[HistoricCemeterieslistserv] Things to keep in mind when cleaning flowers, torn flags, etc.

[back2 dirt]

Kuri, 

Thanks for guide lines on cemetery cleanups. I have a couple of comments:


1. Memorial Cleanup day is going to make someone upset no matter how you go about preparing for the event --at first. Burns began several years ago with a cleanup day and did receive comments both ways - "Thanks - the cemetery really looks nice or I just put some decorations out for Mother's Day and now they're gone".

2. Do advertise the event (radio, local paper, at cemetery) and expect complaints the first year you institute a cleanup day. We moved cleanup day to end of April or 1st week in May. Problem pretty much solved. You just have to put that date on the calendar at 1st of year and stick by it.

3. Placing picked up items in a certain section of cemetery where family or "whoever" can retrieve them is very successful. 


4. Signage is a problem I have noticed in my visits to other cemeteries; either none or poorly placed and those occasional samples of excellence. I know that many of our historic cemeteries do not have the money or the people power to buy & install appropriate signage. I'm wondering if this is a project the state board could address by creating a list of standard templates for different types of signage like exist for our state parks and create a contract with a willing vendor that might result in an affordable price.

5. I'm totally amazed at what we find as decorations at a grave: Elk or Deer antler, Budweiser 6-pack in glass, glass quart fruit jars, etc. The artificial flowers in my opinion should be totally band, and as to solar night lights- ugh!! It is possible to stop these practice, but the powers that rule the cemetery will take a lot of heat, because they will be violating someones personal standards, which are ???!

6. Nobody reads their contracts. "When you plant a tree by that grave without permission, we're going to rip it out so don't do it." is my first reaction. However, a more reasoned approach is to contact the family and tell them they have violated a clause in the contract and then offer to move the tree to a more appropriate location if possible or ask them to remove tree by a certain date, after which it will be removed (trees just an example). Don't let that violation go on or everybody from then on will have a case to violate the contract.

7. I realize every day how the standards I grew up with have been forgotten, or are not the standards of today. So I have to adapt,but there comes a time when the shovel has to be planted firmly, but pleasantly in the ground. Oh and if you blew it - admit it and hopefully everyone will get over it and move on.

Richard Day (yes we all end up "back2_dirt" or ashes)

Burns, Oregon




On Thursday, May 21, 2015 7:42 AM, GILL Kuri * OPRD <Kuri.Gill at oregon.gov> wrote:




Hi there

Memorial Day is right around the corner and we are cleaning up and will have more clean up to do in our cemeteries. Some of you may be aware that a Gresham cemetery was in the news about their clean up efforts. We thought it would be helpful to pass on some simple things to keep in mind when cleaning up and when talking to the public.

Cemetery Clean Up -      General Guidelines for Interacting with the Public 
Ø  Post notice that the clean-up will happen, 30 days prior gives plenty of notice
Ø  Offer to hold the belongings for a time period
Ø  Actively listen & be sincere
Suggested talking points:
    * We empathize with grieving families who wish to add personal items to the graves of their loved ones.
    * However, our obligation to the public and to all families with loved ones interred at our cemetery requires us to maintain consistent standards of appearance and safety.
    * Certain grave decorations may present safety hazards to our grounds workers and visitors to the park. Wooden, glass, metal or plastic parts can easily become airborne and dangerous to workers and to visitors who may be on the grounds.
    * An attractive and serene environment can best be attained through uniformity of appearance throughout the grounds, which includes limitations on decorations despite the tastefulness with which the items are displayed or the caring intentions of those who display them.
    * For the safety of visitors to our park and our commitment to provide all families with a serene environment, we stand by the rules and regulations.
    * Our regulations regarding decorations are included with all contract paperwork. Compliance with park regulations is a condition of every contract with our facility.
    * We value our relationship with the families we serve and are committed to providing all families with a well-maintained environment for visitation and remembrance.
    * Our cemeteries conduct periodic clean-ups throughout the year to provide all families we serve with a peaceful and beautiful environment in which to remember their loved ones. We attempt to make our families aware of clean-up dates by using several methods, including signage throughout the cemetery.


-- 
Cemetery Association of Oregon
Visit us at www.oregoncemeteries.com 


Kuri Gill

NOTE: My email address has changed!

Oregon Heritage 
Grants & Outreach Coordinator
503-986-0685
Kuri.Gill at oregon.gov
725 Summer St NE, Ste C
Salem, OR 97301
www.facebook.com/OregonHeritage
http://oregonheritage.wordpress.com/ - Blog

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