Paver area taking shape, with the new stone sizes

By Ginna Young

A few changes were decided upon, April 2, at the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial Planning Committee meeting. One of those changes, was that they have decided to only offer 12-inch by 12-inch memorial paver stones from this point on, with the landscaper agreeing to work with whatever the group wants.

“Anyone who has already ordered an eight-inch by eight-inch, they will be honored,” said committee secretary Rhonda Mataczynski.

To go along with that, Mataczynski reported that the third installment of engraved stones is complete. They want to have the site ready by Memorial Day weekend, to lay down some of the stones.

There will also be a wreath-laying ceremony for Memorial Day, with more details to come.

“It was suggested that our veteran couple, John and Carol Bell, have the honor of placing the wreath,” said Mataczynski.

The group also decided that in order to legally meet, they will need to have a quorum of nine members. It was also agreed, that while construction continues once the weather is better, to make a place for temporary parking on the west side of memorial, where the buildings will eventually go.

While it’s not a sure thing, the committee also discussed seeing if they can split the $15,000 cost of an electronic sign with the town. They’ll also check with the WisDOT, to make sure the sign is set in the appropriate place.

Mataczynski also had an update on the recent St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser, which had not one, but two raffle boards, a 50/50 raffle and a whopping 60 bucket raffles, all donated by local businesses and organizations.

“We made a nice, tidy profit, because of all the wonderful donations,” said Mataczynski. “It will be so beneficial for our next phase.”