Parrillo: New Plan To Honor Vets

By SARAH ROBERTS
COOPERSTOWN

Local resident Joan Parrillo has a plan to honor veterans from the Village of Cooperstown—a veterans’ book.

Following an extended community debate over whether to amend Cooperstown’s signage laws in order to allow “Hometown Heroes” banners within the Village of Cooperstown—intended to honor and memorialize veterans from the community—the discussion closed with the Board of Trustees voting 6-1 against such a change.

Frustrated by this outcome, Parrillo pivoted her plans from banners to book.

“I never would have thought [the proposal] wouldn’t pass,” she said, “so when the village turned us down, I thought, why not do a book of photos and stories and share them. So that’s what I’m doing.”

Planning ultimately to gather 200 stories from local veterans and their families, Parrillo has thus far received 110.

“It looks like I will be doing a set—two books,” she said. “My goal is to get as many as I can in.”

Parrillo is reaching out to people herself, as well as posting about her endeavor online, and researching via newspaper clippings.

“Putting the book together is pretty simple, as I go by wars, and years, and enter accordingly. I ask for a photo in uniform, branch of service, years of service, and any medals,” Parrillo explained.

“I also tell people if they have a short story to share, they may do so…In order to be in the book, you must live in Cooperstown, have lived here and moved away, gone to school here, married someone from here, be children of families that lived here or presently do so.

“If you’re not sure, just ask,” Parrillo said.

She added, “The stories coming in are amazing and some will make you cry.”

The battle over the Hometown Heroes banners was a controversial one.

On September 23, 19 locals shared their thoughts on the matter to the Cooperstown Board of Trustees and a packed meeting room, giving a mix of opinions on the matter.

Major arguments against the banners included safety concerns. Some residents were worried about an increase in distracted driving.

On the other side, those in favor of amending the sign law stressed the importance of honoring those who risked or gave their lives for the protection of others.

Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh voted in favor of the change, while Deputy Mayor Cindy Falk and trustees Joseph Membrino, Richard Sternberg, Hanna Bauer, George Fasanelli and Audrey Porsche voted against. Fasanelli voiced his approval for permanent monuments to honor veterans, in place of the more temporary banners.

Parrillo’s veterans’ book was born originally out of her frustration at the decision, but has become a passion project since.

“This is Cooperstown history. I am hoping the village library and the school will purchase copies for people to read, especially the younger generation, who have no idea how they got the freedom they have,” Parrillo said.

Parrillo stressed the non-commercial nature of this project to those who might be concerned.

“I am using my own money to put this book together. It costs you nothing to submit an entry. When it’s finished, you may purchase it at a cost. I’m not in it to make money, but to thank all the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for us, and to replace the banners with this.”

Interested parties can reach out to Parrillo at Joanie_Hotaling@yahoo.com, or by calling or texting (607) 287-0877.