Broadcaster Summer 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting to Know You click here
A Message From The President click here
Fundraising, The Final Installment For Success click here
An Open Letter to Cemeterians click here
Regional Superintendent Forum click here
Glass Urns From Matthews click here
Matthews International Acquires the Commemorative Products Business
of the York Group click here
Cemetery Association Holds Annual Seminar and Exposition; Makes Check Presentation to Local Charities click here
Highlights of the 2001 Government and Legal Affairs Seminar click here
Government and Legal Affairs Update click here
Green-Wood Cemetery Receives Awards and Celebrates click here
You Are Cordially Invited to the New York State Association of Cemeteries 73rd Annual Fall Conference click here
Getting to Know You
The cemeterians of New York State and their regulators are finding a variety of ways to get better acquainted with one another . In his remarks at NYSAC’s 2001 Government and Legal Affairs Seminar, NYS Cemetery Board Chairman Daniel Shapiro noted that the Board’s primary focus of late has been to open up their proceedings to make them more accessible to cemeterians.
True to his goal, meetings of the Cemetery Board are open to any cemeterians who wish to attend. The location of the monthly meeting rotates regularly between New York City and Albany to even out travel distances for upstate and downstate attendees. Meetings have even been held in Buffalo so western New Yorkers could readily attend. Unfortunately, the date and sometimes the location of a meeting is usually planned less than a month in advance, but if you would like to know the date and location of the next meeting you can contact Mary Lee Hedrick at the Division of Cemeteries in Albany at (518) 474-6226.
NYSAC has also done its part to foster better communication and understanding between the cemeteries and our regulators. Representatives from the Division of Cemeteries are featured speakers at every NYSAC conference. At the Government and Legal Affairs Seminar in Albany, members of the Cemetery Board lead a panel discussion and respond to questions. They also hold their monthly board meeting right after the close of the seminar. Throughout the seminar, they are available for one-on-one conversation during the breaks, cocktail hour and dinner. If good relationships lead to good regulation, we should be the best-regulated industry in the state!
Attendees at the Government and Legal Affairs Seminar in Albany were welcome to attend this meeting of the New York State Cemetery Board immediately following the close of the seminar. It is one of many avenues whereby the cemeteries and their regulators are getting better acquainted.
A Message From The President
One great conference has been completed and another is about to happen!
The Government and Legal Affairs Seminar, held in Albany, was one of the best attended in years. It made me realize how fortunate we are to have such an active Association addressing cemetery concerns here in New York. If you did not have a chance to come to Albany, I would like to tell you that this year, we are tracking 41 different bills that pertain to the cemetery industry. In addition, there are 21 bills in legislation dealing with environmental and pesticide issues.
I am proud of the proactive approach that NYSAC takes, and you should be too. Recently, you should have received a letter from the Chairman of the Government and Legal Affairs Committee, Frank Giglio. It takes a lot of money to stay on top of the current legislation and to be heard in the halls of Albany. It is extremely important that everyone make as generous a donation as possible so that we can continue our efforts to support cemeteries throughout New York. If you haven’t sent in your contribution yet, please do so as soon as possible.
Finally, make sure to put September 9-12 on your calendars. Neal Barlin, the conference chairman has put together a program that is excellent. He has also organized some excellent spouse programs in and around the quaint town of Niagara-On-The-Lake. I invite you all to attend the conference and renew old acquaintances as well as meet some new friends.
Have a safe and successful summer!
Allan J. Vittum
NYSAC President
Fundraising, The Final Installment For Success
By: Dolly Lancaster, Fishkill Rural Cemetery
The first installment on fundraising (Broadcaster, Winter 2000) showed how casual conversation with Ed Hand of the NYS Division of Cemeteries opened the door to new ideas for raising needed funds and how a simple letter to known plot owners raised $2,200 for railings. The second installment (Broadcaster, Spring 2001) illustrated how valuable community relations are and that recognizing gifts in even a small way can raise $25,000 for restoration of a pond. I hope this final installment will help any size cemetery work up a program to help them with capital improvements of any nature.
Our cemetery is fortunate to have a very visible chapel next to a pond located near the entrance. The DuBois Chapel was built in 1888 and although it is not architecturally a superior building, it is a very simple, friendly type structure with an interesting attached tunnel leading to our receiving vault. There is a bell tower with records going back to the donor and the foundry where it was built in 1877 but the bell did not work. The Chapel was not used very much for any type of service in our recent past and for a while it was used as a winter machine shop. The room was starting to leak, the 10 stained glass windows had several holes in them and they needed to be pressed. The front porch had been removed several years ago rather then being repaired and the electric had deteriorated to the point of no service. The building was fast going into oblivion. We had no funds to even patch the slate roof and it was decided to go for a major Chapel Restoration fundraiser using information we had learned from our last two projects.
The end result is that we raised over $100,000 to date with two mailings and the inside of the DuBois Chapel has been fully restored, the front porch rebuilt, the slate roof replaced, the bell tower rebuilt with the electronic clapper ringing whenever a funeral enters the property. Plans are starting for another mailing to cover the pointing up of the outside stonework, which we know will be a very expensive part of the restoration.
All three fundraisers taught us that the plot owners, their heirs, community residents and service organizations want to help retain and restore the memory and history of cemeteries such as ours. We also learned some basic things that do and don’t work.
1. Start a database of plot owners and update with every interment and plot sale. No matter how small the starting point, it will grow with time.
2. Send all mailings first class so that letters will be returned if not deliverable. Keep the returned envelope for future references if needed for plot owner contact.
3. Sending to charitable trusts or benevolent societies does not work. They will not usually give to another not-for-profit. Service organizations such as Rotary and Fire Departments will sometimes help.
4. Memorialize as much as possible without becoming too overwhelming in your décor. Know the items before hand and include information in the appeals letter. Remember to ask for enough funds to cover the whole item such as a bench or window and the maintenance expense for the future.
5. Send thank you letters for every donation, even $2.00. The return is often many fold. They can lead to volunteers to help with the next project. People who can’t afford to give money are sometimes very willing to give their time. Use them but remember to direct them.
6. Contact local newspapers and work up an article about what you are doing and why you need help.
7. If you don’t have a feature like a pond or chapel, create one.
8. Don’t attempt to raise funds for regular maintenance projects. People feel strongly that their maintenance fees should cover all such expense and even though we all know it doesn’t, they will not understand. Stick to restoration, new features, memorials, fences, walls, steps and even roads.
9. Don’t overdo. Wait some time between appeals and people will be more receptive the next time.
Call another cemeterian if you need to think out a project, ask your attorney if you have doubts about something and call the Division of Cemeteries if you are concerned about procedure.
If you develop a fundraiser please contact the Broadcaster so your success can be published for others to learn from. It will be hard work and take a lot of dedication to the project but success could be right around the corner! Good luck!
An Open Letter to Cemeterians
Dear Cemeterians,
The not-for-profit cemeteries across the state are a very important part of the communities they serve. In my short time on the Cemetery Board I have come to know many of you who have devoted your lives to preserving these cemeteries for future generations.
Together, we have worked to address the concerns of lot owners and members of the public. I have been impressed with the number of cemetery managers, particularly in small rural cemeteries, who work tirelessly, often with little or no remuneration, to ensure the continued viability of the cemeteries they run.
It is important that all cemetery managers realize that the Cemetery Board and the Division of Cemeteries are a resource to which you can turn for assistance. We recognize that the problems associated with cemetery administration and operation are varied, complex and sensitive and that there are a myriad of laws and regulations that must be complied with. It is our hope that we can be of assistance in navigating those laws and regulations and in helping all cemeterians gain a comprehensive understanding of both their rights and their responsibilities.
Remember, you are welcome to attend our monthly meetings and we are always just a phone call away. I look forward to the continuing challenges we face and to getting to know more of you.
Sincerely,
Rachel Kretser
Cemetery Board Designee
Department of Law
Regional Superintendent Forum
Save the date of Wednesday, October 3, 2001. NYSAC is trying something new this year – a regional forum for superintendents from cemeteries of any size. The first meeting will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna, NY (between Albany and Schenectady). It is hoped that next year, a similar forum will be held in a different part of the state.
The forum will allow superintendents to get to know one another and will allow for lots of brainstorming and ideas exchanged. Superintendents of all sized cemeteries are encouraged to attend.
It will be a one-day session, starting at 9:00 and ending at 3:00. Lunch will be provided and there will be an afternoon tour of Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. All cemeteries within a two-hour drive of Albany will receive information in the mail sometime this summer. Although the cost has not been set yet, it will be very minimal, allowing even the smallest operations a chance to participate. For more information, call Rick Touchette (518) 432-4953.
Matthews is expanding its urn collection to include hand-blown glass urns.
Each urn is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The virtue of hand-blown glass assures that no two urns will be exactly the same. The most noticeable difference is the variations in color.
Matthews’ new collection includes the richly patterned Odyssey and Gaya designs as well as the Magellan that is accentuated with silver inlays. The individual urns can accommodate 210 cubic inches of cremated remains. Infant and keepsake styles are also available.
Like the other urns in Matthews’ diverse collection, the glass styles maintain their appearance and composition indefinitely. Matthews International Acquires the Commemorative Products Business of the York Group
Pittsburgh, PA – Matthews International Corporation today announced that it has acquired the Commemorative Products business of The York Group for $45 million cash. As part of the transaction, Matthews will acquire York’s manufacturing facilities in Kingwood, West Virginia and Bryan, Texas.
David J. DeCarlo, President of the Bronze segment of Matthews International Corporation, commented that, “Matthews is fortunate to have the opportunity to add the Commemorative Products business of The York Group to the Matthews product offerings.” Mr. DeCarlo further noted that, “The York products are well respected in the industry for their quality and craftsmanship.”
Plans are underway for a total merger of Matthews International with The York Group. Under this agreement Matthews will acquire 100% of the outstanding common shares of The York Group for $10 cash per share. Matthews also agreed to pay up to an additional $1 cash per share based on the excess cash remaining on York’s balance sheet as of October 31, 2001.
Completion of this transaction, anticipated to occur in the fourth quarter of 2001, is subject to York achieving earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization from its casket operations greater than the same period of the prior year for the nine months ended September 20, 2001; approval of the merger by the shareholders of York; compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; and standard closing conditions. York believes that the interim period prior to closing will permit York to increase the per share value received by shareholders in the merger through the disposition of non-casket operations and other non-operating assets. York, a leading casket manufacturer in the United States, will have annual revenues approximating $130 million following the sale of its other operating businesses.
David M. Kelly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Matthews, comments; “One of our strategic objectives is to expand our position in the death care market. In that regard, York’s strong position in the casket segment and their selection room merchandising systems present us with an exciting and positive opportunity. Additionally, York’s management has done a good job in taking the necessary actions to strengthen the company and to grow profits over the long run.” The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Matthews’ earnings in this first year.
“We are pleased to be associated with Matthews International Corporation. Our product lines complement one another and our corporate cultures are compatible. We believe this merger is not only in the best interests of our shareholders, but also for our customers and the employees of the York Group as well,” Said Thomas J. Crawford, President and Chief Executive Officer of The York Group, who is expected to lead the casket operations after the acquisition.
Cemetery Association Holds Annual Seminar and Exposition; Makes Check Presentation to Local Charities
The Metropolitan Cemetery Association held its 2001 Annual Seminar and Exposition on Thursday, June 7 at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho, NY. More than 100 cemetery and supplier members participated in the event.
Robert Ilasi (Salem Fields Cemetery, Ridgewood and Beth El Cemeteries, Brooklyn) and Reverend Michael J. Reid (Catholic Cemeteries, Brooklyn) were elected to the board of directors of the MCA for three-year terms.
Reverend Stephen M. Bolle (St. Michael’s Cemetery, East Elmhurst) led the group in a brief memorial service honoring MCA members who had passed away during the previous year.
MCA President Andrew Nagle (Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx) presented service awards to Mauro Scipioni (Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla) for 40 years of service and to Harry Caretsky (Beth Moses Cemetery, Farmingdale), Timothy Wilson (Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla) and Harold Jones (Mount Neboh Cemetery, Glendale) for 25 years of service. The engraved commemorative wall plaques awarded to the recipients read: “In honor of your years of service to the industry. The members of the Association should not forget your contributions and dedication to the families of the loved ones who have been laid to rest. Thank you.”
The educational portion of the meeting included public affairs reports by Richard Moylan (Green-wood Cemetery, Brooklyn) and Richard D. Fishman, Director of the Division of Cemeteries. Guest speakers included an update by the New York City Health Department of their efforts to control the West Nile Virus, a primer on handling the burgeoning wild goose population by Federal Fish and Wildlife representative Franklin Philips, and a slide show presentation by Stanley Cogan, President of the Queens Historical Society outlining the society’s efforts to preserve family cemeteries. Supplier members donated gifts for raffles and described their products and services on display. All proceeds from the raffle were presented to two organizations: Ms. Carol Ascrizzi, Director of Donor Development, accepted a check for $1,500 on behalf of the Make-a-Wish Foundation for Metro New York. This is the seventh consecutive year that the MCA has awarded raffle proceeds to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Stanley Cogan accepted a check for $1,500 on behalf of the Queens Historical Society to help fund further restoration of family cemeteries in Queens.
The Metropolitan Cemetery Association is a group of cemetery and supplier members from throughout the New York metropolitan area organized to foster the interests of those engaged in the operation and maintenance of cemeteries in the New York metropolitan area and to create and maintain high ethical standards in the conduct of cemetery administration.
Highlights of the 2001 Government and Legal Affairs Seminar
| We listened to a variety of interesting speakers, including Timothy Griffin, Esq., attorney for Ferncliff Cemetery, who provided valuable information about what to do when faced with a lawsuit.
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There are no bad seats in the Town Hall meeting room at the Desmond Hotel and most were filled with cemeterians eager to learn more about our industry. |
Cemetery Board members and legal counsel (John Eadie, Department of Health, Rachel Kretser, Department of Law, Robert Batson, Counsel to the Cemetery Board and Chairman Daniel Shapiro, Department of State) led a panel discussion and responded to questions from the audience. |
Frank Giglio, Chair of the Government and Legal Affairs Committee and our Association’s legal team (James Featherstonhaugh, Beth Clyne and David Fleming) provided updates on some of the 41 different bills pertaining to the cemetery industry that they are tracking for us. |
| Thank You
Thanks to our wonderful suppliers (The Treiber Group, Matthews International, Bank of New York, Biondan & LP and York Bronze) for a terrific cocktail party & dinner that provided cemeterians with an opportunity to interact with one another and with our suppliers and regulators. |
Government and Legal Affairs Update
The 2001 legislative session is well on its way. Once again New York State is without a budget. The Government and Legal Affairs Committee along with our legislative counsel, Featherstonhaugh, Conway, Wiley & Clyne, are working towards the passage of the New York State Association of Cemeteries legislative agenda.
The following bills have been introduced by NYSAC:
A.3439 – Vitaliano/S.2021 – Marchi. This bill would permit the Modified Return concept to be used on Permanent Maintenance and Perpetual Care funds. This bill has been referred to Corporations in the Assembly and advanced to third reading in the Senate.
A.4875 – Vitaliano/S.2546 – Marchi. This bill would permit cemetery corporations to reclaim graves under certain circumstances, upon application to and approval by the Attorney General. This bill has passed the Senate and remains in Corporations in the Assembly.
A.7392 – Vitaliano/S.3832 – Marchi. This bill has been passed. It changes the “Cemetery Board” approval back to the “approval of the State Supreme Court”, in reference to changing the 10% contribution to the Permanent Maintenance Fund. This is an amendment to last year’s A.7638/S.3605.
I look forward to seeing you at Queen’s Landing in September.
Frank F. Giglio
Chairman
Green-Wood Cemetery Receives Awards and Celebrates
The Green-Wood Cemetery (Brooklyn, NY) received two prestigious honors in a three-day period from two significant New York preservation organizations. On May 1st, Preservation League of New York State President Scott P. Heyl presented Green-Wood’s President Richard J. Moylan with an award for Excellence in Historic Preservation for Green-Wood’s work in restoring its 1911, Warren & Wetmore designed Historic Chapel. On May 3rd, New York Landmarks Conservancy President Peg Breen presented Green-Wood with its Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award in ceremonies held at the New York Historical Society. This award was also for the Chapel renovation. Green-Wood was the only organization to be honored by both groups this year. Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel is now available for services and quiet meditation daily.
In other happenings at Green-Wood, Memorial Day attracted over 2,000 people to its 3rd Annual Concert by the Goldman Memorial Band. The Band performed classics by Green-Wood residents Leonard Bernstein, Louis Moreau Gottschalk and many others. The Great Day Chorale, who are dedicated to the preservation of the Negro spiritual, sang a moving version of James Weldon Johnson’s Lift Every Voice and Sing, considered to be the black national anthem, with the Band and sang several spirituals a cappella. James Weldon Johnson is interred at Green-Wood. In remarks to the crowd, State Senator Marty Markowitz and City Councilman Herb Berman paid fitting tribute to all those who have bravely served our country.
Green-Wood also fittingly chose Memorial Day to announce that, with the help of City Council member Herb Berman and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, it would be restoring the 1869 Civil War Memorial which was erected by the City of New York. The four existing life-size zinc figures that are badly deteriorated will be precisely replicated in bronze by the Modern Art Foundry in Queens, NY. Completion is expected in about a year and the total cost will approach $200,000.
Available at the concert for the first time was Walk # 2: Valley and Sylvan Waters by Jeffrey I. Richman, the second in a series of self-guided walking tours of the 478-acre, 163 year old cemetery.
You Are Cordially Invited to the New York State Association of Cemeteries 73rd Annual Fall Conference
Dear Members:
The 73rd Annual Fall Conference of the New York State Association of Cemeteries will be held from September 9th through September 12th at the Queen’s Landing Inn in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. The inn is a magnificent Georgian-style mansion that offers 142 lavishly appointed guest rooms, most with fireplaces. The four-diamond Tiara Dining Room has a fabulous view of the Niagara River.
The theme of the conference is 2001- An Odyssey for Space. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Patrick Del Zoppo. Dr. Del Zoppo’s message is about the important role that cemeteries have in the resolution of grief and the ways that we can assist the families we serve in this process. I know you will find his presentation inspiring and supportive of the work we do.
The rest of the program will feature guest speakers who will present new and exciting ideas in the use and beautification of cemetery “space”. There will also be a session by the Government and Legal Affairs Committee updating the membership and a presentation by the Director of the Division of Cemeteries. The vendors’ trade show will feature the newest items available in the industry accompanied by the most helpful and knowledgeable suppliers around.
There’s plenty to do in your free time, with trolley car tours, wineries, white water jet boats, and buggy rides, just to name a few. The spouses tour on Tuesday features a tour of the Butterfly Conservatory, a guided tour of the Botanical Gardens, lunch at the Queenston Heights Restaurant, and then onward to the “Journey Behind the Falls” attraction.
For the golfers, the outing will take place on Monday afternoon at the famed Whirlpool Golf Course, a challenging course with magnificent views.
The registration fee is $170.00 for members/exhibitors and $100.00 for spouses and guests. As a reminder, the hotel fee, which includes the meals, is in Canadian funds, which makes the overall cost very reasonable. We suggest you pay by credit card to take advantage of the most favorable exchange rate. ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE RETURNED BY JULY 25, 2001. THERE WILL BE LIMITED OR NO HOTEL AVAILABILITY AFTER THAT DATE.
I look forward to seeing you in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is the ideal setting for a successful and exciting conference.
Sincerely,
Neal S. Barlin
Conference Chairman