Tomorrow is the last day of the federal government’s fiscal year.  That is not necessarily a big deal except that the new federal budget year begins on Wednesday and as I write this on Sunday no agreement to fund the federal government of the United States is in place moving forward.  If there is no agreement on how to fund the government, then the government will shut down with only “essential services” continuing to operate.

While threatened many times over the past several years, we have not had a government shutdown in the United States for 7 years.

The good news in all of this is that “business generally grinds on”.  Private businesses continue to operate and in the funeral home business where the federal government intersects with funeral homes — at least in the National Veteran Cemetery operations — those operations are considered “essential”.

Here is a Veterans Administration “contingency planning” document that was released in anticipation of a federal government shutdown.  From the VA cemetery side of things here’s what I believe funeral directors would need to know:

• Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries.
• Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits will continue to be processed.

And, here’s a couple of things that will not be moving forward:

• The VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at national cemeteries.
• The VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.

Thoughts on a potential government shutdown —  On Friday of last week the Yahoo Finance Morning Brief had a short overview on their thoughts about the looming government shutdown.  I found it a pretty fair observation of what the United States is facing and why we may actually see a government shutdown for the first time in seven years.  The following is an exerpt from that article:

By the time you read this. . . . or within the next 48 hours or so, we will probably have an answer on which way the federal government will move.

Related — “What’s opened or closed in a federal shutdown”.  USA Today

More news from the world of Death Care:

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

CANA Convention Registration IS open 

Experience true luxury at CANA’s 107^th Annual Cremation Innovation Convention this August 

WHEELING, IL— The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) heads to Phoenix, Arizona for the 107^th Annual Cremation Innovation Convention. Featuring a perfect blend of city excitement and desert serenity, the CANA Convention will provide mid-year rejuvenation and the opportunity to mingle with the most forward-thinking owners and managers in the profession. Registration is open, so act now to claim your booth, sponsorship, or seat at the table and connect with cremation experts from across the profession. 

CANA’s Annual Convention is the premier event for innovative cremation professionals. Find the motivation to set creative strategies into motion, discover solutions that spark inspiration, and soak up new insights to fuel your business’s growth for years to come. This August 6-8, 2025, you are invited to connect with cremation leaders from across the profession, discover new products and services from more than 60 exhibitors, find inspiration while earning CE, and explore the Valley of the Sun! Special discounts are available for full convention registration: pairs save $200 on their registration and teams of three save $400!  

As a hardworking deathcare professional, you deserve the best during your time away from the job! The Convention hotel is the Arizona Biltmore, an opulent resort where historical meets contemporary, leisure meets adventure, and elegance meets play. The Biltmore offers seven relaxing pools, five appealing shops featuring hand-curated pieces, three unique dining experiences, two picturesque golf courses, and one award-winning spa and salon – plus two iconic bars where you can revel in a tequila sunrise. This year, the CANA Convention schedule is revamped to make the most of this unique resort experience, making time for the cool desert nights and mornings so you’ll enjoy all that Phoenix has to offer. You’re invited to explore, to discover, and to feel inspired by the colors, culture and the captivating energy of the Valley of the Sun. Make your reservation now at canarooms.com. 

Phoenix is the perfect desert oasis for catching rays and chasing dreams. That’s why the Funeral Service Foundation is offering five scholarships to encompass all the benefits of attendance at the 107^th Cremation Innovation Convention. With an award valued at up to $2,200, each scholarship winner will receive full event registration, plus three nights at the luxurious Arizona Biltmore and up to $500 in travel reimbursement. Scholarships are open to anyone in funeral, cremation, and cemetery service who wants to invest in their future success as a cremation professional, including current students. The deadline to apply is May 29, 2025; scholarship winners will be notified mid-June to make their plans to join CANA in Phoenix this August. For more information and to apply, candidates should visit cremationassociation.org/CANAROI.  

It’s CANA’s 107^th Annual Convention and it may be 107℉, but we think you’ll agree: being this hot has never been so cool! Register now for CANA’s Annual Convention: August 6-8, 2025 – and remember that special rates are available for teams to learn, grow, and implement strategies together. Visit cremationassociation.org/CANA25 to learn more. 

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About CANA 

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization. 

Recognizing Remarkable Women: Nominations Open for NFDA Inspiration Award

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is now accepting nominations for the third annual NFDA Inspiration Award. This prestigious award, presented during the NFDA Professional Women’s Conference, celebrates a distinguished and accomplished woman who has made meaningful contributions to the funeral service profession or a related field. NFDA thanks National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) for generously sponsoring this award. 

Nominations will be accepted online through February 17, 2025. The Inspiration Award recognizes individuals who consistently take the initiative to elevate the funeral service profession. Ideal nominees are enterprising leaders who mentor colleagues, inspire their peers and demonstrate a passion and energy that sets a powerful example for others. They must also have achieved significant accomplishments at the local, state, national or international level. 

“As more women step into leadership roles in funeral service, it’s vital to honor the incredible impact they’re making on this profession,” said NFDA CEO Christine Pepper, MBA, CAE. “The Inspiration Award is a testament to the trailblazers who have broken barriers, mentored others and elevated the standard of excellence in funeral service. NFDA is proud to recognize these extraordinary individuals.” 

“It’s an honor to support this initiative and celebrate women making a profound difference in funeral service,” said Jennifer Kaset, Vice President, Sales and Business Development, NGL. “The Inspiration Award highlights the passion, leadership and dedication that women bring to this profession, and I look forward to seeing this year’s deserving recipient recognized.” 

Nominees must be currently employed in the funeral service profession or a deathcare-related field and have a minimum of five years of experience working directly with families. In addition, nominees must:

• Actively work to elevate the funeral service profession.
• Engage in community and professional service organizations.
• Educate the public about the value of meaningful memorialization and the role of funeral directors.
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities.

 Nominations can be submitted online until 5 p.m. CT on February 17, 2025, at NFDA.org/InspirationAward. A distinguished panel of judges will select the winner, who will receive a complimentary registration for the 2025 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference and up to $1,000 to cover expenses for attending the conference, during which the award will be presented. (The 2025 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference will take place May 15-18 in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.) 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nfda.org. 

2025 OGR Professional Service Award Nominations Are Open Until January 31

OGR Professional Service Awards recognizes outstanding achievements in the funeral profession

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (DECEMBER 10, 2024)- The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to share the nomination period for the OGR Professional Service Awards is open from now until January 31, 2025. These awards honor individuals and funeral homes that have displayed exceptional dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence in the profession.

“We are thrilled to honor exceptional individuals and member firms who have raised the bar in the funeral profession,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director/CEO of the International Order of the Golden Rule. “Each year, award winners showcase their dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence. Past winners have made a significant impact on their respective fields and have set a standard of excellence for others to follow.”

The OGR Professional Service Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the field, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements in various categories. A distinguished panel of industry experts carefully review nominations and select the winners based on their demonstrated expertise, exceptional client service and significant impact in the funeral profession.  The winners of the 2025 OGR Professional Service Awards will be announced at the Golden Circle Awards Celebration during OGR’s signature event, PROGRESS, May 6-8, 2025 in Riverside, Calif.

Golden Light Award

The Golden Light Award salutes professional excellence exemplified by an individual member who has inspired others by their commitment to service through OGR involvement, community service or volunteer activities that demonstrate “service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule.”

Golden Rule Community Service Award

The Golden Rule Community Service Award singles out a member firm for outstanding service as demonstrated by activities benefiting local organizations and/or the community they serve. 

Golden Rule Exemplary Service Awards

The Exemplary Service Awards recognize Golden Rule firms that have displayed outstanding professionalism and exemplary service to the families they serve. Recipients are selected based on feedback received through OGR’s Family Contact Survey Program.

Applications close January 31, 2025, and are available on the official International Order of the Golden Rule website at www.OGR.org/Awards. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged by all OGR member firms. A complete list of award winners can also be found at www.OGR.org/Awards.

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

Tomorrow will mark the 3rd Tuesday of October and with every 3rd Tuesday comes the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) Peer Support Meeting.  Supported by CANA, here’s what their teaser on this month’s subject says:

“This month, we will host an open forum for discussion on any topic. All are given space to share their stories, but, because respectful listening can also be beneficial, no one will be “called on” to contribute. Even if you don’t have a pressing issue to discuss, the meetings are a valuable place to offer support, too. You can find a community of peers and share your own experience as a means to assist others.”

CANA Peer Support is a valuable tool offered to all Death Care workers,  This month’s online format will be held via Zoom link on Tuesday, October 15, (tomorrow) at 8 pm Eastern Time – 7 pm Central Time.

To register for and learn more about this event you can do so by clicking here.

Here’s more about what CANA says, in general, about their peer support services:

“Open to everyone across the funeral service, virtual peer support meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. It’s a perfect space for funeral professionals to share their experiences and exchange advice and support on topics ranging from working with difficult bosses to dealing with the pressures at home. You’ll come away realizing you’re not alone and your stories are common across borders and job titles.”

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Aubrey is a lifelong writer who has served in the funeral industry since 2016. After graduating from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, she knew she wanted to continue to serve families through her writing, but didn’t know how.

Soon after, Aubrey experienced a “lightbulb” moment and started her eulogy writing business, Eulogies by Aubrey, in 2019.

Aubrey has written professionally since 2012, covering not only funeral-related topics and gift trends, but also for TV guide listings, as well as legal topics. She began writing for US Urns Online in 2019.

Aubrey’s work has been featured in Huffpost, Coming of Age Magazine, and 1800Flowers.com. She holds certifications in Cremation Arrangement (ICCFA) and Burial at Sea (NEBAS), and as of 2023, is a trained and certified birth and bereavement doula (SBD). Aubrey is currently studying toward her degree in Business Administration.