Unitarian
Universalist
Congregation
1301 Gladewood Road
Blacksburg Virginia 24060 

Sunday services: 10 a.m.

UUC Memorial Garden

The November 16 Service and the UUC Memorial Garden Survey

The title of the Sundary service on November 16 was Facing Mortality. Reverend Brownlie began by noting that we live in a culture that turns away from the reality of death, with the result that many of us neglect the tasks that would assist our survivors — making a difficult time even more stressful. She then introduced UUC member Victor Bongard, an attorney who deals with estate planning. Victor discussed the legal issues that need to be considered. Finally, UUC member Isabel Berney, chair of the UUC Memorial Garden committee, discussed the plans for a future memorial garden.

• Map showing potential sites for the memoriaol garden.
• A possible first phase for the memorial garden.
• One possible configuration for the future site.

The UUC Memorial Garden committee prepared a survey for UUC members and friends to address issues related to a UUC memorial garden, as they wanted as much input as possible before making final decisions. The survey closed on December 15 with 67 responses. To see the survey, click here. To see a summary of the responses (minus comments), click here. Here is the version with comments.

If you did not attend the service on the 16^th — or if you would like a reminder of background, here is a link to Isabel’s presentation.

Pre-planning

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.