The NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K walk/run is approaching quickly, and the organization is seeking teams and runners to participate in the event.

The fundraising event was first held in 2011 and has since raised more than $13 million for the organ donation foundation. Since 2011, 25 events have been held with more than 100,000 participants and greater than 195,000 miles logged by runners and walkers, according to the NJ Sharing Network.

In 2025, there are two events scheduled. The first walk/run will be held in Ocean Grove on May 17. Participants will gather on the Ocean Pathway beginning at 7:30 a.m. The runners’ race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

The same time schedule will be used for the second walk/run, to be held on June 8 at the NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence.

At both events there will be music, entertainment, dancing giveaways, kids activities, refreshments and more.

Information about registering or donating can be found here.

The NJ Sharing Network was founded in 1987 and has facilitated the donation and transplants of thousands of organs, skin, tissue and other body parts. It is a registered 501(c)3 organization.

Visitors seeking to drive into Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia must present the Real ID to access the facility as of May 7, 2025, the facility announced in a press release.

Real ID is the more secure identifying drivers license that must be used for air travel and to access federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025. Arlington, a federal facility, now will also demand the enhanced ID for funeral attendees, funeral directors and all others visiting the cemetery.

Real ID is available at New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offices, but those seeking to get the new drivers license must make an appointment. To obtain Real ID, consumers must present proof of address, proof of Social Security number and a primary form of identification such as an unexpired passport. A list of acceptable documents for proof of identification can be found here.

Visitors who come to the cemetery by foot, the Metro train or ride share will not have to show Real ID.

The Real ID Act of 2005 set enhanced standards for personal identification.

Arlington will accept certain substitutes for a Real ID. They are the following:

• DoD Common Access Card 
• DoD Uniformed Services ID Cards (military retiree or dependent ID) 
• Local DoD Access Cards and Passes (i.e. Defense Biometric Identification System Card)
• U.S. or Foreign Passport or Passport Cards
• Transportation Worker Identification Cards
• Veteran’s Health Identification Cards
• Federal Personal Identify Verification Cards
• Non-Federal PIV-Interoperable Cards
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)

Mark Robert Haney, a member of the Monmouth and Ocean Funeral Directors Association, died on April 28, 2025. He was 51.

A New Brunswick native and a resident of East Brunswick, Mark became licensed as a funeral director in 2001 and worked at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home in Toms River.

Mark is survived by his wife, Melissa Schneider-Haney; a son, Bishop; and two brothers, James K. and Michael J.

New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association members and their friends and family can now register for the East Coast’s premier event for the funeral industry, the 2025 Funeral Directors Convention and Expo.

Registration for the Convention is open, and those planning to attend can do so by clicking on the NJSFDA’s registration page here.

The 2025 Convention will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City from September 16 to 18. Those attending can take advantage of three different registration options.

The All Access Pass gives you the full Convention experience over each of the event’s three days, from elective continuing education seminars and access to the Exhibit Hall, with a new nine-hole mini golf layout, to various social events, the NJSFDA General Session and the Service of Remembrance.

If you can only attend for one day, the Single Day Pass is your ticket. This pass gives you access to all Convention programming on the day you choose. Continuing education seminars, the Exhibit Hall and other events planned for that day are part of your package. You can register now for the Single Day Pass and choose which day you attend upon your arrival.

Prospective funeral directors can attend the Convention this year with new Student and Intern Day Pass, which offers discounted admission for Wednesday, September 17. This pass allows registrants to experience an education offering, Service of Remembrance, mini golf in the Exhibit Hall, brand new Mortuary School Olympics and more.

When registering, don’t forget to purchase your tickets for our late-night Convention party, The Boardwalk Bayou, held on Wednesday, September 17 at The Balcony at the Hard Rock. The event will feature Ocean Avenue Stompers, a 10-piece brass band bringing the sounds of New Orleans to the Jersey Shore.

Registering online early for the Convention allows you to take advantage of discount pricing and save $50, which will be available until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 5. Full-price online registration will be available from August 6 to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 2.

More information on Convention registration, pricing and hotel accommodations can be found here. Register now, and we’ll see you in Atlantic City in September!

George R. Kelder Jr., CFSP, CEO/Executive Director

I recently was invited to take part in a funeral-related version of Ted Talks called Dead Talk. The following is a summary of my contribution to a full day dedicated to perspectives on death, legacy and human experience.

How many times have you heard someone say, “If I die…”? Maybe you’ve said it yourself. It’s one of those phrases we toss around like we’re hedging our bets, as if death is some kind of coin toss rather than a guarantee. But here’s the truth: death isn’t an if. It’s a when.

And yet, we dance around the topic like it’s a room with no lights. We whisper about people who’ve “passed away” instead of saying they died. We avoid the word like it has sharp edges. Even among funeral directors–I’ve been one for 45 years–we aren’t always the best at facing our own mortality. We talk about their funerals, not ours.

So why do we do this? Why are we so reluctant to talk about something that is, frankly, going to happen to every single one of us?

The answer, I think, lies in fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of upsetting others. Fear that by talking about death, we might somehow bring it closer. We live under the illusion that there’s always more time, more chances to say what needs to be said, to plan, to prepare. But if you’ve ever experienced the death of someone suddenly, you know how cruel that illusion can be.

I often ask people, “Have you ever thought about your final wishes?” Many say yes. But when I follow up with, “Have you shared them with anyone?”, the room gets quiet. That silence speaks volumes.

Here’s the thing: not talking about death doesn’t keep it away. But talking about it? That’s powerful. That’s where peace begins.

Imagine for a moment that someone you love dies and suddenly you’re responsible for making all the funeral arrangements. Do you know what they would have wanted? Burial or cremation? A church service or a backyard gathering? Would you feel confident making those decisions?

Now flip it. Imagine someone else is in that position for you. Do they know what you want? Would they get it right? Would they feel guilt or uncertainty about the choices they make?

The burden we leave behind when we don’t have these conversations is heavy, and it’s completely avoidable.

Some people assume their spouse or eldest child will make the decisions. But legally, that’s not always how it works. And even if someone can make decisions for you, do they know what you want? That’s where a little planning–and a conversation or two–can make all the difference.

I know it can feel awkward to bring this up. But you’d be amazed how powerful it is to simply say, “I don’t want to leave you guessing one day. Can we talk about what I want when that time comes?”

That simple question opens a door. And what’s on the other side of that door is relief. Relief for you, knowing you’ve expressed your wishes. Relief for your next of kin, knowing they’re honoring them.

Years ago, I helped my father fulfill one of his last wishes–a trip to Ireland. That journey wasn’t just about honoring his heritage. It was about connection, memory and the deep sense of calm that comes from doing what mattered before it was too late. Knowing he was sick and hospice was in our future, we planned his funeral without planning everything. It was imperfect yet beautiful, and it taught me a lot about the gift of preparation.

So, here’s what I’d like to leave you with: Think of one thing you’d want those closest to you to know. Maybe it’s how you want to be remembered. Maybe it’s your choice between burial or cremation. Maybe it’s just where the important documents are.

Write them down. Talk to at least one person about it this week. Meet with a funeral director–or two–and ask questions. Because this isn’t about death. It’s about well-being. It’s about clarity. It’s about not leaving people you care about in the dark.

When we accept that it’s not if but when, we give ourselves and those around us a profound gift: peace of mind.

Start the conversation, talk with your family, meet with a funeral director and be comforted by the light it brings.

Tara M. Scarponi-Danniballe, President

If you want to get something done, ask a busy person. This has been a motto of mine all my life. Some of us thrive on keeping up the fast pace that the funeral profession provides.

As many of you know, my passion for the funeral profession is growing! I have accepted the position as the director of the Funeral Service program at Eastwick College in Hackensack, NJ. While still operating and managing our funeral homes and winding down my service as your New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association President, this was a major life decision and one that I did not take lightly.

I absolutely love funeral service and have been immersed in the field my entire life. Being able to expand my leadership in the field as President has been an invaluable growth opportunity for me. All of this has helped me prepare for this next chapter in my life.

It is my honor and privilege to inspire future generations and guide them to becoming eloquent, well-versed licensed funeral directors. I am humbled to be given this opportunity, and I will strive to bring excellence to the Eastwick students, faculty and staff. After all, these students are the future of the profession that we love so much.

A special thank you to all of the current and past leaders and professors in our industry as a whole. A very special thank you to Board Delegate-at-Large Kyle P. Ledford Sr., CFSP, who has paved the way for me as the previous director at Eastwick and will only continue to do great things in the field. We all have an obligation, not just to our current colleagues, but to the industry as a whole to make it better for the future.  

I invite everyone to please join me as we celebrate with a welcoming party on Tuesday, May 6 at 5:00 p.m. at Eastwick College, 250 Moore Street, Hackensack, NJ. I can’t wait to see you all there and look forward to future collaborations on raising the bar in funeral service.