To raise awareness of the hard work and dedication that goes into cemeteries’ care, maintenance and preservation, the New York State Department of State is launching a campaign to work with cemeteries to welcome volunteers to help prepare for the spring season and Mother’s Day visits. The first annual “Caring for Your Cemetery Day” will take place Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Through this pilot program, the Department and participating cemeteries hope to generate interest in local cemeteries, especially among younger people, recruit future volunteers or even officers and trustees/directors, and identify local people with skills that cemeteries need.
More than two dozen cemeteries will participate across the state, including these area cemeteries:
•Riga Cemetery, 970 Churchville Riga Road, Churchville, 10:30 a.m. start, contact John at 585-538-2951 or http://jloser@yahoo.com
•Grove Place Cemetery, 2775 Chili Avenue, Rochester, 10:30 a.m. start, contact Debbie at 585-880-1403 or http://gpca@frontier.com
•Grove Place Cemetery (Westside Memorial Gardens), 60 Stryker Road, Scottsville, 10:30 a.m. start, contact Debbie at 585-880-1403 or http://gpca@frontier.com
•Maplewood Cemetery, The Shed, Middle Road, Henrietta, 10 a.m. start, contact Gary at 585-820-7289 or http://gary@maplewoodcemetery.org.
Clean-up day tasks may include:
•Cleaning up small debris and trash
•Removing downed branches, weeds, and overgrowth
•Removing old seasonal decorations
•Planting flowers
•Scattering grass seed
•Other light tasks appropriate for untrained volunteers.
The mission of the Department’s Division of Cemeteries is to ensure that regulated cemeteries do not become a burden on their communities by continuing to operate on a not-for-profit basis. The division regulates approximately 1,700 not-for-profit cemeteries in New York State by, among other things, providing technical assistance in cemetery operations and financial accounting. The division also offers training workshops year-round to educate cemetery operators and other interested individuals on how to maintain cemeteries, keep financial records, and try to ensure long-term viability.
If you are interested in participating, you may reach out to any of the listed cemeteries. Contact the division at http://cemeteries@dos.ny.gov or call 518-474-6226 with any questions.
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