It all started with a single picture posted on Facebook by Rod Risner. He was concerned that the memorials at Doc Singleton Park and Ballfields were so overgrown they were hidden from view.
We shared his post and asked if anyone would be willing to help clear the area so the memorials could be seen and the fallen honored. What came next exceeded expectations.
Within 48 hours, Rob Gregory was at the park trimming the overgrown bushes. Rob works as a maintenance generalist at Shawnee State. In addition, Rob sprayed the ground to help prevent weeds from quickly returning.
Next, Gary Jenkins of Jenkins Family Enterprises power washed the monuments so the names could be clearly read and recognized. He also cleaned the timbers of moss and long-standing dirt.
Finally, Roger Hemming Contractors arrived and gave the area a close cut weed eating, and laid down fresh mulch around the monuments.
You can clearly see the amazing before, during, and after results of the amazing group effort.
Township Trustee Tony Journey said that there are plans to relocate the memorials to the newly constructed township park. Journey said he was unaware of the memorial’s existence. On his end, he garnered the support of decision-makers and plans were made to highlight these memorials with a dedication ceremony.
Shawnee State’s president, Dr. Jeff Bauer, and supervisor, Jim Nauce, were kind enough to approve Rob’s participation in this project. The weeds were also treated with their specially licensed spray.
Thanks to Gary Jenkins who provided his water truck and power washing services as there was no water connection on site.
The project coordinator was Darren Oliver from Roger Hemming Contractors to ensure everything ran according to plan.
Finally, a thank you to Rod Risner for raising the issue. His post started the ball rolling on all fronts.
