Local woman looking to warn the public after brother’s grave received violation at Tiverton cemetery

A local woman wants to warn the public to check on your loved one’s graves.

Melissa Travers posted on social media that her brother’s grave received a violation.

“If you have a friend or loved one residing in the Pocasset Cemetery, there’s 3 more days before things get thrown away. I mean, I get it. It’s a rule. But It’s been a pretty much unenforced rule for many, many years. Which I’m grateful for. It just makes me really sad to “clean up” my brother’s space. It’s his marker. Some of these things have been here since 9/22/11. Sharing in case anyone is unaware.”

Travers wasn’t griping or complaining, she just wanted others to be aware and didn’t want to see anyone’s items disappear. She is also hoping that she will be able to have her items returned to her brother’s grave in the future as she didn’t recall the rules being enforced in the recent past.

As a refresher if needed, the following are the rules and regulations for Pocasset Cemetery:

1. Glass, plastic or spiked vases and pots, fences, artificial flowers and wire blankets or anything that does not comply with the cemetery regulations are prohibited from March 1st to November 1st. (Amendment Minutes of August 12, 2009)
2. From November 1st to March 1st, artificial flowers will be allowed on cemetery premises if fastened to the base of the monument. (Amendment Minutes of August 12, 2009)
3. In those locations where plants and/or shrubs are allowed, they shall not exceed the height of the monument. (Amendment Minutes of August 12, 2009)
4. Any flowers or personal mementos left at grave sites will be removed after five [5] days. The Town is not responsible for any item/s left at the grave (Amendment Minutes of August 12, 2009) (Amendment Minutes of July 13, 2022)
5. Only flat markers shall be allowed on single grave lots. No trees, shrubbery or edging shall be allowed on single grave lots. Only American flags will be allowed on graves and only one (1) planter no higher than twelve (12) inches or wider than the maker shall be allowed on single grave lot. (Amendment Minutes of March 13, 2012)
6. Monuments (four grave lots only) cannot exceed the height of those in the area and placed in a row. Only one monument is allowed, and the monument base should not exceed (3 ft x 1 ft). The Commission shall have authority to reject any plan or design for any monument and base which, in the opinion of the Commission, on account of size, design, inscription, kind or quality of stone, is unsuited to the lot on which it is to be placed or is not in conformity with these Rules and Regulations. (Amendment Minutes of November 14, 2012)
7. No walking of pets, sledding, skiing, skateboarding, fast bicycling, rollerblading, use as organized athletic activity, or picnicking is allowed on cemetery grounds. (Amendment Minutes of August 12, 2009) No flammable candles of any kind are permitted. (Cemetery Commission Policy, December 13, 1994) (Amendment Minutes of August 12, 2009)
8. Only human remains can be buried according to state law. (Amendment Minutes of August 12, 2009)
9. Cremation Section: Shrubs, fencing, or edging is prohibited and will be removed immediately. Only a (1ft x 1ft) planter is allowed for flowers. (Amendment Minutes of August 12, 2009) One vault is included (holds two cremations) in the purchase of the cremation lot. Limit two cremations per lot. (Amendment Minutes of July 13, 2022)
10. Special cases may arise in which the literal enforcement of a rule may impose unnecessary hardship. The Commission therefore reserves the right, at a public hearing with at least seven days prior newspaper notice, to make exceptions or modifications in any of these Rules and Regulations, and such exception or modification shall not be construed as affecting the general application of such rule. In any instance where a modification is granted for a larger size monument, the Owner shall be responsible for any damage to the monument due to movement by the supervisor. (Amendment Minutes of November 14, 2012)
11. The Pocasset Hill Cemetery Commission (From here on known as P.H.C.C.) will have final say in any errors made in the everyday operation of the cemetery business. Such as but not limited to Deed (from here-on known as burial rights) errors, Monument size, Monument placing, Burial errors in Lot or Grave numbers. (Any current or existing Deeds will henceforth be called grant of burial rights
12. Full burial lots: Only two cremations OR one full body and one cremation per lot. All burial vaults including cremation vaults must be able to withstand the weight of the earth and cemetery maintenance equipment passing over it. (Amendment minutes of July 13, 2022)