News & Events

Our volunteers will be presenting information at many senior centers in the coming weeks. Council on Aging (COA) staff have invited us to give presentations and/or participate in their information fairs. All of these are free and open to the…

This month at the Central Library of Springfield City Libraries (220 State Street, Springfield) there’s a relevant book display titled, “Preparing for the End of Life.” Librarian Lisa Lipshires requested a supply of our “Don’t Be Caught Dead Without Us”…

We are seeking new candidates for our Board of Trustees. We have a vacancy now and anticipate another open seat by the time of our Annual Meeting election (October 20). Please help us spread the word. We have been posting…

Our Spring 2024 newsletter is live today. You’ll find an article about the Anatomical Gift Program at UMass Chan Medical School, announcement of our fall program (save-the-date October 20, 2024), a report of our 2024 Price Comparison study, and more….

We are pleased to announce results of our 2024 project to collect and compare prices for funeral home services. We obtained General Price Lists from 94% of the funeral home locations in Western Massachusetts. Our price study committee reviewed these…

The public is invited to any of these presentations. No reservation necessary. Monday, May 6, 7:00 pm at Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St, Agawam, MA. “Don’t Get Caught Dead Without Us!” by Sandy Ward, FCAWM Wednesday, May 15, 5:30…

National Consumer Protection Week, March 3-9, 2024, is a time to help people understand their consumer rights and avoid frauds and scams. The FTC has posted a schedule of related events. We remind you to review “Your Funeral Consumer Rights…

Consumers have the right to learn pricing information by telephone. Funeral homes are required (by the federal Funeral Rule) to answer questions about prices for services they offer. The FTC recently conducted an undercover sweep, calling various funeral homes across…

The national Funeral Consumers Alliance Board of Directors has announced redesign of the FCA website (accessible at the usual address: www.funerals.org). This has been a major effort led by Board Member Phyllis Croisant during 2023. We welcome the refreshed website…

The national Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) has invited us to a virtual training session November 29 (8pm ET) to learn more about the Federal Trade Commission’s complaint submission process and the Consumer Sentinel Network. This free event is co-hosted by…