HIGHLANDS The Chamber of Commerce luncheon, always lively, always full of surprises for the audience, presented a dual program last week, that spanned from books to coffins.
This range was from two local entities, the Harris County Stratford Library branch, and Highlands oldest business, the White Cemetery dating from 1824. Sterling White Funeral Home & White Cemetery managing partner Mathew Forastiere told the story of major improvements and changes that he has accomplished since taking over about 18 months ago.
These include a full clean-up of the grounds, a new irrigation system, new landscaping, and a new Garden of Honor for veterans. The selection of caskets has now become virtual, meaning the choice is made from a computer screen rather than a more limited selection in-house.
Forastiere has hired a new and extremely experienced superintendent of grounds to accomplish much of the work.
In addition, work continues on the Audio-Visual system in the chapel, with flat screen monitors for memorial pictures.
Future plans call for hedged and mausoleum estate areas, for cremation urns, and the development of the north side of the property. Improvements will total about $300,000.
Forastiere urged the audience to take a tour, and to contact the family service department for preplanning of all types.