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Cassadaga Cemetery Association Holds Annual Meeting

CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Cemetery Association recently met for its annual meeting in May in the conference room at the Cassadaga Library.

The fiscal year for the association was from May 1, 2016, until April 30, 2017.

The Cassadaga Cemetery dates back to 1817, and this year marks the 200th year. The annual meeting is likely the 199th annual meeting, according to board members. The cemetery was once at the west end of the village boundary, next to what was once known as Burnhams. In December 1942, Burnhams became a part of the village of Cassadaga and the village boundary line was extended west. At one time, Burnhams had its own post office which was located in one of the current buildings of Fredrickson Builders Supply. John Sipos, village historian and one of the trustees, said the current cemetery is divided into five sections and marked A, B, C, D and E. Access to each section may be made from Maple Avenue.

President Scott Dibble called the meeting to order and led all in the pledge of allegiance. The minutes of last year’s meeting, and the financial report of the association were presented by Sue Penhollow, who serves as secretary and treasurer. Penhollow was thanked for all of her work with the Cassadaga Cemetery and keeping the records. Penhollow is seeking help from an individual or individuals with the record keeping. All meetings are open to the public.

Sipos spoke of the 106th annual meeting of the Chautauqua County Federation of Rural Cemeteries which will be held on Wednesday, June 14, in the Kiantone Congregation Church. Sipos welcomed all to attend. Presently, trustee Susan Washington Sipos, trustee Diane K. Shaw and trustee John Sipos will attend.

Groundskeeper Chuck Battaglia spoke of the upkeep of the cemetery and said that he and Jedidiah Walter are working to get the cemetery ready for Memorial Day weekend. Battaglia also spoke in detail of some improvements which are needed with the cemetery, and maintenance which needs to be completed. Many of the head stones, said Battaglia, were not set with a footer, and he and his helpers have been working on that. Roger Higgs of Cassadaga has helped Battaglia in the past and attended the meeting as a guest. Other guests included Priscilla Newell and Sheila Kroon.

Maintaining the cemetery is a continuous effort and when lots were sold with perpetual care, one never thought inflation would take over, causing maintenance costs to rise. The association is planning on a fundraiser to improve their equipment and help with maintenance costs. All donations may be sent to the Cassadaga Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 351, Cassadaga, NY 14718.

The group spoke in appreciation of the many years of service trustee Ray Haines has given to the cemetery. Summer items placed at the cemetery must be removed by Oct. 1, and the winter and Christmas items must be removed by April 1. Anything placed in the cemetery must be a permanent material, and outlining a grave should not be done, as it makes mowing difficult.

Elections were held. Dibble will continue as president and Penhollow will continue as secretary until a replacement is found. The trustees will be Diane House Blizzard, Susan Washington Sipos, Diane K. Shaw, Dan Thorp, and John Sipos. The Cassadaga Cemetery is on line for those who are doing genealogy research work.

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