FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — Members of the Ashland American Legion Bernard J. Dolan Post 434 took possession of a new, custom-made sign on Monday created by two North Schuylkill art instructors.
The wooden sign was made to replace an aging sign showing the Legion’s sponsorship of the Ashland Little League and displayed at its field in Eureka Park.
Post First Vice Commander Frank Rice and Second Vice Commander Ron Wallace visited the high school to look over the artwork by Jake Price and Kerri Hampton. Rice said the post was looking for something different and unique.
“We wanted something different than we had,” Rice said. “The old one has a brown background and had drawings on it. It really didn’t stand out. The sign was up there for a long time and looked dogged.”
Rice said the sign was discussed at a Legion meeting and he approached the school district for assistance.
“They were nice enough to take this project on,” Rice said.
“They really did a beautiful job,” Wallace said.
“We couldn’t ask for better,” Rice said, noting that many signs at the fields are commercially done.
“If it wasn’t for you helping us, it would never have come to be,” Rice said to Price and Hampton.
“The administration contacted us saying that the Legion needed help with a project,” Price said. “I talked to Kerri and said we’ll take it on because we know it’s a lot of work. We want to show the talent here at North Schuylkill and we are dedicated to giving artwork to the community.”
Price said, “Students helped with the priming of it. I made the design based somewhat on the original design and put on all the base coats. Toward the end Kerri came in and helped with the shading. She was a big part in finishing it.”
“They put their trust in us,” Hampton said about the Legion letting them create their masterpiece.
Price worked on the project for about 50 hours overall, spending about two hours at a time after school and other free time.
“We’re going to take it from here to my garage and put the sealer on it, and that will take about two days to set and dry properly,” Rice said. “And maybe Thursday or Friday we should be able to take it over to the field and put it up.”
Hampton said it is a good idea to seal the sign, especially since the paint used is water-based.
“The sealer will protect it,” Hampton said. “With the weather and where it’s going to be, it’s a good idea for the sealer.”
The cost to the Legion is purchasing the materials.
“We supplied the materials and they supplied the expertise,” Rice said. “It was a nice combination. They just told me what I needed and the Legion took care of the bill. We’re a community-based organization and we try to do a lot for the community. The school links hands with us periodically and they work with us. You can’t beat that.”
Price has worked on projects for the Ashland Community Watch and Frackville American Legion Post 398.
“Every time the community comes to us, we try to help out,” Price said.