12/10/2024
Dear Friends of Hillington Cemetery,
2024 was a very productive year for Hillington Cemetery. Thanks to your generous donations, the Hillington Cemetery made it through the year. In the spring, a whole section of the front fence was blown down. With your contributions, and a very generous benefactor, approximately 400 feet of the fence was replaced with the help of David Anderson and our cemetery crew. They were able to complete the construction before the regular cemetery work season began.
The following picture shows the section of fence that was replaced and will be painted in the spring of 2025 before Memorial Day.
The other section of the front fence, from the gate to the stone wall, is a little less than 400 feet and is being propped up now. The board has approved replacing this section of fence next year. The materials have been ordered; David Anderson has been contracted to do the work that will cost approximately $14,000 to $15,000, and includes labor, time, materials, and the painting of the fence.
A new mower was purchased this year. New rear tires were purchased for the John Deere tractor for $2,200. Topsoil was purchased, as well as other supplies such as gas, oil, fertilizer and grass seed. The topsoil and grass seed were used to cover the area around the large monument that was creating a problem for the crew of removing/trimming weeds growing up among the stone paths and bricks. Many graves were filled and stones were straightened. We had approximately 23 burials of both cremains and full burials.
A new large mower should have been replaced this year, but the increases in prices made it necessary to get at least one more year out of the mower. A new mower would cost about $15,000.
Some of the plantings in front of the memorial monument have died or were in poor condition, so six new peony plants were planted in front of the monument in order to beautify the memorial for the future.
This year we are fortunate we have our very reliable regular crew of Tim Carroll and Kevin Wilson. Jim Benjamin worked well as our half-time employee, but he has taken a full time job elsewhere, so we will be looking for another part time employee for next year.
We had a sad loss of one of our long time trustees. Gary Johnson passed away last January and David Birdsall has been appointed to replace him on the board.
As a member of the Morris community, Hillington cemetery was pleased to be able to allow the elementary soccer teams use of the front field for practice and games while Morris Central School is building the bus garage and reorienting the playing fields. Many community members were pleased to see the children using the Hillington fields.
The trustees appreciate your continued support in helping meet our financial goals. Please consider Hillington Cemetery in your estate planning. Any donations can be sent to:
Hillington Cemetery Association
PO Box 32
Morris, NY 13808
If you would like a receipt please note this in the envelope with your donation. We greatly appreciate all donations made.
Best regards,
Hillington Cemetery Trustees
