UUC Memorial Committee

In April 2010, the UUC Memorial Committee was given Board approval to raise $10,000 for construction of a Memorial Garden, and permission was given for the committee to make a presentation at the June 6 Annual Congregational Meeting.

Since its inception several years ago, the committee has shared its ideas with the Congregation through two Sunday services, and 67 members and friends took part in a survey in 2008 that addressed issues related to a UUC Memorial Garden. For further details about the committee history, click here.

Proposed Site Plan for the Memorial Garden

The committee examined several proposed plans, met with town officials, and with Lori Tolliver-Jones, a landscape architect. The garden will include a scatter area as well as a columbarium and memorial plaques. It will be approximately 40 feet in diameter.

• Here is a map showing potential site for the memorial garden.

• Proposed draft for the garden plan.

• Columbarium elements.

Order form for niches and paving stones (PDF).

Memorial Garden Policies & Procedures (approved July 8, 2010)

In addition to approving the Policies & Procedures at their July 8 meeting, the UUC Board also approved the following members of the UUC Memorial Garden Committee: Dick Bauman, Isabel Berney (chair), Bobbie Littlefield, Arthur Snoke, and Goldie Terrell.

Pre-planning

The earliest incarnation of the committee oversaw the establishment of a file of members' wishes for their memorial services.

Because any of us could become disabled or die at any time, it is important to have necessary information prepared in advance of an unexpected medical emergency or death. This document lists information required to complete a death certificate and other items that are helpful in an emergency. We suggest you give filled-out copies to members of your family, your doctor, your lawyer — and your minister.

Everyone should have an advance medical directive. This simple form includes a “living will” naming an agent to make medical decisions and anatomical gifts (tissue and organ donations) when you are incapacitated. It only needs to be witnessed — no notary is required. Here is the Virginia Advance Medical Directive, which we suggest you fill out and distribute.

To begin a conversation about funeral arrangements, these five questions can help you and your family decide what is wanted and what needs to be done.

Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge (FCAVBR) is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 community organization dedicated to providing consumer information about local funeral and burial options and costs. This volunteer organization helps local individuals and families in the New River Valley and Roanoke area. We are not affiliated with the funeral or burial industries. We exist as a public service to individuals, families, and organizations interested in understanding final arrangement options and costs. We are dedicated to promoting free and open choice and fair prices for consumers. More information about what we do is available at our Web site.