Cementerio San Jose I y II ~ San Jose Cemetery I and II

Hello once again and Happy Halloween. Yesterday a modest number of volunteers gathered at SJ II (2512 Hoeke Lane) and more headway was gained. In fact, all of the major cutting with a chain saw and clippers has pretty much been completed for now. The result is that grounds have opened up to sunlight and now made a Day of the Dead (November 2) event possible for the first time at SJ II. A pathway througout the south side of SJ II has been establised. However a bit more litter needs to be removed. All the individual graves are ready to be raked (there are about 30 total). Black mulch will then be laid out on each grave plot. Each grave will recieve one or two tea candles and at least two flowers. ProyectoTEATRO will provide some flowers, but it is unclear how many. It is expected that another type of mulch will be delivered on Monday, and will need to be spread out to make the path clear and easy to follow throughout the cemetery. If time permits, the folding of paper bags for luminare

(photo credit to Nick Wagner/American Statesman) UPDATE Friday, Oct 9 Are you available for a couple of hours THIS Saturday (October 30) beginning around 10 AM? Limited work at SJ II will focus on the south section of the cemetery. The aim is to create an unobstructed mulched pathway throughout this section of the cemetery and insure each of the 24 graves are cleaned up. This will be extended for a few hours on Sunday if needed. Your help is needed either day.   Why do this now? As you may be aware, Monday November 1, people of Mexican heritage will begin to celebrate Dia de los Muertos - which culminates at midnight on November 2. Although under a short time window, there will be a Dia de los Muertos SJ II cemetery event on November 2 . The gate will be open at 6:30 pm. Besides honoring those buried at SJ II on this most important of cultural holidays, this would also be a chance to do something for the somewhat isolated neighborhood that surrounds the cemetery, focusing on

Outstanding in our field, the intial wave of early morning community volunteers appeared before 9 AM to start the day and begin with a prayer. Present were D2 Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes, members of the Montopolis CDC - Fred McGhee, Noe Elias and Lisa Goddard (who took the photo), San Jose descendants, community members and advocates of the (re)Claiming Memories project. These before/after photos are a small sampling of the work that was performed and the difference everyone's efforts have made. For over five hours, more than 30 community members contributed labor, including two adjacent property owners. Lowe's Home Improvement donated a number of needed tools, Home Depot contributed the use of two chain saws and a string trimmer, Torchy's Tacos provided breakfast, Starbucks supplied coffee, Millie Muniz donated water as well as Frank Monreal who brought welcomed ice and juice. We anticipate organizing another clean up soon. Stay tuned.

The cemetery clean up for SJ II (formerly the Montopolis Cemetery (Cemeterio) is fast approaching. It is THIS Saturday (October 23) at 8 AM. If that is too early for some of you, please know you are welcome to arrive anytime. We are meeting at 2512 Hoeke Lane. There will be volunteers who will direct parking into Ella Lane. Everyone should sign in on-site. Torchy's Tacos and Starbucks is partnering with us to provide breakfast. There will be water and juice there as well. A use of a restroom is currently being arranged. We currently have about 20 community volunteers, but more are welcome. Please spread the news and bring others with you. Before any work begins, there will be a short introductory talk. We will break off into three teams assigned to three sections of the cemetery. Some volunteers may need to re-park their car. Please review the list below as to what is needed and bring what you are able. A few notes: There is thorny greenbrier, so leather gloves are recommended

As previously mentioned, The San Jose Cemeterio Trusteeship in tandem with the Montopolis Neighborhood CDC is sponsoring a community clean up of the long neglected San Jose II cemetery located between Posten Road and Ella Lane at 2512 Hoeke Lane (just south of the East Riverside and Highway 71 intersection) in southeast Austin. Weather permitting, the clean-up has been scheduled for Saturday October 23, 2021 from 8 am to 1 pm - or however long volunteers wish to stay. A common meeting place is still being determined adjacent to the cemetery. Snacks and water will be provided. There are also plans to arrange for an accessible toilet. The area to be cleared has liter/debris, greenbriar, weeds, poision oak high grass and invasive trees. Tasks will include liter/debris collection and removal, clearing fence lines, clipping branches, raking, and removal of the invasive trees. A short welcome talk will be given before any work commences. If you are able to contribute tools, refu

The San Jose Cemeterio Trusteeship in tandem with the Montopolis Neighborhood CDC is announcing a community clean up of the long neglected San Jose II cemetery located just south of the East Riverside and Highway 71 intersection between Posten Road and Ella Lane at 2512 Hoeke Lane . Beginning at 8 am on Saturday October 23 , the clean up will involve the removal of liter, debris and the clearing away of weeds, greenbrier, overgrowth and removal of small invasive trees. Water and snacks will be available – as well as access to a bathroom. Some tools will be available, but you are encouraged to bring yard care implements, string trimmers (weed-wackers), machetes and chainsaws. It is highly encouraged to dress in long sleeves, long pants - no sandals and gloves. To volunteer, and for more information/details and questions, Email: atxhispaniccemetery@gmail.com Join us on social media: Facebook: San Jose Cemetery I and II Instagram: @AtxHispanicCemetery