Love and Care Community invited to dedication ceremony at newly upgraded Veterans Park

Those who have driven past the location of Veterans Park, at the intersection of Jay and Water streets across from the Clinton County Courthouse, may have seen constant activity as David Harger and other committee members and volunteers were hard at work putting the final touches on the years-long project.

The idea to breathe new life into the park came from local veteran and business owner David Harger, of Harger Utility Contractors, Inc.

Harger is a retired 1st Sergeant of the United States Army and served 20 years in the military before starting his business. With helping fellow veterans a key focus in his life, Harger also owns VetForce — a security business that hires veterans — and operates the Harger Utility Foundation which holds events and benefits for local veterans in need.

Harger, along with a number of other community members, have worked for multiple years to see Veterans Park upgraded.

The first step in the process included removal of current moments that were later placed in various places throughout Clinton County including at the courthouse and Clinton County Government building along Piper Way.

After designs were created with the help of local artist Steve Getz, the committee worked to make their dreams a reality.

In recent weeks, concrete has been installed in the park along with flagpoles — which Harger had in storage since 2017 in anticipation of the park — metalwork has been installed along with lighting, grass and other pieces.

Most recently, Harger along with volunteers John Hoy and Butch Long worked to get the large pillar prepped for a bronze busted. The bust was designed by Gary Casteel out of Gettysburg, according to Harger who noted he is a 2-tour Vietnam Veteran.

“He’s completed the main art feature that will be revealed,” he said.

Other metal work — which includes specific tributes to each era from the American Revolution up to the Iraq War and Operation Iraqi Freedom — take up a large portion of the park. Harger told The Express plans are to have local veterans unveil the detailed pieces of these during the ceremony on Nov. 11.

This artwork was designed in Pittsburgh with steel donated by Faber Fabrication, Harger said.

Other pieces, such as signage, he said were created by Brownie’s Signs right here in Lock Haven.

Other features in the park include flagpoles for the United State Flag along with each branch of the military represented and three cherry trees — one white and two pink — to showcase a connection to the country’s seat, Washington, D.C.

Harger specifically gave a shout out to Brian of St. John Masonry and his crew for completing the concrete work leading up to the dedication ceremony on Nov. 11.

“I did the form work and they came right and got it done,” he said.

According to Harger, St. John Masonry’s willingness to help showcased the immense support that the project has received since they first broke ground in 2022 and long before.

“Our community has been really steadfast on that front,” he said.

Harger and the park’s committee — Steve Getz, Jim Lovette, Jim Hanna, Jim Russo, Jen Hagaman, Dave Grimm and Joby Topper — are excited to showcase the completed work on Veterans Day.

The ceremony is set for 11 a.m., with chairs set up in a close section of Water Street to accommodate 200 people. Harger noted there will be parking in the courthouse parking lot and Water Street lot and volunteers will offer assistance to those who may need it on the day. Water Street is planned to be closed from its intersection with Jay to Grove from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Harger noted those who wish to bring their own chair are welcome to do so.

Harger will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event, which will feature two special guest speakers — Retired Col. Daryl Martin and General Maureen Weigl from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Harger noted General Weigl is an amazing speaker.

“She’s one of those people that speaks smoothly. No ‘ums’ or ‘uhs,” he said, noting when he first heard her speak at another event he was “blown away.”

The event will also feature the Honor Guard/Posting of Colors by NCOIC 1st Sgt. Steve Kowatch and the Bitner Bechdel Post 623 American Legion and VFW Post 1630; the National Anthem sung by Cpl. Amy Kowatch; a reading of “In Flanders Field” by Capt. Ralph Moerschbaucher; introduction of local dignitaries; an unveiling of the artwork by Steve Getz with assistance from Keith and Shirley Stein; a benediction by State Representative Stephanie Borowicz; a gun salute by the Bitner Bechdel American Legion; and Taps played by Col. Tom Motel.

Following the event, a reception will be held at the Lock Haven VFW with light refreshments and cake provided.

For Harger, the completion of the park showcases the love and care the community has for its veterans both past and present.

“There were a lot of people who got me down the final stretch on this project,” he said.

That includes both physical help in the construction and also financial backing.

Harger noted the project faced hurdles due to inflation. However, local donors were quick to offer their assistance when Harger Utilities was unable through in-kind donations of its own.

“This really speaks to how it’s a community effort and community project. It’s just amazing to see,” Harger said.

Harger noted he hopes to install a fountain at the park once donations are collected.

Those interested in donating to the additional piece to the park should contact Brooke at brookestover@hargerutility.com to learn more.

Harger offered his thanks to the following individuals and businesses for their support in the project:

SPONSORS

Bitner Bechdel Post 623; Harger Utility Contractors, Inc.; Harger Utility Charity, Inc.; Terrapin Care Station; VetForce, Inc.; Russo Family Trust; St. John Masonry; Faber Fabrications; First Quality; Jim and Carol Hanna; Ron and Abby Pete; Bridge 2 Bridge Run 2022; Grant and Jeanne Miller; Bridge 2 Bridge Run 2023; Sons of Italy; Carl E. and Linda M. Litz; Northwest Bank; WSQV 92.1; Action Equipment; 198 Shamrock Bar and Grill; VFW Motorcycle Club; Lock Haven Moose; Adam Baumunk-Hilti; Richard and JoAnn Marcinkevage; Kenneth and Karen Shadle; Keith and Shirly Stein; James and Judy Lovette; Bo and Jen Hagaman; West Company; VFW Post 1630; Loretta and Robert Coltrane; Bill’s Happy CAmper; Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association; Jerry Winner; Allison Township General Fund; Lock Haven Kiwanis; Brigandi, Gleghorn and Haffley, LLC; Grey Fox Plaza; Karen Lovette and Ralph Lovette; Patrick and Susan Lovette; Jerry and Jere Hoy; Lenny and Maribeth Long; Michael Haffley; Rose Ann McHenry-In Memory of David Collins; Clinton County Memorials; Andrew Knoll; Bekon Call Eletric; Central Mountain Lady Wildcats Basketball.

VOLUNTEERS

Dave Harger; Jim Russo; Steve Getz; John Hoy III; Butch and Jenn Long; Jeff Confer; Brian St. John; Billy Edwards; Jeff Shortledge; Eric Hoover; Matt Crawford; Rob Reem; Central Mountain Benches; Fred Hoy; Carter Perry; Caroline Owens; Michael McCullough; Robbie Andrews; Rick Marcinkevage; Brooke Stover; Cody Myers; Ed Schnars; Shawn Wells; Jim Hanna; Kevin Bletz; Steve and Amy Kowatch; Eric and Vicky Moon; Colman’s Landscaping-Adam and Christopher; Lenny Long; Stephen Gibson; Andrew Knoll.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dave Harger; Steve Getz; Jim Lovette; Jim Hanna; Jim Russo; Jen Hagaman; Dave Grimm; Joby Topper.