September 2024

All That's Happening in September

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As the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn, there is so much going on in September and we're excited to let our community know all about it!

As you may have already seen, we are raising funds to extend Northside Lane another 500 feet to the flat, level section at the heart of the forest, making all the new burial areas opened this year accessible to folks of all abilities. Did you know we have over 1,000 people on this mailing list? We're hoping to raise $20,000 for the road construction, so if everyone gives a little bit, we can reach this goal and truly make the Cemetery welcoming to all. Of course, we realize that not everyone can give $20, but please know that no donation is too small. And even if you can't give now, promoting the fundraiser—talking to friends, sharing on social media—is one of the most valuable things our supporters can do to help.  You can learn all about it on our website.

Spreading awareness of natural burial is a key part of our mission. So many people have come to the Cemetery saying they wish they had known this was even an option, which is why outreach and education is so important to us. We will be all over the state these next six weeks and we hope that you can join us at some of these events... or, if you can't, that you would be willing to tell people about them! Please note that the previously-announced tours on Saturday 9/7 and the work day on Sunday 9/8 have been cancelled. 

 From Earth to Earth: Randolph

Tuesday, September 10th 6:00-7:30pm

Kimball Library at 67 N. Main Street in Randolph

We will be doing a screening of the documentary about natural burial that features our opening and first burial. This is your chance to come see what burial at Vermont Forest Cemetery is about, and ask questions of our founder and head cemeterian Michelle Hogle Acciavatti. No tickets required, but we encourage you to RSVP so the library can know how many people to expect. 

TEDxHartland Hill presents AWE

Saturday, September 14th 9:00 am - 5:00pm

Billings Farm Museum, 69 Old River Road, Woodstock 

Michelle was invited to be one of the speakers at this year's TEDx Conference in Hartland Hill. There are still a few tickets available for this all-day event, featuring speakers from around the world sharing what brings Awe to their lives. Get your tickets here.

From Earth to Earth: Hartland

Sunday, September 15th 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

First Universalist Society of Hartland, 8 Brownsville Rd, Hartland

Our founder and head cemeterian Michelle Hogle Acciavatti will offer a lay-sermon for the congregation followed by a screening for the community of the documentary about natural burial that features our opening and first burial. This is your chance to come see what burial at Vermont Forest Cemetery is about, and ask Michelle your questions. No tickets required but we encourage you to RSVP so the church can know how many people to expect. 

Cemetery Tour

Saturday, September 21st 11-12:30pm

Vermont Forest Cemetery

Join natural burial advocate Jennifer Whitman on a tour through the cemetery. Jen, who spearheaded the legalization effort in Vermont, will guide this hour-long tour highlighting our vision and mission, the ecology of the land, and the process of natural burial. Register on our website

OLLI Lecture

Thursday, September 26th 1:30-3:30pm

Catamount Arts, 115 Eastern Ave, St. Johnsbury

As part of the UVM Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), our founder and head cemeterian Michelle Hogle Acciavatti is presenting a talk on "Natural Burial: Choosing to Sustain the Future"

Registration details here 

Stewardship Day

Sunday, September 29th 11am-3pm

Vermont Forest Cemetery

Come join us as we get the Cemetery ready for our First Anniversary Celebration on October 12th. There will be work for people of all abilities.

Register on our website

And if that's not enough... looking ahead to October, we want to invite everyone to save the date for our First Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 12th from noon to 5:00pm, featuring tours, performers, and educational presentations. We'll have more information to share in a special newsletter at the end of the month.

Coming up in October:

• TOURS:

  • with Michelle and Paul on October 5th

  • with Assistant Cemeterian Bailey on October 19th

  • with Jen Whitman on October 26th

• PRESENTATIONS:  

  • OLLI lecture by Michelle at the Montpelier Senior Center on October 9th from 1:30-3:30pm

  • two virtual OLLI lectures on October 21st and 28th, both from 5:30-7pm.

• SCREENINGS: 

  • Craftsbury showing of From Earth to Earth on October 10th 6-7:30pm

  • Brattleboro gala premiere of From Earth to Earth on October 17th 5:30-7pm at the Latchis Theater, generously hosted by Brattleboro Area Hospice 

  
  

• VOLUNTEER:

  • Stewardship Day at Vermont Forest Cemetery on October 20th 11am-3pm