Sheridan Cemetery Assn. Seeks Financial Help from Public to Replace Damaged Trees

This large tree was uprooted during the strong wind storms which struck Nemaha County about three months ago.




Written by Nemaha County Herald Thursday, 29 October 2009 14:44

The Sheridan Cemetery Association of Auburn is seeking help from the public to help pay for expenses resulting from trees damaged by two wind storms about three months ago. The Association has written to former residents of Nemaha County about the need for money and is now beginning its local aspect of the fund drive. The letter states, “After suffering two devastating wind storms in Auburn within five days of each other, the trees of Sheridan Cemetery sustained considerable damage. Many trees could not be saved and still others lost numerous limbs. The chapel chimney was also damaged, but will be fixed as soon as possible. Thanks to hours of help from our Association members and community volunteers, Sheridan Cemetery is again in good shape and safe to enter. However, we now need to replace a large number of trees, many of them more than 100 years old. “Our sources of income are the sale of lots, and from the donation tables set up over Memorial Day weekend each year. This past May, we collected approximately $3,500. These funds enable us to cover the cost of equipment and daily maintenance of cemeteries. Unfortunately, expenses continue to rise and donations have remained relatively the same for the past several years.“We are seeking individuals, families, civic organizations and businesses interested in making donations toward this project. Donations in memory of loved ones, or in honor of a family member or members, are lasting ways to remember these individuals. All donations will help us keep Sheridan Cemetery and Sheridan West Cemetery the beautiful resting places they have always been and will continue to be.“Unlike our last capital improvement project fund raiser, we do not have a specific monetary goal or an expected completion date. The amount of donations we receive will determine the number of trees we will be able to replace. Please keep in mind that we will not be able to plant a specific kind of tree in a specific location. We will do what we can, where we can, with what we have, when the weather permits. Our local Tree Board will be advising us. We are ‘planting for posterity’!

wo Limbs were snapped off from this tree at Sheridan Cemetery with the brush falling amongs the gravestones. “Donations may be sent to: Sheridan Cemetery Association, Suzzy Thomas, 2001 29th Street, Auburn, NE, 68305.“The public is encouraged to pass this information onto any family members and friends who may share an interest in the Sheridan and Sheridan West cemeteries.”The Association is comprised of Ken Hutton as chairman; Phyllis Heidzig, secretary; Suzzy Thomas, clerk; Steve Mattes, groundskeeper; Marilyn Jeanneret, Dale Bradley, Bev Moody, Joe Darling and Kathy Grant.