Mormons Cleaning-Up The Fitzgerald Cemetery in South Lakeland

Thirty-six volunteers from the Gibsonia Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met at the Fitzgerald Cemetery in South Lakeland on the Day of Service, Saturday, April 24, 2010.  The Gibsonia Ward chose to help restore a portion of the Fitzgerald Cemetery on Fitzgerald Road in Lakeland, which was in poor condition.  Volunteers spent a total of 102 hours on the project.  They pulled masses of moss off the large trees and tried to restore strength to small evergreens that were being strangled by the moss.  Brooms, rakes, saws, and strong arms helped fill many bags with leaves and moss, while dead limbs looked like they were being prepared for a bonfire. Head stones were pressure washed to remove dirt and fungus collected over many years of neglect.  It felt good to work together – youth and adults -  and to look back to see the progress that was made in just a few hours.  Volunteers cleaned the entire Southeast corner of the cemetery.  Since it is a privately owned cemetery, there are no provisions for perpetual care.  It was a big help to the families who have family members there as it is up to them to keep it clean.