FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Vivian Moon (513) 705-0486 DEDICATION SET FOR FLAG POLE AND PHASE 1 OF MIDDLETOWN CEMETERY RESTORATION MIDDLETOWN – A dedication ceremony is set for Saturday, May 28, at Noon at the Middletown Cemetery, formally known as the Pioneer Cemetery, on First Avenue. City and community leaders, including Mayor Noah Powers, will recognize the new flagpole and the completion of Phase 1 of the cemetery restoration. Anyone with an ancestor in the cemetery and the general public are encouraged to attend. The cemetery, established in 1827, contains some of the city’s earliest leaders, for whom many city streets are name. Burials at the site actually occurred as early as 1818. With more than 7,000 burials, the cemetery contains early residents from all walks of life and races. The Middletown Cemetery Committee has been working since 2003 to improve the cemetery. Phase 1 included repairing dozens of tombstones, extensive landscaping, enhancing security and fencing, and establishment of utilities. The VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans chapters in Middletown donated the flagpole and flag. In addition, Phase 1 included making photographic record of the tombstones in the Middletown Cemetery and transcribing original cemetery records for the Internet. DEDICATION SET FOR FLAG POLE AND PHASE 1 OF MIDDLETOWN CEMETERY RESTORATION Page 2 Phase 1 was completed with a grant from the Middletown Community Foundation and material and labor donations from: Dodd’s Monuments, Armbruster’s Garden Center, Diver’s Garden and Pet Supplies, Bern’s Nursery, Woodside Cemetery, Denny Lumber Company, Ted's Rental, Edwin F. and Marjorie Root Anderson, Steve Posie and many other individuals. “Our city’s forefathers would be proud of the community spirit demonstrated to complete Phase 1 of the cemetery’s restoration,” said Vivian Moon, chair of the Middletown Cemetery Committee. “Recent vandalism of the cemetery only served to strengthen our resolve and gain more support for the restoration.” Phase 2 of the restoration includes restoration of the 1870 burial vault at the cemetery and its grounds and more tombstone repair and landscaping. The Middletown Cemetery Committee is comprised of area residents Sam Ashworth, Corbett Cox, Caroline Huppi, Vivian Combs Moon, Deb Morrison and Mitchell Ballard. Donations for Phase 2 can be made in care of the Middletown Historical Society/Middletown Cemetery Fund, P.O Box 312, Middletown 45042.