DURYEA — The newly-formed Duryea Betterment Committee is hoping to spruce up the borough over the next few months, culminating in an effort to raise money for a Casualties of War monument.
Spearheaded by Duryea resident Lois Komensky, the committee is currently working on two projects. The monument project, which will be an honor roll of fallen service men and women from Duryea, still needs to raise a few thousand dollars to get the ball rolling. Also, the committee will be hosting the Bloomin’ Duryea project throughout the summer.
The cost of the monument will be around $5,000, Komensky said. The committee has raised some money, but still needs to make a push to get the monument erected by mid-summer. Hopes are to have the monument finished by the time Independence Day rolls around. If that’s too ambitious, Komensky said, the committee will push the date to September.
“It all depends on how much money we can raise,” Komensky said.
The project is being co-coordinated by the Duryea VFW Post 1227. The monument will be placed near the VFW. All veterans are currently remembered on the VFW’s monument on Stephenson Street, but those who gave their life may now have their own monument.
“We’re hoping we can get the funds as soon as possible,” Komensky said. “It’s a great way to give back to the community of Duryea.”
Currently, the committee has found 37 casualties of war from the Duryea area, dating back to the Fredrich Aherns and Fuller Johnson, who lost their lives in the Civil War. The most recent casualty was Dale Kridlo, who was killed in action in 2010 in Afghanistan.
The majority of the borough’s casualties were in the World Wars. George Walter Busch perished in the Korean War, while Robert William Homscheck lost his life in the Vietnam War. There is a possibility, Komensky said, that the committee has omitted a name from the current honor roll. If that is the case, contact a committee member.
The committee has been asking for donations for the past few weeks. There are three levels of donations: Gold, $1,000; Silver, $500; Bronze, $100; Honorable Mention, any amount less than $100. Names and contribution levels will be recognized when the monument is dedicated. Those wishing to donate can send all donations to Attn. Honor Roll Committee, Duryea VFW Post 1227, 492 Stephenson Street, Duryea, PA 18642.
Spruce up for Bloomin’ Duryea
The committee recently announced the Duryea Borough Yard of Distinction Contest, or Bloomin’ Duryea. The contest, according to committee members, is designed to honor residents of Duryea who work hard to beautify their yard.
The contest is open to any resident of the borough, including all homeowners or rental tenants. Yards should not be professionally landscaped and be finished prior to judging during the first week of July. Entry deadline is June 24, and gardeners may enter their own yards or nominate a neighbor.
Judging will take place from July 5-9, with the winners being announced at the Tuesday, July 12 council meeting. Entry forms may be picked up at the borough building, My Sister’s Kitchen, Family Pharmacy, Komensky’s Market, Bronz Buns and Rehoski’s Market.
Questions about Bloomin’ Duryea can be directed to Trina Moss at 570-604-0637 or message the Duryea Betterment Committee Facebook page.
The next Betterment Committee meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 20 at the borough building. Any resident of Duryea can join the Betterment Committee and all meetings are open to the public. For more information on the committee, join the Facebook group, Duryea Betterment Committee.
