8 November 2021
In this, my fifth term as President, I wish to thank those members and some non-members alike for the support shown especially through these trying months of COVID. The executive was kept busy with keeping the Branch afloat. We benefitted from grants from the Federal and Provincial governments as well as Provincial Command and recently received a Trillium Grant as well, all of which helped us keep our books in the black through the lean days.
I especially want you all to recognize the great effort put forth by the remaining executive. They were involved in organizing the reroofing, upper lounge rewiring- with new LED lighting, bulkhead removal, renovation of upper cloakroom, upstairs bar, interior painting, exterior repairs and painting, downstairs refinishing of the bar, developing a successful front lawn patio, and the list continues. Our future thoughts are of renovating the four washrooms and construction of a coed accessible washroom. We are waiting to hear from Trillium in January to see if we are successful in winning another grant to aid in this renovation.
We have lost several of the executive during these last two years and without elections until May 2022, possibly more. We are seeking your help to direct this Branch into the future. Don’t wait till May to step up to the plate. We need you now.
Subjects of great importance:
Our Church Service was held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Caledonia on 7 November at 10:00 AM and was well attended with Veteran Bob Hoover, members, LA members and Fire Fighters in attendance.
A little late for the reminder regarding November 11th for those that are receiving this notice by mail, but we’ll be having the ceremony at the Cenotaph starting at 10:50 am within Covid restrictions at that time. A reception prepared by the Ladies’ Auxiliary will follow at the Branch limiting attendance to 100. Call in to the Branch to reserve your attendance. The Ladies’ Auxiliary is searching for new members to augment their membership. The LA needs help to fulfil the Branch’s needs.
The Early Bird membership program ends on 30 November. For those renewing, the cost is $50. You can renew at the Branch or online. New members and late renewal costs are $60.
Ham and Turkey tickets were included with the mail outs. For those of you being notified by email please pick up tickets at the bar. The proceeds from Ham and Turkey go directly back to the community. Help us help the community with your purchase. Get some for your family and friends as well. Tickets are $25 for a pack of 5 or $5 each. Please purchase and return all ticket stubs to the Branch prior to December 3rd 5 pm as draws will commence at 7 pm. Tickets can also be purchased by e-transfer to email to Ken Burley at: kjeb33@gmail.com .
Members will personally be charged for all tickets, sold or unsold, if not returned prior to the draw. FREE TURKEY OR HAM TO SELLER OF MOST BOOKS! Good Luck!
GENERAL MEETINGS: Mark your calendars now. We have not been able to hold General Meetings since March 2019. Your executive was given responsibility to run the Branch and was given the right to make the decisions required to run and protect our establishment by Dominion and Provincial Commands. In mentioning that, all decisions will need to be ratified by the membership at the General Meeting to be held Wednesday 19 January 2022 commencing 7 pm. Make sure that your membership is up-to-date and be here early to sign in. Help us plan what activities you would like to enjoy.
The next General Meeting to follow will then be held Wednesday 16 March followed by ELECTIONS Wednesday 4 May 2022. Please get involved in these meetings. I can be reached through the Branch either by phone or email if you want information before deciding to involve yourself/family.
Sports: Wednesday night Men’s Darts has started up. Interested parties please contact Al Lickers through the Branch. We are also looking at starting a mixed sports evening (singles or couples) on Tuesdays involving 8 Ball, Snooker, cards, darts or whatever the members might like.
The Branch can be reached via Phone: 905-765-2642, email at: rclbr154@rogers.com and on Facebook by joining our Caledonia Legion Br. 154 Group for most recent Branch information.
Yours In Comradeship, Dennis Zebiere, President