(I told my cousin Terry Strick who sent me this I would forward it on for her to the list, please pass it on ! ) Thank you Robin Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Preservation by Betty L. Johnson Mt. Pleasant Cemetery has immediate need for preservation of approximately 100 historic monuments dating 1800's to early 1900's. These beautiful old significant monuments need repairs such as foundation work, resetting, cleaning etc. Some restoration repairs can wait until spring but some must be given attention before winter deteriorates and damages them further. Pictured are some examples of monuments that have broken off, become discolored, or have fallen over into the ground This picturesque, remarkable cemetery is located on a hill next to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, between Kevil, LaCenter, and Bandana, Ballard County, Kentucky. To some people, it is probably just a graveyard where the dead are buried...to others, it is a peaceful resting place for loved ones, friends, and neighbors from early ancestors to war hero, Morris Eugene Crain, Congressional Medal of Honor Winner. Mr. Boyce Pickett oversees the maintenance of the cemetery grounds, i.e. mowing and receiving donations from families who have loved ones buried there. Unfortunately, many of the families have either moved away or are no longer living. Therefore, there is not enough money available for the repairs and preservation of the cemetery. My interest is to establish a separate fund for cemetery preservation to restore the old monuments in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. I would like to organize a group of interested individuals to form a board and incorporate. This group would do business as Mount, Inc. (Many Old Unique Needy Tombstones). This organization is necessary to receive contributions and operate as a group of interested individuals in preserving our heritage documented in this historic cemetery. The Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG) is currently offering Cemetery Preservation grants. These available grants are "matching grants", meaning that for every dollar requested, we must "match" with donations that can include cash, in-kind labor (volunteers), materials, or equipment use. It was announced in late September that the $38,000 grant money available for 2008, will be distributed among 120 counties in Kentucky from $500 to $2000, first come first serve. The recently appointed Ballard County Cemetery Board must submit our grant application to the DLG between Nov 1 and Dec 31, 2008. Awards will be announced in late January 2009. An estimate given from a professional preservationist for restoration of the approximately 100 monuments is between $7,000 and $8,000. Much of this work can be completed by volunteer laborers under the supervision of a monument company experienced in restoration and preservation. An organizational meeting will be set up within a week or two for individuals, including service organizations, interested in this worthy historic cemetery preservation project. If you can help in any way, please contact me at email blj2000ky@brtc.net or call cell 270-210-3538 after 4. p.m. I look forward to hearing from all.