Cemetery Committee Update - May 2008
The Cemetery Committee of our parish met this past Tuesday May 13 2008. Janette MacKinnon was welcomed into the role of Chair. Labour needs for the upcoming maintenance season were discussed. It is hoped that with a combination of volunteer and staff support that the cemeteries will be well cared for. A subcommittee was formed to select the students to support the work from the applications received. Occupational health and safety concerns as well as supervisory issues were noted. To further support the work needed new equipment; two “ride on” mowers and a trailer were approved. This equipment will be used where needed as needed. A rough budget and cost projections for the upcoming year was shared. Maintenance has already begun in some cemeteries and will be beginning soon in others. A call for removal of ALL flowers and accessories posing occupational health and safety concerns will be made. This is necessary prior to work being done. In addition to the on going maintenance of graves were noted some capital issues such as road work and vault. Under all of the energy of the Cemetery Committee was a spirit of gratitude to families who have responded so well to the change in Terms & Conditions, the necessity of a fee to help with the other sources of covering costs such as offerings, and the ongoing commitment of volunteers, without which we could not provide this service. Two volunteers who have been selfless for many years were identified as needing to retire due to health reasons.
Cemetery Committee Update - Summer 2008
The Cemetery Committee of our parish met Monday, June 23, 2008. It was reported that two students were hired to work in the cemeteries for a period of 10 weeks. A third student will supplement this work on a casual basis in June and August. Much gratitude was expressed for the continued involvement of volunteers in our cemeteries. Without this involvement, it would be impossible to maintain the grounds to the level that they are now kept. A review of recent equipment purchases was given. After approval at the May 13, 2008 meeting, the committee proceeded with the purchase of two lawn tractors (one of which is equipped with a loader and backhoe), 2 push mowers, 2 whipper snippers and a trailer which will be used in the transporting of equipment between our six cemeteries. The total cost for these purchases was $27,935.09. Reports from supervisors representing our six sites indicate that the summer maintenance season is well underway, and is going well. A spirit of great cooperation among staff and volunteers from all sites is ensuring that all sites are getting the attention needed. The Committee will meet again on August 26, 2008.
Cemetery Safety
In order to ensure the safety of staff, students and volunteers working in our cemeteries, we once again ask that parishioners follow the guidelines set down with regard to placement of flowers, ornaments and other memorabilia on graves of loved ones. Our Terms & Condition Document states that “only items that can be securely attached to the headstone are acceptable at any time.” Further, we ask that fences not be erected, and that mulch or gravel not be placed on graves. We appreciate your cooperation … thanks!
Cemetery Volunteers
This summer volunteers are meeting on a weekly basis in two of our cemeteries:
St. Agnes Cemetery -- Wednesdays from 9:00-11:30 AM.
St. Joseph’s Cemetery (Lingan) – Tuesdays from 6-8 PM.
All parishioners are invited to join in. Feel free to bring a mower, shovel, rake, wheelbarrow, or simply yourself!!