New York State Funeral Directors Associatio

Albany, NY -- November 26 -- At a joint news conference today at the State Capitol, representatives from the Senior Action Council of New York and the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), urged Governor Pataki to approve the Preneed Funeral Consumer Protection Act of 2001. The bill, which was overwhelmingly passed by the State legislature, would strengthen existing State regulations protecting consumers who prepay funeral costs.

Senior citizen and funeral industry representatives are voicing concern that current law could be manipulated by insurance companies to permit the sale in New York State of a new preneed funeral insurance product, which could jeopardize the safety and portability of funds consumers wish to set aside for their final expenses.

In addition, the funeral directors say that insurance companies want to market preneed insurance by trading on the trust families place in funeral directors. They maintain that commission selling has no place anywhere in funeral service, least of all during a funeral prearrangement conference.

In his statement, NYSFDA President Mark C. Kowalczyk said, "The Preneed Funeral Consumer Protection Act of 2001 must be enacted into law in order that funeral directors can maintain the needed confidence and trust from those we serve. A funeral service marketplace characterized and dominated by commissions, telemarketing and door-to-door insurance sales would completely undermine the unique and special bond we have with our consumers." He went on to emphasize, "This legislation - the most important to both funeral directors and our consumers in almost a decade - will ensure that funeral directing continues to be about serving our families at their times of need rather than selling insurance to them. As such, it is absolutely critical that the Governor exercise his well-known leadership in this area by signing this important legislation into law."

NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie Tippy added: "Elements of the insurance industry continue to cite NYSFDA's master trust and the administrative fee it earns as the reason for NYSFDA's opposition to preneed funeral insurance. The fact is that our opposition to preneed funeral insurance and similar products dates back to 1934, more than 50 years before the trust was even founded. It should also be made clear that funeral directors earn no commissions or fees from this trust or from any other source.

"We are appalled at this attack on New York State's funeral directors, and can only conclude that it is driven by preneed insurers' typical narrow and relentless focus on the bottom line -- no matter the cost to funeral directors or to the consumers we serve."

The funeral directors organization of over 800 member firms and 3000 funeral directors points out that consumers already have several excellent options to pay for a funeral including: funds already invested in an FDIC insured interest-bearing trust account; the proceeds from a regular life insurance policy; or family savings.

According to the Senior Action Council, preneed funeral insurance is not consumer friendly because these policies are very expensive; usually is not transferable to another state (thus becoming worthless); and, a consumer can lose all benefits as well as any money paid into the policy if they stop making payments because of financial hardship or oversight.

NEW YORK STATE FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION ELECTS 2001-2002 OFFICERS AND IMPLEMENTS CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM AT ANNUAL MEETING

Albany, NY (August 21) -- More than 650 members of the funeral industry attended the recently concluded annual convention of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) held in Syracuse, New York. The Oncenter Complex used 21,000 square feet of exhibit space to showcase 40 exhibits including the NYSFDA sponsored Mobile Disaster Response Unit which was used to identify and process victims of the TWA Flight 800 catastrophe.

NYSFDA membership elected their 2001-2002 officers: President Mark C. Kowalczyk, vice president of the Kowalczyk Funeral Home in Utica and the Kobielski-Kowalczyk Funeral Home in New York Mills was elected to serve another one year term. Newly-elected officers are: President-elect James P. Nolan, Jr., president of the Nolan and Taylor-Howe Funeral Home in Northport; Vice President Patricia A. Knight, manager and corporate secretary of the Keegan-Osbelt-Knight Funeral Home in Syracuse and Secretary/Treasurer Thomas L. Kearns, president of Leo F. Kearns, Inc. Funeral Directors in Richmond Hill, East Meadow and Rego Park.

Funeral directors who attended certified educational sessions earned continuing education unit credits to help satisfy initial requirements of a new State law which requires funeral directors to complete an additional 12 hours of continuing education instruction every two years. NYSFDA proposed the law as a consumer benefit to ensure that funeral directors remain current with the many State and federal health, safety and price disclosure regulations governing the profession.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 member firms and 3000 licensed funeral directors who operate across the State belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. In addition to maintaining a Website at www.nysfda.org, NYSFDA also distributes "Transitions" a consumer information newspaper column and conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers.

LEGISLATURE PASSES PRENEED CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

Albany, NY -- (August 7) -- New York State consumers who choose to prefund their funerals may have even stronger protection for the money they have set aside for funeral expenses thanks to the "Preneed Funeral Consumer Protection Act of 2001" (by Senator Guy Velella and Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer) just passed overwhelmingly by the State Senate. The bill, which was initiated by the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), had received earlier approval from the State Assembly.

The legislation, which is awaiting approval by Governor Pataki, has been endorsed by prominent consumer groups such as the Funeral Consumers Alliance and the Senior Action Council of New York State but is vigorously opposed by the entire insurance industry.

Insurance companies object to the bill's provision which forbids the payment of commissions for selling funeral insurance. But, according to the Funeral Consumers Alliance and NYSFDA spokespersons, funeral insurance is not a good deal for consumers and its sale could be a conflict of interest on the part of funeral directors and interferes with their primary role of providing compassionate care to families.

Another important new consumer protection in the bill would prohibit a funeral director from using a surety bond or similar method to replace or leverage any funds in a traditional funeral preneed trust account. Although current State law requires that preneed funds be placed in an interest-bearing trust account and remain the property of the consumer, NYSFDA leadership wanted to prevent any future problems with preneed trusts such as those which recently occurred in Florida where leveraging had put preneed funds at risk of being available to the family.

Furthermore, the bill strikes down another practice which has caused problems for consumers so-called "constructive delivery", when funeral merchandise such as caskets are sold for future use but not physically delivered to the family.

NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie Tippy thanked Senator Velella, Assemblywoman Pheffer and State legislators for their strong commitment to protecting consumers. She added: "We are hopeful that Governor Pataki will sign this important legislation into law to keep New York State in the national forefront of protecting consumers who choose to prefund their funerals".

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 member firms and 3000 licensed funeral directors who operate across the State belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. NYSFDA maintains a Website "www.nysfda.org", distributes "Transitions" a consumer information newspaper column and conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers.

NEW YORK STATE FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION DEBUTS INTERNET BOOK STORE

Albany, NY -- June 5 -- The New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) has added a book store, entitled "e.REMEMBRANCES.com", to its Website at www.nysfda.org. The new web page features a variety of book titles about end-of-life issues such as Children Dealing with Grief, Holidays and Grief, Loss of a Child, Dealing with Suicide and general grief information. The e.REMEMBRANCES.com book store is a secure site which accepts MasterCard and Visa.

In announcing the new Website page, NYSFDA's Executive Director Bonnie Tippy noted that "Survivors may be overwhelmed by their loss and simply do not have the time nor energy to look for information that would help them. This web page will enable consumers to shop from home at their convenience for books that will ease them through a difficult time in their lives, or to answer their questions about the grieving process."

The book store can also be accessed by visiting www.eRemembrances.com, an on-line memorial program of NYSFDA.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 member firms and 3000 licensed funeral directors who operate across the State belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. In addition to maintaining its Website, NYSFDA also distributes "Transitions" a consumer information newspaper column and conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers.

FUNERAL CONSUMERS ALLIANCE ENDORSES CONSUMER SAFEGUARDS PROPOSED BY THE NEW YORK STATE FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Albany, NY -- (May15) - The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) has endorsed consumer safeguards proposed by the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) in their 2001 Legislative Priorities. These priorities include a measure to further strengthen protections for money set aside by consumers for prefunding their funeral costs, and opposition to a bill which would permit the sale of preneed insurance, a type of policy which names a funeral director or funeral firm as beneficiary .

The Alliance urges support of the "Preneed Funeral Consumer Protection Act of 2001" which would ensure the continued safety of consumers' preneed funds in several ways. First, this proposal would clarify that the current requirement to place in trust all preneed money would also apply where there exists an "option" to enter into a sales agreement with any insurance company or other party to purchase funeral merchandise such as a casket. The bill also outlaws the paying or receiving of commissions in connection with the sale of any preneed insurance policy.

Secondly, the legislation prohibits a funeral director from using a surety bond or similar method to replace (leverage) any funds that have been placed in preneed accounts. Several recent cases in Florida which received wide media coverage showed how leveraging places preneed funds at risk of being unavailable to the family.

The bill also closes a loophole in State law that allows sellers of funeral merchandise to dodge the trust requirement by claiming legal (constructive) delivery even though the item remains in storage and has not been actually physically delivered.

As for preneed funeral insurance, the FCA opposes legislation that would open the market to this type of insurance by lifting the current limitations. The Alliance has a particular concern with the lack of 100% refundability and the hard-sell tactics often associated with commission selling.

Preneed funeral insurance is a consumer rip-off according to NYSFDA which has opposed the sale of preneed insurance here since 1934. The funeral directors organization points to a December, 2000 actuarial study by Milliman and Robertson, Inc. which shows that the cash surrender value of a single premium option policy is barely two-thirds of the original amount invested by the consumer, while the cash value for the consumer in a secure trust is significantly greater in both the short and long terms.

NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie Tippy cautions that recent experiences of consumers in states that allow preneed insurance demonstrate the risks:

* There are few, if any, protections for consumers' preneed funds;

* Consumers lose all benefits if they stop paying their insurance premiums for any reason;

* These policies are very expensive; do not keep up with inflation and almost always earn less interest for the consumers than funds placed in trust;

* Consumers often pay many times more in premiums than the payoff value of the policy;

* Funeral directors would be forced to obtain and hold insurance licenses, taking valuable time away from their professional duties - attending to the needs of families during their time of bereavement.

The Funeral Consumers Alliance, based in Vermont, is a federation of nonprofit funeral consumer information societies. It provides educational materials on funeral choices to increase public awareness of funeral options, and serves as a consumer advocate for reforms on the national level and lends support for changes where needed on the state or local level.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms who operate across the state belong to NYSFDA. The association maintains a website www.nysfda.org, produces "Transitions" a consumer information newspaper column, publishes a member newsletter and conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers.

SENATOR HUGH FARLEY RECEIVES "FRIEND OF FUNERAL SERVICE" AWARD IN ALBANY; ASSEMBLYMAN RICHARD GOTTFRIED TO BE HONORED IN NYC

Albany, NY -- (May 14) -- The New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) will honor two key State legislators, Senator Hugh T. Farley (R-Niskayuna) and Assemblyman Richard N. Gottfried (D-Manhattan), with their Friend of Funeral Service Award. The award was established in 1998 by NYSFDA to provide special recognition to the individual or organization demonstrating dedication to the advancement of funeral service and outstanding support for funeral consumers in New York State.

Sen. Farley received the award today at a special luncheon meeting of the Capital District Funeral Directors Association. Farley was the prime sponsor of legislation introduced in the last session at NYSFDA's request and signed into law by Governor Pataki, that established a continuing education program for licensed funeral directors in New York State. This new program will ensure that funeral directors remain current with the latest developments in best funeral service practices and health and safety procedures to better serve the state's consumers. He is also a co-sponsor of the "Preneed Funeral Consumer Protection Act of 2001" legislation which would further protect important funds consumers set aside to pay their funeral expenses.

Assemblyman Gottfried, chair of the Assembly's Health Committee, will receive his award at the May 17th meeting of the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association in New York City. He is being recognized by NYSFDA for sponsoring the continuing education legislation and securing its passage in the Assembly.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. NYSFDA maintains a Website www.nysfda.org, publishes Transitions, a consumer information newspaper column, and a member newsletter; conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.

STATE'S CONSUMERS BENEFIT FROM STRONG FUNERAL PREFUNDING LAWS

Albany, NY -- (April 23) -- New York State consumers who choose to prefund their funerals enjoy some of the nation's strongest protections to safeguard the money they have set aside for funeral expenses. Current State law requires that all funds designated by a consumer to prepay funeral services and merchandise be placed in an interest-bearing trust account where the principal and interest always remain the property of the consumer. The law also specifies that funeral directors be prohibited from accepting any monetary consideration from a financial institution or insurance company for assigning preneed agreements.

The 800 member firm New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) has just initiated legislation to further strengthen existing State regulations for protecting consumers who choose to prepay their funerals. According to NYSFDA's Executive Director Bonnie Tippy, the State's consumers, legislators and funeral industry members have worked together to produce model standards for preneed funding.

"When a consumer prefunds a funeral in New York State, that consumer retains ownership of the trust account principal and interest. If the agreement is revocable (that is not intended for Medicaid or SSI spend-down purposes), the consumer may change the prefunding terms, close the account and take out the money in it without penalty or move it to another state. Moreover, there are clear Federal and State price disclosure regulations that allow a consumer to comparison shop when prefunding a funeral".

In addition to learning about New York State and Federal laws that mandate information sharing, Ms. Tippy added that using Websites as a funeral service and price information resource is becoming very popular with consumers as a convenient way to comparison shop at any time from the convenience of one's home. "Over the past year, many of our members have recognized the importance of Websites as a customer service and have created sites that include information on funeral service options as well as bereavement counseling, local accommodations, etc. Our Association website "www.nysfda.org" can help consumers locate a local funeral home or research information on many funeral-related topics".

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 member firms and 3000 licensed funeral directors who operate across the State belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. In addition to maintaining its Website, NYSFDA also distributes "Transitions" a consumer information newspaper column and conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers.

NEW YORK FUNERAL DIRECTORS RANK FOURTH NATIONALLY
IN WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

April 12 -- Albany, NY -- New York State's funeral directors rank fourth in the nation with their contribution of $131,182 to the "Celebration of Freedom" fund raising campaign to build the World War II Memorial in Washington., DC. Nationwide, funeral service has raised $2,641,000 and ranks fifth on the list of the top WWII Memorial fund-raising organizations in the country.

The "Celebration of Freedom" campaign was begun last year by the National Funeral Directors Association in cooperation with the American Battle Monuments Commission. After Congress passed legislation authorizing the monument, former President Clinton named Senator Robert Dole national chairman of the memorial campaign.

Members of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) have supported the "Celebration of Freedom" fund drive with a variety of neighborhood activities such as old fashioned block parties, essay contests, home town parades, picnics and barbecues as well as drives to enlist veterans' names on the Memorial's Registry of Remembrances.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms who operate across the state belong to NYSFDA. The association maintains a website www.nysfda.org, produces "Transitions" a consumer information newspaper column, publishes a member newsletter, conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS LAUNCH EFFORT TO PROTECT
CONSUMER PRENEED FUNDS

Albany, NY -- April 3 -- Consumers who choose to prefund their funerals will have even stronger safeguards for money they set aside for funeral expenses if legislation initiated by the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) is enacted in the current State legislative session. Senator Guy Velella (R-Bronx)and Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D- Queens) have introduced the "New York Preneed Funeral Consumer Protection Act of 2001", a bill to strengthen existing State regulations for protecting consumers who prepay funeral costs.

Current law requires that all funds designated by a consumer to prepay funeral services and merchandise be placed in an interest-bearing trust account, a safe and secure vehicle where the principal and interest always remain the property of the consumer. The law also specifies that funeral directors be prohibited from accepting any monetary consideration from a financial institution or insurance company for assigning preneed agreements.

The funeral directors have taken action because they are concerned that current law could be manipulated by preneed insurance companies to allow a new, specialized preneed funeral insurance policy which could jeopardize the safety of funds consumers wish to set aside for their final costs. Using funeral directors as commissioned sales agents, this new type of insurance would in many instances name the funeral director as beneficiary, a dramatic
departure from current practices where the proceeds from traditional life insurance are sometimes used to pay funeral costs.

Funeral directors are also concerned because preneed insurance would be sold on a commission sales basis at the time prearrangements are being made by the family. NYSFDA strongly believes that commission selling has no place anywhere in funeral service as it could take valuable time away from the funeral director's primary role, advising families on the choices available to ensure a dignified memorialization and final disposition.

According to NYSFDA's Executive Director Bonnie Tippy, "Each year, thousands of New Yorkers, mostly senior citizens, arrange for prefunding their funerals by establishing preneed trust accounts. They depend on the protections provided by our State's prefunding laws to safeguard their money. Despite the current law's clear intent, attempts are being made to circumvent it by offering a preneed insurance product that is expensive and devoid of consumer benefit.

Ms. Tippy added: "The following are just some of the reasons why preneed
funeral insurance is not consumer friendly:

** Preneed funeral insurance policies are very expensive and may
not keep up with inflation;

** If a consumer stops paying premiums for their preneed funeral insurance,
they lose all benefits as well as the money they have already paid into the policy;

** Preneed funeral insurance is sold in a way that leads families to believe
that it pays all at-need costs, although this is rarely the case;

** In the event that a preneed policy holder moves from New York to another
state - such as to be closer to a relative - the preneed insurance purchased here is not portable and would become worthless;

** Preneed funeral insurance may be rendered null and void if a consumer chooses to use a different funeral home than the one named in the policy;

** By law, when a Medicaid or SSI recipient prefunds a funeral, the money
must be placed in an irrevocable trust. The use of preneed funeral insurance could jeopardize the recipient's eligibility for Medicaid/SSI assistance."
The funeral directors organization of 800 member firms and 3000 funeral directors also points out that traditional preneed trust accounts may be discontinued at any time by the consumer without penalty, and with full return of the account's principal and accrued interest.

"With the enactment of our legislative proposal, the families served every
day by New York's funeral directors will be assured that the funds they set aside to pay funeral expenses will be safe, secure and available for what they were intended", Tippy added.

NEW YORK STATE FUNERAL DIRECTORS SEND DISASTER EQUIPMENT FOR EL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Albany, NY -- January 18 -- New York's funeral directors have joined humanitarian efforts in El Salvador by supplying disaster pouches to contain victims' remains. The containers, also known as body bags, are being shipped free of charge from JFK to the earthquake area by TACA Airlines, El Salvador's national airline.

Keith Senko, owner of the Hempstead Funeral Home in Hempstead, New York, is coordinating the effort to contribute the disaster equipment in cooperation with the Nassau - Suffolk Funeral Directors Association and the New York State Funeral Directors Association. According to Senko, the Salvadorian Consul General Patricia Maza-Pittsford and Consul Julio Aranjo located in Garden City requested assistance when it became apparent that there would be an overwhelming number of victims to be prepared for burial.

Senko added that the Salvadorian officials contacted him because he and his family have had a history of funeral service to the area's large Salvadorian population, and had helped with relief efforts in the past. The family-owned Hempstead Funeral Home has been a part of the Long Island community for 72 years.

NEW YORK FUNERAL DIRECTORS ACT TO DEFEND PRO-CONSUMER STATE LAW BANNING COMBINATION FUNERAL HOMES/CEMETERIES

ALBANY, NY -- (01/04/2001; 1600)(EIS) -- The New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) has just filed a legal "friend-of-the-court" brief to help ward off a challenge by a cemetery trade association to a 1998 law which bans combination funeral home/cemetery operations in New York State. NYSFDA successfully spearheaded the enactment of this landmark law to ensure that funeral consumers would continue to be able to use the funeral home of their choice. The New York State Cemetery Board, which regulates the state's cemeteries, has also filed a brief in support of the law.

According to NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie L. Tippy, the association's decision to file the brief "reflects our strongly-held view that the 1998 law's extremely important consumer protections not be eliminated or weakened in any way." In fact, Tippy said, "We firmly believe that our brief supporting the Attorney General’s defense of this strong pro-consumer law makes a clear and convincing case as to the constitutionality of the 'combo-ban, law, and are disappointed by the state cemetery association's effort to overturn a law which was clearly designed to protect the interests of families at their time of greatest need."

The NYSFDA brief maintains that the law is fully constitutional on the grounds that it prevents monopolistic market concentration, protects consumers -especially seniors --from high-pressure and deceptive selling methods like telemarketing, and strengthens regulations on funeral directing which could be evaded if a funeral home and a cemetery operate as a combination business. There is also great concern-that combination operations could undermine vitally important economic empowerment within minority communities.

Tippy also said, "As one of our members pointed out in his affidavit filed with the brief, NYSFDA strongly supports this law because funeral directors recognize that maintaining true competition in funeral service for the benefit of the families we serve is far more important than any financial gain to be made in an uncompetitive, anti-consumer environment."

The Cemetery Board's filing reaffirms the findings of its own 1996 public hearing on combination operations that these entities are irreconcilable with the best interests of the people of New York State. It argues that the law was rightfully enacted to prevent large corporate chains from circumventing New York's legal requirement that cemeteries hold non-profit status. The Board also rejected cemeteries, contention that combination firms would offer consumers lower prices through increased efficiencies by referring to studies showing that combination firms were actually found to be raising prices.

Other examples of anti-consumer, anti-competitive behavior cited were high management fee agreements, diversion of lot sale revenue from permanent maintenance funds into investor profits and co-location agreements to build funeral homes on cemetery grounds.

The case is now before U.S. District Court Judge Frederick Scullin in Syracuse. A final round of reply briefs will be filed in February and a decision could come as early as April.

NEW YORK STATE FUNERAL DIRECTORS SUGGEST WAYS TO EASE GRIEF AT HOLIDAY TIME

ALBANY, NY -- (12/19/2000; 1430)(EIS) -- "Holidays can be overwhelming for those who have lost a loved one. Trying to have a holiday 'just like it used to be’ is unrealistic and unhealthy", according to Bonnie Tippy, executive director of the New York State Funeral Directors Association.

Following recommendations from New York State's largest hospice program, the Community Hospice, Ms. Tippy suggests that it is important to seek balance at this hectic time and avoid over-doing. "Lower your expectations for now and don't feel obligated to do all the cleaning, baking and decorating you might have done in the past. Decide the family traditions you want to continue, and add new ones after the death of a loved one.

"Celebrate life in this season of peace and joy; take time for the people and things that really matter and state your needs. Don't be afraid to express your feelings of grief. Instead of going along with what well-meaning family and friends prescribe for you, focus on what you personally want to do", she added. "It is also important take care of your health by eating well, going easy on alcoholic beverages and exercising whenever possible".

Ms. Tippy also advises that if you feel that the upcoming holiday season will be very difficult to handle emotionally, ask your family funeral director for the name of a local bereavement counselor who can help. The Community Hospice in many I areas also holds grief support sessions which are usually free of charge.

Because members of the New York State Funeral Directors Association console bereaved families every day, they understand the special challenges such families face during the holiday season. Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public including bereavement counseling. NYSFDA maintains a website www.nysfda.org, publishes Transitions, a consumer information newspaper column, and a member newsletter; conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.

NEW YORK STATE FUNERAL DIRECTOR WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO END ON NOVEMBER 11TH

ALBANY, NY -- (11/01/2000; 1130)(EIS) -- New York State's funeral directors will conclude the "Celebration of Freedom" national fund raising campaign to help build the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC on Veterans Day, November 11th.

According to John J. McNulty, Jr., New York State chairperson for the campaign, the campaign has been very successful. It is estimated that New York State funeral directors rank third among the nation's funeral directors in garnering donations for the memorial. McNulty added: "However, there is still time for those who wish to make a contribution to honor someone who served in World War II or who helped on the homefront. Balloon sponsorships are just $10 and there are other levels of giving from $20, all of which are tax deductible". Persons who wish to sponsor a balloon or list someone on the Memorial’s Registry of Remembrances should contact their local funeral director or the New York State Funeral Directors Association at 1-800-291-2629.

The "Celebration of Freedom" campaign was begun earlier this year by the National Funeral Directors Association in cooperation with the American Battle Monuments Commission. After Congress passed legislation authorizing the monument, President Clinton named Senator Robert Dole national chairman of the Memorial Campaign in 1997.

Members of the New York State Funeral Directors Association have supported the "Celebration of Freedom" fund drive with a host of neighborhood activities such as old fashioned block parties, essay contests, home town parades, picnics and barbecues, etc.

The campaign will end with a majestic, nationwide red, white and blue balloon release and other symbolic ceremonies coordinated by home town funeral directors on Veteran's Day November 11th at 2 PM EST. (The balloons are biodegradable.)

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms who operate across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. NYSFDA maintains a website www.nysfda.org, publishes Transitions, a consumer information newspaper column, and a member newsletter; conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.

GOVERNOR PATAKI SIGNS BILL ESTABLISHING CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR STATE'S FUNERAL DIRECTORS

ALBANY, NY -- (10/05/2000; 1600) (EIS) -- Governor George Pataki has signed into law legislation establishing a continuing education program for all funeral directors licensed and registered in New York State. Sponsored by State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R-Niskayuna) and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan), the new law will require all funeral directors operating in New York State to complete 12 hours of instruction every two years starting on June 30, 2002. The new law, which was proposed and championed by the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA ' ), also increases various fees for funeral directors and earmarks them in a special account to be used solely for the administration of the new program as well as to help fund enforcement activities by the NYS Department of Health's (DOH) Bureau of Funeral Directing.

According to NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie L. Tippy, the new continuing education program will ensure that funeral directors remain current with the latest developments in best funeral service practices and techniques, as well as with the many local, state and federal regulations governing the profession. "Specifically, continuing education will virtually guarantee that the State's funeral directing professionals stay on top of the most current health and safety procedures and ever-changing technologies needed to more effectively combat new health threats such as the "West Nile Virus", encephalitis and E-coli outbreaks". Tippy added that the law will greatly assist funeral directors as they address the special needs of New York State's growing senior population.

The new law also contains a provision that up to 50% of the continuing education requirement may be taken using technology-based media such as the Internet, teleconferencing and satellite seminars. Thus, funeral directors located in the State's rural areas will have access to the necessary instruction and, in turn, be able to utilize this information for the benefit of their consumers. In addition, it is envisioned that local funeral director associations throughout the State will play an active role in delivering continuing education instruction.

Tippy went on to say that, importantly, this new law "strengthens and reaffirms the fact that caring and compassionate service remains the governing principle of funeral directing. We thank the Governor, Senator Farley, Assemblyman Gottfried and the State legislature for their demonstrated leadership and for their recognition of the importance of this initiative".

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms who operate across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. NYSFDA maintains a website www.nysfda.org, publishes Transitions, a consumer information newspaper column, and a member newsletter; conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS DISPUTE MEDIA REPORTS OF NEW "LAW" ALLOWING SALE OF BURIAL POLICIES

ALBANY, NY -- (08/28/2000; 1400)(EIS) -- According to Mark Kowalczyk, president of the 800 member New York State Funeral Directors Association, there is no change in New York State's restriction on selling burial insurance policies through funeral directors. "We are concerned that consumers may be confused by recent erroneous media reports stating that such policies have been made available by a change in State law."

Kowalczyk added: "Our association has opposed these policies for more than 60 years because they are not good for consumers, and funeral directors should not be put in the position of commission selling a product that is a detriment to the funeral industry and the families it serves."

While Columbian Mutual Insurance, who issued the news release announcing the purported change, may have received approval for some small face value insurance policies, laws governing funeral directors are very clear regarding where any monies paid in advance for a funeral must be placed. New York State's General Business Law (sec. 453) requires that such funds must be placed in a trust in a New York State depository financial institution such as banks, savings and loan associations or credit unions. The law is specific, and insurance is not allowed as a vehicle for advanced monies.

"No matter how many machinations Columbian Mutual tries in this newest marketing effort, the facts remain the same. Jeopardizing consumers by placing the money they wish to be used for their final memorialization in questionable insurance policies is not legal in New York, period," Kowalczyk concluded.

NEW YORK STATE FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS AND HONORS FOUNDER OF ABANDONED INFANT BURIAL FOUNDATION

Albany, NY -- (August 25) -- More than 300 members of the funeral industry attended the recently concluded annual convention of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) held in Saratoga Springs, New York.

NYSFDA membership elected their 2000-2001 officers: President Mark C. Kowalczyk, vice president of the Kowalczyk Funeral Home in Utica and the Kobielski-Kowalczyk Funeral Home in New York Mills; President-Elect Michael D. Rhoney, vice president of the Rhoney Funeral Home in Niagara Falls; Vice President James P. Nolan, Jr., president of the Nolan and Taylor-Howe Funeral Home in Northport and Secretary/Treasurer Patricia A. Knight manager and corporate secretary of the Keegan-Osbelt-Knight Funeral Home in Syracuse.

NYSFDA's special "Friend of Funeral Service Award" was given Timothy Jaccard, a Nassau County ambulance medical technician who is the founder and president of the Children of Hope Foundation Infant Burial. The non-profit organization works to save the lives of as many newborns as possible, and to give those who could not be saved the identity and dignity of memorialization. The award is only given when an individual recognizes the importance of memorialization and funeral service, and demonstrates extraordinary compassion and respect for the dead.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms who operate across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. NYSFDA maintains a Website www.nysfda.org, publishes Transitions, a consumer information newspaper column, and a member newsletter; conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.

FRIEND OF FUNERAL SERVICE AWARD TO BE GIVEN TIM JACCARD, FOUNDER OF CHILDREN OF HOPE FOUNDATION INFANT BURIAL

ALBANY, NY -- (08/14/2000; 1200)(EIS) -- The New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) will confer its Friend of Funeral Service Award tomorrow to Timothy Jaccard, president and prime founder of the Children of Hope Foundation Infant Burial based in Mineola, New York. The organization was started by the Nassau County Police Ambulance Medical Technicians to save the lives of as many newborns as possible, and to give those who could not be saved the identity and dignity of memorialization that every human being deserves. Jaccard, who is a native of Wantagh, New York has been an ambulance medical technician for the past 25 years. He is married and has three children and three grandchildren.

The Friend of Funeral Service Award is a special award that is only given when an individual demonstrates extraordinary compassion and respect for the dead, and recognizes the importance of memorialization and funeral service. It will be conferred at NYSFDA's Annual Banquet and Reception at the Hall of Springs, Saratoga Spa State Park. The banquet is being held in connection with the Association's annual convention and trade show at the Saratoga City Center in Saratoga Springs from Monday, August 14 to Thursday August 17.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms who operate across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. NYSFDA maintains a Website www.nysfda.org, publishes Transitions, a consumer information newspaper column, and a member newsletter; conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.

Fact Sheet

Children of Hope Foundation Infant Burial

* Without regard to race, color, age, creed or national origin helps save the lives of infants who have been abandoned.

* Makes arrangements for the dignified funerals and burials of unclaimed deceased infants or children.

* The Foundation gives these unfortunate children a first name while all share in the surname "Hope".

* 16 of the "Hope" children rest on the "Island of Hope" at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood, Old Country Road, Westbury, New York.

* The Foundation maintains a Website at www.amtchildrenofhope.com.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS WEBSITE HELPS CONSUMERS WITH END-OF-LIFE ISSUES

Albany, NY -- (July I 1) -- Consumers can now get up-to-date information about end of life issues and funeral service by visiting www. nysfda. org, the newly designed website created by the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA).

The website features a Personal and Financial Affairs Checklist, Tips on Arranging or Preplanning a Funeral and consumer resource links to other helpful sites. The Consumer Information Column pages include topics such as "What You Should Know About Income Tax When You Lose a Spouse", "Helping Children to Deal with Grief" and "The Whys and Hows of Wills". The website also lists NYSFDA members by area so a neighborhood funeral home can be easily found, and general information on New York state cemeteries.

"We wanted to provide New York State consumers with information on a variety of topics that relate to the end of life over and above basic facts about funeral service", according to NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie Tippy. "We believe that this new website will help families to make informed and practical decisions about all aspects of funeral service".

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms who operate across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. NYSFDA maintains a website www.nysfdaorg, publishes Transitions, a consumer information newspaper column, and a member newsletter; conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.

JOHN J. MCNULTY, JR. NAMED NEW YORK STATE CHAIRPERSON FOR FUNERAL INDUSTRY'S "CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM" WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN

ALBANY, NY -- (05/09/2000; 1300)(EIS) -- John J. McNulty, Jr., a funeral director and founder of the McNulty Funeral Home in Green Island, has been named New York State Chairperson for the funeral industry's "Celebration of Freedom" World War II Memorial Fund Raising Campaign. The memorial, which will occupy a prominent place within the National Mall in Washington, D.C., will honor all those who served in World War II either as an active member of the military or at home supporting the war effort.

"I am honored and privileged to serve as the chairman of the New York State Funeral Directors Association campaign to raise funds for the National World War II Memorial", said McNulty. "All of us are deeply indebted to those men and women who served in the armed forces of our great country. They are responsible for preserving our American way of life."

McNulty will coordinate the efforts of the more than 800 member firms of the New York State Funeral Directors Association in collecting names for the Registry of Honorees and soliciting contributions to underwrite part of the cost of the memorial. Nationwide, the funeral industry is expected to raise more than $5 million during the campaign which will end with a massive balloon release across the country on November 11th.

McNulty served in the United States Navy during World War II, and lost a son, William F. McNulty, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1970. He is currently mayor of Green Island and has served since 1949 in many governmental and public service positions on both state-wide and local levels.

For information on how to contribute to the "Celebration of Freedom" fund raising campaign or submit a name for the Registry of Honorees, please contact New York State Funeral Directors Association, Dept. CF, Four Wembley Square, Albany, NY 12205.

DIRECTORS CHOICE CREDIT UNION APPROVED BY NEW YORK STATE BANKING DEPARTMENT

Albany, NY - January 25 - Directors Choice Credit Union, a newly formed state chartered credit union has been granted an "Authorization to do Business" by the New York State Banking Department. Directors Choice is a financial institution formed by the New York State Funeral Directors Association to benefit its members and their employees and family members.

According to NYSFDA's Director of Business Services Ann Marie Schreiber "Credit union services are usually far better values than those offered by other financial institutions. Since there are no stockholders to reward, all Directors Choice profits will go towards providing better services and products to our credit union members." Ms. Schreiber added that future plans call for a credit program that will afford members competitive rates for business and personal loans.

Member services will include share accounts, club accounts, fixed rate certificates, young saver promotions, automatic payroll deduction, electronic transfer of funds including bill payments, bank by mail and telephone transactions.

Directors Choice is a member of the National Credit Union Administration, the New York State Credit Union League, and the Credit Union National Association. All member shares in the credit union are insured up to $100,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.

For information on Directors Choice Credit Union, call Ann Made Schreiber at 1-800-593-5920 or write Directors Choice Credit Union, c/o FDSS, Inc., Four Wembley Square, Albany, NY 12205.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS OFFER NEW CONSUMER BROCHURE "PREPLANNING YOUR FUNERAL - WHY AND HOW"

ALBANY, NY -- (01/18/2000; 1000)(EIS) -- The New York State Funeral Directors Association has produced a new consumer brochure to answer questions consumers have about preplanning their funerals.

According to NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie Tippy: "Our members are seeing a definite increase in the number of consumers who are choosing to prearrange their funeral services based on what they want. As a group, baby boomers are into estate planning and future thinking for their end of life situations. Of course, preplanning your funeral is an important part of this process which should be considered by all age groups as well as baby boomers."

Ms. Tippy added that preplanning one's funeral is a simple procedure that doesn't take much time but ensures peace of mind and relieves loved ones of making decisions at a stressful time. "And it's important for consumers to realize that preneed arrangements can be revised in accordance with new circumstances in their lives."

The brochure "Preplanning Your Funeral - Why and How" explains different types of funeral agreements and consumer protections. It also has information for SSI and Medicaid recipients (who are now allowed to set aside funds for their funerals) and sample preplanning documents. The brochure can be ordered by sending a check or money order in the amount of $3.50 to cover postage and handling to the New York State Funeral Directors Association, Dept. PP, Four Wembley Square, Albany, NY 12205.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. More than 800 licensed funeral firms who operate across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. NYSFDA maintains a website at www.nvsfda.org, publishes a consumer information newspaper column Transitions and member newsletter; conducts ongoing educational sessions for members and consumers, and manages PrePlan, a preneed trust fund for persons who wish to prefund their own funerals.