Chincoteague Reports

Cemetery Meeting October 28, 2008

The Town Cemetery Committee met at 6:00 PM, October 28, 2008, in the Town office. 

In attendance were committee members, Ellen Richardson, chairperson, Terry Howard and Gary Turnquist.  Also present were Town Manager, Rob Ritter, Ruth Lane and Judy Howard.

The date of November 22nd, was chosen for our yearly cemetery clean up day.  After discussion of various needy sites, the committee decided to revisit the Whealton, Lewis, Clayville Cemetery behind the High School, at the end of Daisey street.  This was the location of the first cemetery clean-up day in November of 2000;  over the past eight years the location has regrown, and is in need of clearing again.  This cemetery is important because it contains the remains of Hallie Whealton Smiths’ parents, as well as some of the earliest Clayville inhabitants on the Island.

Our fundraising requests have produced $1400. in donations;  we are very grateful to the civic organizations, businesses and individuals that have contributed so far.

Mrs. Richardson proposed a small photo display for the Heritage Day presentation at the Community Center on November 15th, outlining some of the clean-up work we have done over the past eight years, and advertising our upcoming clean-up on the 22nd.

Mr. Turnquist discussed the cemetery Decoration Day initiative, set for Sunday, November 2nd.  Townspeople are asked to honor family, or those who have past before us, by placing flowers on headstones in any of our town cemeteries.

The meeting adjourned at 6:55.  Our next meeting will be in the field on Nov. 22.

Submitted by Gary Turnquist

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

Town Cemetery Committee, August 26, 2008

The Town Cemetery Committee met in Council Chambers, at 6:00 PM. 

In attendance were:  Ellen Richardson, chairman, Terry Howard, Gary Turnquist, Robert Ritter, and Ruth Lane, an interested citizen.

The agenda discussed fund raising, and the fall clean up schedule.

The Cemetery Clean-up Fund has become depleted over the past two years, and there is not enough money to hire mowing this fall.  Mr. Turnquist suggested that we should write a  letter to the various town civic organizations outlining our current situation, and request that they consider a donation so we may continue to have our neediest resting places maintained in a dignified manner.  This idea was supported by Mrs. Richardson.

It was suggested by, Mr. Howard, that we should make our situation known to the many citizens that have contributed, as they might consider support as well.  A letter to the editor of the Beacon will be sent outlining our situation.

Our annual fall clean-up was discussed.  Mrs. Richardson suggested the Jones Cemetery, on Ridge Road, as in need of some help.  Mr. Howard also mentioned that the Holy Ridge Cemetery, and the Reed Cemetery, needed some work to maintain what we had previously accomplished.  A monthly clean-up plan was forwarded, and agreed to as needed.  A final plan will be formalized at our October meeting.

Our next meeting is scheduled for October 28th, at 6:00 PM, to finalize plans for the fall clean-up.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:50.

Notes by Gary Turnquist

N.B.  These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting.  The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings.  These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.