Souris Legion opens after year and a half closure

Friday, 22 October 2021 10:00

Souris Legion opens after year and a half closure

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Legion Manager Jason Leigh (left) and Board Member Mark Gillis are happy to announce the re-opening of the Legion in Souris. The meat draw, as the sign says, will start on Friday, October 22. Photo by Karen Kempe

Navigating the pandemic has been a challenging experience. That is how Souris Legion Board Member Mark Gillis describes the last two years. The Legion did its best to keep up with the protocols opening when they could and closing when they had to based on Provincial Health Orders. At one point the Legion tried opening when meals were required to serve alcohol but that was not a successful venture.
With what looked like a long-term closure it was understandable that the manager at the time left to find other work, remarked Gillis.
The Legion itself has been fortunate during COVID. There were no big expenditures and the Legion qualified for government grants, which helped the organization to maintain status quo. However now it faces the challenge that many businesses have faced, finding staff to open again.
“We were very happy that Jason was willing to come work for us.”

For Jason Leigh this opportunity came at the perfect time. Jason has been a resident of Souris for 12 years. He worked in the IT field for 26 years, ten of which were in his home at night. As it did for many, the pandemic lockdown gave him a chance to reflect on the direction he wanted to go. Leigh was ready to make a change and wanted to become more integrated in the community. What better way than to become the manager of a bar to connect with community and people.
The Legion is important to the community. Pre-COVID, people would meet for crib and bingo, drinks or coffee. Leigh and the Legion Board want to find a way to weave the Legion into the community more by hosting more events, still to be determined.
For now, the focus is getting the Legion up and running again. As of Wednesday, October 20 the Legion will be open regular hours 11:00am until close and the Meat Draw and Chase the Ace will start up on October 22. The two staff that were working pre-COVID are ready to get back to work. Patrons will also be greeted by a new look. The long tables have been replaced with round ones.
As per public health orders, patrons will be required to show proof of vaccination and remain masked until they reach their table. The Legion wants to stay on the safe side of the health orders. Many of the clientele are elderly and the Legion wants to do their part to keep them safe.
“Anyone running a public faced business is faced with these challenges,” stated Leigh.
“The Legion needs to stay flexible. The government mandates will hopefully help keep the Legion open,” added Gillis.

by KAREN KEMPE, Recorder staff

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