On Thursday, September 29th, 2016, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service & Arkansas Historic Preservation Program are co-hosting a free Cemetery Maintenance and Safety Workshop to be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Rowell Cemetery, Highway 63, Rison, AR 71665, next to the Center Missionary Baptist Church.

James “Rusty” Brenner of Cemetery Preservation Supply LLC and Texas Cemetery Restoration LLC will lead the hands-on workshop and cover topics including cleaning, repairing, resetting, and leveling gravestones as well as information on suitable cleaning products and preservation techniques.

Holly Hope, Special Projects Historian for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, will speak on cemetery landscaping, safety, grant opportunities, and other cemetery issues.

Program Topics Include:

Walk & Talk: Best Practices for Maintaining and Surveying Cemeteries

Proper Cleaning & Repair Materials for Headstones

New Cemetery Grant Opportunities

Hands-On Methods at Cemetery Site (Landscaping/Tools/Materials)

Fire Ant Abatement Tips

There is no charge to attend but the hosts request that you RSVP to the Cleveland County Extension Service Office at 870-325-6321 so that materials will be available for each attendee. Refreshments will be served.