 2020)

Review Draft Bill Here: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/1R/bills/HB2694P.pdf The AFCCA Board of Directors is in favor of this legislation. Legislation to amend verbiage existing law that: Clarifies how funeral escort vehicles are required to be marked Puts licensing requirements on drivers under the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Adds in Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Policy Requirements Exempts non-profit organizations such as Patriot Guard Riders Sheriff’s Department is in support of this bill Bill Updates February 20 …

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SB 1245: RELATING TO VITAL RECORDS (As of March 21 includes Intern Licenses)

In response to recent changes to authorized personnel able to pick up death certificates from Vital Records. View: SB1245 Draft Legislation In order to sign on to the bill: www.azleg.gov Search for bill “SB1245” Click Sign On at top of the page Sign in to your Account or Create an Account click on “request to speak” click “new request” Type in “sb1245” Fill in information and submit BILL UPDATES: April 30, 2019 SB 1245 (vital records; …

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HB2188: RELATING TO FUNERAL INTERNS (HB 2188 No longer applies to our interests)

The AFCCA Board of Directors is remaining neutral on HB 2188, funeral intern bill which will allow for Mortuary Science graduates to complete their Funeral Director and/or Embalmer Internship within one year. Here is a link to the draft legislation: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/1R/bills/HB2188P.pdf In order to sign on to the bill: www.azleg.gov Search for bill “HB2188” Click Sign On at top of the page Sign in to your Account or Create an Account click on “request to speak” …

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Unclaimed Veteran Remains Casket / Urn Reimbursement Program

www.cem.va.gov The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will reimburse for the purchase of a casket or urn used to inter a deceased, Unclaimed Veteran in a VA national cemetery or a VA-funded State or Tribal Veterans’ cemetery if the Veteran died with no identifiable next of kin and insufficient resources to pay for a casket or urn. WHO – Any individual or entity that pays for a casket or urn used to inter an …

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Funeral Escort Company Selection Best Practices

In order to protect your funeral home and your customers during a funeral procession, here are some things to ask when selecting a Funeral Escort Company. What type of training and/or certification are escort drivers required to have before escorting a Funeral Procession? Are the vehicles used company owned? Escort Company owned vehicles are more likely to be covered by the appropriate insurance What type of insurance does the Escort Company carry for the vehicles …

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Return of the Fallen (Part 3 of 3)

Written by Steve Palmer, AFCCA Board Treasurer, Westcott Funeral Homes for Nomis Publications monthly blog. The dignified transfers are one step in a fallen service member’s long journey home. –Nate Rawling, Time Magazine The family has received the heartbreaking news that their family member has died in active service. If their fallen hero will be transferred to Dover, the family is invited to witness the dignified transfer. The transfer is not a ceremony but a …

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Seeing Through the Haze of Marijuana in the Workplace: 5 Issues that are ‘High’ on the List of Things to Know

This article was written by Poul Lemasters,NCBVA Legal Counsel to make sure you know your options and the risks of doing nothing. The times they are a changing!  What was once banned, illegal, and thought by some as immoral is now legal and becoming one of the largest businesses in the US.  Yes, marijuana is now the in thing.  The problem is that despite the legal status changing in many states, many businesses still have drug-free workplaces.  …

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Return of the Fallen (Part 2 of 3)

Observations By Steve Palmer – Written for Nomis Publications November 2018 I was recently honored to join The Dodge Company’s delegation of its “Wreaths Across America” participants for an operational orientation at Dover Air Force Base. This month we continue the journey of the fallen heroes who arrive and are cared for as they are prepared to return to their hometowns for services and burial “Let the living give thanks to our honored dead who …

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2018 AFCA Fall Mixer – Fiesta Edition Recap

A very sincere thank you to the nearly 200 people that came out on Saturday, November 10th for the annual AFCCA Fall Mixer at Old Town Tortilla Factory. We hope that all that joined us had a wonderful time and met new friends, enjoyed delicious food and maybe a margarita! ? Twenty of the 2018-19 CGCC Mortuary Science Program Students attended and networked…if you haven’t had the chance to go and meet this year’s fabulous …

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