PRESS
RELEASES
December 4,
2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim
Heald
Heald & Chiampa Funeral
Directors
5 Church Road
508-842-3700
jim@healdchiampa.com
Santa to Visit Heald &
Chiampa at the Sumner House
SHREWSBURY, MA - Santa is set to make an appearance at the
historical Sumner House, located on 5 Church Road, on Saturday,
December 4th from 12:30 to 3:00pm The Sumner House
is also the home of Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors. Santa
will be on the front lawn, among the large trees out front, adorned
with lights. There will be gifts for the children and plenty of hot
chocolate and cider to keep moms and dads warm. In addition, a
photographer will be in place to immediately capture each and every
moment.
With over 60 years of collective experience, Heald &
Chiampa's professional team is committed to "a celebration of life"
in a time of loss. We offer compassionate care from start to
finish, including pre-planning services. For further information
about Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors please visit www.healdchiampa.com.
To schedule a tour of the funeral home or learn more about the
benefits of planning ahead, please call 508-842-3700 or email jim@healdchiampa.com.
September 28,
2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim
Heald
Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors
5 Church Road
508-842-3700
jim@healdchiampa.com
Heald & Chiampa Funeral
Directors Opens
at Landmark Sumner House
Community Open House to be
Hosted Saturday, October 16, 2010
SHREWSBURY, MA. - September 28, 2010 After significant planning,
thought and renovation, Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors has
officially opened their doors to help the families of Shrewsbury
and surrounding communities navigate through one of the most
difficult times in life.
James and John Heald and their partner David Chiampa, all
decades-long Shrewsbury residents, took ownership of the historic
and prestigious property known as The Sumner House on April 15,
2010. Their goal was to fulfill their common lifelong dream
of owning and operating a funeral home in the community where they
live and have so many deep rooted relationships.
With their combined service of over 60 years, this group is
reinventing funeral service as people know it today. "We
consider it our honor, duty and privilege to serve the families
that choose us to help them plan a meaningful and memorable
funeral," says Jim Heald, manager and partner of Heald &
Chiampa Funeral Directors. "We are going to change the way
funerals have been done through exceptional personal service and we
will do it in a way that will honor, remember and celebrate a life
lived," he adds.
Located in the center of Shrewsbury adjacent to the Town Common,
The Sumer House is a well-recognized landmark that has long been
admired by residents and visitors alike. Originally built in
1797, the home was used as a residence by the Reverend Joseph
Sumner and his descendents through the late 1980s. In recent
years the property had been operated as a Bed & Breakfast until
it was put on the real estate market, where it remained for an
extended amount of time.
There was genuine concern and fear among Shrewsbury residents
that the eventual sale of the Nationally Registered Historic
Property would result in it being torn down and repurposed for
commercial retail use. The partners of Heald & Chiampa,
however, recognized the home could be saved and restored to serve
the broader community.
"I have always been intrigued with the property and its
architecture. In the past I had the chance to attend public
functions hosted there and thought it would make a beautiful
funeral home. I stopped by one Saturday morning to inquire about it
and I am glad that I did…..the rest is history," says partner John
Heald. "We believe strongly that with this next phase of The Sumner
House we have the opportunity to preserve its place in our town's
history, ensuring that it will continue to be an important
gathering place for townsfolk, their family and friends," Heald
stated.
In their approach to revitalizing and restoring the property,
the partners were committed to retaining the historical value and
appearance of the home. The group worked collaboratively with
a number of different organizations and individuals to accomplish
this goal. Among those who provided the guidance and
expertise allowing for this seamless transition were The Shrewsbury
Historic Commission, The Architectural Access Board (governing ADA
compliance), The Shrewsbury Garden Club and a diverse group of
local civic leaders, officials and Town Board members. While
maintaining the structural integrity of the building, there have
been a number of improvements made to the property including a
60-car parking lot, handicap access throughout and much more.
Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors will welcome family,
friends, the community of Shrewsbury and residents of surrounding
areas to The Sumner House for a grand opening celebration on
Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 2pm - 7pm.
As partner David Chiampa indicated, "We are looking forward to
opening and sharing with the community what has been a culmination
of hard work and dedication." He also adds, "We've preserved
an iconic property and it will now serve the residents of
Shrewsbury and beyond in a very meaningful, deep, and personal
way."
During the open house event, there will be a blessing of the
home and a special dedication at 4:00
pm for the Heald's father, Stephen W. Heald Sr., who
passed away September 28, 2009. Steve hailed from a family of
funeral directors in his native Vermont and was a mentor and
steward to his boys and they collectively shared the dream of a
family owned funeral home in Shrewsbury. In his final weeks,
Steve asked his sons if it might be possible that his services take
place at The Sumner House. After careful planning and appropriate
compliance, he was told just days before he died that The Sumner
House would be the place where his family and friends would gather
to honor, remember and celebrate his life. Knowing this fact
gave him tremendous comfort and peace. When Steve passed just four
days later, he was given a celebration of life that truly showed a
community how to honor those who have passed before us. In
bittersweet irony, it was the temporary use of The Sumner House for
Steve Heald's services that demonstrated how the property would
succeed as a funeral home. Also, in another sign of Steve's
continued influence and spirit, Heald & Chiampa officially
received clearance for its establishment certificate and licenses
on September 28, 2010, the first anniversary of his death.
With over 60 years of collective experience, Heald &
Chiampa's professional team is committed to "a celebration of life"
in a time of loss. We offer compassionate care from start to
finish, including pre-planning services. For further information
about Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors please visit www.healdchiampa.com.
To schedule a tour of the funeral home or learn more about the
benefits of planning ahead, please call 508-842-3700 or email jim@healdchiampa.com.