Updated 9/11/21 with the final photo and those gathered for the rededication.
This project was featured in the local newspaper - both online and in print. 
The article can be read here.

In the club mailbox on April 22, 2021 was a unique email.  Ruth Stein, a resident of Florida, needed help renovating her grandmother's grave marker in Syracuse - the late Ratchel Slive who died in 1908.  The marker was wood that was carved by her grandfather  - Morris Slive - into some sort of wood, then painted.  The paint was peeling.  The cemetery maintenance staff had eaten away at the base of the market over time, clearing grass, etc. from around the marker.  She was having a template made of the marker.
 The club includes many talented members who work on many diverse projects.  Within our Carvers SIG, we have a member who routinely works on religious-type projects, Arlie Howell.  After a series of phone calls, emails, and discussion on project cost, a small group met at the cemetery to evaluate the project on May 13th.  Ruth's cousin who lives in the Syracuse area, joined the group.  Photos were taken, much discussion occurred, and follow-up emails happened.

Marker with Temporary Cap on Top

Initial Gathering on May 13th - Charlie LaPrease, Steven Sisskind, Sam Lupo, Hetty Gingold

Top of Marker - Note the Growth Rings - Wood May be 100 Years Old

On June 7th, Ruth and her husband met with the "team" at the gravesite.  After a short discussion, the marker was removed by Arlie and Charlie LaPrease.  It was placed in Arlie's truck for the renovation to begin.  If you look at the photos, you will see that this marker is pretty much the only one standing tall and straight in the cemetery.  
It should be noted that prior to removing the marker, the organization that manages the Beth El cemetery was contacted to obtain permission to remove the marker and conduct the renovations.  Also, the Hebrew is of the Russian dialect.

The group gathers to discuss. Note the marker Arlie is "leaning on" and how out of whack it is.

Ruth Stein with the grave marker.

Arlie Howell and Charlie work to loosen the marker.

Charlie and Arlie wiggle the marker to facilitate removal.

The marker is coming free

Examining the hole to see 2 pieces of rebar that were through the base.

Once in his shop, Arlie proceeded to remove the old paint from the surface.  What he found below was a nearly intact carving completed by Morris, requiring only minor touch-up, mostly on the edges.  As expected about a 10" piece had to be removed from the bottom due to damage.  In the meantime, Charlie LaPrease was working on finding the right wood to replace it and create a sturdy base.  After several discussions with others, he finally settled on Ipe.  Doug North owned a piece that was perfect and dropped it off.

When Arlie dropped off the restored grave marker to Charlie for it's new base, the transformation was incredible.  Multiple coats of base paint, detail painting, and several coats of final finish made it ready for prime time!  Charlie then went to work assembling a base.
A date in between rain storms was schedule for install - July 8th.

The install took about 2 hours as Arlie and Charlie had to first remove the 'rebar' in the hole, then dig out one of the pieces of granite [what they thought was concrete], enlarge the hole a bit, and shorten the rebar Charlie drove into the original marker through the new base.  Without a level (they each forgot one), the eyes were used to make sure it was plumb.  The granite was reused along with several rock pieces dug out or that were temporarily around the marker.  Pee stone was added along with some brick to prevent damage from the weed eaters in the future.  
In the photos, notice that the gravestone just behind is now standing upright.  Arlie adjusted it while waiting on Charlie's arrival.  A little gift to that family which also showcases the renovated marker.

Original hole - note the metal rods

Removing the metal rods

Working to remove what they thought was concrete to widen the hole to fit the new base.

More digging

It's out!

Now to enlarge the hole! Notice what the slab is - granite not concrete as was first thought. That is the same for both slabs.

Dig, dig, dig

Retrieving the marker from the van.

One of many times the marker was placed in the hole after measurements were taken to insure there was enough space for it and the return of the granite.

Sam holds while the granite slab is reinstalled.

Finally installed and ready. Note the bricks and other slabs that surround it to prevent future damage from weedeaters.

Straight, like its backdoor neighbor!

From the other side of the street.

A copper top was being formed by another local artist and installed.  The rededication was held on September 10th when Ruth and her husband returned to Syracuse.  The marker with its copper top is shown below.

Ruth and her husband, a couple cousins and the artists who worked on the project - Arlie, Charlie, and Sam - plus their partners.