It has been another busy six months and we are excited to share the latest updates with you. Canada Post is on strike at the time of publication; so, only email distribution will take place. It can always be found on our website.
Elmwood’s Remembrance Ceremony
The Remembrance Ceremony will take place on Monday November 10 at 4:00 p.m. The list of veterans now includes more than 215 names and unfortunately it grows each year. Each of their graves will have a new Canadian flag and a permanent flag holder installed, and their names will be read aloud during the ceremony.
Directors
Two new Directors joined the Board at the Annual General Meeting: Sheila Alexander and Jim Carson. We also bid a farewell to Tom DeHaan.
New Columbaria and Granite Bench
Two additional 48-unit columbaria and one granite bench are scheduled to arrive this November.
Maintenance Inspection
A general maintenance inspection was completed. Recommendations are being evaluated and implemented wherever possible. Your suggestions or concerns are welcomed.
Windstorms, Saddle Flower and Decorations
Many saddle flowers are blown off headstones, making it challenging for staff to reunite them with their rightful locations. To assist with future reattachments, we recommend writing the family name on the bottom of the saddle block. Dismounted flowers in good condition are placed in the wooden box to the right of the cemetery office. We kindly remind Rights Holders to remove any decorations that are not in good taste and check on the freshness of flowers and plants. If you are unable to, please let us know.
Water Lines
The water lines and taps are turned off on October 15th and turned back on May 1st. We extended the water lines and connected taps to improve water access in the rear of both Sections J and M.
By-laws
A copy of our By-laws is provided when a Contract for Services is signed. They are also available on our website: www.elmwoodcemetery.ca under the tab ‘About Us’. Attention should be paid to Section G: Memorialization. No items made in whole or part of glass, plastic, metal or crockery are permitted on graves or monuments.
VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS
Elmwood Cemetery thrives thanks to our incredible volunteers. Their time, dedication, and talents make a meaningful difference in preserving and enhancing our grounds. If you are interested in assisting around the cemetery, please contact us – we would truly appreciate your support.
Please also consider including Elmwood Cemetery in your will and in your obituary for those who wish to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers. Every donation helps us maintain a beautiful and respectful space for generations to come.
Memorial Gift Fund
Five large, old trees had to be removed this summer due to age, wind damage and rot. We are grateful to report that donations allowed us to purchase 7 memorial benches this summer and to purchase 4 memorial trees in September while the clearance sales were running. This gives as total of 31 benches throughout the cemetery. The new metal benches will show some rust with time and every effort will be made to do touch ups. Since the additional trees and benches have replenished our requirements, we will not be taking orders for the next year. Donations can still be made to this fund for inclusion in future memorial initiatives.
Floral Baskets and Shepherd’s Hooks
You are encouraged to discard planter baskets beside the garbage drums rather than in them. Every effort is made to recycle the re-usable plastic from the planter pots. If a Shepherd’s Hook (used to hang a floral basket) is missing from your family member’s gravesite, it may have been moved to the northside wall of the garage behind the office building. These hooks are routinely removed when they fall over or remain unused for an extended period.
Nature Trails
This is a reminder that our nature trails are open year-round for your enjoyment! Visitors to Elmwood must keep their dogs on a leash until they reach the nature trails, which are considered off-leash areas. Users of the trails are reminded to place their doggie-doo bags in the garbage bin near the entrance to the trail’s parking lot.
Gravestone Cleaning
If you would like to have your family’s monument power-washed next spring, please notify the office at 613-962 4652. A donation in the amount of your choosing, for each monument to be cleaned, would be greatly appreciated. A charitable gift receipt can be provided.
Headstones
Below are examples of the interesting headstones found at Elmwood. The first is from1810.
The Board of Directors wishes for all of you to enjoy a healthy and safe autumn and winter. It is a beautiful time of year at Elmwood with all of the trees bursting with colours. We welcome your questions and feedback. Please reach out to us by phone at: 613-962-4652 or by email to: info@elmwoodcemetery.ca.