GRAVETTE — New officers and board members were elected at a meeting of the Bethel Cemetery Association held Jan. 9 after recent resignations left several vacancies.
The new officers are Kim Hendren, president; Ron Teasley, Vice President; Lori Russell, secretary; and Ozzie Rodgers, Treasurer. The new board members are Rickie Stark, Hope Duke and Rodgers. Teasley replaces Dr. Kent Leonard, who has resigned.
The members decided to meet on the second Sunday afternoon of each term. Duke will create a Facebook page and anyone interested is asked to give their email address to Gayla McKenzie or Catrina Smith. McKenzie gave copies of the general rules and regulations to those present for review and comment.
The members voted to increase the price of the funeral since it has not been increased for several years.
Hendren reported that the plating of the cemetery has begun. Blaine Russell will contact a nursery to see what trees are recommended to be planted in place of the Bradford pear trees, which had to be cut down.
Several future projects were mentioned, including the paving of the road surrounding the cemetery and possibly the road through the center, the construction of a pavilion and the cleaning of the north side of the property. Work days will continue on the first Saturdays of April and October. Members were also asked to collect donations over Memorial Day weekend.
Anyone interested in Bethel Cemetery is welcome to attend the meetings. The association encourages people to make memorial donations to the cemetery after the death of a family member or friend. Contact Hendren, Rodgers or Rickie Stark at 479-787-5678.
