CONTACT! Volume 6 Number 3 March 2017

www.kanatabr638.ca

President’s Report

As I reflect over the last ten months of the legion year, I wish to share with you the many accomplishments your Kanata legion has achieved towards making a difference in building a stronger legion as follows: Youth programs ➢ Branch bursaries – the Kanata Legion bursary criteria

has been revised to encourage an increase in applications and at the same time minimizing the chances of double dipping; increased awareness of the bursary program in the local high schools, community, and general membership

➢ Youth Education – increased number of schools with students participating in the posters, poems and essays competition last fall

➢ Cadet liaison – a stronger liaison with the one army cadet corps, one sea cadet corps and two air cadet squadrons

Veterans ➢ An increase in numbers of veterans served and

supported ➢ An additional 70 Kanata veterans and spouses from

last year to receive gift bags were identified, bringing the total to 171.

Fundraising ➢ A very successful 2016 poppy campaign raising funds of

over $78,000.00 and bringing remembrance into the community by hosting the Kanata Remembrance Day Service and bringing a Remembrance service into each of Kanata’s ten retirement, nursing homes and long term care facilities; providing a speaker for a Beaver group

➢ The introduction of the Catch the Ace Lottery replacing 50/50 draws has proven to be beneficial in raising funds, bringing in more business and showcasing the Kanata Legion; i.e., taking the lead in training members of the seven other Zone G6 legions. To date, funds raised from the weekly Catch the Ace draws and the Sunday Bingos have resulted in over $19,000 being donated to veterans’ programs, community organizations and other good causes

➢ A wide variety of events and activities have been organized to raise funds for charity organizations,

veterans or for branch operations as well as to promote comradeship, community participation and recruitment

Miscellaneous ➢ increased sports tournament participation and an

increase in numbers coming out to Thursday night darts

➢ continuous strengthening the liaison between Branch and the Ladies’ Auxiliary and community groups, retirement homes, businesses, and the City of Ottawa

➢ Reactivated the Branch Renewal Action Plan first created in 2012 with the appointment of Comrade Bruce Judge as Chair. Subsequently, a progress report of the four main tasks: Management Control, Financial Planning and Budgeting, Membership Review and Survey and Good Governance was established as well as the development of a Mentor program and an Officer and Executive Training program seminar ready to be implemented in the new legion year.

Operations ➢ A cost analysis of hall rental, bar and fish ‘N chips

charges was conducted resulting in prices being increased for better business

➢ Identified the need to increase insurance coverage for equipment and contents

➢ Taking action to recover shares and pay out promissory notes

➢ Addressing the funding change for the Foot Care.

The Kanata Legion hosted this year’s Zone G6’s Euchre tournament on Feb. 18th and the Zone G6 Youth Education Public Speaking competition on March 4th. First place winners will compete at the District Youth Education Public Speaking Competition on Saturday, March 25th at the Stittsville legion. Everyone is welcome to attend. As the Zone G6 Youth Education Public Speaking Chair, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Kanata Legion for supporting this event for the fourth consecutive year by covering the costs of the lunch, provision of volunteers and the colour party. Thank you! Update: Tickets for the Canadian quilt raffle will commence the beginning of May instead of the end of

February. The quilt is being donated by the Kanata Kozy quilters in celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary. Draw will take place on Canada Day at the annual President’s BBQ, 1:50 p.m. Upcoming events: St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Dance, March 18th and VIMY RIDGE GALA, April 8th. A reminder at the April 19th general meeting the annual elections will be held. Please see election details below. Respectfully submitted, Lorraine Lapensée

From the First Vice From the Sports Desk … maybe next month ☺.

Upcoming Executive Elections April 19, 2017

For the good work and progress of the Kanata Legion to continue, it is important that the best executive be elected to do the job. All Branch #638 members that are able are encouraged to come out to vote, to consider running for an Executive position or/and to nominate someone to an executive position. Nominations can be done in advance by completing and signing a nomination form or from the floor during the elections. Nomination forms are now available at the bulletin board in the lounge. A list of executive positions is as follows: President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, 3rd Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, six Executive positions, Sgt. @ Arms, Chaplain. Here is information from the General Bylaws 2016 regarding qualification to vote and/or hold office:

➢ Only Life, Ordinary, Associate and Affiliate-Voting

members in good standing shall have the right to vote

or hold office. Meritorious Life Members shall only have the right to vote at the Branch level;

➢ A voting Member, to be eligible for election to any Branch Office, must be in good standing for the year in which the election is held;

➢ A voting Member will be required to have served at least one (1) term on the Branch Executive Committee to be eligible to be elected President or Vice-President;

➢ A voting Member will be required to have been a Member of the Branch for a period of one year prior to the date of the election to be eligible for election to the Branch Executive Committee;

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact comrade Gord McCaskill, Elections Nomination Chair.

From the Second Vice

Gaming

February Bingo Event Report Bingo events conducted: 3 Total attendance: 104 (average 34.6 per Bingo) Total Deposit to Bingo Trust: $1,454.00 Expenses

Rent Paid to Branch $490.15 License Fee $144.00 Paper Cost $1/attendee $104.00 Total Expenses $738.15

Revenue after Expenses $715.85

20% for Ops & Mntce $143.17 80% Donation Fund $572.68

Catch the Ace Club The Catch the Ace Club is a club where members and outsiders can pay in advance for tickets in subsequent draws. The Catch the Ace Committee can receive funds from individuals to hold in trust. The Committee meets during the week and processes the Club tickets for that week. Copies of the ticket and balances are recorded. Anyone interested, please contact: Brenda Grant, Clay Wheaton, Mary-Jo Gauthier, Dan Knighton or Moira Green to set up an account.

CONTACT! is published monthly by RCL Branch 638 in Kanata, Ontario. The views expressed in this

newsletter are those of the contributors or the editor, and not necessarily those of the Royal Canadian Legion

or Branch 638. Visit our website www.kanatabr638.ca for a wealth of

additional information. CONTACT! is edited by Lorraine Elmas

lorraine_elmas@yahoo.ca

Catch the Ace Event Report January/February Catch the Ace Draws conducted: 6 (draws 21-26) Total Deposit to CATCH THE ACE: $3,510 Expenses Rent Paid to Branch $261.00 License Fee $ 90.00 Total Expenses $351.00 Revenue after Expenses $ 1,404.00 - Ops. & Mntce (20%) $ 280.80 - Donation Fund (80%) $1,123.20 $572.68 + $1,123.20 = $1,695.88 Monies generated from Bingo and Catch the Ace going to the Legion for the month of March for Rent and Operations is $1,175.12

General Trust Fund Administration This group meets once a month to distribute funds generated through the Gaming Program. Once approved by the Executive, the funds are then distributed. Donations (once approved) for March, based on funds raised in February, are $2,000. Each of the following organizations will receive $500:

• Camp Merrywood – Easter Seals • Camp Misquah • Camp Smitty • Friends in Sport Fishing

In total the General Trust will have donated $19,050 after the above March donations. Brenda Grant 2nd Vice

Volunteers Wanted … … to help sell Catch the Ace tickets at legion events and at Friday’s Fish & Chips.

It is better and more fun working in pairs, one to distribute and collect the tickets for the drum and one to control the money. The task is to record the first ticket sold and at the end of the sales record the first ticket on the roll for next time. Count your cash, which should match your sales, and you are done!

People who are interested in helping, please contact Brenda Grant or Clay Wheaton 613-832-4127 (H) 613-592-5417 (H) 613-863-4051 (cell) 613-301-2651 (cell) pipergrant5@gmail.com

From the Poppy Campaign Chair

Vimy Ridge Gala Dinner – Saturday, April 8, 2017 Greetings, All: By now you should have received your ticket reservation form. I hope that you have filled it in and are sending it off very soon. We are honoured to have the Governor General’s Foot Guards Jazz Combo for your dining, dancing and listening pleasure. Make sure you select either Beef or Salmon Wellington and do fill in a seating request if you wish to be with friends. Special dietary needs can be addressed--just let me know in advance. Denis from The Leatherworks is always happy to meet your needs. Your presence is essential for success, so please honour the fallen on this 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge. Support your branch and our guest speaker. If I may be of any assistance, please call or email.

Thank you. In continued service Moira 613 592-3376 mmgreen@live.com

From the Branch Secretary Hello, comrades, Please mark your calendars and plan to attend our next Annual General Meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. This is our Legion's Annual Elections and we hope to see you there. Best, Amanda Robbins

The Unknown Soldier Concert event at The Canadian War Museum

Sunday, April 9, 2017 8 00 p m

Cost $30 dollars per person A unique musical experience to honour

The Fallen at Vimy Ridge

Check FCWM website to order tickets and for info.

From the Ladies’ Auxiliary At the beginning of my term I wanted to increase our membership. With no single person responsible for recruiting I asked our members to reach out to friends and to promote what the Ladies' Auxiliary is all about. Our Ladies' Auxiliary members have done a great job; we have three new members and another potential new member! We all had a lot of fun at the Valentine's Dinner/Dance and silent auction. This event was coordinated jointly by the Branch and the Ladies' Auxiliary. Judy Homma suggested a new event for this year for Family Day. We had hamburgers and all the fixings donated to us from Harvey's, face painting and tattoos donated by The Colourful Chameleon, board games, golf games, nail painting, a movie and popcorn all for $5. This was also a combined event with the Branch, which was a great success and I am sure next year it will be even bigger with word of mouth advertising. I would like to thank everyone who volunteered to make this first-time event a great success! Carole McCaskill, Ladies' Auxiliary President

Youth Education Report Great news on one of the entries. Grace Gao’s Inter-mediate Black and White poster has placed 1st at the Provincial Level and is now on to the National competition.

Respectfully Submitted Brenda Grant

Youth Public Speaking Kanata Legion Branch #638 hosted the Zone G6 Youth Education Public Speaking Competition on March 4, for the fourth consecutive year providing the facilities, colour party, most of the volunteers and the lunch at no cost to Zone. Special thanks to the Kanata Legion from Zone G6! The Youth Education Public Speaking program is a terrific opportunity for youth to gain public speaking experience and skills from grades 1 – 12. First place winners of each of the four categories from six of the eight legions in Zone G6 turned out to compete for first place at the Zone level. First place winners from the March 4th Zone G6 competition will be competing with first place winners from other zones in District G at the District G competition on March 25 at the Stittsville Legion.

Primary Category – Grades 1 – 3

Junior Category – Graces 4 – 6

Intermediate Category – Grades 7 – 9

Grace is a Grade 9 student at Colonel By Secondary School. Congratulations Grace, we are so proud of you !

Seniors Category – Grades 10 – 12

Awards presented by Brenda Grant, Branch #638-Kanata Youth Education Chair, and Bob Atkinson, Deputy Zone G6 Commander.

Canada at Vimy Ridge Throughout contemporary military history, Canada’s name, Canadian war heroes and Canadian contributions have been sadly neglected. This, in site of the fact that Canadian efforts have been out of all proportion to our relatively small population. We have been consistently neglected or lumped in under British or Allied forces, with our more powerful allies getting most of the credit. One exception to this “oversight” is the Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge, forever immortalized by those twin majestic spires on land perpetually dedicated to Canada. April 2017 is the 100th anniversary of this momentous event. To this end, starting with the January and following two issues of “CONTACT!” the highlights of this epic battle will be presented. Most material is taken from internet sites, including Government sources, and work by military historian Tim Cook.

The human destruction of the Great War was on a scale never before witnessed in human history. Blood, bones, brains and torsos were scattered in a sea of mud, most never to be found or identified, simply remembered as “A soldier of the Great War, known only to God.” So many Canadian husbands, sons, fathers, brothers, etc., are included in this lost assemblage, giving their lives on foreign soil, so far from their peaceful home and native land. “Let us never forget.” Garry R. Fancy

Vimy – After the Battle It was the first time the Canadians fought together, and they achieved a magnificent victory, sweeping the Germans off the ridge. The Canadian operation was an important success, even if the larger British and French offensive, of which it had been a part, had failed. But it was victory at a heavy cost: 3,598 Canadians were killed and another 7,000 wounded. The capture of Vimy was more than just an important battlefield victory. For the first time, all four Canadian divisions attacked together: men from all regions of Canada were present at the battle. Brigadier-General A.E. Ross declared after the war, "in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation." Vimy became a symbol for the sacrifice of the young Dominion. In 1922, the French government ceded to Canada in perpetuity

Vimy Ridge, and the land surrounding it. The gleaming white marble and haunting sculptures of the Vimy Memorial, unveiled in 1936, stand as a terrible and poignant reminder of the 11,285 Canadian soldiers killed in France who have no known graves. Many historians and writers consider the Canadian victory at Vimy a defining moment for Canada, when the country emerged from under the shadow of Britain and felt capable of greatness. Canadian troops also earned a reputation as formidable, effective troops because of the stunning success. But it was a victory at a terrible cost, with more than 10,000 killed and wounded. The ridge remained in Allied hands for the duration of the war and was considered the turning point of WWI. After Vimy, the Canadian Corps went from one access to another, to be crowned by their achievements in the 1918 "advance to victory". This record won for Canada a separate signature on the Versailles Peace Treaty ending the War. The victory of the battle of Vimy Ridge did not come without cost: Canadian casualties reached 10,602, of which 3,598 were killed. The opposing German force sustained a further 20,000 casualties. During this single campaign, the entire Canadian contingent was commended for their bravery, and four Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross:

• Private William Milne of the 16th Battalion.

• Lance-Sergeant Ellis Sifton of the 18th Battalion.

• Private John Pattison of the 50th Battalion (April 10).

• Captain Thain MacDowell of the 38th Battalion. MacDowell had also earned the Distinguished Service Order on the Somme. Of the four Vimy VCs, only Captain MacDowell survived the War. Canadian bravery and valour led to the tremendous victory for the entire Allied Force.

On the lip of one of the largest craters on Vimy Ridge during a visit by Canadian Journalists to the Front in July 1918.

Canada Dept. of National Defence Library and Archives Canada

Ways and Means Committee (WAM)

Irish Quiz Q – How did the Irish jig get started? A – Too much drink, not enough restrooms! Q – Why did St. Patrick drive the snakes out of Ireland? A – He couldn’t afford the plane fare! Q – Why did they wear shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day? A – Because regular rocks are too heavy!

Paddy had a rough day. When he put his shirt on, the button fell off. Then he picked up his briefcase, and the handle fell off. Now he’s afraid to go to the bathroom!

Kanata Legion & Ladies’ Auxiliary Weekly Ongoing Activities & Upcoming Events & Meetings

Be sure to mark these important dates on your calendar!

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

Bingo 12:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lounge is Open 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Drop in for a visit!

Euchre 7:00 p.m.

Coffee Club 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Darts 7 00 p.m.

Fish ‘N Chips Ladies’ Auxiliary’s Book/DVD/CD Sale

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Catch the Ace lottery

draw, 1:00 p.m.

Lounge is open

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Drop in for a visit!

Date & Times Event / Meeting Details Fee

Cut Off Date for Tickets or Sign Up

Wed., Mar. 15 7:30 p.m.

Kanata Legion’s General Meeting

All legion members are encouraged to attend to learn more about your legion, provide input and/or vote on decisions.

N/A N/A

Sat., Mar. 18 5:00 p.m. Reception

Dinner 6:00 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Dance

Dinner – Irish Stew, Corned Beef & Cabbage

Dance – music by the International Set Band – Spot Dances

$20/person Get your tickets by Wed., March 15

Wed, Apr. 1 7:30 p.m.

Ladies’ Auxiliary’s General Meeting

Ladies - new members are always welcome! For more information,

contact Judy Homma at 613-592-9627

N/A N/A

Sat., April 8, 5:30 p.m. reception

6:15 p.m. dinner

Vimy Ridge GALA – 100th Anniversary

Celebration & Commemoration of the Battle of Vimy

Ridge

Menu: Beef or Salmon Wellington Guest Speaker: Commodore (retd)

Robert Hamilton, 1st Vice President, Friends of the Canadian War Museum

Music: Governor General’s Foot Guards Jazz Combo

Dress: Black Tie / Business Suit Proceeds to the Poppy Trust Fund

$50/person No tickets or sign-up. Complete reservation form and submit with a minimum donation of $50 to Moira Green’s attention. Members should have received invitation, etc. hard copy

Wed., April 19 7:30 p.m.

Kanata Legion’s General Meeting

ANNUAL ELECTIONS OF NEW EXECUTIVE! All Kanata Legion members

in good standing are encouraged to come out to vote!

Plus, regular business.

N/A N/A

Fri., April 28 Pot Luck Supper & a Movie!

TBA TBA TBA

Wed., May 3 7:30 p.m.

Ladies’ Auxiliary’s General Meeting

Ladies - new members are always welcome! For more information, please

contact Judy at 613-592-9627

N/A N/A

Fri., May 12

8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Visit from the Provincial Service

Officer

The PSO will be at RCL Kanata Branch 638 to answer any questions you have. To

reserve an appointment and time, please contact Sue at 613-271-1038, or

smclean@deadsquid.com.

N/A Contact Sue McLean

Sat., May 13 Early afternoon

Time TBA

High Tea & Fashion Show

TBA TBA TBA

Wed., May 17 7:30 p.m.

Kanata Legion’s General Meeting

All legion members are encouraged to attend to learn more about your legion, provide input and/or vote on decisions.

N/A N/A

Sun., May 28 4:30 p.m./5:00

p.m.

Annual L.A. & Kanata Legion

Honours & Awards Dinner &

Presentations

TBA TBA TBA

Tues., June 6 Annual Veterans Lunch

To be hosted by RCL Kanata Branch 638. Details to follow

TBA TBA

Dear members,

On Sunday, April the 9th, the Friends of the

Canadian War Museum will present Vimy - A

Commemoration in Words and Music in the

LeBreton Gallery of the Canadian War

Museum (see poster).

This significant event is intended to raise

awareness and build constituency for the

Friends and ultimately the Museum.

We need your help!

As members of the Friends, we encourage you

to support the event by purchasing your own

tickets and telling your own friends about

what will be a once in a life time event!

Tickets are available online or at the Museum

Box Office. Check out the Friends’ website at:

https://www.friends-

amis.org/index.php/en/240-

english/events/2017-events/879-vimy-in-

words-music

for more info on the event and the link for

online tickets!

With best regards,

L. J. Colwell

President

Friends of the Canadian War Museum

Tel. 819-776-8618

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #638 - Kanata

2016-17 EXECUTIVE CONTACTS

PRESIDENT Lorraine Lapensée 613-831-8319 lmlapensee@sympatico.ca

1ST VICE-PRESIDENT Dan Knighton 613-831-1920 ralo02@rogers.com

2nd VICE-PRESIDENT (YOUTH ED) Brenda Grant 613-832-4127 brenda.grant@opera.ncf.ca

3rd VICE-PRESIDENT (SENIORS) Gord McCaskill 613-286-1400 maryjogauthier@hotmail.com

TREASURER George Pollock 613-836-2530 geo.pollock@rogers.com

SECRETARY Amanda Robbins 613-552-3541 amandaalrrobbins@gmail.com

CHAPLAIN Fr. Bill Prentice 613-592-4426 williepad@gmail.com

A/VETERANS SERVICES Sue McLean 613-831-1068 smclean@deadsquid.com

MEMBERSHIP JoAnne de Lepper 613-884-7957 membershipbr638@gmail.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS Terry Jenkins 613-501-6237 pr.rclbr638@gmail.com

POLICY & PROCEDURES Bruce Judge 613-599-3553 bwjudge@outlook.com

BLDG. GROUNDS & MTNCE George Pollock 613-836-2530 geo.pollock@rogers.com

TRAINING ORG. DEVELOPMENT Mary-Jo Gauthier 613-884-9097 maryjogauthier@hotmail.com

KITCHEN MGR./CATERING Gaëtan Chartier 819-639-9343 gaetan.p.chartier@gmail.com

POPPY CAMPAIGN, CHAIR Moira Green 613-592-3376 mmgreen@live.com

RECRUITMENT/RETENTION George Royle 613-591-5598 royle@sympatico.ca

SPORTS/TRACK & FIELD Garth Lee 613-282-9724 garthlee96@yahoo.ca