Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - May you and your cemeteries all do well in the coming year!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas

 and a Happy New Year!

May 2023 be your best year ever!

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I feel that 2023 will usher in a year where Ohio's cemeteries will have more help and hope to gain the much-deserved, yet long overdue, respect and recognition for their importance to their surrounding communities, and truly beyond; regardless of their size or status.  

Thankfully, more resources are being made available than ever that will continue to work for their benefit.  There are more dedicated people coming onboard, some working individually, while others working in groups -- including countless volunteers -- who will ensure longer term protection and preservation of all of Ohio's cemeteries.  

This move forward includes the most recent passage of the Federal Omnibus Bill that includes the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Program. 

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The "Cincinnati Enquirer" has posted a spotlight story (December 24, 2022) about this legislation on their Cincinnati.com  website.  

This is a must-read article to fully understand how it was that an historic African American cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, the United American Cemetery, brought the public's focus to the particular plight that so negatively affects African American cemeteries all across America that can no longer go ignored.  Now stronger federal measures will be in place that will address their ongoing problematic issues.

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Also, be sure to check out previous posts on this blog about the Ohio Cemetery Grant Program that has been helping Ohio's Active/Registered Cemeteries, and those cemeteries that should be registered but are not through no fault of their own; with additional details regarding this program.

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Thank you for your help and your advocacy on behalf of Ohio's cemeteries! 

We must remain mindful that our deceased ancestors, relatives, friends, and neighbors were vital to the communities that surrounded them.  They were pioneers, veterans, doctors, teachers, pastors, civic leaders, fathers, mothers and babies who died young.  Each had a unique life story that should not be forgotten. They left their legacies to us who will in turn, pass them on to future generations. This cannot be done without cemetery preservation and the needed protections put in place through stronger Ohio laws.  

Sadly, too much history has already been lost so the need is great!  

Thank you!    

Sharing this story by the Journal-News in Oxford Butler County by Avery Kreemer dated December 14 2022 - The City of Oxford is taking over the Oxford Cemetery

This spotlight story explains the reasons the City of Oxford Ohio in Butler County is assuming responsibility for the Oxford Cemetery. 

Excerpt:

“Regrettably, the association wasn’t able to continue operating the cemetery based on financial reasons,” Oxford Cemetery Association Treasurer Dennis Deahl said to the Journal-News.

Under Ohio Revised Code, if a private entity is unable to maintain burial grounds, the responsibility of that maintenance and operation then falls on the governmental entity; in this case, it means Oxford’s finance department will take over plot sales while the service department handles upkeep starting in 2023." 

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I applaud the City of Oxford for their stepping up to assume responsibility of the Oxford Cemetery so that it will stay a viable cemetery with an owner and one who feels it is worthwhile to do right by the cemetery.  Yes, it seems like that should be a "given" when it comes to something as important as a burial ground for human remains, but as we know in Ohio that isn't always the case.  

But, we end the year 2022 on a positive note when we read an encouraging and uplifting story about people and local governments who demonstrate that will do what it takes to care for their community cemeteries!  It will be a Happy New Year for the Oxford Cemetery! 

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Remembering that OH HB 168 created the Cemetery Grant Fund for Active / Registered Not-For-Profit Cemeteries in Ohio - Yet Ohio's Inactive and Family Cemeteries still await help from the State of Ohio

First, starting off on a positive note, I'd like to share this wonderful spotlight story written by Bob Coupland of the "Tribune Chronicle" of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.

This extensive article gives a detailed description of the funds provided by the Cemetery Grant Fund that has been helping Active/Registered Not-For-Profit Cemeteries in Ohio since 2019.

Before this law was passed and enacted no such program was in place by the State of Ohio that helped any cemetery that has needed funding in a manner like what this law has accomplished.

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For additional reference.:

WFMJ in Youngstown (Mahoning County.:

https://www.wfmj.com/story/42772507/5-valley-cemeteries-receiving-funding-for-repairs-improvements

Excerpt: "The Cemetery Grant Fund, which was signed into law as House Bill 168, became effective Oct. 29, 2018. The funds are to be used for exceptional maintenance of cemetery grounds or training for cemetery personnel.

Any registered, non-profit cemetery may apply for the grant, which is funded by $1 of every burial permit fee received by the Division. Cemeteries that applied and did not receive funding this year are encouraged to apply again next year."

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Further Link.: Ohio Cemetery Grant Fund Program details

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However, sadly, we still must be mindful and reflect on the fact that Ohio's Inactive Cemeteries are in the category of being Unregistered (AKA Not Registered) cemeteries - meaning no burials in the past 25 years,

Additionally:

Cemeteries or burial grounds deemed to be "Family Cemeteries" - as per the Ohio Revised Code stated in the following sections negatively affects them as well and leaves them out of the Registration process.:

(D) Sections 4767.02 to 4767.04 of the Revised Code do not apply to or affect a family cemetery or a cemetery in which there have been no interments during the previous twenty-five calendar years. As used in this division, "family cemetery" means a cemetery containing the human remains of persons, at least three-fourths of whom have a common ancestor or who are the spouse or adopted child of that common ancestor.

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Now, what the State of Ohio needs to do is to expand the Cemetery Grant Program to include cemeteries that are no longer Active and thus are relegated to being Unregistered that are deteriorating, and in so many cases disappearing, before it is too late for them and they are declared abandoned and thus become "fair game" for any sort of development because they are deemed to be a hazard to society. (See: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/.../1953-2978.aspx)

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Sons of Union Vets installs 2023 officers - Wilmington, Clinton County, Ohio

Sons of Union Vets installs 2023 officers

"Holiday wreaths to be laid at Lorain County Cemeteries - December 17 2022" - by Jason Hawk - "The Elyria Chronicle Telegram" - Published November 30 2022

Sharing this link to "The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram" article published on November 30th by Jason Hawk that includes a listing of the Lorain County cemeteries where wreaths will be placed at veterans gravesites on December 17, 2022 for Wreaths Across America Day, which is an annual event held nationwide. See this article for all of the specifics for the times for each cemetery.

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This is a must-read spotlight story if your interest is in Lorain County cemeteries! 

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Sharing a link to "Find A Grave" cemeteries located in Lorain County.

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Sharing a link to the national website of "Wreaths Across America". 

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