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Date: 11/9/2022
MONSON – With 10 cemeteries in Monson to maintain, the Cemetery Commission is looking for public assistance in cleaning the headstones.
Mat Wawrzyk, cemetery foreman, said they came up with the idea over the summer. “Me and my co-worker did workshops through the Massachusetts Cemetery Association,” where they learned proper techniques on how to maintain the grounds and clean the headstones, he shared.
He explained that they used the Main Street cemetery as a “pilot program.”
“To be able to do every headstone, we would need more than 80-man hours a week,” said Wawrzyk. In hopes of receiving additional help, the Cemetery Commission thought about hosting a workshop in town to teach residents the same techniques that they learned.
When the coronavirus pandemic began in 2020, he noted that parks, along with most places were closed, but the cemeteries remained open. During this time, he shared that interest with the cemeteries “skyrocketed.”
“I got a lot of calls from random people asking what materials they needed and if they could go clean [headstones],” said Wawrzyk. “[Therefore], the Cemetery Commission thought it might be a good idea to offer this to residents and give them the experience.”
He informed Reminder Publishing that this is currently in the works, and they are hoping to host a session in the spring or summer. During the workshop, Wawrzyk said they will provide history and information about the stones, along with teaching the approved methods of maintenance and cleaning.
He went on to say that they would like to form some type of ad hoc committee. Whether residents clean a specific section of a cemetery or their own personal family lots, Wawrzyk and his fellow commissioners want to assist the public in knowing what materials to purchase.
Over the winter, Wawrzyk said he wants to generate interest from the community. For those who would like to partake in the headstone cleaning, contact Wawrzyk at cemetery@monson-ma.gov or call 267-4113.
Wawrzyk shared that he has been on the job for almost seven years, but recently took over a management position. “It’s been a goal of mine [to offer this] since I’ve been in a supervising position,” he said.
He recognized the commissioners for realizing the importance of cleaning the headstones, along with the upkeep of ground maintenance. “I’m fortunate to the commissioners for giving me the go ahead,” he concluded.