The project was part of Kurtis Bucher’s effort to become an Eagle Scout.
By Noreen Coolidge
Special to the Sun Journal

AVON – Voters accepted a check from Boy Scout Troop 544 to be used to place a fence around Day Mountain Cemetery during the annual town meeting Saturday.

Boy Scout Kurtis Bucher said he discovered dead shrubbery at the cemetery due to herbicides that were sprayed there. He spearheaded a project to clean up the cemetery. Workers removed dead shrubbery and trees and cleaned the headstones using bleach and water. The project was part of Bucher’s effort to become an Eagle Scout. Franklin County Sheriff Dennis Pike said when Bucher becomes an Eagle Scout he will have the honor of making him honorary deputy as well.

Bucher also began collecting donations to place a monument at the cemetery listing the names of those buried there. He said the project caught the attention of the Rock of Ages Quarry in Vermont after articles appeared in the newspaper. That organization donated the monument. Bucher decided to give the funds he collected to the town to put toward a fence. The original amount was $241.61. Bucher said he had collected an additional $41.40. Town meeting moderator Dick Caton said that amount would have to be accepted next year as articles can only be amended to decrease money amounts, not increase them.

Nominations for town officers were taken from the floor. Mary Dunham remains town clerk, Martin, and “Greg” Curtis won another three-year term on the Board of Selectmen. Steve Weiner remains tax collector another year, Bruce Dunham is constable, Rupert “Rocky” Potter is road commissioner, and Vicky Plog is health officer. Ellen James won a three-year post on the SAD 58 board. Lilley Bachelder garnered 11 votes for that position with 38 total votes.

This year’s town report was dedicated to Conrad “Cy” Gould, 88, and his wife of 43 years, Ethel. Cy grew up in Avon. He has served as selectman, Planning Board member and a member of the school board. Gould was Franklin County deputy sheriff for seven years. He holds title as the youngest selectmen in Avon, taking office out of high school.

Cy Gould operated and then owned the Avon Water Co. His love of flying laid the foundation for the Lindberg Airport and the Avon Flying Club. Famous Aviator Charles Lindberg and astronaut Lt. Col. Catherine Coleman both used this airstrip. The Goulds continue to be involved in town affairs. The town presented the Goulds with thanks for many years of service, a standing ovation and the photo that appears in the town report.

Copy the Story Link