Petition for Redress of Grievances

Petition for Redress of Grievances Because of the systemic lack of respectful and dignified treatment for the deceased who are interned in the grounds of Highlawn Cemetery, the careless neglect and reckless disregard for graves, monuments and markers, the flag holders and flags of veterans, the lack of basic maintenance of the caretaker residence and barn, we, the undersigned, hereby petition and demand, in perpetuity, the following from Wellman Funeral Home, Inc., (Wellman) owners of Highlawn Cemetery (Highlawn): 1. That Wellman live up to the claim on their website: “We have years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.” If you mean it, live by it. 2. That Wellman maintain the cemetery property, including the caretaker residence and barn (they look like disaster areas) in such manner as reflected in the photos of Highlawn posted on their website. 3. That a fence and gate be constructed and maintained around the dirt mound at the end of the barn so as to obstruct it from view. 4. That the water be turned on and made available for use during the growing season. To prevent water from being left running, a timer can be installed to shut off the water during specific times, or a device to shut off the water when a specific amount of water has been used in a certain amount of time could be installed. Watering faucets can be reconnected to the well water system to reduce the water bill. 5. That no ground level marker be allowed to become overgrown with grass and no longer visible. 6. That all mowing and trimming be done so as not to damage monuments, markers, planters, statues or any other ornamentation placed at a grave. 7. That the grass is trimmed around each marker and monument along with each mowing and that grass clippings be promptly blown off of same. 8. That the lawn be regularly treated to prevent crabgrass from growing over the ground-level markers and re-seeded as necessary. 9. That veterans’ flags be replaced with new ones kept in the barn, when need be, and that worn flags be disposed of in accordance with proper procedure for same. New flags can be acquired through the Veteran’s Service Office at 133 S. Main St., in Washington Court House. Old, worn flags can be turned in to them for disposal. 10. That an American flag and an Ohio flag be flown on the existing cemetery flagpole and that such flags be replaced when worn and that they be properly displayed, and flown at half-staff when so ordered by the President of the United States, the Governor of the State of Ohio or any other local, county or city authority. 11. That no monument or marker be moved without the express written consent of the next of kin, estate administrator or other person authorized to act on behalf of the deceased’s estate. In the event there is no one with such authority, then the monument or marker must remain in place unless there is a court order to the contrary. 12. That at least two covered trash bins are placed along the lanes going through the cemetery and that they are regularly emptied. 13. That all future “ground-level” markers be place on such a foundation as to prevent them from sinking below ground level. 14. That all future graves, when backfilled, are filled so as to allow for settlement of the soil and that once settled, more dirt will be added or removed, and then graded so the area is level and flat, and then seeded. 15. That every irregularity in the ground be filled or graded so as to create a level, consistent lawn. This is a safety issue. 16. That every existing grave where the dirt has settled below level is filled with dirt so as to be level and flat and then re-seeded. 17. That the lines of communication between Wellman and Wellman’s caretaker, and those with family and friends buried at Highlawn be kept open and that each person’s concern be addressed promptly and resolved amicably. Weeks and months later don’t cut it. 18. That the lanes going through the cemetery be re-graveled regularly and rolled prior to doing so in order to prevent trenches from forming and that the gravel be contained to the lanes; or, that the lanes be paved with asphalt or concrete in accordance with highway/city street construction standards. 19. That all missing (donated) markers/headstones be returned to, or place in, their proper locations. 20. That every individual grievance associated with this Petition be addressed to the satisfaction of the complainants. 21. That every promise, verbal or written, made by Wellman or anyone representing Wellman or the Highlawn caretaker, carries the full force of law and contract and is as valid and a written contract. 22. That an electronic directory be created and publicly displayed and protected from the weather at Highlawn and available online so that every person’s grave can easily be located. 23. That all Grantee title and interest rights and rules and regulations mentioned in paragraph C of the Deed for Internment Rights be visibly posted at the cemetery and online and immediately made to reflect any changes as they arise, and that all such changes be immediately posted online and at the cemetery and that every deed holder, next of kin, estate administrator or other person authorized to act on behalf of the deceased’s estate be directly advised of any said changes by email or US mail. 24. That all of the above be observed in perpetuity and become part of the Highlawn/Wellman deed/s and transferred to any new owner, or successor in interest, should ownership or interest of the cemetery change hands in the future. Respectfully submitted,