Monument park is gathering interest

MATAMORAS - Organizers of the Veteran’s Memorial Park & Education Center Society discussed grants and special donations when they met January 22. Austen Lamac read two letters from Pennsylvania Senator Arlene Spector that raised the possibility that a piece of granite from the remains of Washington, D.C.’s World War II Monument would be given to Veteran’s Park as a personal piece of history. Kevin Stroyan, a trustee and project manager, described said the leadership hopes to construct a stone entrance to the park. He reported that the Borough of Matamoras has applied for a Community Block Grant to pave the parking lot. Stroyan predicted that when the whole project is finished, “a great educational and patriotic experience will await those who visit the park.” About 50 people were on hand to take part in the election of officers and trustees. Veterans’ Park members came from throughout the tri-state area to take part in the election. City and borough council members from Port Jervis and Matamoras were in attendance to show their support of the park project, said President Dick Gassman. Officers elected included Gassmann, as president; Gerry Wenders, as vice president; John Galvin, as secretary; and Nancy Vocci, as treasurer. Trustees elected included, Jane Drake, Sonje Gatske, Alan Gatske, Bob Gallager, Gene Goldner, Bill Lamac, and Kevin Stroyan. Society meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the American Legion in Milford at 7 p.m. and visitors and members are welcome. Call 570-491-4003 for more information.