By Gussie Fauntleroy.
As the only legal, non-denominational open-air cremation site in the country, the Crestone End of Life Project (CEOLP) offers a meaningful, beautiful form of final disposition at its pyre site west of town. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization has a natural burial ground adjacent to the pyre site as well, with simple burial in a hand-dug grave that creates minimal disruption to the land. With both options, CEOLP also files the death certificate and offers assistance with a home funeral, care of the body, and ceremony planning if desired.
To be eligible for these services, however, you must be registered with CEOLP before you die — and the timing of that inevitable event, as we all know, is an unknown.
CEOLP makes it easy to register by hosting twice-yearly registration parties open to anyone who has been a Saguache County resident (either renting or owning your home) for at least three months. The next registration party takes place Saturday, June 22 from 1-3 p.m. at T-Road Brewery in downtown Crestone.
In a friendly, cheerful atmosphere, you’ll find welcoming CEOLP volunteers to answer your questions and help you fill out the registration forms while you enjoy refreshments. The brewery will be closed during the event.
Copy machines and a notary public will be on hand if you’re ready to complete registration that day. A $10 donation is requested, and the notary’s fee is $15. You are also welcome to pick up a registration packet and complete it at home. Or you may complete the forms at home by downloading the packet at crestoneendoflifeproject.org/registration. Note: the forms are not fillable online and specific pages need to be notarized before being filed with the organization.
What you’ll need to bring to the party: your driver’s license or other ID and contact information for your next of kin, physician and the person you would like to designate as your CEOLP representative. Your representative will be the primary contact with CEOLP following your passing and will ensure that your wishes are observed.
For those already registered, the party is an easy way to make sure your forms are up-to-date in case of any changes, including your address, contact information, disposition choice or designated representative.
Questions? Call CEOLP registrar Blake Walton at 505-204-6309 or CEOLP at 719-588-7415.