Welcome from the President
Greetings Comrades –
Let me begin by wishing each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Janet, myself and of course Harley.
Since the last publication of the Voice, we at the Branch have been extremely busy.
Our Zone evaluation September 15th went extremely well with our branch receiving an excellent report. Thanks to JoAnne and Carol, who had all of our required documents and reports up to date and properly presented. A special thanks to Jack Dickey and George Churney for their exceptional financial audit.
Once again our Legion Week festivities were a great success. Special thanks to our Legion Week Chairperson Jim Sheflin, as well as Barb Lake and Betty Birtch.
The major event of this fall season was the dedication of our upstairs auditorium to Lt- Col Thain MacDowell VC, DSO. After countless hours of planning, preparation, repairing and painting, the auditorium finally became officially known as the Lt-Col Thain Wendell MacDowell V.C, D.S.O. Auditorium. A grand opening was held on November 5th, with representatives from B.C.I., the Brockville Rifles, V.A.C., the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Club and of course, most of the surviving MacDowell family. Once again, a special thanks to Vince Kennedy and all of our volunteers who made this all possible.
Our annual Poppy Campaign proved to be another huge success, with revenues surpassing last year’s total. While participation by members is dropping, my heartfelt thanks you goes out to all of you who did fulfill your oath “to promote the work of the organization including active participation in the Poppy Campaign” (quote from the swearing in ceremony). This year’s committee, consisting of Vince Kennedy (Poppy Chairman) Jim Sheflin (Vice Chairman), Don Bain (Poppy Trust Chairman) Keith Whiteland (Past Poppy Chairman) and of course Grandpa Jack Locke as the Lead Hand, are all to be congratulated on a job very well done.
All of these events bring us up to the present and future. Please watch our What’s On! bulletins, web site and bulletin boards for upcoming events. Besides the upcoming Holiday events, I can give you a preview of things to watch for in 2010. January 16th we will be presenting the “Big Band sounds” of our local Brockville Concert Band. I have heard their performance, and I must say – it’s not to be missed – great music which is well played!
January 30th we will be celebrating Robbie Burns with a traditional dinner. This is always a great event, so dust off your Celtic duds and get ready for some fine entertainment.
This year our Branch will be hosting “International Good Will Day”. This has always been a very successful event for our Branch and I see it as another great event. Please keep your calendars clear for May 22 and come out and help us celebrate our close ties and camaraderie with our American neighbours.
Please join us for all of these future events and a great many more.
Ray Gilroy C.D., President, Branch 96
BRIEF FROM FIRST VICE
As the winter winds gather their strength, I hope everyone has noticed the continued improvements to the Branch, both inside and out. Thank you to all of the volunteers who have helped make our home more presentable and functional. We have a continuosly growing list of chores to be done by the Wednesday morning team, and we are now discussing the downstairs and next year’s goals for maintenance and repair!
I am still working at the longer term sustainment of our major systems – and trying to get prices for a new furnace, air conditioner units for upstairs and down, some siding to reduce maintenance costs and a new roof. Once I have the required competitive quotes, we will be preparing a Trillium grant application to cover one or more of these investments in our future.
Do not miss the chance to attend the Robbie Burns Supper this year – slated for Saturday 30th January 2010. It will be a great menu again, with Scotch toasts, rivers of pipe music, singers and special treats. And you get to wear your favourite rig as well. See you there. Remember, with reserved seating, you can put a table together of your choice and be guaranteed that you will have a great time with your friends.
Don Bain
1st Vice President
NOTES FROM THE THIRD VICE
November saw the completion of our Remembrance Poster, Poem and Essay contest. We had 246 entries from nine schools. Our judges were Bob & Myra McWilliams and Pram Kerr for posters and Brenda Bain and Vince Kennedy for poems and essays. Following are the winners:
1st 2nd 3rd
Posters:
Primary Colour:
Connor Sands – Westminster Madison Loney – Westminster Colin Massey – Westminster Public School Public School Public School
Junior Black & White:
Maddison Fraser – St. Lawrence Christian Academy
Junior Colour:
Emma Carrigg – Westminster Lindsey Botham – Westminster Rielly Walsh – Commonwealth Public School Public School Public School
Intermediate Black & White:
Brieanna Fraser – St. Lawrence Adrian Au – St. Lawrence Chelsea Bayles – St. Lawrence
Christian Academy Christian Academy Christian Academy
Intermediate Colour:
Emma Wilkinson – Academie Catholique Ange-Gabriel
Poetry:
Junior:
Celine Hardy – Academy Catholique Ange-Gabriel
Intermediate:
Blayne Neal – Commonwealth Abiligael Schonewille – St Tatiana Morand – Academie
Public School Lawrence Christian Academy Catholique Ange- Gabriel
Senior:
Killiean MacNaull – St Mary Erika Lamon – Academie Christine Yassa – Academie
High School Catholique Ange-Gabriel Catholique Ange-Gabriel
Essays:
Junior:
Jacob Chinyaradzo – Toniata Brianna Davies – Toniata Garen Harwood – St. Francis
Public School Public School Xavier Catholic School
Intermediate:
Abigael Schonewille – St. Claudia LaForty – St. Mary Graham Manta – St. Mary
Lawrence Christian Academy Catholic High School Catholic High School
Attention for Youth Education will now turn to our Public Speaking Contest. Our Branch competition will be held on Saturday, February 20th, 2010 and the Zone competition will also be held in Brockville on Sunday, February 28th, 2010. We are expecting to have French speakers in this event. If you are bilingual and would consider judging this event for the Branch, please contact me.
Youth Education is an important part of the programs offered by the Royal Canadian Legion. It brings young families to the Legion for the award ceremonies and puts us before the public.
The Remembrance contest is funded by the Poppy Fund as it supports the goal of educating our current generation of students about our Military history and the price members of our Armed Forces have paid, and continue to pay, for the freedom we enjoy. The public speaking contest is funded by our General Fund as the students are permitted to choose their own topic.
On a different topic, please visit the Branch if you have not done so recently and see the great job which our decorating committee have done in the Lt.-Col. Thain MacDowell, VC, DSO auditorium as well as the lower lounge. My thanks to Janet Gilroy and her committee for a job well done.
Lillian McNamee, 3rd Vice President
AUDITORIUM COMMITTEE
An Auditorium Committee was formed in 2008 under Keith Whiteland to develop a plan to dedicate the Auditorium after a local serviceman. After the Committee’s first meetings and decisions in 2008, which included selecting Lieutenant-Colonel Thain Wendell MacDowell VC, DSO, our only regional Victoria Cross winner as the personage, the Chair was turned over to Vince Kennedy, and a Funding Agreement with Canada Remembers was submitted by summer 2009.
The general concept was to optimize the focus that Remembrance Week brings to the Legion, and to use the first suitable day in Remembrance Week (Thursday 5th) to hold a dedication effort at the Branch. This involved Brockville Collegiate Institute from where Thain McDowell graduated and the Brockville Rifles (in which he was first commissioned), as well as the surviving relatives in the area, twenty of whom came out for the Dedication. This worked, and we had coverage on three TV sites, and more than 200 column inches of newspaper coverage of the initiative.
The Branch plan was to deliver the Dedication at no direct cost to the Branch except for the $500 for painting and minor repairs in the maintenance budget for the Branch. This has been achieved, although a final tally will not be available until Veterans Affairs reviews our billing to them (submitted 25 November) and they cut their cheque to us (for about $2600 of expenses). We were much aided in balancing our books by the generosity of all members supporting the raffles and art auction we held to raise money, and to three MacDowell family members and one Legion member who gave generously to our endeavours – and to the approximate 1,200 volunteer hours that others put into the project. Thank you all who helped.
Vince Kennedy, Chair, Auditorium Committee
LADIES AUXILIARY
The Ladies Auxiliary (LA) can be defined as a group of volunteer Ladies with big hearts and clear heads. We work tirelessly for the good of the Branch and our members.
The LA are just beginning our busy season of catered events with Christmas and holiday parties and we are beginning to book 2010 events. However, probably because of the overall economy, the LA is noticing a dramatic drop in 2009 numbers. At the same time we are busy trying to market the refreshed Auditorium more aggressively. We were proud to have assisted with the renovations of the newly dedicated MacDowell Auditorium, and want the investment in this to benefit the Branch fully.
The 15th November Christmas Bazaar was a huge success and there are now plans in place for an even bigger and better one in 2010.
All ladies are looking forward to their 13th December Christmas party.
The LA is presently participating in a membership drive challenge.
The Auxiliary is all about friendship. We believe that if we treat everyone with respect it will return full circle. If you know of someone interested in becoming an LA member, please contact the President Kathy Lewis or pick-up an application at the Branch.
The Ladies Auxiliary is looking forward to another prosperous year in 2010.
Kathy Lewis, President Branch 96 LA
PATIO PROJECT
Jack Locke headed up a team of volunteers and contributors in the fall to spruce up the Patio area – and what a job was done! Ladies were gardening, men were trimming and whacking, and others undertook a complete revival of the tables and spaces. In the end there was no direct cost to the Branch but we had four six foot tables with seats refurbished, one six foot picnic table restored, four small 2 foot square tables re-manufactured, one new 12 footer handmade by Jack and team, new umbrellas and a sense of pride in the whole space. Thank you all who helped in your many ways.
In the summer of 2010 we will be trying to attract greater use out on the patio, and Barry Blair is talking music, special invites, beer service and much else!
Quack, An Observer of Much
DECORATING COMMITTEE
A Heartfelt Thank You
For quite some time now, the idea of a 9 foot Christmas tree for our MacDowell Auditorium has been “kicking ” around. Thanks to a great many people that idea is be a reality this year.
I would like to thank everyone who made a contribution towards the tree and decorations for it. Special “kudos” to Pat Boulton , Beulah Smith and their line-dancing group. Without the support we received these purchases would have been impossible!
I would like to express my gratitude to those who stepped forward to help decorate and to remove said decorations used for various functions. You all know who you are and I just want to say, “Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Thank you all very much. Yes Virginia, there are Santas out There!
Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.
Janet Gilroy
POPPY CAMPAIGN 2009
Whew! It is time again to thank everyone for an excellent 2009 Poppy Campaign!
The Poppy Campaign is the year’s biggest fundraising drive and our most public undertaking. Its monies, held in trust, are used directly by the Service Officers and the Trust Funds to help veterans and their families. This last year this included sizeable donations to things like Meals on Wheels and the Fisher House in Germany, where our seriously wounded Canadians are treated. Our Trust statement for last year was published and it reflected that of our total disbursement last year of $56,324,74, except for buying supplies, we spent 79.5% of the money on veterans, youth or organizations supporting veterans and their families. For 2009, having raised just over $41,000, the Poppy Committee hope to get that percentage over 80%.
I would like to thank the “Friends of the Legion” who worked within the 2009 Campaign. These people are not members of the Legion, but offer their services to help us out during the Campaign.
For all the members of the Branch and the LA who helped with the campaigns – thank you. There are written thanks up on notice boards in the Branch and they will stay there until Christmas – but from all on the Poppy Committee, thank you, every one of you.
Vince Kennedy, Poppy Chairman
ENTERTAINMENT
There is Santa sack full of activity going on this season! Do not miss the details in the monthly What’s On! And see it also on our webpages under entertainment.
It all starts on December 18th with the Branch Christmas Dinner and Dance. This features the fine band Showdown which has a Kingston Fiddler playing with it – and Comrade Paul’s Famous-the- Land-Over Turkey Dinner. On New Year’s Eve there is Lauren Hall and the Unwound Band performing from 9 pm, with party favours and a Hot and Cold Buffet after midnight – play your cards right and you might even get a Happy New Year Kiss from an Executive Member. Play your cards wrong and you are sure to do so. Tickets for these two events are on sale at the Bar, and there is a cut-off date for the New Year’s sales so get in and buy buy buy!!! – a nice stocking stuffer for all your friends downtown.
In January we have the distinct joy to introduce at 2 pm on Saturday the 16th the 15 piece Brockville Concert Band featuring an excellent Big Band swing sound. Come and hear this nostalgic and still vibrant band sound in the MacDowell Auditorium.
Jean vanDusen, Entertainment Chair
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS – 2nd VICE
The Early Bird Draw ended on November 30, 2009. We will draw a winner at our General Meeting on December 15, 2009. The winner will have their 2011 dues paid by the Branch.
There are a number of members who have not paid their 2009 dues. To quote from the good book “A member who has not paid dues by January 31st is not in good standing and cannot participate in Branch activities”. It is not too late to pay your dues for 2009. Please check your last membership card or receipt and make sure you have done so. As of November 26, 2009, 692 members have paid their dues for this year and 296 members have paid for 2010.
If you know someone who would like to join the Legion, pick up an application form, help them to fill it out, and bring it in. I will look after the rest.
Service pins for 2009 are available for pick up in the office. PLEASE remember that the continuous years of service that is indicated on your membership card is actually one year ahead. By this I mean that if your 2009 card shows 10 years continuous service, you only have 9 years. This is because you are credited with one year of service on the day you join. This has led to much confusion in the past. If you have any questions, please see me.
We are still having a problem with member addresses. If you move, please remember to change your address at the branch. This way you will continue to receive any mailings from the Branch or Dominion Command such as your Legion Magazine.
In closing, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Barry Elliott, Second Vice President And Membership Chairman
Membership Statistics
| Year | Number Paid Members | Number Non-Paid |
| 2007 | 728 (December) | 54 |
| 2008 | 696 (Nov) | 64 |
| 2009 | 692 (Nov) | About 47 |
| 2010 | 321 (Early Birders) | About 450 |
CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
At the Executive Meeting of 3 November I advised the Executive that we as a Branch should enact the changes in our House Rules that were reviewed and approved on 23 July 2009 by the Executive.
At the General Meeting of 17 November, all Members in attendance were provided a copy of the said House Rules and were advised of the status. Also, I advised that the Executive have other “policies” that are used to guide us in branch operations on items that we need not ‘cast in stone’ – that is, that we need not get tied up in the bylaws. A copy of those policies was also included in the information package for Members. Current by-laws do permit the Executive to amend the House Rules – Article 16 refers.
My thanks to those Members who take the time to attend the General Meetings.
To all, Happy Christmas and the best in the New Year. Pat and I shall see you in the spring.
Jim Sheflin, C&L Chairman
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
I have stated it before – I am convinced that the Colour Party is a very valuable component of Branch 96 Legion. It acts in the front lines of our public awareness effort – and provides the Branch with a highly visible unit. Recently of course this has meant involvement in the Auditorium Dedication, the Remembrance Parade, church services around town and the opening of the “Cost of War” art show at St Lawrence College. Where else can members get such exposure! See such sights!
As everyone would be aware there is always a need for new volunteers for the Colour Party. It is fun, and I am a gentle soul when you can get through my hearing aids. The fact is, the more hands there are, the less each person must do as an individual. I have heard it said that even St Nicholas himself, if he was not so busy already volunteering his good works, would join the Branch 96 Colour Party. Go ahead, beat him to it, and maybe you will find a surprise in your stocking one morning.
Peter McNamee, Sergeant-at-Arms
COMMUNICATIONS STATUS
The objective of the Voice is to inform members of important events and happenings in the Branch and community. Its publication schedule will be three times annually: Summer/Fall (by August); then Holidays (about end- November); then Spring/Summer (about end-April). The Editor will, together with the Membership Chair, deliver the Voice the most economical way possible – the Newsletter will be posted to the Newsletters pages of the Branch website and once there, all members with an e-mail address will receive an e-mail that will notify them that the Newsletter has been posted. The mail out newsletter is restricted to 4 pages, double sided, so as to keep the costs within bounds.
The monthly What’s On! handout will continue to be published so that members can be informed of all activities in the Branch. Due date for any entries in the What’s On! is the Monday of the last full week of the month preceding the month of publication.
Harley, our Communications Mascot, reminds that all event and sports organizers should ensure that their events are properly displayed on the monthly planning boards in the Legion office. If these are not, it will be nigh on impossible for the What’s On! Editor or the Secretary to get it right in the publications.
Any comments on these items can be sent to wenwayken@cogeco.ca, or drop a note in the Voice box at the Branch.
Vince Kennedy, Editor
| Branch General Meeting
7:00 pm – 3rd Tuesday of each month, September to June |
| Ladies Auxiliary General Meeting
4th Tuesday of each month |
| Diamond Jubilee General Meeting
3rd Thursday of each month |
WHAT WENT ON WHEN?
(a Selection of Interesting Items from Meetings Around the Branch since the last Voice)
| MEETING | OUTLINE OF ITEM | REMARKS |
| Executive Meeting
6 October |
|
b. Great job by the organizing committee. |
| General Meeting
20 October |
Lillian McNamee reported on the successful visit of 24 students from Grade 6 at Commonwealth Public School to the Branch that day. | An excellent example of the student outreach programme. Thanks to all who helped. |
| General Meeting 17 November | Thanks given to all members who supported the Auditorium Committee by working or buying raffle tickets (on the raffle for 30 October Fright Night) or bidding at the Art Auction (10 October). | Winners were 1st Fridge- Carol Fournier, 2nd Ladder Denise Saikiley, 3rd Microwave JJ Mathers. Thanks all! |
E-MAILS STILL NEEDED
E-mail the Secretary at rclbranch96@bellnet.ca, noting your name (and any other member at that e-mail address) OR to the Membership Chair at grabarel@sympatico.ca OR
Phone the e-mail address to the Secretary at 613-345-0473.
We – the Public Affairs Officer – Julia, and Internal Comms – Vince) are reminding all members on e-mail of important upcoming events! Get a computer and get hooked up! It’s fun. You can learn to fly!
LAST POST – PASSAGES
Since August, 2009
And in your life let my remembrance linger
As something not to trouble and disturb it
But to complete it, adding life to life.
Longfellow, The Golden Legend
William Barrie
Art Bissonnette
Joe Cirtwell
Don Fenn Jr.
Dorthea Gainford (LA)
Margaret King
G.W. Nott
Junior O’Toole
Jim Stover
Everett Snider
Thomas Henry Saunders
We Will Remember Them