Summer 2025

President's Address

Ever feel overwhelmed with problems or with the vast number of tasks you want to complete? Inbox Zero plays on the idea that "when you die, your inbox will not be empty.” When thinking about GPHC I often feel we can never accomplish everything needed. Our Board of Trustees is charged with prioritizing what we can do with the resources we have. We have short-range and long-range goals. 
 
Let’s look at what we recently accomplished:  1. Hired a new sexton, Don Maziar  2.  Promoted Tim Jumper as head groundskeeper  3. Planted 15 new trees  4. Improved our website’s appearance and updated the information  5. Purchased a new mower and trimmers,  6. Obtained water totes for public use  7. Installed new section marker letters, and  8. Regularly published a newsletter. All this has been possible with your great help!
 
Coming soon is a new roof on the tool house.  We will launch our online portal for access to grave locations and availability for purchases. The main arch will be powder coated. Please note that because of your generous donations we were able to complete most of our priorities this year! Do come visit our progress!
 
In my working life I was fortunate to be associated with people who had the attitude to “Aim High.” Allow me to share some long-range goals, our “Aim High” points!
 
Replace the decrepit fence on the roadside, construct an interactive, weatherproof map to greet visitors, have the new section surveyed, develop a program for cleaning grave markers, seal coat the driveways…there’s more, but let’s stop! If we can’t “Aim High” let’s at least AIM!
 
Our annual expenses are nearly $25,000. Our income has slightly exceeded this, thus keeping us solvent. This is due in large part to your financial support. We recognize that increasing the number of donors is imperative. We need to broaden our base. Can you help us identify others who might help us grow? Please feel free to send me contact information for anyone who could help us. My contact information is:  Scott Campbell, 9399 Flucker Hill Rd., Forestville, NY 14062, email: [email protected]
 
Reflecting on my last letter I encourage everyone to solidify precise final resting plans. The more detailed and specific the better. If you don’t own a grave in Pine Hill, it would be prudent to purchase one now. If there are multiple family burial possibilities with limited graves, PLEASE resolve that now. We have had three uncomfortable circumstances this year alone with families trying to resolve burial arrangements while grieving…not a desirable situation. Our website, gowandapinehillcemetery.com, and many others, can be very helpful.
 
 Scott Campbell, President GPHC Board of Trustees

Friend's Newsletter

​We love our spectacular trees and our arborist inspects them yearly.  A strong gust on in May brought huge branches down and volunteers carried the debris away. 

​Fifteen new trees have been planted throughout the cemetery this past spring. 

​Thanks to Cattaraugus County and the Village of Gowanda for delivering two pieces of used bridge decking to cover storm drains.

​Two young Eastern Red Buds decorate our landscape every spring. 

The colorful blooming of the front garden welcomes everyone to our place of peace on Earth.

​A Positive Message for All Communities
These colorful yard signs initiate appreciation for First Responders who volunteer their time 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  In all emergency situations, they provide medical, fire and police assistance to individuals in need.  To show your gratitude, purchase this 18” wide by 12” height double sided, waterproof sign. A wire display holder is included. The cost is $15 each. Contact Martha Boutet at (716) 410-0793 to purchase and pick one up locally.  Thank you. 

A headstone in Section E marks the burial site of Jaazaniah Howe,  a soldier from The Revolutionary War.
His birth 1762 - death 1838.

​Welcome to Don Maziarz our new sexton of the GPHC.

A sculpture by the late Chuck McIsaac adorns his gravesite in Section J.

A new flag flies every year as the wind whips around the hills all four seasons. 
With so much rain in  May, the grass is lush, thick and very wet. Tim Jumper (groundskeeper) and volunteers Phil Palen  and  Dean  Jackson spent hours mowing  to get ready for Memorial Day. Weather on Memorial Day was perfect!