Mass. mortuary hopes chili cook-off brings 'life'

[March 05, 2010]  PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- A Western Massachusetts funeral home is trying "bring life" to business with a chili cook-off, a murder-mystery show and free limo rides to couples on their 50th anniversaries.

Terry Probst, the new managing partner of the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home in Pittsfield, hopes the events will remind people that the funeral home is a center for community life.

He said if customers know that the funeral home also can be the setting for other, happier activities, they might take some comfort in the place later when dark times come.

Among other other events sponsored by the funeral home are an art walk, a visit by the Easter Bunny, and monthly birthday cakes to the Pittsfield Senior Center.

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Information from: The Berkshire Eagle, http://www.berkshireeagle.com/

[Associated Press]

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