College Corner continues to give itself mini-makeovers! After noticeable changes to The Grove community park, including a new playground and now a freshly paved walking track, the upgrades continue in the center of town at the Memorial Triangle. With the addition of new benches, gifted by the CC Community Club, one can relax near the war memorial and watch the town go by. New flag poles fly both the Indiana and Ohio state flags on either side of the American flag, accurately representing this town, where two states and three counties come together into one community. 

And now there will be covered seating! With a gift from the Union  County Development Corporation, a new covered pavilion will be added to the triangle. UCDC has agreed to fund the structure, and local residents have offered to put it together, in old-school barn-raising style.  Greg Van Winkle has agreed to act as a sort of foreman for the project, joking, “I’m only the mouthpiece because I talk so much!” 

By all accounts he is too humble, however, as he has been a major part of the project since its inception 22 years ago. As local legend has it, Van Winkle was one of a group of residents who felt the need to do something about the town square’s appearance. Folks remember him seeing the area grow somewhat rundown and saying, “We can do better than this!” Then the events of September 11, 2001 occurred, and a new purpose was put in place. Already a memorial “Erected in honor of the men who served their country during the Civil, Spanish-American, and Great World War,” as the original plaque reads, the town triangle now became a place to commemorate veterans of all wars, as well as a monument to remember the events of 9/11. Many don’t realize about the triangle’s makeup:  The cement was poured into the shape of a pentagon, a nod to the plane that went down in Washington, DC on 9/11. The four benches are set around it in honor of the four planes that went down, seated between two trees which represent the twin towers that fell that day in NYC. 

Two decades later, many of the same people look after this area.  If it looks like a place where people care about their community, that’s because it is. Not that anyone here will boast about their efforts. Greg, a former sheriff of Union County, quickly passed on the praise to others, like Scott Cline, who has kept the grass cut for these 22 years, free of charge. Cline remembers the day the initial project was discussed, shortly after the 9/11 attacks. One reason the conversation stands out in his and other people’s minds is because the late Jamie Blacker was there, and was a big part of the brainstorming that went on. It was just after one such discussion that Jamie unexpectedly passed away, a memory that is still difficult for those who were present, even these years  later. But it is part of what makes a space like this so special to the community, and to the people who regularly volunteer their time, money and labor. The purpose of a memorial is to stop and reflect on such things, to remember those who are no longer with us, and to silently thank them for their efforts in getting us where we now are. 

And speaking of thanks, trying to give credit where credit is due is like pulling teeth around here, garnering such comments as, “Oh, I don’t do that much, everyone helps out.” But a quick walk through town on any given day and you’ll undoubtedly see Greg and his wife Robin (Angel) Van Winkle pruning, weeding, sweeping, even scraping and painting in the triangle. Robin, Phyllis Hofer and others keep the flowers looking beautiful, and multiple men and women around town see to the decoration of the area during holidays or town events. Shannon and Rick Maddock will downplay their roles as well, but be assured they are vital to all that gets done here. It’s truly a community common ground, one that will now have the benefit of covered seating for residents or visitors passing through. Cyrus Johnson of UCDC said they were happy to use Union County Beautification funds in a project like this, specifically thinking of the people who will pass through and have a place to stop and enjoy this attractive, blooming community. “It’s a photo op,” Johnson said, looking around at the shops and restaurants along 27 and Junction Street.

Stay tuned for further updates. The project will likely take place in early autumn, with hopes of making it a real town-event, and in time for college Corner’s cherished Halloween and Christmas celebrations. If you’re interested in donating your time or finding out more info, contact Greg or Robin Van Winkle or email Mary Apel at [email protected]