2009 EXECUTIVE FOR THE BRANCH AND L.A.

  Branch Executive                                   Ladies’ Auxiliary

 

 

President      Tom Armstrong                               President       Barb Barlow

1^st Vice         David Bryant                                  1^st Vice         Polly Mann

2^nd Vice         John Keresman                              Secretary       Rhonda Goodwin

Treasurer       Carol Law                                      Treasurer       Doreen Phelps

Past Pres.      Dyane Betts                                   Past Pres.      Barb Clease

 

Executive:                                                                 Executive:

            Sion Davies                                                             Bev Evans

            Wendy Wenberg                                                       Trena Bennett-Vance

            Joan Wright                                                             Linda Thorpe

            Gary Tubbs                                                              Peggy Baird

            Nance Keresman                                                       Dorothy Perkins

            Darlene Tubbs

 

Service Officer          John Keresman

                       

Benevolent               David Bryant

                               Carol Law

                               John Keresman                                     BRANCH ELECTIONS                  

Entertainment           Sarina Dickson                                                MONDAY                          

                                                                                             

Gavel                          Dyane Betts                                           DEC. 7^TH, 2009                             

Sports                         Joan Wright                                    7:00 p.m. (1900 Hours)                  

 

Hospital Visits           Sion Davies                                         PLEASE PARTICIPATE

 

Padre                         (vacant)                       

                                                                                   

  

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TREASURER’S REPORT

            Comrade Carol Law

 

We have had some good times and some bad times this year when it comes to our finances.  The good included two grants that we received.  The first came from the Mission Foundation in the amount of $500.00.  The second came from the District of Mission and was for $5,000.00.  The Ladies Auxiliary also gave the branch $2,500.00 of their hard earned money.  These funds are helping to pay for some of our events as well as purchasing new equipment and repairing the old equipment.

 

The branch makes money from its bar sales, Friday night dinners, special events and membership dues.  This has to pay the bills for operating and maintaining our building.  It must also pay for staff wages, government taxes, insurances, equipment breakdowns, as well as buying liquor and other bar supplies.  Of course we have the regular hydro, phone, cable, garbage, etc. costs, and they can be considerable.  Over the summer, the income falls off but in the fall membership dues start coming in again to fill the bank account.  Customers also come back from their summer holidays.  We are current on payment of bills for the most part, but some of our cheques sometimes have to be held aside until more bar receipts come in.

 

All gaming revenues, meat draw, and Poppy campaign money must be donated back to the community.  The monthly rent for the Air Cadet Squadron practice area is also paid for from the gaming revenue.  Only 13% of the gaming money is ours to spend.

 

How can we do better?  Well, we need more customers and members and it would be nice to have more volunteers to help us with the events, dinners, fundraisers and fix-ups that we always seem to need to do.  If there is anyone out there wishing to donate time or money to the Legion for a special project or purpose, you are welcome to do so.  Our office can tell you where we need help.

  

WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE MISSION FOUNDATION, THE DISTRICT OF MISSION, AND THE LADIES AUXILIARY FOR THEIR SUPPORT

 

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Membership report

                             Comrade Wendy Wenberg, Membership Chair

 

 

We have had a fairly good year.  Unfortunately, we always lose some members with transfers out or non-payment of dues, and the worst, through death.  But we have had some new members sign in this year, and have had quite a few transfer in members.  Because of this, we manage to keep pretty balanced.

 

There is one thing I must address.  Please know that we do not send out dues invoices any more because of the cost of postage.  Apparently years ago they did this, so I apologize if some of you were under the impression this was still done.  We are relying on you to either mail in a cheque for dues or please, come in and see us at the office.  There are some members who have not paid dues since 2007.  If you wish to catch up to 2009, this will cost $80.00…..if you wish to pay to 2010, the cost will be $120.00.  Pay your 2010 dues before November 30^th and be part of our Early Bird team.  You might just get your dues paid!!!

 

And if you bring in new members, there are rewards for that.  Check with the membership crew and there are also posters around the office telling you about the contest.  You may just be the lucky one to win a trip.

 

Comrade Dorothy Perkins is my right-hand-man so to speak, so if you have any questions on pretty well anything about the Legion or membership, please do not hesitate to ask her.  Comrade Dorothy is in the membership office on Tuesdays and Fridays, and I am there Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

 

Hours of operation:  September to April 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..  May, June, July, and August – 9:00 a.m. to noon.

 

 

 

DO YOU HAVE AN E-MAIL ADDRESS OR A NEW ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER, OR EVEN A NEW NAME? 

PLEASE ADVISE THE OFFICE.

 

 

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Not too much to report.  The pool League is starting up again.  The first night will be Tuesday, September 15^th, 2009.  Our team, the “Off The Rail”, will try to bring home the trophy again.  They have been very successful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  The committee has continued this year with the events that have been most popular and successful in the past, beginning with a rollicking good time celebrating Robbie Burns day with Haggis and Oat Cakes, piper and the Toast to the Haggis.  This event was followed by the annual Valentine’s Day dinner and dance, ‘Dewberry Country’ entertaining, St. Patrick’s Day ‘Roast to the Spud’, Mother’s Day brunch prepared by Comrade Bill McDonald and enjoyed by all, and Father’s day was celebrated with a reverse draw event.  In May we held the first ‘tent-event’ of the summer with ‘Sweetwater‘ entertaining.  Canada Day was a great day in the tent with the car rally/scavenger hunt, BBQ’d steaks and ‘Loose Ends’ filled the dance floor with their great music.

 

We just had our Chili Cook-off with ‘Sweetwater’ keeping the crowd dancing.  Five teams competed for the prizes, the BBQ was kept busy all day, and everyone really enjoyed themselves.  Weather for all these events was spectacular.  The next event will be our Okktoberfest dinner and dance with ‘Sweetwater’.  Halloween is on a Saturday this year, so look for another fun time.  November 11^th Remembrance Day will be the last tent event, and after the services at the Clarke Theatre and the laying of the wreaths at our Cenotaph, there will be hot food served and ‘Dewberry’ will be entertaining.  And of course, December brings the Christmas and New Year parties.

 

A reminder that we are always looking for more people to share the cooking of the Friday night dinners.  Many thanks to Comrade Bill McDonald for doing so many of the them.  Thanks to all who have supported our efforts so far and we look forward to seeing you all at future events.

 

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The Honours and Awards luncheon will be held Sunday, November 1^st, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.  Members receiving awards will be contacted.

 

 

 

 

 

We have 35 members, 8 Life members and 1 MSA.

 

The Ladies Auxiliary have had a very busy year.  We helped the Branch with inventory, phoned the Veterans for the D-Day Brunch, and also set up and served the brunch.  We did funeral luncheons and carried colors twice with the Branch.  This was the year for our L.A. convention and it was held on a cruise ship to Alaska.  We sent 2 delegates and 1 flag bearer plus 4 members.  We did 3 pub nights and 1 at the Legion which was a huge success.  We were able to donate $2,500.00 to the Branch from our fund raisers. 

 

Best wishes to the Branch in all their endeavors.

 

                                     

 

                                                            

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SICK AND VISITING

Sion Davies

 

 

As most of you know, Comrade Sion Davies has been ill for some time now.  Previous to his illness, he was extremely active, visiting many Veterans, either in the hospital, hospice, care homes, or their own homes.  He and his beloved dog Sadie, took many gifts to the veterans at Easter, Christmas, etc.  Comrade John Keresman has filled in for Comrade Sion while he is recuperating and has done a fine job.  Sion, I hope you do not mind that I took the liberty to write your report for you.  We are all wishing you well and we look forward to you coming back.

 

Comrade Wendy Wenberg

 

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BENEVOLENT COMMITTEE REPORT – 2009

Comrade David Bryant

 

A new Benevolent Committee was appointed by the President this year, replacing the previous committee whose members had expressed the wish to retire.  Our thanks go to Comrade Bill Gordon and Comrade Jim Musgrave for all the good work they have done over the years.  The new committee is committed to continuing that work and is comprised of Comrades Carol Law, John Keresman and David Bryant.  Any enquiries regarding the Benevolent Fund should be directed to them.

 

The committee is continuing the previous committees work towards erecting a Legion memorial at Hatzic cemetery and is working with the District of Mission toward this end.  The District has a conceptual plan to beautify the cemetery and it is hoped that this will work well with our plan to erect a memorial and mark each Legion section.  We will keep you posted on the progress of this project.

 

A plan of Hatzic Cemetery has been posted on the Branch 57 website at www.rcl57.org along with a plan of each Legion section and the names of those interred there.  The objective is to make it easier for people to find their loved one’s plot.  Check it out, any feedback for improving the web site is appreciated.

 

 

 

 

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The Cedars, 7380 Hurd Street, is having a resource fair on the 20^th of October 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Veteran’s Affairs Canada will be in attendance.  The information to be shared will be for both the Veterans and/or spouses.

 

Comrade Sion Davies is holding on, and has actually gained some weight.  Comrade Albert (Knobby) Clark lost is wife.  He is doing well, and he and Comrade Davies attended the 9/11 ceremonies in Sumas along with four other Legion members.  Knobby will be taking over the responsibilities of the ‘Sick and Visiting’.

 

The Air Cadets will be taken over by a new CO, Major Monty Cross.  There will be further information on the Cadets once the take over is complete.

 

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POPPY COMMITTEE REPORT

    Comrade Nance Keresman

 

As Remembrance Day approaches, we seek your assistance in our fund-raising efforts through the Poppy Campaign.  Each of us, when we were initiated into this fine organization, made a commitment to support this most important time in the Legion calendar year.  The Poppy Campaign raises valuable donations to assist the needy in our community.  For example, wheelchair lifts, meals-on-wheels, cancer, and medical equipment.

 

We are asking for all members of the Legion to volunteer and participate in the years Poppy campaign.  We need help with Wreath sales and delivery of trays of Poppies to the stores and businesses, school visitation programs, and Poppy Taggers.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

 

Wreath sales: Wed. & Thurs. Oct. 28^th  & 29^th

Poppy Trays to stores:  Wed. & Thurs. Oct. 28^th  & 29^th

 

Color Party to Schools:  Mon. to Fri. Nov. 4, 5, 6, 9, & 10

Remembrance Day:  Wednesday, November 11^th

Pick-up Trays & Wreaths:  Tuesday, November 12^th & 13^th

 

Poppy Fund donations go to Veterans Hospitals, Seniors Homes,  our local Hospital and Community Services.  We hope this year to meet or exceed last year’s donations and with your support this can be possible.  Thank you.

 

NOTATION TO ALL MEMBERS:  WREATHS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

 

 

 

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THE LAST POST

 

ORDINARY MEMBERS

 

Ireland, Douglas                  Barr, Paul                              James, John H.

Fradette, Frank                    Edwards, Walter T.                 Lindman, Gordon

Holley, William E.                Goundry, Irving                       Coull, Warren

Munro, Carol                        

  

ASSOCIATES

 

Trent, Margaret                      Morrison, Gerald

  

AFFILIATES

 Noel, Frank (December 24^th, 2008)

  

LADIES AUXILIARY

  

Phelps, Mona                          Campbell, Violet                              

Smith, Joanne                         Eyre, Minnie

 

 

 

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

 

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