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."
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Cheshire Gears Up for 2nd Annual Summer Festival
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Cheshire Community Association (CCA) is set to host the 2nd annual Cheshire Summer Festival this coming July 27.
"With this being our 10th year of block parties / festivals, we've seen how impactful bringing folks together for a good time can be," CCA President John Tremblay said in an email exchange. "Witnessing lots of smiling, happy people is always a testament to the value."
Scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cheshire Community House Grounds, the festival offers an array of entertainment for all ages. Headlining the festival is Whiskey City and there will also be a performance by It's Magic during intermission.
There will also be activities for children like face painting and balloon tying.
For those seeking friendly competition, the Cheshire Cornhole Cup also returns.
Ozzie's Food Truck and Diane's Twist Ice Cream will offer food snacks for purchase throughout the event. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
The Selectmen on Wednesday voted to enter negotiations with an Agawam catering company to operate food service at the Greylock Glen's outdoor center. click for more
More than three dozen members of the Kolis family stretching across at least three generations on Saturday celebrated 100 years in the home their dziadziu and babci built. click for more
Gratitude was the theme of Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's 38th annual meeting on Friday morning but there was a heavy dose of collaboration as well. click for more
Partners CJ Garner and Marcus Lyon hope locals and visitors alike will feel at home here, where their take on "modern American comfort food" has already found a solid base of regulars in its five weeks of operation. click for more
Firefighters were working in difficult conditions — hot muggy weather in the 90s and a torrential rainstorm that turned Commercial Street into a river right after the call came in.
click for more