Funerals Today

Inspiration
Contents
5 - Editors Note
6 - Cultivate A Successful Mind-set
8 - The Helping Hurting Hearts Network
10 - The Art of Restoring The Dead
12 - The Warner Funeral Home
14 - Funeral Facts
16 - Judge Earlene Green
17 - 7 Ways To Live To 100
18 - The Cremation Process
20 - Healthy Living
22 - Direct Sales Opportunity
24 - Love On The Avenue
26 - Repast Recipe
28 - Last Will And Testament
30 - The Person I Long To Be
 Funerals Today
Funeral Industry Insider

Published In the United States Of America

Article By
Yvonne Haughton
Founder/Director
For My Daughter Library
www.ForMyDaughterLibrary.org

Articles By
Michelle Koonce
Robin Trample
Muneerah N. Warner

Funerals Today Magazine, Inc.

Post Office Box 3997
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146
www.FuneralsTodayMag.com
info@funeralstodaymag.com
1-888-414-5145

The Warner Funeral Home

Muneerah N. Warner
Funeral Director, Supervisor
2534 North 22nd Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19132
215-226-2594

The views and opinions of those featured in Funerals Today do not neces-
sarily represent the Warner Funeral Home and Funerals Today Magazine

Copyright 2009
All Rights Reserved

Eternal Enterprises, Inc

www.EternalEnterprisesInc.com
 Inspiration
Issue

This issue is truly an inspiration. It’s packed with encouragement, career opportunities,
how-to advice and of course an inside look at the funeral industry. Inspiration is something
you need every day. You need it because it helps you learn and grow. It makes you curious
and interested in learning more about a particular subject. When you hear about something
new or unusual you always take a step closer to see what’s inside. Sometimes what you find
is good and sometimes it’s bad, but once you’ve taken a peek it’s sure to inspire you. You hear
a new beat and you turn up the music a notch. Maybe you hear a conversation and you tune
in a little closer. Maybe it will inspire you to make a change or do something new. It’s called
inspiration. Funerals Today Magazine is not only about death but it inspires you to have
life. A strong, healthy, good life. Be inspired as you flip through the pages of this summer
inspiration issue.

Muneerah N. Warner

Funeral Director
Publisher, Funerals Today

Sometimes your joy is the source of your

smile, but sometimes your smile can be the
source of your joy.

Thich Nhat Hanh

5
3 Reasons To Cultivate A Success Mind-set
Have you heard the statement: “success is a state of mind?” Have you ever won-
dered how two people can attempt the same objective in the same way and
only one of them succeed? Why is this? Timing? Tenacity? More often than
not, it’s a person’s mind-set that determines whether they fail or succeed.

What is a mind-set?

A mind-set, in decision theory and general systems theory, refers to a set of assumptions,
methods or notations held by one or more people or groups of people which is so established
that it creates a powerful incentive within these people or groups to continue to adopt or
accept prior behaviors, choices, or tools. This phenomenon of cognitive bias is also some-
times described as mental inertia, “groupthink “, or a “paradigm “, and it is often difficult
to counteract its effects upon analysis and decision making processes resource: wikepedia

But how exactly does this work? Why is a success mind-set so important? There are three
big reasons:

1) A success mind-set boosts your confidence and self-belief.

A lack of belief in yourself usually comes along with a sense of powerless-

ness and futility, which is the exact opposite of a success mind-set. Lack of con-
fidence means you see no point in trying to be successful because it won’t hap-
pen anyway. Obviously, this type of mind-set is a recipe for failure in any endeavor.

Having a true success mind-set, on the other hand, means you believe in yourself and your
capabilities. You believe you can succeed at nearly anything you try, and you’re willing to
give it your best shot. Even better, the more you do try, the more confidence and self-belief
you build - until you’re virtually unstoppable!

2) A success mind-set strengthens your determination.

Without a success mind-set, one failure is enough to convince you that pursu-
ing your goals is a waste of time. Tenacity and determination don’t exist in your world.
If you don’t become a raging success the first time you try, you surmise that it sim-
ply wasn’t meant to be. Unfortunately, few things worth having are obtained so easily!
 Robin Trample
A success mind-set, however, strengthens your awareness that a failure is not the end of
the story - it’s just one more way that didn’t work out the way you planned. In fact, a true
success mind-set makes it obvious that the only true failure occurs when you stop trying.

3) A success mind-set encourages fruitful actions.

Have you ever found yourself wandering in circles because you didn’t know the best way to
approach a specific goal? Perhaps you had an idea of the best course of action but you felt
intimidated by some of the action steps required. As a result, you may have kept sabotag-
ing your efforts as you searched in vain for an easier or less frightening way to your goal.

With a true success mind-set, you’ll always know the most effective action steps that will
lead directly to your goal. As already discussed, you’ll also have the inner confidence and
determination to pursue them - which is a sure recipe for . . . you guessed it; success!

If I had to sum up how to develop a success mind-set into as few words as possible, I’d say
this:
- Surround yourself with like-minded people
- Connect with accountability partner (i.e. coach,mentor,trainer)
- Go for your dreams.
- Think positively.
- Believe in yourself.
- Believe you can do better.
- Learn, grow and develop yourself.
- Be willing to take chances.
- Give it your all.
- Expect the best in every situation.
- Be willing to fail.
- When you fall down, get back up and try again.

A success mind set will enhance your personal/spiritual and business growth plan..

Request your free access to my ezine for savvy entrepreneurial women “Highlights of Empowerment and Total
Wellness.”http://www.robintramble.com/EmpowermentC.html
Robin Tramble a Life/Marriage Empowerment Mentor/Trainer/Coach is passionate about empowering women to
live their best empowered life “Spirit, Soul and Body.”
7
8
 The Helping Hurting Hearts
Network
The Helping Hurting Hearts Network consists of a group
of businesses and services that will assist you during and
after your time a grief. Our services range from getting
life insurance to finding a new home once your loved one
has passed on. Please feel free to contact anyone in
our Network directly because we are able and available
to meet your every need.

www.HelpingHurtingHearts.net
The Art of Restoring the Dead
Restorative Art is the However, having a
viewing should always
reconstruction of any
be an option.
feature of the human
body to a more lifelike
During the process of re-
appearance. A funeral
storative art the funeral
director or embalmer
director or embalmer
views the deceased,
may use chemicals and
and decides whether
instruments to either
the deceased is able to
make small changes or
be viewed. The cause
to do major reconstruc-
of death plays role in
tion.
determining whether
a viewing is acceptable
For example if a per-
or not. In most cas-
son has been in a major
es, a professional can
car accident, their entire
be called-in to recon-
face may need to be re-
struct the deceased if
moved and that is when
the family so desires.
restorative art can begin.
Restorative art can last
Restorative Art involves
anywhere from a matter
the reconstruction of
of minutes to days.
mainly the Facial fea-
tures to a more natural
If a family wishes for
and acceptable form
these techniques not to
for the family to view.
be performed they can
choose a closed casket
Death may have ac-
service or cremation.
crued due to an acci-
However, most families
dent, homicide or dis-
need to see their loved
ease.
one one last time.
10
The Warner Funeral Home
Muneerah N. Warner
Funeral Director

Now An authorized headstone dealer

*One funeral home meeting All of your needs*

Special Services May include:

Memorial Jewelry
Plaques
Beautiful Memorial Blankets
Glass Tears
Memorial T-shirts
Large Variety of Caskets and Urns
Gold, Silver and Platinum Fingerprint Keepsakes

2534 North 22nd Street -Philadelphia, PA 19132

215-226-2594 * www.TheWarnerFuneralHome.com

Let Us Serve You...

12
Warner Funeral Home
Philadelphia, PA
215-226-2594
Funeral Facts!
* The word Casket originated from the
words jewelry box!

* The word Procession actually means

funeral!

* A Repast doesn’t necessarily involve

eating a meal after a funeral, it can be
just a simple gathering!

* Flowers were brought to funerals

by guests to mask smells. Now flowers
are brought to celebrate the dead and
bring life to the funeral!

SURPRISE!
SURPRISE!

14
 !
 Judge Earlene Green
Philadelphia Traffic Court Judge

Experience
Judge of the Philadelphia Traffic Court
2004 to Present
20 Year Professional History in Social Work
Administration and Counseling
30 Year Community Advocate, Educator, and
Organizer

Education
Master of Social Work, Temple University
1989
Bachelor of Social Work, Temple University
1988

Professional Memberships
Philadelphia Bar Association
National Bar Association Judicial Council,
Clifford Scott Green Chapter
National Bar Association

Personal
Married
Three Children
Two Grandchildren

VOTE November 3, 2009

Pick-up your copy of the Green

Times on September 8th, 2009

Visit www.RetainJudgeGreen.com

16
7 Ways to Live to 100
As seen on the Mike and Juliet Show on FOX

1. Floss Your Teeth - flossing your teeth leads to fewer bacteria in your
teeth and bacteria can lead to heart disease.

2. Get Married - studies show that men live longer if they get married
because they are taken care of by their spouse.

3. Live in the Mountains - there is more oxygen in the mountains

which leads to a good respiratory system. Carcinogens (cancer causing
agents) are also at a lower level in the mountains.

4. Don’t Retire - Being physically and mentally active increases your

chances of having a longer life.

5. Play Chess - playing chess provides mental exercise and makes you
less likely to get Alzheimer’s Disease.

6. Exercise - exercising decreases your chances of getting a disease

7. Eat Healthy - healthy eating habits decrease disease and increases

your chances of having a longer life.

www.FoxNews.com
 The Cremation Process

18
All cremations are performed individually. The crema-
tion process begins with the placement of the casket/
container or body in the cremation chamber where it’s
subjected to intense heat and flame reaching tempera-
tures between 1,400 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. All
substances are consumed except bone fragments and
any non-combustible materials, such as jewelry, dental
fillings, or prosthesis, that were not removed prior to
cremation as the temperature is not sufficient to con-
sume them.

During the cremation process, it may be necessary to

open the cremation chamber and reposition the de-
ceased in order to facilitate a complete and thorough
cremation.

The time for cremation to be completed varies with the

size and weight of each human remains, but usually
takes between 1 and 3 hours.

Following a cooling period, the cremated remains are

then swept or raked from the cremation chamber. Every
effort is made to remove all human remains. However, a
very small residue may remain in the cremation cham-
ber, resulting in incidental commingling with other cre-
mated remains they were previously cremated.

Once the bone fragments have been separated from the

other material, they may be further processed to reduce
the size of the bone fragments.

Cremated remains, depending on the bone structure of

the decedent, will weigh between two and ten pounds,
and are usually grayish-white in color.

The cremated remain may be placed in an urn if the

family chooses. If the family does not choose an urn the
crematory will place the remains in a container made
of plastic, metal, cardboard or wood. After this process
is complete the cremated remains will be return to the
family by an employee of the crematory or by the funeral
director.

For more information about cremation please visit www.

cremationassociation.org
Tennis * Soccer * Basketball * Running * Walking
Aerobics * Dancing* Yoga * Palates * Bicycling

20
healthy living
~exercise

Choose something you like to do. Make

sure it suits you physically, too. For instance,
swimming is easier on arthritic joints. Get a
partner. Exercising with a friend or relative
can make it more fun.

Vary your routine. You may be less likely to

get bored or injured if you change your exer-
cise routine. Walk one day. Bicycle the next.
Consider activities like dancing and racquet
sports, and even chores like vacuuming or
mowing the lawn.

Choose a comfortable time of day. Don’t

work out too soon after eating or when it’s
too hot or cold outside. Wait until later in
the day if you’re too stiff in the morning.
Don’t get discouraged. It can take weeks
or months before you notice some of the
changes from exercise, such as weight loss.

Forget “no pain, no gain.” While a little sore-

ness is normal after you first start exercising,
pain isn’t. Take a break if you hurt or if you
are injured.

Make exercise fun. Read, listen to music or

watch TV while riding a stationary bicycle,
for example. Find fun things to do, like tak-
ing a walk through the zoo. Go dancing.
Learn how to play a sport you enjoy, such as
tennis.
familydoctor.org
Direct Sales Opportunity
Direct sales can be a rewarding, life changing experience for someone looking to own their
own business and determine their own financial destiny. You can set your own schedule, be
your own boss, set your earning potential as high as you want, earn some fancy jewelry to wear
or a fancy car to drive. Not every company is created equally and there are some things you
should consider before spending money on something that turns out to be nothing more than a
scam.

*Let’s discuss a few things you should consider prior to signing your name on the dotted line
for any direct sales company.

Try Before You Buy

A person should make certain their money will be well invested on any business venture. If
you’ve tried the product you’ll be selling and like it then you’re off to a good start. If not, de-
termine why you are even thinking about selling the company’s products or services. Make sure
someone is not trying to coerce you into signing up just so they can make money themselves.
Never join just to help a friend or family member out if that’s your only reason for doing so.

Is Your Recruiter Actually Successful?

If your up line is successful and can prove it, the better your chances of your business being
profitable increases. Always look more than just one level up too. Even if the person recruiting
you isn’t making great money yet, there could be a reason, so don’t be afraid to ask the person
who signed them up for information too.

Research the Company Itself

You want to know the company you’ll be working for has been around and can make it the
long haul. New companies can be successful, but with direct sales companies constantly open-
ing and closing, you want to be sure you’re with a company that can withstand any hardships
that come with being the new kid on the block. Learn as much as you can about the company,
the owners and the sales reps before making your decision.
Show Me the Product
There are tons of direct sales companies who claim to sell products, but in all actuality they are
only selling an idea to make money owning your own business. Some of these companies do sell
a service, but the service itself is not worth selling, is simply a cover to hide the fact they are
actually just making money from the down lines, and honestly are just looking to make money
from those who don’t know any better.

Not every direct sales opportunity is right for everyone. You have to make sure you are joining
the right direct sales opportunity for your needs. It’s also important to make certain you aren’t
being swindled by some clever scheme where you’ll never make the money they promise. These
are just four of the most important things you’ll need to determine before you actually sign up
as a representative for a direct sales company. Learn as much as you can about every part of
the business before you commit to anything.

Michelle Koonce
Silpada Designs Independent Representative
484-898-4022 * michellekoonce@msn.com
View catalog: www.mysilpada.com/michelle.koonce

23
 Love on the Avenue...

I didn’t know Mom Crippens. Not really. I had seen her standing outside on 13th and
Girard Avenue, rain or shine, for more than a year; smiling and waving to passers by.

I had stopped to chat with her a few times as she stood out there next to her fold up
table, selling lemon cookies. She would laugh as I counted my change to see how many
cookies I could afford that day.

One chilly afternoon, as I passed by her table on my way to pick up my lunch, I stopped
to say hello and buy some more of her lemon cookies. I was sparsely dressed and shiver-
ing from the wind whipping around the corner. Mom Crippens asked me if I was cold. I
told her I was. I had just gotten over the flu and the feverish chill was still in my bones.

“Put on a hat child. Wrap up your neck. You ain’t nothing but a little bitty child. Cover
yourself up”, she told me as she pulled my collar up around my neck.

I buttoned the top button of my out of season spring coat and asked her if she ever got
cold working outside. She never said yes or no; she just reached out her soft, wrinkled
hand for me to feel. I gripped her hand in mine. It was ice cold. I told her she should
go inside and get warm.

She smiled at me, “Child, I do what I have to do. Now get your little bitty self a hat and
close up your neck”

As I walked away I heard her tell a passing teenager wearing a thin jacket, “Put some
clothes on. It’s cold out here.”

The next morning I was driving by and noticed for the first time that there was a building
behind her little table. There was a store window with a sign on the awning that read
“Moms Good Health.” I thought to myself, ‘I bet it’s warm in there. She really should go
inside.’

Two days later she was gone Mom Crippens, the nice lady who knew everyone, helped
everyone and smiled at a little bitty child with a thin coat, no hat and no scarf, had moved
on. As I looked at the empty spot where her table once stood I again thought to myself
that she should have gone inside.
When I got to work I listened to the neighborhood people talk about how much she had
done for others in her many years on Girard Avenue.

I thought, she really should have gone inside.

I watched as people from across the city, youth, elders, politi-

cians, neighbors, former strangers and long time friends all
went to her funeral to share the pain and loss of the cherished
elder and talk about how much her love would be missed.

I thought, really, she should have gone inside.

As I was putting on my warm coat, my new hat and new scarf

to head home from a day of work, I was still thinking about
the soft, wrinkled lady with the lemon cookies.

Really, I thought, she should have gone inside.

By the time I left the warm safety of the office and stepped outside into the chilly atmo-
sphere of the real world I realized I had been wrong.

Mom Crippens, the Mother of North Philadelphia, shouldn’t have gone inside. She
couldn’t. She couldn’t leave her guard post outside, in the real world, with her neigh-
borhood family. Why should she? Outside were the people who needed her. Life was
outside. She was part of the life outside on Girard Avenue. Like she said, she did what
she had to do.

Good-bye Mom Crippens. Thank you for caring about a little bitty child who needed your
protection. I hope Heaven is warm and that they give out lemon cookies.

Yvonne Haughton
Director
For My Daughter Library
director@formydaughterlibrary.org
www.formydaughterlibrary.org
267-795-7811

25
 Repast Recipe
Cherry Pie Overload

INGREDIENTS
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
4 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar
4 cups pitted cherries
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS
*Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
*Place bottom crust in pie pan. Set top crust aside, covered.
*In a large mixing bowl combine tapioca, salt, sugar, lots of
cherries and extracts. Let stand 15 minutes. Turn out into
bottom crust and dot with butter. Cover with top crust, flute
edges and cut vents in top. Place pie on a foil lined cookie
sheet --- in case of drips!
*Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden
brown.
27
28
A Will is a written or oral communication by a person stating
how they want their property disposed of at death. Before you
prepare a will, you should understand that all wills must meet
certain general requirements:

You must be 18 years of age or an emancipated minor.

You must be of sound mind:
A) Know what a Will is and what it does;
B) Understand the relationship between you and your immediate
family members;
C) Know what property you own;
D) Understand who the people are to whom you are leaving your be-
longings (who your beneficiaries are).
You must expressly state that this document is your Will.
You must sign and date the Will.
You must have the Will signed (“attested”) by at least two or three
witnesses – the number of required witnesses depends on state law. In
addition, many states require that the witnesses are not related to you
and are not beneficiaries.
You must have substantive provisions that:
A) Nominate a legal guardian for any minor children;
B) List who inherits specific items;
C) State what happens to remaining property (residue) not men-
tioned in the will.
You must appoint an executor who will be:
A) Responsible for supervising the distribution of property;
B) Responsible for paying all of your debts and taxes;

Since states differ in the types of will used; check with an attor-
ney to make sure the type of Will you are making is accepted in
your state if you are doing your own Will.

More information about Wills will be in the October Issue of Funeral Today
 The Person I Long To Be

The day light breaks again

Another day has begun.
But still no sleep has come.
My body is weary
My mind overworked.
I lie awake thinking
But what I am unsure.
I need to break free from the cycle I endure.
Everyday is the same and the nights are undistinguished.
I feel as though I am being pushed along with the tide
Unable to break free from the everyday flow.
This is not me I need to change, before time takes over
And I am unable to change.
I need to be freed from the grasp of ordinary
And become that person I have always longed for.
Express myself in every way, and conquer the dreams as I lie awake.
Then I may fall asleep and put my mind to rest.
Make changes in my life and help those in need.
I would like to touch everyone’s life in a positive way
And leave my mark on society before I fade away.
By Victoria A. Mogyorosi

30
 Thank You
For Reading
Funerals Today!

An Eternal Enterprise
Company
www.FuneralsTodayMag.com
www.EternalEnterprisesInc.com