Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 20, 2025 Say nr Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Gravesite Care When You Can’t Get There Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any services that off er gravesite cleaning and care? I recently visited my parent’s cemetery gravesite over Memorial Day weekend and found that their headstones were overtaken by weeds and moss and need to be cleaned. I live in a diff erent state and can’t get back very often. Who can I call on to help me with this? Long-Distance Linda Dear Linda, Depending on where your parents are buried, there are a hodgepodge of places you can turn to for gravesite grooming, decorating and special care when you can’t get there. Here’s what you should know. Gravesite Care It’s important to know that as a general rule, most cemeteries, like the one your parents are buried in, only provide basic grounds maintenance like mowing the grass and trash pickup. Special gravesite care and headstone cleaning is almost always up to the family. But for families who live a distance from their loved one’s burial place and can’t get back very often, what options are available? A good place to start is to contact the cemetery staff where your parents are buried to see if they off er any special gravesite cleaning services or know of anyone who does. If not, try reaching out to some local funeral homes in the area to see if they can help or refer you. If you don’t have any luck there, another option is to hire a gravesite care provider on your own. These are small or individually run businesses that provide services like plot maintenance including grass trimming and weeding, headstone cleaning and restoration, fl ower and wreath deliveries and more. And so you know the work was completed or the fl owers were delivered, many companies will take pictures of the gravesite and e-mail or text them to you. There are literally hundreds of small businesses that provide gravesite care services in local communities or regions across the country. To fi nd them, do a simple Google or Bing internet search, and type in something like “grave care services” or “cemetery headstone cleaning” plus your city or state. Or use an AI tool like Chat GPT or Gemini to do a search. You can also seek help by contacting the local memorial society or funeral consumer alliance program near your parent’s gravesite – see Funerals.org/fi nd-an-affi liate for contact information. These are volunteer groups that off er a wide range of information on local funeral and cremation providers, cemeteries and more. The cost for most gravesite care services can range anywhere from $50 to over $250 for headstone cleaning and memorial restoration (depending on the job size), $50 to $200 for flower and wreath deliveries, and $30 to $80 for plot grooming. Special discounts for multiple gravesite services and visits may also exist. Floral Services If you’re interested in decorating your parent’s gravesite next Memorial Day with fresh cut fl owers or live plants, another option is to call a local fl orist to see if they can make a delivery directly to their grave site. Many fl orists will accommodate this request if you provide them the cemetery location and plot number, but you may not get a photo verifying the delivery. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nior ior Everett Public Libraries Calendar of Events Around Everett Books and Brews: Night Shift Brewing (87 Santilli Hwy.), Wednesday, June 25, at 6 p.m. Join us for the fi rst meeting of our newest book group! The Everett Public Libraries is partnering with Night Shift Brewing and The Well Coff ee House to discuss good books over good brews with great company! This month we will be reading “Light from Uncommon Stars” by Ryka Aoki. Pick up a copy at the Parlin or Shute Memorial Libraries and we’ll see you at Night Shift Brewing to discuss the book. Murder/Mystery Book Group: Connolly Center Meeting Room, Thursday, June 26, at 12 p.m. Sash Bischof’s “Sweet Fury” is a thought-provoking look at F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Tender is the Night.” It is a critique of America’s deep-rooted misogyny and the narratives we tell ourselves. Bishoff probes the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator and the true meaning of justice. See Kathleen for copies on her twice monthly visits or call the Parlin (617-394-2300) or Shute (617-394-2308) Libraries. Mindful Miles: Shute Front Door, Saturday, June 28, at 8 a.m. Did you know walking boosts mood, heart health and brain power? Walking with others also adds more benefi ts to wellness! Start your day in a mindful way by joining us for Mindful Miles — a relaxing morning walk starting from the Shute Memorial Library to multiple laps around Glendale Park. Walk at your own pace, for as long as you like. Just show up and breathe in the fresh air. This is intended for ages 18 and up. No registration is required. Parlin Adult and Teens Yarn Club: Parlin Fireplace Room, Tuesday, June 24, at 7 p.m. Come chit-chat and stitch! Bring your crocheting, knitting or any other yarn craft and sit and socialize with other members of the crafting community. Recommended for ages 14-109! Resume Writing: Parlin Information Desk; do you need help sprucing up an old resume or creating a new one? Sign up for a 30-minute session at the Parlin. By appointment only; to register, please call 617-3942300 or email parlininfo@noblenet.org. Computer Basics 101: Parlin Information Desk; learn the basics: how to start up and shut down a computer, perform mouse and keyboard functions, use applications, navigate the Internet, set up an email account, and more! By appointment only; to register, please call 617-394-2300 or email parlininfo@noblenet.org. Parlin Children’s Mystery Craft Monday: Stop by the Parlin Children’s Room every Monday for a Grab and Go mystery craft — a self-directed arts & crafts program for children ages three to seven. Mystery crafts can be taken home or crafted with a friend or caregiver at our children’s tables. No registration required — while supplies last. Lego Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Monday, June 23, from 3-5 p.m. Come to the Children’s Room after school on Mondays for some free Lego building fun. Open to all ages; children under six years old must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Storytime and Sing-along with Karen: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, June 25, at 11 a.m. Join us for a fun-fi lled morning of singing and storytelling with Karen! Suggested ages: newborn to six. Drama Class: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, June 25, at 3 p.m. Do you have a drama queen or king at home? Drama Class in the Parlin Children’s Department is the perfect opportunity for your child to put those acting skills to use with our drama coach! Suggested ages: six to 14. Origami Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Saturday, June 28, at 12 p.m. Learn how to fold paper animals of all kinds! Open to all ages and abilities. Paper and instruction will be provided. Shute Adult and Teens Sketch Studio: Shute Meeting Room, Tuesday, June 24, at 4:30 p.m. Come hang with us at our Sketch Studio hour — a weekly drop-in art session at the Shute Library! We’ve got sketchbooks (fi rst come, fi rst served), creative prompts, still life setups and a room full of fellow sketch artists. Drop in once a week and bring your creativity. For ages 14-18. No registration is required. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries. Resume Writing: Shute Adult Department; book a one-on-one resume assistance appointment at the Shute Library and let a librarian help you craft a resume tailored to your strengths and aspirations. Sign up for a 30-minute session at the Shute Library. By appointment only; please email shuteinfo@noblenet.org or call 617-394-2308. Computer Basics 101: Shute Adult Department. Tech Newbie? No Problem! Learn to power up, click around, type like a pro, explore the digital world and even send your fi rst email. Book your Friday adventure with technology today! By appointment only; please email shuteinfo@noblenet.org or call 617-394-2308. Shute Children’s Miss Val’s Storytime Pals: Shute Children’s Room, Monday at 10 a.m. What’s better than a good story? Sharing it with friends! Join Miss Val at the Shute Library for Fairytale Fun! Master Builders: Lego Freeplay: Shute Children’s Room, Thursday, May 8, from 3-5 p.m.; free-play session with Legos and other building blocks. Bring a buddy, or make a new one, as you explore your imagination brick by brick! We provide the space and the materials to let your vision take shape. What will you create?
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