Feb 19, 2008 By Joyce Koballa 3 min read

EVERSON – Borough council learned Monday the civic organization is poised to break ground within the next several weeks for the construction of a 4-foot granite veteran’s monument. “It’s all coming together at one time, everything from finances to the legal part of this to the contract,” said Mike Banaszak, council president.

After two years of securing the needed funding through grants and donations, Banaszak said the organization has enough money to begin the project that will officially be dedicated on May 17, Armed Forces Day.

The $12,000 memorial is being erected on a parcel of property at the corner of Brown and Jones streets deeded to the borough by resident Mary Lesniak in memory of her late husband, Joe, who fought in World War II, and her youngest son, Thomas, who served in the National Guard before he died.

Banaszak added the Southmoreland High School marching band has already committed to perform at the dedication that will include several state officials.

“This should really be a big event for the borough,” said Banaszak.

Mayor Tim Shoemaker said the organization would like to extend the wall behind the monument on both sides in order to make it level, which would cost an additional $4,000 if the contractor does it during the project instead of having a separate contract that would be even higher.

In an unrelated matter, council learned from Marty Adobato, councilman and street committee chairman, that the 2008 Ford F-450 model it agreed last month to purchase from Davies Ford of Connellsville is not equipped with a tool box or shovel racks.

Banaszak said the borough’s five-year lease agreement for the $55,875 vehicle is pending approval from Ford Motor Credit.

Adobato said the street department plans to keep the current truck for a while and use it to haul blacktop material.

Turning to other business, council heard from Mark Halas of 139 Pennsylvania Ave. regarding a situation involving the deterioration of crab apples falling onto his property line from a neighbor’s trees that partially hang over borough property.

Halas said the stench from the apples rotting year round has caused problems for his dog since they have attracted gnats, fleas and other insects and animals affecting his quality of life.

Shoemaker said the borough couldn’t cut the tree back unless it was interfering with traffic but could pick up the apples and haul them away if Halas’s neighbor gave him permission to cut the section of trees in question.

Council also announced that copies of the municipal office directory are available at the post office and the Scottdale Public Library is offering free tax preparation on Wednesdays until April 9 for those that meet the age and income guidelines through appointment by calling 724-887-6140.

Shoemaker said the Everson Evangelical Church is holding a spaghetti dinner on March 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring missionaries from Bolivia and Hungary.

Donations for the dinner are $5 for adults and $3 for children.