On Wednesday, residents gathered to unveil a new locally funded, handmade sign crafted by local artist Ryan Warner. The project, funded by Commerce Chenango and the McDonough Cornhole League, drew support from across the community, including the McDonough American Legion Post 1478 and Sons of the Legion Sector 1478. (Submitted photo)

by Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

MCDONOUGH - On Wednesday, October 30, residents gathered to unveil a new locally funded, handmade sign crafted by local artist Ryan Warner.

The project, funded by Commerce Chenango and the McDonough Cornhole League, drew support from across the community, including the McDonough American Legion Post 1478 and Sons of the Legion Sector 1478.

The replacement project began when Commerce Chenango President and CEO Sal Testani noticed a Facebook post about the theft.

"This was meant to be a positive addition to the community, and it turned negative after someone stole it," Testani said. "It was important to me that we got this fixed. People ask – does something like this matter in a place like McDonough, New York? Yes, it does."

The community's strong response inspired Warner's distinctive design. The sign features a central image of rippling water with a splash rising from its center – a metaphor for the town's reaction to the theft.

"When a stone drops through water, you shouldn't focus on the stone. It won't make it drop any slower, and it certainly won't bring it back. You'll also miss what is happening on the surface," Warner explained. He drew a parallel between the void created by a stone dropping in water and the void left by the stolen sign.

"When a void is created in nature, all of the molecules surrounding that void meet in the middle with so much force that there is nowhere to go but up," Warner said. "It creates a juxtaposition: a stone sinking below and a water droplet suspended above."

The project quickly became about more than replacing a stolen sign. Community members rallied around the initiative both on social media and in person, with the McDonough American Legion Post 1478 hosting a meal after the ceremony.

The new sign stands not just as a marker for the village, but as a testament to McDonough's community spirit. Even though many of those involved had no connection to the original sign, they chose to come together, ensuring that their town's pride remains on display for visitors and locals alike.

Follow American Legion Auxiliary Post 1478 McDonough, NY on Facebook to see upcoming events and projects.They are a social and service organization, having a membership chapter and public events.