VETERANS LOUNGE

During the forced closure of Branch 108 Legion, Winchester Ontario due to the COVID
pandemic, we as a Branch decided that it was the perfect time for some renovations. We came
up with a plan to redo the front room and dedicate it as the Veterans Lounge. Through our
volunteers we were able to get the room prepared by removing everything from the front room
and walls, tearing up the old floor, fixing holes in the walls, cleaning and a plethora of other
tasks. The ladies washroom was ripped out completely in preparation for turning it into the
wheelchair accessible bathroom. The men’s bathroom had the floor ripped out and the walls
prepared as well. Once all this work was completed by volunteers, the real work began. A new
sub floor was put down and then a laminate floor installed, a storage cupboard was built where
the tv was to hold some access chairs for events, saving us from going into the basement to
retrieve them. The wheelchair ramps were installed. We removed the table-like structure that
was around the center post, opening up the room. The complete room is now being painted,
including door frames, windows, walls etc. The wheelchair accessible washroom is on the list for
next. Our volunteers did all of the prep work, donated their time and money to make sure it was
ready for the contractor. We had the painters' cost donated by some of our members , whom we
will thank properly in the future.

The Veterans Lounge is looking good and it will become a welcoming and warm place
to gather in the future. A volunteer has made up a sign that will be placed out in the main bar
area, identifying the Veterans Lounge. It should arrive by mail next week. We are still looking for
some furniture that can replace the mismatched and dirty stuff that is there now. I am looking for
new or almost new matching tables and chairs. I am looking for 10 (30x30) square tables and
about 40 chairs that are both sturdy and comfortable. As well, we will try to put a love seat and
chair in one corner to set up a reading area with a bookshelf and coffee table. We have a little
funding for this but can not afford new pricey items. Any assistance would be appreciated. All
those that have volunteered their time or money will be officially thanked in the near future.
I will be looking for a small committee of Veterans in the near future that will assist with
the layout of the lounge and what will be placed on the walls. I have some ideas that I will
present to the committee. If you are interested in being on the committee, please let the Service
Officer know.

John Barnes
Service Officer
Branch 108