The Harwich Cemetery Commission is preparing to publish a comprehensive list of approximately 450 Revolutionary War veterans as part of a larger effort to modernize local records and finalize plans for new town memorials. Commission Administrator Cindy Eldredge informed the board on Thursday that she is in the final stages of verifying the list, which includes veterans who served under the town of Harwich, including portions of what is now Brewster.

Eldredge explained that the names will be published in the local newspaper to ensure accuracy before the list is etched in stone for upcoming monuments. I'm trying to finish up because they want me to publish all the names in the Chronicle, Eldredge said. We'll say these are the Revolutionary War veterans that served under the town of Harwich. I want people to know that so they don't say 'those are Brewster guys.' The project coincides with a new digital archiving initiative where volunteers and students will scan military records to be linked on the town’s website, making it easier for descendants to trace their ancestry.

Financial discussions took center stage as the Commission reviewed its revolving account, which currently holds a balance of $32,245.82. While the account appears healthy, officials are eyeing a significant equipment purchase. Maintenance worker Jim McLoughlin highlighted the need for a second mower to manage the town’s various burial grounds. It definitely would be good for the future, McLoughlin noted, adding that the last mower cost $8,774. He cautioned that prices have likely risen, stating, It's probably more now because of tariffs. Eldredge noted that the town still owes the revolving account approximately $10,000 in reimbursements, which will be factored into the budget review this April.

The layout of the "Walk of Remembrance" also sparked a detailed conversation about long-term cemetery maintenance and aesthetics. The Commission has secured Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for Civil War and Revolutionary War memorials, but Chair Caleb Chase expressed concerns about how the monuments will fit along the project's curved walkways. We've had loose discussions about where we're going to stick the monuments and spacing them out, Chase said. How much space do we want to allow for the next 100 or 200 years? I'm having a difficult time envisioning the final product with the curvy walkway.

McLoughlin emphasized the practical side of the memorial placement, urging the board to consider the difficulties of mowing around the structures. I'd rather have the monument directly against the edge, McLoughlin told the board. Otherwise, you're looping in and out with the mower. To resolve the design questions, the Commission scheduled a field trip for their April 10 meeting to physically measure and mark the proposed sites for the monuments at the cemetery.

The meeting included a guest presentation from Anne Marie Russo, a volunteer and former member of the Arlington Veterans Council, who suggested a new method for identifying veteran graves. Russo proposed using small, durable stickers on grave markers to assist volunteers in placing flags. That sticker sticks really well to the smooth surface of a grave, Russo explained. When we go to put flags on graves, we look for the sticker and then we actually have a little poking tool to make a hole and stick the flag in. While the Commission currently uses flag holders that cost nearly $30 each, Eldredge noted that markers often migrate due to weather or visitors, making identification a recurring challenge.

In other business, the Commission reviewed a new Eagle Scout project proposed by Michael Theorius of Troop 76. Theorius intends to replace 71 posts and 110 rails of the split-rail fence at the East Harwich Union Cemetery. McLoughlin noted that the project will be particularly challenging because it's curvy and has a lot of jogs, with some sections of the aging fence nearly touching ancient headstones. The work must be completed by the end of June before the scout turns 18.

Signage for several historic cemeteries was also discussed, with the board weighing the benefits of different materials. For the Kelly Cemetery, located in a wooded area on Memory Lane, Eldredge suggested a blue stone tablet. I think it should be a blue stone tablet because it fits the historic period... a stone tablet has zero maintenance, she said. Conversely, for the Baptist Church Cemetery in West Harwich—an area currently undergoing redevelopment into apartments—the board is considering a more visible Azek sign to ensure the historic site is properly recognized by new residents and the public.

During the meeting, the Commission also addressed a backlog of administrative tasks. Member Rob Doane reported that he had assisted in cleaning up recent meeting minutes using digital tools. Grammarly did okay, Doane remarked before the board proceeded with the approvals. Motion Made by C. Chase to accept the minutes of October 3, 2024. Motion Passed (2-0). Motion Made by R. Doane to accept the minutes of November 21, 2024. Motion Passed (3-0). Motion Made by R. Doane to accept the minutes of December 12, 2024. Motion Passed (3-0).

The Commission also processed four burial deeds for Island Pond Cemetery and paid a routine Eversource utility bill of $15.18. The next meeting is scheduled for April 10, which will include the site visit to the Walk of Remembrance.