Fishing Derby fundraiser set for Jan. 23
SOUTHWICK – The Rotary and Lions clubs are teaming up with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to update the town’s War Memorial.
The existing memorial, at the corner of College Highway and Depot street, was built in 1947 to honor veterans who served in the American Revolution, World War I and World War II.
Lions Club President Mark Krynicki said an addition was made in the 1960s for Korean War veterans, and another was made in the 1980s for Vietnam veterans.
“I think that was the last time it was touched,” said Krynicki.
In order to preserve Southwick’s history and to continually honor local war veterans, Rotary President Richard Anderson said “the new memorial will include veterans who served the Persian Gulf War, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan.”
Krynicki said they plan to add two wings to the current monument with names of those who served in the wars mentioned by Anderson. He said they are also researching veterans who served in conflicts, such as in Grenada.
Anderson said they plan to have the Memorial in place by Veterans Day 2016.
The budget is $10,000 and includes sidewalk improvements to accommodate a safe entry from the church parking lot to the existing and new memorial. The town updated the current walkway recently to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“This is an extension of that,” said Krynicki. “We want to raise the funds needed to finish this for our community.”
Fundraisers will be organized by both organizations with support from the Legion and the VFW.
To kick off the project, the Rotary Club is organizing an Ice Fishing Derby on Jan. 23 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. If ice conditions are not favorable, the derby will be moved to Feb. 6.
The event will be held at the Congamond Lakes North Ramp Gazebo. There is a $20 entry fee and a 50/50 raffle. Visit www.southwickrotary.org for derby rules and details. Contact Rotarian Bill Alaimo at 413563-3767 with any questions.
Donations to support this effort should be mailed to Southwick Rotary, Box 701, Southwick, MA or the Southwick Lions Club, Box 352, Southwick, MA 01077. Please earmark your donation with “War Memorial.”
