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Two arrested in relation to Glenwood Cemetery vandalism spree

Helma Oonk surveys some of damage at the cemetery.

Prince Edward OPP arrested two young men Wednesday in relation to the extensive vandalism to gravestones and monuments at Glenwood Cemetery in Picton last month.

On Thursday June 20 around 8:30 p.m., officers were notified of the toppling and breakage of about 200 stones, and the permanent destruction of some monuments, including a 100-year-old Celtic cross. The estent of damage is conservatively estimated at $150,000.

Wednesday, following a month long investigation, members of the Prince Edward County OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) arrested two males for the vandalism to gravestones and monuments at the cemetery.

A 15-year-old male from Kingston is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Picton on Aug. 20 to answer to the charge of mischief over $5,000 contrary to the Criminal code of Canada section 430(3).

Also charged is a 17-year old male from Picton who is also to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Picton on Aug. 20, to answer to the charge of mischief over $5,000 contrary to the Criminal code of Canada section 430(3).

The Prince Edward OPP thank members of the community for their assistance in regard to this incident.

The community is also rallying to raise funds for the Glenwood Cemetery Repair Fund.

Tickets are now on sale for Glenwood Live – a benefit concert at the Regent Theatre Sunday, July 22 at 2 p.m.

Outrage at the wanton destruction of the non-profit heritage cemetery prompted local entertainer Lenni Stewart and her husband Sid Wells to rally friends within the artistic community to hold the concert to raise funds for restoration.

“There has been a truly remarkable response, and we only wish that we could have fit everyone who wished to donate their talent into this initial concert,” said Stewart, who is also performing with Julian Gallo later in the year for another fundraising event. “Everyone has been so generous with their time. Musicians are in the busiest season of the year, and we’re very grateful that they have given their time for such a worthwhile cause.”

Wells has been securing funding to cover rental and technical costs for the concert.

Glenwood Foundation volunteers Sandy Latchford and Mary Sinclair have worked tirelessly to keep the momentum going, organizing media coverage and securing volunteers for the show.

Local musician Renay Weissman-Stanners has been assisting Wells in approaching local businesses for donations to the Glenwood cause. Other artisans are donating items for a silent auction and there are volunteers from the theatre community to help manage the stage.

“We’re also very fortunate to have Rick Zimmerman to be our master of ceremonies,” said Wells, “And the Regent’s technical director Phil Dowling has donated his time. Soundman Caleb Hutton has not only volunteered his time as a performer but will also be working backstage for the day, keeping the music flowing. This is ‘County’ and this is what we do when someone hurts our community.”

Tickets for Glenwood LIVE are available through the Regent Theatre box office at 224 Main St. Picton. In addition you can call them at 613-476-8416 or visit their website at www.theregenttheatre.org/tickets.

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  1. Fred says:

    As a parent I raised my child with respect and good morals and never had any problems . She is now raising her own child and is teaching the same the same values we taught her. I would assume that the youths involved in this lack discipline, respect and values. If my child had done something like this I would expect to pay the damage they caused because I am responsible for there actions until they are of legal age. I think that the parents should also be held accountable for the actions of there offspring. I would also like to see these two spend every minute of there time working for the county doing a range of physical work at min wage paid directly to the restoration and repair fund for the damage they caused until they have paid for everything in full. On top of that they need even more discipline from the court. Some how I don’t think this the ” Right Thing ” will happen. They will probably get citizen of the year award and be allowed to play there xbox and prowl our streets.

  2. Mad says:

    Really “they’re 15 & 17. You say it like they are 2 and don’t know any better. They knew exactly what they were doing and deserve nothing but scorn and contempt. Complete lack of respect for anything and I certainly don’t want them around any nursing home or veterans. They need to pay dearly. Sympathy is in the dictionary. It’s time to stop making it so easy for criminals.

  3. Jacqui says:

    They are 15 and 17 years old.
    Community Service would be a more productive way of teaching them about the extent of the damage they caused.
    Helping to rebuild the Cemetary, working in a nursing home, working with war veterans to better understand those who have been deeply affected by their actions.
    Money is meaningless.

  4. james says:

    Of course these losers will have no money – probably no jobs. However, as part of their sentence there should be a demand that until the $150,000 is paid by the morons, they should contribute a percentage of all funds they ever receive.

    If they have or get jobs, the rider for contribution should be attached to their applications and paid even until they die – and they should not be buried at Glenwood as they do not deserve to be interred in its hallowed grounds.

  5. James says:

    How about these “youths” be held financially responsible for at least a portion of the damage. Otherwise they will not learn from this idiotic and senseless act.

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