CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Cemetery Association recently held the annual meeting with officers and trustees in the Jefferson Hall in the village.

President Scott Dibble welcomed all to the meeting and led the group in a prayer. John Sipos, village historian, led all in the pledge of allegiance and reminded members that Flag Day will soon be here. The fiscal year for the cemetery association is from May 1, 2020, until April 30, 2021.

The Cassadaga Cemetery dates back to 1817, and this marks the 204th year. The cemetery is located at the west end of the former village boundary next to another village once known as Burnhams. Burnhams had its own post office, which was once located in one of the buildings of the Fredrickson Builders Supply. Burnahms dissolved in December 1942 and became a part of the village of Cassadaga. The village line was then extended farther west to the edge of Stockton Hill, Sipos said.

The Cassadaga Cemetery may be accessed from Maple Avenue, and is divided into five sections marked A, B, C, D, and E. Section E is the newest section farther back.

The secretary-treasurer is Sue Penhollow, who presented the annual financial report of the cemetery. Penhollow was thanked for all of her efforts and work maintaining the records and completing necessary forms, including the annual state reports.

Jedidah Walter is the grounds keeper for the cemetery. Walter spoke of the maintenance issues of the equipment since it used some 50 hours per week. Lawn mowers and trimming equipment need to be frequently serviced. Maintaining the cemetery during the spring, summer and fall months is a continuous effort. When lots were first sold with perpetual care, one never considered that inflation would take over, causing the maintenance costs to increase.

The Cassadaga Cemetery Association accepts donations to help maintain equipment and maintain the cemetery. Walter was thanked by the board members for the fine job of keeping the cemetery looking good. All donations may be sent to the Cassadaga Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 351, Cassadaga, NY 14718. All donations are appreciated.

There is a set of rules and regulations posted on the back of section D in a bulletin board. Graves should not be outlined, which is important because it makes mowing difficult. Any item placed in the cemetery must be of a permanent material. Summer items placed at the cemetery must be removed by October 1st, and winter and Christmas items must be removed by April 1st. Water is available in several places of the cemetery.

The board set Monday, June 7, at 9 a.m. as a day to clean out the storage garage and discard unused items. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Hall.

Election of officers for 2021-2022 were held. Dibble will serve as the president in the next year. Penhollow will continue as the secretary-treasurer. Trustees elected included Diane House Blizzard, Diane K. Shaw, Cheryl MacKinder, Dan Thorp and Thomas MacKinder. Sipos will serve as an advisor. At all meetings, lot owners and guests are welcome.