A man, a cemetery, and a plan
By Christopher Miller
FARWELL, PA – High grasses and overgrown weeds were all that it took for volunteers to descend on Fairview Cemetery in Farwell last week.
“I shared pictures of the cemetery condition on Facebook because I wanted to bring light to what was going on there,” said Herb Probst. “At the time I did not know if there were caretakers of the cemetery, and it had been a long time since I visited family there.”
Herb Probst, Kenneth Schoonover, Zig Zag Construction & Landscape (Chakonie Gunner Kauffman) and other volunteers descended on the peaceful last resting place for hundreds of former western Clinton County residents with the intention of giving it a sprucing up.
“I saw the condition and wondered if anyone was taking care of it, but I did see that the grass was mowed, but not much weed eating was done around each stone,” Herb said. “Whether I had to do it myself or not, I was going to see that it was cleaned up.”
It was after Herb posted pictures of his clean up efforts that another individual, Kenneth Schoonover, responded that he also arrived at the cemetery with the intention of cleaning it up.
“Sunday morning Kenneth shared that he was at the cemetery weed eating and that he would let me know when he was done, so I thought to myself that I am not doing anything, so I got dressed and met him there and we worked for a good 3 or 4 hours together,” Herb said.
As Herb and Kenneth were finishing up, Zig Zag Construction & Landscape showed up to lend a hand. Herb told him that he would come back the next day to help, but later Zig Zag Construction & Landscape let him know that they had finished the job.
While Herb was working on the grounds, the caretaker, Dick Mazzulla and his son Mike appeared.
“They were so appreciative of what we were able to do here,” Herb said. “Dick is in his 70s and just isn’t able to get around to working on it like he used to, and their son helps when he can when he isn’t working, but they were so happy for the help.”
Karen Mazzulla shared her appreciation for Herb, Kenneth and Zig Zag Construction & Landscape ’s help and coming to the rescue.
“I could not believe it,” Karen said. “It is simply beautiful, and looks really nice and it is really a rough job for the three of us normally to take care of the grounds when my son and I are both working full-time.”
One of the real struggles of the cemetery is finances.
“The money just isn’t there to pay someone to come by and cut the grass the way it should be taken care of,” Karen said. “Some people don’t leave money behind for the upkeep of their plots after they’re gone.”
As for Herb, he is just happy to have been at the right place, at the right time.
“I am willing to do the best that I can to help out with it,” Herb said.
For help with general upkeep of the cemetery, or for making a donation, please contact Dick and Karen Mazzulla at 570-923-7155.
“They truly did an awesome job,” Karen said, “and we are so, so thankful for them.”
