Funeral for a Friend - elton john
As some of you might know, with the passing of my father about 6 weeks ago, I've been spending a lot of time at Riverside cemetery. It is a very beautiful cemetery.
Something I thought was strange this past week, with all the nice weather we've had I was under the impression that the two cemeteries, Riverside and Evergreen, would be in tip-top shape. I really didn't know what to expect until I saw a lot of upset people complaining about the grounds at Riverside. Today I witnessed one man weed-whacking a gravesite because his mother was upset about the conditions. Even councilmen are getting complaints. My question is "is it time for the city to out-source cemetery maintenance". I am sure we pay good wages to have this work done; one would think the least we could expect is that city employees would do a good job. Someone from the city should explain how much we spend annually on our cemeteries; how many jobs are involved, how much equipment is involved. I soon will be posting pictures taken Saturday from both cemeteries. It's my way of thinking that with the good weather we had the week before Memorial Day both cemeteries should have been in excellent shape; both to honor our departed veterans and as a job done well for the citizens who have family there. Anyone else have a comment?
posted by terminator1 @ 7:46 PM
18 Comments
18 Comments:
I've spent a lot of time going to semeteries over the years because I am one of those weird people that find them a good place to read or walk and there are a lot of other folks that like to jog or walk their dogs in them too. Many cemeteries have one or two people devoted just to that job and take pride in doing it well. They even knew a lot of us visitors by name. I don't know how Painesville runs their maintenance program but I do know that they have strict rules (that really don't make much sense)on what can be used to decorate a grave. When I called several weeks ago to find out if any permanent plants were allowed, I was told 'no' but this isn't consistant with what I see. If done tastefully and with our seasons in mind I don't know what the problem would be...unless someone just doesn't want to work around extra shrubs or perennials. I've pulled weeds at stones where I didn't know the people just because it really needed done and pick up trash whenever I see it. Both Painesville cemeteries are really clean but the attention to detail could be better. Hope your post accomplishes something Term.
Everyone knows that if you work for Painesville no one works on Friday. This department needs an overhaul. I also witnessed people from out of state complaining at Riverside and these were former residents that moved out of state. The condition of the empty storefronts downtown was a shock to them along with the hospital closing. It made the condition of Riverside just a side note.
The city can't seem to manage anything anymore just come in punch a clock, get your check and head for home. That for most of them is out of Painesville.
I lay this all at the city manager she has failed to do what residents have asked for over ten years. Was she at Evergreen or Riverside to see the terrible condition they were in?
Is she blind to the illegals here? Does she drive different streets?It's past time for council to look for a replacement, they need replaced!
It broke my heart to visit my late husbands grave Sunday.
Well, I was at Evergreen on Memorial Day for the parade and didn't see very many elected officials there.
Get used to it it is always like that, we go there and out to Perry, thank God Perry did a good job this year.
Government wants more money to provide less service...how bout using some of Ciconetti's creative sentencing for community service to be performed pulling weeds etc in our cemeteries? For just a fraction of the money we're going to owe AMP Ohio we could have gotten a lot of weeds pulled.
My Son was buried at Riverside 9 yrs. ago in the fall. Springtime at Easter I bought the Cross w/ artificial flowers you find at nearly all big box stores. I didn`t know at the time that nothing could be placed at the gravesite but fresh cut flowers,and that you couldn`t even put them in a container. This policy makes no sense and seems anti Christian. Easter is the Holiest day of the year and our hope is in the resurrection to eternal life with Christ ! Artificial decorations should be allowed a few days before and after Easter, then, if not removed, discarded to prepare for Memorial Day. I usually find the cemetary in decent condition and I appreciate the fact that they accept upright headstones. These are a maintanence headache and I do not expect the area around the stones to be pristine, but I do think it could be better. I agree w/ the previous poster that utilizing probationers in place of jail time could be a good alternative sentence and benefit to offenders and community.
Above comment makes sense. That's probably why it won't go anywhere.
Everything must be removed from the cemetery October 1? November seems to make more sense. The grass and weeds were high this year and I believe Riverside has a large dead tree in the middle of it. The place just looked unkept.
I also believe the cemetery landscaping should be privatized. The workers I have watched as I sit in my car seem very lazy. I have spoken to other residents who feel these employees are overpaid and underworked. Lets have these grounds taken care of by a company that takes some pride in there work. Along with some respect for the dead.
AMEN AMEN TO THE POST 5:43 pm. HOW DO WE START THIS PROCESS. wondering ???
Just to let people know, I was at Riverside Cemetery Friday evening and it was in first-class shape.
I wish it had been this nice last weekend during the holiday. It looked great Friday.
Was there tonight Term (Tues PM) and all the flowers and flags are beautiful. Glad to see the improvement.
A letter in Thursday's June 10,2010 News-Herald.
Beautiful cemeteries
I would like to thank the city of Painesville's cemetery workers who made the Riverside and Evergreen cemeteries look beautifulbfor another Memorial Day. Your hard work is greatly appreciated by me and those loved ones rest there.
Jan Zapp
Painesville
Have to wonder who this lady is related to downtown?
Watch the council meeting even the city manager was disapointed.
Loved the readers comment about Riverside and Evergreen cemeteries.
Guess everyone isnt as ridiculous as Anon 6-11 1:40
Sorry Jan, and no disrespect but thats not what I viewed.
To 2:02...did you read that letter carefully? She seems to be under the impression that everything was wonderful BEFORE the holiday....and from personal experience (I was actually at Riverside several times before and after Memorial Day) that was just not the case. All Term did was point out that the cemeteries needed better care...and now they have it. Case closed.
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