Lack of Regular Maintenance a Major Concern for Those Who Care about Clark's Corners Cemetery in Conneaut, Ashtabula County, Ohio

Sharing this news story reported on May 29, 2017 by Cleveland 19 News:

"Residents Upset by Lack of Upkeep at Conneaut cemetery" 

Investigated and Presented by news reporter Shelby Miller 

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Tall uncut grass waving in the wind and obscuring a cracked in half 19th century headstone is a featured segment in the video.  This is an unwelcomed sight seen all too often at Ohio's inactive, and therefore unregistered, cemeteries.  Cemeteries in this unfortunate category (lack of burials in the past 25 years) are discriminated against in Ohio.  This is because unregistered cemeteries are ineligible in the eyes of the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission to accept and handle complaints against those responsible for a cemetery's care -- that is if it is a registered cemetery.

But there is hope............

Utilizing the power of the media to alert the general public, particularly those who live in the community, to the deteriorated conditions that exist at a local cemetery, is a powerful tool.  

The information shared on TV, newspapers, radio stations, and social media spurs stronger interest for individuals and groups to work together for the common good of the cemetery in need of help.  

The rewards are great that stem from cemetery volunteerism -- and so are the results!  

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There are 144 interments listed on "Find A Grave" for Clarks Corner Cemetery.  

Spotlighting the Old Burying Ground's May 27th, 2017 Work Session - Greenfield, Ohio

Sharing this link from the Greenfield Historical Society in Greenfield (Highland County) Ohio.

 Scott Andersen and his wife Venus, Jacquelyn Doles, Patsy Smith, John King, and Diane Zimmerman were the volunteers who participated in this first more major work session of 2017 at the Village of Greenfield's Old Burying Ground on May 27, 2017.

I'm sure you will enjoy viewing the before and after photographs that tell the story of their progress as it is being made at this historic cemetery.

Please also check out previous work sessions found in the "Past Events" Section (Under the category of "A Look Back") that began in 2014.

This all volunteer group, many of whom are long time stalwarts who have given of their time and talents as they have in so many various capacities, is making a huge difference and bringing this once forlorn looking cemetery back to life!

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(Below are some photos taken at the Old Burying Ground in September, 2016, by Linda Jean Limes Ellis)

On Memorial Day We Pause to Honor Those Who Made The Ultimate Sacrifice for America -- For All of Us

You may have seen Andrew Lumish -- The Good Cemetarian -- spotlighted on national newscasts and featured in newspaper stories, etc., and have enjoyed learning more about him and his dedicated volunteer work cleaning veterans' headstones.  
Sharing the latest one from NBC News that aired on May 26, 2017, simply titled:  "Man Honors Veterans by Cleaning Their Headstones".  

Click Here for the Facebook Page for "The Good Cemetarian"

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As we are inspired by the dedication of others to bring awareness to the ongoing needs of cemeteries and the gravesites and gravestones they hold, we are reminded that indeed All Cemeteries Matter.

 So it is that all of our individual and collective efforts put forth toward their betterment means that no cemetery, or those who are buried in them, should be forgotten, or ignored and neglected.

Cemeteries sit silently along America's city streets and country roads alike awaiting to welcome visitors to come and explore their history and show their respect to them.  

Sadly, too many times vandals are the ones who find them only to damage and destroy the grave markers; including those of veterans, knowing that the cemetery is an easy target. 
  
 All we have to do is to walk through a cemetery and linger long enough to read the epitaphs and inscriptions on veterans' grave markers, noting those who were killed in action, to realize that they died for us, so that we may enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear now.
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Remembering all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  Memorial Day  is dedicated to their memory and their heroism. 
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Thanking Mr. Mike Schrull for cleaning the grave marker of Airman First Class Eric Barnes and placing an American flag at his gravesite at Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain, Ohio.