Glenboro Legion longtime president passes on the reins
Glenboro Local Legion’s long time president, Levi Drapeau handed over his presidency to Steven Sloan during a meeting in early February. Ernie Bezaire has taken on the role as vice president with Sean Davis as Sergeant at Arms. Levi has now taken on the role of Service Officer checking in on veterans and helping them out in any way they can. “They don’t have to be a Legion member, they are veterans and they deserve our services,” he elaborated.
During a recent interview Levi chuckled at the memory of how he became President in 2002, “It was following a meeting and Ruth Lockhart came up to me, handed me the books saying here you go, it’s in your hands now!” There was no election Drapeau just took over the books and all the duties that came along with it. At that time the Legion Hall was located on Miles Street at the north west side of town. “I went to serve in Bosnia in 2005 came back a year later to find out that the building had been moved and well; we were basically homeless,” he recalled. During the next few years, meetings were held in the basement of the Glenboro Hotel until the group was able to purchase the former Glenboro Village Office.
During the past 16 years the Legion is a great place to go for a really good reasonably priced meal on Friday nights. Along with the meals, patrons are able to try their luck taking part in Chase the Ace, 50/50’s and meat draws. And there is always a card game or game of darts happening as well. “It’s always a good evening, we have our regulars and also a lot of support from neighbouring towns.” Levi explained that local businesses and farmers have been very generous donating a lot of food enabling them to serve great meals for $8 and still be able to generate a profit. Under the Hill Farms generously donates all the potatoes and Dave Naismith has donated 45 pounds of Pickerel for the annual Fish Fry which is coming up on May 2nd. “Mostly everyone has a Veteran in the family and many have family who are serving now, so they like to offer us as much support as they can and we sure do appreciate it.”
Throughout the years the Legion has undergone numerous upgrades to their building through renovations and a small addition. The building is rented out for functions and they often serve lunch following funeral services. As well as holding the title of president and all the duties that come along with it, Levi bar tends, enjoys taking over the barbecue on Steak and Prawn night and manages the kitchen.
Although he has handed over the torch, Levi will remain active as always. “All I want to do right now is run the bar and manage the kitchen.” During the interview Levi beamed with pride when speaking of the all the improvements and upgrades throughout the years totalling about $120,000 (not including the price of the building). He explained that money generated from poppy sales has been a great source of funds but they also earn a lot through the meals and Chase the Ace fundraisers.
As much fun and memorable all the Friday nights at the Legion are, the moments he holds nearest to his heart are the Remembrance Day Services. “It often is really cold so we have held the services at the Gaiety Theatre and the Kinsmen Hall; we’ve been really fortunate these past few years and have been able to hold them at the Cenotaph; which really is where they should be held.”
As the interview closes, Levi looks up and waves someone over, he introduces the new Glenboro Legion president, Steve, who commented he is looking forward to learning the ropes, but not before adding, “I’m looking forward to it, but I have some pretty big shoes to fill!” That he does!
PHOTO CAPTION: (l-r) New Glenboro Legion President Steven Sloan pictured with Levi Drapeau.
