May 1, 2024

Another year has passed and a lot has changed with Grandview Cemetery. First, please join us in thanking Jim Miller for 60+ years of service. He did a great job of taking care of the sales of plots and making sure the cemetery was always well manicured. Towards the end of last year, Jim elected to step away from his position. In honor of him, we will be naming one of the cemetery roads Jim Miller Lane. We can’t thank him enough for all he has done for so many years.

With that being said, a group of people came together to figure out how to carry on the work that Jim did. This group is committed to working together to ensure that Grandview Cemetery is properly maintained. Part of that commitment was to have our biennial meeting, which was held on November 21, 2023. At that meeting, a new board of 5 were elected for a 2-year term. At a later meeting, the 5 elected members got together and voted on who would fill the role of each office. Below are the elected officers for 2024-2025:
            

            President – Dennis Crites
            Vice President – Stella Royal
            Treasurer – Denise Frederick
            Secretary – Sue Brown
            Board Member – Julie Beard


As you know, Grandview Cemetery is an extremely large cemetery, therefore it is a big undertaking to keep the cemetery manicured and looking its best. We are thankful that Kevin Gott has been taking care of the cemetery for 24 years. He has agreed to continue doing this job for at least the next 2 years.

There are a lot of expenses that go into maintaining a cemetery. The largest expense is the mowing and weed eating that has to be done on a weekly basis in the spring, summer and fall months. Other expenses include the maintenance of the mower, weed eater, gas for all equipment, insurance on the property, other operating expenses that come up.

The board recently put together a detailed budget for the 2024 season. As of November 21, 2023 there was $5,549.09 in the bank account. Historical data shows the average cost to maintain the cemetery is $20,000.00. The Board came up with a budget of $29,662.00 for the 2024 season. The budget breakdown is available for viewing on the Grandview Cemetery website.

The board has been working on ways to raise money in addition to the individual donations. We recently held a bake sale during the Eclipse and were able to raise $2,181.00. While that is a good start, it’s very far from where we need to be. As of this writing, we currently have $14,246.00 in the account. This amount will only take care of the maintenance on the cemetery for half of the mowing season, which has already begun! We will continue to get funds through the sales of plots, service fees, along with future fundraising ideas. We are also pursuing grants where we meet the requirements of the grant.

We tell you all of this for a couple of reasons. One, we want you know that we are doing our part to raise money in other ways to help meet the budget. Secondly, we share all of this to show you why your support is so important. Monetary donations are much needed and greatly appreciated.

To make your donation to the Grandview Cemetery Association, please do so one of the following ways:

             On Line: Grandviewcemeterybloomfield.com – click on the Contact/Donate tab

             Mail a check to: Grandview Cemetery Association
                                          Attn: Denise Frederick
                                          390 Shyla Lane
                                          Bloomfield, IN 47424

              In Person: Northwest Bank

              Memorial Day Weekend: A donation tent will be set up at Grandview Cemetery

If you, or someone you know, are interested in purchasing a plot(s), please contact Denise Frederick at 812-322-8111.

While you can make a contribution at any time, we have decided to only send a letter out once a year. You will receive your letter during the first week in May. All other events will be advertised on our website and Facebook page. If you know of anyone who would be willing to help, please share this information with them. The donation drive is open to anyone!

Thank you for your consideration of a donation to Grandview Cemetery Association. We thank you for any gift you are able to make and your continued support.

Sincerely,

Grandview Cemetery Board