Most of Peachtree City's old cemeteries are tucked away in the woods and have fallen victim to the "out of sight, out of mind" syndrome, but a determined group of folks is out to change that.

Cleaning up, fencing and highlighting the cemeteries as "our historical accents in this new city" are the goals of the Peachtree City Heritage Historic Preservation Committee, says Gerri Holt.

Holt, president David Piet and secretary Sandra Wood are among the dedicated committee workers who joined about a dozen others last Saturday at Brown Cemetery on Dividend Drive. They mowed, weeded, removed trash and cleaned grave stones "as a community of people of all races and ages and walks of life," Holt says.

The task is daunting, she adds, because the grave sites of Fayette's founders and residents are scattered and numerous. But the committee is determined to honor the past and create opportunities for meditation and relaxation for the future, Holt asserts.

"Imagine what these lovely old cemeteries could be like," she says, "with wrought iron fences, benches, gardens featuring appropriate plants. We have only 40 years of history as a city, but these are our roots. We respect our ancestors and want our future generations to know about them and be able to visit the cemeteries for their sense of tradition and spiritual renewal. They are really beautiful places, but right now they need our attention."

A young man visiting in Peachtree City joined the cleanup effort, Holt says, "and at one point he said to me that he wished more young people would get involved in projects like this." She says she was a little surprised "because teenagers usually don't like to do this, but Harold Henderson's attitude was just great."

The committee plans to work on historic preservation and community improvements grants to help with refurbishing the cemeteries. Holt is no stranger to historic preservation, having served on the Michigan Historic Review Board in her native state.

She says a number of local businesses and nurseries have expressed interest in the cemetery project and will be asked to work with the committee to help provide benches, fencing and other needs. Peachtree City Public Works provided a "water truck" for Saturday, she says, "so we are getting great cooperation from the city."

Other volunteers included Jennifer Jones, Bill and Esther Wheelock, Rick Parrott, Gail Goode, Catherine Buttram and M.T. Allen.

"It was a beautiful day, from the weather to the companionship to what we accomplished," Holt says. "You get a sense of connection. These are not just graves anymore; these are our families, by blood or spirit."