February 2017 Men of Vision Branch #15 Phone: 403-932-2011 [Volume 2, Issue 5] PRESIDENTS NOTE Dear Members Our branch continues to move in a positive manner in regards to reducing and monitoring expenditures. I greatly appreciate all members for their assistance with regards to this initiative. We have started utilizing our members lounge (Angus room) as a start. We have hired a replacement events coordinator, Kim Clare, who is working out great and is in close contact with our Executive committee members. There was a staff meeting on February 2nd with branch staff and Executive table officers to refocus on our path forward with the operations of our branch. We are participating in an initiative to refurbish our cenotaph which is being headed up on our behalf by our first vice, Dave Usherwood. Dave will continue to keep the executive and members apprised of the status on a go forward basis. At this time, I would like to thank all staff and executive for their continued support of myself during this time of economic downturn. We as a collective continue to keep a close eye on expenditures as we work on increasing our revenues for the betterment of our legion and veteran support. As winter is still upon us I ask all members and visitors to take the time to ensure you are well prepared for winter conditions while driving. We must always put the safety of our members at the forefront of our daily activities. Your President Paul Graham Men of Vision Branch #15 CONTENTS Page No. Presidents Message 1 Message Board 2-3 Calendar 4 Upcoming Events 5 Cenotaph Project 6 Benefit Spotlight 7 Cadet & Poppy Report 8
2 Message Board Membership Report I am happy to report that as of January 31 st, our paid-up membership for 2017 stands at 290. A tremendous increase over 2016 at the same time last year. Please welcome the following new members of Branch #15: Hugh MacLennan, Susan MacLennan, Guyle Colling, Eric Trunel, Nylla Branley Also, transfers to the Branch, Michelle and David Parker A reminder that to be a member in good standing and enter Legion sports or other events, membership needs to be submitted by end of February. Thank you to all members for your continued support and renewal for the year. Reminder If you have borrowed any of the hospital parking passes and are no longer in need of them, please remember to return them to enable other members to have use of them. Thank you By-Laws The by-laws have been submitted to AB-NWT Command for approval. I will keep the membership posted. Karen Darla Gullons Membership Chair ENTERTAINMENT MESSAGE We are pleased to welcome Kim Clare as our new Events Manager and Michelle Gauvreau as our Events Coordinator. Some of you will have already met Kim and know Michelle as our coordinator for our Friday night BBQ s. If you have any queries regarding upcoming events or would like to book your event at the Legion, Kim and Michelle will be happy to help. We have some great events planned for February including the continuation of our new monthly event Live@TheLegion. We kicked off in January with Brock Smith and Merry Jo, it was so great to see such a large turn out with lots of familiar and new faces in the crowd. For February, we are excited to announce the return of The Smoking Aces. It s sure to be a fantastic night and we look forward to seeing you there.
3 Poppy campaign raises $4,000 for STARS ambulance - The Eagle The most successful Cochrane poppy campaign contribution was donated to STARS air ambulance last Friday. Cochrane Legion members presented Allison Mitton, STARS stewardship officer, with $4,000 for the nonprofit lifesaving organization. It is very rewarding to know people in the community of Cochrane are supporting us, Mitton said. We are very grateful for their efforts and their contribution will be very beneficial for us. The non-profit organization is dedicated to providing a safe, rapid, highly specialized emergency medical transport system for the critically ill and injured. Monies will be used to buy electronic notebooks that are used to connect with electronic patient records, improve efficiencies and will result in better communications with the hospitals STARS is dealing with. We think it is a worthwhile contribution for legion members and the community, said Dave Usherwood, first vice-president of the Cochrane Legion. The 2016 poppy campaign funds are currently in the bank, awaiting applications and approval for the next recipient. BINGO Bingo is back - Tuesday, February 7th Doors open 6 p.m. Bingo starts 6:50 p.m. Carbon Tax Please be advised that due to the provincial carbon tax levy, we will be making a small increase to our food and beverage items commencing February 1 st, 2017. Your understanding is appreciated Put your culinary skills to test at our annual Chowder Night! Some of us profess to be the best at making chowder so on Feb 25 th you ll have your chance to enter your best chowder. - Each chowder will have a number in front of it. - Sample from each one and make your selection for the best! - There will be a prize awarded for the best chowder. - For those who d rather just taste and judge only, pay $7.00 For more info see Teresa.
February 2017 Cochrane Legion Calendar of Events Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 4 1 1 7pm Crib 7pm Pool 2 7pm Euchre 7pm Poker 3 6pm BBQ 4 8.30am Men s Health & Retirement Event 7pm Roping Club No Shuffleboard 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 CLOSED Cadets 9am Qigong 7pm Darts 12pm Rotary 6.50pm Bingo 7pm Breskens Pocket 7pm Crib 7pm Pool 7pm Euchre 7pm Poker Pure Mountain Medic 6pm BBQ 2pm Shuffle Board 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 CLOSED Cadets 9am Qigong 7pm Darts 7pm Ladies Aux 12pm Rotary 3.30pm Golden Life 7pm Crib 7pm Pool 7pm Exec Meeting 7pm Inter- Pipeline 7pm Euchre 7pm Poker 6pm BBQ Plus Live Music from The Smoking Aces 2pm Shuffle Board 19 CLOSED Cadets 20 Closed Family Day 21 12pm Rotary 22 7pm Crib 7pm Pool 7pm Twinkle Tones 23 7pm Euchre 7pm Poker 24 6pm BBQ 25 2pm Shuffle Board Pure Mountain Medic Chowder Night 26 27 28 CLOSED Pure Mountain Medic 7pm Darts 12pm Rotary A few dates to remember! Friday Night BBQ s from 6.00pm Bingo s Back!! Tuesday February 7th 6.50pm Executive Meeting February 14th Family Day Branch is Closed Live @ The Legion The Smoking Aces February 17 th 7.00pm Twinkle Tones Singing Group February 22nd 7.00pm Chowder Night February 25th
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6 2017 Cenotaph Enhancement Project Most Active Members and Members of the Board are aware that the Branch is leading a Cenotaph enhancement project which has been receiving very positive feedback. The best way to best explain this project is to reproduce and insert a press announcement that should be in both newspapers this coming week. Your attention is directed to a summary of Press Announcement. PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT On January 30, 2017, it was announced the start of a Community Initiative Project to be completed in 2017. This project is centered on the completion in 2017 of a Bronze (life size) Statue of WW1 Canadian Soldier for placement in the Cochrane Cenotaph With the consensus of interested parties and community organizations/foundations, the Cochrane Legion has been designated to take the lead of this Community Project. The Cochrane Legion Board of Directors has endorsed this project unanimously and unconditionally and directed that a dedicated bank trust account be set up to coordinate donations and financial disbursements in order to facilitate this project happening in fall of 2017. TODAY WE ARE ASKING FOR ALL INTERESTED IN THIS PROJECT TO STEP FORWARD AND IN THE NEAR- TERM PLEDGE A FINANCIAL COMMITMENT and/or at the very least UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT OF THIS PROJECT. In discussions with the Town of Cochrane, the Chamber of Commerce, the Cochrane Foundation, Cochrane Rotary, Cochrane Lions, Cochrane Lionesses/Activettes and some local businesses, the project has received widespread verbal support with promises to assist with the funding. Putting this project in context; It is the Legion s Board of Directors understanding that much of the work and contract work on this project is being done at cost with no administrative charges. Total budget estimate for phase ONE of this project has been set at $120,000. The Cochrane Legion has designated First Vice President, Comrade David Usherwood to take the lead in this project and be the point-person to move this project forward to completion for late October or early November of 2017. The Cochrane Legion Board and all other participating organizations will be kept fully informed. Recently the Cochrane Studio West Bronze Foundry was selected as the primary contractor and the design process has begun. On a final point, it is important for all to know that time is of the essence and that funding and pledges for funding are most important. For example; The project must purchase a block bronze and other materials in early March to get this project moving forward. The funds needed for this date is at least $25,000. Further questions, enquiries, pledges and donations should be directed to Cochrane Legion 1 st Vice President Comrade David Usherwood at the Legion Branch or/and or to his personal email address of dcusherwood@gmail.com or to his cell/text number of 403-650-6826.
Membership Benefit Spotlight As members of the Royal Canadian Legion, members are eligible to receive benefits and services from various organizations. Each month we will be highlighting one of the offers available to you. 7 Medipac is proud to be working together with The Royal Canadian Legion Medipac has been protecting members of Canadian groups and associations since 1982. Travel insurance is our only business! Medipac Travel Insurance provides Legion members with extensive benefits and comprehensive travel insurance protection for trips outside Canada as well as out-of-province travel within Canada. Legion members receive travel insurance for an unlimited number of trips up to 17 days, to age 64, for a premium of $75. Medipac also offers Legion members long term travel insurance at preferential rates. MedipacAssist is our medical emergency lifeline, providing you with instant access to our medical professionals, day and night, anywhere in the world. The Royal Canadian Legion delegated Medipac with the design of an exclusive member benefit providing travel insurance to Legion members across Canada. The program contains extensive benefits and comprehensive travel insurance protection for an unlimited number of trips of 17 days each, outside Canada. It also provides coverage for an additional 60 days for your out-of-province travel, within Canada. Medipac is honoured to have been chosen by The Royal Canadian Legion as a Member Benefits Partner. Your support is very important. As your participation grows we will share our success with your branch. Please enroll today! 1-888-939-0001 / www.rclinsurance.com
Cochrane Cadets Report 8 Going into 2017 both Cadet unit s report sustained enlistment with the Air Cadets reporting numerous new recruits with the current roster at or about 56 cadets and the Army Cadets with about 66 cadets. Both Units have intense yet different focus for training programs with plans and applications in process for summer cadet camps. The Army Cadets report those going to VIMY will top out at 70 with approximately 35 cadets and 35 Civilian Adult Volunteers. Departure is from Calgary early on April 2nd and return on April 11th from Paris. The Cadets and Associates will be at VIMY on April 9th, 2017 to mark the 100th anniversary. I have also been advised that the Air Cadets are advancing their initiative to place signage similar to the Army Cadets on our Building. Dave Usherwood 1st Vice and 2016 Poppy Chair Poppy Fund Report Grant applications for Poppy Funding have been requested by some organizations however, none have been returned yet. With regards to aiding Veterans, we are to proceed with visitations to some in care and others who require assistance. My thanks are extended to Director Doug Bateman and Steve Donnelly who have stepped up as a team to meet with members and Veteran s in care. Additionally, thanks are extended to Director Karen Bruens for assisting Doug and Steve. Over all we are endeavoring to assist one of our members who is a Veteran and working with Command to this end. It is important that all members make Branch Service Officers Doug Bateman and Steve Donnelly aware of those in need of hospital stays/visitations and in need of financial assistant including food. Overall, we the Branch are learning of the details for assisting Veterans by working with Command. Men of Vision Branch #15 Box 183 Cochrane, Alberta T4C 1A Phone: 403-932-2011 Fax: 403-932-2011 E-mail: cochranelegion@shaw.ca Editor: Steve G. Merritt CD PR Office E-mail: cochranelegion15@gmail.com The Royal Canadian Legion Cochrane Branch Dave Usherwood 1st Vice and 2016 Poppy Chair We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Ronald Reagan