The first of several planned upgrades for 11 local cemeteries was completed this spring. The Evergreen Cemetery on Barters Island Road received a new road and sign. The project was partially paid through a $10,000 donation from the George McEvoy Foundation. Remaining costs were paid from funding the cemetery district receives from Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor for maintaining local cemeteries.

According to district trustees, the district paid around $2,900 to create and install a new entrance sign. Edgecomb metal artist Scott Tindal made the sign. The new road created a safer entrance. In recent years, residents complained about the old road’s construction. Complaints centered around the road being too narrow and unsafe. “It looks a lot better now, and it got rid of a blind alley which caused most of the complaints,” said Cemetery District Trustee Isabelle Lewis of Boothbay Harbor.

Another project completed this year was a new fence for Lewis Cemetery on Barters Island for $1,500.

Next summer, Evergreen will receive more attention. Trustees will expand the lot if the surrounding ground is  ledge-free. Other work includes removing several trees and landscaping. Trustees also plan to install a new arch for Oceanview Cemetery.

The trustees meet the last Wednesday of each month. Nine cemeteries are in Boothbay and two are in Boothbay Harbor. Boothbay contributes $18,000 per year and Boothbay Harbor provides $15,000. It costs the trustees an estimated $30,000 per year to mow and maintain the 11 lots.