Veterans Ask for Help With Park Project

The members of Bethany Post 2448 Veterans of Foreign Wars have been improving and maintaining on Rt. 42 for many years. By raising their own funds and applying for grants, the VFW built the bridge over the spillway at Hockanum Lake as well as the Wall of Honor, the Dog Monument, the ceremonial burning pit for properly disposing tattered American flags, and installed the park benches. They have also maintained the landscaping.

At Monday evening’s Bethany Board of Selectmen’s meeting, veteran Art Slicer presented the VFW’s next plan for the park, but with a sobering message, as well.

“Our membership is getting older,” Slicer said. “We can’t do some of the work we’ve done in the past.”

The organization is seeking to complete the landscaping in the area of the dog monument and the burning pit, but realize they are unable to do it without help. Slicer said they estimate the project will cost in the area of $10,000 and he is hoping the town can help fund the work.

According to First Selectman Derrylyn Gorski, anything over $5,000 is considered a capitol project and has to go before the board of finance and then be approved at the town meeting. Also, if the town funds it, the project has to go through the normal bidding process.

“I understand that,” Slicer said. “I’ve been around long enough to know how the process works. What we are asking for is compassion and understanding that we’ve done everything we can do on our own and now we need help. We are concerned about the upkeep of the total property and are asking the town to get involved.”

The board of selectmen agreed it was a good plan and they would like to see the project completed. Gorski said the town would add it to the list of capitol improvements and enter it into the process for approval.