Tree Removal—In late August and early September, several people commented about trees that had been cut-down within the cemetery grounds. To explain, there were a number of dead madrone trees and a couple of diseased pines the City had removed. While it’s sad to lose trees, occasional removal is an important factor in providing safety for our visitors, volunteers, workers as well as for the monuments, fencing and cemetery ornamentation.

History Saturday—Our sincerest appreciation goes out to everyone who attended and supported our History Saturday Program this year. The programs continue to be very well-attended and we plan on continuing the program in 2015, starting in May, with all new fun and interesting topics. I would like to especially thank our docents: Bill and Debbie Miller, Lynn Ransford, Gail Nicholson, Vivienne Grant, Anne Peugh, Robert Hight, Joan Hess and Pat Stancel for researching and presenting the topics and making this program possible and enjoyable.

Marker Cleaning and Workshops—Our final workshop of the year was on September 20. I will be providing a report on the results of this year’s Marker Cleaning and Workshops in the November Jacksonville Review. Our volunteers have done an amazing job and I am anxious to share the results with you.

Hot Off the Press!—A new book chronicling the history of the cemetery, Silent City on the Hill, by Bill Miller is now available at the following locations: Jacksonville Chamber and Visitors Center, Segway of Jacksonville, and the Southern Oregon Historical Society. Books will also be available at our Cemetery Events and Activities such as Clean-up Days and Meet the Pioneers and may be ordered online at www.createspace.com/4848293 or www.amazon.com.

Thanks to the generosity of Bill and Debbie Miller, proceeds from book sales go towards cemetery restoration and preservation projects.

Cemetery Clean-up Day—Please join us on Saturday, October 4 from 9:00am-Noon for our Annual Fall Clean-up of the Cemetery grounds. Bring gloves, rakes, pruners and gas-operated blowers. Freshly-brewed coffee and morning refreshments will be provided along with our gratitude and appreciation for your help. Meet at the Sexton’s Tool House—parking is available within the cemetery grounds.