Rocky Hill Congregational Church, Rotary, Town Plant 28 Trees

An overhead view of Rocky Hill’s Center Cemetery shows some of the oldest gravesites in town with ample trees along the perimeter and dotting the center. However, the southern end of the cemetery has been devoid of trees since the land was acquired in 1992. A coalition of Rocky Hill Congregational Church, Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Rotary, and the Town of Rocky Hill have changed that with the addition of 28 native trees including birch, maple, redbud, cedar, and dogwoods. On April 27 the church officially dedicated and celebrated the addition of the shade, beauty, and cleaner air the trees will provide as they mature.

To fund the trees Rocky Hill Congregational Church contributed $3,000, the Rotary Club $2,000, and the town matched the donations with $5,000 to beautify this historic cemetery. The trees were originally part of a town-approved landscape plan for the cemetery that was approved but never implemented.

“Center Cemetery is a place of deep history for our town, and now it will also be a place of greater natural beauty and sustainability," said Rev. David Figliuzzi, the pastor at RHCC. "We are happy to partner with our neighbors to leave a lasting legacy of care for this sacred space."

The church and Rotary Club joined forces when Sue Chatfield, a member of both entities, brought the church’s plan to fund trees to the Rotary, which agreed to pitch in. The town funding followed. Local arborist Jason Luby identified, designed the layout, and planted the 28 native trees.

"The Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Rotary Club is honored to support the planting of 28 trees at Center Cemetery. This project reflects Rotary’s mission to serve others, promote integrity, and foster goodwill and peace within our community,” said Gina Herboldt, president of the Rotary chapter. “Through fellowship and partnership, we are proud to invest in a greener, healthier future for Rocky Hill and honor the spirit of service that defines Rotary."

"The Town of Rocky Hill is proud to have partnered with Rocky Hill Congregational Church and the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Rotary Club to enhance one of our most historic spaces,” said Rocky Hill Mayor Lisa Marotta. “By matching their generous contributions, we are investing not only in the beauty of Center Cemetery, but also in the health, history, and pride of our community. These new trees will stand for generations as a living symbol of what we can achieve when we work together."