Key Notes from the Cemetery Commission, August 1, 2023, Hybrid

The revisions to and definitions in the new cemetery bylaws were approved at Town Meeting so the Commission is moving forward with markers, plantings, and choice of burials. There followed a long discussion about burial choices: natural (accelerating decomposition with "mushroom coat" and not using a casket), traditional, and cremation by fire and by chemicals (For example, Alkaline hydrolysis uses water, alkaline chemicals, heat, and sometimes pressure and agitation, to accelerate natural decomposition, leaving bone fragments). The Commission urged folks to read up, make a choice, and inform the funeral director of that choice.

A discussion about replacing grass with thyme and/or strawberry plants. Avoiding mowing helps maintain tombstones.

There will be signs in the graveyard near the Naumkeag property and also on Naumkeag property (Church St) — coordinate design?

Tombstone cleaning will begin soon, funded by the Community Preservation Committee.

Photo: Lionel Delevingne