Veterans memorial ready to move forward again

By Julia Wolf

The Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial is back in business, as reported during a meeting Sept. 16.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said planning committee chair Jim Mataczynski, adding the project is no longer stalled.

Mataczynski presented an updated drawing of what the veterans memorial will look like and how it will be laid out, with time for those present at the meeting to give feedback on the changes.

The flag poles were moved to form a semi-circle along the south side of the memorial, with the American flag as the center one.

“So, when you drive past or you pull in, you’re going to see that American flag sticking above the rest of them,” said Mataczynski.

Vern Capek, committee member, questioned if the walkway to the south side of the parking lot is wide enough, since the U.S. flag will now be situated in the center of the path. Committee member Jennifer Steen says she doubts engineer Mark Erickson would suggest something not handicap accessible already, as that is a legality he is used to working with.

Members thought it would still be better to ask if the path can be widened to allow easier handicap access.

MaryAnn VanTreese, committee member, asked if they would want the other walkways the same width, for aesthetic purposes. Dave Staudacher, committee treasurer, thought maybe the opposing walkway, on the north side, could also be widened to match, which others liked.

Mataczynski also explained there is 85 feet on the south side with nothing in it, which is where the original flood plain started.

“So, we’ve made this so we don’t have to deal with the flood plain,” said Mataczynski.

He says if the engineer, county and DNR think that space is fine to build in at a later date, the group can always add something in that space.

Along the west side, from north to south, is a pavilion, POW and MIA center, with a meditation garden below that. There is also an alternate meditation garden location slightly further to the south. Mataczynski says the POW and MIA center could be a building, but will for sure be a designated area.

Mataczynski says they have also discussed placing the donor wall inside the pavilion, so it is covered from the weather.

“Because, eventually, that building is going to be a historical center,” said Mataczynski.

VanTreese asked if the donor wall would be part of the pavilion wall, or a separate wall.

“That’s up to us,” said Mataczynski, adding he has seen it done both ways.

VanTreese also asked if there would be an overhang large enough to protect the outside of the wall, in case they decide to display donor names there. Mataczynski says they want to build it so the pavilion can be enclosed sometime in the future.

Capek suggested making sure there is a large enough overhang that once the building is enclosed, people can still walk under it to get out of the weather while looking at the memorial.

Another discussion was moving the meditation gardens to the alternate location, so the bell tower can be placed between the gardens and POW and MIA center, instead of near the road.

Members voted to have Steen talk to Erickson about the changes they discussed.

Mataczynski reported, following the meeting, that the changes discussed are a go and the needed permits are expected in the next few weeks.

Mataczynski also reported during the meeting that the flag poles have arrived and are in storage.

Members also discussed the details of a fundraiser for the U.S. flag pole, set to feature a speaker and music. The event is scheduled to take place Sunday, Oct. 24, at Paradise Shores 4.

There is also an aluminum can fundraiser going, with everyone invited to drop off their bagged cans in the cage at the memorial site to help raise funds for the U.S. flag pole.

“We’re trading aluminum for aluminum,” said Mataczynski.