While the clean-up process at Bethpage Cemetery was progressing well earlier this year, in recent months some of the foliage, plants and weeds that once plagued the cemetery grounds have been returning and more care is necessary.

According to Arthur Kranz, chairman of the cemetery restoration committee who spearheaded the cleanup at the cemetery, some local volunteers who would be willing to get together for just a couple of hours on a Saturday could help restore the grounds to look like they did just a few months ago. Kranz noted that earlier this year and throughout the course of 2001, several projects were completed at the cemetery thanks to the help of some local individuals and companies. Approximately two summers ago, a local Boy Scout who was looking to receive his Eagle Scout ranking cleaned up portions of the cemetery and since then Kranz has been working to continue to give the cemetery much needed restoration.

Last summer, the cemetery's grounds, which suffered greatly from much wearing from the environment and lack of care, were looked after by both Kranz and Dr. Benjamin Giminaro, president of the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society. The two worked diligently to clean up as much as they could themselves and also received help from the Town of Oyster Bay, Starkie Brothers, Jerry Ahern and Wellwood Memorials.

Kranz noted that these individuals and companies have been very helpful in their assistance with cleaning up the grounds. Wellwood Memorials volunteered its time to remount the tops of many of the fallen-over tombstones. Jerry Ahern was helpful in providing large machinery that removed much of the overgrown foliage and shrubbery, as well as tree branches and stumps from the property. Kranz added that Butch Starkie, who owns Starkie Bros. in Farmingdale, has volunteered so much of his time and provided laborers for several projects at the cemetery.

"For a year now he has gone down there with a whole crew of laborers," Kranz said. "They really did a beautiful job."

Kranz added that despite the efforts of many, much of the work that was done is slowly becoming unrecognizable as the grounds have been untouched for some time. Kranz himself has gone to the cemetery, oftentimes battling poison ivy plants, to do some work, but he can't do it alone.

He noted that the Town of Oyster Bay came to the cemetery around Memorial Day and cut a lot, but the town can only come in about twice a year since there are many parks and other areas which also need care.

"I want to appeal to the public," Kranz said. "As a community service, I'm looking for about five to 10 people to help in a little cleanup."

Kranz added that residents with weed whackers, tree pruners, clippers and rakes would be particularly helpful.

Kranz noted that he will be at the cemetery this Saturday, July 20 at 9 a.m. if any residents want to meet him to see what work needs to be accomplished. He will also be at the cemetery the following Saturday, July 27, at 9 a.m. The Bethpage Cemetery is located on Quaker Meeting House Road across the street from an entrance to Bethpage State Park. Any questions can be directed to Arthur Kranz at 249-2334.

"If we can get some of the overgrown areas cut down, then all we would need is some minor maintenance next month," Kranz explained, adding that in September the Town of Oyster Bay is expected to come to the grounds to mow the grass and do some maintenance. "Then in October all we'd really have to do is rake," he said, adding that work would be unnecessary during the winter months.

Kranz said that although the cemetery is not located in the Village of Farmingdale, there are hundreds of local people buried there. He noted that there are over 50 firemen from Farmingdale and another 800-plus residents, including war veterans dating back to the Spanish-American and Civil Wars.

"We just want this to be a decent resting place for these people who came before us; these local people," Kranz said.