Lynn DPW prepares for annual spring cemetery cleanup

LYNN – A spring cleanup at Pine Grove Cemetery will take place March 1 and will continue through April 15, pending any delays from snowstorms.Department of Public Works (DPW) Commissioner Jay Fink and Pine Grove Cemetery Chairman David Travers said the cleanup is geared toward readying the grounds for the spring and summer months.The annual cleanup will consist of removing wreaths, baskets, potted plants, plastic decorations, blankets, and any other grave decorations from the cemetery grounds that will interfere with the project.Vigil lights will not be removed, and recent burial arrangements will be left at the gravesite for a few days before being removed.”Our employees work diligently and aggressively to maintain the cemetery properties in a highly professional manner,” Fink said. “We are committed to providing the best of care for the grounds and our goal is to maintain the integrity of the cemetery for those that are laid to rest and their visitors.”Since holiday decorations and personal items are removed from the gravesites, Fink suggested people go to the cemetery and collect items that they would like to keep.”Sometimes people forget to take things, and some get upset about it, but we do this every year and we put up warning signs in the cemetery to remind people,” he said.Visitors should not place new items at gravesites until the cleanup is complete.