July 2019

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

Ken Neilson, Tyler Shepperdson and Peter DeVillers , Branch 34 Service Officer.. Tyler was presented with a Quilt of Valor.

See story on page 7

PAGE 2 VET’S GAZETTE

Branch Officers

President - Bob Thomas 705-325-4695

1st Vice President - Rick Purcell 705-330-4815

2nd Vice President - Jack Hird 705-619-3319

Treasurer -

John Cropper 705-325-0580

Neville Gale 705-326-1312

Bob Dimaline 705-259-0591

Ron McCron 705-687-7390

Ralph Bernard 705-259-0931

Annette Mathias 705-955-1046

Jackie Verbeek 647-607-9071

Padre Gerry McMillan 705-329-0338

Padre Tony Rennett 705-326-9252

Padre Terry Bennett 705-329-0289

Sergeant-at-Arms - Ron Wood 705-326-8686

Colour Sergeant - Colin Wackett 705-325-7874

Service Bureau – Peter DeVillers 705-326-2198

Committees

Poppy – John Cropper

Membership - Annette Mathias

House - Jack Hird.

Sports - Neville Gale.

Ways and Means - Ralph Bernard

Seniors - Jackie Verbeek

PRO - Rob McCron

Youth Education - Kate Palmer

Track & Field - Jamie McIsaac

Bingo, Air Cadets, Minor Ball – Rick Purcell

Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital - Chuck Penny

Office Personnel Administrator Laura Simpson

Office 705-325-8442

Bar 705-325-1266

Special Events

Scottish Festival Carrie Dunn

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

Ladies Auxiliary Officers

President - Brenda Watt 705-325-8104

Immediate Past President

Theresa Bernard 705-259-0931

1st Vice President - Bev Brennan 705-331-3195

2nd Vice President - Sherry Campbell 705-715-8861

Secretary - Sick & Visiting

Bev Brennan 705-331-3195

Treasurer - Carol Macksey 705-644-4020

Sergeant-at-Arms Sandra Evans 705-915-1036

Membership - Annette Mathias 705-955-1046

Sports Officer - Brenda Watt 705-325-8104

Executive

Funeral Lunches Cathy Wackett 705-325-7874

Monday Cards - Theresa Bernard 705-259-0931

Soup & Sandwich Luncheons -

Deb Stanton - 705-325-4240

Ways and Means Convener, Retirements, Birthdays,

Anniversaries, Small weddings

- Dorothy Cotter 705-955-1884

Craft Show—Candy Cashen 705-826-7907 and Sherry

Campbell 705-715-8861

Phoning Captain - Sharon Ross

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

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 3

President’s

Report Comrades,

T

here is not much to report at this time. I would like to thank the outgoing President Rick Purcell, and the executive for their service

to the branch over the last 2 years. I also welcome back to the executive Ralph Bernard, Neville Gale, Bob Dimaline and John Cropper and our 2 new members, Annette Mathias and Jackie Verbeek. Annette will be our membership chairman and Jackie will work with Jack on house, and looking after the museum. I also want to welcome Rick Purcell as 1st Vice President and Jack Hird as 2nd. Vice President. Our treasurer Brian Robertson has decided to step down, and we would like to thank him for his many years of time, and service, to the branch. Brian will continue as treasurer on the Poppy committee. I attended the church service and parade, that was in recognition of Sir Sam Steele, 100 years after his death, on Sunday June 23rd. finishing up here at the legion. The Shriners provided an antique Fire Truck, which the dignitaries rode on . An antique Tudhope car was in the parade. The City declared the 23rd as Sir Sam Steele day. On Tuesday June 25th I had the honor of presenting the English Proficiency Award to Charlotte Snake of the 8th grade graduation class of the Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementry School. This was held at the Rama Mask Sports Complex. There were 14 students graduating and moving on to high school. Congratulations to all. I hope everyone has a healthy and

safe summer.

Yours in comradeship

Bob Thomas

President

Ladies Auxiliary

President’s Report Comrades,

N ever say never is a term I often

use so here I am back as

President of the Ladies Auxiliary.

However, I do look forward to the

up coming year. I have a great executive

and welcome Dorothy Cotter and Annette

Mathias, fairly new members to the Ladies

Auxiliary. Dorothy will be our Ways and

Means convener and Annette will be looking

after Membership. I would also like to

welcome back Carol Macksey. Carol will be

our treasurer.

We are a busy executive. In the

month of June we had four functions starting

with a wedding and finishing with the Sir

Samuel Steel parade giving us a total of

approximately 395 people being served.

That’s a lot of sandwiches.

Thank you to the great bunch of

ladies who volunteer their time for the

Auxiliary.

Our dart team recently travelled to

Calender for Provincial Darts.

Remember ladies we have meetings

in July and August.

Have a safe summer.

Yours in comradeship,

Brenda Watt

Branch 34 Ladies Auxiliary President

Support

The Scottish Festival. Buy a $2.00 Button

PAGE 4 VET’S GAZETTE

Ways and Means

T

hank you to everyone who voted to

re-elect me to the executive for

another term. I have successfully

completed a food handling course

and received my certificate on April 23rd.

On April 26th we had our first BBQ of

the year with the proceeds to the Scottish

Festival. It was very successful. On May

10th another BBQ was held and one for the

Ride for Dad on May 25. Myself and Billie

battled the elements for these events.

Upcoming events include a BBQ on

July 12, another BBQ on August 16th and on

September 6th there will be a Dinner and

Dance with Charlotte and the Dirty Cowboys.

The last BBQ of the season will be held on

September 20.

I wish you all a good summer, stay

safe.

Respectfully submitted

Ralph Bernard’

Ways and Means Chairman

Membership

O ur paid up membership as of May

31, 2019 is 939 members and 79

unpaid.. At our general meeting

in June we voted to accept six

new members. We also received an Early

Bird Award from Provincial Command in

recognition of attaining 65% or more

renewals in 2018. We actually attained 71%

as of November 30, 2018. I will continue to

make phone calls to the members that have

not yet paid for 2019.

Respectfully submitted

Annette Mathias

Membership chairman

Stay Updated on the

Legions Pilgrimage of

Remembrance on Social

Media

T

he Royal Canadian Legion

Pilgrimage of Remembrance is set

to embark on July 6 visiting

significant commemorative sites

including, Normandy, Juno, Ypres and

Passchendaele.

Legionnaire Jim Perfitt will chronicle his

and the group’s experiences reflecting on the

events and immense sacrifices of those who

served. Follow them on Instragram, Twitter

and Facebook.

General Meetings will resume on

September 11 Dinner is served at 6:30 with meeting to follow

at 7:30 In order to continue with the meals we MUST have a minimum of 20 people

in attendance. Don’t miss this opportunity for a really good dinner for

only $12.00

Then please stay for the meeting so we have the

quorum necessary to carry on the business of the

branch.

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 5

Ladies Auxiliary Past President’s

Report Hello Comrades

W hat a difference a year makes! Not only did I learn so much but I made many wonderful connections. I discovered that I

could lead despite my inner challenges and follow when it was the best tfor our organization. Mostly, I learned that as a group, we woman can accomplish pretty much anything!

April: Once again, it was a very busy time with birthdays, retirements, weddings, funerals, businesses meetings, celebrations of life and monthly branch suppers. Our soup and sandwich events have been so successful that we will need to increase our quantity, thanks to you!

May: Along with all that, LA prepared a BBQ steak dinner for the Monday Evening Ladies Darts. The teams expressed extreme gratitude to the Ladies Auxiliary. I also attended an informative zone meeting in Midland that month.

June: Again, we were very busy helping out the branch with celebrations, meetings and meals. Because of immense participation, all went very well.

With mixed emotion, I say that this is my last report. I wish nothing but the very best to our new leader, Brenda Watt.

It has been a great honour!

Respectfully:

Theresa Bernard

Immediate Past President, Branch 34 Ladies Auxiliary

The Branch 34 Poppy

Committee Invites all veterans to the

annual

VETERANS’

DINNER Tuesday,

September 17 Dinner at 5 p.m.

In the Vimy Room

Branch 34, Royal Canadian Legion

This invitation is extended to all veterans in the Orillia area. If you know a veteran who

you think would like to attend please let him/her know. The veteran DOES NOT

have to be a Legion member.

We will arrange transportation for those who need it.

Call 705-325-8442 to book your spot

RESERVATIONS WILL NOT BE TAKEN UNTIL AFTER

SEPTEMBER 1ST

PAGE 6 VET’S GAZETTE

Sick and Visiting

Comrades,

I n the past three months ending May

31st, Ray Canning, Colleen Payie,

and I visited 28 Veterans, 36 Legion

and ANAF Members, and 24 friends

and acquaintances at Soldiers’ Memorial

Hospital. I'd like to remind fellow Legion

members we volunteer to do this not only for

the smiles on the patients faces, but for the

enjoyment we experience from doing it, and I

invite any Legion member to join us on our

rounds.

Comrades Len Thorne, John Devlin,

Joan Goldsmith, Don McKenzie, Gord

McArthur, Muriel McArthur Rich Percy,Joe

Fletcher and Jo Dowber continue to make

visits to veterans in extended care, assisted

living and private homes.

Respectfully submitted

Bob Dimaline

About The Royal Canadian Legion

F ounded in 1925, the Legion is

Canada’s largest Veteran support

and community service organization.

We are a non-profit organization

with a national reach across Canada as well

as branches in the U.S., Europe and Mexico.

With close to 260,000 members, many of

whom volunteer an extraordinary amount of

time to their branches, our strength is in our

numbers.

Tyler Shepperdson is pictured with the creators of the quilt from left: Linda DeVillers, Beth Dubeau, Tyler, Julie Dubeau and designer

Marion Brophy

Quilts of Valour-Canada authentic label showing the name of the recipient, Official ID No: and who

it was made by. It says, in both English and French: Handmade with love, respect and

gratitude for your sacrifice to Canada. May the hugs stitched into this quilt give you comfort,

strength and love.

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 7

Quilts of Valour

O n April 1

st at Branch 34 Canadian

Legion in Orillia Ken Neilson,

made the following presentation

to Tyler Shepperdson on behalf

of the Quilts of Valour – Canada

“It is with honour that I present you with his

beautiful quilt. This quilt was personally

designed by Julie Ella Dubeau, Beth Dubeau,

Marion Brophy and Linda DeVillers and is

itemized as "ON3-2019-10" for historical

purposes . Mr. Shepperdson Served with the

Royal Canadian Air Force on numerous

domestic and international deployments

abroad such as Central America (Belize -

Building Schools mission), Dubia in support of

the Afghanistan campaign, worked with the

US Forces at Fort Pickett in support of CF

Forces Reserves in training there and also to

CFS Alert, Greenland and Eureka, Alaska in

support of CF Box Top Operations. Mr.

Shepperdson was critically injured while

Serving and has since been medically

released. Tyler Shepperdson is most

deserving to receive this wonderful comforting

quilt from a grateful Nation on behalf of all

those who represent Quilts of Valour - Canada

Society. Thank you Tyler for your dedicated

service.”

For more about Quilt of Valour-Canada

contact:

https://www.quiltsofvalour.ca/contact.html

Don Oliphant - Secretary

Phone: 519-350-2099

secretary@quiltsofvalour.ca

While accepting his Quilt of Valour Tyler had

these comments:

“I awoke upon a familiar process today. One

that was filled with the usual routine of

appointments and those run of the mill type

obligations.

But it also had a very important message in it

as well. Well for me it did!

You see, a lot of things happen during the

course of transition - especially post service,

it’s inevitable in a sense. This can be positive,

negative and at times, even both, and this is

OK.

For me personally, I forgot what it felt like to

be connected with others. Or to the finer

details that just mean so much more.

Like today...

Gratitude is indeed the stitch that'll mend ones

way.

I'm extremely humbled and flattered by the

work everyone put into my quilt. So many

hours, finding the time, thought upon design,

renting machines!

You all hold a very special place in my heart

and I'll never forget your care for me today.

Thanks for the hugs, the project (QOV) and

making me feel like I was at home.”

Tyler Shepperdson

PAGE 8 VET’S GAZETTE

New Visual Identity blends hospital history with

modern design OSMH celebrated its 111

th birthday in style this

year, with a refresh of its visual identity ushering in a bold vision for the future that also pays tribute to the lives and sacrifices of the soldiers who are our namesake. Anchored by a woven emblem inspired by the shape of a World War I service medal presented to more than 70,000 Canadians, the new logo strongly reinforces the hospital’s longstanding connection to local veterans. Formerly Orillia General Hospital, our hospital was renamed Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in 1922 in honour of local soldiers who served in World War I. In step with the bold and unique new graphics, the colour scheme of the logo is predominantly purple, a strategic switch from the previous logo that incorporated blue, white and gold. “Many hospital logos are blue, and we wanted something different,” said Carmine Stumpo, OSMH President and CEO. “Purple is powerful and has connotations of strength, honour, and remembrance, and we feel it embodies much of what we strive to promote through our work. We’ve created a captivating new symbol with a compelling story behind it that will become easily recognizable to the community. ” The previous hospital logo presented legibility and accessibility challenges. The outlined lettering and word order didn’t meet best practice standards for the visually impaired and the ornate design and writing inside the letter ‘o’, for example, wouldn’t replicate properly on smaller versions, or on embroidery placed on clothing. The other primary design element is the enhanced prominence of the word ‘Soldiers’ which is a direct result of feedback received during the community consultation phase of the project. “It’s the most common term that people use when referring to our hospital,” said Stumpo. “You’re not just going to the hospital, you’re going to Soldiers’, and that means something in our community”.

While community feedback also expressed openness to a new design, there was a strong desire to maintain the name. As such, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital remains intact. Another driving factor behind the need for change was the stark difference between the visual identities of OSMH and the OSMH Foundation. About ten years ago, the Foundation introduced its own unique image to draw attention to fundraising efforts. While that worked at the time, it was determined that a similar image shared by both organizations, “is a better approach,” said Mark Riczu, Executive Director of the OSMH Foundation. “We want our shared identity to reflect the important connection between the hospital and the Foundation, working together to improve the health of the community.” Riczu also points out that studies have shown that a rebrand in the charitable sector can result in better fundraising performance, particularly as brand equity grows. “Changes to an organization’s visual identity are important and should never be taken lightly or without appropriate consultation,” said Stumpo. “For the past century, our name and visual identity have helped define who we are, how we respect and admire the values and commitment that soldiers have brought to their duties, and how we as a hospital strive to emulate those values in the work we do. Our visual identity reflects that commitment. It has evolved over time, but always with the same intent of honouring our past, acknowledging the present, and leading us into the future.”

The World War 1 service medal which the new OSMH logo draws inspiration from.

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 9

Poppy

T

his year the Branch 34 Poppy Committee

presented bursaries to 5 students from the Orillia high schools. The presentations were made at the June general meeting. Three of the students were able to attend and one was represented by her grandmother. Pictured here are: John Cropper, poppy committee chairman, Anner Yep, Martina Hill (representing her granddaughter Makaila Coulson,) Sam Grecco, Cassandra Watson and Brian Robertson, poppy committee treasurer. The fifth recipient Matthew Dixon was unable to attend. Once again the Poppy Committee will host a Veteran’s Dinner to be held in the Vimy Room on Tuesday, September 19. Many of the area veterans look forward to this annual event which started 14 years ago. The Ladies Auxiliary is planning a wonderful meal. It is important to know that this dinner is not just for

legion members. Any veteran and their spouse or caregiver is invited to attend. If you know a veteran who might be interested in attending please have them call the branch AFTER SEPTEMEBER 1ST TO MAKE A RESERVATION. Rides will be arranged for those who need them. This evening is a very casual event, just dinner, comradeship and a little music Numbers are limited to 100 people.

Below: Bob Dimaline, Theresa Bernard, Chuck Penny and John Cropper attended

the official unveiling of the new logo for Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital

PAGE 10 VET’S GAZETTE

THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION ONTARIO COMMAND FACT

SHEET

April 2019 (Fiscal Year 2017-2018)

The Legion at work in Ontario: -

There were 399 Branches, with a total

membership of almost 100,000 (92% of Ontario Command Branches responded to this survey)

Total Poppy Donations received for 2017-2018 were $5,368,572.32. Statements throughout the Fact Sheet reflect where these funds were disbursed by Branches to support Veterans, their dependents and greater community

Funds spent on Veterans Programs for 2018 totaled over $2.7 million

Branches and Ladies Auxiliaries continue to support the Homeless Veterans Program - "Operation: Leave the Streets Behind". As of March 2019 over $2.3 million has be disbursed in support of 719 Veterans being assisted (of which 71 were female Veterans) in 147 communities

For the year 2018 Grants from Poppy funds, to the Royal Canadian Ex-Service League in the Caribbean totaled $90,950.00

Provide funding for Provincial Service Bureaus, for Provincial Service Officers to assist, all Veterans – Currently Serving and Ex-Service Personnel, with pension applications, benefit concerns, on an ongoing basis - free of charge

Ontario Command is very proud to support "Operation Service Dog"! In collaboration with Wounded Warriors Canada this program has, and will continue, to drastically improve the lives of many Veterans!

Branch and Ladies Auxiliary members visit Veterans in hospitals and continue to supply comforts and entertainment to enhance their quality of life

Money Spent on Medical Equipment and Research totaled over $1.3 million.

Not including funds spent on Veterans, over $557,000 was used for Seniors’ Programs

Ontario Provincial Command Branches and Ladies Auxiliaries Charitable Foundation approved $521,682.00 to Ontario communities in 2018. Since its inception in 1979, donations approved amounted to over $16,959,922.52 to various Hospitals, Health Clinics, Homes for the Aged and Charities in communities throughout Ontario.

- Through our Bursary program in the 2017-2018 academic year a total of 452 applications were awarded to students in need for post-secondary education in the total amount of $338,500.00 in the Province of Ontario. Since the academic year of 2002-2003 to 2017-2018 our Bursary program has made a total of 11,484 awards totaling $5,790,325.00

Additional Bursaries from Poppy Trust funds were awarded in the amount of $725,115.08

Sponsors and facilitates low rental housing for senior citizens

Continued to support accessibility for Veterans, their families and the Communities in excess of $443,000

Continued to support Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Army/Air/Sea/Navy Cadets and other Youth Programs in excess of $1.3million

Other donations to local charities amount to over $1.5 million, not from Poppy Trust Funds

Donations to local Community Projects totaled over $1.3 million

Ontario Command Members annually put in over 444,500 volunteer hours

In 2018 Ontario Command Branches had over 6552 volunteer staff and employed over 1300 full time and part-time staff

Ontario Command Branches offered their facilities free of charge to community groups for over 27,600 occasions in 2018

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 11

Program helps Veterans living

with mental health

challenges

OTTAWA, ON, 16 June, 2019 – Serving and

retired veterans participated in the national

launch of The Royal Canadian Legion’s new

Operation VetBuild program in Ajax, ON today.

The program uses scale-model building kits in a

supportive atmosphere. Working in a stress-free

setting alongside other Veterans, it’s a chance to

learn new skills and relax.

“I look forward to seeing the incredible

handiwork, the camaraderie and the peer

support that will come from Operation VetBuild,”

says Legion Dominion President, Thomas D.

Irvine, CD.

One of the Legion’s key focus areas is the

transition to post-service life, including helping

tackle issues such as the mental health stresses

that can come from military life.

Jason Salo, a retired reservist and military

policeman says Operation VetBuild gives him a

chance to meet other Veterans with similar

backgrounds. “I was missing the camaraderie of

getting together and chatting,” says Jason. “It is

interesting to sit around the table with different

generations of veterans and hear the same sorts

of stories from everybody,” he says. Attending the

sessions with his 11-year old son Cohen has also

added another dimension to his experience, he

adds. They get to participate in a fun activity

together, and it allows his son to learn directly

from other Veterans about the challenges they

face.

An idea of the Legion’s Operational Stress Injury

Special Section (BSO Legion OSI), the response

to the program’s pilot projects was extremely

positive. It prompted the ongoing development of

a full-scale initiative, says Craig Hood, Operation

VetBuild Program Lead, and Chair, BSO Legion

OSI.

“We know this sort of activity can be very

therapeutic,” he says. “We plan to expand to

include as many branches across the country as

we can, so we can give as many Veterans as

possible the opportunity to participate in this fun

activity.”

The first of its kind in Canada, Operation VetBuild

arose from similar successful initiatives in Great

Britain and the United States. Upcoming sessions

in Legion branches around the country this year

include in Ontario (Ajax, Angus, Flesherton,

Hamilton Mountain), Alberta (Edmonton), Quebec

(Lacolle) and British Columbia (Agassiz), with

more locations to be announced in the coming

weeks.

To learn more about Operation VetBuild,

visit the Operation VetBuild Facebook page

For more information on how the Legion supports

Veterans, visit: Legion Veteran support

About BSO Legion OSI

The Royal Canadian Legion Operational Stress

Injury Special Section is a national, member-

driven initiative that provides outreach, peer

support, and referral services for Veterans and

their families who are affected by operational

stress injuries, including anxiety, depression,

addictions, PTSD or other mental health

challenges.

Vimy Ridge Day at Base Borden

(April 9, 2019)

E ight of our legion members took part in the annual Vimy Ridge Day ceremony at Base Borden on April 9. Those in attendance were John

Cropper, Richard Percy, William Kinghorn, Bob Dimaline, Ralph Bernard, Colin Wackett, Steve Craig and myself. General (Ret) Walter Natynczyk, CMM MSC CD a retired Canadian Army general who has served as Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs since 2014 was the guest speaker at the breakfast served in the Officer’s Mess Hall. It was a great breakfast and everyone enjoyed the day. Thanks to John Cropper for driving us.. Yours in comradeship

Gerry Henry

Colour Sergeant

PAGE 12 VET’S GAZETTE

Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital

Make sure you or your family

informs the hospital, upon admission if you have had military

service

V eterans and those who served in the Canadian or Allied forces may not be treated differently, however they should be recognized differently for

their service to our country. For the sacrifice they gave and for the freedom they protect. Reasons for Identification upon admission: 1. To obtain a specific military service list for two community Veteran Clubs; Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 & Army, Navy Air Force Unit 400. Weekly visits to those who served in the military are conducted by both organizations. In the past, it has been extremely difficult to locate these patients. 2. Veteran Affairs – There are many services available to veterans by Veteran Affairs. In some cases, the patient may not have been connected, or required help from Veteran Affairs and often do not realize they may be eligible for more help. These patients regularly may find it beneficial to be re-assessed upon leaving hospital. If we know who they are, we can help steer them to these services and connect them directly with area Service Officer from the legion, Peter DeVillers. 3. Legion Branch 34 and ANAF 400, both have programs which may assist those who have served in the military. In some cases, a person may not have a K number or be able to achieve benefits from Veteran Affairs, however they may receive help from the veteran organizations.. It is our mandate to assist.

4. If the patient is going into a Nursing Home or Retirement Residence in the community, we can put them on our list for future visits with our visiting team. 5. We visit all those who served in the Military. It is important that they know that they have not been forgotten, nor has their service to our country.

Ladies Auxiliary Soup and

Sandwich

Luncheon

Tuesday,

October 15 11:00 a.m. to

1 p.m.

In the Vimy Room

Price $7.00

Come out and enjoy homemade soup, sandwich

and dessert.

The Ladies Auxiliary will continue to do lunches the

3rd Tuesday of every month from October until March

DON’T MISS IT!!!

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 13

Scottish Festival

T

he countdown is on to the 42nd Annual Scottish

Festival July 19, 20, 21 2019 honouring Clan Buchanan. The festival is sponsored by Royal Canadian Legion Orillia Branch 34. The committee members continue to work hard to offer an unique day of fun for families and individuals to experience Scottish culture. The chairmen would like to recognize the committee volunteers who for the last year have been organizing the festival ensuring the success of the event. We would also like to recognize all the volunteers outside of the committee that have dedicated their time to help run events on the weekend leading up to and including festival weekend. Thank you to those who supported the Scottish Festival and attended the steak dinner in April. Please join us by attending any of the following events: July 13th, members of the committee will be in

attendance at the Orillia Farmer’s Market to remind folks of the festival taking place on July 19 - 21, offering buttons for purchase and showcasing the Orillia tartan. After we spend time at the market we will be heading down to the waterfront with Piper Pat Reid at the helm

July 15th, members of the committee will be

holding a flag raising ceremony at 11 am in front of the Orillia Opera House

July 19th, Scottish Ceilidh at the Orillia Legion

featuring Celtic group Ugly Horse. It will be a great night with prizes and light food. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Legion bar and door for $15

July 20th, Festivities throughout the day!

Parade of Pipes, Drums and Colour Parties begins at 12 noon down Mississaga St along Centennial Dr. into Couchiching Beach Park. Festival Pub and food, Children’s Village, Scottish Country and Highland dancers, Pipe Band performances, entertainment stage, tug of war, 78th Fraser’s re-enactments, Clan, craft, vendor booths and massed Pipes and Drums will be taking place at Couchiching Beach Park. There will also be entertainment at the Orillia Legion. Look for the detailed schedule available closer to the event in print and/or by visiting Orillia Scottish Festival on Facebook or scottishfestival.ca. July 21st, Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan at St. Andrew’s

Church at 10 am followed by Scottish Entertainment taking place at the Orillia Legion at 1:30 pm featuring Tom Leadbeater

Please buy a button for $2 to support the Orillia Scottish Festival. If you would like to volunteer your time over the weekend of the festival please contact the festival chairmen. Thank you,

Angela Paylor

Carrie Dunn

Co - chairmen Orillia Scottish Festival Committee 2019 Find us on Facebook - Orillia Scottish Festival Website - scottishfestival.ca

The Take A Vet to Dinner

Committee needs new

volunteer board

members

If you are interested Contact Charles Kelly at

705-327– 5702

Or Rick Purcell at

705-330-4815

Sir Sam Steele Day

O n Sunday, June 23 Branch 34 was proud to play host to the reception following a church service and parade

where Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke declared the day Sir Sam Steele Day. More than 200 people attended the church service at St. James Anglican Church where Steele was baptized. Steele born and raised in Medonte and Orillia, first served with the 35th Simcoe Battalion Infantry (now the Grey And Simcoe Foresters), The North-West Mounted Police (now the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, led The Lord Strathcona (Royal Canadians) Regiment in the Boer War and led the 2nd Canadian Division and District Commander of the British Troops in World War 1. Steele was in the middle of most major events and, milestones of early Canadian history from the Klondike Gold Rush to supervising the building of the CPR and witnessing the treaties on the Prairies.

PAGE 14 VET’S GAZETTE

Top: Colour Sergeant Gerry Henry leads the Branch 34 colour party. Bottom: The reviewing party including General (Ret) John Hayter of the Grey and Simcoe

Foresters (on the platform) and Mike Beresford dressed as Sir Samuel Steele

Kirkin’ of the Tartan

Will be held at St. Andrew’s

Presbyterian Church

Sunday, July 21 at 10 a.m.

All are welcome to join this special service

to bless the tartan.

Zone E 5 Fall Convention Saturday, September 21

Branch 619 Warminister

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 15

Last Post Lest We Forget

Hawkins, Flying Officer James Edward, NATO, Ordinary member, Branch 34, 88 years old. 03/29/2019 Crawford, Grant Henry, C.P.C , WW II, Ordinary member, Branch 34, 96 years old. 06/23/2019

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We Will Remember Them

Thank you ladies

The Branch 34 Ladies Auxiliary were very busy this spring preparing meals for weddings, funeral lunches, birthday parties etc. as well as the celebrations for Sir Sam Steele Day on June 23. Shown above are part of the very hard working crew who were

out on the 23rd. From left: Annette Mathias, Sandy Robertson, Bev Brennan, Brenda Watt, Hennie Piccardt, Janet Garrod and Sandra Evans.

Thank You Branch 34 Poppy Committee

Thank you and the entire Branch 34 for the honour of receiving the 2019 bursary. With your help I will be able to pursue my dream school and career at the University of Toronto studying economics and international relations.

Best Regards, Anner Yep

Hello! I would like apologize for my absence from dinner Wednesday, June12, and to also thank you in regards to receiving the Poppy Award. I was unable to attend due to having an exam Thursday morning in Toronto. It means a lot to receive this award and I am extremely grateful. Thank you very much.

Best regards, Makaila Coulson.

PAGE 16 VET’S GAZETTE

Branch 34 Financial Summary for the twelve months ending May 31, 2019

12 Months ending 12 Months ending May 31, 2019 May 31, 2018 Kitchen revenue $ 7,149 $ 428 Bar revenue 344,006 331,390 Cost of goods sold 167,520 154,409 Gross Bar/Kitchen profit $183,635 $177,409 Gross Profit %age-bar 53.2% 53.5% Gross Profit %age-kitchen 10.0% 0.0%

Committee revenue $38,006 $ 35,808 Committee expenses 36,943 39,017 Committee profit (loss) $ 1,063 $ (3,209)

Revenue-Ways & Means $39,378 $39,822 Expenses-Ways & Means 13,125 11,243 Ways & Means profit $26,253 $28,579

Revenue-Normandy Room $48,400 $51,000 Expenses-Normandy Room --- ----- Normandy profit $48,400 $51,000

Member Fees-net $19,327 $20,033

Other Income $34,982 $24,675 Expenses

Building $69,056 $72,318 Payroll 162,360 149,218 Administration 62,032 65,809 Total Expense $293,448 $287,345

Net Profit (loss) $20,212 $11,142

Cash and GICs less payables $16,718 Bingo Bank Account $ 3,700 Nevada Bank Account $ 2,000

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 17

Treasurer’s Comments

July 3, 2019

Financial statements May 31, 2019: Profit & Loss June 1 to May 31, 2019; 1. Bar sales for the year ended May 31, 2019 were $12,600 more than the year ended May 31, 2018. Branch bar sales are approximately 4% more than last years’ bar sales. Kitchen food sales were $7,149. 2. Bar gross profit for year ended May 31, 2019 is 53.2% (53.5% in 2018); Kitchen gross profit is 10.05%. Gross profit for the year to May 31, 2019 is $6,226 more than last year. The kitchen lost $6,417 during its operation. 3. Committee revenue is $4,300 more this year than last year due to the reduction in sports costs of $900, a net revenue increase in regalia of $1,300 and a Scottish Festival increased net revenue of $2,100. 4. Ways and Means revenue is $2,300 less for the year ended May 31, 2019 than for year ended May 31, 2018. 5. Normandy room revenue from the rental of the Bingo Hall is $2,600 less this year due to decreased Bingo Hall rent of $500/month and increased kitchen rent of $200/month. 6. Other income is $10,300 more this year than last year resulting mainly from increased donations of $4,600 and Orillia Booster bar net revenue of $5,700. 7. Expenses for the year to May 31, 2019 are $6,100 more than last year. Wages are $13,100 more than 2018 due to wage increases of $6,000 and kitchen wages of $7,100. 2019 utility costs are $2,900 higher than last year. Repairs and maintenance are $8,300 less this year. 8. Operations had a profit of $20,212 for the year ended May 31, 2019 as compared to a profit of $11,142 for the year ended May 31, 2018. Balance Sheet-May 31, 2019; 1. Retained earnings at May 31, 2019 were $43,443.

2. Cash on hand was $80,355. 3. Accounts payable & reserve liabilities were $63,637 leaving a cash flow excess of $16,718 at May 31, 2019. 4. The Bingo and Nevada bank accounts have a balance of $5,700.

Respectively submitted,

Brian Robertson

Don’t Miss the

Steak BBQ’s throughout the

summer

July 12, August 16 and September 20

These BBQ’s sell out fast so

watch for ticket sales

and get yours early

PAGE 18 VET’S GAZETTE

Air Cadets

T

he Air Cadets is a youth organization for young males and females from the ages of 12 to 19.

They meet every Tuesday evening starting in September and ending June of each year.

The Air Cadets meet at the Kubota Building, 107 Wyandotte Street, Tuesdays at 7:00.

The Air Cadets is a youth movement which emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and training in aviation subjects.

Each year they have camping weekends, parades, and competitions in various areas such as sports, band, and shooting. The Orillia Air Cadets has a successful pipes and drum band and accepts new trainees each year.

There are lots of opportunities to send young boys and girls to summer camp each year.

Senior cadets can qualify to receive their Gliders Pilots License or their Power Private Pilots License, at no cost to them

If you know of someone who would benefit from the Air Cadet Program, have them call 705-325-9999.

Navy League

T

he Navy League is for younger boys and girls, 9 to 12.

They participate in training Wednesday evenings at ODAS

Park.

Of course their training is around boating and sailing. They also go camping and participate in parades and competitions.

Bingo / Nevada

B ingos are doing fairly well at the Orillia Legion.

Bingos are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings starting at

5:30 and ending around 9:30.

There are 12 games nightly, with a

guaranteed $300 game and a final jackpot of $1000.

There is also a Super Jackpot that is $2100 on designated numbers each evening.

The bingo hall has recently introduced a new game, which is a promotional game.

The prize usually is around $300, but has an additional opportunity to receive something new each month.

The Bingo Hall took 50 customers to Casino Niagara in May. And there is a draw for two $25 gift certificates each night for the month of June.

There is a full kitchen with an excellent selection of small food selections as well as nightly specials with full course meals.

Lots of room for new bingo players.

Come to the

Ceilidh Friday, July 19

7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30)

Vimy Room

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 34 Enjoy Pipes and Drums, Highland Dancers and

some traditional Celtic music with

the Celtic group

Ugly Horse $15.00 per person

Tickets available at the door or

call 705-325-8442

Enjoy a light lunch, cash

bar, raffle and many

laughs .

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 19

Editorial Comrades,

I n this issue we have an article about a Quilt of Valour being presented to a veteran. The quilt was lovingly designed and made by Julie Ella Dubeau, Beth Dubeau, Marion Brophy and Linda DeVillers and presented to local veteran Tyler Shepperdson. I was so moved by Tyler’s words of thanks. That something like a

quilt can bring so much happiness to a man who served our country. Thank you sir for your service Congratulations to new executives of both the branch and the ladies auxiliary. While the branch elects officers for a two year term the auxiliary has elections every year. Our auxiliary has been very busy and continues to help the branch in many ways. In October they will resume having luncheons the third Tuesday of the month. The first will be soup and sandwiches. Who knows what the following months bring — Come out and see what they have to offer. Regardless of what they serve - it is always a wonderful meal. Finally we are getting some warmer weather. Come down to the branch, enjoy the patio and the comradeship. Have a healthy and safe summer

Kate Palmer,

Editor

Friday, September 6 Dance to the music of everyone’s favourite

Charlotte and

the Dirty Cowboys ONLY $25.00 PER PERSON

WATCH THE BULLETIN BOARDS FOR MORE DETAILS

Dinner and Dance

PAGE 20 VET’S GAZETTE

Provincial

Convention

E arly in May Comrades Rick Purcell, Colin Wackett, Cathy Wackett and I attended the 51st biennial convention of The Royal

Canadian Legion’s Ontario Provincial Command in Niagara Falls. The weekend started with the Provincial Public Speaking contest on Saturday. This is the first time that the contest was held in conjunction with the convention and was very well attended. The speeches, as always, were amazing. On Sunday morning a wreath laying ceremony was held at the First World War cenotaph at the bottom of Clifton Hill. This was followed by a parade to the Crown Hotel and Convention Centre The opening ceremonies were held later that afternoon where we heard from Diana Abel, the 2017 Silver Cross mother. Through tears, Mrs. Abel spoke of her son Michael David Abel who was killed in a tragic accident in 1993 while deployed to Somalia. He was 27 years old. The convention was officially opened by Comrade Bruce Julian, first vice-president of Dominion Command. And then the business began. There were 519 accredited delegates at the convention. These delegates carried 748 proxies for a voting strength of 1,267 votes. There were also 31 observers and 21 guests. From Sunday afternoon until Tuesday afternoon we heard reports from all of the standing committee chairmen. Nominations for eight offices were held followed by elections. For those of you who think it took a long time to count the ballots to elect our six executive officers in April - it took 7 hours to elect three vice-presidents. Garry Pond of

Carleton Place was elected president; Derek Moore of Mount Forest was elected 1st Vice-President. The three vice presidents are Brian Harris of London, Lynn McClellan from Elora and Pam Davidson from Gravenhurst. Comrade Pam is District E’s immediate past district commander and a friend to many of us. It is the first time since 1995 that a member of our district has been elected as a provincial officer. Among the many reports presented was one from “Operation Service Dogs”, a new initiative of Ontario Command. We have partnered with Wounded Warriors to sponsor 10 service dogs for Ontario veterans. We even got to see “Chartwell” a service dog who will soon be paired with a veteran. President Sharon McKeown presented a cheque for $150,000 as part of Ontario Command’s ongoing commitment. Glen Reid, a veteran waiting for a service dog spoke passionately about the program and how serious the need is. “I have seen four of my comrades die due to suicide since Christmas,” he told the delegates. “Having a service dog is a tool that will allow me and my family to have a better life.” During the convention another $111,250.00 was donated by branches.

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 21

Delegates voted to approve 9 changes to our bylaws that dealt primarily with on-line banking. There were only three resolutions that required our attention. We were also updated on the status of “Operation Leave the Streets Behind” This program started in 2009 with no funding. Today it has grown to a multi-million dollar program that has seen 714 homeless veterans, 71 of which are female, be assisted in 147 towns and cities across Ontario. Almost $99,000.00 was donate by branches during the convention. Donations were also made to the Charitable Foundation, the bursary program and the RCEL. In his address to the convention Comrade Julian thanked the branch service officers for all of their hard work. He spoke about the strategic plan to modernize infrastructure, increase awareness, improve governance and celebrating volunteers. He stressed the importance of moving with the times “Let’s honour our past, take glory in our past, but we can’t live in the past,” he told delegates.

One of the common threads in almost all of the reports was the need to attract new members and maintain current ones. As always, there was a little bit of time for socializing. Many great ideas are sometimes exchanged off the convention floor. It was a long three days and I thank you for the opportunity to represent our branch. The next major convention will be the Dominion Convention held in August of 2020 in Saskatoon. Several branches put in bids for the 2021 provincial convention and the decision is pending.

Yours in comradeship

Kate Palmer

Pictured to the left are the Orillia delegates, Colin Wackett, Cathy Wackett, Rick Purcell and Kate Palmer (in the back)

Advice from A Wise Old Man

-Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.

-Life is simpler when you plow around the

stump

-A bumble bee is considerably faster than a

John Deere tractor.

-Words that soak into your ears are

whispered… not yelled.

-Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.

-Forgive your enemies; it messes up their

heads.

-Do not corner something that you know is

meaner than you.

-It don’t take a very big person to carry a

grudge.

-You cannot unsay a cruel word.

-Every path has a few puddles.

-Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t

never gonna happen anyway.

-Remember that silence is sometimes the

best answer.

-Live a good, honorable life… Then when

you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it

a second time.

-Don‘t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t

bothering you none.

-Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of

a Rain dance.

-If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing

to do is stop diggin’.

-Sometimes you get, and sometimes you

get got.

-The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably

ever have to deal with, watches you from

the mirror every mornin’.

-Good judgment comes from experience,

and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

-Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot

easier than puttin’ it back in.

-If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of

some influence, try orderin’ somebody

else’s dog around..

-Most times, it comes down to common

sense.

PAGE 22 VET’S GAZETTE

Scottish Festival

July 19, 20, 21

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Happy Canada

Day

2 LA

Meeting Euchre 1pm

3 Executive

Meeting

4

5 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

6

7 8 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

9 Euchre 1pm

10 11

12 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

STEAK BBQ

13

14 15 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

16

Euchre 1pm

17 18

19 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

CEILIDH 7PM

20

Scottish Festival

All day at the park

21

Scottish Festival

Entertainment starts at 1:30

22 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

23 Euchre 1pm

24 25

26 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

27

28 29 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

30 Euchre 1pm

31

July 2019

Scottish Festival

July 19, 20, 21

PAGE 23

Ride for Dad May 25

JUL Y 2019 PAGE 23

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

3

4 5

Civic Holiday

Bid Euchre

1 p.m

6

LA

Meeting

Euchre 1pm

7 Executive

Meeting

8 9 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

10

11 12 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

13 Euchre 1pm

14 15 16 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

STEAK BBQ

17

18 19 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

20 Euchre 1pm

21 22 23 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

24

25 26 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

27 Euchre 1pm

28 29 30 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

31

August 2019

PAGE 24 VET’S GAZETTE

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 Labour

Day

Bid Euchre

1 p.m

3

LA

Meeting Euchre 1pm

4 Executive Meeting

5 6 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

DINNER DANCE

7

8 9 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

10 Euchre 1pm

11 General

Meeting

Dinner 6:30

Meeting

7:30

12 13 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

14

15 16 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

Ladies Darts

17 Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

Veterans Dinner

18 19 Mixed Darts

20 Meat

Darts and

Draws 5pm Steak

BBQ

21 Zone E5

Convention Warminster

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

September 2019

Dinner and Dance Friday, September 6th with

Charlotte and the Dirty Cowboys

JUL Y 201 9 PAGE 25

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

LA

Meeting

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

2 Executive Meeting

3 Mixed Darts

4 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

5

6 7 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

Ladies Darts

8 Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

9 General

Meeting

Dinner 6:30

Meeting

7:30

10 Mixed Darts

11 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

12

13 14

Bid Euchre

1 p.m

15 LA Soup and Sandwich

Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

16 17 Mixed Darts

18 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

19

20 21 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

Ladies Darts

22 Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

23 24

SALT Mixed Darts

25 Meat Darts

and Draws

5pm

26

27 28 Bid Euchre

1 p.m

Ladies Darts

29 Euchre 1pm

Mens Darts

30 31 Mixed Darts

October 2019

Happy

Thanksgiving

42nd Annual

Orillia Scottish Festival Honouring Clan Buchanan

July 19, 20, 21 2019

Friday July 19 Celtic Ceilidh featuring Celtic group Ugly Horse,

Pipes and Drums, Highland dancers, Storyteller, prizes, light food

7 pm (doors open 6:30) Orillia Legion Branch 34

$15/person (get tickets at the Legion Bar and door)

Saturday July 20 Festivities throughout the day:

Parade of Pipes, Drums and Colour Parties Festival Pub and food, Children’s Village,

Scottish Country and Highland dancers, Pipe Band performances, Entertainment stage, Tug of War, 78th Fraser’s Re-enactments,

Clan, craft, vendor booths, Massed Pipes and Drums

Sunday July 21 Scottish Entertainment featuring Tom Leadbeater,

Pipes and Drums, Highland dancers 1:30 pm

Orillia Legion Branch 34

For more details: Orillia Scottish Festival on facebook and www.scottishfestival.ca

Buy a festival button $2