Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25
JUNE 2017 DISPATCH
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 25
96 Great Northern Rd
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6B 4Y5
Phone: 705-945-8721
Fax: 705-945-6372
Ladies Auxiliary: 705-256-2941
Lounge: 705-256-6921
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.branch25rcl.org
June 6, 1944
D-Day
Plant a Wooden
Poppy June 6th
Korea Parade – Friday June 23, 2017 – 7PM at the locks
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
E. M. Forster said: “Unless we Remember, we cannot
understand”
President’s Report – Respectfully submitted by Wilma Oliver
This being my first of many reports to our “Dispatch”, I
want to first and foremost thank you our members for
your support at our election last month. I am humbled
and honoured that you have elected me to be your
President.
I sincerely believe in the “Purposes and Objects” of the
Royal Canadian Legion, our Mission Statement to
‘SERVE VETERANS, EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL,
THEIR DEPENDANTS, THE COMMUNITY AND
CANADA.’
I am very excited to be working with an Executive
Committee of the calibre that you have chosen from our
ranks.
As I’m sure you are all aware, we have some trying times
ahead of us With costs rising and participation in our
events waving, it is absolutely necessary to make some
changes here in order to maintain our facility. Your
support and help are required in order for us to succeed.
THIS IS YOUR LEGION. It is not run by the President,
or the executive. You (we) the members make all the final
decisions about this Branch. Your atendance at our
monthly meetings is your opportunity to have a voice in
our Legion. I hope you will continue to give your full
support, help and guidance to your new executive. It is
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equally important that you support the Branch in the
community at every opportunity.
If you have any concerns or suggestions, please bring
them to me. My office door is always open. Leave a note
in my mailbox if I’m not here, I will get back to you.
Thanks again for your support, past and future. Let’s
work together to enliven the spirit of Comradeship here
at the Branch.
Past President’s Report – Respectfully submitted by Wayne
Paulencu
This is my last report as President.
To start with I attended at the Armory, the 2310 Army
Cadet Annual Inspection and gave out the Legion Medal of
Excellence to Sgt. Cassandra Breckenridge.
On the 14th. I attended 155 Air Cadet Borden Gray Annual
Inspection and gave out the Legion Medal of Excellence to
Sgt. Ken Edwards.
On the 19th we held our Branch Honours and Awards and
swore in the new Executive Board. Zone Commander
Sandy Ross was guest of honour and there were about 75
people in attendance. There are 5 new people on the
Executive this year, with new ideas and they will be looking
for co-chairs as they go along.
This has been quite a learning experience. I found some of
my qualities were good, some not so good. There were lots
of uphill battles and there was time to goof off.
Last year was one of the worst starts in the fiscal year, with
costs going up, it was hard to keep our head above water.
The Ladies Auxiliary found it hard as well and it was
reflected in their donation to the branch.
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Our Poppy campaign was a good one; not quite as strong
as the previous year, but every campaign is a good
campaign.
To the new members, I want to stress that your help is
needed on the main floor. In the poem “Flanders Field”
one line stands out:
“we must pick up the torch les we break faith with those who
died, the young ones have gotten old and past on, now we are
the young ones.”
The Legion is only as strong and good as its members, so I
challenge each and every one of you – pick up the torch
and make this Legion strong again.
On May 11th., 2017 Linda Lundhild, representing the
Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 25 and myself were in
attendance at the F.J. Davey home to present a cheque
for: $4,944.
The cheque was to purchase two portable units that take
blood pressure, oxygen readings, and temperature. This
allows more time for patient care.
Did you know? The “Davey Home” has more beds than
their Community Hospital but gets less funding and is
also regulated under the Long Term Care Act of 2007.
Since 2004, this amazing facility has had to rely on
donations and fundraising.
A very worthy group of nurses and staff were on hand to
show their appreciation to the Legion, the Ladies
Auxiliary and the Charitable Foundations.
L-R
Cindy Manitowabi, RPN; Krista
McClelland, RPN; Tara Bortolon,
RPN; Erika Wagner, PSW; Linda
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Lundhild, RCL Branch 25 Ladies Aux. rep; Cathy Diotte,
PSW; Wayne Paulencu, President Branch 25; Jane
Mason, RN; and Kerry Hamilton, RPN and Infection
Control Educator.
FJ. Davey Home mission is to provide quality services in a
caring and responsible manner within the available
resources.
Barbara
Harten,
Executive
Director/Administrator states: Our Vision is that each
resident enjoys safe, effective and responsible care to help
them achieve their desired quality of life. Lastly our
values are resident-centred care, dignity, respect,
teamwork, workplace safety and accountability. Our
primary focus is to be a voice for the residents who live
with us.
There are so many myths and misconceptions regarding
the long term cre sector, it is time to educate our
Community of the unique professionalism and dedication
held by our staff who have chosen to care for the elderly.
FJ Davey Home has 374 beds, approximately 500 staff,
over 170 volunteers, the Alzheimer day Program, Meals
on Wheels Program and the White Pines Field School all
under one roof.
Another great donation from the Poppy Fund:
On May 26, the Poppy Committee and Comrade Ron
Rouleau attended at St. Vincent Place on Albert St. and
gave a donation of over $10,764.83 to purchase
commercial refrigerators and a commercial washer and
dryer. Mr. Nat Cicchelli, General Manager of St. Vincent
Place (centre) and Chairman of the Board Mr. Vince
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LaRue were on hand to accept the cheque and were most
welcoming of the funds since the shelter and soup kitchen
house many Veterans (men only) with food and shelter
and any medial/mental health issues they may have.
Kudos to St. Vincent Place – a true charitable
organization.
L-R
Comrade
Elane
Turner;
Comrade
Ann
Robichaud;
Chairman of the
Board St. Vincent
Place, Vince LaRue;
General Manager, St. Vincent Place, Nat Cicchelli;
Comrade Past-President and Poppy Chair Wayne
Paulencu’ Comrade Gwen Dinsdale; Comrade and 2nd
Vice President Ron Rouleau.
There was a terrific arcticle on sootoday.com for those
wishing to read it, go to: https://www.sootoday.com/localnews/donation-will-buy-new-equipment-for-sault-mensshelter-627889. (copy and paste in your browser). There
were some terrific public comments as well.
Membership – Respectfully submitted by 1st. Vice-President
Ernie Bremner
*The following are excerpts from the Legion Magazine:
Canada went to war in 1950 because North Korea’s
invasion of South Korea was a clear affront to the
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principles of the still-fledgling United Nations and was
viewed as a potential stepping stone to more serious
confrontation in Eastern Europe.
In fact, for decades it wasn’t considered a war at all, but a
“police action,” long a sore point with veterans of the
conflict who knew the truth.
On the Korean Peninsula, ruled by Japan from 1910 until
the last days of the Second World War, this meant the
division of Korea along the 38th parallel.
Now, almost 70 years later, some of the players and most
of the dynamics have changed.
Kim Jong-un’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung, wanted to reunify the country. While Kim Jong-un still wants to
reunify the Koreas, his major concern seems to be
agitating the Americans.
….
The implications of war on the Korean Peninsula then
and now are vastly different, and principally lie in two
key factors: South Korea’s thriving economy and North
Korea’s military capabilities, which are believed to
include short-to-medium-range nuclear missles that could
hit cities and U.S. military bases throughout the region.
To read the whole story, check out the Legion Magazine –
Korea, the Forgotten War.
Please join us at the Sault Locks on Friday June 23rd.
Parade step off at 7 PM to honour our Korea Veterans.
WWII VETS
Attention All WWII Veterans of Sault Ste. Marie
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From 2014-2020, Canada is marking the 75th anniversary
of significant milestones in the Second World War.
A commemorative pin and a certificate of recognition has
been produced for those Veterans who served in all
branches of the services during World War II (1939-1945),
in recognition of their dedication and service.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 is organizing a
dinner to recognize the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s surviving
Veterans and present them with the pin and certificate.
This dinner is scheduled for Saturday September 23, 2017.
We are requesting that all Sault Ste. Marie WWII
Veterans contact the Legion, Branch 25 office at 705-9458721 NO LATER THAN AUGUST 18TH., 2017 to register
for this event. We will require the Veterans name, service
number, the years they served and contact information.
The cost of the dinner for the Veteran and one person to
escort them will be paid by the Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 25. This is available to Sault Ste. Marie WWII
Veterans, regardless if they are a Legion member or not.
Tickets may be available to other people intrested in
attending the dinner, which will be determined after all the
Veterans have registered for the event.
We consider it an honour to help pay homage to our
Veterans.
Membership Report – Respectfully submitted by Helen
Stewart
First and foremost let me thank my nominator and the
people who voted for me. It is truly an honour and a
privelege to be part of this amazing organizations and I
pledge to you that I will continue to do my best and utmost
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in any and all roles that our esteemed President so directs.
Thank-you again.
Treasurer’s Report – respectfully submitted by Carol Piper
Good news for our banquet room renters. Along with our
already really reasonably priced hall, if you book both
your stag & doe; doe & doe; or stag & stag AND your
wedding here at the Branch, we will give you one free hall
rental. Of course there are conditions that apply:
a) Must have ladies catering
b) Must have an alcohol bar
c) Must pay for both up front and when the wedding is
done and there is no damage to our hall, we will return
your hall rental fee.
Along with the BOGO, there is sensational ladies cooking
with a varied menu and THE most reasonable prices. Give
us a try – hall rental prices vary:
With the ladies catering and an alcohol bar hall cost is
$170 (all taxes in). That includes set up/tear down/clean up
and the bartender
Remember also, you can be married in the hall just before
your reception if you wish – we can supply names for
decorators or officiants. Give us a call 705-945-8721 and
spread the word.
Also,
i) We have recently started taking bookings for
Sundays. If you have a shower you want done or a
small event, the hall cost is only $170 (all in)
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ii) We have a small board room (~10-15 persons) that
we book all the time for meetings – there is no charge
for this hall, but we do accept donations.
iii) We do Celebration of Life events here. When you
use our Lounge area there is no charge. You can
bring in your own food or have the Ladies cater, we
will set up tables as you require, the bar is open and
the coffee is always on. Come and celebrate your
loved one in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Now, the bad news!
Sadly with the new tax on alcohol, the increased cost of all
alcohol and beer and the 3 minimum wage increases over
the past 4 years, ALL of our bar prices will be increased –
some more significantly than others, of July 1, 2017, We
are sorry to do this, however, we cannot absorb these
increases any longer. We realize that this is not a popular
decision, but it is one that is necessary.
Thank-you for your understanding.
Secretary Report Respectfully submitted by Mary Anne
Martin
On June 17th., 2017, we will be hosting a 50th Anniversary
of when Branch 25 officially opened the present site.
We will have artifacts on display which pertain to this era
of the Legion.
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We will also be dedicating the Board Room as the
“Marilyn Patterson Board Room” at 2 PM.
As part of the celebration, there will be a pot luck luncheon
in the lounge and a dance in the evening. The Legion Band
will also be doing a concert.
There is still some fine tuning to do but will keep you
informed as we go.
Sick & Visiting
At present we have 109 Veterans and spouses we visit in
the six nursing and retirement homes, each receiving a
treat bag, magazine and birthday card (if we know their
birth date). Also, we have two people in the hospital with
broken hips, they also receive a visit from us.
A great big thank you goes out to Elizabeth MacKenzie for
a box of legion blue gift bags that she donated to the sick
and visiting committee. Also gift bags were donated by
other members which are greatly appreciated.
Entertainment
Karaoke is still going on throughout the summer, every
Friday night from 9 – 1
Friday night pool league is still at 7 p.m. If you wish to
play, just come out Fridays
Saturday is free pool from noon until 6 PM
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The Saturday night dances will continue throughout the
summer due to popular demand. The donation box
continues to do well each week, these funds help to pay for
the bands.
Saturday Entertainment for June in the Lounge from 8
PM – 11 PM is listed as follows:
3rd. – Full Circle
10th – Dusty Roads
17th – Dusty Roads
24th – Nostalgia Live
 Wednesday Nights are Jam nights – tuning at 8 – music
at 9 – bring out your instrument and sing along with the
gang in a ‘fire pit’ setting (even though there isn’t a fire
pit) Geoff and the gang will welcome you.
 The horseshoe league has begun and is open to everyone
– not competitive – just come out and enjoy Tuesday
nights at 7.
DON’T MISS THIS AMAZING FIDDLER
Scott Woods (fiddler) will be returning to the Branch on
June 19th. Tickets are on sale now in the office or through
the bar. Great family entertainment. There will be
refreshments for purchase before and after the show – but
not during the show. Cost is $25/adult and $15/child.
Seniors’ Program
The carpet bowlers are continuing throughout the summer
on Monday afternoons from 1:30 – 3:30. This is a good
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time to join in if you have been thinking about bowling.
They have the time to assist you. The Wednesday
afternoon dances closed off May 17th with a grand finale
dance/dinner. The carpet bowlers, members of the sick
and visiting team joined in on the dancing and dinner.
The third annual classic car show and BBQ is set for July
8th., 2017. Included this year are horseshoe games, ring
toss, and bean bag toss. Also, Nostalgia Live will be
playing and hopefully some people will do street
(driveway) dancing. Remember, this is a fundraiser for
both the Legion and ARCH.
Regular Entertainment
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

Monday 8:00 p.m. – band practice upstairs – everyone
welcome
Pint & Nacho days (Tues/Thurs/Saturday) buy a 20 oz.
glass of your favourite draught beverage and get
Nachos with cheese for $7.
Ladies Auxiliary Bingo every Thursday at 1:00 PM –
try the new “Balls” game (last game June 29th)
Thursday 3:00 P.M. – Meat draw in the lounge $1/spin. Vouchers won for either City Meat Market or
Scale Meats
Cenotaph Report – Respectfully submitted by Bill Bennett
Biker Night
We were hoping to start May 1st., but the weather did not
co-operate. We will be running our Biker Coffee Night
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under the canopy from 7PM – 9PM every Monday night
(weather permitting)
This is the fourth year we have been doing this and it is
received very well.
Coffee is 50 cents – everyone welcome. This includes all
motorcycles, past riders, e-bike riders. Looking forward to
another successful season.
H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) has been kind enough to
donate the funds to purchase two more picnic tables for
your comfort – more seating. We wish to thank this group
for their continued support – it is much appreciated.
Ernie Bremner Sue Jones
and Wilma Oliver
At 2017 Poppy planting
Wooden Poppies
Tuesday June 6th (DDay) was the day we
‘planted’ our wooden poppies in the side ‘garden’ and
they look terrific. We thank everyone who could make it
to our ceremony and planted their poppies and to all of
you who purchased a poppy this year or last, again thankyou. This is a great little fundraiser for the Branch and
they honour everyone – member, veteran or not.
The poppies are $10 each and will be personalized with
the name of the person/group you wish to remember.
These can be left here in the ‘garden’ or taken to
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gravesites – whatever you wish to do. Call the office at
705-945-8721 to order your poppy.
Our wooden poppies have grown in popularity so much
that Branch 374 has asked us for our template so that
they can do the same thing on the Island.
If other Branches want to do the same, please let us know
– there are no copyright/infringement problems, we will
be happy to share. They look good!
Again, thank-you to Bill Stewart for cutting out the
poppies and to Dawne Schryer for painting them. We
currently don’t have a designated name printer so if
someone is good at calligraphy, could they please contact
us.
Cadet Report
Breckenridge
–
Respectfully
submitted
by
Pierre
2310 ARMY CADETS 69TH. ANNUAL REVIEW
“Leadership is not a destination. It’s a journey”
Shoes were shined and uniforms were pressed as the 2310
Army Cadets marched through their 69th. Annual
Review. The Annual Review is THE most important
event of the army cadet training year.
On May 1st. Major Pascale Crepault-Breckenridge, who
was also a cadet in Montreal growing up; held various
positions including Governor Generals Food Guards in
Ottawa; and was the first female Commanding Officer of
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2310 Royal Canadian Army Cadets Corps was the
Reviewing Officer.
The audience was treated to performance by the 155 Air
Cadets & 2310 Army Combined Pipes and Drums and
Highland Dancers. The Drill Team with Arms also
performed a concise and synchronized routine. Both will
be heading to the NOA Band and Drill Competition in
North Bay.
The 2310 Army Cadet Corps meets Monday nights at
6:30 pm st the Sault Armoury (375 Pine St.) It is for boys
and girls aged 12-18 and it is free to join. New recruits
are welcome to attend any Monday night. To learn more
about Army Cadets and opportunities with challenging
experiences while learning to become future leaders visit:
www.cadets.ca
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155 Borden Gray Air Cadet 75th Annual Review
The Annual Review took place on Saturday May 6th., 2017
at the Sault Ste. Marie Armoury to mark their 75 year
anniversary.
Col. Nishika Jardine, CD Deputy Commandant, Canadian
Forces College, and former 155 Air Cadet, was this year’s
Reviewing Officer. With 35 years of distinguished service
in the Canadian Armed Forces, Col. Nishika Jardine began
her military career in the Soo in 1982.
MP Terry Sheehan presented the Squadron a Canadian
Peace Flag that flew in the Peace Tower on Parliament
Hill. The average wait time is 63 years for this flag request
to be honoured says Sheehan.
In 1941, the Air Cadet League of Canada was formed to
train you men while providing an interest and training in
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aviation and good citizenship. The 155 Sault Ste. Marie
Squadron was formed in 1942 and was made up of boys
aged 14-18.
Women were officially admitted to the Air Cadet League of
Canada in 1975. The 155 Air Cadets admitted female
members to the squadron in 1973.
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LAST POST – WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
(to date of printing)
Veteran Dr. J.B. Scarratt
Comrade/Veteran and Past President
Gord Kelly
Veteran Gerald Wilson
June Veteran Birthdays
John Zorzi, Ruby Farmer, K.M. Gagnon, R.C. Lavallee,
C.G. Taylor, F.W.E. Curtis, H.C. Godson, Peter Smith,
Paul Paolini
MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY
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Did You Know?
a) In case of a blackout, a crayon will burn for 30
minutes.
b) A recent study has found that women who carry a little
extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.
c) The best way to teach your kids about taxes is by
eating 30% of their ice cream.
d) I hate it when I see an old person and then realize that
we went to school together.
May Monthly Draw Winners
$2000 – Jaime McMillan – Ticket #8143
$1000 – Shannon McLeod – Ticket #5625
$500 – Chuck Peer – Ticket #4023
CONGRATULATIONS!!
May 2017 winners of calendar lottery
Heather & Clint Baic, Debra Fitzgerald, Marty White,
Mel Findlay, Tom & Nancy Worthing, Gisella Servant,
Emilio Andreola, Phillis Whalen, Stephanie Sammon,
Michael & Christine Applejohn, Terry Hunt, Kurt
Schryer & Angela Parker, Shannon Aubertin, Patsy
MacRoberts, Tony Taylor, Aron Byers, Winnifred
McLarty, Sarah Lowe, Sarah & Josh Mansfield, Max
Trick, Con & Linda Garrett, Bill Huckson, Carol
Simmons, Donald Badgero, Donald Rioux, Lori Edwards,
Kyle & Sarah Lappage, Steve Rattray, Jim Huckson,
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Margaret McMillan Caledon, Dana Burns, Jack &
Henrietta Callam, Ellen & John Manzo
Upcoming Special Events
Pasta Fundraiser is on for Wednesday June 21st.
$10/adult - $5/child (5-10 years) – Children under 5 are
free.
All you can eat regular or whole wheat pasta, salad, bread,
tea/coffee and bread. Desserts are available to purchase
Pancake Breakfast is on Sunday June 25th from 9:30 a.m.
– Noon. Cost is $10/adult - $5/child (5-10 years) – children
under 5 are free.
Includes all you can eat pancakes w/ St. Joe’s maple syrup,
breakfast
sausage,
scrambled
eggs
and
fruit,
coffee/tea/juice/milk.
This will be our last pancake breakfast until September
24th. Thank-you all for the support, have a great summer
and we’ll see you around the Branch.
CANADA’S 150TH Since this is Canada’s 150th birthday,
wouldn’t it be nice to celebrate the country our veterans
have fought for by having a “Legion” Float in the
Community Day Parade?
If anyone would like to help with this endeavour, or know
someone with a truck and/or a flatbed we could use, please
call us at the office 705-945-8721
Wheelchair/walker loans.
Often wonder why the Branch no longer accepts
wheelchairs, walkers and the like. We used to take them,
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fix them if they needed repair and lend them out to those
who needed them.
Well some time ago, it was decided here that due to the
liability issue, we could no longer carry on with this
service.
Well apparently according to the Toronto Sun on June 1,
2017 Branch 43 in Oshawa has had to do the same – it’s a
shame really, but…………..
DON’T FORGET WE STILL COLLECT
1.
Pop Tabs: Every tab you bring in is gratefully
received. Please continue to bring them.
2.
Pop cans for the Shriners to compact and sell the
scrap metal for donations to their hospital projects.
3.
***Campbell Soup Company has stopped the
practice of collecting soup labels. Thank-you to all who
contributed in the past.***
4.
Canadian Tire Money is used for the children’s
Christmas Party.
5.
Used eyeglasses are shipped to third world countries.
6.
Lock City Milk Bags.
This project is really
growing!. At $0.05 per bag, we are doing well. All of the
money must be used for youth activities so we basically use
it for our children’s Christmas party. Keep those bags
coming in!! We can only recycle Lock City Milk bags, all
other brands are discarded.
GOLF CARDS
Here’s a thought – think GOLF!! Think helping the
Military Family Support Group here in the city –
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purchase a Golf Card for $15. There are deals from:
Silver Creek, The Jewel - Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island),
Sault Ste. Marie Golf Course, Root River, Hessel, Black
Lake, Cheboygan, Huron Pines, Indian River, Newberry,
St. Ignac, Stone Ridge (Elliot Lake), Tanglewood, The
Oaks and the Rock at Drummond Island.
Great value – go golfing and help out at the same time.
If there is anything you would like to see in the Dispatch,
please contact the Office, leave your suggestion and we
can see if it will fit. If any Branch of the Military (cadets
and family support group included) would like us to
advertise something in our Dispatch – please do not
hesitate to ask.
We are here to serve our Veterans, Members and our
Community – please help us to do that.
The following is a list of our new Executive - without
input from our members, we will only stagnate.
Congratulations to our new Executive and thank-you for
your service to those who are not returning.
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2017-2019 Officers/Executive & Committee Chair
President – Wilma Oliver
Past President & Poppy Chair – Wayne Paulencu
st
1 . Vice/ Sgt. @ Arms & Honours & Awards and T.OD. –
Ernie Bremner
nd
2 . Vice – Ron Rouleau – Service Officer & Museum
Curator
rd
3 . Vice – Wm. Bennett – Cenotaph & Donation Review
Secretary – Mary Anne Martin – Srs/Entertainment/Sick
& Visiting
Treasurer – Carol Piper
Youth Education – Pat Vardy
Branch Padre(s) Rev. Phil Miller
Capt. Pat Vardy
Mrs. Helen Smith
Bar Chair – Lucas McFadden
Building & Mtce. – Rick Pihlaja
Bursary – Warren Pihlaja
Membership – Helen Stewart
PRO – Debbie Rouleau
Track & Field – Pierre Breckenridge
Sports – Rick Pihlaja
Burial – Elane Turner
If there is anything any one of us can do, please do not
hesitate to contact the office (705-945-8721).
The Legion is here to help, please help us to do that.
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