Hopedale Legion: An organization dedicated to serving

Harrison News-Herald Sports Writer

Whether it’s a member, visitor, or a stranger, the Hopedale Legion is there to welcome anyone that finds their way to their door. Previously located on West Main Street in Hopedale, the Hopedale Legion is now operating at its new location of 48255 Rabit Road in Hopedale. As a matter of operation, the legion received its initial operation certificate on Oct. 31, 1951. Since that time, the operation has moved to its new location in 1976 and holds a membership of 155 members.

On Sunday, Jan. 21, the News-Herald sat down with a group of officers and members of the Hopedale Legion to assist in publishing some of the great things the Legion is currently providing. Of the 7 officers and members in attendance, each had plenty to say about the facility’s projects and contributions to the surrounding communities.

For starters, some of the social activities that the Legion provides include a karaoke night, a dart night, a pool drawing night, an open juke box night, and at times, brings in a musical band for listening pleasure and dancing.

“We also have a wing night,” Executive Officer Dave Porter said. “On that evening, we serve wings from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. There is a steak fry on the second Saturday of each month and that food service is from 4-7 p.m. We also have a Jackpot Thursday.”

The Legion has lots of entertainment going on during the Memorial Day Celebrations. They continue to have a fireworks display that costs upwards to $5,000 to present. At times, during the weekend, there have been as many as 1,500 people in attendance to the celebration.

“We are a family-oriented organization,” said Executive Officer Jay Beadling. “Some of what we do in a patriotic and a good citizen manner include a Military Reunion and donations that total up to $8,000 which goes to charities, churches, fire departments, food banks, and schools (Blessings in a Backpack).”

“The legion will also target organizations for donation that are operating under the 501c3 non-for-profit status,” said Finance Officer Frank DeBenedetto. “We send checks to local fire chiefs and to those earlier mentioned, Blessings in a Backpack.”

“Our organization also provide ceremonies to Military Funerals,” said First Vice Tricia Largent. “We also will be holding our annual motorcycle reunion on March 19.”

The Hopedale Legion owns two ball fields at their home site. Permission to use the field comes from teams from around the area and are directed to the Legion. The Legion once covered the cost of electricity that was needed to operate the concession stands during games; however, the Legion had utility poles that were used to carry service directly to the field. With that add-on, users can now pay their own utility costs. In addition to the ball fields, the Legion location is home to the “Bikers Memorial Monument.” The memorial is located on a grassy knoll just several feet from the main building. The monument is used to scribe names of bikers who have fallen fatally.

The Legion uses membership totals which are enforced to maintain the operations licensing. They are now in the process of upgrading their membership. Persons interested in joining the Hopedale Legion must contact the officers for direction in completing the process. The special program nights such as wing night and steak fries are events that are examples of the nights or days that are open to the public.

“One thing that is very important to us is coming up during the elections,” said Commander Ric Blair. “We are asking our voters to remember us on the issue of “Sunday Sales” and other options pertaining to our legion. We are faithful in what we provide, and we want to continue to be a Legion for the people. I have always said “Help us – Help You!”