Memorial to honor 29 miners, others killed
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When the West Virginia Council of Churches originally was asked by Gov. Joe Manchin to head up fundraising for Upper Big Branch families, the Rev. Dennis Sparks suggested that a portion of each donation should go to the Whitesville Miners Memorial Park project.
The project, first proposed in the days after the disaster, is seen as the official memorial for the 29 men who died in the mine April 5.
But Rev. Sparks said: "The overwhelming response from the community at large was that we dedicate all of the money we raise to the families themselves. But I hope some of the families donate some of their share to the memorial."
At least one of them has already agreed to that.
Diana Davis, whose husband, Timmy Davis Sr., and two nephews, Josh Napper and Cory Davis, died at Upper Big Branch mine, said she would donate her entire share of the money -- about $28,000 -- to the memorial.
"I just wanted to do something for all of them," she said of the men who died in the mine.
It's the first major donation to the memorial since it held its first fundraising event, a motorcycle ride in May. In all it had raised only about $5,000 before Ms. Davis said she would donate her money.
"I think that's just wonderful," said Patty Ann Manios, treasurer of the Whitesville Miners Memorial Park Committee and one of the two women who came up with the original idea for the park. "The whole point of this is to have a place for the community to come as a place of healing."
Though it's about four miles from the Upper Big Branch mine, Whitesville is a natural setting for the memorial. It's the largest town near the site, some of the mining families were from there, and it had become something of a staging area for donations and first-responders after the accident.
For several years, the town had already been looking to redevelop the property where the memorial will be located, turning an old community pool site into a combination play area with a stage for outdoor community movies or gatherings.
"When this tragedy happened, there was no question. It had to become a memorial," Ms. Manios said.
The miners' memorial is envisioned as an addition to the larger park, with two parts: one to remember all 29 men who died at Upper Big Branch, and another that honors all miners killed in accidents.
The change in plans made sense to the state officials who have been helping Whitesville draw up an application for federal funds.
"Anything they can do to provide comfort and solace to people in times of trouble is a worthwhile park element," said John McGarrity, a senior planner with the West Virginia Development Office, which has been helping the town.
Fundraising till now has gone slowly, in part because the committee is waiting to make a big push until state officials -- who are helping with the design -- come up with potential cost estimates.
Committee members hope to have a website up soon where people can donate to the project, and they are organizing fundraisers, including an Aug. 20 memorial walk.
Donations can also be sent to Whitesville Memorial Park, P.O. Box 475, Whitesville, WV 25209.
First Published August 8, 2010 12:00 am
