Restoring neglected cemeteries
The first example is restoration of neglected cemeteries. This week, Gov. Lamont announced that Haddam is one of 41 towns that will receive funds for "the basic maintenance of cemeteries, including the clearing of weeds, briars, and bushes; mowing of the ground’s lawn areas; repairing the ground’s fences or walls; and straightening, repairing, and restoring memorial stones."
Two of Haddam's historic cemeteries will receive a total of $5,000. Congratulations to First Selectman Bob McGarry and the Higganum Cemetery Association, for securing these funds to improve New Ponsett/Ponsett East (founded in 1828), and Burr District Cemetery (1820).
Where does the money come from? The program, established in 2014, is funded by revenue collected by the Connecticut Department of Public Health from the issuance of death certificates. The funds are being released under the state’s Neglected Cemetery Account Grant Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. (Like I said, alphabet soup!)
While I applaud volunteers of every kind, we should not rely on volunteers to do what government can do. Here's an example of a cooperative venture - repairing local, historic cemeteries is just one small, but meaningful, example of your tax dollars at work.
Watch for another example coming soon... |