Phase 1 done at veterans memorial, Phase 2 starts

By Ginna Young

The building season is almost over, but work continues as long as weather allows at the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial.

“Basically, we are done with Phase 1,” said Jim Mataczynski, chair of the Planning Committee.

In fact, some work has already been done for Phase 2, which consists of landscaping, painting and big monuments. The memorial’s landscaper was at the monthly planning meeting Oct. 17, with the decision made, that instead of a continuous circle around the medallion, it will be broken into four quarters.

Faux brick will be laid down, then replaced with legacy stones, until that quarter is filled up. They will then move the faux brick to another quarter. Until then, the quarters will have gravel put down.

“Then, that part will all be taken care of,” said Mataczynski.

By doing things that way, the group went from a cost of $53,000 to $16,000.

“Otherwise, it was like 14 pallets of pavers, which is expensive,” said Mataczynski. The group is also working internally, as the town board asked that a committee structure be set up. Tim Marshall, David Staudacher and Chuck Anderson were selected to work on the structure alongside the town chairman, to make sure they are in proper compliance, with a reasonable plan to fit everyone.

“We made a committee to do the committee,” said Mataczynski.

Also set up, was a Fundraising Committee, consisting of Rhonda Mataczynski, Rick Mitchell, Judy Simpson and Aaron Hetchler. There’s enough to finish the four quarters project, but more is needed to complete Phase 2, so fundraising over the winter is key.

Several events are in the works and J. Mataczynski is confident that funds will come in, to complete the project to honor the veterans in the area.

“The good Lord has smiled on us through this entire project, so, I don’t think he’s going to stop smiling on us,” said J. Mataczynski.