The damage to the Shaker grave markers during the recent storm is unfortunate. A letter to the editor by a disgruntled former Harvard Historical Commission member attempted to assign culpability to the Cemetery Commissioners. Normally I would not dignify such a letter but in this case a response is in order.
As previously reported, last year the Harvard Cemetery Commission requested Community Preservation Act funds ($11,500) for tree removal in the Shaker burial ground. The request was supported by both the Harvard Historical Commission and the Community Preservation Committee. It was brought to a vote at the Annual Town Meeting (Article 34). At the Town Meeting a discussion in opposition to the Cemetery Commission Article was initiated by then Board of Selectmen Chair Marie Sobalvarro, which resulted in the article being passed over.
The cemetery commissioners are working with the Historical Commission to temporarily store the remaining markers, repair the damaged ones, and safely remove other potentially damaging trees. They are dedicated volunteers and deserve credit for their hard work.
Debbie Ricci
East Bare Hill Road
