News : Storm damage, aging road and stones inspire Evergreen Cemetery fund drive

Many areas of the roadways through Evergreen Cemetery are in very poor condition.

The fence at Evergreen Cemetery was damaged by falling trees July 11, 2011.

Evergreen Cemetery curently has many damaged driveways, areas of broken concrete and many stumps.

Marcia Hite looked around Evergreen Cemetery, where many of her relatives are buried; where one day she and her husband Dave will also be laid to rest.

She saw broken concrete in many of the cemetery's driveways, and dirt paths in desperate need of gravel. She saw the impact of the July 11 storm: Fallen trees, dozens of large stumps needing removal, damage to tombstones and the black cast iron fence that lines the cemetery's west side.

She first decided that someone should do something. Then she decided that that someone was her.

Marcia, along with retired teacher and local historian Richard Farmer, have begun a fund-raising drive for the cemetery.

Working with the Evergreen Cemetery Association, which has a tax-exempt status, the two are seeking funding and donations of materials and labor for the cemetery.

There is a perpetual care trust fund, but because of the low interest rates, that fund has very little money to cover the needed repairs, said Marcia. The association owns the property, so no assistance from the city, county or FEMA is available.

Another economic issue is the fact that fewer burials are taking place at Evergreen, reducing the amount of working capital.

In addition to the permanent cemetery structures mentioned above, there is also a need for repairs to the vehicles and equipment that Tim Fuchs uses. Most of those machines are decades old, says Marcia.

Also, the Soldiers Monument has some damaged and needs repaired.

"Evergreen Cemetery is a great source of information," she says. "On a nice, warm summer day it is not uncommon to see someone seeking names, dates and history on family; or simply remembering old friendships."

Some people have already begun to help. The Mentor Literature Club donated several hundred dollars. Others have offered their services.

"Scott Tharp has offered to repair the sign," said Marcia. The Graham family of Brandon has volunteered to remove some stumps.

Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to: Evergreen Cemetery, Box 534, Vinton, IA 52349.