To the Editor:

As junior member of the board of the Fairview Cemetery Association, I’ve come to realize that the public needs to know regularly what is occurring with this important real estate. This entity honors our forefathers and those who have enabled us to experience freedom — of and from!

This is a place for honoring and reflecting on the good that has come from past generations who fought and died and those who supported them as well. I remember well as a youth going to the cemetery several times a year to honor my ancestors.

We’ve all experienced the downturn in the market and interest rates on investments, but many have not been as negatively affected as the Fairview Cemetery Association, which relies on the income from these investments to meet annual expenses. The interest from these investments, plus a small percentage of the sale of lots and subsequent internments, is used to cover our expenses.

However, as costs have increased, interest has decreased, and use of alternate burial is becoming more frequent, so we have had a serious decline in operating funds. We find we must reach out to those who currently own plots for past and future burials, and concerned public, to send donations to continue the upkeep of our cemetery.

The term “Perpetual Care: has become the “Need for Perpetual Donations” to continue to keep our cemetery maintained in the manner you have come to expect. Our investments and prudent use of funds aren’t enough to keep the standard!

Please send whatever you are able — your check made payable to Fairview Cemetery Association, and address it to the association at Post Office Box 751, Altamont, NY 12009.

As the Board is composed of volunteers — we receive no money for our participation — our satisfaction is in keeping this treasure functioning to honor those who are buried here, now and in the future.

We could use physical assistance as well — and hope those so inclined to support a worthy cause would choose this organization to assist. We compensate only “staff” who mow, trim, and provide upkeep to the property and buildings. Plus we pay for the materials, supplies and equipment.

Major tasks, which are beyond our capability, are performed by local businesses that are paid for their work. Often board members are involved in upkeep tasks — for which they simply “volunteer.”

We could use more people to assist in these endeavors. Please contact us at the above address if you have some time to devote to the Fairview Cemetery Association.

Beverly A. Harrington, treasurer

Fairview Cemetery Board

Altamont