NYSFDA will be holding two-hour OSHA trainings throughout NYS in October that will satisfy your mandatory federal requirement for yearly OSHA training.  The cost for NYSFDA members is $70 for the  first two staff and $55 for each additional employee.  The cost for non-members is $140 for the first two staff and $110 for each additional employee.  Download the brochure for more information.

Simply visit: http://bit.ly/OSHA2010 to register online for ANY of the following locations:

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (August 25, 2010) – John Zogby, President and CEO of Zogby  International, delivered the keynote address to funeral service professionals who attended the New York State Funeral Directors Association’s (NYSFDA) annual meeting, which concluded today.  Mr. Zogby presented findings and conclusions of the Zogby Polling Research Survey of New York State Consumer Attitudes Toward Funeral Practices and Customs.  The project was commissioned by NYSFDA, and is the first such polling survey ever taken to gauge such attitudes of consumers exclusively in New York State.

ALBANY, NY (August 11, 2010) – The New York State Tribute Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) has donated $10,000 toward relief efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake that hit the nation on January 12, 2010.

In June, the Foundation Board of Directors, comprised of NYS funeral professionals, voted to donate the proceeds of their Haitian Relief Fund to the international medical relief organization, Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières; the Fund was established soon after the quake.  The Foundation received contributions from NYS funeral directors, funeral service suppliers and others affiliated with funeral service.

On August 10, Tribute Foundation Board Chair, Richard J. Sullivan, a funeral director with Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Funeral Home in Monroe, NY (pictured above right) and NYSFDA Executive Director and Tribute Foundation President Bonnie L. McCullough, CAE (pictured left), presented the check to Doctors Without Borders volunteer Maggie Baker, FNP, of Rhinebeck, NY (pictured center).  Baker thanked the Foundation and NYSFDA for its donation on behalf of her organization, and said there is still much to be done.

September 2010 DIRECTIONS Highlights:

Don’t Be A Victim to Fraud:  Taking a simple quiz might help you see if you are more vulnerable to the next big financial scam.

Study Investigates Education Related Disparities in Mortality: According to a recent study, the mortality gap between males with and without a college degree rose 21%.

A Planning Guide for the Surviving Family

Produced by: Vietnam Veterans of America - New York State Council and The New York State Tribute Foundation, Inc., an affiliate of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, Inc.

One of the more difficult tasks a survivor may face after the death of a beloved veteran is identifying, securing and completing the numerous claims forms to obtain VA survivors' benefits. The anxiety and fear of the unknown — who to call, what to do, or where to go for help — can be a daunting experience.