TOBAY Notebook: Adopting Old Cemeteries

At first, the idea might sound a bit macabre.

But town officials are asking residents and groups to sign up for Oyster Bay's cemetery adoption program. It can serve as a way to protect and preserve a part of the 's history.

“Historic cemeteries are irreplaceable landscapes,” said Oyster Bay “They provide a history of people, to our past and can provide important information for , genealogists and anyone interested in learning more about their ."

State law requires local municipalities to care for cemeteries when they are abandoned. The town is authorized to call upon volunteers to do the work.

Any civic and service organizations, such as scout troops, churches, businesses, etc., can agree to care for a particular cemetery with the support and advice of the town. The groups clear brush, weeds and debris from the cemetery several times a year.

If interested, groups should contact at 624-4971. 

Normal Sanitation Service on February Holidays

Residents will have normal sanitation and S.O.R.T. recycling collections on both the observance of Lincoln’s Birthday, Monday, Feb. 13, and Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 20.

Town offices are closed both of those Mondays. Parks and will be opened with extended hours.

Don't Feed the Waterfowl

The town issued a regular reminder that feeding on Town property is banned. The fine for violating the local law ranges from $100 -$500.

Town officials said providing handouts to waterfowl actually is harmful to the creatures and can cause problems for humans and the environment.