2nd annual Boxwood at Night sees big crowd for cemetery fundraiser

Posted 4 October 2023 at 9:20 pm

Photos by Lydia Battaglia: (Left) Friends of Boxwood Cemetery welcomed 280 guests on Saturday evening for music, lighting and insights from docents. (Right) The L’Hommedieu monument was illumined for the evening’s event.

Press Release, Friends of Boxwood Cemetery

MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery in Medina promised a “Bigger and Better” Boxwood at Night and they did not disappoint. The event was held on September 30 with pver 280 people in attendance. That is up 27 percent from last year.

The attendees were enchanted by the sights and sounds of Boxwood at Night. One of the most frequently used words by guests to describe the evening was, “magical,” according to docent Sandra Philbrick.

Guests were treated to a 1-mile meander through the cemetery which had lighting elements throughout. The lighting was designed by the committee members with the assistance of Dan Wiegand from Lockport Stage Works.

Cosmic Oases performed during the event.

The magic was enhanced by the artistic entertainment that was made possible by a grant from GO ART! Stacy Steverson twirled to the music with lighted hula hoops and fabrics.

Cosmic Oases took guests on a musical journey with their enchanting sounds. The Orleans County String Band delighted guests with their three-piece band playing Appalachian old-time string band music.

Medina art teacher Jen Scott wowed the guests with her creative original works of art. Robby Klino, the president of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, said, “Her artwork was amazing and it seemed to pop up when you least expected it, providing another element of surprise.”

Medina art teacher Jen Scott created these intriguing art installations.

The magical evening did not end there. Guests were treated to stories presented by 11 docents at seven gravesites and in the S. Mainville Burroughs Memorial Chapel, who helped to enlighten and entertain them.

“The docents all did a fabulous job,” according to co-chairperson Todd Bensley. “Many did their own research and all of them showed up in period costumes.”

Co-chairperson Nicole Bensley was impressed by the volunteers from the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Security and Law Class, Medina High School and local business Velocitii, as well as individuals from the community who stepped up to help.

“They all played an important role in the success of the event,” she said.

Tom Philbrick, Sandra Philbrick and Miranda Star were among the 11 docents sharing information about people buried in the cemetery.

She particularly thanked Dale Short, of Shorty’s Beast, who is in charge of cemetery maintenance, for all his help. She declared, “He was instrumental in the success of the evening.”

Klino also would like to thank the many businesses who donated money or raffle items to help raise funds for the continuing chapel restoration and other projects in the cemetery.

Anyone wishing to get involved with the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery can email the organization at: friendsofboxwoodcemetery@gmail.com.

To stay up-to-date on upcoming events, and to see a complete list of those who helped out, you can check out the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery Facebook Page.

(Left) This photo shows the plot for Edward Davey Sr. and (Right) features the Bent and Underhill family plots.

Stacy Steverson entertained with Hula Hoops that were lighted up.