MEXICO – World War II veteran Norbert Gallant successfully raised enough money a few years ago for a war memorial to commemorate the Mexico veterans who died serving their country.

Now, he’s encouraging veterans or their families to purchase 16-by-8-inch granite stones for placement at the Mexico Greens. He has compiled a list of 1,300 people from Mexico who have served in the military.

Each stone would have the name of a veteran, and any other information the veteran or family wants to add, such as the war fought in, rank, dates of service and other data. He and Vietnam veteran Lee Boyle have worked with a local stone dealer to get a price of $75 each, including cutting up to 50 letters in each stone.

The two appeared before selectmen Wednesday night to get the board’s permission to go ahead with the project.

Boyle said the project would begin with about 100 stones arranged near the center of the Mexico Greens. Volunteers will lay the stones and perform all other necessary tasks, Boyle said.

Those interested in purchasing a stone may pick up a form at the town office. All money in payment for the stones will also be handled through the town office.

Teen center

MEXICO – Selectmen gave the go-ahead for a River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition-sponsored project that would provide a safe place for teens to hang out.

Kim Sequoia, director of Maine One, a project of the RVHCC, said several social service-related programs are working together to open a teen drop-in center in the former cafeteria of the Mexico Recreation Center.

Teens from Mountain Valley High School and Dirigo High School would use the space.

She said teens have already started cleaning up the site.

The drop-in center will offer a variety of activities, always have an adult on site, and be open for two hours after school each day and two nights a week.

New banners

MEXICO – Utility poles throughout town, and perhaps along one or two of the major side roads, will soon be decorated with banners depicting the town’s logo as Gateway to the Western Mountain Region.

Selectmen voted 4-1 to spend up to $2,500 from the town’s economic development account for 50 banners and brackets. Selectman Monique Aniel voted against the proposal.

The idea was requested by the Citizens Advisory Board, a group that works toward promoting the town.

Plans are to have the banners up prior to the Veterans Day celebration.

Odds and ends

MEXICO – A benefit to help former Mexico Police Sgt. Robert Gallant with his medical bills was announced for 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Eagles Club in Rumford. Music by Mistaa Riff, munchies, prizes and raffles are all offered for $5 per person. Tickets may be bought at the door or at several businesses in Mexico.

Selectmen approved paying reimbursement to the Jay Police Department of $4,588, for costs incurred to train Mexico police Officer Roy Hodson at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

Fire Chief Gary Wentzell was nominated by selectmen as Fire Chief of the Year, and Town Clerk Penny Duguay was nominated as Town Clerk of the Year. Both are longtime, dedicated employees, Town Manager Joseph Derouche said. Winners for both honors will be announced at next month’s Maine Municipal Association convention.

David Errington announced the opening of a new car wash, called Buff and Wax, on Monday at a Main Street site formerly occupied by a vegetable stand.