As the weather begins to warm up and things start to dry out a bit, our work in the cemetery is just beginning. Grounds clean-up and maintenance, marker restoration, and marker cleaning are but a few of our spring and summer chores. Thank you to all who were able to join us on Saturday, March 19, for our first Community Clean-up of the cemetery grounds for 2016. Your help was very much appreciated and got us off to a great start.

Our first Marker Cleaning Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, from 9:00am until 12noon. These workshops will then continue on the third Saturday of the month, June 18 through September 17. Please note that there is no workshop scheduled for May as we are involved preparing the cemetery for the Memorial Day Holiday. This is a fun and easy volunteer project that anyone can do. Getting the moss, lichen, vegetation and dirt off the grave markers helps to preserve and protect these stones for future generations to view and enjoy.

Volunteers meet at the top of the Cemetery Road where you will find plenty of parking available. All the necessary tools and supplies are provided along with detailed instructions on how to proceed with cleaning. Dress for the project as you may get a little wet and wear comfortable walking shoes. You may want to bring a stool or folding chair to sit on, a hat and sunscreen.

Please visit our website at www.friendsjvillecemetery.org for additional details or call me at 541-826-9939 with any questions. I hope you will consider joining us and helping to preserve our beautiful Pioneer Cemetery.

Photo by Mary Siedlecki is of Jacksonville residents, Michele Simmons and daughter Ruby who are regulars at our Marker Cleaning Workshops!