FLANDERS, N.Y. — An insurance company has taken on the task of replacing the “Welcome to Flanders: Home of the Big Duck” sign that went up in February.
Aflac donated the new $7,000 sign, and a dedication will be held Monday, May 15, at 1 p.m. at the site of the old sign at the intersection of Route 104 and Pleasure Drive in Flanders.
Aflac Duck will also be present for photos.
The search continued for weeks for whoever caught the 'Welcome to Flanders' sign, emblazoned with an image of the Great Duck, in February. said the police. The license plate was stolen sometime overnight Feb. 9-10, Suffolk County police said. A reward was offered, but no one showed up.
The Flanders, Riverside & Northampton Community Association will be present at the unveiling.
Angela Huneaul, president of the FRNCA commented: “When the sign was stolen in February it was devastating for the community. Who would want to steal a sign that has been there for over 20 years?”
Aflac, he said, immediately contacted the FRNCA, offering to replace the “Welcome to Flanders” sign.
“We are overwhelmed by their generosity. We are a 501c3 and rely on business support, membership and a grant from the city. We didn't know how or when we would be able to replace the sign,” Huneal said.
FRNCA, he said, is maintaining the Riverside traffic circle and landscaping around the six “welcome” signs. The organization also supports both Philips Avenue Elementary School and Southampton Head Start with school supplies and other needs that arise throughout the year. they also host a free “Trunk or Treat” event each year and have a scholarship for students who live in one of the three hamlets who graduate from high school.
“At the end of each year, we hope to have enough to carry us into the next year. This gift from Aflac was overwhelming and received with open arms,” he said. “They heard our story and wanted to do what they could to bring joy to a horrible situation.”
