Leading the Way in Funeral Service Excellence

Fall 2012
Volume 12
Issue 2
Leading the Way in Funeral Service Excellence
Vertin Company
News and Notes is a
publication produced
in-house for our friends
and employees.
We welcome your
newsworthy articles
and photographs.
Please forward your
material to Leah@
vertin.com. If you
would like to nominate
a co-worker for the
Vertin Company
“Above and Beyond”
Employee Recognition
Award, please forward
your nomination to
[email protected].
All material submitted
is subject to review
according to timeliness
and applicability.
Vertin Company
501 Nebraska Avenue
Breckenridge, MN 56520
Phone: (218) 643-5595
Fax: (218) 643-3321
www.Vertin.com
BROOKFIELD, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association has announced
the names of the 164 funeral homes that have earned a 2012 Pursuit of Excellence
Award, according to a news release. The Award is presented annually to firms that have
demonstrated a commitment to raising the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering
to strict ethical and professional standards and providing outstanding service to families
and communities. A total of 166 firms submitted entries for consideration.
To earn an NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, a participating funeral home must meet
or exceed business standards set forth by the program and demonstrate proficiency in key
areas of funeral service, such as compliance with state and federal regulations; providing
ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering
outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level
of involvement within the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral
service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing,
advertising and public relations programs. Participants are also required to adhere to a
Pledge of Ethical Practices.
Award recipients will be honored on Oct. 8 at the All-Star Recognition Ceremony during
the 2012 NFDA International Convention & Expo. The 2012 NFDA Convention will take
place October 7-10 in Charlotte, N.C.
Created to recognize long-standing participation in the Pursuit of Excellence program and
a consistent display of service excellence, NFDA-member funeral homes are inducted into
the Hall of Excellence upon receiving their 10th Pursuit of Excellence Award. The 2012
class of NFDA Hall of Excellence inductees includes 22 funeral homes. We congratulate
two of our Vertin Family Funeral Homes for achieving this outstanding honor:
• Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge, Minn.
• Mattson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Forest Lake, Minn.
These are the Vertin firms who achieved the 2012 Pursuit of Excellence Award. We
appreciate your efforts and your dedication to this program. This award shines a light on
the wonderful service you provide to families in your communities and we are very proud
of you.
• Doyen-Abels Funeral Home, Wellsburg, Iowa
• Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, Minn.
• Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge, Minn.
• Mattson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Forest Lake, Minn.
• Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, Minn.
• Waid Funeral Home, Merrill, Wis.
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Snipping Tool
Submitted by Roberta Schreiber
Physical Assets, Vertin Company
“A really great tool I use,
that a lot of people don’t
know exists is “snipping
tool” on windows XP &
higher. If you aren’t
familiar with it, try it
sometime…it is a GREAT
feature! I use it a lot with
Bing maps, Google maps
& websites (when I want
a specific section of a web
page to print instead of all
the side menus & header).”
- Roberta
You can find the Snipping
Tool in the Start Menu under
the Accessories folder.
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 2
“Average?” or “Can’t Be Beat?”
Which One are You?
Posted to www.ConnectingDirectors.com by Coleen Ellis on Thursday, April 26, 2012.
While this article is a comparison between
two hotels, there is nothing to keep us from
applying the same principles to our funeral
homes and the guests (families) we serve.
This is exactly how “brands” are built!
It was just another week in a hotel. After a
while, they all do seem to run together. Not
counting the hotels that are a part of a travel
experience and are meant to be over-thetop, there are few that stand out from the
every-day run-of-the-mill hotel experiences
for a business traveler.
Anyway, it was just another week in a
hotel. This particular hotel, Average Hotel,
is in Anywhere City, USA. The hotel is a
name brand hotel, average priced. It’s a nice
hotel. They have a nice staff. My sleeping
needs are met. They have an average workout facility that suffices. Food is okay. Bar
is friendly.
However, it amazes me that with a little bit
of “oomph” they could be an “over-the-top”
hotel. There are certain things that stand
out, causing a customer like me to ask if they
really care. From the check-in experience
to the check-out experience, no one goes
out of their way to make a customer feel
good for spending their money there. Little
things like this,… after I’d completed my
room service meal, I set the tray outside
my door. The next morning, the tray was
still there when I know, for a fact, that two
employees had been by that empty tray
– one delivering my bill under the door
and another delivering the USA Today
paper. Really, no one could bend down,
pick up the tray, and do something “extra?”
Let’s take Hotel #2. An AbsolutelyAmazing-Hotel in Another City, USA. This
hotel is of exactly the same caliber in rankings
and price of Average Hotel. However, from
the minute I walked into THIS hotel, I knew
it was going to be “an experience!” The
front desk staff was incredibly friendly and
welcoming! I mean, I could tell they really
cared that I was there! A few stories stand
out,… After my first morning’s breakfast,
I had some fruit left-over and was going to
have it for part of my dinner that evening,…
upon returning to the room after a long day
of work, the front desk staff made mention
that the fruit had been put on ice to keep it
cold. (Mind you – this is not the same person
on the desk as when I’d left that morning.
They had actually COMMUNICATED to
each other about each guest and tidbits that
would be important for the entire morningto-night team to know!)
But, here’s the most amazing part of my
stay at this hotel: when I got into my room,
the towels had been artfully created into a
DOG! There on my bed was a “towel-dog”
positioned with his little towel-paw on a
book that I was reading!
When I went down to thank the staff for
making my day, it was the same guy who
had checked me in the night before. His
comment to me was heartwarming. He said
“I deducted from the name of your business
in your email address (Two Hearts Pet Loss
Center) that you probably liked animals. I
thought it might be perfect to welcome you
back tonight!”
Two hotels. The same price for a night’s
stay. The same core objective – to provide
a comfortable place to sleep. But not the
same overall objective. Average Hotel
never deviated off of a “comfortable place
to sleep.” An-Absolutely-Amazing-Hotel
deviated to be a place that people were
comfortable, a place where you felt like
people cared, a place where the staff clearly
loved what they did and felt empowered to
make guest’s stay as fabulous as they could,
and a place where every person on staff was
viewed and viewed themselves as owners.
Before leaving An-Absolutely-AmazingHotel, I spoke to the manager to find out his
secret to his incredible staff. He confirmed
it for me: “I empower them. I want them
(Continued on next page)
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 3
CONTINUED: “Average?” or “Can’t Be Beat?” Which One are You?
to feel like owners and know that they are responsible for
making a person’s day/stay! Then, they like to compare
stories on what they did to make a guest’s day. It’s infectious!”
Of course, I asked what I could do to help him with travel and
hotel reviews. He graciously handed me a pre-printed list
of places that were important to him for me to post to, from
social sites to travel sites. I couldn’t get to my computer fast
enough to type those reviews for him.
So, I look at the funeral industry. An industry where there’s
still chatter about how revenues are declining because of
cremation. An industry that’s competitive. An industry
where the families want to know that they are getting a value
for their dollar. And, an industry where we are continually
striving to provide death care experiences and rituals for
people when we live in a death-avoidant society.
I ask you,… what are you doing to be THE Absolutely-MostAmazing death care enterprise? Are you empowering yourself and your co-workers to make
each family comfortable?
To make each family member feel welcome and special?
Does each staff member treat your business like an owner?
Does the staff like to share stories internally about their
successes in WHAT really made a family’s experience
memorable?
Do they pick up the trash and debris around the property,
even though that’s “not their job?”
Are they perceptive enough to learn things about people –
without being told that information? (The towel-dog!)
These are only a few questions that you should be asking
yourself about your business. But, if you begin to address
these questions, and then let the next generation of questions
organically come to you, trust me, the revenues will take care
of themselves.
Because you will be able to count on a loyal customer, not just
a satisfied customer, like me to take care of your marketing
efforts as I shout it from the mountain-tops (or in our world
– the internet!) how awesome you are!
Vertin Company Announcements
Please help us welcome the following employees to the organization:
 Ron Grogan, Ryan Avison, Fred Nelson, all Funeral Directors, and Kim Congdon, Office Administrator
and Preneed Specialist at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, MT (March 2012)
 Jennifer Armendariz, Office Administrator at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, ND (April 2012)
 Whitney Hauschild, Intern Funeral Director and Office Administrator at Dobmeier Funeral Home,
Barnesville, MN (April 2012)
 Andrea Karels, Licensed Funeral Director at Kessler & Maguire Funeral Home, St. Paul, MN (May 2012)
 Lisa Leingang, Office Administrator at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck, ND (May 2012)
 Ryan Evans, Intern Funeral Director at Missoula Funeral Homes, Missoula, MT (June 2012)
 Ryan Hintz, Accounting at Vertin Company, Breckenridge, MN (June 2012)
 Erik Bergquist, Preplanning Specialist at Gillette Memorial Chapel and Walker Funeral Home, Gillette,
WY (June 2012)
 Lisa Sack, Office Administrator and Preneed Specialist at Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, MN (July 2012)
 Troy Boettcher, Paramedic at ASI, Breckenridge, MN (July 2012)  Brooke Sanders, Intern Funeral Director at Pedersen & Starbuck Funeral Homes, Morris, MN (July 2012)
 Shane Storm, Funeral Director at Eastgate & Parkway Funeral Home, Bismarck, ND (August 2012)
 MaryKay Bergeron, Intern Funeral Director at Mankato Area Funeral Homes (August 2012)
 Rudy Rivera, Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck, ND (August 2012)
 Nicholas Sellers, Live-in Student at Kessler & Maguire Funeral Home, St. Paul, MN (September 2012)
 Duane Morey, Funeral Director at Dobmeier Funeral Home (November 2012)
 Tyler Schwichtenberg, Intern at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home (January 2013)
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 4
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 5
Pre-Need Connection
Are You Becoming Referable
Quickly with Your New
Clients?
Submitted by Lori Perseke - Written by Bill Cates author of Get
More Referrals Now!
The faster you can build trust in your new relationships the
more likely they will choose to work with you, follow your
recommendations, and give you referrals. Of course, meeting
a new prospect through a referral allows you to come to this
new relationship at a higher level of trust from the get go.
Here’s an Effective Trust Builder
Early on in your new relationships - it can be the very first
appointment with a new prospect - talk about expectations.
There are many ways you can begin this short conversation.
You can say, “If you could build the perfect preplanning
consultant (or whatever term you choose to use), what
would be their characteristics? Should we work together (or
as we work together) what do you expect from me and our
communication?”
Or, you can say something like, “Imagine its three years from
now (or whatever time frame you choose). How will you
know we’ve been successful? What’s your measure of our
success working together?”
Two things come from this conversation:
1. You learn more about your prospect and client. You learn if
they have any unrealistic expectations. And you can tell them
what they can expect from you.
2. This is a trust building conversation. By demonstrating - in
a genuine way - you care about the future of the relationship,
you are building that all-important trust.
This simple conversation will help you convert a prospect into
a client, build client loyalty, and make you more referable.
Reprinted with permission. Bill Cates, author of Get More
Referrals Now! and Don’t Keep Me a Secret! (to be released in
Sept. by McGraw-Hill) published a weekly e-mail newsletter,
the Referral Minute.  To subscribe to the Referral Minute and
to take advantage of other free referral resources, visit Bill
online at www.ReferralCoach.com
Agents on Track
with their Year-to-Date Goal:
Karla Tukua, Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, MN
Ginger Paul, Eastgate & Parkway Funeral Service,
Bismarck, ND
Judy Hulterstrum, Ertl Funeral Home, Watkins, MN
Becky Schuster, Erikson-Vik Funeral Home, Fertile, MN
& Fredrikson Funeral Home, Ada, MN
Lori Pekol, Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville, WI
Erik Bergquist, Gillette Funeral Home & Walker Funeral
Home, Gillette, WY
Mary Machmueller-Gunther, Helke Funeral Home,
Wausau, WI
Judy Hulterstrum, Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home,
Litchfield, MN
Ann Deal, Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home,
Breckenridge, MN
Jade Petznick, Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, MN
Tammi Sannes, Myers Funeral Home, Linton, ND
Lois Peterson, Pedersen Funeral Home, Morris, MN &
Starbuck Funeral Home, Starbuck, MN
Lisa Sack, Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, MN
Ann Deal, Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND
Judy Plamann, Waid Funeral Home, Merrill, WI
Scott Huffman, Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, ND
“If your work is becoming
uninteresting, so are you.
Work is an inanimate thing
and can be made lively and
interesting only by injecting
yourself into it. Your job is
only as big as you are.”
-George C. Hubbs
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 6
The Boomers are coming - So what?
Submitted by John Harrigan, FDLIC Regional Sales Vice President
It seems everywhere we turn these
days there is another person talking
about the Baby Boomers. Another
article, another vendor, another
associate…. Some of you might
be wondering, “why all the fuss?”
You might be thinking as preneed
specialists/funeral directors/owners
you have another 10-15 years to
start really having to consider what
this could mean to your business.
Unfortunately, for those with that
mindset it’s time to wake up!
The Baby Boomers started turning 66 years old this year
which means they are in the sweet-spot of any pro-active
preneed program. And Baby Boomers are now arranging
their parents’ funerals. Many of you are already dealing with
them, but have not yet have wrapped your arms around how
these consumers are different. So, if you have not yet begun
to consider how your business might be impacted I highly
recommend you start. Why? I challenge you to consider one
man’s parallel:
In a recent article from Funeral Service Insider Ken
Gronbach, owner of KGC Direct and author of The Age
Curve, emphasizes that the death care profession can expect a
boom soon. In an email, he wrote, “The bottom line for your
industry is this: The good news is your business is going to
double over the next ten to fifteen years.” But he adds, “The
bad news is your business is going to double over the next ten
to fifteen years.” He compares funeral service to hardware
stores, which saw their business double when the boomers
aged into a demographic sweet spot. “But because they were
not ready, Home Depot and Lowes put them out of business.
Funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries are all at risk.”
He concludes, “Wait and see is not a plan.”
As someone at our office mentioned in response to this, wait
and see is actually a plan, just not a very good one. While
Gronbach’s words did make me pause to think, I’m not sure
we can really compare hardware stores to funeral service. For
many of us who are so busy the concept of a one stop shop to
accomplish multiple tasks creates a level of convenience that
is very attractive. And if it comes with at least a perceived
lower price with larger volume from the big box store the
appeal gets even stronger. If I can go to a large hardware store
primarily for some paint, but while I’m there I can pick up
some light bulbs, buy a new appliance, flowers for the garden,
and some new carpet PLUS get them all at a perceived lower
price then I might be willing to brave
the crowds, sometimes less than
stellar service, and lousy parking
for the convenience, money, and
time saved. I would suggest there
are far too many variables to create
an “apples to apples” comparison
between hardware stores and the
funeral industry.
Many funeral homes have begun
to adapt to busy consumers by
providing multiple products; all death care related. One
step into the exhibit hall of the NFDA convention this past
October and I was floored by all the offerings our industry
has come out with. That said, I don’t ever see a day when
I’ll go to the funeral home to plan a funeral and while I’m
there pick up some light bulbs. Still, I believe Gronbach does
provide a wake-up call that we all might want to take notice
of. The fact is a population boom is coming, and for preneed
it’s already here.
So, the million dollar question is, “Other than anticipating
more volume, what does a funeral home need to do?” While
there is no silver bullet answer for this, it is safe to say that
Baby Boomers have changed virtually every institution
they have encountered by their sheer strength in numbers.
It would be naïve to think they would not somehow change
ours as well. If you know the future and are reading this
you clearly are in the wrong industry. For the rest of us
we are left to try and make an educated guess of what the
future might look like, but in order to do so, we need to first
understand that Baby Boomers are more than just a large
segment of population. The fact that there will be 10,000
people turning age 65 for the next 18 years EVERY DAY is
somewhat daunting, but that only tells part of the story. Baby
Boomers are different than their parents and as a result buy
things from a different perspective. More than any previous
generation, Baby Boomers in general are: Better educated,
more skeptical, open to change, more technologically literate,
highly individualistic, and more discerning as customers.
Additionally, when compared to their parents, they are more
likely to have: Lived in multiple cities all over the nation,
been part of a blended or non-traditional family, come of age
during a time of financial stability, and seek flexibility.
So, now that we know some of the attributes used to describe
Baby Boomers what can we do about it? – Plenty! I’ll share
some suggestions that have been brought to my attention in
the next issue.
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 7
Breakfast Benefits Hospice
Program
Submitted by Bonnerup Funeral Service
On April 29th Bonnerup Funeral Service hosted a
pancake breakfast for Mayo Clinic Health System
in Albert Lea’s hospice program. A check for $3,000
was presented to Marcia Smith, Jackie Carstens
and the Rev. Richard Spande from hospice.
Bonnerup would like to say thank you to everyone
who came and made it such a big success.
Pictured from left are Connie VanRyswyk, Paula Wilson,
Brady Nelson (all three from Bonnerup Funeral Service),
Marcia Smith, Jackie Carstens and Richard Spande.
It’s Nice to Know
What We Do is
Appreciated.
On Monday, April 9, 2012, Garden City Funeral Home,
in Missoula, Montana, sponsored a luncheon to honor
local VSO’s (Veteran Service Organizations) in our town.
Included in the group was the American Legion, VFW
and our local Army National Guard Unit. The purpose of
the luncheon was to not only honor them for past service,
but to thank them for their continued commitment in
providing military honors, a task that often comes several
times per week.
In preparation for this event, we asked that VSO members
provide us with photos from their military careers. Their
response was excellent and we received hundreds of
photos spanning a variety of military settings and stories.
With many of their photos, we put together a tribute video
with a military theme overlay and patriotic music in the
background.
The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance and was
followed by a brief statement of appreciation from us as
a firm, but also, from us as members of a grateful nation.
We continued with a presentation to each attendee, a
lapel pin of a folded flag with the word “HONOR” below
it(available through Dodge).
The video was shown next which they truly enjoyed,
followed by a catered lunch by Famous Dave’s, in our
community room.
The simple event was well received and as one gentleman
put it, “It’s nice to know that what we do is appreciated”.
I can see this becoming an annual event. Not only is it a
great way to connect with our veterans, it was easy and
fun for the staff.
Wayne J. Benson, CFSP
Policy Board Rep, Montana
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 8
Cherish the Child - A Walk to Remember
Submitted by Robyn Plocher at Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home
Sixteen year old Andrew Sternhagen is a Jr. and an
athlete at Grundy Center High School playing on the
Spartan football, baseball and golf teams. However, on
Thursday, May 24th baseball was not Andrew’s highest
priority. Andrew made it clear to both his mom and his
coach that honoring the memory of his twin sister at
the Cherish the Child Event sponsored by Abels and
French-Hand Funeral Homes was the most important
thing he could do that evening. Anna Claryce Sternhagen
lived only a few hours after birth, but her family has
never forgotten the precious child they lost. Andrew
especially wonders what it would be like to have a twin
sister with whom he would celebrate every milestone of
his life and go to school every day. Would she also be an
athlete? Or would she be an artist, a dancer or a writer.
The death of a child at any age impacts the entire family,
and often the community at large. That was certainly
obvious as some 300 people from around the area turned
out to participate in the 3rd Annual Cherish the Child
Walk and Remembrance Service last Thursday evening.
Many of those folks came from the Dike-New Hartford
School District where two nine-year old students died in
2011. Community support for the student’s families was
obvious in the sea of blue shirts (Dike-NH school color)
and blue balloons chosen.
Stormy weather forced the event to be relocated to
Bethany Presbyterian Church and the walk itself to be
cancelled, but the weather could not dampen the spirit
of bittersweet celebration for the children whom we
have loved and lost. The evening began with a “picnic”
supper served in the church basement. Following the
meal attendees returned to the sanctuary where Pastor
Mike Campbell of Reinbeck and Grundy Center
First Presbyterian churches entertained with musical
selections performed on the piano. The Service of
Remembrance was the highlight of the evening. Funeral
Director, Rebecca Camp of Doyen-Abels Funeral Home
in Wellsburg offered a warm welcome. Pastor Bruce
Baillie of the Steamboat Rock Presbyterian Church
brought the invocation. Several guest speakers shared
messages of hope and remembrance. Dan McMartin,
whose brother Clinton died in 2010 reminded everyone
of the importance of doing something about the
unfinished acts and dreams of the child, sibling, cousin
or grandchild who has died. Dan stated, “We do not let
their death define us, but instead, we honor them daily
by continuing on and doing for them what they can no
longer do themselves. So that’s our challenge. That is
how we ‘Cherish the Children.’”
Special music for the service was provided by Robyn
Plocher, AfterCare Specialist for Abels and FrenchHand Funeral Homes, who sang and told the story of the
song It is Well With My Soul. The composer, Haratio
Spafford, was a wealthy Chicago attorney who suffered
a number of tragic losses, including the death of his
young son, the loss of significant real estate investments
in the Great Chicago Fire and the drowning of his four
daughters in a shipwreck that was supposed to be a
vacation and time of healing for the family. Spafford’s
Christian faith enabled him to stand strong and state that
even when “sorrows like sea billows roll” it is well and
there is peace for his soul.
(continued next page)
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 9
Continued...
Cherish the Child - A Walk to Remember
At the conclusion of the service a break in the weather made it
possible to go outdoors for the balloon release that means so much to
those who attend Cherish the Child. With the words of Josh Groban’s
To Where You Are echoing in their hearts the entire company lifted
up and released balloons on which appeared messages of love and
remembrance.
“Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon
tonight to see you smile, if only for while to know you’re there. A
breath away’s not far from where you are.”
The Cherish the Child Walk and Service of Remembrance is an
annual event created to provide a safe space and time for sharing
tears of love, stories of sorrow and hope and finding support among
those who truly understand because they have walked where you
are now walking. Anyone who wishes to learn how they can be
involved in next year’s Cherish the Child Event is encouraged to
contact Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home at (319) 824-3319.
Cherish the Child - A Walk to Remember
Submitted by Jeanne Putnam at Joseph Vertin & Sons
June 21st has been declared “Cherish The Child” day
in the twin towns of Breckenridge, MN and Wahpeton,
ND. This was our 3rd annual event with about 175
people participating in the special ceremony/walk to
remember our children who have been taken too soon.
The
Ceremony
consisted
of
parent/grandparent
speaking of their
perspective.
Special
music,
including “You Are
Alive In My Eyes”
which was written
by Dan Perry
and J.D. Buerkle,
exclusively
for
the Cherish The
Child event. We
were
honored
again with Patsy
Willemssen who
was the Master of
Ceremony, and her special music & equipment added to
our memorialable event.
In closing, Jeanne Putnam, Aftercare Specialist invited
all to follow the “Wings” Group to the nearby bridge, as
the names of the children we were remembering were
read off. Once we were all on the bridge, the balloons
were released. We all returned back to the Tom Richels
Park, (where the heart is) for root beer floats. Thanks to
Joseph Vertin & Sons, Vertin Munson Funeral Homes
& St. Francis Riveredge Hospice who sponsored the
event.
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 10
Photoshop Quick Tips
Submitted by Karisa Heinrich - Written by Ashton Pittman, eHow Contributor, last updated February 16, 2012
Photoshop is Adobe's shining gem in its software lineup.
Its popularity testifies to its versatile ability to cater to users
of all experience levels; Photoshop is not just for advanced
graphic designers, but for those with little to no experience
in graphic design. This brief article will provide beginners
and even seasoned users with useful tips and techniques to
boost results when using Photoshop.
that you would like it to imitate) and drag it across the
unwanted area. If you did it right, the spot should disappear.
Be warned, however, that using a diameter size that is too
large or dragging the brush too far may cause problems.
Blurred Dimensions
Making Adjustments
One of the most important things to do when using
Photoshop is to ensure that the images you are using look
their best. Go to the "Adjustments" option under "Image."
Here you will find a list of available adjustments you can
make. Pay special attention to the contrast, color balance,
brightness/contrast, exposure, shadow/highlight and hue/
saturation options. Just by simply playing around with
these options you can drastically alter your source image's
quality.
You can add dimension to a photo by using the blur tool.
Simply select the blur tool, set the strength to the level you
desire (the higher the strength the more blurry the image
will become). Then, click and drag the tool along the areas
of the image in the background that you would like to blur.
Not only will this add a greater sense of depth to the image,
but it will bring more attention to your image's focal point.
Blending In
Selective Tweaking
If you want to make adjustments to an image but don't
want these adjustments to affect the entire image, you can
select a specific area easily by using the lasso tool, the
rectangular selective marquee tool or the quick selection
tool. Once you have selected an area, you can make
adjustments that will affect that area only.
Spot Healing
If your photo has unwanted blemishes, scratches or glares,
the spot healing brush can be your best friend. First,
select the spot healing tool from the menu. Then, adjust
the diameter of the brush to the desired size. Position the
cursor just before the spot you want to fix (on an area
Blending two images together can produce astounding
results. In the source picture, an American flag was
blended into the sky overlooking Washington D.C. You
can do this with any two images of your choice, but it is
often best to choose images that will blend well together.
After opening your first image in Photoshop, copy the
other image (which should be as big or slightly larger than
the first image) and paste it on top of the first. This will
create a new layer. From the layer toolbox, select the layer
you just created and adjust its opacity so that it blends as
you want it to. Once you have done that, you can erase
any areas from the top layer that you don't want using the
eraser tool.
Advancing Further
By experimenting with these tips, combining the techniques
and with plenty of practice, you can learn many more
tricks of your own and greatly increase your Photoshop
skills. For Photoshoppers, there are always new ideas to
explore and new twists that can be added to old tricks.
Read more: Photoshop Quick Tips | eHow.com http://
www.ehow.com/way_5149798_photoshop-quick-tips.
html#ixzz1uaGpuFIW
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 11
Thumbs Up! Comments
Brady Nelson & Staff
Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service, Albert Lea, MN
We were very satisfied with the assistance we received for
our mother’s celebration of life. We used your facilities for
the service and reception. The Albert Lea area was where
our family was born and raised, even though many of us
have moved away. Having your facility available allowed
us to ‘celebrate’ Mom’s passing with extended family and
friends at a home location. Thank you!
Scott Huffman & Staff
Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, ND
Scott was very professional and never pushed anything
onto us. He was very informative in our time of grief.
They were great with me and my granddaughters. The
funeral directors treated us with the utmost respect and
dignity in our situation.
Laura Jacobson and Jim Bredman & Staff
Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home,
Crookston, MN
They couldn’t have been more supporting
and comforting. We are fortunate to
have such a caring funeral home in
Crookston and the new staff is just as
great as Jim.
Shawn Nygaard & Staff
David-Donehower Funeral &
Cremation Service, Detroit Lakes,
MN
Shawn Nygaard is in the right
profession. He was courteous, attentive,
and sensitive to family needs. We were
very happy with the David-Donehower staff
and facility.
Steve Nelson & Staff
Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home & Cremation
Service, Litchfield, MN
We were extremely satisfied. They have my high
recommendation for others to select this funeral home.
The staff exceeded my expectations regarding the services
provided; exemplary professionalism.
Mike Shea & Staff
Kok Funeral Home, St. Paul Park, MN
I can’t tell you how cared for and supported we felt. My
husband died in 1999 and the funeral experience was
not good. This is how grief and burial/goodbye should
be handled…gently, with open ears, open hearts. The
accommodations for the family were comfortable, the
assortment of caskets, urns, etc. was just enough to be
thorough, but not overwhelming. Mike and Lara came
to the church to make sure everything went smoothly.
For part of this (and at the visitation), Mike had to leave,
but another gentleman filled in. He was helpful and
accommodating, but I’m sorry, I don’t remember his name.
Our whole family felt this was a very positive experience
and would use Kok again. I forgot to mention how much
we appreciated the tree seedling. Thanks again!
Jason Worman & Staff
Garden City Funeral Home, Missoula, MT
Jason did an exceptional job guiding us through the process
and making clear, good choices for us to make decisions.
His personal care was truly appreciated. There were
actually two services and both were just as we hoped.
Jason knew my mother and truly worked hard,
both for us and for her as well. He kept
our interests always at the forefront
and it meant very much to us all.
Mark Erickson & Staff
Cremation and Burial Society of
the Rockies, Missoula, MT
Extremely satisfied. Mark
was helpful, knowledgeable,
sensitive and made what could
have been a very difficult
time much easier to deal with.
Karen as well was very helpful.
I was completely satisfied with
the experience and have shared
that with others. Mark and Karen
represent your company very well and
are true assets to the business.
John DeLaporte & Staff
Helke Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Wausau, WI
This funeral was pre-arranged about 6 years prior to death.
Everything was done with compassion and dignity. Helke’s
needed to come to Sturgeon Bay to pick up the body
because of funerals at this funeral home. I only found out
about that later. Everything went so smoothly, and the staff
worked with all of the deaf people who attended. Mom was
a foster mother to 34 deaf children. My father’s funeral
was at Helke’s. We believe preplanning is beneficial. My
mother got everything she wanted.
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 12
Thumbs Up! Comments
Tim Brekke & Staff
Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville, WI
I can’t tell you how kind and wonderful Tim was. Beyond
wonderful!!
Doyle Gylten & Staff
Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge, MN
We have worked with Joseph Vertin & Sons several times.
Doyle was so helpful and we really appreciate his attention
to detail and suggestions. Everything was wonderful and
we were very pleased. We are not the easiest family to
deal with. Doyle’s professionalism and sensitivity really
helped make this whole experience so much better than
expected.
Kari Eberhardt & Staff
Mattson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Forest
Lake, MN
Kari was extremely helpful, considerate, and
accommodating. The experience went along seamlessly.
We did not have to hardly make any changes. Any that
were, were completed instantly as if we had done it
ourselves. Our family was very pleased with the entire
experience. We appreciated the attention to detail and
the professional demeanor of the staff, but courteous and
sensitive as well!
Rick Walter & Staff
Garden City Funeral Home, Missoula, MT
I was very satisfied with Rick Walter. He was very pleasant,
helpful, accommodating and easy to work with. I can think
of nothing to improve their services or change. Everything
Have a Damaged Key
Fob or Remote?
Submitted by Roberta Schreiber
Physical Assets, Vertin Company
Did you know that it can cost $250 and
up to replace an integrated fob/key?
There have been some issues in the past
with funeral homes purchasing new
keys because the eyelet was broken off.
There is another solution (see images
below).
Contact Roberta by calling (218) 6435595 or email: [email protected] to
order a “remote tote”.
was very well done. The funeral home is beautiful and the
lunch room and kitchen is very, very nice. It is nice to have
more parking.
Bob Eastgate & Staff
Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck, ND
Bob Eastgate and staff went above and beyond all
expectations in helping to make this a memorable service.
Helpful service getting flowers delivered to our home.
Follow-up call to remind us of personal article left at
funeral was appreciated.
Andrea Karels & Staff
Ramsey County Cremation Service, St. Paul, MN
We were completely satisfied. Andrea was excellent. She
was the one who made it so nice. Many people commented
on how nice it was.
Rob Broderick & Staff
Spencer-Owen Funeral Home, Winnebago, MN
I had a lot of questions and Rob took the time to explain
the answers in detail. He called us with updates regarding
what was going to be done with our loved one. Rob was
very helpful during this stressful time. I think everyone
should have a preplanned and pre-financed funeral. Rob is
very organized and went by our wishes. Rob is very good
to work with and helpful and made good suggestions.
Steve Anderson & Staff
Miller Funeral Home, Fridley, MN
Very satisfied. Steve is very good with people, very helpful,
and goes out of his way to make one feel better.
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 13
Doyen-Abels Funeral Home Makes Interior Improvements
Doyen-Abels Funeral Home, Wellsburg’s local funeral
provider, is pleased to announce the completion of several
interior improvements. The majority of the work was done to
increase and enhance the spaces available for family use.
Formerly, the funeral home included funeral director’s living
quarters that were no longer occupied. The recent renovations
have expanded into those areas and now include a new
arrangement conference room and family lounge areas that
are more private and separate from the chapel space. The
additional space now also allows more flexibility for assisting
families with pre-arrangements, and purchasing monuments
and markers.
Rebecca Camp, funeral director, states “Our first priority
is always service to families. As a longstanding, reputable
business in Wellsburg, we wanted to reinvest in improvements
to our funeral home that would serve families for many years
to come.” Although Camp lives in Grundy Center with her
daughter and husband, William, also a funeral director at
Engelkes-Abels, she serves in Wellsburg and enjoys being
involved in the community. “I love this town”, states Camp,
“and I believe every community should have a funeral home
where friends and family can gather during a loss. I’m so happy
with our remodeling. I think people will really appreciate the
changes.”
In addition to expanding the floor plan, the interior work involved
new carpeting, neutral paint, and new, comfortable furniture.
Warm decorative accents enhance the space throughout. In the
coming months of nicer weather, several exterior projects will
also be completed, including a new front door.
Camp encourages people to stop in to visit and to tour the
new spaces. For questions or more information, please call the
funeral home at 641-869-3336.
Two Participate in National Mentoring Program
Misty Echevarria, Sunset Funeral Home, Missoula, MT and Andrew Yaggie, Glende-Nilson Funeral Home & Cremation
Service, Fergus Falls, MN were two of 50 funeral directors nationwide selected to participate in the National Funeral Directors
Association’s (NFDA) Meet the Mentors program. Meet the Mentors is supported by the Funeral Service Foundation.
Meet the Mentors, which took place August 27-28 at the Harvard Faculty Club in Cambridge, Mass., brought young funeral
professionals together to learn from three of the country’s leading funeral directors and network with like-minded peers. During
the program, each mentor gave a presentation in which they shared lessons they have learned about how to build a successful
and fulfilling career in funeral service. After the presentations, there was a panel discussion and then the mentees broke into
groups to personally interact with each mentor.
More information about the NFDA Meet the Mentors program can be found on the NFDA website, www.nfda.org/mentors.
Left to right: Bob Biggins, CFSP, CPC,
Christie C. Whitaker, MSW, CFSP, Andrew Yaggie,
and John Horan, CFSP
Misty Echevarria and Andrew Yaggie
Volume 12 • Issue 2
Vertin Company News and Notes
Page 14
Malware and old versions of Java or Flash
Submitted by Digital Guru
One of the most common ways for malware to get onto
your computer lately is by exploiting an old version of Java
or Flash. Most people do not install updates for things like
Java or Flash when their computer prompts them about
it, and hackers use vulnerabilities in these older browser
plug-ins as a way to install malware on your computer. It
is very important to make sure your plugins are up to date,
particularly Java and Flash.
To check if Java is up to date on your computer, visit this
webpage:
http://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp
you are not paying attention. When you install a program,
pay attention! Read what it is asking you before you click
next. Often there is a box you need to UN-check saying you
do not want the Bing toolbar or the Ask toolbar or some
other program on your computer. You don’t need to actually
read the entire license agreement for the software before
you say you accept it, but DO read the dialog boxes asking
you yes or no questions or giving you multiple things to
select. Spending an extra couple minutes reading these
things will result in you not getting extra “junk” software
on your computer slowing it down.
And to check if Flash is up to date, visit this webpage:
http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
If your version of either plugin is out of date, you should
immediately update to the most recent version or contact
Digital Guru for assistance installing the update.
Please be aware that free programs like Java often try to
sneak in other software during install. This applies to all
software you install on your computer, not just things like
Java. For example, you may get a browser toolbar or some
other program on your computer that you do not want if
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