"We are a small organization, but I think we do a darn good job of keeping this cemetery looking good," said Don Fake, president of the Craley Cemetery Association. The organization is asking for the community's help in continuing to keep the property looking great. A cleanup session will be held on Saturday, March 25, beginning at 9 a.m. at the cemetery, Abels Road, Wrightsville.

Fake estimates that the cemetery dates back more than a century. He noted that over the years, the space has expanded to now include four sections. "Section one is all tombstones. Section two is plaques," he stated, noting that sections three and four include both types of memorials.

The cemetery association recently inducted new officers, who include Fake also as treasurer, along with Gary Olphin as vice president and George Leber III as secretary. Fake emphasized that anyone who owns a burial plot in the cemetery is eligible to become a member of the cemetery board, and the group is looking for new members.

Being a part of the board requires minimal commitment, he said. "We have an annual meeting, and sometimes, we meet twice a year if we have something big to discuss," Fake shared. "When we have a big expense, we like to get the board together to make a rational decision about how to spend the money." Recent projects have included replacing a mower and purchasing the property previously owned by the Craley Fire Department, which the cemetery association bought last August. "The original fire hall was built in 1926, but when the current fire hall was built, the old one was just being used for storage," Fake said. "We purchased the property so we could expand the cemetery."

The board members are responsible for mowing the grass in the cemetery and selling burial lots. "We are an all-volunteer organization," Fake remarked. "All of our funds are raised through lot sales, and we still have lots available." Both two-space and four-space lots are available.

He encourages anyone to come out and help with the cleanup session, noting that participants will remove dead flower arrangements and collect worn-out American flags. The flags will be properly retired at the American Legion Post 469 in Wrightsville.

For more information on the cleanup day or volunteering with the cemetery association, contact Fake at 717-244-9245.