The New York Department of State this week announced that the third annual “Caring for Your Cemetery Day” will take place on Saturday, April 25 and/or Sunday, April 26, with a number of cemeteries in Steuben and Allegany counties participating.
The Department of State and participating cemeteries are seeking volunteers and hoping to increase public participation in local cemeteries as they are important centers of our cities, villages and towns, according to a community announcement.
Community members are encouraged to locate cemeteries in their neighborhoods that are participating in this event and help with cleanup activities as they prepare for the Spring season and Mother’s Day visits.
“Our cemeteries are important municipal centers and full of history and culture. Their beautification and upkeep are critical to ensuring that they remain integral parts of our neighborhoods,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Caring for Your Cemetery Day is an excellent volunteer opportunity for New Yorkers to help local cemeteries transition out of winter months, celebrate Earth Day and to gather community support when extra assistance is most needed to contribute to a clean environment.”
This event is designed to engage community residents to participate in the cleanup and beautification of local cemeteries and to raise awareness of the hard work and dedication that goes into their care, maintenance and preservation.
Tasks may include:
The mission of the Department’s Division of Cemeteries is to help ensure that regulated cemeteries are kept in good standing with the communities they serve and that they continue to operate on a non-for-profit basis. The division regulates approximately 1,700 not-for-profit cemeteries in New York State. The division also offers training workshops year-round to educate cemetery operators and other interested individuals on how to maintain cemeteries, keep financial records, and ensure long-term viability.
Where to find participating cemeteries
Over the last two years, nearly 100 cemeteries signed up to participate in Caring for Your Cemetery Day, according to the announcement.
This year, nearly 140 cemeteries plan on participating statewide. More can register by contacting the Division of Cemeteries at Cemeteries@dos.ny.gov or 518-474-6226.
Here’s where to find participating cemeteries in the region, according to the Department of State.
Steuben County
Addison, Addison Hill Cemetery: 10 a.m., April 25-26.
Canisteo, Hillside Cemetery: 9 a.m., April 25.
Allegany County
Almond, Almond Woodlawn Cemetery: 9 a.m., April 25
Andover, Hillside Cemetery: 10 a.m., April 25-26
Black Creek, Black Creek Cemetery: 9 a.m., April 25
Burns, Canaseraga Cemetery: 10 a.m., April 25
Livingston County
Nunda, Oakwood Cemetery: 10 a.m., April 25
Livonia, Union Cemetery: 9 a.m., April 25
York, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery: 9 a.m., April 25
For a full list, visit dos.ny.gov/Cemetery-Day
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Where to find ‘Caring for Your Cemetery Day’ events in Steuben, Allegany
Reporting by The Spectator, USA TODAY Network / The Evening Tribune
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