The Bethlehem Cemetery Association is under new leadership after new board members were found to help operate the site. It was announced last week former town Supervisor Jack Cunningham has been elected president of the new board. The state asked the non-profit in charge of Bethlehem Cemetery to seek-out new board members earlier this summer, instead of abandoning the burial ground to be cared for by the town. “We’re very positive about the change,” said Valerie Newell, who helped her husband, Tom Newell, operate the cemetery for the last 12 years. “Both my husband and I continue to support the board as they move forward with our expertise and provide assistance. We’re excited the cemetery has such wonderful, competent leadership.” The Newells announced in the spring they wished to retire and step down from the board. Tom Newell has been on the cemetery board for nearly 30 years. The original vote was to disband the non-profit and abandon the cemetery to be cared for by the town. The state asked for this not to happen, and the town was involved in helping find new board members. Valerie Newell thanked Supervisor John Clarkson in his role of actively spreading the word about the cemetery’s needs. “He worked with us and tried to help where he could,” she said. “I think it’s great that the cemetery will be staying a non-profit,” said Clarkson. “We will work with them on any issue we can help with. Right now, we are providing storage space at Town Hall.” Bethlehem Cemetery has been in operation since 1865 and is the main cemetery in the center of town. It is still financially viable as there are still some lots left to be sold, though not many. The cemetery has no employees, but uses contractors for maintenance and grave digging. Cunningham said he knew he wanted to become a new board member as soon as he read about it in The Spotlight. He’d also worked in the past in cooperation with the cemetery association and town’s Water Department to help protect the site from damage. “It was of interest to me because I’m a plot owner, and so is my mother,” said Cunningham. “I grew up in the neighborhood. It’s a beautiful spot, and I want to see it continue on. There will be no major changes. We just want to maintain operation.” The new board took over operation on July 1. Valerie Newell called the change a “best-case scenario.” “We’re very happy with everything,” she said, while encouraging those who have the time to still volunteer at the cemetery. Those on the board must own a cemetery plot, but any can volunteer to help garden or keep the site clean. In his announcement, Cunningham thanked the Newells for their service to the community.
“Now as we carry on the tradition of excellence established by the previous board, we also want to thank outgoing members, especially Val and Tom Newell, for their years of selfless dedication. They have paved the way for our work going forward,” said Cunningham. New board members:
•Jack Cunningham
•Richard Barnes
•Regina Boyle
•Kathleen Trowbridge
•Mark Bryant
•Adam Groesbeck
•Dan Cunningham
•Steve Reidel