LEGION NEWS:
The 61st Annual Legion Bonspiel was a great success from the impressive opening ceremonies on Jan 29th to the emotional trophy presentations on the 31st.
Derek Kennedy held the broom for his son, John, to throw the Official Opening Rock with Alaina and Marlee Hoffman from the Junior Curling Club sweeping. Derek has curled in this event as long as we can remember and this was John’s 26th consecutive year of participation.
Branch #13 was pleased to welcome 38 rinks with 12 of them coming from out of town. There was some great curling for the entertainment of the observers and great ice, good fun and fine food for the entertainment of the curlers. Music by Steve Little on Friday and Saturday nights was enjoyed by all.
There were not too many dry eyes in the rink when the bonspiel culminated in the 1st in A event and the Ken Austin Memorial Trophy being won by the Austin Family Rink with Jamie Austin as skip, Chad Sellenback 3rd, Shane DeJong 2nd and Kelly Sallenback and Allan Bowles trading off the lead position. B Event and the Bud Kirkaldy Memorial Trophy was won by the Aidan Griffith Rink, C Event and the Peter Barnett Memorial Trophy was claimed by the Duane Melanson foursome and D Event and the Steve Kutnics Memorial Trophy was taken by the Doddridge rink.
Great events such as this would not be possible without the hard work of many members of the Branch and the cooperation and generosity of many local businesses, organizations and individuals. The Bonspiel Committee is extremely grateful to all those who were involved.
Recently at a Branch #13 General Meeting, members in attendance passed a motion to expend $4,500 to purchase a blanket warming cupboard for Terrace View Lodge. It has been received and is in place and this week president Peter Crompton attended a formal presentation of the cupboard. It will be of great value to Terrace View and it gives the membership of the Legion much pleasure to be able to assist our community in this manner.
The February General Meeting was well attended and covered considerable business. The membership report showed us to be in the neighbourhood of 300 members and while some are living elsewhere, there are still many here in the area and we welcome them all to attend meetings and events. Like all Service Clubs, the Legion can use all the help we can get.
President Peter Crompton presented Past Vice-President Les Annandale with the 90th Anniversary Medal in recognition of his service to the Branch and work in the background that often tends to go unnoticed.
The Entertainment Committee gave notice of plans for special events coming up over the ensuing term and it would appear that it will be a busy and enjoyable year at the Branch. Keep watch on this column and for your emails from our capable secretary for information on specific events, dates and times for fun to come.
Motions were passed to donate over $2,600 to various worthy local causes. It was indicated that we are approaching the time of year for students to be looking for financial assistance for furthering their education. The Frank Morris, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #13 Fund has some funds available and are pleased to assist eligible applicants. For further information, feel free to call the Branch at 250-635-5825 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The next general meeting will be held in the Branch at 2 p.m., March 12th at which time our Zone Commander will be in attendance for his annual visit and to install the executive for this term.
We will Remember Them