Power-washer? Check. New light bulbs? Check. Trash bags, giant dumpster, and squad of volunteers? Check, check, and check!

A team of volunteers stormed the Dudley L. Brown VFW's pavilion on Sunday, April 15, for a big spring cleaning project that got the picnic tables washed and painted, the light bulbs replaced, the grill readied, and the surrounding area cleared of debris.

"We're trying to get ready for the summer crowd," Post Commander Edward "Buster" Costa noted. "We've got a lot of bookings for events. Just about every weekend, there will be something going on."

The Onset fixture -- officially named the "John 'Bert' Cruz, Sr. Pavilion" -- is a popular location for family reunions, barbecues, fundraisers, and other community events. The nearby fields are used by the Wareham Youth Soccer league.

Senior Vice Commander Paul Rose and Deneen Rose coordinated the volunteer effort with Costa.

The VFW "doesn't have the means or money" to hire a company to spruce up the pavilion, so the team reached out to friends, family, and community members who use the space. Dozens stopped by to lend a hand.

"I'm glad they all came out to help and try to make this place a little bit better," Deneen Rose said.

The VFW's iconic sign, which sits on Onset Avenue at the turn for Gibbs Ball Park Road, was also recently revamped. The Onset Cape Verdean Festival Association donated money for a bold, black sign to replace the building's white, aging, rusted sign.

Rose said the new sign was a big help in directing people to the VFW.

"A lot of people don't recognize that the place is here," Rose said, noting that the building is located a ways back from Onset Avenue at the end of Gibbs Ball Park Road.

The sign was unfortunately hit by a vehicle on April 18, however. Rose said the association is currently looking to repair or replace it. But she was optimistic.

"It will be up soon," she said.