Committee outlines stone repairs, tree trimming and cleaning across town cemeteries

The Norfolk Cemetery Committee on July 15 discussed a series of maintenance tasks across the town’s three cemeteries, including repairs to leaning and broken stones, targeted tree trimming, and cleaning of lichen on older monuments.

Henry Tirrell told members he met with contractor Joe Marolda, who agreed to repair broken and leaning headstones in all three cemeteries as his schedule permits. Stan Civco identified specific tree-trimming needs at Pond Town Cemetery, including cutting back a hemlock over the Alford graves, removing laurel leaning on two gravestones near the center of the cemetery, and trimming a rhododendron over the Peterson gravesite. Civco also raised concerns about lichen buildup on many gravestones—including the Norton monument—and discussed appropriate cleaning products and brushes for different stone types such as granite versus limestone.

At Grantville Cemetery, Tirrell said mowing contractor Sean Muzzlin provided ribbon to mark trees that need trimming; members noted Sean had reseeded the lower section multiple times to encourage grass regrowth. Civco complimented Public Works on fence work at Pond Town Cemetery.

Committee members agreed to follow up on cleaning approaches that match stone composition and to coordinate schedules for trimming and repairs. Tirrell noted he will confirm details about cemetery funds discussed at a previous meeting to help prioritize work.