Letter To The Editor – Cemetery Of The Evergreens Employees Devastated By Superintendent’s Actions

Dear Editor,
Superintendent John Koepp approached me at work on May 20 with a letter he had written. It stated, “As of May 23 (Saturday) work days will be Monday, Wednesday and Fridays only, week-ends cancelled, mowing and trimming will be done every three weeks instead of weekly and lawn mowers will be set three inches or higher. “If our Cemetery looks a little seedy, the higher the possibility of donations.” When I informed Mr. Koepp our work for Memorial Day would be incomplete, which he knew fully well, if we could not include Saturday and Sunday, his only reply was, “Oh Well.”
We understood the insufficient funds, but we were informed they had enough funds through July. We were allowed to work 42 days consecutively, which included every weekend in preparation for Memorial Day, so to suddenly halt our work the only weekend remaining before Memorial Day was uncaring and unacceptable.
The Division of State Cemeteries informed me, “Due to such drastic action taken, especially before Memorial Day, the President should have notified all Trustees and called for an emergency meeting for this matter to be discussed, and voted on..” Instead, the President chose to sign the Superintendent’s letter without the other Trustees’ knowledge or approval. We’d like to know why, wouldn’t you?
When I returned to work, as their letter stated, every three weeks instead of weekly, the padlock on the shed door was changed, so in reality, they did not want me to return to work.
We sincerely apologize to everyone, for we feel this matter was inappropriately handled before such an “Honorable Day” as Memorial Day and its significant meaning to us all. We also feel due to our work not allowed to be completed, it was an injustice to all Veterans, disrespectful to each and every plot owner, and certainly it was devastating to the dedicated employees, who have cared for and maintained the Cemetery for so many years, my helper 14 years and myself 27 years.
We would like you to know, through it all, the years of our devotion were gratifying, because the Cemetery of the Evergreens has always held a special place in our hearts.
Carol DuPont, Rte 22, Stephentown
Stephen Keeler, Pittsfield, MA