THE THISTLE Newsletter of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 275 Fergus 500 Blair Street, Fergus, Ontario. NIM 1S4 September 2010 The cost to mail out our newsletterjs becoming very expensive. If you do not want to receive a copy of the newsletter, or if you are receiving two copies in the same household, or you would prefer to receive it via e-mail, then please give us a call, or e-mail us with this information. We would love to send you more updates via e-mail. Thank you
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 275, Fergus 500 Blair Street, Fergus, Ontario, Canada. Ni M 1S4 Tel: (519) 843-2345 - Fax: (519) 843-7296 E-mail: info@ferguslegion.ca www.ferguslegion.ca President Ray Pearse 519-843-5297 r.e.pearse@sympatico.ca Past President Brian Bielby 519-843-5662 brianbielby@sympatico.ca I st Vice President Greg Manion 519-787-0587 gmanion@suncorcom 2 nd Vice President Ed Orsava 519-928-2749 heated@xplornet.ca Secretary Bill Sulston 519-787-9364 sulston@sympatico.ca Treasurer Pat Sulston 519-787-9364 sulston@sympatico.ca Chaplain Fr. lan Duffy 519-843-5240 frian@wightman.ca Assistant Chaplain Canon Fran Darlington 519-787-2110 Bursary Ed Orsava 519-928-2749 heated@xplornet.ca Canteen Pat Sulston 519-787-9364 sulston@sympatico.ca Catering/Hall Rental Brian Bielby 519-843-5662 brianbielby@sympatico.ca Honours & Awards Ed Orsava 519-928-2749 heated@sympatico.ca Liaison with LA Greg Manion 519-787-0587 gmanion@suncor.com Membership Ed Orsava 519-928-2749 heated@xplornet.ca Nevada Greq Manion 519-787-0587 gmanion@suncor.com Poppy Les Willis 519-843-4166 mugsy550@sympatico.ca Property Tom Semanyk 519-843-1432 tomilim@albedo.net Public Relations Greg Manion 519-787-0587 gmanion@suncor.com Seniors Byron Beirnes 519-843-4148 bcbeirnes@sympatico.ca Sergeant At Arms Byron Beirnes 519-843-4148 bcbeirnes@sympatico.ca Sick & Visiting Beckie Mason 519-843-1646 beckiemason@sympatico.ca Sports Gary Watt 519-843-3087 info@ferguslegion.ca Track & Field Gary Watt 519-843-3087 info@ferguslegion.ca Training (TOO) Brian Bielby 519-843-5662 brianbielby@sympatico.ca Veterans Service Byron Beirnes 519-843-4148 bcbeirnes@sympatico.ca Ways & Means Gary Watt 519-843-3087 info@ferguslegion.ca Youth Education Fred Hiller 519-843-2343 kylmar660@yahoo.com Audit - Chair Sherry Woodruff 519-787-1765 Chief Bar Steward Karen Small 519-843-2795 Bookkeeper Kathy Ladd 519-843-2829 kathyladd@libertytax.com Head Custodian Jorja McConnell 519-843-3633 LADIES AUXILIARY President Linda Semanyk 519-843-1432 tomilim@albedo.net Past President Glenise Ladd 519-843-4785 First Vice President Christine Evans 519-993-2680 scott-christine@cogeco.ca Second Vice President Regina Cockum 519-843-1089 Secretary Frances Hurd 519-787 -1882 frances. hurd@sympatico.ca Treasurer Teresa Holland 519-787-1824 Sergeant At Arms Marion Brown 519-843-1375 Sports Officer Janine AIIan 519-787-1474 Executive Donna Wagenaar 519-843-4754 dpwagenaar@aol.com Executive Helen Manion 519~(87-0587 Executive Jorja McConnell 519-843-3633 Executive Kathy Ladd 519-843-3300 kathyladd@libertytax.com Executive Linda O'Sullivan 519-843-3632 Executive Lois Chabot 519-787-8786 Executive Pat Brawley 519-843-3377 Executive Rosemary Skilling 519-787-8587 Executive Sharon Armitage 519-843-7472 Royal Canadian Legion - Dominion Command Royal Canadian Legion - Ontario Command W'v\IVV.legion.ca/ www.on.leqion.ca/
1 - PRESIDENT'S REPORT - Ray Pearse Since assuming the position of President of Fergus Legion - Branch 275 in June of this year the Executive has been challenged with the reality of a continual decline in financial revenue. In order to address this most pressing situation a Financial Review Committee was formed on July 19 th, 2010. A number of strategies were developed which included the following: a) Saturday afternoon entertainment has been cancelled other than for major special events being held at the Branch b) The Branch will now deploy the services of the internal audit committee to conduct the annual audit as opposed to hiring an outside Auditing company c) The Properties chairperson will undertake to perform more of the Branch maintenance tasks as opposed to hiring outside contractors d) A review of all Branch contracts is being undertaken with a view of further reducing expenditures e) An effort is being made to pay insurance premiums and taxes on a monthly basis as opposed to annual lump sum payments f) A review of all operational procedures is being undertaken to identify where further cost savings might be achieved g) In order to generate additional Branch revenue, monthly "Theme Nights" such as "Wing Nights" are being planned h) The Branch will continue holding monthly Sunday breakfast's with an effort to increase attendance and revenue i) An effort is also being made to increase hall revenue through additional rentals and reduced catering costs. It is hoped that through these efforts the Branch can traverse these most difficult economic times. It should be noted that the legal wheels are in motion to transfer ownership of the Branch from Trustees back to the Legion in order to comply with the new Provincial Bylaws. Also, the new Branch.- ~egulations have been tabled through a "Notice of Motion" and are scheduled for approval at the next General Meeting in September. This initiative is again being taken to comply with the new Provincial Bylaws. Finally, I want to thank all of the hardworking and dedicated Executive members, Ladies Auxiliary members and Branch volunteers who spend countless hours in order to make Fergus Legion - Branch 275 a viable community entity. SECRETARY - Bill Sulston Fergus Legion again made significant strides forward in 2009/2010 from an administrative perspective. A list of the most significant accomplishments can be summarized as follows: A "Notice of Motion' was approved to process the newly created Branch Regulations A memorandum of understanding was signed in regard to coordination of Branch hall rentals including the implementation of a revised and updated hall rental form. A "Bar Review Committee" was established to implement new policy guidelines for all bar staff. A "Nevada Review Committee' was established to streamline Branch Nevada ticket sales. A new pool table was acquired in the Club Room. A Branch defibrillator was installed. A new sound system was installed in the Club Room and hall. Also, a Branch office "manuals matrix" was installed to assist Executive members to familiarize themselves with all Dominion, Provincial and local manuals and documents available. In conclusion, the office practices have been streamlined and adopted to complement the functional operations of Fergus Legion - Branch 275.,ICK & VISITING - Beckie Mason I have enjoyed being your Sick & Visiting Chairman again this year, and I hope that you will give me your support again, and please remember to let me know if any member should have a card sent to them., I
TREASURER'S REPORT - Pat Sulston Copies of the 2009/2010 "Financial Statements" for the year ended May 31, 2010 as prepared by Liberty Tax Service, Fergus are now available and will be presented to the General membership at 'he September 15th Branch General meeting, It should be noted that the net Branch loss for 2008/2009 was $16,360 however due to a number of significant expenditure cutbacks this year the Branch net loss for 2009/2010 has been reduced to $5,817, These shortfalls can partially be attributed to the severe economic downturn which appears to be abating, In order to further minimize the decline in Branch revenue, Saturday afternoon entertainment has been cancelled other than for "Special Events" being held, Secondly, a decision was made to dispense with outside financial auditors and utilize the services of the Branch "Audit Committee" which should result in a significant cost saving in 2010/2011, A Branch "Salary Review Committee' has also been established in an attempt to rationalize escalating salary costs. Finally, effort is being made to identify at least one monthly "significant" Branch event to attract participation and increase revenue, While Branch membership remains stable it is imperative that participation must increase in order to stabilize our current economic situation. Many Legions across Ontario are facing similar situations and a number have actually closed, All members are encouraged to get involved in order to keep Fergus Legion - Branch 275 a viable community enterprise, POppy - Les Willis Comrades the fall season has once again come upon us with fall along comes our annual poppy campaign we will be looking for many volunteers LADIES AND MEN that can give up few hours of their time if available please contact. Carol Beirnes at 519-843-4148 or Joanie Willis at 519-843-4166 THEIR PRESENCE HAS GONE FROM US ALL THEY HAVE ANWERED THEIR FINAL CALL TO-GETHER WE STAND SIDE BY SIDE AS WE STAND AND SALUTE THEIR FINAL RIDE LEST WE FORGET MEMBERSHIP - Ed Orsava The "Early Bird" campaign has just stared, and finishes on November 30. This year to encourage our membership to be an "Early Bird", there will be a draw for two free memberships, at the end of September, October and November. There will be a draw for a flat screen TV for all of the members who have paid their 2011 dues by November 30. The target for "Early Bird membership sign-ups this year prior to November 30 is 50%. Membership to the Legion is open to any Canadian citizen of good standing over the age of 18, who believe in the purposes and objectives that we abide by. This has changed in recent years from having had to serve in the military to be eligible. Therefore we should now have an easier time maintaining our numbers. Unfortunately this is not the case. Each year we lose members for a variety of reasons, some we can overcome and some we can't. We owe our existence as an organization to the veterans that are now becoming fewer due to age, As such, we need to do all we can to help encourage others to join us to ensure the legion remains as viable in the future as it is today. Any and all current members are invited to bring any ideas or suggestions to the attention of Ed Orsava, our.nembership chairman that may help increase our membership.
HALL RENTAL & CATERING - Brian Bielby It is vital to the survival of the Fergus Legion that we have a thriving hall rental year. Please promote the use of the Fergus Legion hall for any functions that you may be involved with, or know of. I would 'ike to thank Lindsay Gray and Adam Kelly for the effort they are putting in to our hall rentals, it has made it easier for our bar staff, to have Lindsay & Adam looking after the bookings. Alma Baking & Catering continue to be our primary caterer, the service and quality, they provide, at a very reasonable price, is an asset to the Legion. VETERANS SERVICES - Barney Beirnes Our Bureau Service Officer, Randy Groundwater and I have interviewed many clients over the past year. Believe it or not, according to Randy, he has stated that per capita we have more veterans, widows & widowers in this area than any other area in his district. This Branch strives at helping all of these people in maintaining a comfortable life. If you have not applied for a pension, why not? Randy will only be visiting twice a year (April & October) so watch your local papers (Fergus-Elora Express & Wellington Advertiser) for his visitations. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me. If necessary, please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible. NEVADA REPORT - Greg Manion Branch 275 Nevada fund once again had a very successful year in being able to donate $15,263.00 to out local youth sports teams and community group's. As your Nevada chairperson I thank all the members that have during the past year purchased tickets to help us with our on going donation program. I would like to extend special thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for assisting me in restarting the Nevada sales at their Thursday night Bingo's. CANTEEN - Pat Sulston: The commitment of Branch volunteers continues to be an ongoing challenge. Any Branch members vvillingto take the "Smart Serve" course will be reimbursed the $30.00 enrollment fee. Courses are offered on a periodic basis and schedules are available from the Branch bar staff. A number of improvements in bar operations were implemented in 2009/2010. The most significant related to forms revisions and bookkeeping practices. There was a recent significant change in bar staffing with the retirement of Chief Bar Steward Nancy Wright. I want to commend Nancy, who dedicated over 20 years of her life in service to Fergus Legion Branch 275. I also want to welcome Karen Small who was selected to replace Nancy as the new Chief Bar Steward. In addition two new part-time Bar Stewards where hired as part of the personnel evolution which occurred recently. Although revenue from the bar is extremely important it has been determined that such revenue is not sufficient to keep the Branch financially viable. Therefore, it is imperative that revenue from the hall side of the Branch must be increased through hall rentals for community events such as weddings, etc. It is important that the Branch membership encourage community organizations and members to utilize our services. PROPERTY - Tom Semanyk Our priority must be to reduce our costs, yet still maintaining the equipment and building. We have several projects that we are looking at, improved lighting systems, reducing our use of water, and heating and air conditioning to name just three. We are trying to complete as many of the normal operating repairs as possible ourselves, instead of using contractors, and I hope that our members will help us out if they are asked. We have a great group of people/members, just like the crew who painted the club room, and if we all try and help out every now and again, we can hopefully keep our maintenance costs under control. If you have any suggestions on how to maintain and/or improve our.acilities, then please talk to me. If we all work together we can improve our Legion and at the same time control our maintenance costs.
YOUTH EDUCATION - Fred Hiller As your new Youth Education Chairman I am trying to put together an information package to distribute to our schools... 1 am hoping we will have a good reply from the students this year in all jrade levels. Remembrance Day Poster Contest, Remembrance day Literary, Composition contest (Poem & Essays) and Public Speaking Once again we are fortunate to have the assistance of Marg Short to guide your chairman through this important Legion program for the school children. I would also like to thank Don Martin for chairing this program in our area in the past. Branch #275 was fortunate last year to have 5 Zone C3 winners Colour Poster Junior 1st place James Westrick - Maranatha Christian School Colour Poster Senior 2nd place McKenzie Alien - Emmanuel Christian High School Black & White Poster Junior 1st place Adam Wright - St Joseph Catholic School Black & White Poster Senior 1st place McKenzie Alien - Emmanuel Christian High School Senior Essay 3rd Place Marsha Joanne Bultena - Emmanuel Christian High School Poetry Junior 1st place Holly Vanderveen - Maranatha Christian School Branch 275 looks forward to another respectable year in the above programs and if you know anyway to improve this important remembrance of those who gave there time for our freedom, please contact me. PUBLIC RELATION"S REPORT - Greg Manion It has been a very busy year for Public Relations at the branch. Some of the highlights were working with the different chairs to achieve their project goals. The role of the PRO along with assisting these folks is to promote the purpose of the Legion.We have a very strong alliance with the Wellington Advertiser and over the past year have had two excellent articles regarding the Legion. One was for '_egion week September 2009 and the other was the 4 page spread promoting our 75th anniversary. I would like to point out that all members of this branch are part of my committee and we need you to be the ambassadors of the branch and the Royal Canadian Legion to promote what we are about and the great contribution we give the local community. SPORTSITRACK & FIELD - Gary Watt I am pleased to advise that there have been a number of significant events took place in the SportslTrack & Field portfolios since the beginning of the year. A Summary of those events are as follows; a) Branch cribbage tournament on Saturday, February 6th. 2010. It should be noted that 52 teams participated and the Branch realized a profit of approximately $600.00 b) Branch Super-Bowl party, Sunday, February yth. 2010. c) Branch 8-ball pool tournament d) Branch golf league commenced on Wednesday, April yth. 2010 e) Attended the District Sports meeting in Listowel, Ontario on Mon. April 19th, 2010 f) The Branch sponsored 2 golf teams in the District golf tournament in Seaforth, Ontario on Sat. July io". 2010. g) The Branch golf tournament at Wildwinds Golf Course is scheduled for Sat. Sept. 04th. 2010 and there are over 40 persons signed up to participate at this time. As you can see the Branch has been very busy in SportslTrack and Field since the beginning of 2010 and I want to thank all of the members who have participated in the scheduled events and those who plan on participating during the conclusion of this year.
WAYS & MEANS - Gary Watt: It is a pleasure to report that the Branch hosted a number of very successful events since the beginning of 2010. Those events can be summarized as follows: "3) Branch "Comedy Night" on Sat. January ao". 2010. There was a "sell-out" crowd for this event and the Branch realized a profit of approximately $2,880.00. b) The Branch sponsored monthly Sunday morning breakfast's since the beginning of 2010, hosted by the various service organizations that patronize and support the Legion. It should be noted that approximately 180 persons attended one of these Sunday events which provide much needed revenue for the Branch. c) The Branch sponsored a "75th. Anniversary" celebration On Fri. May 14th. Sat. May 15th. and Sun. May 16th. 2010. A dinner/dance was held on Sat. May 15th.which was extremely well attended and the Anniversary was capped on Sun. May 16th. with a "Rededication Service" being held in the Grand hall. d) The Branch hosted a "Wing Night" on Friday, May 14th. which packed both the Club Room and hall and generated considerable revenue. e) A Highland Games/Branch parade was held on Thurs. Aug. 1ih. which was well attended and again packed the hall and Club Room. f) Another "Wing Night" is scheduled for Fri. Sept. 17, 2010 and the Branch will host its annual "Grand-Pa's B-B-Q" on Sat. Nov. 6th. 2010 g) An Elvis Tribute Show will be held on Friday October 22 Branch and community members are encouraged to come out and enjoy these events. As you can see the Branch held a number of significant social events since the beginning of 2010. I want to thank the many Branch volunteers and community members who made these events possible. HONOURS & AWARDS & BURSARY - Ed Orsava The bursary program is designed to assist students of Legion members, Grandchildren of members and Ladies Auxiliary members and Grandchildren entering or continuing their post-secondary education, including courses and programs of a technical and vocational nature, outside of and beyond secondary school. It is not based upon scholastic standing but rather the combination of acceptable admission status to a post-secondary institution or successful completion of one or more years leading to a recognized degree, diploma or certificate and demonstrated or documented need. Ontario Command must receive all applications completed in full by the last Friday in March from students who are currently attending post secondary education. For more info and application please me at 519-928-2749. TRAINING - Brian Bielby Most of our executive has attended seminars regarding their specific chairs, where a lot of valuable legion material was gathered. We have held several Smart Serve programs, catering to our own members as well as other community organizations. LADIES AUXILIARY - Linda Semanyk I am honoured to be the President of the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 275, Fergus. The LA like the Legion faces many of the same challenges, trying to find volunteers to do the many varied works that the LA does to contribute to the Branch. I am pleased with the cooperation that the LA and the Legion has been able to achieve, and while we may not agree on everything, we are able to work through most of our differences in a positive manner. The LA organizes many activities including catering for Legion events, Thursday night bingo, funeral lunches, to name a few. We are workinq with the branch on events like Legion Week, and like the branch we need new members, who are Nilling and able to work, without this kind of members we will be in trouble. I believe that the Ladies Auxiliary is an essential part of the Fergus Legion in our efforts to support the veterans and seniors in our community.
Be Our Guest At The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 275, Fergus 500 Blair Street, Fergus, ON. N1M 1S4 519-843-2345 LEGION WEEK Fri. Sept. 17 Sun. Sept. 19 Mon. Sept. 20 Tues. Sept. 21 Tues. Sept. 21 Wed. Sept. 22 Thur. Sept. 23 Fri. Sept. 24 Wings & Fries $10.00 Karaoke with Kieran Ballah Sunday Morning Breakfast $5.00 Senior's Euchre Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon $10.00 Crib & Social Darts Member's Appreciation Day Bingo - Extra Prizes Karaoke with Kieran Ballah EVERYONE WELCOME 6:00pm-8:00pm 6:00pm-12:00am 9.00 am - Noon 7.30 pm 11.30 am - 1.00 pm 7.30 pm 2.00 pm - l1.00pm 7.00 pm 7 :00pm-12:00am SUNDA Y MORNING COMMUNITY FAMIL Y BREAKFAST SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 FEBRUARY 20, 2011 OCTOBER 17, 2010 MARCH 20, 2011 NOVEMBER 21, 2010 APRIL 17, 2011 DECEMBER 19, 2010 MAY 15, 2011 JANUARY 16,2011 JUNE 19,2011 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon We will be serving Sausage and/or Ham, Eggs, Toast & Jam, Tea, Coffee & Juice The cost is $5 per person Everyone is Welcome I