Shock project needs just $25,000
By BECKY BROOKS
Enterprise Editor
clydenews@bizwoh.rr.com
GREEN SPRINGS - Volunteers and workers erected light poles around the two fields in the village park Saturday.
The Marine Lance Corporal Jeremy Shock Light Memorial is only $25,000 from completion, according the military hero's mother, Sherry Shock.
She and her husband, Duane, were among the volunteers assisting Ken G. Myers Construction, Miller Cable and U.S. Utilities in putting up 12 steel light poles with 44 light fixtures.
The lighting project, thus far, has cost $123,600.
"This is all money we've raised through fundraising and people's generous donations," Sherry commented. Now the expenses remaining center on the installation of electrical cable and a $5,000 box that Toledo Edison wants in place, she added.
Like much of the work already, the installation of the electrical equipment will be donated.
"Once we get these poles up, we're pretty much at a standstill," she said about the project.
Duane and Sherry Shock began the project with the support of village businesses the winter after their son, Jeremy, was killed in the Iraq War.
"I guess the idea started in February '07," the late Marine's mother said.
The first big fundraiser was held in April 2007 and the efforts continued.
"It's just been amazing," Sherry said about the community support. "I wanted to do something for the community as well as remember Jeremy."
The memorial lighting project at the village park, where her son once played baseball, will benefit village youth for years to come. Duane Shock previously has said this was an important project because his son enjoyed playing under the lights but had to travel to away fields since village diamonds were not lighted.
On Saturday, Sherry pointed out that the project was important to the community. "These people are volunteering their time," she pointed to the men and women working to set poles and make food for the workers. "You can't ask for more than that."
The new lighting system was being aligned with an infrared laser to assure that the overhead lights will provide the maximum light coverage on the field and not project outside the field. The system also comes with a 25-year warranty, she added.
On Saturday, the project ran into a short delay as one fixture fell to the ground when the pole was erected, but no one was hurt.
Besides replacing that fixture, the volunteers on the Shock project must raise the funds needed to turn on the field lights before next year's ball season.
The next fundraiser will be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction being held in connection with the Green Springs Harvest Fest on Oct. 25, Sherry Shock reported. Volunteers are still collecting items for a silent auction. Items and donations can be dropped off at Croghan Colonial Bank.
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