Ceremony to rededicate memorial set

A beautification committee has worked on several projects at the site.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NORTH LIMA -- People in Beaver Township have waited a long time to rededicate the Veterans Memorial.
On Monday, township officials will finally receive the deed establishing the township's ownership of the memorial site at state Routes 164 and 165.
"For many years everyone assumed the lot belonged to the township," explained Robert McMurray, a former township trustee who has been part of a committee of volunteers working the past year to refurbish the site.
"But we found out several years ago Mount Olivet Church actually owned it. It was part of the church cemetery," he explained. "It wasn't until last August that the church deeded it over to the township. We've done some work over there and we've been wanting to rededicate it. We thought now would be a good time to do that."
A parade featuring veterans from the township will form at 9 a.m. at Dickey Electric on Route 165 and proceed to the memorial site. Andy Regan will lead the color guard, and Ron Clegg will lead the honor guard.
A formal rededication program will begin at the memorial site at 10 a.m. when the Rev. Melinda Lacefield of Mount Olivet Church presents the property deed to the township trustees.
Projects continue
McMurray said that with support from the township, the beautification committee has worked on several projects at the site. Efforts have included the addition of a gazebo, a new walkway behind the gazebo, a vinyl fence, concrete blocks and many new plants.
McMurray, Regan and Barney Davison, who make up the beautification committee, said the work is ongoing.
"We would like to see a fund established to help pay for some of this work," McMurray said. "We're hoping people will want to get involved and help with the maintenance. If they would, I hope they will contact the township."
The township has contributed about $20,000 toward the effort, McMurray said. Those interested in donating to the project may call the township administration office at (330) 549-3993.