Something funny is going on at Mount Calvary Cemetery

    A cemetery is usually a somber place to visit. People come to bury their loved ones or visit the graves of relatives and friends.  One night a month the sound of laughter fills the air at Mount Calvary Cemetery.  “It is an odd juxtaposition of a cemetery and laughter,” admits Certified Laughter Leader Nancy Weil, “but understanding how much laughter helps everyone, including those who grieve, made it a perfect fit.”

    In her job as Director of Aftercare, Nancy reaches out to the community at large to help them through a difficult time.  Through her position, she has spoken to over 2,000 people about the benefits of laughter and forming a laughter club was the next logical step.  “People come out of curiosity about how laughter might help them,” says Weil.  “They hear about the club and are drawn to the idea of laughing more. We are not exclusively focused on grieving and welcome anyone who wishes to join.”  One woman who regularly attends is ninety-six years old.  “Usually when someone of this age comes to our cemetery it is not to laugh, but how wonderful it is to open our doors and allow this to happen.”
 
     The Mount Calvary Cemetery’s laughter club is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world.  It’s motto is “Come for the fun.  Stay for the chocolate.” The benefits are evident by looking at the smiles on the faces of the participants as they leave. The group meets the third Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Pine Lawn Chapel, 2951 Harlem Rd. (corner of Genesee). There is no charge to attend.  For more information, call 892-6600.