Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25

JULY 2017 DISPATCH

Royal Canadian Legion Br. 2596 Great Northern Rd

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6B 4Y5Phone: 705-945-8721

Fax: 705-945-6372Ladies Auxiliary: 705-256-2941

Lounge: 705-256-6921E-mail: rclbranch25@shawbiz.caWebsite: www.branch25rcl.org

HAPPY SESQUICENTENNIAL CANADA!!

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SESQUI (???) What the heck is that?

According to the dictionary: “in a combining form meaning ‘one and a half’. Ergo, this is Canada’s SESQUICENTENIAL.

Do you Remember This – Not something we should forget(it was a Molson’s beer commercial)

I am not a lumberjack or a fur traderI don’t live in an igloo or eat blubber or own a dogsled

I don’t know Jimmy, Sally or Suzie from CanadaAlthough I am certain they are really, really nice

I have a Prime Minister not a PresidentI speak English and French not American

And I pronounce it ‘about’ not ‘a boot’I can proudly sew my country’s flag on my backpack

I believe in peacekeeping not bulliesDiversity not assimilation

And that the beaver is a truly proud and noble animalA touque IS a hat, a chesterfield IS a couch

And it is pronounced ‘ZED’ not ‘ZEE’ – ZED!Canada is the second largest landmass

The first nation of hockeyAnd the best part of North America

My name is Joe and I am CANADIAN!!

President’s Report – Respectfully submitted by Wilma Oliver

It has been a very busy month. On June 6th. (D-Day) we replanted our wooden poppies (with a short service) in our

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memorial garden outside. I would like to thank all those who attended and planted their own poppy and all those who were here to help plant the remainder. These will be “harvested” again the day following Remembrance Day and stored over the winner for replanting again June 6th., 2018.June 4th. Comrade Ernie Bremner and I attended the Sea Cadet inspection and make a presentation of $2000 to the Navy League Branch. I also had the privilege of presenting the Legion’s “Cadet Medal of Excellence” to Master Seaman, Paige Tworsick. At this event, I accepted a lovely plaque presented to the Branch in recognition of our past support.June 8th., I was fortunate to attend the Change of Command ceremony of the Navy League. The command was passed from Lt. (N) Patricia Pihlaja to Lt. (N) Nick Fraser in an impressive ceremony.On June 11th., Comrades Carol Piper, Helen Stewart, Richard Pihlaja and I attended at “Legion School” in Falconbridge. This proved to be a very worthwhile event for all who attended. I would recommend this training next year again to all the executive who could attend.An “Open House” took place here at the Branch on June 23rd. to celebrate the Anniversary of the opening day – June 23, 1967 when the Branch relocated from its former Queen Street location to its present location. Among others we had words of congratulations from Zone Commander Sandy Ross and our MP Terry Sheehan who were in attendance.It was also on this occasion that we held a service of dedication and unveiling of the plaque to commemorate

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the Board Room “The Marilyn Patterson Board Room” in memory of our late Comrade and friend.

To round out the month our Branch was asked by the local Korea Veterans Association, to organize and be responsible for the annual Korea Veterans Parade at the locks on June 23rd. It was a beautiful evening for this event. I would like to thank Comrade Ernie Bremner for making the arrangements for this event.I have had the honour of conducting my first General Membership Meeting and Executive Meeting, and I am excited to be working with such a fine executive. I hope you will come out and lend your support to this executive – promote the Legion to your friends and participate in our events. This is your Legion and only you can make it a success.Have a great summer. Our next General Membership Meeting will be on Wednesday September 6th. The Executive will continue to meet on your behalf until we meet again.

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1 st . Vice-President and Sgt. At Arms – Respectfully submitted by Ernie Bremner

On Friday June 23, 2017 at 7 PM, the Royal Canadian Legion along with the Legion Drum & Trumpet Band and the Colour Party attended at the Sault Locks to pay homage to those Korea Veterans who lost their lives and to pay our deepest respects to those who remain. We thank all our Veterans for their pledge to protect and to give their all for our freedoms.

Some snapshots you may enjoy:

1. Marching on

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2. Attention – Last Post

Membership – Respectfully submitted by Helen Stewart

WWII VETS

Attention All WWII Veterans of Sault Ste. MarieFrom 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 705-945-8721 NO LATER THAN AUGUST 18 TH ., 2017 to register

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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 interested 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.

Letters have gone out to those Veterans whose names we have, but there have been a couple of the invitations returned, if there has been an address change for these veterans and someone can help me track them down that would be great. Some may have gone into nursing homes or have moved to apartments and we are just not aware. Wouldn’t want them to miss out. Right now we are looking for: Mr. Solomon St.Louis who lived on Rush Ave. – any clues???-----------For information purposes and to send huge congratulations out to Comrade Mario Brescacin who has been awarded a medal from France and is now ranked : Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. Henceforth, he will be known as Sir Mario Brescacin - this is the highest national medal of France.---------On another topic, I would like to thank everyone who made out Pancake Breakfasts such a success. To all of the

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volunteers and most especially to those who supported us – Thank-you.The last breakfast was on June 25 (another whopping success) and our next one is September 24th. ----------I would like to take this opportunity to thank Elane Turner for the work she did on our membership board. It had been a long time since it was updated and Elane worked tirelessly for many hours – and it looks terrific. Thank-you Elane very much.

Have a great summer everyone and we will see you in the fall.

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 cateringb) Must have an alcohol barc) 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

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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)

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 have been increased – some more significantly than others. 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.

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Secretary Report Respectfully submitted by Mary Anne Martin

Sick & Visiting At present, we have 109 veterans and spouses that we visit in the six nursing and retirement homes – each receiving a treat bag, magazines and birthday cards (if birth date is known). We also have one in the hospital with a broken hip who gets visits as well.

I am in need of more volunteers to visit the local nursing homes. The visits at most homes is approximately ½ to one hour once per month. If you can help out, please contact me through the branch.

Entertainment

The horseshoe league has begun and is open to everyone – not competitive – just come out and enjoy Tuesday nights at 7.

Wednesday night is Jam night beginning at 8 pm (tuning at 7) Open ‘camp fire’ style and everyone is welcome.

Friday night pool league is still at 7 PM if you wish to play, just come out on Friday.

Karaoke is still going throughout the summer every Friday night from 9 pm - 1 am

Saturday has free pool from noon until 6 PM

The Saturday night dances will continue throughout the summer due to popular demand from 8 PM – 11 PM. The

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donation box continues to do well each week – this helps to offset the cost of the band. Please remember, it costs a lot of money to have these bands every week.

JULY BAND SCHEDULE

8TH – Nostalgia Live 15th – Dusty Roads

22nd. – Les Cook 29th. – Nostalgia Live

Seniors’ Program

The carpet bowlers are continuing throughout the summer on Monday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:300. This is a good time to join in if you have been thinking about bowling. They have the time to assist you.

Regular Entertainment

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

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Cadet Report – Respectfully submitted by Pierre Breckenridge

There were two cadets who helped out with the Korea Vets parade on Friday June 23rd.,These two capable young ladies helped out immensely and added a nice touch to the wreath ceremony.

We would like to thank Sgt. Grace Assiginack and Sgt. Cassandra Breckenridge for their outstanding help.

LAST POST – WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Veteran George KingVeteran Edward Bennett

Veteran Ralph HardyVeteran Gordon BurmasterVeteran Harold E. Harten

July Veteran Birthdays

J.M. Armstrong, J. A. Richer, A.P. Smyth, P.J. Paolini Jr., L.A. Drebitt, A.J. Ward, Steve McNama, Lance Knox, S.M. MacDonald, Ernie Bremner, D.G. Trussler, Fred Gard, Brent Halford, S.J. Wilson, R.J. Latour, L.S. MacLeod, W. A. Basford, W.A. Singleton, N.R. Trudeau, D.H. Whitehurst, C.L. Miles, Ken Hocken, Jane Kauppinen, C.S. Lutes, R.S. Smith

MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY

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June Monthly Draw Winners

$2000 – Don Nevitt – Ticket #0345$1000 – Lynn Gagne – Ticket #4441

$500 – Clara E. White – Ticket #6932

CONGRATULATIONS!!

June 2017 winners of calendar lottery

Jim Beith, Amanda MacDonald and Luke Piccolo, Mel Davey, Lynn Harriman, Joe Favot, Kim Stewart & Mike Agnello, Nadia Bruni, Kim & Glen Lee, Dave Gaudette, Nicole Daigle, Linda DiRenzo, Clair Kidder, Jim Sicoli, Dawna Dauphinais, Lisa & Helen Girard, Elizabeth Glabb, Amanda Badgero & Marc Bouchard, Michael Browne, Gary McMaster, Beth Husk, Jackie Kennedy, Sheri Dillabough, Brenda Strachan, Greg Gionette, Lilianne St. Martin, M. Etchells, Paula Binkly, Fab Halkyard, Mary Lewis, Donald Rioux

Exciting Week-end at the Branch

June 17th. marked the 50th anniversary of the current location for Branch 25.We had cake and balloons and an open house for everyone to come and see what we have to offer.

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This is the picture of the then Executive exiting the old building on June 22, 1964 on Queen St. and preparing to make 96 Grt. Northern Road the new home for Branch 25.

Included in the photo are: Clayton Linklater, Cedric MacDonald, Tom Bailey, Art Adams, Edward Dinsdale and Clare Thompson. Thank-you for your foresight.

Also, on the 17th. we honoured one of our very special people who passed away last year. The Board Room has been renamed the “MARILYN PATTERSON BOARD ROOM”. We had a celebration and ‘ribbon cutting’ with Marilyn’s daughter Susan and her family in attendance. We here at Branch 25 loved Marilyn and knew that she did everything – we just didn’t realize what everything was. We are now trying to replace that mighty mite with

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several people. We miss you Marilyn, our friend and comrade.

The day was terrific, here are a few pictures of the dedication. Thank-you so much to Bev Bearthat for sharing.L-R George R. Patterson; Daughter Susan Taylor, Grandson Kye and son-in-law Jamie

L-R: President Wilma Oliver, Sgt. At Arms Ernie Bremner; Behind Ernie; L.A. President Wendy Phillips, Exec. Member and drummer Warren Pihlaja, On the stairs, Treasurer Carol Piper

Again, thank-you to Lynn Browne who has posted the following on facebook: Copy & paste in your browser and take a peak.

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A MOST SPECIAL MEMBER

Fred GardIs having a birthday party

July 17 at 3 PM in the Dining Room at

PathwaysEveryone is welcome – Legion Dress required

FRED will Be 103 – Yes 103!!!

A very very happy birthday to one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

ANOTHER HAT FOR ZONE H4 COMMANDER

SANDY ROSS

This is Sandy giving a man his last request at ARCH. He played about 5 songs and the gentleman was on the other side

of the glass doors.Sandy could see him and the man’s foot was tapping to all the songs. They usually play outside but it was raining

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again, so he played in the vestibule and you could hear him all through ARCH but it was not too loud. Very emotional but makes you feel so good .Thank-you Sandy!!

2/3’s of a PUN – PU

1. The fattest knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. She was only a whisky-maker, but he loved her still.3. No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still

be stationery.4. Two silk worms had a race – they ended up in a tie.5. Time flies like an arrow – fruit flies like a banana.6. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.7. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway.

One hat said to the other “You stay here, I’ll go on a head”.

8. The midget fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

9. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

10.There was a person who sent ten puns to friends with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

Upcoming Special Events

CANADA’S 150 TH The Branch is putting a float in the Community Day Parade – July 15th. If anyone would like to help with this endeavour, please call us at the office 705-945-8721.

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-------They are bringing the big red dome to Sault Ste. Marie – below is the information we received through the United Way of Sault Ste. Marie and District.

SESQUI is a new and inspiring way to see and understand Canada: an immersive journey into the heart, soul and future of this great country. Powered by cutting-edge technology, SESQUI offers a revolutionary 360 degree cinematic experience. You can visit them at: www.sesqui.caIn Sault Ste. Marie, SESQUI opens on Sunday July 16 and runs only until Thursday July 20. The show runs every half-hour, from Noon until 10 PM and is FREE OF CHARGE to the public.Volunteers are welcome to join the SESQUI pro tour team during their stay in Sault Ste. Marie, to experience the excitement and discipline of a road show. They are welcoming a limited number of volunteer USHERS and volunteer OPERATIONAL ASSISTANTS (for those who prefer a more physically demanding tour experience). You needn’t sign up for all five days, but we do require a commitment of at least two shifts of 4 hours.

Benefits of being a SESQUI Tour Volunteer include: SESQUI volunteer traiing session on Saturday

evening July 15 PREVIEW SCREENING – see the show before

everyone else TOUR BRIEFING by the Tour Director. Learn the

inside scoop on how a tour works

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EXCLUSIVE TECHNICAL BRIEFING by our specialists.

Commemorative SESQUI Tour Volunteer T-shirt, which must be worn for all shifts

Private end-of-tour social. A thank-you letter suitable for framing, resumes, or

memory albums.Being part of a highly technical road tour showcasing cutting-edge cinematic technology proudly MADE IN CANADA is an unforgettable experience. To apply, please contact volunteers@sesqui.ca This is a Canada 150 project. Could be great for those students requiring hours.

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. 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 . 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

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Here’s a thought – think GOLF!! Think helping the Military Family Support Group here in the city – 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. Ignace, Stone Ridge (Elliot Lake), Tanglewood, The Oaks and the Rock at Drummond Island.Great value – go golfing and help out at the same time.

A little humour from our friend Art Denning

A German lorry driver in a pub in Newcastle is gobbing off how lazy British truck drivers are.He’s bragging that he drives his load from Hamburg, goes through Holland, Belgium up to Newcastle and back to Hamburg in just two days.This old Geordie man mutters up, “Ah, way wi’ ye, I used to pick up me load in Newcastle, drop off in Hamburg and be back in Newcastle for a fish and chip supper the same day”.The gobbsmacked German trucker says, “Oh yah, vot rig you be drivin’ then?

After taking a long swig of his pint of Newcastle Brown, the old fella replies…………..

“A LANCASTER BOMBER!!”Coupla funnies via Bill Huckson

1. Two blondes walk into a building…………..you’d think at least one of them would have seen it.

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2. A guy calls a law office and says, “I want to talk to my lawyer”. The receptionist replies, “I’m sorry, but he died last week.” The next day he phones again and asks the same question. The receptionist replies, “I told you yesterday, he died last week.” The next day he phones again and asks to speak to his lawyer. By this time the receptionist is getting a little annoyed and says, “I keep telling you, your lawyer died last week. Why do you keep calling?” The guys says – “Because I love hearing it.”

What happened in July??

1st. – 1867 - Canada became Canada2nd. – 1937 – Amelia Earhart’s plan disappears

1962 – The first Walmart opened3rd. – 1962 – Tom Cruise was born4th – 1776 – American Independence Day5th – 1865 – the Salvation Army is founded6th. - 1885 – a vaccine against rabies is proven by Louis Pasteur7th. - 1456 – Joan of Arc is determined to be innocent of heresy (25 years after she was put to death)8th. - 951 – the city of Paris is founded9th. - 1922 – Johnny Weissmuller (the original Tarzan) is the first to swim the 100 meters freestyle in under 1 minute10th. 1962 – Telstar, the world’s first communications satellite is launched into orbit11th. - 1804 – in a dual, Vice-President of the United States, Aaron Burr kills Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury

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1914 – Babe Ruth plays in his first Major League baseball game12th. - 1688 - King William of Orange was victorious over James II at the Battle of the Boyne13th – 1908 – For the first time in modern Olympics, women compete14th – 1933 – In Germany, all political parties are outlawed except the Nazi Party15th. – 2005 – Jack Nicklaus plays his last hole of competitive golf17TH. 1821 – Spain ceded Florida to the United States

AND - 1914 – FRED GARD WAS BORN18th – 1938 – “Wrongway” Corrigan lands his plane in Ireland (he was supposed to land in California)20th – 1918 – German troops cross the Marne in WWI

1969 – Apollo II is the first manned mission to land on the Moon.21st. – 1954 – France surrendered North Vietnam to the Communists22nd – Today is Pi approximately day because 22/7 is an approximation of the number Pi (3.142857142)23rd. – 1829 – the typewriter is invented24th – 1979 – Carl Yastrzemski hits his 400th career home run at Fenway Park27th. – 1953 – The Korea War ends after 3 years of fighting.28th. – 1945 – A U.S. Army bomber accidentally creashes into the 70th floor of the Empire State Building29th. – 2005 – Astronomers announce the discovery of a 10th planet, 2003 UB31330th – 1954 – Elvis Presley makes his debut as a public performer

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31st. – 1588 – The Spanish Armada is spotted off the coast of England.

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.

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 – Mary Anne Martin – Srs/Entertainment/Sick

& VisitingTreasurer – Carol Piper

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

Capt. Pat VardyMrs. Helen Smith

Bar Chair – Lucas McFaddenBuilding & Mtce. and Sports – Rick Pihlaja

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Bursary – Warren PihlajaMembership – Helen Stewart

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

Burial – Elane TurnerIf 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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