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Deborah Stoessel, Rebecca Purcell, Richard W. Monaghan (chair) and Paul E. Ressler
(Absent: Ruth Armknecht)
The Concord Cemetery Committee consists of five members, appointed by the Town Manager. The Committee is responsible for oversight of the operation and maintenance of all Town cemeteries and burial grounds and for establishing policies and procedures for these facilities.
Committee meetings provide a forum for the review and adjustment of fee structures; the conveyance of burial plots to owners; review of the annual budget and capital improvement program for the cemeteries; and for the review and disposition of specific requests from plot owners. The Committee provides guidance for the activities of the Friends of Sleepy Hollow that directly impact the cemeteries.
Concord cemeteries total approximately 55 labor-intensive acres and include the Old Hill and South Burying Grounds; three smallpox cemeteries scattered throughout the Town; and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, including The Knoll. Maintaining these grounds is the responsibility of the Cemetery Department and other Public Works staff. Their individual and collective efforts are greatly appreciated.
Memorial Day and the Veterans Day Flag Retirement ceremonies continued to be held at Sleepy Hollow. Both were well attended.
The use of a revised, simplified deed was begun during the year. This new deed helps make lot transfers a quicker and easier process.
Much time was spent planning for two significant projects: the renovation of the ante-bellum cemetery building, known as the Deeds Office, and the development of a plan to better demarcate the border between Sleepy Hollow and Bedford Street. Both projects will be pursued in the coming year.
The comprehensive tree management program, instituted in 2006, continued. Trees throughout Old Hill and Sleepy Hollow have been marked either for pruning, cabling or removal. Road re-paving continued, as well.
Monument restoration at Old Hill was begun. The Powder House in that cemetery received a new, historically accurate roof and had numerous joints in its brick façade re-pointed.
During the year, there were 83 interments in Sleepy Hollow. 37 of these were full burials, while 46 were cremations. Of the 83 interments, 39 were Concord residents. Lot sales for the year totaled 40, with 4 of these being sold to former Town residents.
The Friends of Sleepy Hollow continued their fine work in supporting the preservation, beautification and appreciation of Concord’s historic cemeteries. Their map of Sleepy Hollow has proven to be an indispensable guide for cemetery visitors.
During the year, the Friends sponsored three lectures concerning various facets of Concord life. Proceeds from these lectures were used to erect five granite benches, three in Sleepy Hollow and two at The Knoll, that provide visitors with a welcome chance to pause, rest and reflect.
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