Veterans site fundraising kicks off

Veterans site in Oak Ridge gaining fi nancial support

Architectural renderings courtesy of Revington Reaves Above, An overview of the veterans site planned in Oak Ridge. Right, monuments recognizing the six military branches are at the center of the veterans site planned in Oak Ridge.

by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – As boosters prepare to raise money for Oak Ridge’s new site honoring military veterans, they’re starting $10,000 ahead of schedule.

Earlier this month, a $10,000 gift NEW Location in Kernersville Quick Lube no appointment needed for oil changes & state inspections from Oak Ridge’s Bernard and Anna Walraven pushed fundraising for the Veterans Honor Green to about $18,400, as of June 30. “That is an awesome donation,” said Patti Dmuchowski, who chairs the town’s Special Events Committee.

She and Vice Chair Caroline Ruch are leading efforts by other committee members to start contacting local businesses and residents for donations.

The population of veterans and their families in Oak Ridge will spur donations, Dmuchowski said in an interview earlier this week. The town is home to about 400 veterans, according to estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau and other agencies.

“We think the military holds a special place in everybody’s heart,

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especially in Oak Ridge,” she said. “These donations are going to be so meaningful. People get to be part of this history.”

In February, the Town Council committed to providing $68,000 in matching funds over two years for construction of the veterans site. The pledge covers nearly half of the estimated $150,000 cost of the project.

Three years ago while helping plan the 20th anniversary celebration of Oak Ridge’s incorporation, Dmuchowski suggested to town leaders they should pursue a site honoring veterans, like ones already established in Summerfield and Stokesdale. She took the lead, as the Special Events Committee and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board selected a site in Heritage Farm Park on Linville Road and hired Greensboro-based landscape architectural firm Revington Reaves to design the site.

Renderings show a curved concrete boardwalk leading to the circular site with granite monuments honoring the different military branches. The walkway will continue into the pine trees, providing shade and a tranquil setting for visitors. The lawn will be large enough to host events, such as Veterans Day celebrations and visits by schools. ... continued on p. 17

Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC

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