May 8, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Mahwah Donors sought for Veterans Memorial Park project by Frank J. McMahon Mahwah’s Beautification Committee is seeking donors for its Veterans Memorial Park project, which will honor the veterans who have served in the country’s wars. Susan Stedtler is the chair of the Veterans Tribute Committee, a subcommittee of the beautification organization. She and key member Maria LaSalvia provided the township council with some history of the Beautification Committee and the plans for the tribute, which will include 12 bronze plaques on granite memorials, one for each of the wars the veterans have chosen. The memorials will be permanently installed around the outer flag circle and enhanced with dignified lighting and perennial foliage to beautify the park in eternal remembrance. “The completion of this memorial installation will fulfill the true intended purpose of this park, which is honoring our veterans and their sacrifices,” Stedtler said. “The park is lacking a true tribute to our veterans and my greatest joy is going to bed at night feeling safe in this country because of our veterans and we need to pay tribute to them.” Each memorial will recognize one of the wars fought by the veterans of this country. The list was provided by Commander Gary Montroy of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7124 in Mahwah. The list includes the American Revolution; the War of 1812; the Spanish American War; the Mexican War ; the Civil War; World War I; World War II; the Korean War; the Vietnam War; the Persian Gulf War; the Iraq Wars; and the war in Afghanistan. Stedtler said the project will be self-funding because the $700 cost of each memorial will be paid for by donors whose names will be printed on the program at the dedication ceremony on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. The memorials can be funded by individuals or families. “It’s time to think about what we are grateful for,” Stedtler said, “and we’re grateful for our veterans.” Veterans Memorial Park was completely renovated in 2011. The upgrade of the park includes new plantings along the park frontage on Franklin Turnpike, a new walkway throughout the park, the relocation of the existing park sign to the center of that part of the site facing Franklin Turnpike with six cypress trees planted in a curved arc behind the sign with boxwood plants extending in a curved direction to Miller Road and East Ramapo Avenue. The park has benches, path lights, and a circular area at the center that has two large monuments with room for two more with a flagpole at the center of the circular area. The flagpole is illuminated and the circular area is surrounded by shrubs, benches, and two dogwood trees. Concrete stairs were installed at the railroad end of the park where the curbs were modified for barrier-free access and a retaining wall was installed to create a level area.