Like so many other organizations, the Bradford Legion was forced to close its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But unlike some, it has used the closure as an opportunity to update, refresh and renew its clubhouse facility at 115 Back Street.
The Legion had already updated the banquet hall, installing attractive new flooring, and painting the walls a warm, neutral grey.
With the doors closed, said president Tammy Paglia, work has been extended into the hallways and club room, using the same light grey colour scheme.
Burgundy interior doors have been repainted grey, the stage has been moved to a more central location and re-carpeted, and display cases are being given a new look and new LED lighting, to both preserve and illuminate the donated uniforms, books and other artifacts.
“There’s just a handful of us (that) come in, and try to keep separated,” said volunteer Linda Gulston – donating their time and skills to refurbish the Legion.
There are new blinds on the windows, providing an updated, brighter look in the club room.
All the photos have been taken down while the walls were repainted, with photos from Afghanistan now placed in the hallway leading to the banquet hall, photos of veterans on the “Veterans’ Wall” by the main entry, and plans to place the photos of past presidents on a new more attractive picture rail in the club room.
“It’s brighter,” said Paglia, and displays the photos and memorabilia donated by members to better advantage.
Even the wrought iron gate, painted a faded red and white, has been given a new look – spray-painted black, with a new pop of colour in its red maple leaves.
And plexiglass sheets have been brought in, to be installed at the cash registers at both bars to provide protection once the facility reopens.
But when will the Legion be able to reopen? “We have no idea,” Paglia said. “All we can do is get ready” – and look at various configurations for table seating, to operate safely in a world of physical distancing and reduced capacity.
The closure has been tough. Although the Bradford Legion doesn’t have a mortgage and has unplugged the coolers to save on electricity, there are still fixed costs every month – and at the moment, Legions don’t qualify for federal or provincial emergency funding.
“We have a cushion, thank goodness,” said Paglia, that has helped to absorb the ongoing costs. And although the doors remain closed at this time, the Legion has found other ways to be involved and ‘give back.’
“We are helping the community in other ways,” she said.
At the start of the pandemic, the Legion contacted all of its members, to check in on their health and see if they needed help – and provided 45 gift fruit baskets to senior members, just as a gesture of kindness.
Executive members have been delivering food for seniors, and working with the food bank on food deliveries to shut-ins.
The Legion also purchased 10 dinners for frontline workers at Bradford Valley Long Term Care centre through Poleiro BBQ, and provided a financial contribution to CHATS, Community & Home Assistance to Seniors.
They even hosted a “curbside karaoke” by invitation only, recently – inviting regular fans of karaoke night at the Legion to drive into the parking lot and record 3 songs, to be broadcast on Facebook on Sunday night, “for people who miss it.”
“We’re available to help people when they need us,” said Paglia, urging members to call if they want any help.
Meanwhile, the Legion volunteers continue to work on the renovations, getting ready for the day the doors reopen.
And when the doors do open and membership returns, said Paglia, “They are going to be surprised!”
Another surprise, just in time for summer: The Legion has replaced the old and failing outdoor grill with a brand-new Napoleon unit, ready for the next barbecue, when members return.
For more information on the Orville Hand Branch 521 of the Royal Canadian Legion, click here.
