Wheels keep churning to bring veterans memorial to life

The landscape of the future home of the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial is undergoing changes, after the group got permission to remove black dirt from the site, and replace it with fill and gravel. Photo by Ginna Young

By Julia Wolf

Construction and fundraising efforts continue for the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial, as heard during a meeting Nov. 18.

Jim Mataczynski, chairman of the memorial planning committee, says the engineer is in the process of making the engineering plans and ensuring the memorial has all the needed permits.

“That will have the heights and the grades, and all that stuff,” said Matacynski.

The planning committee previously approved a basic plan, which contains the elements and layout the group wants to accomplish at the site.

Dave Conrad, vice-chair of the committee, says they got permission to remove the black dirt and replace it with fill and gravel, which has already started, and says they are relying on experts to make sure they have the right type of fill and gravel.

A water retention pond is planned for the south side of the memorial, which may be wet or dry, depending on the soil sample results.

“I would think we should rock ‘n’ roll, come spring,” said Conrad.

In a fundraiser update, Mataczynski reported the fundraiser held at Paradise Shores 4, at the end of October, brought in enough, when combined with other donations, that the group surpassed the $3,000 for the United States flag pole.

Committee member MaryAnn VanTreese asked if they want to keep the fundraiser for the pole open, to cover installation costs.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Conrad. “Installation is part of the flag pole, as is the plaque and the lighting.”

Mataczynski says they do have an offer to dig the holes for the flag poles, to help cut expenses, since the initial quote he got for installation of the poles was $12,000.

Others also agreed it is a good idea to keep the fundraiser open, especially as prices of everything continue to rise.

Members also heard an update on the fundraising efforts for a flag pole sponsored by citizens from the Town of Estella. Conrad says, to date, they have $1,775 raised, with a $2,500 goal.

“We’re getting closer,” said Conrad.

The group also saw samples of legacy stones from two companies, which those in attendance noted look different from each other. The committee plans to get one more bid before choosing who to go with.

Conrad says his concern, is after they pick a vendor, if they have to stick with that company forever for uniformity. He says he is going to ask other memorial groups what they do.

Those who would like to purchase legacy stones, which is open to anyone, regardless of whether or not they are a veteran, or get more information about stone sizes and prices, can visit holcombeareaveteransmemorial.com.

The committee also approved a $1,500 advertising budget for the remainder of 2021, to share the idea of giving monetary donations in others’ names as a gift or purchasing a legacy stone to honor them in a lasting way.

“It doesn’t need to be a vet,” said VanTreese. “It can be anybody.”

Those who are interested in giving a donation as a gift, can contact any member of the memorial planning committee for more information.