Merry Christmas - Happy Chanukah - Happy Kwanza – Happy Festivus 

However you acknowledge the time and spirit of the season, I hope everyone takes time to enjoy how they traditionally celebrate. Annette and I wish that Santa Claus and all the good he represents brings all the joy and happiness to everyone reading this.

In the classic children’s story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer one of the main characters in this story is an elf. His picture made this newsletter. His name is not Buddy. Those who know their Christmas trivia know his name; I’ll give those searching the internet a few minutes. The character I’m speaking about is named Hermey, and while he had a great job making toys at the North Pole all he really wanted to be in life was a dentist. In this show he went out to the island of misfit toys to help someone in need, which sounds like what a prospective funeral director does to me.

So what if Hermey the Elf showed up at the NYSFDA headquarters? He would feel comfortable knowing the climate conditions of the North Pole and Albany in the winter are very similar. Also he would find out about programs NYSFDA offers to help the Hermeys of the world change their profession and enter funeral service. They are:

• The proposed Registered Funeral Transporter will allow those interested in a career in funeral service to have the ability to work in funeral service either before entering school or during school by making dignified transfers to assist with the licensure shortage or just see if this career or that part of funeral service is for them.
• The NYS Tribute Foundation and its Bridge Commission offer scholarships for tuition assistance. Enrolled students are allowed to be student members of NYSFDA during their course studies. Student Day, usually taking place in the Spring, is a peek into the window of funeral service for those looking to make a career in funeral service. Other avenues of support offered would be help with resume review, the ability to place a classified ad for job placement and Q&A Zoom sessions.
• The Officers and Executive Director have had discussions with the deans of the four New York State Mortuary Schools to consolidate the curriculum and to allow more students the ability to sit for the boards instead of delaying the opportunity to move forward. Enrollment at mortuary schools has been constant and even growing, passing the boards and starting a residency has been an issue NYSFDA is working hard to remedy.

When we gather with our families this holiday season some of this information can be shared. An alarming trend can be discussed with family members: a study found 9% of student enrollment in mortuary schools is for legacy students. While the information above isn’t going to turn that number around anytime soon, maybe sharing this information with family can act as a tool for them to explore or rethink a career in funeral service. Or, just letting them know these programs exists and they can reach out to staff at NYSFDA. I am not proposing a mass exodus of elves from the North Pole and leaving Santa Claus without any skilled workers. If any family member wants to pursue a career in funeral service, having this conversation with loved ones during these festive times might be the place to start. Having this information will help.

In closing, once again Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Bah Humbug, or whatever phrase brings a smile to your lips and may the joy of the season brings you some peace.

Yours truly,

John O. D’Arienzo