1 C
Niagara Falls
Friday, March 29, 2024
COVID-19: NOTL Legion reopening patio for members

Editor's note: This story has been corrected. The Legion will be open Thursday through Saturday starting July 2, not Friday to Sunday.

 

Volunteers are working to provide a safe space for Legion members to enjoy camaraderie and a cold drink on a patio. 

Royal Canadian Legion branch 124 in Niagara-on-the-Lake is planning to reopen for members starting July 2. 

Outdoor patio service will operate Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 3 to 8 p.m. 

It's not known yet when the Legion's popular Thursday night fish fry will resume.

Reopening the doors at the Legion, “is not really an economic gesture we’re making,” said Beth Black, the ladies auxiliary president, bar steward and an associate member. 

“We’re trying to accommodate the members and give them a safe place to come and say hi from a distance.” 

Black said the priority is maintaining as safe an environment as possible for the members, many of whom are seniors. 

Upon arrival, members will be required to follow original Legion rules of signing in themselves and their guests as well as maintaining responsibility for their guests, ensuring they are following protocol. 

Reopening for patio service is, “a gesture we’re making on behalf of our members,” Black said. 

“It’s a privilege, right now, not a right, to open.” 

The use of masks is recommended but not mandatory.  

“We’re a volunteer corps,” she said. “We don’t want to put anybody at risk.” 

Black said members have been great helping to take care of the property during the pandemic shutdown and helping to prepare to open July 2. 

“It’s been a real team effort in here,” she said, “trying to keep our distances, doing only what we had to and caring for our families. We’re all volunteers in here.” 

“We’re looking forward to it,” she said. “Drink specials and seeing some friendly faces.” 

Subscribe to our mailing list