The year 2009 has passed by with significant changes at our cemetery. First and foremost, the Board of Trustees has chosen to hire Proscapes to act as Cemetery Superintendant for the next 2 years. Proscapes will be responsible for lawn mowing, excavation and burials, grave sales, winter access and bookkeeping. The Board has also contracted with Greg Titus to act as Cemetery Manager for 1 year, with duties to include: branch and leaf removal, building and equipment maintenance, and grave stone repairs.
During the past year, several projects and improvements were accomplished. Dead tree removal was completed this past fall by Griffin Tree Services. The painting of the iron fence was continued and hopefully will be completed this season. Inner roadway improvements were also continued. The major accomplishment of 2009 was the Roadside Tree Project. Planning was coordinated between the Town of DeWitt Conservation Tree Committee, the NYS DOT and the Cemetery Board and was completed on Arbor Day. All the large maple trees along Seneca Turnpike in front of the cemetery were removed and 40 flowering trees were planted along the full length of the property. We thank those from the local community that volunteered their labor and equipment. Honorable mention to Rick Kier, owner of Proscapes, for the use of his auger, Duane Dix for his backhoe and tractor, and Bartlett Tree Service for their assistance. The cost of the project was shared by the Town of DeWitt, New York State, and National Grid. We give them our profound thanks!
Anticipated improvements and projects that have been designated by the board and staff include the following:
1- complete painting the iron fence and pillar renovation
2- continue old grave documentation
3- continue to repair and reposition gravestones in need
4- put the finishing touches on the cottage including trim painting and landscaping
The New Year also finds the Board of Trustees with several changes:
President- Richard West
Vice President- Maria Cargian
Secretary/Treasurer- Robert Reals
Trustees- Louise Zgardzinski, Duane Dix, Burt Myers, Ronald Osborn, Alice Streiff, Roger Baker
Superintendent Of Cemetery- Proscapes, contact person Chris Sherwood 469-0000 ext. 111 or 382-0341
Cemetery Manager- GregTitus 469-6681
Ample burial plots are still available at both the east and west ends of the cemetery for $650.00 per grave.
Both the board and staff would like to extend a sincere thank you to those who volunteered during 2009 to help maintain and improve our cemetery. As always visitors are welcome to enjoy the beauty, historical and educational significance of the cemetery, a key part of the community.
The Cemetery Association has a not for profit status. Contributions are tax deductible and the cemetery would appreciate contributions as we struggle to pay for perpetual grave maintenance.
