by Ty Lee, Community Engagement Coordinator -Training & Volunteer Resources
Connections Volunteer Center
Senior Companions met in January for their monthly in-service training and had the opportunity to learn about Delaware’s historic Oak Grove Cemetery and Arboretum.
Amy Wright, Cemetery Administrator, said Oak Grove is the resting place of Delaware’s earliest residents, many of whom were early founders of the city.
Wright shared the history of the land considered to be one of the county’s most beautiful sanctuaries, dating back to 1851. The city has managed the site since 2012, and has made many improvements as well as planned for the future. There is a new Veterans Plaza, construction is underway for a mausoleum and a nature section is being considered for those wanting a more natural burial.
Senior Companions learned about both the natural aspects as well as the monuments that have been built in the cemetery. The Vergon Tree monument is one of the most popular, Wright explained. It marks the grave of Frederick Peter Vergon (1929-1919), a local businessman, and is a 10 X 10 ft. carving of a tree complete with birds, a nest, an owl, lizards, and a frog hidden in its branches.
The meeting concluded with an enthusiastic Q&A. Senior Companions had lots of good questions and Wright’s enthusiasm and passion for her job was evident.
The cemetery is accessible from the 334 S. Sandusky Street entrance. There is also an entrance at 141 Liberty Road. The 70-acre site with 21,000 gravesites is managed by the Parks and Recreation Offices. For more information visit https://www.delawareohio.net/government/departments/parks-recreation/oak-grove-cemetery
The Senior Companion Program volunteers help their peers maintain, regain, or extend independent living. Senior Companion volunteers assist frail or isolated older adults with personal errands, grocery shopping, and socialization activities. They can also provide short periods of relief to primary caregivers. Connections Volunteer Center supports The Senior Companion Program with funding from SourcePoint.
