A New Twist on the Final Resting Place

As you may or may not know, cremation is on the rise. According to the Cremation Association of North America, the percentage of people choosing cremation has gone from 5% in 1970 to 60% in 2023. The demand just keeps increasing. A part of what comes with this is people needing to decide on final resting spots for those cremains.

Of course, there are traditional answers to every question. For instance, the team here at Toledo Memorial Park can easily help with setting up final resting for your loved one who has chosen cremation. Reach out for cremation information any time. But, like any topic, there are unusual alternatives out there.

This story from KVPR dives into the idea of the final frontier—space—as a final resting place. While this might seem a little wild, with the commercialization of space, the idea is now possible. For some people, this is no different than scattering ashes in special places around the globe for their loved ones.

Whether you’re looking for something more traditional for your loved one or you think they might appreciate a little adventure in the afterlife, there’s an option for everyone.

Learn more about scattering ashes from our previous blog on the topic.

Reflections Garden Pet Cemetery Offers a Permanent, Caring Resting Place for Pets

Choosing a final resting place for a beloved pet is an important decision. Considering a pet cemetery could be just what you need to honor the life and memories of your furry friends. Reflections Garden at Toledo Memorial Park is a beautiful example of a dedicated pet cemetery, designed specifically for those who wish to memorialize their pets in a serene and respectful setting. Here’s why opting for a pet cemetery like Reflections Garden can be a compassionate and lasting choice.

A Beautiful and Peaceful Space for Reflection

Reflections Garden provides a landscaped, tranquil space where you can visit and remember your pet. Nestled within the grounds of Toledo Memorial Park, this dedicated pet area features gentle pathways, flowers and benches. The peaceful setting offers a comforting space allowing you to feel close to your pet even after they’ve passed.

Professional Memorial Services

At Reflections Garden, pet owners have access to services that help make the process respectful and caring. With options for burial and personalized memorials, such as engraved plaques or stones, pet owners can create a tribute that reflects their pet’s personality and the joy they brought to their lives. This level of service adds a layer of dignity that brings peace during a difficult time.

A Lasting Legacy in a Permanent Location

Unlike at-home burials, a pet cemetery provides a permanent resting place, ensuring that the memorial can be visited for generations. This is especially meaningful for families who may move residences; having a dedicated space at Reflections Garden offers the assurance that their pet's memorial remains cared for and part of a community-oriented cemetery.

Community and Connection

Reflections Garden is a shared space where you will find comfort in knowing others have made similar choices. This sense of community fosters connection, as those grieving find solace in being among others who understand the unique bond between pets and owners.

If you are seeking a dignified, serene and supportive environment to honor a beloved pet, Reflections Garden at Toledo Memorial Park offers a timeless and comforting option. Contact us today.

From Grief to Grace: Finding help and hope through the paws of a therapy animal

Teddy at the Park office.

We’ve spent the past couple of months introducing everyone to our newest team member at the Park office. Teddy is an adorable golden doodle working toward an important job. He is currently going through obedience and service training. Once he’s ready, Teddy will be at the Park office and will be more than happy to provide support and love to anyone in need.

Animals can make a big impact when it comes to grief support. The comfort and feeling of companionship from an animal, even if it’s not your own pet, can do wonders for a person suffering a lost loved one. The simple silent companionship and comfort of an animal can often help people break through difficult emotional walls.

According to Husson University, therapy dogs reduce stress, help with anxiety and even assist in building social connections. They go on to say animal-assisted therapy helps with mental and physical health as well as skills assistance such as language and social skills. MDPI, an academic publisher, even takes it a step further saying that the simple act of petting a dog or cat can facilitate the release of hormones like oxytocin which is more commonly known as the “happy hormones.”

Teddy is not alone in his important work as a service animal. Bear, a black lab who works part-time at a funeral home does this exact type of work. He is available at the funeral home by request, in addition to doing other valuable animal service work in his community.

Once Teddy is a fully certified service dog, he will be able to provide support to people at hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers and, of course, the Park.

Growth in the Market: Continued Expansion of End-of-Life Options

It’s been nearly a year since we last talked about human composting and where the new end-of-life option is legal in the United States. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), nearly 70 percent of people surveyed are interested in exploring greener funeral options. This is from the 2024 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report. This continual increase in people interested in more sustainable options is important, so we will continue to revisit this topic as it becomes a more mainstream option that is available broadly.

As a quick refresher, environmentally sustainable deathcare is called Natural Organic Reduction (NOR). It is a process where the human body is encapsulated with alfalfa, straw and sawdust, and in approximately ten weeks, soil is created. Last time we discussed the topic it was legal in six states and now, about a year later, it’s legal in 12 states.

Anything new in any market takes time to gain hold. Even in states where NOR is legal, it might be a few years before that’s ready for the public. For instance, in California, the law was passed in 2022, but won’t take effect until 2027. It will also take time for providers to set up the logistics and equipment needed to make the process a reality for the masses.

In the meantime, we can be happy to see growth and evolution in our field. Your friends at Toledo Memorial Park are always ready to answer any questions you may have. Reach out today about the services we provide and helpful pre-planning options.

Cost Transparency and Why it Matters to You

The loss of a loved one is difficult. Full stop. It’s just a fact. Adding the costs associated with end-of-life services is an added layer of stress. Cost transparency is essential to helping people make reasonable and informed decisions during an otherwise emotionally heated period in life.

Unfortunately, there are many stories out there about all the things funeral service providers didn’t disclose or needs and options that weren’t shared up front. One grieving family member shares examples such as not being told she would need to pay extra for a vessel for her loved one’s ashes. Luckily, there has been a movement toward more openness in this area.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a funeral rule that requires funeral and end-of-life service providers to offer itemized pricing through a General Price List (GPL). Under this rule, service providers must provide this information clearly whether a request is made in person or over the phone. A recent undercover FTC phone sweep revealed providers may need a refresher on these seven compliance principles from the Funeral Rule.

1. Respond accurately when people call with price questions.

2. Don’t highlight only package prices.

3. In addition to providing information over the phone, you may supplement that information by sending people price lists or point them to price information available online.

4. Don’t require callers to give their names, addresses, or phone numbers.

5. Don’t misrepresent state or local laws or make other deceptive statements.

6. After-hours price information must be accurate.

7. Consult FTC resources to help comply with the law.

Cost transparency is important for several, very simple reasons:

• It gives consumers the ability to make choices that fit their needs AND their budget.

• It removes the risk of paying for unnecessary extras.

• It builds trust between funeral and end-of-life service providers and families which can lead to long-term relationships.

Compliance with this important FTC rule is good for all involved parties. It’s good for the reputation and longevity of service provider businesses and helps families feel at ease knowing they’ve gotten everything they need for a fair price.

Toledo Memorial Park to Host September 11th Ceremony

MEDIA ALERT
Sept. 3, 2024

Media Contact:
Sara Stacy on behalf of Image Focus: 
(313) 510-2775 or sarastacypr@gmail.com

What: Join Toledo Memorial Park President and CEO Jeff Glegg, City of Sylvania Mayor Graig Stough and Chief Chris Nye of the Sylvania Township Fire Department as they lead a ceremony honoring first responders and the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Significance: News media and members of the community are invited to attend this ceremony. “Toledo Memorial Park makes an effort to honor veterans and first responders every day,” said Jeff Clegg, president and CEO of the Park. “The 911 First Responders Memorial at the Park serves as an auspicious location for this ceremony and is a constant and important reminder of first responders’ commitment and sacrifice each and every day.”

When: Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 9 a.m.

Where: Toledo Memorial Park at the 911 First Responders Memorial in the northeast corner of the Park.

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Toledo Memorial Park

Established in 1922, Toledo Memorial Park is the area’s finest cemetery, with 380 beautiful acres of meadows, ponds, magnificent trees, flowering plants and sculptures all designed to celebrate the living beauty of nature. Our goal has been to create a peaceful retreat where generations can gather in beauty and tranquility to remember their loved ones. The non-sectarian, non-denominational, non-profit Park is solely owned by property owners who believe in family, choices and commitment. The Park includes a crematory, mausoleums, chapels, columbariums and burial sections accommodating both lawn level memorials and upright monuments and provides for all individual preferences including earth burial, mausoleum entombment, cremation and inurnment. For more information visit www.ToledoMemorialPark.com or call (419) 882-7151.

Rethinking Death: How Society’s Approach to Grief and Loss are Evolving

Change is good and healthy. Discussions about death are difficult, that part will never change. But the way we talk about it and embracing an openness on the subject can do wonders for how we process loss and move forward.

Emerging Trends:

Open dialogue:
Having an open line of communication about the loss of a loved one is healthy for everyone involved. Discuss the good, the bad and the sad. Long-time hospice chaplain, Meredith Wilson Parfet, says people are “more spiritual but less religious” nowadays. She goes on to say that perhaps the conversation isn’t happening more, but is happening in different places, such as social media, making the topic more accessible on a broad scale.

A Willingness to Preplan:
As people become more open to discussing end of life and loss, there is an equal openness to discussing plans, wants and needs for funeral and burial services. Preplanning funeral arrangements is a topic we talk about often on the Park Blog. There are so many benefits for you and for your family.

Other trends according to the article “5 Evolving Trends on End-of-Life Matters” include an importance placed on funerals by younger generations, increased comfort with the idea of death and communication about preferences for funeral arrangements.

Your friends at Toledo Memorial Park are always available and ready to help and answer questions. Feel free to contact us any time.

FREE Event: Toledo Memorial Park’s Annual Car Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2024

Media Contact:
Sara Stacy on behalf of Image Focus: 
(313) 510-2775 or sarastacypr@gmail.com

Sylvania, OH—Toledo Memorial Park (the Park) will hold their annual car show on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This fun family event benefits the Wreaths Across America program, led locally by your team at the Park.

            “I look forward to the car show every summer,” said Mel Harbaugh, local coordinator of Wreaths Across America. “We celebrate our community while giving back to those who served during this long-standing event.”

            Visitors can expect to see approximately three-to-four hundred unique and classic cars at the event along with food trucks, 50/50 drawings, door prizes and more.

            “The car show has been going for more than a decade, it’s a great bookend to summer here at the Park,” said Jeff Clegg, president of Toledo Memorial Park. “We love our Sylvania community, and the car show is a great example of our dedication to serving the community through events, fulfilling partnerships, supporting other community events and so much more.”

Upcoming Events:
Annual Car Show
Sunday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rain date: Sunday, Aug. 25.

Join the Park president, Jeff Clegg and Wreaths Across America local coordinator, Mel Harbaugh for this fun family event and show your support for the community and our local fallen heroes.

Ridin’ Late in County 48
Saturday, Aug. 24:
Slow ride: 8-10 p.m.
Afterparty: 10 p.m.-midnight
Register here

This family friendly slow bicycle ride under the night sky is on a carefully planned route that features neighborhoods, parks and even the Park. Toledo Memorial Park is a proud sponsor of this long-running 9-mile ride event.

Wreaths Across America
Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon

Remember the Fallen. . . Honor those who Serve. . . Teach our children the value of Freedom.

Experience a touching ceremony with wreath placement immediately following at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery and Mausoleum. This special event will remember and honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes.

Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or inviting your family and friends to attend with you.

Specific grave requests at the cemetery can be made by contacting the location coordinator, Mel Harbaugh, at 46elapid@gmail.com to help ensure wreath placement.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Sara Stacy on behalf of Image Focus: 
(313) 510-2775 or sarastacypr@gmail.com 

Toledo Memorial Park

Established in 1922, Toledo Memorial Park is the area’s finest cemetery, with 380 beautiful acres of meadows, ponds, magnificent trees, flowering plants and sculptures all designed to celebrate the living beauty of nature. Our goal has been to create a peaceful retreat where generations can gather in beauty and tranquility to remember their loved ones. The non-sectarian, non-denominational, non-profit Park is solely owned by property owners who believe in family, choices and commitment. The Park includes a crematory, mausoleums, chapels, columbariums and burial sections accommodating both lawn level memorials and upright monuments and provides for all individual preferences including earth burial, mausoleum entombment, cremation and inurnment. For more information visit www.ToledoMemorialPark.com or call (419) 882-7151.

A Field of Passion and Dedication: Find Fulfillment in the Death Care Workspace

While there may be a perceived air of sadness and darkness around the idea of the death care industry, what you’ll find if you ask those who work in the field is quite the opposite. This important service field consists of many types of jobs. From funeral directors, to embalmers, to counselors and more, you’ll find people who care and are fulfilled by helping you and your family through a difficult time.

Abigail Price, a celebrant from the United Kingdom, says most people who inquire about her work say things like, “I don’t know how you do it.” But she goes on to say helping families is her favorite part of the job. She comments that they often find themselves laughing and happy together as they discuss precious memories of their loved one while planning a service.

Christa Ovenell, who decided to change her career path to the death care field at age 50, says, “The main reason I became a funeral director was to help people understand and deal with death & dying differently.” Ovenell embraces the ability to plan and prepare for death and feels education is the key to embracing this unavoidable part of life.

This is exactly what you will find locally when you work with Toledo Memorial Park (the Park). The team of professionals at the park are ready to help. They can answer your questions and connect you with the right people. Contact the Park today to discuss preplanning or to have any questions you may have answered.

Benefits of Prepaying Your Own Funeral

We discuss a lot of difficult topics surrounding death and dying on the Park blog. We’ve talked about pre-planning funeral arrangements before, but today we are diving a little deeper to talk about the benefits of prepaying for your own funeral.

Find your peace of mind

Like any big life event, a funeral is an important and auspicious day. If you have specific desires for the day, the best way to make that happen is to pre-plan and prepay. Making this decision gives you the opportunity to plan all of the details. Some people find this comforting and to be an act of taking care of their loved ones. The funeral providers you choose will carry out the proceedings exactly as you wish.

Simplify things for your family

Losing a loved one is already so hard. Moving right into planning funeral arrangements only adds to their stress and sadness. Prepaying your funeral costs removes this burden from your family. You are gifting them the time to grieve and support each other without trudging through the funeral planning process. They won’t have to make quick decisions and worry about the associated costs.

Avoid family disputes

Because of the heavy emotions that come with grief and loss, unwanted disputes can arise during the stressful planning process. With prepaid arrangements, there is no opportunity for disagreements about plans and money. The plans are clearly made, the family can focus on remembering the good times and start healing.

Financial stability

Prepaying now means the costs are covered by today’s price. Funeral costs increase with inflation, locking in now could save your family significant money. Connect with your financial advisor to discuss the different options available to you for prepaying, such as life insurance.  

Choosing to prepay for your funeral is a very practical decision. It’s becoming more common and people are talking about it, which helps. This decision makes financial sense, it’s helpful to your loved ones, it makes sure your wishes are honored and it can avoid added family stress and drama. If you have questions, the friendly staff at the Park can always help. Reach out today.