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Funeral Consumers Alliance of Western Massachusetts P. O. Box 994 Greenfield, MA 01302-0994 (413) 774-2320 fcawmnewmail@FuneralConsumersWMass.org www.FuneralConsumersWMass.org October 2009 Dear FCA of Western Massachusetts Members and visitors to our website, This fall marks our 50th anniversary as a provider of objective information on funeral and memorial planning to the community of Western Massachusetts. We are proud of the work this organization has done. As a member of FCAWM, whether you joined recently or have been around since we first incorporated as the Springfield Memorial Society, you know that it can be difficult to find the information and resources we provide. You understand the importance of ensuring that reasonably priced and honestly sold funeral options remain available. Yet—in spite of our fifty years of service—we find that a lack of new volunteers has made our current structure unsustainable. With heavy hearts, we must tell you that without an immediate infusion of volunteer energy, FCAWM will have to close its doors. But this affiliate has survived a near-death experience before, and it can be revived this time too! The good news is that it is much easier to keep an affiliate going than to start a new one from scratch. We already have a bank account, a post office box, a website filled with information and links, and much more. We are registered as a non-profit organization with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Surely there are ten of you, among a membership of nearly 650, who appreciate what this FCA affiliate can do for you and the public, and who would like to help usher it into its second fifty years! Some may wish to become board members, while others will prefer not to. Either way, your talents and skills are needed now. Might you respond to consumer inquiries? do public speaking? edit a newsletter? keep an eye on how consumers are treated? It is unlike any other volunteer work you’ll do. You’ll feel good knowing you’re helping people, and—believe it or not—it’s great fun too! Nor will you be alone—you’ll have support from continuing and outgoing board members, as well as the staff at the national office. We are convening a special meeting for you at 1:00 p.m. on October 25, ahead of the annual meeting program on home funerals at 2:00 p.m. This special meeting will be our opportunity to discuss the future of our affiliate, and how we wish to proceed. Please contact us via Carol Coan at (413) 774-2320 or e mail us with any questions about how you might help this organization continue into the future or to offer your help. And/or bring your ideas and energy to the special 1:00 meeting, October 25, at Rockridge Retirement Community. We’ll have a lot to talk about. We look forward to seeing you then! Sincerely, Doug Barnshaw, Vice President, FCAWM Carol Coan, Trustee, FCAWM |