Volume 15
AD VANCE Page 1 Issue #4 Th e Royal Canadian Legion – Barrhaven Branch 641 30/09/2019 www. rcl641.ca
The President’s Message
Comrades, the month of August was uneventful with the exception of our 13th annual golf tournament which was again a resounding success. The weather co-operated with a cloud-free day and St éphane Guy temperatures around 25 C which made this event a truly enjoyable time away from day-to-day worries. I would like to especially thank Comrade David Sereda and all of the many volunteers who made this special event such a great success.
Some of us had the pleasure of visiting the Afghanistan Memorial at NDHQ (Carling) which is a somber reminder of the costs of war, especially when you realize that so many paid the ultimate price at such a young age. However, the way that the Afghanistan Memorial has been reassembled in this especially designed building is, in my view, deserving of our heroes. The only problem is that it is located in a secure location, which even though it will be open to the public on a few occasions a year, it will still limit the number of visitors who could potentially have the privilege of visiting this memorial which represents a somber time in our military history.
Our clubhouse recently had a facelift with a new floor in Valour Hall. Thanks to comrade Patrick Creppin who purchased the tiles and to our Housing Officer, Comrade Tom Lamb, who, with the help of Laura Ozimek, Angele Guy, Gilbert Whelan, Jim Duff and myself, spent hours removing the tiles of the dance floor and the carpet in time for the installer to start his work. The hall looks so much better and more attractive to members and potential renters. Thanks to all who were involved.
Stéphane Guy, President 613-797-7021 [email protected]
“Always Do the Right Thing"
This and all past issues of The Advance can be viewed at: http://www.rcl641.ca/advance.html
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Highlights of Reports from your Executive Chairs for June* *Full reports can be found in the binder containing Meeting Minutes which are available behind the bar, in the branch
Sergeant-at-Arms Report
The colour party had a couple events over the summer, namely Canada Day and the Legion service for Ray Desjardins. Everything went well. We also have new flags on the roof of the Legion.
Remembrance Day – Our president and I met this month with the principal of John McCrae High School and I have also confirmed the hall at Walter Baker and the trailer rental for November 11.
Membership Report
Life: 6 Affiliate: 198 Ordinary: 219 Affiliate Non-voting: 1 Associate: 206 Deceased: 4
Membership total: 634
Dale Fisch (Air Force) 05-641 Membership Chair
Poppy Chair Report
We have scheduled a Poppy Kick-off Meeting for September 29, at 2:00 p.m. We hope you can all come out, participate and sign up for some of our 273 shifts.
Campaign Dates: Friday, October 25 to Sunday, November 10: 17 days total
Poppy distribution tables at our five regular local stores will be daily and during the entire campaign. The stores are: Walmart, Metro, Loblaw’s, Ross’ Independent and Sobeys.
Friday, November 1 until Sunday, November 10. Weekday hours same as shifts below, except for weekends. (See sign up sheets,)
Shifts for all stores are: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Have questions? Can’t attend the kick-off meeting but want to find out how you can help? Contact me.
Ed Schelenz, CD Poppy Chairman [email protected] or 613-371-6634
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Branch/Veterans Service Officer Report Since my July 2019 report to Branch 641, the cumulative number of persons aided through the VSO since January 1, 2019 did not change in August and remains at 22 military Veterans, two RCMP, and six persons outside the Barrhaven area. No name or pack drill.
A reminder that the next training session by the PSO for Branch Veterans Service Officers, Poppy Chairpersons and interested parties is scheduled to take place at RCL Smith Falls, Branch 95 on October 5 and 6, 2019.
Comrade Victor W.S. Chan, LCdr(ret’d), CD, KStG Veterans’ Service/Branch Service Officer
Youth Education & Bursary Program Report
Bursaries:
At the Executive meeting held September 2, 2019, a motion was approved to update the 2019-20 Bursary program. The program is accepting from September 1 and until the deadline of October 31, 2019 for the 2019-20 academic year. The website has been updated and the application form can be found online and also available at the branch.
Poster and Literary Contest:
Letters and information packages will be sent to area schools this month to promote the contest. Deadline for submissions is November 15, 2019.
Comrade Lyle Brennan, CD Youth Education & Bursary Program Officer
Entertainment/Hospitality Report
Meals for October Friday, October 4, 2019 Roasted Chicken Lolachers Band: Noel Dimar Friday, October 11, 2019 Fish & Chips Ad Mare Band: Albert & The Collection Friday, October 18, 2019 Choice of Salmon or Chicken & Rice Band: The BedRockers Saturday, October 19, 2019 Christmas Market Sunday, October 20, 2019 High Tea Friday, October 25, 2019 Steak & Roasted Potatoes Band: Gib Rozon
Angele Guy Entertainment/Hospitality Chair
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Honours & Awards Report
The Committee draws attention to the following list of Honours and Awards and requests and encourages all members of the branch to consider and make award application for deserving branch members. Applications are to be submitted to the Honours and Awards Committee. Details of the awards can be found in the Ritual, Awards, and Protocol Manual, available online .
The available list of Honours and Awards is as follows: *** Indicates submit anytime.
Legion: Certificate of Appreciation*** Certificate of Merit, *** Branch Service Medal, *** Life Membership, (10 years consecutive) *** MSM, Palm Leaf, (five years between Life & MSM), *** Legion Friendship Award, (Organizations or members of) *** Branch Special Legion Award Plaque, *** Media Award. ***
Province of Ontario Honours: Order of Ontario, March Ontario medal for Good Citizenship, July Province of Ontario Volunteers (Youths & Adults), January Ontario Senior Achievement Award, June
Other awards: Order of Ottawa, September Meritorious Service Decoration (Civilian) – Medal, Cross *** VAC Minister’s Commendation, *** Polar Medal, *** Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers ***.
Liberation75 Level 2
Order your FREE Liberation75 Ceremonial Garden Planting & Blooming Kit
The Ceremonial Kits include 75 Liberation75 Bulbs* for your garden space, the Liberation75 Posters and the E-Marketing Tool Kit. PLUS! Detailed guidelines for the designing, planting, tending and promotion of a Liberation75 Ceremonial Garden at your branch. Instructions on how to share your Planting & Blooming Ceremonies with the country will also be provided together with customizable Press Releases for your local use in both the fall of 2019 and the spring of 2020 and graphics for an official sign to mark your Liberation75 Garden. All products provided on-line and free of charge.
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The Poppy Campaign
Every year, from the last Friday of October to November 11, tens of millions of Canadians wear a Poppy as a visual pledge to honour Canada’s Veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. While the Poppy is distributed freely to all who wish to wear one, the Legion gratefully accepts donations to the Poppy Fund.
The Poppy Campaign is very much a local initiative, conducted by Legion Branches in cities, towns and communities across the country. Donations collected during the Poppy Campaign are held in Trust at the branch level to directly support Veterans and their families within their community and to help ensure Canadians “never forget.” Learn more about how your donations help Veterans .
In the days leading up to November 11, Poppies can be seen in every corner of this great country. This show of support and display of remembrance would not be possible without the efforts of thousands of Legionnaires and Cadets who volunteer to distribute Poppies to the community through schools, community organizations and local businesses. We are so grateful for their efforts, and for the support of the many partners, local and national, who welcome Legion volunteers and Poppy boxes into their locations.
The Poppy Campaign also features a digital Poppy, found online at mypoppy.ca . Canadians who donate online will receive a digital Poppy in remembrance of a Veteran of their choosing.
Canadians outside of the country can obtain a Poppy from their Canadian Embassy or Consulate.
We thank all Canadians for supporting the Legion’s Poppy Campaign, honouring Canada’s Veterans.
If you want to get involved with the Poppy Campaign and help support Canada’s Veterans every day, join the Legion! Learn more
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Line Dancing Fall 2019 Mondays from September 2 till November 25 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Review previous dances: Slide, Continental, Honky Tonk, Wagon Wheel, Serpentine, Waltz, Boot Scootin Boogie, Canadian Stroll, Fireball, Watermelon, Crawl, Honky Tonk Stomp
Learn: I love a rainy night, Sunday Morning, It Must be Love
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General Meetings
All Members are welcome – and encouraged – to attend our monthly General Meetings. These are
held at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month, except during the months of July and August, when we take a brief summer break.
The next General Meeting is October 17, 2019.
Position (Title/Name in bold denotes Chair Email Address Phone Number Executive Position and/or Executive Member) Pres ident St éphane Gu y [email protected] (613) 797-7021
Imme dia te Past Preside nt Bert Boehme [email protected] (613) 825-4146
1st Vice Presi dent Erni e Hughes [email protected] (613) 825-2496
2nd Vi ce P resi den t Victor Chan [email protected] (613) 825-8269
3rd Vice President Angel e Guy [email protected] (613) 797-7029
Cha irma n Dave Cole [email protected] (613) 858-3845
Treasurer Jim Duff [email protected] (613) 825-4086
Secreta ry Lorna MacIsaac [email protected] (613) 240-8517
Sergeant at Arms Gerry Woodard [email protected] (613) 400-4545 Ch aplain St ephen Silverth orne [email protected] 613) 823-8118
Bar Ernie H ug hes [email protected] (613) 825-2496
Branch Service Officer Victor Chan [email protected] (613) 825-8269
Cadets Dav e Sereda [email protected] (613) 218-7306
Community Liaison Gus Este [email protected] (613) 825-1168
Constitution and Laws Dave Col e [email protected] (613) 858-3845
Finance Officer Bert B oehme [email protected] (613) 825-4146
Grants and Assistance Martha Walsh [email protected] (613) 523-3798
Honours and Awards Bert Boehme [email protected] (613) 825-4146 Hospital Visits St ephen Silverthorne [email protected] (613) 823-8118
Hospitality/Entertainment An gele Guy [email protected] (613) 797-7029
Housing Tom Lamb [email protected] (613) 825-4957
Leadership and Development Victor Chan [email protected] (613) 825-8269 Legion Seniors David St Amand [email protected] (613) 825-7310
Long Range Planning Ernie H ugh es [email protected] (613) 825-2496 Membership Dale Fisch [email protected] (613) 823-7337 Poppy Campaign Ed Schelenz [email protected] (613) 843-1088
Poppy Trust Fund Ross Steph en [email protected] (613) 825-4108 Public Relations (Website,
Debi Sereda [email protected] (613) 355-7270 Scrapbook, Newsletter)
Sports/Track and Field Jackie Fuchs [email protected] (613) 496-0282
Ways and Means Joe Guitard [email protected] (613) 823-0528
Youth Education/Bursary Lyle Brennan [email protected] (613) 297-0775
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Renew Your Membership Today!
The Legion’s Early Bird Campaign is on until November 30th — don’t miss your opportunity to maintain the many benefits of your Legion membership.
When you renew your membership by the early bird deadline, you:
• Keep your account in good standing • Maintain years of continuous service • Support the Branch and its programs • Ensure delivery of LEGION Magazine
To renew your membership, visit our Branch before November 30th or mail your membership dues in the amount of $50.00 directly to our address below or renew by phone at Dominion Command Membership Services: 1-855-330-3344. For your convenience, you can also renew online at portal.legion.ca .
A draw for September, October and November will be held to win a free 2021 membership. Increase your chances by renewing today.
Once registered online, you have the option to set your membership to auto-renew to be billed automatically each year.
Encourage a friend or family member to join, too! Every member makes a difference.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
With kindest regards,
Dale Fisch
Membership Chair (Air Force) Email: [email protected]
Branch Contact Information Attention: Dale Fisch 3A - 3500 Fallowfield Road, Ottawa Ontario, K2J 4A7
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Canadians Walking Shoulder to Shoulder
Whether you are a Veteran, current serving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member, or a civilian who supports our Veterans and current serving, we can all empathize with the challenges our CAF members and Veterans face during their transition from service to civilian-life and beyond.
The Canadian Walk for Veterans (CWFV) will continue to be a nation-wide event with the aim to bring together folks from across Canada, to reconnect, to engage, to inspire, to acknowledge and to thank our Veteran community for their vast contributions to the Canada. Further, the CWFV aims to educate local communities on the challenges that are faced by the Veteran community during transition to civilian life and beyond.
For more information about the Ottawa walk which will take place on October 19, please click here . To register for the walk, please click here .
It’s almost time for our annual fall Cleaning the Capital where we clean Fallowfield Road between Greenbank Road and Woodroffe Avenue.
We are looking for volunteers to help out between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, October 5. Rain date Sunday, October 6, same time.
If you are available, please put your name on our sign-up sheet posted at the branch.
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Military Service Recognition Book
As the Military Service Recognition Book co-ordinator for our branch, I would like to seek your support in submitting the name of a Veteran for this prestigious publication. This book is now in its sixth year and has been a true success story for the Legion, especially for Ontario Command as it generates a significant amount of money that is used to support branches and programs that are dear to our hearts. It has also been used to waive our per capita fee which is typically a set amount of money per member that we have to pay to Ontario Command for their operational expenses.
All Veterans of Branch 641 should be recognized. The definition of a Veteran as per the instructions is any person who is serving or has honourably served in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Commonwealth or its wartime allies, or as a Regular Member of the RCMP or as a Peace Office in a Special Duty Area or on a Special Duty Operation, or who has served in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command during wartime.
I feel that all Veterans as described above, are heroes of our country. Of course, WWI, WWII and Korean war Veterans will always be honoured and will have a special place in our hearts as the sacrifice and hardship that they endured was truly amazing. However, our modern-day Veterans are also heroes.
Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia and Rwanda, to name a few, are operational theatres where our Canadians have left a lasting impression on the local population, and their achievements are renowned throughout the world. This is why I truly believe that we should nominate all the Veterans of our branch to ensure their sacrifices are noted and recognized.
Please find below links related to the Military Service Recognition Book . Please note that if you wish to nominate a Veteran on their behalf, the Veteran must agree as per the instruction. If the Veteran that you wish to nominate is deceased, please refer to the instruction for further direction. Once completed please bring the submission form to the branch, and mark it for my attention. Please do not mail the submission.
Thank you for your support.
Stéphane Guy President RCL Branch 641
MSRB Fact Sheet MSRB Introduction Letter MSRB Submission Form
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Notes from the Editor Debi Sereda
September brings the return of our popular Friday night dinners and entertainment. Our volunteers work hard to put together fun evenings so make sure to join us and enjoy an evening of fun and good times with friends.
Debi Sereda [email protected]