Peace Pole dedicated at Sanfordville Elementary School

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Peace Pole dedicated at Sanfordville Elementary School

November 26, 2018

Honors Warwick educators, military veterans and first responders

 

Rotary Peace Pole is dedicated at Sanfordville Elem. School

Helping dedicate a “Peace Pole” in the Peace Garden at Sanfordville Elementary School to honor Warwick educators, military veterans and first responders are, left to right: Tom Brennan, American Legion Post 214 third vice commander; Katie Oresto, Elementary School Resource Officer; Johnna Maraia, Sanfordville Elementary Principal; Dr. Edwin Wiley, Warwick Valley Rotary Club President; Dr. David Leach, Superintendent of Schools; Rotarian Stan Martin, vice commander of Warwick American Legion Post 214; Rotarian John Buckley, retired Warwick Valley High School principal; and David Eaton, Board of Education member.

Military veterans, first responders and educators were recently honored with a “Peace Pole” in Sanfordville Elementary School’s Peace Garden. A brief dedication ceremony was held Nov. 15 following the Memorial Day Parade.

After basic needs, peace is often considered mankind’s most sought-after human condition. A few year ago, former BOCES Superintendent and Rotary District Governor Bill Bassett urged Rotarians to erect “Peace Poles” in their communities.

Several dozen have been “planted” at schools and parks in the mid-Hudson, as well as tens of thousands more in 180 countries. The six-feet tall, four-sided polls are inscribed with a peace statement in eight languages.

Plaque with Peace Pole at SESTwo Peace Poles were purchased with funds donated by the Warwick Valley Rotary Club and the estate of Lillian “Banjo Lil” Blaikner, who was a long-time local entertainer, Warwick business owner, Pine Island Elementary School PTA president and wife of the late WVCSD grounds supervisor Bob Blaikner.

An 8-inch by 10-inch bronze plaque says: “Warwick Rotarians & Banjo Lil Blaikner Donate This Peace Pole to Honor Our Educators, Military Veterans and First Responders for Their Vital Services.”

A second Warwick Peace Pole was dedicated in Veterans Memorial Park following this year’s Memorial Day Parade.

Rotary Peace Pole at SESCo-chairs of the Peace Pole Project are Rotarians John Buckley, retired Warwick Valley High School Principal and Stan Martin, vice commander of Warwick American Legion Post 214.

Also participating in the Sanfordville ceremony were Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David Leach; Sanfordville Principal, Ms. Johnna Maraia; School Board Member, David Eaton; Warwick Valley Rotary Club President, Dr. Edwin Wiley; School Resource Officer, Katie Oresto and American Legion Post 214 third vice commander, Tom Brennan.

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