It’s easy to tell work’s happening at veterans memorial

By Ginna Young

Now that the piles of fill have been spread out and a contractors’ meeting has taken place, work is ready to begin in earnest at the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial. Jim Mataczysnki, chairman of the Planning Committee, updated members on what’s happened over the last month, at a meeting Sept. 21.

In order for the contractors to feel comfortable working together and to share how communication will work, all parties recently got together for a meet-and-greet. Mataczynski wanted to let them know not to be afraid to approach someone with a question or concern.

“Be proactive about it, we don’t want to have to feel uncomfortable about any part of this we’re doing,” said Mataczynski.

It was also mentioned that Jesse Jones Construction will drill the holes for the flag poles, as a donation to the memorial.

“That’s a pretty good chunk of money we’re not going to have to come up with, so, that’s awesome,” said Mataczynski.

Other contractors working on the project are also looking into ways to save money and checking with suppliers to get the best cost for the memorial. The lead surveyor expressed how much the memorial is needed and that they are proud to be part of such a worthwhile project, so everyone is trying to help where they can.

“I praise every one of them for that,” said Mataczynski. The memorial group also approached Chippewa Valley Electric Co-op, requesting the use of the adjoining property by the substation, for overflow parking and received the OK. The co-op will maintain the property and only needs to be informed if there’s an event at the memorial, in case any work is being performed at the substation.

As for the site itself, construction is planned to start this week, in addition to a new culvert purchased for a new driveway. Until then, contractors can use the current driveway by the can donation cage.

Mataczynski was also excited to report that contractor yards signs are going up.

“It’s starting to look like a project is going on,” he said. “It’s looking really good.”

After investigating all kinds of ways to install a sewer at the site, Mataczynski sees no reason why they can’t get that taken care of while the site is all dug up.

“Our best deal is to put in a holding tank type thing, from Baughmans,” said Mataczynski, adding it is the best option for longevity and cost. “That way, we can have facilities inside the building, instead of looking at pit toilets or a porta potty.”

The group also discussed getting vests and shirts depicting the memorial’s name or logo, from two places in Ladysmith, but those businesses didn’t want to do the work. The committee talked about a proposal from JM Screen Printing in Cornell, with the hope to go through them, because of all the support they’ve offered over the years, and the fact that they’re local.

Members Dave Conrad, Judy Simpson and Betty Sitler have been appointed to decide what type/design to go with, when to order them, etc. Even though it’s a short timeline, there’s a lot happening in November, so if the apparel could ready by then, the committee would be happy.

“It’d be really nice to have our vests by then,” said Mataczynski.

Mataczynski also reported that they added a person, but would like one more to join the Campaign Financing Committee. That subcommittee is attempting to raise $30,000 in donations for flags, by Veterans Day. In its early stages, the campaign planners are working on a soup and sandwich meal Nov. 4, with a first raising of the flags that day.

They’d also like to have some veterans stories to share before then.

“Pine Drive (Bar & Grill) has offered their availability for any events we’d need,” said Mataczynski.