Edgewood Cemetery cleanup set for Saturday
POTTSTOWN » Volunteers are being sought for a Saturday cleanup at Edgewood Cemetery from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
While Edgewood’s fall cleanup days in recent years have included free food and fundraising raffles, the pandemic has caused organizers to “keep it simple” this fall.
They simply are looking for volunteers to come to the cemetery at 989High St. between Edgewood and Keim streets ready and willing to rake leaves, do some weeding, and help with other tasks to get the grounds ready for winter.
“We do ask that all volunteers practice personal distancing and wear a mask if at all possible, and certainly if they will be closer than 10 feet to other workers,” said Andrew Monastra, president of the small friends of Edgewood Historic Cemetery, a group of about halfa-dozen volunteers.
“The cemetery is in need of some care before the weather turns cold,” he added. “Past volunteers have always enjoyed this time together as we give back to the community in a very meaningful way. Last year we had about 100 volunteers give us a few hours throughout the day.”
Monastra notes that the Pottstown Rotary Club and employees from the Giant Co. grocery store in Pottstown have indicated they’d like to help, for which he is very grateful.
He’s also heard from a family that lives in Frederick, Md., that will make the trip to Pottstown to tend the family plot.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves and tools, but some equipment and gloves will be available. Guests also should provide their own water bottles and snacks if desired.
A limited number of trash grabber tools will be available in exchange for donations of $10 ormore.
Hobart’s Run has been selling the grabbers to benefit the cemetery. Thanks goes to Dr. ElliotMenkowitz and the High Street Terminal for supporting this fundraiser by covering the cost of the grabbers.
Naturally, donations always are greatly needed and welcomed to cover mowing costs for each season and help Edgewood show respect to the U.S. Veterans and others buried on the grounds.
A local nonprofit, Edgewood Historic Cemetery receives no funds from the Borough of Pottstown for cemetery maintenance, relying entirely on donations. The cemetery was abandoned in 2012 and fell into terrible disrepair before being rescued by a small group of volunteers.
Checks can be written to Edgewood Historic Cemetery and mailed c/o 740 E. High St., Pottstown, PA 19464, or donors can use Edgewood’s PayPal account.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals who wish to support Edgewood’s maintenance alsomay sponsor the Hobart’s Ram Run 5K/Mile Walk – a “virtual” event that can be completed anywhere in the world, any time during theweek of Oct. 26, as long as the participant’s final time is submitted by the bewitching hour of midnight on Halloween (Oct. 31).
Runners and walkers are encouraged to have fun with this event by dressing in costumes if they’d like and taking and submitting photos to cskitko@thehill.org.
Prizes will be awarded, as well as medals for race winners as determined by “honor system” submissions. A medal ceremony will take place via Zoom on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.
Also benefitting from the virtual race event will be the Hobart’s Run fund for façade and other neighborhood improvements.
More information about race sponsorship levels and benefits can be found at www.thehill.org/about-pottstown/ and runners and walkers can sign up here as well.
Community groups that would like to organize a future fundraiser for Edgewood are encouraged to do so.
Interested parties may contact Monastra at ajmonastra@gmail.com.