Veterans memorial focuses on star, keeps future in view
Jake Hepfler, H&R Electric, attended a Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial meeting March 16, to share the preliminary plans for electric and lighting at the site. While the main focus, for the time being, is completing the main portion of the memorial, the Planning Committee is also preparing for future projects. Photo by Julia Wolf
By Julia Wolf
As the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial Committee works toward the construction of the main part of the memorial, efforts to make arrangements for future portions of the memorial are also in progress.
Jim Mataczynski, committee chairperson, shared a letter detailing the focus of the group, during a meeting March 16. The star and medallion at the center of the memorial, are the immediate focus of construction.
“Our goal is to get this center done,” said Mataczynski.
Mataczynski says, before the concrete is put down, they also want to get some wiring and plumbing laid.
On that note, Jake Hepfler, H& R Electric, also attended the meeting to talk about the electric and lighting plans for the memorial site. He shared the cost breakouts for the materials, as the plan stands now.
Committee member Ronnie Arts asked how the process of running wire to the future portions of the memorial will work.
“We would have the meter socket, and like a power distribution board and we would have conduits already run over, and just dead end it underground at each location,” said Hepfler.
Hepfler says they are doing trenching anyway, so it would just be the cost of the PVC. A detailed drawing of dimensions for the site will also be created, so those working on the project have the information.
Hepfler also says he plans to donate his time and the materials are at-cost.
“Obviously, anything underground needs to be done,” said Dave Conrad, committee member.
Hepfler agreed, otherwise installing wiring later will lead to humps or divots in the final product.
“That’s why I would suggest digging in what we can to these locations,” said Hepfler.
Committee member Dave Staudacher is also looking into whether it is more cost efficient to do sewer work now or in the future, since it will be some time before the sewer is needed.
“Should we put in a stub while he is here and save money?” asked Mataczynski, adding they won’t know which is the better option until they get some numbers.
Mataczynski says they are also working with water contractors, to run the pipes where the concrete is going to go.
Treasurer Mary Ann Van Treese also reported the tent set up during the St. Patrick’s Day parade was a success and $2,323 was raised for the memorial project during the event. “It was just a very fun day,” said Van Treese.
