Foundation grant helps with outdoor sign facelift

The American Legion Frank E. Robinson Post 586 in Tipp City has an updated look inside and out thanks, in part, to a grant from the Tipp City Foundation.

The post is located on North Third Street and, with the large cannon placed in the yard, hard to miss.

Melissa Fowle, current commander, and Brian Fowle, first vice commander, talked about the changes at the post in the past couple of years.

The sign out front along Third Street has been around since the 1980s. When it was obviously time for an upgrade, the post sought a grant from the foundation. An Urban Stewardship Fund grant for $1,015 was approved by the foundation distribution committee.

“The sign needed a facelift,” Brian Fowle said of lettering that had yellowed and was peeling. A digital sign is not yet allowed under Tipp City codes, so the focus was on an updated sign that now includes smaller letters allowing for more text while still being visible from the street.

Lighting on the sign for nearby flags also was improved with installation of LED lights, Melissa Fowle said.

Work on the interior updates began in 2023 with removal of wallpaper that had been in place for years and yellowed. It was replaced by painted walls along with the addition of new sconce lights along the walls and lighting throughout. Again, LED lighting was selected. Work also was done around the back bar with some work still in progress.

Project funding was supplemented by donations and fund-raising events, the Fowles said.

“We are very pleased with how it has turned out,” Melissa Fowle said.

The Legion post always is looking to welcome new members to its family including the Sons of the American Legion and legion auxiliary, among other branches.

Among those qualifying for membership are any military members, no matter the year, who has served one day of active duty as long as they have an honorable discharge, Melissa Fowle said.

“Attracting younger members has proven to be a challenge” with all of life’s demands/activities today, Brian Fowle said. He has been a legion member 21 years, Melissa for around 20 years.

Anyone interested in more information on becoming a member of American Legion Post 586 can visit the organization Facebook page, its website at alpost586.org or stop by the post. A regular newsletter is produced and can be found on the website.

The post hosts a number of events, many to support its projects such as scholarships and Buckeye Boys State, and supports other nonprofits such as Hospice. Quarter auctions are held monthly, including some run by the Legion members for other organizations in the community.

“We are more than people sitting around drinking beer,” Brian Fowle said. The Legion has a dart league and offers karaoke, music bingo and trivia, among other events, Melissa Fowle said.

“We have been blessed,” she said. “We have a lot of history here. We have a living history and yet have our outlook on the future as well.”