March 14, 2022, marks a 60th anniversary for this organization. On March 14, 1962, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approved incorporation of the small nonprofit educational group “The Springfield Memorial Society.” As the organization grew, name changes reflected the broader service…
Continue readingOn Tuesday February 15, the Palmer Public Library is hosting an online presentation by Sandy Ward titled, “Planning for Final Arrangements.” To register for this free Zoom program, scheduled for 6:30-7:30 pm, please visit the Adult Programs and Services page…
Continue readingThanks to expert help from WizardPig.com, this re-designed website is now up and running. The public can now see the improvements that we and a WizardPig designer have been working on for months. We are delighted to reach this milestone….
Continue readingWhat is Aquamation? That question leads the headline in recent news about the final arrangements requested by Bishop Desmond Tutu. For example: The Washington Post 1/2/22: “What is aquamation, the burial practice Desmond Tutu requested instead of greenhouse gas-emitting cremation?” The Guardian…
Continue readingWe are working to improve the design and functionality of our website. Volunteer webmaster Sandy Ward, who learned from and built on the earlier work of Ed Brown (former board member; self-taught webmaster 2003-2013), is coordinating this new project with…
Continue readingOn Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at United Way’s “On Board” event in Springfield, Jim Couchon and Sandy Ward greeted potential volunteers, telling them about our mission and the opportunity to join us in this important work. Many people came by…
Continue readingThe Fall 2021 Newsletter is now available. In this Newsletter you’ll find… • Upcoming Educational Programs (virtual) from Trusted Sources • Consumer Groups Urge State Regulators to Provide Consumer Information about Funerals …
Continue readingAugust 25, 2021. An article in today’s Daily Hampshire Gazette reports our recent project of building infant coffins for donation to Empty Arms Bereavement Services. Photographs of FCAWM volunteers (Elizabeth, Joan, Kate and Carol) at work in Jonathan LaGreze’s woodworking shop…
Continue readingAugust 17, 2021. At the monthly meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Embalming & Funeral Directing (EM Board), representatives of FCAWM and FCAEM spoke about the need for up-to-date consumer information on the EM Board’s website. The Board was…
Continue readingJuly 7. The FCA national office and staff, with input from other FCA leaders, have discussed the implications of the bill Congress passed in 2021 directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse Americans up to $9,000 for the…
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