Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 94
205 Empire, Greenfield Park,
Québec, Canada
J4V 1T9
450-466-0308
www.legion94.ca
Coverall April 2012
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Please click on a version of the Coverall which you would like to view.
Hello friends. Lewis Brown
Winter is now over and warmer weather is about to arrive.
Since our last issue a lot has happened at Branch 94, most of it good. On the down side we were the victims of a burglary, but enough has been said about that. We will leave anything else to the proper authorities and spend our time on the positives.
February was a very active month. In addition to the monthly Bingo
and crib events there was a Super Bowl party in the lounge on the fifth, a Valentine Sunday special on the
twelfth, a tribute to Neil Diamond on the twenty-fifth and the Daytona Race Day on the big screen in the
lounge on Sunday the twenty-sixth.
Meanwhile, sitting in his villa somewhere on the coast of Spain, or France, or Italy, is a man who’d apparently had a ticket machine installed completely on his own and then simply begun to show up every day, commencing to collect and keep the parking fees, estimated to be about $560 per day - for 25 years.
ANGELS
After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split. The waitress asked kindly, 'Crushed nuts?' 'No,' he replied, 'Arthritis.'
A dozen or so years ago Branch 94 made a decision to encourage local schools to participate in Dominion Command’s Essay, Poem and Poster contest. Each year contestants are challenged to exercise their creativity by writing an essay or poem on Remembrance. The objective is to select the most suitable submissions from Canadian students in the Canadian school system. The essays and poems are judged at the local Branch and then at the Provincial level. The Provincial winners in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories are then be submitted to Ottawa for judging at the National level. Cash prizes are awarded to the students finishing first and second in each category and the winner of the senior essay contest is invited to Ottawa, accompanied by a parent, relative or guardian, at the expense of The Royal Canadian Legion to represent Canada’s youth at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony. At the turn of the Century the hard work of laying the foundation to enable students of our community to participate was done by Lorraine Torpy working with School Boards and local schools. In that first year two schools participated We had entries at two levels. With the exception of one year we have had entries every year since. Early on Jack Gammon took on the liaison work and has been actively involved for the past dozen years. In recent years only students from Centennial High School have participated. In 2005 Melanie de Andrades’s poem was judged to be the best in the nation and along with other National winners she attended Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa. This year we received 3 Essays and 19 Poems from Centennial Regional High School students. They were delivered to Provincial Command on January 5th. We have since been advised that the six students gracing this issue’s cover have been recognized for outstanding submissions. They are: Simone Albert---1st place---Essay
Because of our generous contributions over many years our branch was made a partner of Ste. Anne’s Hospital Foundation as part of its new Partnership Program“Be the One”. Recently they decided to offer something very special to each of their Partners. The name of each one will be associated with the room of a Veteran. We have been invited to visit the Hospital so they can show us the plaque that will be installed next to the room of one of the Veterans. It will be a great opportunity for us to meet the staff and have official pictures taken. Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?' Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.'' The doctor said, 'I didn't say that.. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.'
At the January General Meeting Ted Hemming presented President Lew Brown with cheques in the amounts of $2,000.00 and $1,000.00 behalf on of the Seniors Lunch gang and the 500 Club respectively .
MEDALS & BARS PRESENTED BY: CDE. F. CANTWELL , L. BROWN & B. CONSTANTINI FRANCINE CANTWELL- MEDAL & BAR - PRESIDENT
CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Empty Seats DO THEY SIGNIFY PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE? Getting members out to our General Meetings continues to be a struggle. On stormy winter nights or in April and May when we experience the first nice weather of the season a decline in attendance is perhaps understandable. BUT a failure to attract 26 members out of a membership of 400 plus in March would seem to indicate that what happens in our branch is of little interest to anyone. It appears that our members do not want a say in what happens in their branch; that they have no opinions to share or any ideas of what activities they would like to see or participate in; that they have no interest in what is being planned or how the branch is contributing to the community. This problem is certainly not unique to our branch. Nor is it a new phenomena as attested to by the following item which first appeared in a 1985 issue of the Coverall and again in the March 1, 2001 issue. We have managed to survive because through the years there has always been a relatively small core group of multitaskers to serve on the executive, plan events and generally do all the little things needed to keep the branch in good running order. Next year will mark the seventieth year of our survival. “70” is one of those benchmark years that people and organizations tend to celebrate, yet, thus far there seems little awareness or excitement that our 70th anniversary is just around the corner. There is little, if any, talk of how we can commemorate an historic event we should all be proud of. The veterans who built this branch worked hard and played hard. They were instrumental in building the institutions and traditions of the community of which we are now a part. If we sit back and allow their efforts to fade into the past we do disservice to our organization and our community. WE NEED IDEAS; WE NEED A PLAN; ABOVE ALL WE NEED INVOLVEMENT! Are you in? bring your ideas to our April meeting. WAYS TO KILL YOUR BRANCH Don't come to any meetings, but, if you come, come late.
WAYS and MEANS
On behalf of the executive of Branch 94 Karen and Cheryl would like to thank our dedicated members and friends of members that continue to support our Legion
events. Without all of your support and encouragement we would not be in a position to do what we do! We
would also at this time like to thank Naomi Malo, Patrick White, Richard Amos, Dave Williams, Charlene
Cadrin, Shirley Chaif, Rob Forbes, Monique Lebel, Jim Bechard and, Randy Moores for all the extra little
things that they do to help out in a pinch. Branch 94 is very lucky to have you all on board! Past Events Valentine’s day Sunday was a very special day in the branch for all that attended. Karen & Bob Golden, with the help of Ted & Joan Hemming, Sue Monk, Andrea Main, Shirley Miller & Mary Tucker put on the absolute best BBQ chicken! Everything was cooked to perfection! Special thanks to Shirley Chaif for the beautifully decorated homemade cupcakes that were certainly a hit. Our DJ - Cathy Becket and her "soon to be" husband Rob did a great job with the music and for the most part the dance floor was hopping! Thank you Mavis for arranging the special dance instructors to "strut their stuff" and even offer guidance to anyone up on the floor that was interested, They now are offering dancing lessons in the hall on Sunday afternoons, for a very nominal fee. The Neil Diamond Tribute, “Diamond in the Rough”, by Joey Purpra at the end of February was very successful. For the Neil Diamond lovers that attended most said when you closed your eyes you honestly thought it was "Neil himself". Joey really does do a great job and certainly has done a lot of research on Neil Diamond. He was able to share a lot of nostalgia with the crowd. Lots of great music and even the words to sing along, and everyone that attended seemed to have a really good time. It is a nice change to do something different and hopefully we can do something like this again. Our Saint Patrick's Day Supper/Dance is always a big night at Branch 94 and this year was no exception. Firstly a big thank you to George Thyssen, who has picked up the corned beef for us for the past "quite a" few years. Even though his supplier moved to Laval, George went out of his way to please! Friday morning Karen & Bob Golden, Francine & Gerry Cantwell, Sue Monk, Andrea Main, Lew Brown, Ross Harvey and myself were busy at our various tasks of preparing the veggies, getting other essentials prepared, soaking, spicing and boiling the 120 pounds of corned beef. Later that day, after the corned beef was cooked and cooled the second shift arrived. Randy Moores, & Todd Smith cut the meat while Cindy Smith & myself wrapped and stored the meat and Bill Wight& Rob Forbes "did the dills". Saturday morning, bright and early Cheryl was up with the birds in order to bake the cake for dinner. Sherrie set up the tables for the hall while Andrea & Shirley once again took care of all the setting of the tables and Sue did a great job at decorating the hall and tables while Bill and Cindy were busy in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the cakes. Later that afternoon Karen, Sue, Francine, Bob, Bill, & Gerry made sure the veggies were cooked to perfection and all was set for the event. Just before the doors opened Andrea & Shirley took their place to take the tickets as the hungry crowd entered the hall. Thanks to Al Cleary for saving the day by having his air compressor on hand so that he and Randy could blow up our famous "Leprecon" which is always a big hit with some of the ladies during the evening. The servers; Karen, Sue, Francine, Robin & Cindy did their thing while Bob & Bill made sure the serving dishes were filled. Lew called the tables while I got the deserts cut and ready to be served. Thank you Naomi Ward and Georgette (Celina's mom) for jumping in and helping me out. The clearing of the tables went very well thanks to all of the members that just jump in to help things go faster. Celina and Georgette were able to get the dishes done in record time! Thanks again to Monique Lebel for the 50/50...great job! (continued on page 13)
Duo Rockin were clearly "rockin" and it did not take long for the dance floor to fill up and the mood of the evening was full of fun! It was very plain to see that this crowd was out to have a good time and they certainly did. According to all the comments of the evening and the "slim pickings" left, the meal was delicious and the whole event was a great success. For all that missed it because they were unable to get a ticket, may we suggest that you buy your tickets early next year to avoid disappointment. This is always a 'SELL OUT EVENT'. Irish Coffee & Irish Stew Sunday was also a great day. The Irish Coffee was delicious! Karen and Goretti Da Estrella took first shift serving up the "Irish" topped with"green sugar" (a Shirley Chaif invention) or whatever topping you preferred. Second shift was manned by Julia and Glenn while Karen rejoined Bob "the stew keeper" back in the kitchen. OOOOOPS out of whipped cream! Thanks Bill for jumping in to get Naomi to the store so no one would go without. Next shift; Lew and Christine continued for the rest of the afternoon and during the "stew serving" Irish music filled the lounge. The afternoon was very "laid back" and enjoyable for those that just wanted to visit and chat with each other. If you walked into the lounge one would ask, "where is everyone?" Well with the temperature reaching over 20 degrees quite a few of our members took advantage of the deck to take in some "RAYS" from the gorgeous sun. Bob & Karen's modified "Ted's Irish Stew Recipe" was a big hit right down to the cutting and adding the freshly peeled potatoes earlier that morning. The stew went like hot cakes and next year we will certainly need to increase the quantity. First come first served so for some of us, as the saying goes - "you snooze, you lose".
COMING EVENTS
The above are the events planned so far, please check the Legion web site or the bulletin board in the front entrance for changes or additions to this list of events. We hope to see you at these events and thank you in advance for your continuous support! Karen Golden & Cheryl Moores
PM launches Vimy Foundation Pin Campaign 14 March 2012 Prime Minister Stephen Harper today launched the Vimy Foundation Pin Campaign which seeks to raise awareness of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, one of Canada’s most important military victories. The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Mr. David Houghton, President of the Vimy Foundation. "With the passing of the last Canadian First World War Veteran in 2010, it is now more important than ever that we cherish and preserve stories of the service and sacrifice of our country’s fallen heroes," said Prime Minister Harper. “This pin reminds us of the brave and resilient servicemen who, on April 9, 1917, overcame the odds and captured Vimy Ridge.” The Vimy Pin was introduced in February 2009 by the Vimy Foundation which works to preserve and promote the legacy of Canada’s important contribution to the Allied victory in the First World War. It symbolizes Canada’s victory at Vimy and recognizes the important role this battle played in shaping Canada’s identity. Vimy Ridge protected an area of occupied France where several factories and mines were in full production for Germany. Its height and strategic location also made it a key part of the German defensive lines. Attacking with all four of his divisions, the Commander of the Canadian Corps, Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng, was able to successfully execute a four staged operation which resulted in the capture of Vimy Ridge. The operation was an impressive victory, both as a military success at a difficult time on the Western Front and in enhancing Canada’s role among the Allied Powers in the First World War. The battle also marked the first time that all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together. The Prime Minister also announced today that the Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, will travel to Vimy, France, on April 9, 2012, along with the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, to attend a special commemorative ceremony in the presence of 5000 Canadian youth marking the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. A commemorative ceremony is held every year on April 9 at the Vimy Memorial, which serves as a tribute to all those who fought during the battle of Vimy Ridge, and has come to symbolize Canada’s commitment to peace, freedom, democracy and the rule of law. In addition to the ceremony taking place in Vimy, there will also be a vigil and ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, as well as a number of events in communities across the country. Prime Minister Stephen Harper today launched the Vimy Foundation Pin Campaign which seeks to raise awareness of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, one of Canada’s most important military victories. The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Mr. David Houghton, President of the Vimy Foundation. "With the passing of the last Canadian First World War Veteran in 2010, it is now more important than ever that we cherish and preserve stories of the service and sacrifice of our country’s fallen heroes," said Prime Minister Harper. “This pin reminds us of the brave and resilient servicemen who, on April 9, 1917, overcame the odds and captured Vimy Ridge.” Continued next page
(continued from page 14) The Vimy Pin was introduced in February 2009 by the Vimy Foundation which works to preserve and promote the legacy of Canada’s important contribution to the Allied victory in the First World War. It symbolizes Canada’s victory at Vimy and recognizes the important role this battle played in shaping Canada’s identity. Vimy Ridge protected an area of occupied France where several factories and mines were in full production for Germany. Its height and strategic location also made it a key part of the German defensive lines. Attacking with all four of his divisions, the Commander of the Canadian Corps, Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng, was able to successfully execute a four staged operation which resulted in the capture of Vimy Ridge. The operation was an impressive victory, both as a military success at a difficult time on the Western Front and in enhancing Canada’s role among the Allied Powers in the First World War. The battle also marked the first time that all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together. The Prime Minister also announced today that the Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, will travel to Vimy, France, on April 9, 2012, along with the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, to attend a special commemorative ceremony in the presence of 5000 Canadian youth marking the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. A commemorative ceremony is held every year on April 9 at the Vimy Memorial, which serves as a tribute to all those who fought during the battle of Vimy Ridge, and has come to symbolize Canada’s commitment to peace, freedom, democracy and the rule of law. In addition to the ceremony taking place in Vimy, there will also be a vigil and ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, as well as a number of events in communities across the country.
Our thanks to the following for their help and donations
Wednesday Senior Lunches Francine Cantwell (for filling in as branch manager) Thursday “500” Club The Family of the late Gerry Moores THE OLDTIMERS HOCKEY LEAGUE Roma Zakaib
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Some members have complained that they are not being notified of branch activities. Members are advised of our events by telephone and/or e-mail. However members of our telephone committee advise that they frequently encounter “no service” or similar messages or get no answer to repeated calls. We are guided by the information you included on your membership application unless you have advised us of a change. If your telephone number or service provider has changed and you wish to receive notification of branch events please contact one of the following committee members:
Bits and Pieces from Here and There In case you missed it - February 5, 2012 - Normand Simard’s post on the Monty North site
An unusual piece of mail was received by the branch shortly after Christmas. Shirley Ripley’s granddaughters from Massachusetts were apparently invited to attend our Children’s Christmas party but were unable to attend. They sent a Thank You card for being invited. It was the first thank you of this kind that anyone could recall ever receiving. A “Thank You” gesture from the Greenfield Park Centennial Committee
Branch members Harold Rye and Bernie Constantini who both served on the Centennial Committee present President Lew Brown with a print of the picture which graced our city hall as a token of the Committee’s appreciation of Branch 94s participation in the celebrations. This picture now hangs in our hall by the main entrance
New things are always being planned. Unfortunately not always in time to be included in the Coverall. Be sure to check the bulletin boards in the branch and the calendar and agenda on our website to ensure that you don’t miss anything. Don’t forget to get your Raffle tickets in support of the L.A.’s annual picnic for the veterans in Ste. Anne’s Hospital in August.
This edition of the Coverall is a copy of the printed version, which is initially posted at the branch and published by Bruce Robertson. Minor changes have been made in layout and format to allow for web publication. |
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