October 2020 Newsletter

Dear Friends of Lexington Odd Fellows Cemetery:

On October 12, the Board held it monthly meeting virtually via Zoom. One of the items on the agenda was to replace Pat Barrett, Jr. as treasurer, as he has decided to step down from this position. Pat has served most ably as treasurer since the inception of LOFC, and due to his oversight and guidance, LOFC is now on sound financial footing. We are grateful that he will continue to serve on the Board as Pat’s wise counsel, intellect and good humor have been invaluable to the success of the Board and LOFC. The Board elected me to serve out Pat’s unexpired term for this year as well as electing George Ellison as Assistant Treasurer.

The Board further elected Norman Weathersby, III to serve on the Fundraising and Website/CMS/Mapping Committees, where Norman has already made valuable and significant contributions with his IT and marketing skills.

LOFC’s immediate financial goal is to receive donations sufficient to cover our annual budget of approximately $45,000. Any funds over that amount will be invested in the Endowment. That said, we need donations totaling $3,750 per month. We are pleased to advise that we met our goal for the month of September. However, due to COVID, donations are down for the year, and as we enter the fourth quarter, we have received less than half of what is needed to cover our annual budget. To meet our monthly expenses Norman created a Recurring Campaign on our website. Thus far, we have received donations from 11 recurring donors, some of whom are new donors. Donations range from $10 to $50 per month. Your gifts are deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. If you are financially able to make a recurring donation -- no matter how small or large -- please click the link below:

You are always welcome to send a check made payable to LOFC, Post Office Box 1213, Lexington, MS 39095.

As evidenced by the photo on the left, repairs to the brick columns on Gate # 3 have begun. Gates # 2 and # 4 continue be open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time. Any unauthorized entry after closing is prohibited.

Once again Richard Hammett has volunteered his time and equipment to spread poison for fire ants. Thanks to Richard’s continued volunteerism, those pesky creatures are no longer a physical threat to those visiting the cemetery.

Also, if you are a Kroger shopper, please visit the website below and connect your Kroger Reward Card to LOFC (#TU568) as your nominated charity, so that LOFC may benefit from any monies that you spend at Kroger. It will only take a couple of minutes to make the digital connection and will not cost you a dime.

Due to COVID the Board decided not to have the annual fall clean-up this October, an event that was a great success last year. Hopefully as some sense of normalcy returns to life either in the spring or autumn next year, we look forward to once again gathering as the LOFC family and community. In the meantime, you and your family might consider having your own personal clean-up day during this particularly beautiful season. Bring your rakes, clippers, brooms and polishing cloths along with a picnic and enjoy a day providing tender loving care to the graves of your family.

As always,

Amanda Povall Tailyour, Editor