Feb. 14, 2018 "Female funeral directors changing the face of the industry": Today I found this article by Claire Floody in the Globe and Mail:
The funeral-service industry has long been a male domain, but times are changing. Currently, two colleges in Ontario offer funeral director programs – Collège Boréal in Sudbury and Humber College in Toronto – and an estimated 70 per cent to 80 per cent of students enrolled in those courses are women.
However, just because there are more women involved in the funeral profession, that doesn't mean they have more power. "I wouldn't necessarily say that the industry is female-dominated," says professor Michelle Clarke, co-ordinator of the funeral director program at Humber College. "It still tends to be mostly men in leadership positions."
But more women are stepping up these days.
Although the funeral-service industry has historically been male-dominated – largely because men were deemed more capable of handling the physical activity required in planning a funeral service – a new generation of women is rising to the challenge.
Four young women from Ogden Funeral Homes' share why they chose to work in funeral service.
Justine Dominique Johnson, 29
Justine Dominique Johnson, 29, is a funeral director at Ogden Funeral Homes. Ms. Johnson started at Ogden in 2014 as an intern and became a licensed funeral director in 2015.
Why funeral service?
Since she was a little girl, Ms. Johnson has been curious about what happens after someone passes away. Her interest was heightened once she completed the mandatory 40 hours of observation at a funeral home, which is part of the application process for the Humber College program.
Favourite part of the job
One of Ms. Johnson's favourite aspects of her job stems from the diverse Scarborough community in which she works. "You get to experience many of the traditions from other cultures," she says. "You meet so many different people, you help so many families."
Hardest part of the job
By necessity, Ms. Johnson had to overcome her own natural shyness after assuming the full duties of a funeral director. "I have never liked being the centre of attention, even in school or at parties. But this job requires so much public speaking and talking to strangers, and I know when I need to step up," she says.
Challenges and stereotypes
As a smaller woman, Ms. Johnson says her stature can occasionally be an issue in her daily work. "There is a lot of heavy lifting within this job," she says. Fortunately, there are mechanical lifts available when needed. Ms. Johnson also brushes off the stereotype of the dour funeral director that has long been perpetuated on TV and in movies. "A lot of people paint us as sombre," she says, "but we're really funny and warm people."
What would surprise people most about her job?
People regularly ask Ms. Johnson whether she experiences nightmares from working with the deceased. She admits she does have the occasional bad dream, but it's not the kind most people would expect.
"It's not about death, ghosts or dead bodies. But I do have nightmares about talking to strangers during such difficult times; I don't want to make a mistake, you can't redo a funeral."
Alyssa Komar, 24
Alyssa Komar, 24, is a funeral director at Ogden Funeral Homes. Ms. Komar started at Ogden in 2016 as an intern and became a licensed funeral director in 2017.
Why funeral service?
A psychology graduate from Western University, Ms. Komar studied to become a funeral director following her dissatisfaction with her own father's funeral. "I'm a natural perfectionist and when my dad died, there were a lot of things about his funeral that I didn't necessarily like," she says. "On my dad's prayer cards, the date of his death was wrong."
Favourite part of the job
Ms. Komar derives personal satisfaction from consulting closely with the deceased's family, both on the embalming process, which she describes as "artwork," and in helping to assure their late loved ones look the way they want them to look. "It's really beautiful in a weird way," she says. "You're front line for the family, you're there for everything they need."
Hardest part of the job
On occasion, Ms. Komar has to help plan a funeral for a person who has no family, which she finds difficult. "That's sad, because that's grandma, that's somebody's family member. It's really hard to understand and wrap my head around it."
Challenges and stereotypes
Ms. Komar does not hesitate when asked if the funeral industry presents challenges to women: "Absolutely, 110 per cent," she says. "Our industry is so traditionally run by men and they are old school. We need to wear heels and pantyhose, we need to wear a skirt, our hair needs to be done nicely … Is it fair that men can wear pants and comfy shoes all day when we're stuck wearing pantyhose and heels and a skirt?"
What would surprise people the most about her job?
Ms. Komar believes the general public has no perception of what funeral directors have to cope with on a regular basis. "Nobody really pays attention to what happens after death and I'm a firm believer that we need to take the taboo out of death," she says.
Iris Ordonez, 19
Iris Ordonez has been a receptionist at Ogden Funeral Homes since late 2017. She plans to attend the funeral director program at Humber College in September, 2018.
Why funeral service?
Following the death of her great aunt, Ms. Ordonez set her sights firmly on the funeral-service industry. "It was this 'ah-ha' moment for me, that people actually do this for a living. I said, 'I can do this.'"
Favourite part of the job
Although she hasn't been in the funeral-service industry that long, Ms. Ordonez says her experience has already taught her to stop and smell the roses. "I appreciate life more because of where I work," she says. "You might think I would be depressed, but, no, I'm more eager to take on what the day has for me."
Hardest part of the job
Unavoidably, Ms. Ordonez says, there are days when the reality of dealing with life and death can take a toll. "I remember seeing a stillborn [baby] for the first time and nobody could talk to me for the rest of the day. But for every bad scenario, you know there is some kind of light at the end of it."
Challenges and stereotypes
Ms. Ordonez is a realist when it comes to physical strength. "I'm obviously not able to lift a 500-pound man the same way a man can," she says. "Realistically, with my height and my build, I just can't do that." She also suggests that unrealistic stereotypes of funeral directors are responsible for making some people uncomfortable with many aspects of the industry.
What would surprise people the most about her job?
"Funeral directors are the funniest people I know," Ms. Ordonez says. But, of course, there is a time and place for all forms of humour. "Everyone who works in the industry is here for a reason," she says. "The staff know when to laugh, and when to be serious."
Kennedy Bacher, 20
Kennedy Bacher is an intern at Ogden Funeral Homes who has almost completed the mandatory full year of internship. She is scheduled to write her funeral-board exam in May, 2018.
Why funeral service?
After studying psychology at university for a few months, Ms. Bacher shifted her career sights toward the funeral industry. "Funeral service has a lot of aspects that psychology does, such as helping other people," she says. "You are serving the community around you, it's an amazing thing to be part of."
Favourite part of the job
Working closely with the families of the deceased provides the source of Ms. Bacher's career satisfaction. "I can see how rewarding it is for more senior directors here, when they have families that come and thank them for all the amazing things they do."
Hardest part of the job
In Ms. Bacher's view, becoming a successful funeral director means maintaining good mental health. "Sometimes, we take things home that can be upsetting at the end of the day, we're just human like everybody else. Some days are just sadder and harder, but it's our job to put that aside, she says.
Challenges and stereotypes
Ms. Bacher is well aware of the challenges that exist for women in the funeral-service industry. For starters, many people are expecting a man when they show up to plan a loved one's funeral. "I know a lot of people don't really acknowledge women in the industry as much as they do men," she says.
And on occasion, age can also become a negative factor: "Getting people to take you seriously, especially because I am so young, is difficult. I got into this when I was 19, and I just turned 20, so, it's already hard to get some people to take me seriously."
And on occasion, age can also become a negative factor: "Getting people to take you seriously, especially because I am so young, is difficult. I got into this when I was 19, and I just turned 20, so, it's already hard to get some people to take me seriously."
What would surprise people most about her job
In a word: scope. Ms. Bacher has already learned that most of the general public have no idea about the details involved in planning a funeral – from the first phone call to the transportation of the deceased to the embalming and cosmetics – which becomes immediately evident when they show up to plan a service, almost all of which is handled by the funeral director.
"Most people know really nothing about funeral service, which is disheartening, because people need to be educated and everyone is going to come across it at one point in their life."
"Most people know really nothing about funeral service, which is disheartening, because people need to be educated and everyone is going to come across it at one point in their life."
Aug. 28, 2020 Death Cafe Edmonton Meetup: I emailed this article to Gina who is the organizer of this. She liked the article. I attended one event in Sept. 2019 and it was a positive experience. It was actually kind of fun.
https://www.meetup.com/Death-Cafe-Edmonton/
This week's theme is women in the workplace. (So was last week's):
"Only 62% of Canadians are comfortable with the idea of female CEOs"/ "Women still earning 24% less than men: survey"
http://badcb.blogspot.com/2020/09/only-62-of-canadians-are-comfortable.html
"Why 'Lean In'? It's time for Men to 'Lean Out'"/ "Where are all the female clean-tech entrepreneurs?"
http://badcb.blogspot.com/2020/09/why-lean-in-its-time-for-men-to-lean.html
My week:
Aug. 28, 2020 The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results Related Book - Illustrated, April 1, 2013
My opinion: I'm really good at prioritizing and doing one thing.
School: This was always the first and most important thing in my life.
High school: I never worked at a part-time job in high school because I was very focused on school. I had to put in like 20-25 hrs/ week on math homework with my sister tutoring me.
College:
Professional Writing in MacEwan: I was a full-time student, I didn't work at a part-time job either. This was in 2006-2008.
NAIT's Graphic Communications program: I worked 1 day a week at this place where I was a teacher's assistant. This was in 2004-2005.
I didn't graduate out of the 1 yr program, because I wasn't good at it. It had nothing to do with working 1 day a week.
MacEwan's Arts and Cultural Management program: I took 3 classes and I passed. I also had a part-time job at Call Centre #1. This was in Fall 2005. It wasn't hard or stressful.
Two of the classes I took went to my credits toward the Professional Writing diploma.
Working at a restaurant: I know about the customers are always the first priority.
Sept. 2, 2020 My writing career: I was putting all my time and effort into pitching my script to every TV production company in Canada. I passed my resumes to some TV production companies, and local newspapers and magazines.
My main goal was to be a TV writer and producer, so I didn't put as much effort into the other writing career activities.
https://www.the1thing.com/
Aug. 30, 2020 Reading: In Jul. 2020, I read 2 books. In Aug. 2020, I read 2 books. I usually read the newspaper, and now I read the news on the internet.
Sept. 2, 2020 My writing career: I was putting all my time and effort into pitching my script to every TV production company in Canada. I passed my resumes to some TV production companies, and local newspapers and magazines.
My main goal was to be a TV writer and producer, so I didn't put as much effort into the other writing career activities.
https://www.the1thing.com/
Aug. 30, 2020 Reading: In Jul. 2020, I read 2 books. In Aug. 2020, I read 2 books. I usually read the newspaper, and now I read the news on the internet.
I have more free time during the quarantine so I'm reading. However, I always like to check the business news first.
Sept. 1, 2020: I have found a website where I can get a big discount on those books I have read. Most of the books cost like $20-30. I can get them for $11-$15. You can email me if you want to get them.
I'm sure some of you guys are getting e-books to read.
‘Riverdale’s Marisol Nichols’ Wild Tale Of Becoming An Undercover Sex Trafficking Agent To Be Turned Into TV Series By Sony Pictures Television:
EXCLUSIVE: Over the past few years, Marisol Nichols has been juggling the demands of being an actor on series including Riverdale with a side gig as an undercover agent in the fight against sex trafficking.
The latter is now being turned into a television series after Sony Pictures Television optioned rights to her story.
Nichols, who plays Hermione Lodge on the CW series, revealed her unusual side hustle in a long-form story in May’s Marie Claire.
In the article, written by Erika Hayasaki, she revealed that for the past six years she has been hunting child sex predators. She has been working undercover with agents from the FBI, Operation Underground Railroad and local law enforcement to serve as the “bait” for sting operations domestically and internationally.
She has played the part of a parent pimping out a child, or, depending on what the situation calls for, the role of a child being pimped out to a guy who thinks he is about to have sex with a 12-year-old. Nichols, who is also set to star in Lionsgate’s Saw reboot Spiral next year, has participated in numerous child sex stings around the world over the last few years.
Having appeared in shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Law & Order: SVU, more than once playing a cop, she began to work in the world of human trafficking after her career slowed down around 2012.
She subsequently started a nonprofit, Foundation for a Slavery Free World, in 2014, and has regularly spoken publicly about the subject.
Her story as a Hollywood vigilante is now being adapted for the small screen. Sony Pictures Television is in the early stages of development of the project, which will see Nichols exec produce and likely star in the story.
My opinion: Wow, that sounds like an interesting job working for the FBI. That's good that she's working with them for this important cause of fighting against sex trafficking. This kind of reminds me of Dateline: To Catch a Predator. I will check out the pilot.
https://news.yahoo.com/porn-star-ron-jeremy-charged-173420615.html
Sept. 2, 2020 My opinion: When I first read this news, I was surprised. Then hours later, I was like: "A porn star is also a rapist. Is that so unbelievable?" I know you shouldn't generalize a group of people, and this is one individual.
Flashfood app: I was looking for a job and I found this where you can save money on your groceries and divert food waste:
Sept. 4, 2020 Once Upon a Time: In the middle of Aug. is when I'm running low on TV shows. I usually watch 2 hrs of TV a day, and then in the summer I watch 1 hr of TV. I then looked up and saw that this show is leaving Netflix in Sept. 2020.
I missed season 6 because my DVR was reset in summer 2017. I saved all the eps and only watched 2 eps.
I then watched 20 eps in a week. I watched 3 eps a day and I took break after each one to do something else. I only watched it in the afternoon after I did all my productive things in the morning.
Porn star Ron Jeremy charged with 20 more counts of sexual abuse in L.A. County:
L.A. County prosecutors filed 20 more counts of sexual assault and groping against Ron Jeremy on Monday — including an allegation of lewd conduct with a minor — after dozens of additional women contacted law enforcement following the adult film star's arrest in late June.
Jeremy — who pleaded not guilty in June to allegations that he sexually assaulted four women in West Hollywood — now faces 28 criminal counts in L.A. County, including five counts of rape and six counts of sexual battery, according to the district attorney's office.
The amended complaint was filed during a Monday morning court appearance to schedule Jeremy's preliminary hearing, said Ricardo Santiago, a spokesman for the county district attorney's office.
Jeremy was originally facing eight counts of sexual assault stemming from allegations made by four women related to attacks in West Hollywood between 2014 and 2019. But after his initial court appearance, dozens of other women came forward in California and throughout the U.S.
https://news.yahoo.com/porn-star-ron-jeremy-charged-173420615.html
Sept. 2, 2020 My opinion: When I first read this news, I was surprised. Then hours later, I was like: "A porn star is also a rapist. Is that so unbelievable?" I know you shouldn't generalize a group of people, and this is one individual.
Flashfood app: I was looking for a job and I found this where you can save money on your groceries and divert food waste:
Hey savvy shopper, want to save money on your groceries?
First, use the free app to quickly and easily find discounted food from wherever you are.
Browse deals of up to 50% off at a grocery store location near you.
See Locations >
Choose your discounted food items.
Pay right in the app using any major credit card or Visa debit card.
I missed season 6 because my DVR was reset in summer 2017. I saved all the eps and only watched 2 eps.
I then watched 20 eps in a week. I watched 3 eps a day and I took break after each one to do something else. I only watched it in the afternoon after I did all my productive things in the morning.
Riverdale: I also watched an ep that I missed this season. It wasn't saved onto my DVR because there was to a limit and though it was series recorded, it didn't save.
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