Recently, Senator James Skoufis announced over $750,000 in new grant funding was awarded to help veterans organizations to conduct much-needed upgrades to their aging facilities. Individual $50,000 grants are being distributed to 16 VFW and American Legion posts throughout Orange County including Cornwall American Legion Post 353.
In the wake of pandemic shutdowns and without a consistent stream of public funding, many local posts have struggled to keep their meeting halls and buildings in good working order. Senator Skoufis’ funding initiative will enable various, costly upgrades to roofs, heating/air conditioning systems, septic systems, exterior and interior improvements, and other projects.
“We definitely need it,” said Cornwall’s American Legion commander Peter Kurpeawski.
The Legion has been using a facility which dates back to the 1930s/40s when the property was being used by the New York Association for the Blind. It was sold to the town when the association stopped bringing kids up for the summer. The red building is located adjacent to Riverlight Park heading toward Munger Cottage and the Little League complex.
Kurpeawski explained the goal is to install a more economical heating system and work on improving the cabin’s insulation. Other projects include remodeling the restrooms to bring them up to standard, as well as possibly move a non-load bearing wall to create more space.
“We hope the building will help set a new standard for the American Legion with regards to where we have our meetings and to help with more activities within the building itself,” Kurpeawski said. “We’re hoping it will give [the Legion] a new image to have more people come in and join the fellowship.”
The Legion currently has about 60 members and meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Veterans are encouraged to join.
It’s active in the community by participating in the Veterans Day ceremony, provides a Christmas dinner, talks to school children about the Medal of Honor, and sells poppies, hands out flags, and places American Flags at the cemetery during Memorial Day weekend. It participates in town parades leading the march with a color guard.
Kurpeawski said he tentatively expected to meet with the town’s engineer this week to determine what needs to be done to the interior of the building. From there a plan will be created and the project will be put out to bid. The price range will determine if any projects will need to be removed or if additional ones can be added. Kurpeawski said he’s unsure if the town would contribute to the renovations and any expenditure of the American Legion’s limited funding would require a membership vote.
