To the Editor:
Our aging cemetery association is looking for helpers.

The New Scotland Cemetery was started in 1860 as part of the New Scotland Presbyterian Church and, as time went on, it became an association separate from the church, made up of volunteers interested in maintaining a cemetery for our neighbors.  

But, as time goes further on, these volunteers have aged, and need to be replaced by younger, more able people.

The cemetery is an important part of our town’s history. There are many descendants of New Scotland’s founding fathers, along with six Revolutionary War soldiers, Civil War soldiers, and veterans of our country’s other wars and police actions buried here.

Also, United States Congressman Samuel Dickson, who was elected to represent New York’s 14th District in the House of Representatives from 1855 to 1857, is buried in the New Scotland Cemetery.

Times sure have changed. We all remember our parents cooking meals from scratch; now we can buy our food all cooked or even delivered to our homes ready to eat.

Communication was done in person or by letters — now much is done on computers or phones. People can use their phones to get information on things they want to buy, then order them. QR codes can be used to order items from television or restaurants by just holding your phone up to the screen or ad.

Most of us currently involved with the cemetery association are part of the Greatest Generation (pre-1946) and need help from those in Generation X (1977-1983) or  Z (1981-1997). We can do social media things in moderation, but it does not come naturally. It takes us a long time to do something that younger people can do in seconds.

When we ask questions about how to do something on the new phones, we are told to ask a grandchild.  We grew up when it was fantasyland to think of talking on the phone, being able to see the person you are talking to, and that person being able to see you. Now it is real. Cars that could drive themselves, also fantasyland.

If  you are interested in becoming a member of our association and to help preserve the history of New Scotland, please contact Arlene Herzog (email: ) or David Youmans (email: ), prior to our next annual meeting this spring.

Arlene Herzog

New Scotland

Cemetery Association