A year to remember.
Our second October was probably our busiest month so far!
Michelle, our founder and head cemeterian, gave eleven talks and presentations throughout Vermont, while also heading up tours of the Cemetery in addition to those led by sexton Paul, cemeterian Bailey, and cemetery docent Jen. We also held a celebration of our first year of operation, a private event for our Graveholders and those with loved ones buried here, and had another four burials.
All this activity was in preparation for the coming of winter, in addition to the arrival of Paul and Michelle’s baby in late December. While they focus their energies on getting ready for this new arrival, the Cemetery team is stepping up to cover responsibilities during their maternity/paternity leave. Cemeterian Bailey McLaughlin will continue burial arrangements as well as managing our social media presence, Steve Amell and his son Carter will be taking on gravedigging and keeping the road and trails clear of snow, and director Jim Hogle has become the new point of contact behind info@cemetery.eco emails and phone inquiries.
Thanks to your incredible generosity in our September fundraiser, October saw the completion of Northside Cemetery Lane.
We have been able to not only add the last 500 feet of the road and the new parking area right in the heart of the forest, but also complete a major upgrade to the temporary road built last year: reinforcing culverts, widening the roadway for safety, and expanding the upper parking lot. The funds raised also allowed us to widen and smooth the main trails, providing safer and more comfortable access to burial areas for people of all abilities. We’re incredibly grateful to our donors for their contributions and to the Amells for their hard and conscientious work.
The completion of the road was just in time for our two major October events:
Vermont Forest Cemetery celebrated its first anniversary on Saturday, October 12. Over 50 guests enjoyed cider and donuts, a Cemetery tour, musical performances by Avery Lavoie and John Smyth, a soil workshop with Didi Pershouse, and artwork display by Robert McBride. Attendees also saw wicker burial trays, felted shrouds, and magical floating wreaths. Even with such a large turnout, expanded parking allowed everyone to safely access and explore the grounds.
It was a great way to feature the arts, learning, and community branches of the Cemetery’s mission, celebrate a major milestone, showcase improvements, and thank this community for their support.
The private memorial event for Graveholders and loved ones of those buried here was held on November 2, All Souls Day. This evening of light and remembrance was an opportunity to celebrate the lives of the people at rest in the Cemetery. It was also our way to express our gratitude and deepen relationships with those we have come to think of as an extended family. There were conversations, laughter and tears, and—as the sun set—the light of small fires and the glow of 200 luminaria along the trails, with our 23 gravesites decorated with origami cranes, dried flowers, and small lanterns. It was attended by families and loved ones of nine burials and several current Graveholders, in addition to many of the volunteers that make everything we do possible. It was incredibly beautiful and moving and we intend it to become an annual event.
We were fortunate to have dedicated board members and volunteers help with these events and others, including burials, over the past year. We are deeply grateful for the love and commitment of this warm and growing community.
Although activity will decrease in frequency over winter, there are several upcoming events in November
Cemetery Tour on Saturday November 16th at 11am led by cemeterian Bailey McLaughlin.
The last Stewardship Day of the year on Sunday, November 17 from 11 am to 1 pm. Work will be available for people of all abilities as we get the Cemetery ready for winter. It will be Michelle and Paul’s last event before the baby arrives!
A showing of the documentary From Earth to Earth at the Brandon Free Public Library on Wednesday, November 20th, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, hosted by Jim Hogle.
Cemetery Tour on Sunday November 24th at 11am, tour at 11am led by director Andrea Stander.
Our documentary From Earth to Earth will continue to be shown around Vermont, with screenings in Lincoln and Vergennes in January, and in Castleton later this spring.
Contact Jim at info@cemetery.eco to schedule a screening in your area.
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