Sold out – yup that is how it went for Night to Remember and if you were there you can attest to the fact it was quite the affair. I had the pleasure of touring a couple of our female members through the hall while we were decorating and they were thoroughly impressed and more importantly we got to discussing the general meeting and that led to a discussion of the upcoming Legion elections – Dec. 6. Well, these lovely ladies, both members, did not realize that they could vote in the elections. Now, that got me to thinking and I checked with our manager Wanda to ask about this. Apparently, years ago there was a non-voting affliliate member and if this was you, then you had to wait two years to vote.
This is no longer the case. Now, all Branch #94 Legion members have the right to vote. So come on out to the meetings – always the first Tuesday of the month and hear what is happening, ask your questions and voice your agreements or concerns. It is all valuable information for your executive. This helps your needs to be met and also gives you all a sense of belonging. Would love to see you all there.
Skaraoke, held Oct. 28 with Debbie our Karaoke lady, was another success. All the staff dressed up. Willow was a great witch, Shaun a medical personnel and Laurie a questionable Angel with a red devil’s tail. They were great sports and it was all in good fun. There were many costumes, much laugher, song and dance.
Work is underway for our East Indian event in November. This will be another extravaganza you will not want to miss. Authentic East Indian food, authentic dancers. This event was so popular last year we are going to hold it in the Hall this year instead of the lounge. Tickets will be on sale soon for $25 a person for a multi-course dinner prepared by Bliss.
Once again, the tickets will be numbered and only 100 sold. Remember, first bought will be first served dinner, so you will want to hurry in to pick those up.
At the general meeting a few motions that have been pending have been passed including donations to the Child Development Centre, Quesnel Girls Softball team and Riverview PAC.
Wanda, the branch manager, tells me that we still have grant money for Kids in Sport. All your Society needs to do is send in a letter to the Legion requesting these funds for your childrens’ sporting event. This is also open to PAC groups. Funds are limited so get those letters in as soon as you can.
Also underway in our local schools, primary, intermediate and secondary is our Poems, Posters & Essays contest for Remembrance Day. You may want to find out if your child, or grandchild has submitted their entry yet. Judging will be done locally and the winners in all the categories will go on to compete in the Zones. Great prizes at the end and what a wonderful way to show your knowledge of this memorable event. It all culminates with the Veterans Luncheon with the winners having lunch with our Vets and collecting their prize money and certificates.
Speaking of this memorable event. This year’s Remembrance Day is the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 2011. Now that does not happen all the time. I spoke extensively in my last column about these ceremonies and I gave a time line for all the activities. It all begins in front of the Cenotaph and ends at the Legion Hall where we hold the Veterans Dinner at 4 p.m. If you have never taken part in the whole day of events you have really missed out. Cenotaph services begin at 10:57 a.m. with the singing of the National Anthem, Church Service follows the cenotaph service in the Legion Hall, then Lunch provided at 1 p.m. and a sing-a-long with Sweet Harmony at 2 p.m. Make this year – remember it is 11/11/11 – the year you get to enjoy the whole celebration.
The hall and lounge are being booked already for Christmas parties and smaller Christmas dinners. If you are interested in holding your Yuletide event with the Legion, give Wanda a call to arrange it all. We have been doing up some memorable decorating and theme dinners, so don’t be shy about asking for that little bit of ‘something special’ that we can provide for you and your group.
If you have not visited the branch in a while you just may want to stop in and check out all the activities, keenagers, zumba, darts, pool, meat draw, flea market, daily lunches, dance lessons, windy reeds, old time fiddlers, pipe band – have I got you curious yet? There is plenty more – drop in and see for yourself.
I am away for a few weeks, but will continue to write my column from abroad with the help of some members who will be feeding me stories. So until then, speak wisely and softly.
Sharon MacDonald is a member of the Quesnel Legion Branch 94.
