The Voice of Brockville Branch 96
The Royal Canadian Legion
180 Park Street
PO Box 36
Brockville, Ontario K6V 1S6
Serving Veterans, Seniors, Youth and Community
Spring/Summer 2009
Welcome from the President 
It seems that Spring and Summer race upon us with uncivilized speed, rushing out of the drawn-out winter’s end. But we know it is here as the elections for the 2009-2011 slate of the Executive have come, and the results are now setting the stage for the next chapter in the Branch’s life. Thank you to all who came out for a very creditable Annual General Meeting and a nice glass of ale afterwards!
I have been your President for the last term and indicated early on to the Executive that I would not run for a second term – for no reason other than wanting to pass the torch to others. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Executive and Staff – from my Vices and advisors to the Bar Stewards and Custodians – for all of the help, the smiles and the ideas. Your support and help over the last two years has been very much appreciated.
I also wish the new Executive under the leadership of Ray Gilroy all the best in the next term.
As I reflect on the last term, I have concluded that I had a good run as President of Branch 96. Joan and I had a lot of good times – in a wide range of endeavours from presenting 50/50 prizes at Legion Idol, to dancing at Saturday afternoon dances, to Christmas festivities and representing our members at meetings and social events – and we also occasionally had our doubts about whether we could survive – the work and the money balances seemed ready at times to do me in!
Without doubt I think that the Branch is in good shape financially – better than we have been in a long while, and I trust that this trend to putting our sustainability on a more solid footing, will continue in the future.
Once again, thank you all! I now pass the torch.
Darwin MacIntyre, President 2007-2009
NOTES FROM THE FIRST VICE
Greetings Comrades:
I would like to begin by thanking all of you who have placed your trust and faith in me to represent you as your next Branch President. Not only have you given me this great honour, but you have also provided me with a strong committee, which should be able to work well together to continue with the progress that was started by your present committee.
I will certainly miss some familiar faces at committee meetings, namely, comrades Peter McNamee our Sergeant-at-Arms and Keith Whiteland our Poppy Chairman. These will definitely be very hard shoes to fill. It is my hope that both of these gentlemen will find the time to help in our endeavors to find and train their replacements.
As I look to the future, I see a very busy year in front of us. By the time you read this newsletter, the District G convention will be another page in the history books, thanks to an outstanding effort by comrades Ralph McMullen, Don Corneil and their committee of volunteers (I can never stress enough how important volunteers are to the success and survival of our Legion). We will be looking toward another edition of our community famous Legion Idol as well as a project to rename our upstairs lounge the “Thain MacDowell V.C. DSO Auditorium”, these two chaired by Comrades Dan MacQueen and Vince Kennedy respectively, and their committees. These special activities combined with our full slate of annual activities will keep us all very busy up to the end of 2009. At this time we can look to May 2010 and begin to prepare ourselves to host the annual “International Good Will Day” here at Branch 96.
Please keep your eyes on future editions of The Voice, the monthly What’s On and our web page for further updates.
Finally, before I leave you, I will be compiling a list of volunteers (our life blood) for such things as Branch breakfasts, lunches, Bingo, Colour Party, event registrations, 50/50 Coordinators, committee members and a whole host of other activities. If you feel that you have a little time to spare without becoming overly committed, please see me or leave your name and number in the office along with a note of some activities that might interest you.
I hope to see you all at “The Branch”.
Ray Gilroy C.D.
1st Vice President
WEBSITE CONTINUES
The website for the Branch at www.rclbrockville.wordpress.com was unveiled in November, and in January even adopted a 
small dog as its Mascot – Harley. You can get to it through your home computer (and save the site on your Favourites once you get to it by clicking on the ‘Add to Favourites’ button/star, usually top third left on your internet browser page – two yellow stars). It has general information on the Branch for the public as well as specific information for members including news posts, what is on the entertainment calendar, and so on. It also has direct links of interest to the Members – such as to the DND homepage, and sites for services for veterans and seniors. Please e-mail any information or photos you would like posted to the site to the Administrator, Vince Kennedy, at wenwayken@cogeco.ca.
ELECTIONS 2009
At the Branch 96 Elections for office holders for 2009-2011 on 5th April, there was a decided atmsophere of positiveness, with a crowd of about 120 members! Comrade Ray Gilroy was elected President, Don Bain 1st Vice, Barry Elliot 2nd Vice, Lillian McNamee 3rd Vice, Scott Lester Sports, and Doug Wood, Mike Mallette, Jean vanDusen, Paul Herder and Vince Kennedy as Executive Members. Thank you to all who had the courage and the sense of service to stand for election, and to Barney Barnhart and his Nominating Committee, and those who ran the actual polling effort – Jim Sheflin and crew.
Still to be found are the Sergeant-at-Arms, Auditor and a sixth Executive Member. Ray Gilroy and others are working on identifying candidates who would accept an appointment to any of these vacant spots. Anyone interested in doing so should identify themselves to Ray Gilroy.
LADIES AUXILIARY
The Ladies Auxiliary is very active and getting happy with Spring! We have been busy supporting the Auditorium and Branch happenings, and with our new fridge that we got for the kitchen as a donation from a local Hospital, even if we cannot seem to find the clips for extra shelves. It all came together at the 5th April AGM, when we were able to present another $5000 cheque to the Branch.
At the end of April Cathy Lewis throwing in singles and with Barbara Lake in doubles, will go to Kingston to represent our LA in dart finals. On 2 May we will host the LA Zone Convention here at the Branch. There are no Zone elections this year but the Convention will be a day filled with meetings and social interaction. Margie Robertson, the 1st Vice of Provincial Command will attend. With up to a hundred visitors on the day, I ask all members of the Branch and the LA to make them feel at home here.
Our own elections in the Branch LA will happen at our meeting 28 April. I hope all of our members will get out to this meeting.
The LA welcomes back the Legion Idol 2009! We wish them luck, and will be working with the Committee to produce a great set of shows.
Barbara Lake
President, Ladies Auxiliary
DIAMOND JUBILEE
The Diamond Jubilee Club is getting ready for the full joys of Spring and Summer. The first events on the calendar are the nominations in April for the Club elections at the May meeting – the third Thursday which is also our annual Wine and Cheese. Please note that there will be no lunch that day and the proceedings start at 1 pm. The Wine and Cheese follows the elections as a celebratory event!
Our afternoon games have been very well attended and everyone has enjoyed them throughout the winter. This has helped with our bi-montly donation to the legion which we hope to continue over the summer.
Unfortunately our annual Atlantic City trip had to be cancelled due to a lack of participants. Please note that after June of this year you will need a passport in order to travel to the United Sates. In looking forward to the possibility of an Atlantic City trip in 2010, get a passport sooner rather than later!
The Club congratulates all of the just-elected members of the Branch Executive for 2009-2011 and wish them well in their new tasks. The DJs will be part of the future of the Branch.
Miki Thompson
Chairperson, Diamond Jubilee Club
YOUTH EDUCATION
As reported in the last issue of “Voice” we had thirteen first place winners in our Essay/Poem/Poster contest. All thirteen went on to win at Zone. Eight won first place at Zone, three won second and two won third place prizes.
The first place winners at Zone went on to District and two of our students won first place at that level – Laura Mallory for Senior Essay and Abigael Shonewille for Junior Colour poster. They went on to compete at Provincial and Abigael won first place! Her poster went on to compete at the Dominion level and we have just been advised that she has finished second at Dominion. Congratulations Abigael!
Our Public Speaking contest was held on February 21st, 2009. We had 39 competitors. The winners were:
Primary: 1st – Danica Jones; 2nd – Zoe Ferris; 3rd – Brianna Davies
Junior: 1st – Adrian Au; 2nd – Paige Morin; 3rd – Jessie Purcell and Calla Tait (tie)
Intermediate: 1st – Sarah Throop; 2nd – Graham Mantha; 3rd – Ryan Harper
Senior: 1st – Emily Townshend
Our first place winners went on to compete at Zone in Gananoque. Here Danica won second place, Adrian won third place and Sarah and Emily won first place. Sarah and Emily then competed at District in Arnprior where Sarah won third place and Emily won second place.
I have enjoyed working with the schools and students for this program and am looking forward to continuing with Youth Education next year.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support in the recent election. I look forward to continuing to serve Branch 96 in the capacity of Third Vice President.
Yours in comradeship,
Lillian McNamee
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
The last five months have been quite busy in the membership department. We have had a number of applications for membership as well as transfers and reinstatements. If you know someone who would like to join the Legion, pick up an application form, help the person fill it out, and bring it in. I will look after the rest. Information on membership is also available on our website www.rclbrockville.wordpress.com.
There are a number of members who have not paid their 2009 dues yet. 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! If you are in any doubt please check your last receipt or membership card and make sure that you have done so!
The Branch is still gathering e-mail addresses from the membership. If you are on the internet, and have an e-mail address, please let the office know or e-mail me at grabarel@sympatico.ca.
We are also still having some challenges 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 the Legion Magazine.
Barry Elliott
Second Vice President
And Membership Chairman
Membership Statistics
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Year |
Number Paid Members |
Number Non-Paid |
|
2007
|
728 (December) |
54 |
|
2008
|
696 (Nov) |
64 |
|
2009 |
634 (April) |
78
|
COMMUNICATIONS STATUS
The objective of the Branch newsletter the Voice is to inform members of important events and happenings in the Branch and community. Its publication schedule is three times annually: Summer/Fall (by August); then Holidays (about end- November); then Spring/Summer – this one is an example (about end-April). The Editor will, together with the Membership Chair, deliver the Voice the most economical way possible – this means it will be distributed electronically to all members with an e-mail address. This will be done as follows: first, 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 edition that goes on the website is richer and larger than the mailed out version, because we can add colour pictures and can have an unlimited amount of text! 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. Event organizers should ensure that the white board calendar in the Office accurately reflects the detail of their events, otherwise it is not easy to get the details right in the What’s On!
Comments can be sent to wenwayken@cogeco.ca, or drop a note in the Voice box at the Branch.
Vince Kennedy
Editor
ENTERTAINMENT
Thank you to all those who have supported the variety of entertainment that has been offered. A
“Thank you” must also go to those individuals who have helped in many different ways, such as ticket sales and collection, 50/50 etc. Entertainment takes a team approach.
I am open to all suggestions for entertainment. If there is any particular person or group you would like me to try and book, please let me know. I will do the best I can to set up something.
The jam sessions are going very well. We get a variety of music and entertainers. Those of you that have supported this endeavour, I think, have been pleased with their decision. The next jam session is Saturday, April 25 in the Lower Lounge from 1-6 p.m. At the moment we are renting the sound equipment needed. At each session we are holding 50/50 draws to raise enough money to buy our own Branch system! From now on the jam sessions will be held on the last Sunday of each month from 1 to 6 pm. Come on out and have a great time!
Do not miss the Legion Idol 2009, 24 April and 1,8,15 and 22 May
Wednesday, July 1 will see Jeff Stoddard and partner Angie returning to entertain you in the lower
lounge.
Thank you to all who have supported me. I really appreciate it, and you have made the task easier.
Jean VanDusen
Entertainment Chairperson
COLOUR PARTY
I wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to the members of the Branch Colour Party. I have decided, for personal reasons, not to continue as Branch Sgt-at-Arms.
It is with great respect that I complement the past and present colour party members especially the members of the Ladies Auxiliary who participated and who gave me their support and encouragement.
We have done well at parades, memorials and so on, even though you paid your own expenses much of the time. We have marched together through rain, sleet, snow and gale force winds and in the dark of night for the honour of Branch 96.
Finally, I hope to keep marching with you in the Colour Party as long as possible.
I salute you,
Sergeant-at-Arms
P.S.: To all retired members of the colour party – if you still have slings and/or gauntlets – please return them to the office. Thanks.
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Branch General Meeting 7:00 pm – 3rd Tuesday of each month, September to June |
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Ladies Auxiliary General Meeting 4th Tuesday of each month |
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Diamond Jubilee General Meeting 3rd Thursday of each month |
BARNEY BARNHART HONOURED
At the AGM 5th April, Comrade Barney Barnhart received the Gold Palm Leaf to his Meritorious Service Medal, the highest award for service in the Legion honours system. There is not a member of Branch 96 that does not know Barney – not a committee or issue that he has not helped or touched. Thank you Barney for your excellent and long, continuing service.
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 4 November 2008 |
New website for the Branch announced at http://www.rclbrockville.wordpress.com. |
Communications initiative to help serve the members and the public. Includes a link to the Brockville Community Calendar. |
|
Executive Meeting 6 January 2009 |
Branch donations of $5000 to the Fisher House in Germany (where wounded Canadians out of Afghanistan are cared for), $1000 to the Palliative Care Centre, and $5000 to the Royal Canadian Empire League are recommended for the next General Meeting. |
Care for veterans, seniors and community. Our role exemplified by our actions! Was approved at next GM. |
|
General Meeting 17 February
|
Laura Blair reported a total donation of $1640 to the Support Our Troops Morale Fund, based on the Branch support to a Hockey Ticket Draw that she had organized. As well, Beulah Smith made a donation to the Branch on behalf of the Line Dancers of $400! |
Thank you Laura Blair and Beulah Smith! Your efforts bring credit to the Branch and the members of all its groups! |
|
Executive Meeting 3 March |
|
Will provide better service for the in-house demand. Branch still maintains a Staples card for colour and batch printing. |
|
General Meeting 17 March |
|
Thank you Diamond Jubilee! And to Ralph McMullen for heading up the team for the Fishing – and all of his assistants! |
|
General Meeting 5 April |
LA presented a cheque to the Branch for $5000. |
Thank you Ladies! |
3rd VICE’S CORNER
After four years on the team I did not stand for re-election to the Executive this year. I would like to thank the hard working group that, for those years, made a difference for the Branch. Some of the accomplishments and people:
- Through the Poppy Fund we purchased eight defibulators for the three high schools, Police Department, Arts Centre, the Brockville Rifles and the remaining two for the Branch. This may save a life or better.
- The Mortgage was paid off with the hard work of Bill Tooker (Poppy Trust Chairman) and Rus Perkins, and the other dozens who joined in the campaign.
- The marking of the parking lot, installation of the new sound system and Queen’s portrait in the Auditorium, and the canopy replacement (all thanks to George Topping’s generosity and the installation teams)
- The improved handicap access for the north door at a cost of $5200 from the Trillium Fund, with the thanks to Joann Thout for her help.
- The new BBQ building that was built by Tony Steenbergen when he was on the Executive, and the years of green thumb work with the plantings around the patio by Pat Boulton
- The crews on the Friday BBQ lunches.
- Paul Herder’s Friday lunches and his special occasion cooking!
- The Membership work of Barry Elliott and his electrical repair ability.
- The Outdoor Maintenance work of Mike Mallette.
- Peter McNamee’s hard work with our great Colour Party.
- The continued great input from three Past Presidents Barney Barnhart,Ralph McMullen and Jim Sheflin.
- The long hours of commitment of the President, Darwin McIntyre.
- Beulah Smith’s great advertising work – always on time and in the media.
- The office staff – MaryLee Brunet, Carol Oomen and Joann Thout – without these paper tigers the offices would not support the members as they do.
- The members who came out and supported what was planned!
As Poppy Chairman for my time on the Executive, I would like to thank Jim Sheflin for his training, the Trust Chairman Bill Tooker and Don Bain for their great work. We raised about $40,000 each year. Each year that called for about 180 volunteers. It was teamwork that made the campaign a success. Thank you from me and from every one of the thousands of people who have benefited from the efforts through the Poppy Fund.
I wish the new Branch team continued success – I will stay engaged in Committee work!
Keith Whiteland
3rd Vice/Poppy Chairman
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
Phone the e-mail address to the Secretary at 613-345-0473.
1st VICE (DESIGNATE) LAST WORD
Thank you to all those who supported the elections and to those who supported me. I am grateful.
Over the next two years I hope to help to continue the progress that the Branch has made. We have moved from being a Branch that had financial troubles to one where we have some money in reserve for building expenses and no mortgage. There have been some steps implemented to increase our cash flow. However, we have some ways to go before our financial security is assured. Changes in our operating environment, like the harmonized tax initiative by the Provincial Government, could increase our costs of doing business. We still need to increase the activity rate of our membership – we have about 708 but there are, by my count, about 112 active, and our health will improve if we can raise that level. Some activities, like the Poppy Campaign, will need more volunteers to sit at tables so that we can continue to be successful. Even our gardens, so long done by Pat Boulton, need more work – and if you can help her in the upcoming season, please offer.
Please volunteer and enjoy the Branch – this will keep us all strong and viable.
Don Bain
LAST POST – PASSAGES
Since November 14, 2008
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
George Bastien
Beverly Cassidy
Maureen Cowan
Kathleen Dalton
Lucille Deir
Donald Fenn Senior
S.W. Gilbert
W.D. Hobson
Jeanne Larochelle
Frank Manning
Allan McDougall
Betrice McGhie
William McGrory
Marguerite McKettrick (Ladies Auxillary)
Frank Mitten
John A. Stewart
Perry Tooker
Ernest Woodhus
We Will Remember Them