ROYAL
CANADIAN LEGION
BRANCH 57 Mission,
BC
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ROYAL
CANADIAN LEGION
BRANCH 57 Mission,
BC
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October 2007
PRESIDENT'S REPORT Comrade Dyanne Betts My first term as your President has, indeed, been interesting, eventful and, in many ways, rewarding for me. I am grateful for the support that many of you have extended to both the Branch and myself over the past months. While, sadly, we are losing many of our Veterans, we continue to have many new people joining our ranks. Since May of 2006, we have lost a total of 49 members, 42 of which were Ordinary members. Our Associate members now outnumber our Ordinary members. At the same time, our Branch renewal rate has been high in the past couple of years. Financially, we have made considerable progress. The District of Mission has granted us Permissive Tax Exemption for the next 3 years, provided us with a grant to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Branch and, in general, been very supportive. In addition, both private individuals and Community businesses have made donations of various sorts. We are very grateful to all of these people and organizations. Let’s keep up the good work and continue to go forward. As many of you will know, we have had a rise in the number of incidents of vandalism in the past while and that security changes have been and will be made in the near future. Again, thank you to the members who have stepped up to the plate to make the improvements. On a more positive note, The Ladies of the Auxilliary have been very active this year and added much to the Branch function. They work hard and are a pleasure to work with. Thank you all! Volunteers: what would we do without them? Not enough can be said or done to show how much they are appreciated. However, we need more in order for us to take the load of a few and to take on some important projects. You will find a list of areas where your help is needed. All in all, Branch #57 has had a successful year that has been made possible, in large part, because of the work of our members. Let us remember the ones for whom we do it: our Veterans and their families. LEST WE FORGET. !!!!!!!! LEAK ALERT !!!!!!!! Once again, we are dealing with a leaky roof. This time it is the flat tar and gravel section. We have been patching but the solution is a new roof. We are seeking further funds to add to the monies in reserve to do the job. A fund-raising campaign will begin in the very near future and we hope that the Branch membership and other members of the Community will step of to the plate for us.
2007 EXECUTIVE FOR BRANCH AND LADIES AUXILIARY BRANCH EXECUTIVE LADIES’ AUXILIARY President Dyane Betts President Barbara Clease 1st Vice President Thelma Blanchard 1st Vice President Barb Barlow 2nd Vice President Dave Bryant Secretary Carol Law Treasurer Tom Armstrong Treasurer Doreen Phelps Past President John Keresman Past President Linda Thorpe Executive: Executive: Lorne Dumaresq Joan Horvorka Chris Lewis Peggy Baird Dave Purdy Trina Bennett Vance Trevor Colley Dorothy Pawson Wendy Wenberg Bev Evans Joan Wright Joanne Smith Sion Davies Benevolent Bill Gordon Jim Musgrave Entertainment Sarina Dickson Terry Gust Gavel Dyane Betts Sports Dave Leckie Hospital/Home Visits Sion Davies Bill Gordon Padre (vacant) Public Relations Jimmy Logan Seniors Coordinator Thelma Blanchard
BRANCH 57 BENEVOLENT FUND – Comrade Bill Gordon
The Purpose of the Fund is:
Benefits at the time of Death: a) Upon the death of an Ordinary member of Mission City Branch 57, Royal Canadian Legion, who is in good standing at the time of his or her death, and has been a member of the Legion for ten (10) consecutive years immediately prior to death, there shall be made available upon request a grave plot in the Legion section of the Hatzic Cemetery at not cost. b) Any Veteran of the Canadian or Allied Forces may purchase a plot in the Legion Section of the Hatzic Cemetery at the current District of Mission cost and the Approval of the Legion Benevolent fund Committee. c) It is permitted under regulations of the District of Mission to inter the spouse or a relative in the same plot as the Veteran with approval of the Legion Benevolent Fund Committee. Any extra expense of this interment will be the responsibility of the estate of the spouse or relative. Legion Plot Markers To date, Legion Branch 57 has: 59…………full burial plots. 131……….cremation plots. 21…………reserved plots (end-to-end) Legion plots for a relation to use. These plots are not paid for but are reserved. These plots were purchased in 1942, 1963, and 1970 for a total of $600.00. Committee Members: Comrade Bill Gordon Comrade Jim Musgrave Comrade Thelma Blanchard
ENTERTAINMENT The entertainment committee, though small, has really produced the goods this past year to date. Being the year of the Branch 57’s 80th Anniversary, it inspired the committee to assist with two additional events besides the regular number. Though not all events were financially a smashing success, we have a good average and have gained much experience so that we can provide better events next year, and several ideas about improvements have already been discussed. To recap some of the fun-filled events to date, there was the New Year’s Party with Karin’s Karaoke, Robbie Burns Day, St. Patrick’s day, the 80th Anniversary, the April dinner-dance with Gino Cordoni, and in May we began the ‘tent events’ with a day that honored the war brides and we had entertainment by the ‘Opening Night Theatre Society’. In June it was ‘Spring Fever, July 1st was the second annual car rally with ‘Loose Ends’ rocking the tent, July 21st was the wrap-up of the 80th Anniversary with ‘Dewberry Country’ entertaining. August 18th was a Western BBQ with Doug Harms and his ‘volunteers’. In September we had a bigger and better than ever Chili Cook-off with Dewberry Country again. September 22nd we had a salmon and corn BBQ with the duo ‘Sweetwater’. Also, the Mother’s Day brunch and the Father’s Day event were held again. Upcoming events are on October 20th and November 11th, both with ‘Dewberry Country’, and that will wrap up the tent events for the year. After that Christmas isn’t far behind, and in the meantime, all the regular Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday meat draws and bingos are manned by volunteers organized by Sarina Dickson. Thanks so much to her and Harold Dickson, Dave Leckie, Terri Gust, Dave Purdy, and Karin Edberg-Lee who sit down at the meetings and make all the plans. Thanks so much to the many people who then pitch in and help with the work, setting up and taking down the tables and chairs, do the food preparation and cooking when called upon, and if they were to be listed, inevitably someone would be omitted, so all of you take a bow…..you know who you are and so does everyone else who attends the events. From Karin, who tries to coordinate the Friday night dinners, thanks to all who participate and stepping up when needed. The pizza nights, when cooks weren’t available, seemed to be well received and provide a quick and labor-reduced alternative. Some other avenues of producing the meals are being investigated for the Fall and coming year, and, in time, will hopefully produce good results. Don’t forget to watch the outside and inside announcements for coming events and if anyone would like to join the volunteers on this committee to help in any way, we will welcome you with open arms and a variety of ways for you to do this. Contact any of the above listed people for your opportunity to help the Branch continue and improve its overall operation and success with fun-filled events inside and in the tent.
HONOURS AND AWARDS The Honours and Awards luncheon will be held on Sunday, November 4th, 2007 at 12:30 pm. There are many continuous year medals to be awarded. In addition we will have: 1 – 50 year pin 1 – 55 year pin 3 – 6- year pins Those receiving awards will be receiving a letter of invite and one free lunch ticket. Guest tickets will be available for purchase from the office or lounge. Chairs Dorothy Perkins Chris Lewis
LAST POST ORDINARY MEMBERS
Aldred, Elwood M. Thoms, William Harris, - (Bert) Rayner, John Robert Holmberg, Rune Hills, Doris Walker, George William Kerridge, Donald C. Bedford, Noris Thiebault, Len Sorrell, Robin McPherson, Charles Dickenson, Thomas Wicks, John (Jack) Campbell, Jack Wilson, (Thomas Edward Moor) Hollister, Victor Burns, Hugh Mayo, Linda Stevens, James William Hedges, Tom Sr. Day, Robert Forrester, Albert Kettley, Percy Watson, Mel Brockman, Arthur Clem, Charles Edward Frecklton, Lloyd Argue, Allan Cuthbert Dranchuk, William Schmidt, William A. Tubbs, William Nicholson, Roy Fell, Ken Fenwick, William Wilston, Peter Morton, Tom Hughes, Gwilyn Owen Catherwood, Doug
ASSOCIATES Ostrom, Edna Patricia Novosad, Myron Smale, Marie Olive Kvaas, Alvin Morris, Gloria Stedham, Jean Letang, Sally AFFILIATES (none) LADIES AUXILIARY
Charney, Anne Wilson, Flora St. Cyr, Sally
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
LOUNGE HOURS Posted on Front Door Come in and pickup a calendar of monthly events ________________________________________________
NEW MEMERS WELCOME _____________________________________________________________
BRANCH GENERAL MEETINGS First Monday of each month at 7:00 pm At the Branch (second Monday if the first is a holiday)
LADIES AUXILLIARY GENERAL MEETINGS NEW DAY AND LOCATION Second Saturday of each month at 10:30 am at the Legion
Membership Report Thelma Blanchard, Membership Chair We have had a very good response for renewals of our memberships for 2007. We have a system working well with our gentle reminder phone calls and reminder notices. Please do not forget to encourage your family and friends to join us. Your involvement with Branch activities and support as volunteers is very important to the welfare of this very worthwhile organization. Uppermost concern is we carry on with the work for our veterans, widows and children. With world conflicts and our troops deployed in many areas, there will always be a need for our services. Their welfare is our concern. Without their sacrifices we would not enjoy the freedom that we and our families have today. Your membership fees are due and if paid by November 30th, 2007, you are eligible for the early bird draw. Dues must be paid by January 31, 2008 to maintain your membership in good standing. Renewals are $40.00 (new members $45.00) and may be paid in the office during the hours of 9 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday, or at the bar after 2 pm daily. *REWARDS FOR RECRUITMENTS* The following is a breakdown of how your dues are allocated: Dominion Command $10.65 Provincial Command $ 8.00 Zone $ .50 Legion Magazine $ 7.42 $26.07 the remaining $13.93 is for the Branch DO YOU HAVE AN E-MAIL ADDRESS? PLEASE ADVISE THE OFFICE.
SERVICE OFFICER’S REPORT SUBMITTED BY JOHN KERESMAN CD Veterans Services The Pension Act, which is administered exclusively by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), provides pension awards to those suffering from disabilities related to military service, either during peace or war time. The pension award is based on the extent of the disability, as verified by a medical examination, and paid in accordance with rates set out in the Act. When a disability pensioner dies, the spouse/common-law partner may receive, for a period of one year, the same pension amount being paid to the pensioner at the time of death. After the one year, a survivor will receive a survivor’s pension. Surviving children may be eligible for orphan benefits following a pensioner’s death. Surviving spouses/surviving common-law partners who remarry will continue to receive survivor benefits. War Veterans Allowance (WVA) is a form of financial assistance that ensures eligible clients are provided with a regular monthly income to meet basic needs. Eligibility is based on wartime service, age or health, income and residence. Female applicants must be 55. An Allowance may be awarded at an earlier age if individuals are unable to fully support themselves. Applicants must reside in Canada at the time of application. WVA is paid on a monthly basis according to marital status and number of dependents. The receipt of a disability pension or WVA serves as a gateway to other programs and services. VAC’s Health Care Program provides veterans and other eligible clients with health care benefits, including treatment benefits, Veterans Independence Program and personalized health care services such as advice and information, needs assessment, advocacy, and referrals. If you have any questions concerning the above, please do not hesitate to call the Branch at 604-826-2331 and ask to speak to the Service Officer.
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