Jewett Seeking Names for Veterans Monument

JEWETT - Wanting to leave no man or woman behind, Jewett government leaders are seeking final input on names that will be inscribed on the planned Veterans Monument.

A list of names accumulated thus far is posted and easily accessible for reference on the town of Jewett website. Local officials welcome any possibilities, wishing to respectfully pay tribute to all. 

Town council member John Giordano, at a recent meeting, gave an update 

on the project which has taken an unexpectedly positive pecuniary turn.

Giordano took command of the effort earlier this year, picking up on an idea suggested by town Judge Stephen Canfield to honor all veterans.

The plan was one thing. Finding dollars to make it reality was another and when fundraising began no one was certain the goal could be achieved.

“We are hoping to raise the money in three months and take six months to build it, dedicating it by the end of 2024,” Giordano said.

“I can see this coming together. This is going to happen. Just talking about this monument gives me chills,” Giordano said.

While the optimism was genuine, initial estimates put the cost at a daunting $20,000, working with Henderson Monument company in Catskill.

It was agreed from the outset that local taxpayer coffers would not be tapped, relying on contributions without knowing their source.

As it turned out, exactly half of the 20 Gs arrived seemingly as if by magic through the Greene County Legislature.

Lawmaker James Thorington (District 6, Jewett, Ashland, Prattsville and Windham) provided $10,000 via a Wayne Speenburgh grant.

Speenburgh, the former legislature chairman, had childhood roots on the mountaintop, having the grant dedicated to him after his passing.

Giordano also teamed with veteran’s groups in the area such as VFW Post #1545 in Windham, accumulating more donations.

With the money mission nearly accomplished, Giordano has set the wheels in motion with Henderson Monuments, not knowing what might occur next.

More magic is what occurred in the form of $25,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) help from the county legislature, sending more chills tingling up Giordano’s spine.

The ARPA funds are being offered equally to towns and villages throughout the county, according to legislature chairman Patrick Linger, and will be appreciatively applied for by Jewett, expecting receipt.

“This lets us accomplish even more than we originally thought,” Giordano says, imagining a brick walkway leading to a small green where the new monument will be set, alongside an existing 9/11 memorial.

And as long as everyone is dreaming, landscaping, fencing and a new flag pole could be added, also hoping to coordinate with the county highway department to extend a culvert in front of the two monuments.

The longer culvert would allow for better access to the site, along Route 23C, across from the municipal building.

A timeline for setting the stone could be announced at the next town board session, in mid-June, aiming for dedication ceremonies this autumn.

Meanwhile, officials are asking residents to share information on anyone and everyone that should be inscribed on the monument, having so far compiled a list totaling over 300 names.

Veterans with any connection to the community are sought, already finding local citizens dating back to the Revolutionary War, blanketing the Civil War, World War I, World War II and recent Middle East campaigns.

“There will be a star after those who died in service,” Giordano says. “There will be a notation of MIA for those who were recorded as missing in action.”

And continuing the fundraising campaign, a Chili Cook-Off is unfolding on Saturday, May 25, starting at 11 a.m. at VFW Post #1545 in Windham.

Chili and fixin’s are being served until they run out with a Penny Social Auction held at 2 p.m. (bidders need not be present).

There is a donation of $5 per person at the door which includes a bowl of chili. More chefs are welcome. 50-50 drawings will take place throughout the event with live music by Bill Holdridge.