NEXT MEETING: JANUARY 8, 2025. The park committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the municipal building. Volunteers are always needed. All are welcome to attend.
CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK: Greenfield Township Community Park and Veterans Memorial
Stone Fundraiser: stones still available in different sizes and one cornerstone available for purchase. There are four different sizes and costs to choose from. Each stone includes etched engraving. See diagram on the left for available spaces (as of 06/24/2024).
Veterans Memorial Stone Fundraiser Form (pdf)
DownloadThough not a resident of Greenfield Township I have multiple connections to soldiers memorialized on the stones here. I served for many years (1996-2010) as a Federal Technician with SFC Paul F. Criscera at OMS 25 in Carbondale and FMS 2 in Taylor, and with SSG Boris Telep in Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry. I served the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a member of the 109th Infantry Regiment from 1989-2010, and am currently serving as the Public Affairs Officer for the 109th Infantry Regiment Association. I was one of the “Iron Soldiers” who deployed to Ramadi, Iraq from 2005-2006 with the 2nd Brigade 28ID. While there I served with SGT Eric Slebodnik, and fulfilled his mother Cynthia’s request by giving him what turned out to be his last hug. I had the pleasure of knowing Eric’s grandfather Stephen A. Slebodnik. During the dark night of 28-29 SEP 2005 I had no doubt that Eric’s remains would be interred next to his grandfather. Prior to this ceremony I placed 109th Infantry Regiment Association coins on every stone that had anything to do with the Regiment, including one soldier that I did not know personally: SGT Sebastian L. Montone who served in the 109th Infantry Regiment during WWII.
The families and fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of those memorialized here do not need reminders to remember them. We will never forget them. We cannot. We are glad to see it done nevertheless. We want them and their service of our nation to be remembered by others. We do not want either to be forgotten. In many communities in our land this is not done, and that is sad. Here, with these reminders, education can take place. Those who did not know them may learn here about their service and sacrifice. This generation, and those to come need this. May it serve its purpose, and may some of those who learn the lessons of this park follow the examples of those memorialized here.
Also prior to the ceremony I tabulated some facts about those memorialized so far on the stones here. Besides organizations there are 73 names, and there is room remaining for many more! These names are of those who served in the Army, Army Air Corps, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army National Guard, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. Their service includes three in the Civil War, one in the Spanish-American War, and others in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Among the WWII veterans are two recipients of Bronze Stars. If all of the histories were known multiple volumes could be written documenting the experiences of these combat veterans.
What Greenfield Township has done in the development of this Veterans Memorial is commendable. Too many communities in our nation have no memorials like this. A large contingent of 109th Infantry Regiment soldiers recently visited the sites of historic battles of our Regiment in Europe during WWII. When the people in those communities see the red keystone of the 28th Infantry Division it very quickly becomes obvious that neither they nor their children have forgotten what that division and its Regiments did for them during WWII. More communities in this land need to be like them, and like Greenfield Township. I commend the Park Committee, the Historical Society, and the Board of Supervisors for their efforts towards this end.
In the book of Joshua, chapter four, we read these words:
“That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them….” (Joshua 4:6–7, KJV)
WNEP News was among the guests at the 2023 Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony.
Clara Gardner and Patty Apostolakes visited the Rob O'Donnell Show to highlight and promote the Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony on Nov. 11, 2023 at the park as well as the Greenfield Historical Museum.
A Lasting Memorial To Those Who Served. Veterans Monument to be dedicated in Greenfield Township. A monument honoring township residents who have served in the armed forces will be dedicated on Veterans Day.
Download the article and view more photos at the bottom of this page.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Announces $800,000 in Grants for Community Conservation Projects
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is pleased to announce the approval of over $800,000 in grants for community conservation projects across our district. These grants, awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, will support vital initiatives aimed at enhancing our communities and preserving our natural resources.
The funded projects include:
Greenfield Township: $60,000 for the further development of Greenfield Township Community Park in Lackawanna County. This project will include the installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping, project signage, and site improvements.
The Conservation Fund: $773,500 for the acquisition of approximately 488 acres along Balish Road in Scranton City, Lackawanna County. This land will be added to Pinchot State Forest, contributing to the preservation of our natural resources.
DCNR Secretary, Amanda Whitaker, expressed her excitement about these grants, saying, "These investments will improve recreational opportunities, protect our environment, and enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvania residents. We are committed to supporting projects that make a real difference in our communities."
The funding will enable these projects to move forward, benefiting residents and visitors alike. DCNR remains dedicated to promoting conservation and community engagement throughout the state.
For more information about the Community Conservation Partnerships Program and other grant opportunities, please visit the DCNR website.
WNEP Reporter Courtney Harrison interviews Dean Cerra and Joe Slebodnik. Click here to watch.
Construction starts on Veterans Memorial. Greenfield Township Supervisor Joe Slebodnik shares the Veterans Memorial drawing and describes what the project means to Greenfield Township.
Download the article and view more photos at the bottom of this page.
A fundraiser was held during Greenfield Township Community Night where funds were raised for the construction of the Veterans Memorial with a 50/50 and basket raffle drawing. Information and forms were available for stone purchases.
The Community Park committee thanked the Nicoteri family for donating the Dog Run and memorial to their son, David J. Nicoteri. Family and friends gathered at the park to recognize and thank those who generously donated their time and efforts to build the Dog Run.
Thank you to Bob Noldy for installing the fencing, his son, Jake Noldy for the use of his auger, Tim and Denise Kries for donating an Amish poly-constructed bench, and many others who donated their time.
The Dog Run is the first step in revitalizing the five acres that have been unused for many years and has been well received by dog owners and the Greenfield Township community. The Park committee is looking forward to starting construction on the parking lot and walking trail as well as putting finishing touches on the Dog Run.
The Park committee is grateful for all the messages from the community asking how they can help with the Community Park and Veterans Memorial with their time or donating materials, landscaping, benches, trashcans, pavilions and so much more.
Follow us on Greenfield Township Community Park and Veterans Memorial Facebook to stay up-to-date on upcoming volunteer and fundraising efforts.
Read the article by Christine Lee, staff reporter on the park's progress and what's next.
Download the article at the bottom of this page.
The dog park is now open for use. We're finalizing the area and preparing for the official grand opening. Check the Facebook page for latest updates.
The winner of the train collection is: PAUL WEATLAND of EYNON, PA.
Stay tuned for more upcoming fundraising opportunities for the Veterans Memorial.
On December 13, 2022, one lucky winner was drawn by Jerry Snyder and Jack Iyoob at the Greenfield Township Hall.
Thank you for your support!
On Saturday, Aug. 6, at the start of Greenfield Township Community Day, members of the Community Park Committee, Historical Society and DCNR Rep "officially" broke ground to commemorate the start of construction at the park site.
DCNR Deputy Secretary Mike Walsh stopped by Greenfield Township to congratulate the Supervisors and Park Committee on the grant award. Also in attendance were reps from the offices of Senator Marty Flynn and Rep. Bridget Kosierowski.
Download the DCNR News Release at the bottom of this page.
OVERVIEW
On December 30, 2021, the Greenfield Township Supervisors and Park Committee received $70,000 for the SMALL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Grant that was submitted on April 14, 2021.
The Park has been renamed GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY PARK for a broader appeal to township residents, families, and surrounding communities to enjoy outdoor recreational activities and honor our service members.
This community park grant is a multi-year project totaling $110,000 upon completion.
The park will feature:
• A Veterans Memorial flagpole and Reflection Garden
• A walking trail
• Playground
• Enclosed dog run
• Gazebos
Phase 2 Small Community Grant request for $90,000 was submitted on April 5, 2023 to request an ADA-accessible playground. Wish us luck!
For park and grant information, email: supervisor@greenfieldtownship.org
Copyright © 2024 Greenfield Township Supervisors - All Rights Reserved.
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