Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25

JUNE 2018

DISPATCHRoyal Canadian Legion Br. 25

96 Great Northern RdSault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6B 4Y5

Phone: 705-945-8721Fax: 705-945-6372

Ladies Auxiliary: 705-256-2941Lounge: 705-256-6921

E-mail: rclbranch25@shawbiz.caWebsite: www.branch25rcl.org

Wednesday June 6th., 2018

Plant our Wooden Poppies at 11 am

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Quote of the Day

From George Eliot’s Poem – Count the Day

If you sit down at the set of sunAnd count the acts that you have done

And counting findOne self-denying deed, one word

That eased the heart of him who heardOne glance most kind

That fell like sunshine where it went,Then you may count that day well spent.

Ronald Reagan said: “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A Veteran doesn’t have that problem.”

President’s Report – Respectfully submitted by Wilma Oliver

At our last General Membership Meeting, L-R Branch President Wilma Oliver, LA President Wendy Phillips

and 1st. Vice President Gail Carter-Hill presented Branch 25 with a most generous cheque - $20,000.

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We thank the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 25 for the relentless work that they put in to make this generous gift possible. Thank-you so much.

Your Branch has had a host of exciting projects this past month. I hope many of you were able to take in some of these events.At our General meeting May 2nd. our very busy service officer, Comrade Ron Rouleau was awarded the District H Service Officer of the year award provided by Sherry Culling our Provincial Service Officer. Congratulations Ron! Well deserved.

On Saturday May 5th., we held our 90th Anniversary Party. Thanks to the efforts of Comrades Pierre Brekenridge and Richard Pihlaja it was quite a success. Dignataries; MP Terry Sheehan, MPP Ross Romano, Mayor Christian Provenzano, District H Commander, Comrade Steve Fresh; and, District H4 Zone Commander Sandy Ross were all in attendance and expressed their congratulations. The Branch received certificates of Congratulations from Ontario Command delivered by Comrade Ross and a certificate from the Province on the occasion of this anniversary, delivered by MPP Ross Romano.

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On this same occasion, the Branch had the honour of presenting over 100 Certificates of Appreciation to our hardworking volunteers without whom we could not survive. A lovely lunch was catered by the Ladies Auxiliary, and an anniversary cake was served – followed by fellowship in the lounge.On a beautiful Sunday May 6th., the annual Battle of the Atlantic parade and ceremony of Remembrance was held at the waterfront just east of the City Hall with a nice turnout once again. This was followed by a luncheon back at the Branch.I had the honour of installing the new officers of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Branch at their monthly meeting on May 9th., 2018. Congratulations to the New Executive.On the 15th of May, Don and I had the pleasure of attending the Seniors Grande Finale dinner here at the Branch. A very nice turnout to wrap up their season’s activities. Several programs are ending this month for the summer, giving the many volunteers a well-deserved rest for the summer.This will be the final General Meeting of the Branch until September 5th., 2018. I hope you all have a safe and restful summer.

Ladies Auxiliary President Report – Respectfully submitted by Wendy Phillips

I would like to thank our President of Branch 25, Comrade Wilma Oliver, for doing our installations of our new President of the Ladies Auxiliary Gail Carter-Hill and her executive.

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We attended a convention in White River. It was well attended by all auxiliaries.At the Branch`s General Membership Meeting in May, the Ladies Auxiliary presented a cheque for $20,000 to the Branch. President Wilma Oliver accepted the donation.Since most members do not know what the Ladies Auxiliary has donated to the Branch over the past year, here is a little update. Lunches for the monthly meetings are all donated - $1000/year. Branch functions, i.e. Robbie Burns, Senior Dinner Dances, Remembrance Day, etc. are all done for cost of food. Our donation for these functions was $4,518.00 for the past year. We bought a new microwave for $135 and a new bulletin board for $110. We also donated $1850 from bingo for the hall rental. This comes to a total of $7613, on top of the $20,000 cash donation.

1 st V-P/Honours & Awards/Sgt @ Arms Report – Respectfully submitted by Ernie Bremner

We were asked if we would like to participate in this great event – and why not?? Any Veteran is eligible, just let us know.

Sgt@Arms – if there is anyone out there interested in and willing to march with the colour

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party this season, please contact myself (Ernie) at the office 705-945-8721.The Korea Vets parade will be on Friday June 22nd., 2018 at the locks cairn – step off is at 7 PM – everyone welcome. After the parade – there will be a light luncheon at the Branch.

Metro Grocery Store in Churchill Plaza will be hosting the 2nd Annual Fundraiser for the Legion Branch on July 14, 2018. There will be a BBQ to raise funds. There will more information coming, but please set that day aside to attend this fun event.

2 nd V-P/Museum/Service Officer Reports Respectfully submitted by Ron Rouleau

OUR COMRADE AND FRIEND KATHLEEN ESHKIBOK who lives in Wiikwemkoong, Little Current ran a contest on the island for a “Veteran’s Story” for either essay and art. Kathleen went to businesses etc. and also contributed herself for the prizes.Kathleen declared herself ecstatic over the response to her vision to see today’s Anishinaabe youth explore the sacrifices made by their relatives when they stepped up to serve in the Canadian and American forces during both world wars and other conflicts, despite being exempt from such service and paying a cost in their own nationhood to do so. “Would you give up your citizenship to go fight for your country?” she asked. “This was the choice that faced the Anishnaabek when they stepped forward to enlist. You were enfranchised

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(given citizenship and the right to vote in Canadian elections, most First Nations residents did not have that right prior to the 1960’s) and if you lived off the reserve for four years, you were removed from the band list.”There were two categories in the contest whose winners were announced at the Remembrance Day ceremonies held November 10th at the Wiikwemkoong High School. The collage/visual arts or mixed media category top prize of $300 went to Julianna Pitawanakwat and the $100 second prize went to Elija Bell. First prize in the essay portion of the contest went to Jasmyn Manitowabi and the $100 second place essay prize went to Gabriel Trudeau.Kathleen went on to thank all of the students who wrote the names of all of the veterans on the poppies in the entrance to the school. First prize winner Jasmyn Manitowabi’s essay explored the service of the patriarch of her family and Wiikwemkoong legend Andrew Manitowabi, founder of the economic powerhouse known as Andy’s and the Andrew Manitowabi Group.

Jasmyn’s essay is:

“Andrew (Andy) Manitowabi was an outstanding and strong man who enlisted in the Second World War on June 4th., 1939 at the age of 19. Andrew went to Little Current one day with his friend Walter Majeki, the both of them came across a sign saying ‘join the army and see the world.’ They found it very interesting and exciting. They both enlisted their parents’ support to go to war! Andrew left his home at Wiikwemkoong

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Unceded Indian Reserve to go train as an engineer from Little Current to Toronto at the Exhibition centre. Their engineer unit built bridges, blew up land mines, repaired roads and army trucks. The Second World War was North of Rome in Italy. Everywhere Andrew and his crew went, they would carry their rifles with them because there was so much fighting going on. The trenches they built were 2 feet deep and that’s where they would sleep. Twenty of Andrew’s crew who were sleeping nearby in a tent were blown up bad. Andrew and the other four or five of them stayed in Toronto for about two weeks to train and getting organized for their unit, they were moved to Petawawa and stayed there for about six months and got moved again to Nova Scotia. It was their unit 8 that was in 1942 in May. Andrew used all kinds of weapons, such as rifles, machine guns, heavy artillery, the aircraft bombs and so much more. Andrew’s training was to build bridges and landmines since he was a disciplined soldier, he had to do what he was asked and told to do. The equipment he operated was he had a rifle, every one of them had a rifle to carry around. The crew had to learn how to drive trucks and jeeps and Andrew learned how to drive in the war.At the end of the Second World War in 1945, Andrew received a Defence Medal, Volunteer Medal, Italy Medal, France Medal and the England Medal.”

Kathleen should be commended for bringing forward this great method of teaching and learning about Aboriginal soldiers. Congratulations to all who entered and to Kathleen for this momentous effort.

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Reports Respectfully submitted by Mary Anne Martin

On-going Entertainment

Every day of the week is Member’s price times from 2 PM – 6 PM. Monday – Carpet Bowling at 1:30 PM - $2/person AND band practice upstairs at 8 pm – all welcome Every Wednesday – Acoustic Jam with Geoff – starts at 8 PM Thursday – Bingo Upstairs – 1PM and Meat Draw downstairs at 3:00 PM (Prime Cuts, City Meats or Scale Meats vouchers - $1/spin) Friday Night Pool – 7 PM Karaoke is every Friday from 9 PM to 1 AM Of Course there’s the Saturday Night dances – see the schedule below:

Entertainment – The bands for June. Music starts at 8 PM and goes until 11 PM – good dance music.

June 2nd – Full Circle June 9th – Dusty Roads

June 16th – Nostalgia Live June 23rd – RF Wave

June 30th – Full Circle

The next free draws will be held on the 16th of June. You have to be in attendance to win.

The Saturday night bands will continue throughout the summer months as will the free draws.

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The ever popular Scott Woods Show will be on Sunday June 17th at 2:00 PM This is a great father’s day gift for those fathers who have everything. Tickets are $25 each and can be obtained through the Branch.

Sick & Visiting – I wish to say thank you for all who came forward to help out with deliveries of goody bags to the nursing home. Do you know of any veterans/spouses/members at the Cedarwood Lodge. It has been on the board for months and we have found no one who may require a visit from us. If you hear of anyone, please let me know.

Seniors – The Wednesday Dances are finished for the summer and will return October 10th for the 2018/19 season.Monday Carpet Bowling will continue throughout the summer, unless the hall is rented.Both the carpet bowlers and Wednesday dancers enjoyed their annual Grand Finale on the 15th of May, a good turnout. Madam President Wilma and Comrade Don Oliver were in attendance for the fabulous dinner prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary.Classic Car Show – The fourth annual car show and barbecue will be on Saturday July 7th., 2018 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

This is a fund-raiser for the Legion. Live

Music, Barbecue Patio,

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Random Prizes - $10 registration fee – Play area for kids under ten years of age.Membership– Respectfully submitted by Helen Stewart

Thank-you to everyone who helped in any way with our Pancake Breakfast. This was a huge success!! And, to the people who came on Sundays – we couldn’t do it without you. We will resume Pancake Breakfast on Sunday September 30th – hope to see you there.Wednesday June 6th., we will be ‘planting’ our wooden poppies again this year. Yes we still have some for sale - $10 each. They look wonderful in the white stone. Our aim is to have the entire north side covered with poppies and start on the south side. Just let us know what you want on it, and our careful and caring Jenn will take care of that for you.FYI – Did you notice on the Memorial Cup hockey broadcast that everyone was wearing a poppy? Here is the reason why:“The Memorial Cup trophy was originally dedicated to the Veterans of the First World War,” says Dominion President David Flannigan. “Since we’re recognizing the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, and of the tournament itself, there is added significance this year.” In 2010 the Cup was rededicated to all fallen Canadian military personnel.The Royal Canadian Legion is very proud to be a strong supporter of the Memorial Cup Hockey Tournament.

The Branch will be hosting a yard sale on Saturday July 28th. Tables to rent will be $20 each. We are

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asking for donations of gently used items but NO large furniture or clothing/shoes of any kind. Small furniture (coffee tables/end tables) will be accepted along with any household items that are in clean working condition.

LET’S GET SAUCED

One of our new members, Margaret Ann Pettalia has agreed to hold a preserving/canning night here at the Branch. We will make her famous ‘steak sauce’ that can be used on any meat, eggs, quiche, or pasta. If you would like to learn how to make this, or if you would just like a fun night out – check out the poster attached. We are limited to space in the kitchen and if this is popular enough, we will host two events. We will also look into the possibility of making hot, pickled vegetables. Let us know!!Since we have no General Membership meetings July and August, I would like to wish everyone a warm and sunny summer. Be safe, and we will see you back here September 5th., 2018.

Track & Field and Cadet Report – Respectfully submitted by Pierre Breckenridge

Track & Field – Mike (McH2Os) and I continue to make available information and forms to coaches for local athletes. A few individuals have also contacted the branch direct. Many thanks to Helen for tracking down the dates and information for the first meet which is in Sudbury on June 16, 2018 – 9:00 am and the

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deadline for registration through the office is Friday June 8th. There are registration and waiver forms that must be completed by every participant. These are available in the office if required.

Cadet Liaison Officer – The 2310 Army Cadets and 155 Air Squadron participated in the area band and drill competition in North Bay earlier this Month. The Army cadets placed 3rd in the drill with arms tri-service competition commanded by WO Cassandra Breckenridge.

The combined pipes and drums of the 155 Air Squadron and 2310 Army Cadets placed 1st and represented Northern Ontario at the Provincial competition in Borden, May 26th. News flash!! The combined pipes and drums came in 2nd at the Provincial competition with 2310 Army Cadet WO Grace Assignak taking top spot as Drum Major. Congratulations!!

A reminder that June 3rd is the 46 Sea Annual Review.

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June 10th – is #30 Newman’s annual review. The Sr. Corps continue to prepare their cadets for summer camp opportunities and finish up their training.

On June 9th – the 2310 Army Cadets will have their annual Vimy March. This year the cadets have chosen to support local athletes who will participate in the Special Olympics Ontario 2019 Provincial Winter Games here in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. They will start the march at Fort Creek and finish at Bellevue Park. Later that same day, Army cadets from various time periods will be attending an anniversary event upstairs at the Legion. All past cadets, officers and staff are invited to this reunion – a light lunch will be served. The meet and greet will begin at 18:00 and the bar will open at 20:00.

Building & Sports – Respectfully submitted by Rick Pihlaja

You are probably aware that our second roof top unit went on the fritz. The cost to repair, as reported last month, will be upwards of $4000. However, without the rooftop unit, we don’t have air conditioning either on the east side of the building – which means it will be very damp. The west side unit can try to keep up, but ………… This may mean spending the money for repairs to this unit before we wanted to. Also, you may or may not notice the cardboard on the window of the lounge. Yes, someone decided we needed to have new windows so a rock was thrown and voila, glass doesn’t win over a rock. At the same time, the

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handle to the outside elevator door was broken. Estimates to repair the window ranges from $200-400. Estimate to repair the handle were at $80.We have had the door at the top of the stairs repaired at a cost of $800 and the hinges on the elevator outside door replaced at a cost of $150. These are not things we can wait to do – we still live here.Repairs are on-going.

Public Relations – Respectfully Submitted by Debbie Rouleau

As we all know, the best advertising is ‘word of mouth’ – please help us promote the events in the Dispatch by telling your friends and family. Let your people know about upcoming events so they can come and participate, and also let them know what a good time you’ve had after being at a Legion dance, pancake breakfast, pasta supper, Friday night Karaoke, playing pool or darts, etc. Our Legion can only help support our veterans if we can bring in income from these fun activities. Do you live in an apartment building? If your landlord allows posting information on a community bulletin board in your building, we would appreciate being able to put posters up regarding upcoming Legion events. We would be willing to e-mail you a poster, if you can post it for us. Please e-mail us at rclbranch25@shawbiz.ca if you can participate in this.

As you know this is our 90th anniversary as a Branch. We would love to put a float into the Community Day

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Parade on July 21st and we would need to order supplies so time is of the essence. If you are willing to set up a crew to make our float, we would be eternally grateful. Please contact the office 705-945-8721 if you are willing to help us out here. We have ideas also, we just need someone to spearhead the operation.

LAST POST – WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Veteran & Comrade Russ DisanoVeteran & Comrade Joyce Armstrong

June Veteran Birthdays

John Zorzi, John Campbell, Tyler St. John, Ruby Farmer, K. Gagnon, D. Hart, R.C. Lavallee, A. Peterson, A.P. Smyth, Bill Bennett, C.G Taylor, F.W.E. Curtis, W. Singleton, H. Godson, Laura Harten, Donna Martin, Peter Smith, Paul Paolini Jr., J. Brunette, E. M. Theriault, R. J. Dinsdale, T. J. St. John, D.A. Griswold, D. Kidd, Bruce Pearce,

MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY

Ways & Means Respectfully submitted by Betty Irvine

I am currently working on getting the 2019 calendar up and going so we can have it (hopefully) by September. The hardest part is the front cover picture – any suggestions?

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May Monthly Draw Winners

$2000 – Ticket # 4396 – Carol Davieaux$1000 – Ticket # 7852 – Ray Sleeman

$500 – Ticket # 5750 – Tom Walsh

May 2018 winners of calendar lottery

Al Lamirante, Stephanie Whalen, Justic Cristillo, Cathy & Omer Vernier, Kayla Nicholson, Linda Greco, Eddy Vezina, Brian Campbell, Dan Smith, Elaine DeJong, Linda Greco (yes again), Susan Gervais, Mr. & Mrs. Mike MacKay, Marty White, Terri Vaillencourt, Dawne Schryer, Jane Martin-Bennett, Sheila Cyr, Dianna Madill, Cyndy Hammond, Paul & Heather McDonald, Ron Robert, Eugene Poirier, Nadine Perlini, Krystyna Loza, Heather Martin, Edward Rayner, Mike Lauzon,

THAT’S NOT MY JOB

(From Free Humanity – thank-you to Cal King for posting this)

This is a story about four people named: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody

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blamed Somebody and Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

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 children’s hospital projects.3. Canadian Tire Money is used for the children’s Christmas Party.4. Used eyeglasses are shipped to third world countries.5. Lock City Milk Bags . 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.

The monies we collect stay locally. None of our pop tab, milk bags or Canadian Tire money goes out of town. Strictly local.

Please don’t forget:

1. The Ladies Family Pasta supper is on Wednesday June 27th., from 5pm – 7 pm. An excellent, reasonably priced meal.

2. Our next general meeting is Wednesday June 6th – this will be our last General Meeting until September.

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3. The Ladies Strawberry social is on Sunday June 10th from 1pm – 3pm. See the poster attached.

4. Scott Woods will be here for a Father’s Day show on Sunday June 17th – 2 pm

5. July 8th – the 4th Annual Classic Car Show.

The Royal Canadian Legion Band is looking for band members. Horns, drums, bells, cymbals – if you can play any of these instruments, please contact Debbie Rouleau through the Branch. 705-945-8721

We would also like to see more people march with the Colour Party at special events like our parades. There may be a few out of town parades, but nothing overseas.

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.

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2017-2019 Officers/Executive & Committee Chair

President – Wilma OliverPast President & Poppy Chair – Wayne Paulencu

1st. Vice/ Sgt. @ Arms & Honours & Awards and T.OD. – Ernie Bremner

2nd. Vice – Ron Rouleau – Service Officer & Museum Curator

3rd. Vice – Wm. Bennett – Cenotaph & Donation Review Secretary – Rob Gardner

Srs/Entertainment/Sick & Visiting – Mary Anne MartinTreasurer – Carol Piper

Youth Education – Pat VardyBranch Padre(s) Rev. Phil Miller

Capt. Pat VardyMrs. Helen Smith

Bar Chair – Peter MillerBuilding & Mtce. and Sports – Rick Pihlaja

Bursary – Warren PihlajaMembership – Helen Stewart

PRO – Debbie RouleauTrack & Field and Cadet Liaison – Pierre Breckenridge

Burial – Elane TurnerWays & Means – Betty Irvine

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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