December 10, 2007
Contact: Sue Baker - 738-2000
For Immediate Release
Volunteers make 2007 a record year in efforts
to clean city’s historical cemeteries
WARWICK – As 2007 winds to a close, Mayor Scott Avedisian and the Warwick Historical Cemetery Commission wish to extend their thanks to the many volunteers who stepped forward to clean and maintain these significant burial sites this year.
There are 119 historical cemeteries in Warwick, and of these, 80 percent have been adopted and are routinely maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers, Avedisian said. Another 10 percent have been cleaned as one-time community service projects. Those who have given of their time for clean up and maintenance projects include entire Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, businesses, neighborhood associations, garden clubs, churches, the Elks lodge and individual citizens.
“By investing their time and effort into these cemeteries, volunteers help to preserve and highlight our rich history, and, equally important, ensure that the memories of all those people who lived, worked and helped our city develop into the wonderful community it is today are honored and respected,” Avedisian said.
Avedisian said goals for 2008 include attention to the remaining 11 or so cemeteries that have not yet been cleaned up, along with an increase in the number of cemetery “adoptions” so that more will receive routine future maintenance.
Cemetery Commission members include: chairwoman Pegee Malcolm, Jane Winton, Maureen Byrne, Madaleine Toy, Chester Ham, Bob Darigan, Dereck Byrne and Maryann DelGiudice.
For more information about the Commission, or to volunteer to clean up a cemetery, please contact Sue Cabeceiras in the Planning Department at 738-2000, ext. 6289, or email at susan.w.cabeceiras@warwickri.com.
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