January 2018

In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow Loved, and were loved and now we

lie in Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe,

To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies

grow In Flanders Fields. Col John McCrae

R o y a l C a n a d i a n L e g i o n , O r i l l i a , B r a n c h 3 4

2 1 5 M i s s i s s a g a S t . E . , O r i l l i a , O n t a r i o L 3 V 1 W 2

Vet’s Gazette

Branch 34 President, Rick Purcell, centre congratulates members Ron Wood, left and Barry Cornish, joint recipients of the 2017 President’s Award.

Congratulations to both and thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the branch

PAGE 2 VET’S GAZETTE

Branch Officers President - Rick Purcell 705-330-4815

1st Vice President - Bob Thomas 705-325-4695

2nd Vice President - Jack Hird 705-329-1333

Treasurer - Brian Robertson 705-327-1825

Recording Secretary - Cindy Cassels 705-325-8442

Branch 34 Executive

John Cropper 705-325-0580

Neville Gale 705-326-1312

Sandy Robertson 705-326-1328

Bob Dimaline 705-259-0591

Ron McCron 705-687-7390

Jamie McIsaac 705-326-1232

Ralph Bernard 705-259-0931

Padre Gerry McMillan 705-329-0338

Padre Gary High 705-345-7402

Padre Terry Bennett 705-329-0289

Sergeant-at-Arms - Cliff Vardy 705-327-1155

Colour Sergeant - Colin Wackett 705-325-7874

Service Bureau – Peter DeVillers 705-326-2198

Committees

Poppy – John Cropper

Membership - Bob Dimaline

House - Harold Durant Jr.

Sports - Neville Gale.

Ways and Means - Sandy Robertson

Seniors - Bob Dimaline

PRO - Rob McCron

Youth Education - Jamie McIsaac

Track & Field - Jamie McIsaac

Bingo, Air Cadets, Minor Ball – Rick Purcell

Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital - Chuck Penny

Office Personnel Administrator Cindy Cassels Office 705-325-8442

Bar 705-325-1266

Special Events

Scottish Festival Carrie Dunn 705-326-6147

Angela Paylor 705-323-9759

Special Committees Chairpersons

Legion Crest Complex Angela Paylor 705-323-9759

Pipe Band Manager Linda Buchanan 705-326-5470

Sick & Visiting Bob Dimaline 705-259-0591

Reta Keeler 705-329-0295

Ladies Auxiliary Officers

President, Funeral Lunches Debbie Stanton 705-325-4240

Immediate Past President - Sick & Visiting

Gladys Fountain 705-326-2507

Secretary/Treasurer Bev Brennan 705-331-3195

1st Vice President - Theresa Bernard

705-259-0931 Bid Euchre and Meeting Luncheons

2nd Vice President - Membership & Corresponding

Secretary Deborah Carey 705-326-5181

Sergeant-at-Arms and Ways Means Sandra Evans

Ways and Means - Cindy Cashen

Sports Officer Brenda Watt 705-325-8104

Phoning Committee - Lillian Butt 705-330-0139

Phoning for helpers for lunches - Cathy Wackett

Executive members

Sandy Robertson (Meeting Lunches) 705-326-1328

Sherry Campbell, Cathy Vitalia, June Frankland

Address Vet’s Gazette Correspondence to: Kate Palmer, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34

215 Mississaga St. E., Orillia ON. L3V 1W2 Phone (705) 325-8442 Fax (705) 325-3758

Our email address is: royalcdnlg34@rogers.com

Our Web Site is http://www.orillialegion.com

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 3

President’s Report Comrades:

2 017 was a very successful year for Branch 34. I would like to thank the Executive. They have worked well together and have worked hard to make the year a success.

I would also like to thank the various chairmen.

I would be amiss if I didn’t also thank the staff. Cindy has worked hard in the office to keep us all in line and help us achieve our goals, and has herself run a number of successful events . One special event this year was the Gearls Night Out (guys welcome). It was one of our successful events this year.

Larry has done quite a job in fixing the place up and helping to make it what it is today. We also thank Tom who keeps thinks ticking on the weekends.

I also thank our full time bar steward Kim for her hard work during the days, and our part time stewards who keep us all happy in the evenings and weekends.

The second quarter of this year was a successful quarter which had a good sized profit. It has been a long time since we had such a good quarter.

The executive are already planning on some of the regular events that were successful as well as some new events. We hope our members come out to support the branch when these events are put on.

Normal operation

of the branch does not make us successful. Special events make us successful by keeping our members energized as well as bringing in their friends who hopefully will join.

We are hoping that construction on the kitchen will begin in January and be completed by the end of February or the early part of March.

This will enable us to do a lot more downstairs. Hopefully we can offer light lunches during the week and possibly breakfasts from time to time on the weekends.

If any of our members can think of an event that we could try, or an event that has been seen at another legion that was a success, let us know. We are willing to try new events.

By the time this Gazette is printed Christmas and New Years would have come and gone.

I wish all our members a very Happy 2018.

Lets work together to make this legion the best it has ever been.

Yours in comradeship:

Rick Purcell

President. Branch 34

PAGE 4 VET’S GAZETTE

Sports

W e had three teams entered in the District snooker in Aurora on January 6th and lots of teams entered in Zone darts on the same day in Victoria Harbour. Zone Euchre will be held at the Elmvale Legion on Saturday, February 3 Registration starts at 10 a.m. and play begins at 11. The cost per team is $50 and includes a meal. The closing date for entries is January 26, 2018. We are not hosting any events this year. We were successful in darts and snooker the last couple of years so we have hosted the maximum of twice consecutively. Respectfully submitted,

Neville Gale

Sports Officer

House

W e had to replace the compressor on the beer line as the old one died. For safety reasons we put a lock on the electrical room door and we are putting new plugs near the dart boards—on a new circuit.

Jack Hird,

House Chairman

Membership

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and the New Year brings you health, happiness and prosperity. This year has been fairly good for membership, with many changes to the way memberships are processed. New

members now have the option of being sworn in at a meeting, or just signing the declaration on the application form. The new membership cards are plastic and require no signature and we place a renewal sticker on the back of the card upon renewal for the following years. Our early bird membership drive closed with 548 member renewals, for a total of 1058 paid members. We also have 4 people waiting for their transfer in papers, and nine people to be approved for membership. I have several people who have been approved for membership but, when contacted only a few have responded to my calls, I've called some of them several times and I'll continue to contact them (where possible) and encourage them to pick up their membership cards, papers and their pins. Respectfully submitted

Bob Dimaline,

Membership Chairman.

Ways and Means

H appy New Year to everyone. Here at the branch we had a very successful year: steak fries, Hallowe’en Dance, Karaoke Night - Food Drive, Pasta Night, Gearls Jam, Dr. Krane and the New Year’s Eve Dance with music by Cross Fire Charlotte and The Dirty Cowboys will be entertaining us for a Valentines dance on February 10. Thank you to everyone who supported these events. And a big thank you to all of the volunteers. Respectfully submitted

Ralph Bernard

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 5

Ladies Auxiliary President’s Report

Comrades,

H ere is hoping everyone had a great Christmas and all are well in the New Year. I would like to once again thank the executive for your support in 2017 and would like to remind everyone we still need that support in 2018 if we are to continue as an auxiliary as this cannot be done by one person alone. As you are all aware we are still raising funds for the kitchen downstairs which is stated to begin in the new year so please get your great ideas to work and we will all help to raise more funds. I know the ways and means committee is hard at work organizing two dart tournaments this winter so if you want to have a great time come out and support this great event January 20, 2018. For those of you traveling in the months of January and February down south have a great trip and we will see you in the spring when we resume our meetings in March. Also ladies please remember we will be celebrating our 90th Anniversary this spring on April 14, 2018 and we want all members to come out to celebrate and the details will be told to you at the March meeting so put the date on your calendar for this exciting event At this time I am hoping all whom are sick a speedy recovery and we hope to see you out to our next meeting March 6, 2018. To those that are traveling this winter we will see all in the spring. To those of you that are staying home come out and join in the activities being put on at your

branch this winter Yours in comradeship

Debbie Stanton

Ladies Auxiliary President

Last Post Lest We Forget

French, Clayton A, J42454, RCAF, World War II. Ordinary Member Branch 34. 94 years old. 12/19/17

Cousens, Colin A., B553094, RCAF, Ordinary Member Branch 34

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Artist Christina Hartwick

wre art sculptures, mixed media artwork

705-326-6713 allwiredup@rogers.com

PAGE 6 VET’S GAZETTE

Veteran Visiting Report

H ospital Visits: There were 29 visits to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in November. There have been 290 visits from January 1

st to and

including December 12th. Hospital visiting team are Bob Dimaline, Reta Keeler, Ray Canning and Bridget LaForest.

Nursing Homes & Private Visits: There were 104 visits to nursing homes and residences during November and a total of 1,036 visits from January 1 to December 12, 2017. Volunteers are: Len Thorne, Joan Goldsmith, Don MacKenzie, Reta Keeler, Gord McArthur, Ray Canning, Lorelie Sydney and Bridget LaForest. Welcome new visitor Keith Oliver. Each participant of the team feels that it is a pleasure and an honour to recognize and pay tribute to all our veterans.

Champlain Manor & Leacock Lodge: We have completed orientation and requirements for both retirement homes and have begun regular visits with veterans at Champlain Manor, Leacock Long-term and Leacock Lodge.

2017 Another Year Ending: While the number of new members has grown, we are saddened by the loss of many of our senior veterans both from the branch and throughout the community. There are a significant number of familiar faces absent due to mobility and other issues. I ask that

we consider reaching out to see if they need a hand; perhaps a ride, a telephone call, or delivery of the latest Gazette.

WWII, Korea, Peace Keepers, Peace Makers, NATO, Reservist and Serving. For the Sacrifice they gave, and the

Freedom they protect.

Submitted by:

Reta Keeler

Branch 34 Poppy Trust Fund Profit & Loss

October through November 2017

Net Income

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 7

Poppy Report

Comrades

T his years Poppy campaign achieved revenue of over $34,000.

A BIG thank you goes out to all those who helped with Tag Days and those who drove taggers to and from their locations. Thanks also to the Navy Cadets and Air Cadets for their assistance with tagging. A thank you also to those who assisted with Poppy box delivery and pick-up at local establishments, and all those who assisted with the counting. As always the Champlain Seniors Service Club was a big help. Also, I would like to thank the Ladies Auxiliary for supplying refreshments for all involved.

In December volunteers gathered to prepare Christmas gift bags for veterans and widows in local retirement and nursing homes as well as those alone at home. One hundred and ninety bags were put together and later delivered in time for Christmas.

Thanks very much to all who assisted.

Respectfully submitted.

John Cropper

Poppy Chairman

Top Left: from the left Barry Cornish, Barb Thomas, Bob Thomas, Cindy Cassels, Linda DeVillers, Peter Gould and Peter DeVillers were among those who helped prepare our Christmas bags for veterans. Absent from the photo are: Bob Dimaline and Marg and Brian Robertson. Above: Service Officer Peter DeVillers presents one of the first bags to veteran Colin Wackett.

PAGE 8 VET’S GAZETTE

Local Artist Donates to Poppy Fund

Branch 34 Poppy Fund treasurer Brian

Robertson with local artist Christina Hartwick. Below is her story.

M y name is Christina Hartwick and I’ve always shared deep feelings regarding our veterans and what our past families must have gone through during the war times. I have always felt the need to do more in support of our veterans and this year on November 2, 2017 I decided to ask friends and family via Facebook if they would feel so inclined to help me raise money to support our local legion, Branch 34. I’ve always loved poppies and I thought since I make wire art sculptures and flowers I could put my talents to use and towards an important cause. I had 25 poppies made and thought this was a way I could help. My hope was to reach $200 to donate to our veterans. As word got out I endured an outpouring of love and support from near and far with people wanting to support this cause. In the end people bought 106

poppies. I had no idea people felt the same as I do and it shows that WE WILL NEVER FORGET. That is most important to me.

Please note: These wire poppies are to be enjoyed and displayed any way you choose but please keep in mind and know that they are not to replace the poppies that are offered yearly in support of veterans. The veterans still need our support. I donated to the little poppy box this year for a poppy for myself and each of my children, as I do every year. Please accept this donation of $745.00 knowing that we remember you. We appreciate you and we will share your stories of bravery. We won’t ever forget and thank you for our freedom

Christina Hartwick

Library

O ur library is undergoing a make over. All books, magazines and CD’s are being catalogued from the Boer War to current activities. We have much history available but if anyone is “down-sizing” and wanting to retire their Military Libraries we will gladly give them a cherished home.

Bruce Keeling

Congratulations

to Brian Piggott the first winner of the

CATCH THE ACE JACKPOT

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 9

Homeless Veterans

T he Royal Canadian Legion is committed to helping Veterans and their families in need find homes. There are national and provincial programs that offer financial assistance and support for homeless Veterans and those at-risk of homelessness. How we can help Trained Legion Command Service Officers can assist with the following:

Finding suitable accommodation: Legion Provincial Commands work closely with Veterans Affairs Canada, shelters and community organizations to get Veterans off the street and into temporary and/or long term accommodations. Financial assistance: Through the Poppy Fund, housing support is provided through financial assistance for items such as first and last month’s rent, rental arrears and furnishings. In addition, Legion Branches and Commands across the country support numerous initiatives to help homeless and near homeless Veterans in their communities. From outreach programs, to working with local organizations and first responders to identify and refer Veterans to the Legion, to supporting housing and food banks, Legion members are the 'boots on the ground', helping homeless and near homeless Veterans get the support they need. Help is available If you, or a Veteran or family member you know is homeless or at-risk of homelessness, contact the Legion: Phone: 613-591-3335 or Toll-free: 1-877-534-4666 servicebureau@legion.ca Contact a Command Service Officer in your area

The Legion’s “Leave the Streets Behind Program

“Leave the Streets Behind” is the Legion’s national homeless Veterans program that started out of Ontario Command. The program’s mission is to reach out to homeless Veterans and those at-risk of homelessness and provide them with immediate financial assistance and support. It also connects them with the social

and community services to establish a long term solution to meet their needs. While the “Leave the Streets Behind” program is operating in Ontario, British Columbia/Yukon, Alberta/North West Territories, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia/Nunavut and New Brunswick Commands, supports and services through the Legion are available for homeless and near-homeless Veterans and their families across the country.

Partnering to support Veterans

The circumstances that can lead to homelessness can involve many issues, from mental illness, to financial challenges, to family circumstances, to failures with the system, and much more. In the Veteran community, homelessness can impact not only the Veteran, but their family as well. The Legion is actively involved in advocating for supports and solutions for

homeless Veterans. It was the Legion who hosted the first homeless Veterans Forum in

2014, bringing together industry experts, government representatives, Veterans organizations and community support services together for the first time. We continue to be fully involved in working to find solutions, coordinating the annual Legion's Veterans Homelessness Advisory Committee each year to help develop a coordinated approach across all stakeholders to address the issue. The Legion works hard to get the word out to Veterans and their families about the help available. Our homeless Veterans program outreaches to shelters, first responders and organizations within communities to spread the word about our services and to coordinate supports for Veterans and their families in need. We also work with organizations such as VETS Canada and Soldiers Helping Soldiers to outreach to Veterans on the street. Once connected with a Veteran in need, we can provide immediate support and get them connected to the long-term supports and services they need. If you, or a Veteran or family member you know is homeless or at-risk of homelessness, contact a Legion Command Service Officer.

PAGE 10 VET’S GAZETTE

BRANCH 34 Financial Summary for the six months ending November 30, 2017

6 Months ending 6 Months ending November 30, 2017 November 30, 2016

Bar revenue $162,149 $143,461 Cost of goods sold 74,569 70,917 Gross Bar profit $87,580 $72,544 Gross Profit %age 54.0% 50.6%

Committee revenue $34,386 $44,761 Committee expenses 36,811 43,085 Committee profit (loss) $(2,425) $ 1,676

Revenue-Ways & Means $17,857 $12,934 Expenses-Ways & Means 7,036 5,957 Ways & Means profit $10,821 $ 6,977 Revenue-Normandy Room $27,000 $27,000 Expenses-Normandy Room ----- ------ Normandy profit $27,000 $27,000

Member Fees-net $14,146 $13,892

Other Income $12,764 $23,593 Expenses Building $25,442 $32,445 Payroll 69,847 74,716 Administration 23,490 23,754 Total Expense $118,779 $130,915

Net Profit (loss) $31,107 $14,767

Cash less accounts payable $10,599 Bingo Bank Account $ 500 Nevada Bank Account $ 1,400

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 11

Treasurer’s Comments-

January 3, 2018

Financial statements November 30, 2017: Profit & Loss June 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017; 1. Bar sales for the 6 months ended November 30, 2017 were $18,700 more than the 6 months ending November 30, 2016. Branch bar sales are approximately 13% more than last years’ bar sales resulting from increased bar sales over 2016 and bar price increases. 2. Bar gross profit for the 6 months ended November 30, 2017 is 54.0% (50.6% in 2016); Gross profit for 6 months ended November 30, 2017 is $15,000 more than the 6 months ended November 30, 2016. 3. Committee net revenue for the first 6 months of fiscal 2017 is $4,100 less this year than last year mainly due to increased costs of youth education, vets gazette and regalia. 4. Ways and Means revenue for the 6 months ending November 30, 2017 is $3,800 more than the 6 months ending November 30, 2016 resulting from increased dances and BBQ revenues of $3,700 and decreased pool table costs of $1,200 offset by increased Remembrance Day costs. 5. Normandy room revenue from the rental of the Bingo Hall is the same for both years. 6. Membership fees are $300 more than last year at November. 7. Other income is $10,800 less for the 6 months ended November, 2017 than for the 6 months ended November 30, 2016 as a result of Nevada administration revenue of $3,000 not yet earned this year,donations $6,600 less than last year and reduced patiobrick revenue of $1,100. 8. Expenses for the 6 months ended November 30, 2017 are $12,100 less than the 6 months ended November 30, 2016 with utilities being $2,400 less costly; repairs to building being $4,500 less;

administration costs $300 less; and wages are $4,800 less due to the shortening of working hours. 9. Completion date for the kitchen is expected by the end of February, 2018. There have been $20,400 in donations raised for the kitchen as well as the $24,000 Horizon Grant. 10. Operations had a profit of $31,107 for the 6 months ended November 30, 2017 as compared to a profit of $14,767 for the 6 months ended November 30, 2016. Balance Sheet-November 30, 2017; 1. Retained earnings at November 30, 2017 were $43,196. 2. Cash on hand was $98,312. 3. Accounts payable & reserve liabilities were $87,713 leaving a net cash excess of $10,599 at November 30, 2017. 4. The Bingo and Nevada bank accounts have a balance of $1,900. Respectively submitted,

Brian Robertson

Treasurer

Play

Catch The Ace

A new ticket is drawn every Monday.

It could be yours !!!

Tickets are $5.00 each and are available in the office, at

the bar or on Friday nights during meat darts and

draws.

PAGE 12 VET’S GAZETTE

Honours and Awards

ABOVE left: President Rick Purcell announced that Colin Wackett has been approved by command to receive a Legion Life Membership. Centre - Cathy Wackett receives an Award of Distinction from Chuck Penny. Right - Bea Keetch receives an Award of Distinction from Bob Thomas. MIDDLE ROW - Kate Palmer presents Christal Pilon with a Certificate of Merit. Centre - Bruce Donaldson receives a Certificate of Merit from Bob Dimaline. Right– Bob Dimaline accepts a Certificate of Merit on behalf of Reta Keeler from President Rick Purcell. BOTTOM ROW - Larry Fenton receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Rick Purcell. Centre - Sandra Evans receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Sandy Robertson and Right - Laurie Bax receives a Certificate of Appreciation

from Rick Purcell

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 13

President Rick Purcell, right acknowledged branch members for their hard work replacing the floor in the Tri-Service Room. They are, from the left: Bruce Donaldson, Barry Cornish, Ron Wood, Larry Fenton, Harold Durant Jr. and Bill Stenton

Honours and Awards Top Left: President Rick Purcell presents the Branch Service Medal to Ron Wood. Below left: Chuck Penny also received the Branch Service Medal. Below: Colin Wackett, Gerry Henry and Rick Purcell present a Branch Service Medal to Rich Percy, second from the left.

PAGE 14 VET’S GAZETTE

Following a successful Karaoke Night in December the Branch made a donation of cash and food to the Salvation Army Food Bank. Accepting the donation on behalf of the Salvation Army from Cindy Cassels and Ralph Bernard were the KICX 106 Morning

Team of Carrie, Jack and Jason

Some people are like clouds. When they go away, it's a brighter day.

If we shouldn't eat at night, why is there a light in the fridge?

Me and my bed are perfect for each other, but my alarm clock keeps trying to break us

up..

If I won the award for laziness, I would send somebody to pick it up for me.

I always say "morning" instead of "good morning", because if it was a good morning,

I'd still be asleep.

I don't mean to brag, but I put together a puzzle in 1 day and the box said 2-4 years..

Donation Branch 34 Ladies Auxiliary

90th Anniversary

Celebration

Saturday, April 14

Steak BBQ Friday, April 13

Fund raiser for the Scottish Festival

Watch for details

Ladies Auxiliary

Dart Tournament Saturday,

January 20th Open to all !!!

Valentine Dance

Sat. Feb. 10 With

Charlotte and the Dirty Cowboys Admission $5.00

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 15

EXCLUSIVE OFFER TO LEGION MEMBERS Doolittle-Carson Funeral Home is proud to offer, to all Legion Vets and Members in

good standing, a very special offer on funeral planning.

This deeply discounted offer is being made to all members with proof of current

membership in good standing.

This includes pre-planned and at time of need funeral arrangements.

At the time of planning we will ask about any Legion arrangements you might wish to include, ad-

vise of any Veterans benefits that might apply, assist with completion of documents both prior to

and following the funeral services.

Due to the nature of this offer we must restrict it to members in good standing only.

For information please call or speak to Branch 34 member COLIN WACKETT

This is a service….FOR LEGION MEMBERS….BY LEGION MEMBERS

Phone 326-3595 email: info@carsonfuneralhomes.com

Editorial

Congratulations to members of the Branch 34 Ladies Auxiliary who celebrate 90

years of service to the branch and the community this year. They had a very busy 2017 hosting several fund raising activities to raise money for the new kitchen that we hope to see built this year. They have several other activities planned for 2018 which includes two dart tournaments, one of which will be held on Saturday, January 20th. This tournament is open to everyone so sign up early. The auxiliary will celebrate their 90th on Saturday, April 14. Watch the bulletin boards for details. Our Ways and Means committee also had a busy 2017 with dances and karaoke and the ‘Turkey Shoot’. Thanks to Sandy Robertson and Ralph Bernard for all of their hard work. Plans are in the works for a Valentines Dance on Saturday, February 10 featuring Charlotte and the Dirty Cowboys. Drop into the branch often to see what other events are being planned and don’t forget the Friday Night meat darts and draws, a great money-maker for the branch - thanks to the crew that keeps this event going. These functions don’t run by themselves and volunteers are always needed. If you can help please contact the chairman or leave your name with Cindy in the office. Speaking of Cindy, she does a great job working with all of the committees within the branch. She goes way beyond the things that are required of her and truly has the

best interests of our veterans and other members at heart. Thank you!

Yours in comradeship

Kate Palmer, Editor

PAGE 16 VET’S GAZETTE

Military Service

Recognition Book

O ntario Command is proud to introduce

our fifth annual Military Service

Recognition Book. Our fourth book, which

was a resounding success, has just

recently been published and will be

available soon at your local Legion Branch,

in schools or on our website.

Our Books serve as a reminder for

generations to come of the contributions

made towards the creation of our nation

and the continuance of Canada as a

protector of freedom. They also assist us in

identifying and recognizing many of our

Veterans within the Province of Ontario,

while at the same time assist us in our job

as the “Keepers of Remembrance”.

We invite you to visit your local

Legion Branch to obtain more information

on how to submit stories or a military

biography and a photo of Veterans.

Recognition of our Veterans both

past and present should be important to us

all; help us give our Veterans the

recognition they deserve! With the help of

our Veterans and their families and friends

our fifth book is scheduled to be published

and released in September of 2018.

Although this program is about

Remembrance and the history of our

Veterans, a telephone appeal will take

place to the general public and businesses

for donations and advertising sales for the

publication of our book. This telephone

appeal will be conducted by the book’s

publisher, Fenety Marketing on behalf of

Ontario Command. Funds raised through

the program are being utilized to support

various Veterans Transition Programs that

in turn will assist our Veterans who suffer

from various challenges they face through

their day to day lives. For further

information about this program please visit

www.on.legion.ca or contact Ms. Juanita

Kemp at the Ontario Command Office (Toll

Free) at 1-855-845-VETS (8387) or email

info@on.legion.ca

Above: Eric Gibson and Gladys Fountain prepare to lay wreaths at the memorial in

Veterans Memorial Park on Remembrance Day. Below: Students at Couchiching

Heights Public School have cookies ready for the participants in the annual

Remembrance Day Service

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 17

Quilts of Valour Once again members of the

Orillia Quilters Guild crafted a “Quilt of Valour” and presented it to a local veteran. The recipient was Joyce

Jennings, shown left, with quilters Janet Clarke and Alice Dowswell and Branch

34 Service Officer Peter DeVillers

About Joyce Jennings

Served in the Canadian Army from 1955-59 in Corner Brook Newfoundland and Val Cartier Quebec. She writes…..

As a teenager growing up in Corner Brook NL there were not a lot of opportunities to take advantage of. Social activities were more geared to church and outside activities were skating of the pond, sledding or swimming in the local pool.. I remember on one particular Remembrance Day seeing the veterans, young and old marching proudly in their uniforms and thinking what an honour it would be to be one of them. Shortly after that I went to the local armory and enquired about joining. After talking to the recruiting officer I decided this was definitely something I wanted to do. Imagine my delight the first time I donned by uniform and walked down the road to the armory. That delight lasted for four years. I learned discipline, loyalty, patience and honesty, all things that have helped me throughout my life. I remember also how proud my father was of me when I returned from training in Valcartier, PQ and my sergeant told him I was a great soldier.

Watch for upcoming auction

Well known local artist Dave Beckett, shown here with Branch 34 President

Rick Purcell recently donated this beautiful print

to the branch.

The print will be auctioned off in the new year. Watch

the bulletin boards and website for more details.

PAGE 18 VET’S GAZETTE

Childrens’ Christmas Party

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 19

Fun With Santa

PAGE 20 VET’S GAZETTE

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 Executive

Meeting

4

Mixed Darts

5 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

6

7 8 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

9

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

10 General

Meeting

Dinner 6:30

Meeting

7:30

11

Mixed Darts

12 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

13

14 15 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

16

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

17 18

Mixed Darts

19 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

20 Dart

Tournament

hosted by

Ladies

Auxiliary

21 22 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

23

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

24 Prostate

Cancer

Awarness

Meeting

25

SALT

Mixed Darts

26 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

27

28 29 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

30

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

31

January 2018

Happy 100th Birthday to

Peter Castellan Help us celebrate at the

General Meeting on January 10

JAN UAR Y 2018 PAGE 21

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Mixed Darts

2 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

3

4 5

Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

6

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

7 Executive

Meeting

8

Mixed Darts

9 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

10

Valentines

Dance

8 p.m.

11 12 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

13

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

14 General

Meeting

Dinner 6:30

Meeting

7:30

15

Mixed Darts

16 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

17

18 19 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

20

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

21 22

SALT

Mixed Darts

23 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

24

25 26 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

27

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

28

February 2018

PAGE 22 VET’S GAZETTE

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Mixed Darts

2 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

3

4 5 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

6

Euchre 1pm

LA Meeting

7:30 p.m.

Mens Darts

7 Executive

Meeting

8

Mixed Darts

9 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

10

11 12 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

13

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

14 General

Meeting

Dinner 6:30

Meeting

7:30

15 Mixed Darts

16 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

17

Happy St. Patrick’s

Day

18 19 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

20

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

21 22

SALT

Mixed Darts

23 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

24

25 26 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

27

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

28 29

Mixed Darts

30

Good

Friday

Branch

Closed

31

March 2018

JAN UAR Y 20 18 PAGE 23

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Easter

Sunday

Branch

Closed

2 Bid Euchre 1

p.m.

Ladies Darts

3

Euchre 1pm

LA Meeting

7:30 p.m.

Mens Darts

4 Executive

Meeting

5

Mixed Darts

6 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

7

8 9 Vimy Ridge Day

Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

10

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

11 General

Meeting

Dinner 6:30

Meeting

7:30

12

Mixed Darts

13 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

Steak BBQ

14

Ladies Auxiliary

90th Anniversary

15 16 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

17

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

18 19

Mixed Darts

20 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

21

22 23 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

24

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

25 26

SALT

Mixed Darts

27 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

28

29 30 Bid Euchre

1 p.m.

Ladies Darts

April 2018

Help celebrate

Jim Willcox’s 100th Birthday at

the General Meeting on April 11

Remembrance Day 2017