Jeffrey Lefebvre, left, at the podium at a Board of Selectmen's meeting in 2017. Lefebvre, a longtime town meeting member, was well-known for his activity in civic and community activities and frequent critiques of town government. His family wants to place bench at Bellevue in his memory.
Adams Cemetery Commission Finds Way for Lefebvre Memorial Bench
ADAMS, Mass. — The family of Jeffrey Lefebvre will install a memorial bench next to his grave in Bellevue Cemetery.
The Cemetery Commission agreed Thursday to sell an undocumented non-lot in section R that abuts Lefebvre's grave to accommodate a stone memorial bench.
"He was one of the town's stewards and the family wanted to put a memorial bench in addition to a memorial stone," Commissioner Bruce Shepley said. "We are in agreement."
Lefebvre was a constant in the town of Adams and heavily involved in youth football for more than two decades, local government and organizations such as the Maple Grove Civic Club, American Legion Post 160 and Berkshire Lodge of Masons. He was a longtime town meeting member.
He died in the fall of 2019 at the age of 65.
Lefebvre's family approached the commission late last year to inquire about the memorial bench. But the commissioners were unable to commit because per the bylaws, only one monument is allowed on a single plot.
After seeking more information, they found that this additional 9-foot by 4-foot lot would allow them to work around the bylaw.
Shepley said there are stipulations and nothing can be buried on the lot, it must maintain the proper footing, align with other monuments, and follow all other cemetery regulations.
"It can't impede mowing or upkeep at the cemetery," he said.
The town will sell the small plot for a fee based on its size.
In other business, Commissioner James Taylor asked the commission to again consider an above-ground mausoleums for cremations.
"I think we need to discuss this in the future and go back to it," Taylor said. "We have to figure out different ways of financing it because we are dealing with a lot of cremations and something will have to happen sooner or later."
Shepley said he agreed but really the commission cannot move until Bellevue Cemetery undergoes a survey. He said they have to find out how much room is left and how quickly it will fill up.
He said ultimately the decision lies with the Board of Selectmen.
The commission also look to change some language in the fee schedule and instead of charging for "ground thaw" between Dec. 1 and April 1 there will simply be a "winter charge."
Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kolis said the propane ground thawer is not always used but workers still need the ability to charge for snow, mud, and ice removal.
Shepley said he was in favor of this but wanted to review language in the commission's bylaws first.
Kolis added that directional arrows will no longer be used at funerals.
"People don't follow them. When they are put out, people just go their own way," she said. "So they haven't been using them."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Business Success, Storm Clouds Highlighted at 1Berkshire Annual Meeting
By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
Cheshire native JD Chesloff of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable delivers the keynote address on Thursday.
ADAMS, Mass. — One of the county's biggest employers and one of its newest small businesses were touted on Thursday at 1Berkshire's annual meeting at the Adams Theater.
The vice president of maritime and strategic systems strategy and business development at General Dynamics shared news of a major expansion at the Pittsfield plant.
"We plan to hire over 200 employees in Pittsfield over the next 12 to 14 months," Chris Montferret said. "Business is booming. And of those 200 employees, over 200 will be engineers."
Currently, General Dynamics employs more than 1,600 people in Pittsfield, up from a low of 500 in 1997, Montferret said, reminding the 1Berkshire membership of the importance of growth for an anchor like his firm.
"As you all know as employers, the multiplier of economic development when you bring a full-time employee in is amazing for the entire community," Montferret said.
1Berkshire is dedicated to advancing the local economy by advocating for and serving local businesses while helping attract visitors to the region.
The development organization's president and CEO used the annual meeting to talk about 1Berkshire's economic development team, which averages more than 100 consultations per year with local entrepreneurs — over 40 percent with businesses owned by women, members of minority groups or immigrants.
One of the county's biggest employers and one of its newest small businesses were touted on Thursday at 1Berkshire's annual meeting at the Adams Theater. click for more
The holiday season is here, and Whitney's Farm, located on Route 8 in Cheshire, has merchandise and food that can put you in the festive spirit. click for more
Hoosac Valley Regional School District officials have made a point of recognizing the achievements of their students at School Committee meetings — but on Monday, it was the instructors' turn. click for more
The Wildcats marched 84 yards in a drive that consumed 11 minutes, 17 seconds of the third quarter for a critical touchdown in a 48-36 win over Boston’s Cathedral High in the quarter-finals of the Division 8 Tournament. click for more