Discussions at two recent meetings over the course of the last two weeks, hosted by the Evergreen Cemetery Committee, focused on the need for restoration of stone walls at Owego’s historic Evergreen Cemetery. Some controversy was dug up, particularly on social media, however a common theme appears clear, that individuals want to cast aside misunderstandings and move forward.
Evergreen Cemetery was established in the village of Owego in 1851 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Care of the cemetery rests with the village Department of Public Works (DPW), with recommendations made by the committee, while other decision-making is owned by the village.
Two recent meetings, open to the public, were held on Feb. 28 and March 7 in the chapel of Owego’s United Methodist Church, the first of which brought together the community and four committee members, along with village trustees who attended as guests.
The second meeting, although initially announced as canceled, was still held as an informal gathering and attended by one committee member, along with a few guests that included village trustees and the mayor.
At the forefront of the discussions is a longstanding grant to restore a large stone wall. The grant has sparked renewed attention since it is due to expire at the end of October. At the March 7 meeting, it was shared that DPW Superintendent, Jeff Soules, secured grant extensions over the course of the last five years.
During public comment at the Feb. 28 meeting, two trustees spoke of preliminary estimates recently accomplished, and that overall there is a commitment to move forward. At the March 7 meeting, Village of Owego Mayor, Steve May, shared that a NYS Department of Parks, Recreation and Preservation manager, along with an engineer, Soules and himself, had recently conducted a site visit at the cemetery, with a final report pending.
Committee member, Laura Rodd, recently communicated that the village had disbanded the cemetery commission at the board’s March 6 meeting. The subject was discussed at the March 7 committee meeting with information shared that clarified New York State disbanded the commission in 1946, which at that time was not a village decision. Today, the group, according to village officials, is considered a “standing committee,” and that the role of the committee is to advise DPW of important action items for care at the cemetery, as well as to volunteer when needed on a variety of tasks.
Village officials who attended the March 7 committee meeting emphasized that the committee “brings value” to the table, and reiterated that the committee’s efforts, now comprised of five members, two of whom were appointed in 2017, is extremely vital going forward. It was also shared that the village board, along with their attorney, is working to have a document made available at the next board meeting regarding the roles of all involved.
A need for clarification of volunteer efforts at the cemetery was discussed at both meetings, and at the March 7 meeting it was advised that individuals who are interested in volunteering at the cemetery should contact DPW to complete a release form.
Committee member, Melody Patterson, who has been involved with the group for several years, explained that documentation she submitted at the March 6 village board meeting requests consideration of individuals under the age of 18 to be volunteers, namely students and scouts who can earn community service time.
Patterson also said, “The time for blame is over. We need to work together as a unit to get things done.”
That unit links the committee, the DPW and the village board. The first action item to accomplish is restoration work of the largest stone wall, with ongoing attention to future needs, which include potential fundraisers, new grants and other options.
Mayor May added, with affirmation from village officials in attendance on March 7, “We’re here to show we’ve always supported the committee.”
To reach out to the DPW, the committee or village officials, contact information is available at villageofowego.com.
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