Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25

MAY 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

Battle of the Atlantic Parade Sunday May 6, 2018 – Step Off from East Parking Lot at Station Mall 10:45 am

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Quote of the Day

1. People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers (or on-line) with news. So said A.J. Liebling

2. Chris Rock says: you don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.

3. To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone (Reba McEntire)

President’s Report – Respectfully submitted by Wilma Oliver

On April 8th at Greenwood Cemetery, the annual Vimy Ridge commemorative parade was held. It was cold, but bright sunny day and a large contingent of cadets, Legion members, Legion Band, Colour party, dignitaries and members of the public were on hand. It was on this occasion that our Vimy memorial oak sapling was dedicated. Lunch was enjoyed at both the Armory and the Legion following for the service.The week-end of April 14th., Comrades Helen Stewart, Betty Irvine and I attended the District Convention held in Sudbury representing Branchf 25.On April 17th., the restructuring committee met with Sam Butkovitch regarding our con-going plans to downsize. We will be meeting again on May 8th.Tuesday April 24th., four members of the executive met with the L.A. executive for our bi-annual exchange of problems and successes and I felt it was a worthwhile time of exchange of ideas.

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We are looking forward to some upcoming activities in the month ahead. Sunday April 29th was our Pancake Breakfast. If you haven’t attended in the past, you should give us a try. We really do make the best pancakes!!We will look forward to seeing you all here for our Anniversary celebration of this Branch on May 5th. It will be our honour at this event to celebrate our many volunteers without whom we couldn’t manage.Battle of the Atlantic will take place this coming Sunday (May 6th) at the Roswell Park (near city hall). See you there.

Ladies Auxiliary President Report – Respectfully submitted by Wendy Phillips

Well ladies, it looks and feels like spring has finally arrived.Our Family Pasta Dinner was great. We had a super turn out. Desserts were great. The next one is on Wednesday May 23rd., from 5pm – 7 pm.At this time I would like to thank my Executive for their support during my year as President. I also want to congratulate our in-coming President and her elected executive. I am sure she will have a great year.On April 11th – the Ladies Auxiliary voted in a new executive for the upcoming year. The following people will sworn in and take office as of June 1, 2018:

President: Gail Carter-Hill1st Vice President: Marg Swystun Treasurer: Maureen Magini

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Secretary: Donna Martin

I also want to wish the Ladies who are travelling to White River for the Zone Convention on May 5th., safe travels.

Who has never seen the magnificent white spruce at the south east corner of our Branch. That white spruce was planted by the SSMarie Horticultural Society in 1984 in honour of Mr. Harold Tolley. Mr. Tolley was Reeve of Tarentorus Township and City Clerk, heavily involved with the Horticultural Society. Mr. Tolley was also the Service Officer here at the Branch during the 80’s. It is a beautiful tree and the next time you see it, you will know why it is there.

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

The good news!! The Battle of the Atlantic parade will step off from (Sears) the mall parking lot at 10:45 am.

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Please form up before 10:30 am to be ready. We will march to the park beside city hall and after the service we will march back and to the Branch for a light luncheon.

The not so good news!

Due to the increase in beer/draught/liquor prices and wage increases, and because we have done a poor job of keeping up with these trends, it is now imperitive that we increase our bar prices.

Domestic Beer from $4.25 to $4.35Domestic Liquor from $4.75 to $5.00

Wine from $4.25 to $4.50Draft Beer

8 oz. glass from $2.35 o $2.6020 oz glass from $5.25 to $6.4032 oz glass from $8.25 to $10.2548 oz glass from $11.25 to $15.25

We realize that some of these price increases are significant, but it just shows how far behind we were in our cost management. And, to add insult to injury, there was a 1.2% increase in beer on April 1st.

Sgt@Arms – if there is anyone out there interested in and willing to march with the colour party this season, please contact myself (Ernie) at the office 705-945-8721

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

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On April 3rd., and 4th., Comrade Pat Vardy and I attended a two-day information session at the Water Tower Inn for Veterans. It was well attended by companies offering a variety of services, such as counseling, massage therapy, financial air from Veterans Affairs and of course, Legion Assistance. Unfortunately there were more presenters than veterans in attendance. We did hear concerns from people about the amount of paperwork that is required through Veterans Affairs, and the lack of a local office in Sault Ste. Marie. I brought up the topic of service dogs and the long 9 year wait that is required to get a person with PTSD partnered up with a dog. That is too long a wait, and hopefully we can get resources to a Veteran before it’s too late for them to receive help. The North Bay Veterans Family Support Group has been back twice since the seminar and will be back in May at the Water Tower Inn. A Veterans Affairs case worker is also scheduled to visit in May, which we hope is a good trend to support our Veterans.Veterans Affairs have recently brought out two new programs; one providing emergency funding to Veterans needing funds for housing, food, family emergency or medication. The other is to provide education funding for Veterans toward tuition in various amounts, depending on years of service. These programs have been brought about by our new Veterans Affairs Minister; Terry Sheehan, MP is trying to arrange a visit by the Minister to the Sault. Also, Terry is aware of our interest and promoting a V.A. office here.Museum Report – We had a wonderful turnout for the Vimy Ridge parade and dedication of the Vimy Sapling

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at the Greenwood Cemetery on April 8th. The snow stopped and the sun actually came out to warm us and shine on our little sapling. It was great to have the Legion Colour Party and Band lead the parade, along with colours from the Royal Sovereign Sea Cadets, Newman Navy League, 2310 Army Cadets and the 155 Air Cadets Pipe Band. There was also a nice gathering of the public, plus the “Thirsty Thursday” group, who donated the funds to purchase the Vimy tree.

L-RJimmy Casola, Randy McDonald, Eddie Slobodecki, Dirk Hallaert, Fred Pitcher and John Campbell L-R

We were very pleased to have MP Terry Sheehan give a moving historic speech on how the Vimy Tree Program came about. I want to thank our great City employees who work at the cemetery who planted and protected our wee tree through the harsh winter, and gave up their day off to clear the snow and attend the ceremony. Thank-you to allThe ceremony remembering the Battle of the Atlantic will be held Sunday May 6th., at 11:00 am at Roswell Park behind the City Hall – all are welcome. We hope the sun gods shine on our parade.

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Quick Facts on the Battle of the Atlantic

The Royal Canadian Navy began the war with 13 vessels and 3,500 sailors, and ended it as the third largest Allied navy with 373 ships and more than 110,000 sailors (all volunteers), which included the 6,500 women serving in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Services. Aircraft from Royal Canadian Air Force Eastern Air Command, Royal Canadian Air Force crews in Royal Air Force Coastal Command and ships from the Royal Canadian Navy helped sink 50 U-boats. The merchant marine suffered tremendous losses in ships and crews. By the end of the war, as many as 72 Canadian merchant ships would be lost to enemy action – torpedoed, bombed, mined or shelled. Storms at sea, operational accidents and structural shortcomings also took their toll. Some 2000 sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy were killed during the war, the vast majority of them in the Battle of the Atlantic zone. Another 752 aircrew members of the Royal Canadian Air Force also died in this theatre of operations. The Battle of the Atlantic lasted the during of the Second World War in Europe, which officially ended on May 8, 1945 (known as V-E Day). There are more facts at www.veterans.gc.ca

Reports Respectfully submitted by Mary Anne MartinOn-going Entertainment

Monday – Carpet Bowling at 1:30 PM - $2/person AND band practice upstairs at 8 pm – all welcome

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Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday is Pint and Nacho days. Buy a 20 oz. glass of your favourite draught and get Nachos for $7.50

Every day of the week is Member’s price times from 2 PM – 6 PM. Member pricing is the old prices from the list above.

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 May. Music starts at 8 PM and goes until 11 PM – good dance music.

May 5th – Dusty Roads May 12th – RF Wave

May 19th – Full Circle May 26th – Full Circle

Special prizes to be given out as part of the 90th

anniversary celebrations. You have to be in attendance to win. The Saturday night bands will continue throughout the summer months.

Scott Woods and his band will be “Fiddling up a Storm” here at the Branch on Father’s Day June 17th at 2 PM. What a great father’s day gift and a nice Sunday event. Scott and his band are world renowned and many many people are continued supporters. With Scott will be Steve Piticco, guitar virtuoso and Lea Stock champion step dancer. Gonna be a good one. Tickets are

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$25/adult and $10/child and are available here at 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.

Seniors – The 2017-18 season is winding down and will end on Mayt 15th with our Grand Finale. Both the Carpet Bowlers and Wednesday dancers enjoy an afternoon of dancing to the Happy Days Band then have a dinner prepared by our LA

Classic Car Show – The fourth annual car show and barbecue will be on July 7th., 2018 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

This is a fund-raiser for the Legion. Live

Music, Barbecue Patio, Random Prizes - $10 registration fee – Play area for kids under Ten

Membership– Respectfully submitted by Helen Stewart

In case you are wondering – the branch offers Celebrations of Life downstairs in the lounge at no cost. It is a friendly, comfortable place to gather to remember your loved ones. You do NOT need to be a veteran, NOR a member – just someone who wants friends and family to be comfortable and share stories. You are allowed to bring in your own food, or the Ladies

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Auxiliary can provide a luncheon, and we will set up a memorabilia table for you if you wish. The bar is open for those wishing refreshments, and the coffee is on. You need not use the Royal Canadian Legion as your donation of choice.

*** Do you have a gently used ipod, or MP3 player or iPhone or headphones???? Or perhaps your children/grandchildren do - Would you help out The Davey Home for their dementia patients?? Please bring your gently used equipment here to the Branch or take it to the Davey Home for their “Songs for Seniors” program. If you want more information, there is a great write-up in sootoday.com

Wednesday June 6th., we will be ‘planting’ our wooden poppies again this year. Yes we still have some for sale $10 each. 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.

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

Track & Field – We are still in the process of speaking to th schools and coaches to ensure they know about our program. Mike McWatters (co-chair) is the lead on this.

Cadets – Members of the Legion along with Vterans and all three cadet corps attended the 101st anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge April 8th and dedicated the

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Vimy Sapling. A number of community leaders were also in attendance. This event went very well and a big thank-you goes out to the Greenwood Cemetery staff.The 2310 Army Cadets attended the provincial air rifle championship and placed 10th out of 23 units. Many of the cadets had personal best scores and we are very pleased with their progress.All three Sr. Corps are preparing for the upcoming band and drill competition in May in addition to their annual reviews.Please remember the Battle of Atlantic parade Sunday May 6th.

Building & Sports – Respectfully submitted by Rick Pihlaja

Building finally the East roof-top heat exchanger is working at a cost of $8000+ (dance floor side downstairs), just in time to have the west side (pool table side) go down. A quote has been received for $4,000+ to repair that one. In the meantime, technicians had to come out to re-repair the East side one and place a new part in one of the upstairs units – this will be additional cost.

Public Relations – Respectfully Submitted by Debbie Rouleau

We can finally see over the snow banks, and the sun is shining – dare I saw that SPRING has finally arrived!! It was a cool, but sunny Sunday on April 8th

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when we dedicated the Vimy Oak Sapling. I would like to thank Darren Taylor from sootoday.com for covering this event, as well as others we have. He always says “YES” to attending and reporting on Legion events.

Thanks also to Soo Online who were there, and to MP Terry Sheehan who took time out of his busy schedule to attend.

On May 5th., we are having an open house to mark our 90th anniversary. Events will start around 11 am with our Awards Presentation to deserving volunteers; formal address approximately 12 noon, and a light lunch will be served. Member prices will be in effect at the bar. Come on out and bring friends and family. Members of the executive will be there and glad to chat about what their various roles are – if you want to consider volunteering your time, it’s a good opportunity to find out who we are! Hope to see you there.

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

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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.

Don’t forget to go down to the Sault Ste. Marie Museum to see the wonderful display to commemorate the Legion and 2310 Army Cadets anniversaries. Thanks to Pierre Breckenridge and Ron Rouleau who helped gather the items together, and to Julia Piskiewicz, the talented Director/Curator at the Museum for creating a great display. Museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday – 9:30 am – 5 pm.

LAST POST – WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Veteran & Comrade Lawrence GormanVeteran Paul Dalseg

May Veteran Birthdays

Mary Anne Anderson, P.J. Vere, James Kohut, Jacqueline Sykes, M.E.A. Martin, G.R. Rowe, Stuart Harris, K. J. Legacy, Harrietta Kindness, L.S. Masters, J. Bomhof, Jack Lalonde, T. Dodds, James Scotland, Dora Hocken, T. Orr, K. Preston, E.R. Bennett, D. Boston, D. Primeau, Allan Fell, D.S. German, Norm Hopkins, Ian Vanderswan,

MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAYWays & Means Respectfully submitted by Betty Irvine

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

April Monthly Draw Winners

$2000 – Doreen Tait – Ticket # 6049$1000 – Joe Malkki – Ticket # 2941

$500 – Dennis Dinelle – Ticket # 5904

April 2018 winners of calendar lottery

Richard Wyatt, Denise Garrett, Allan Valente, Susan & Tim Thayer, Len Donnelly, Jim Best, Hazel LaPensee-Platt, Darlene Elizabeth Wrona, Fred Pine, Mike Devlin, Shirley Infanti, Judy O’Neil, Archie Graham, Joe Swystun, Shirley Goheen, Nolan Makkonen, Helene Henderson, Alex Christie, Mary Rossiter, Mark Chojnowski, Gowin Martin, Teresa Hilderley, Shane Poelemans, Mildred Mancuso, James Reed, Brent Piazza, Richard Beaulieu, Steve Aiken, James McShane, Vera Robb, Frank or Laurie Ryan, Greg Sharpe, Al Lamirante,

DON’T FORGET WE STILL COLLECT

1. Pop Tabs: Every tab you bring in is gratefully received. Please continue to bring them.

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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.

Laws not taught in Physics

1. Law of Mechanical repair – after your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you’ll have to pee.

2. Law of Gravity – any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible place in the universe.

3. Law of Probability – the probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

Just a Head’s Up - There will be a walk for ALS on Saturday June 2 nd ., 2018 from the Bondar Pavilion. Registration is at 10am and the walk begins at 11:00 am.

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Volunteers wishing to participate can contact Brigitte at: blabby@als.ca.

Not St. Paddy’s Day, but funny just the same.

John Bradford, a Dublin University student, was on the side of the road hitch-hiking on a very dark night and in the midst of a big storm.The night was rolling on and no car went by. The storm was so strong he could hardly see a few feet ahead of him.Suddenly, he saw a car slowly coming towards him and stopped. John, desperate for shelter and without thinking about it, got into the car and closed the door…only to realize there was nobody behind the wheel and the engine wasn’t running. The car started moving slowly. John looked at the road ahead and saw a curve approaching. Scared, he started to pray, begging for his life. Then, just before the car hit the curve, a hand appeared out of nowhere and turned the wheel. John, paralyzed with terror, watched as the hand came through the window, but never touched or harmed him.Shortly thereafter, John saw the lights of a pub appear down the road, so, gathering strength, he jumped out of the car and run to it…wet and out of breath, he rushed inside and started telling everybody about the horrible experience he had. A silence enveloped the pub when everybody realized he was crying…and wasn’t drunk.Suddenly, the door opened, and two other people walked in from the dark and stormy night. They, like John, were also soaked and out of breath. Looking around,

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and seeing John Bradford sobbing at the bar, one said to the other…“Look Paddy….that’s that idiot that got in the car while we were pushing it.”

Do you remember Lucas McFadden? Lucas was the Branch’s bar chair and had to step down because his wife was pregnant and needed him. Well this little fella is the reason. His name is: Mason James Filion McFadden. We congratulate Lucas and Leslie on a job well done! Congratulations!!

I realize that some of the following events take place next month, but it is never too early to get the word out.

Please don’t forget:

1. May 5th – Open house here at the Branch begins at 11 am. Help us celebrate our 90th anniversary by honouring our volunteers.

2. May 6th – Battle of the Atlantic – form up at “Sears” parking lot 10:30 – step off at 11 am. We will march to Roswell Park (near city hall) for a ceremony and march back. We can meet at the Branch for a beverage and a light snack.

3. We will be closed for Victoria Day Monday May 21st.

4. The Ladies Family Pasta supper is on Wednesday May 23rd., from 5pm – 7 pm. An excellent, reasonably priced meal.

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5. The last (for the season) pancake breakfast will be on Sunday May 27th., from 9:30 am – Noon. Best pancakes in town.

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

7. The Ladies Strawberry social is on Sunday June 10th from 1pm – 3pm.

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

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 nothesitate to ask. We are here to serve our Veterans, Members and our Community – please help us to do that.

2017-2019 Officers/Executive & Committee Chair

President – Wilma Oliver19

Past President & Poppy Chair – Wayne Paulencu1st. Vice/ Sgt. @ Arms & Honours & Awards and T.OD.

– Ernie Bremner 2nd. Vice – Ron Rouleau – Service Officer & Museum

Curator3rd. Vice – Wm. Bennett – Cenotaph & Donation Review

Secretary – Mary Anne Martin – Srs/Entertainment/Sick & Visiting

Treasurer – Carol PiperYouth Education – Pat Vardy

Branch Padre(s) Rev. Phil MillerCapt. Pat Vardy

Mrs. Helen SmithBar Chair – Peter Miller

Building & Mtce. and Sports – Rick PihlajaBursary – Warren Pihlaja

Membership – Helen StewartPRO – Debbie Rouleau

Track & Field and Cadet Liaison – Pierre BreckenridgeBurial – Elane Turner

Ways & 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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