Smoky Bob's Red-hot Chili and Funeral Parlor

"Are you crazy? I ain't goin' to no funeral parlor for supper."

"But, Ma, just think, while we're there we can make reservations for the grandkids to meet the Easter Bunny and a limo ride for yore folks' weddin' anniversary. One stop-shoppin.' Cain't git no easier than that."

"You're right, Pa. Let me get my sweater and Tums." *

One stop shopping is catching on. According the Berkshire Eagle of Pittsfield, MA, a funeral home is a living breathing thing and Terry Probst, the new managing partner, wants to "bring life" to the business.

The Devanny-Condron Funeral Home is now offering such services as:

ü chili cook-offs,

ü murder mystery shows,

ü visits from the Easter Bunny,

ü art walks, and

ü free birthday cakes each month for the Pittsfield Senior Center.

See original article at www.berkshireeagle.com/c1_4508911?source=most_viewed

Can you imagine turning your local funeral home into a community center? How do they schedule community events so they don't conflict with the bereaved attending visitation or even a funeral?

Perhaps that is the point. Instead of dainty tea sandwiches, tea and cookies, funeral homes can now offer much more. Your next sad visit to a loved one's funeral might go like this.

"Thank you for the beautiful flowers and coming to visitation, Sam. Donald would be so pleased to know that you are here. Please sign the guest book and get a bowl of chili on your way out. I hear the cornbread is fresh and hot and they serve real butter, not margarine."

Or you might encounter this situation.

"Jon, while the grandkids are hunting Easter eggs and stuffing themselves with chocolate, let's go inside and buy a pre-paid funeral."

"That's a good idea, Sue. While we're there let's make reservations for the mystery theater. Your birthday is coming up soon and I'd like to do something fun and different this year."

"Oh, thank you, Jon. I've been wanting to see what a murder-mystery dinner is like."

Another option might be this.

"Children, don't forget to ask your parents to sign your field trip permission slips. Next Tuesday we're going to do the art walk and lunch at the funeral home. We'll see copies of some famous artists."

I can't wait to see the next iteration of this trend. Possibly we'll be able to have our tires rotated during the funeral service.

*Sorry, I don't know how to do Massachusetts' accents.

© by Sharon D. Dillon 2010