At a recent meeting of the Pleasant Valley Fire Company #1, representatives of the Board of Directors of the Pleasant Valley Cemetery Association inquired if the Fire Company would be able to assist the Cemetery Association with a fall clean-up.

Steve Albrecht Sr., Superintendent of Cemetery stated that there were numerous grave stones that were tipped over and help was needed in up righting them, and some grave stones had come off their foundation and needed to be placed back on. In addition, there were trees that needed to be trimmed as well as bushes that were hiding grave stones from view.

President Andrew Murphy of the Fire Company brought the issue before the membership for discussion which resulted in an overwhelming vote to assist the Cemetery.

On morning of Saturday, September 12th thirteen members of the Pleasant Valley Fire Company #1 arrived at the cemetery to begin work. Grave stones were uprighted and repaired and trees and bushes were cut and trimmed.

Captain John Cronk of the Fire Company explained that the 12th was picked so that the members could observe Patriot Day, a National Day of Service and Remembrance, which was held on the previous day. Captain Cronk stated “the members felt that assisting the Cemetery Association was an appropriate way to provide service and remembrance as the Fire Company has 133 deceased members buried in this Cemetery”.

The amount of work to be done could not be completed in one day, so the members plus an additional four arrived on Saturday the 19th to finished the trimming and cleanup. Town Highway Superintendent John Baxter also assisted with the clean-up and provided a chipper to chop up the tree branches.

An additional Saturday is being planned next month to finish up righting the remaining tipped over grave stones.