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METRO NEWSVOLUME 48 ISSUE 8METROPOLITAN BRANCH 5945030 HOWARD AVETECUMSEH, ON, N9H 0M3519-969-0551 www.rcl594.comDECEMBER 2020Email: [email protected] Christmas fromYour Friends at Branch 594May 2021 bring us ALL Good HealthYour Legion at the CrossroadsServing Veterans & the Communities of Tecumseh,LaSalle, Windsor & Amherstburg!CODE RED, STILL OPEN! (FOR NOW)
The Royal Canadian LegionMetropolitan Branch 5942019-20 ExecutivePresidentPast President1st Vice Pres2nd Vice Pres3rd Vice PresExecutiveSgt. at ArmsTreasurerSecretaryTom FriesenArchie NeilsonMorris BrauseKonrad BoehlerLarry WilliamsBob HartBarb HooperJim McGhieBrian RobinsonChris RicardJanet CiurysekJim McGhieFran [email protected] COMMITTEESLegion SeniorsMorris Brausesee aboveMembershipBrian Robinson519-734-1086Poppy ChairArchie Neilsonsee abovePublic RelationsSportsTom Friesensee aboveYouth & EdChris Ricardsee aboveVeterans ServicesChris Ricardsee aboveChaplainRev Dr Catherine Collins-Barker 519-969-3333SPECIAL COMMITTEESBar ChairmanRandy Soulliere226-280-2591 [email protected] Prop (In/Out)Larry Williamssee aboveBranch RegulationsBrian Robinsonsee aboveBursariesChris Ricardsee aboveColour PartyEntertainmentBob Hartsee aboveFinance Com.Jim McGhiesee aboveFinance Review ComBeth Abson519-980-9639 [email protected] & AwardsKonrad Boehlersee aboveHospitalRev Dr Catherine Collins-Barkersee aboveKitchen ConvenerVeronica Friesen519-992-8384 [email protected] WeekKonrad Boehlersee aboveLiaison to CadetsJim McGhie519-979-8904 [email protected] Friesensee aboveNewsletterTom Friesensee aboveParkwoodOPENPool TablesJohn Greercall officeRemembranceTom Friesensee aboveWays & MeansVeronica Friesensee aboveWebmasterC Ricard, B Robinson see aboveWindsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee: Ron Bisnaire5030 Howard Ave, Tecumseh, ON. N9A 6Z6Phone: 519-969-0551, Fax: 519-969-1591website: www.rcl594.com BRANCHMEETINGSEXECUTIVETuesdayDecember 15th7:00 PMGENERALMEETINGSuspended duringCOVID-19Shutdown
PRESIDENT’S REPORTChristmas Season is upon us.This year Covid-19 necessitates celebrations to be different.Our health care system, and the wonderful people that look after us, are stressed from 9 months (andcounting) of Pandemic service.We need everyone to follow the Health Units rules and guidelines to minimize the spread of thisterrible virus.COVID-19 NOTES: WE ARE IN CODE RED!On Nov 30th Branch 594 senior executive have decided to have the lounge remain OPEN daily2-7PM. 10 customers (patrons) maximum in the building. NOTE: This can change at any time.We ask everyone to take precautions:Do not come if you have any Covid-19 symptoms. We will be here when you are feeling better.Read posted Covid Symptom check list.Sign in and acknowledge you are symptom free when arriving. (mandated by Province).Wash your hands, sanitize your hands (if washroom is not available).Face masks are mandatory when standing or walking inside the building.Masks are not required when you are eating or drinking while sitting at your table.We have lots of room so spread out – “social distance” for those not in your “Social Circle”Social distancing is required everywhere, indoors and out.Poppy Campaign 2020The official Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign is over.Donations from the community were encouraging. THANK YOU! Details are in the Poppy Reportlater in this newsletter.Remembrance ServicesDue to Covid-19 restrictions to minimize the spread of the virus the gatherings this year have beenmodified. For information refer to Second Vice Presidents reportUS ThanksgivingWe opened early to allow patrons the opportunity to watch the Detroit Lions get beat again In spite of the game everyone had a great time and enjoyed the beverages, wings, drums & fries.After the game Craig served up Turkey dinners for both eat in and take out.Our reservation process needs to be improved as it appears that duplications and no shows had usgoing from SOLD OUT to DINNERS AVAILABLE Branch OperationA month ago, we started having Monday morning operation meetings to review previous andcoming weeks events.These meetings include senior branch executive and our kitchen operator.With changes required due to the pandemic they are even more valuable.Meetings (Branch, Zone, District, Provincial & Dominion), Nominations – Elections STILL POSTPONED“Your Legion at the Crossroads, Serving Veterans and theCommunities of Tecumseh, LaSalle, Windsor & Amherstburg!”Tom Friesen, President, Metropolitan Branch 594
Second Vice Presidents ReportRemembrance DayI would like to thank all those that came out and assisted with the placing and retrieval of the750 flags atVictoria and Greenlawn Cemeteries.On Sunday Nov 8th we had our Branch Remembrance Day Service and all though it was different this year dueto Covid 19 we had a good turn out by our membership. There were 35 to 37 present. I would also like to thankCraig’s kitchen for a very good luncheon of soup and sandwiches.In addition to our branch service we also opened the branch early on Nov 11th so people could come out andwatch the City of Windsor Remembrance Day Service from downtown by the Cenotaph. It was nice to see thatthere were 25 patrons that came out to joins us. Again, Craig’s Kitchen put on a very good luncheon of soup andsandwiches. It was also good see that the branch was busy throughout the afternoon.MEMBERSHIPOur Metropolitan Branch 594 has 410 members comprised ofLife 5, Ordinary 95, Associate 225 Affiliate Voting 85A BIG WELCOME to our NEWEST MEMBERSNEW Affiliate Voting MembersRod Paulin, Darrin Lewis, Adedotun Popoola,Gabe Yacoub & Linda YacoubThe Legion is pleased to offer currently serving and retired Canadian Armed Forces and RCMPmembers with a free one-year Legion membership, including a subscription to Legion Magazine andaccess to the Member Benefit programs. Our Veteran Welcome Program, available to all Veterans whohave not yet joined the Legion, is a great way to get to know the organization.To apply, please complete the Veteran Welcome ProgramRegistration Form http://www.legion.ca/welcome2021 Early Bird Draw is now over WinnersFirst Draw: John ANTAYASecond Draw: Darryl VICKERSThird Draw: Joseph REIDY
For those of you that have not yet renewed please do so by theend of December.Renewals can be at the Branch, by telephone or done on line.Brian Robinson, Membership ChairChanged your address, phone number, email address?Please send changes, by email to: [email protected]’S REPORTWe are currently allowed to be open for a maximum of 10 patrons at a time. This may not seem like a lot ofpeople but the revenue that we receive from having the bar open continues to pay many of our bills.As was previously reported, we had an electrical fire inside one of our rooftop heating and air conditioning unitsrecently. This unit is beyond economical repair and will have to be replaced at great expense to the branch andwe are attempting to get some compensation from our insurer.The branch is continuing to get funding from the federal government through their Canada Emergency WageSubsidy program that has just been extended to June 2021. This program has been a big assistance to ourfinances through the ongoing COVID challenges.The federal government through the Veteran Organization Emergency Support Fund has allocated 14 millionto the Legion to support branches in need. We have applied for funding and await their decision on how muchthat we will receive.Our food service operator, Craig’s Kitchen, has been particularly hard hit by the recent COVID restrictions.Please continue to patronize Craig’s Kitchen for your take home orders and remember that the branch receives15% of the sales.Jim McGhieTreasurerYouth outh-education/remembrance-contestsYouth educationPublic Speaking Contest
Youth Eductaion cont’dReluctantly the 2020 Public Speaking Poster and Literary contests will NOT be held in Ontario this yearBursaries-The 2020/21 Provincial Bursary Programs opens this September when Students are physically on Campus. The deadlineto apply is the last Friday in March 2021.(refer to Provincial website s/bursaries)WEBSITEwww.rcl594.comBrian Robinson has been reviewing and updating our website and reports that new features and additions havebeen created. Check it out to see the latest news LOTTERYAs we are closed there have been no lottery events since the beginning of March.The AGCO has revised license regulations for Legion’s and these will need to be reviewed by the BranchFinance committee.ATTENDANCE DRAWSLoonie & ToonieONE DAY WE HOPE TO HAVE THESE GOING AGAIN!Branch 594 Lottery Committee: Elizabeth Abson, Joanne Thompson and Veronica Friesen.WINDSOR VETERANS MEMORIAL SERVICE COMMITTEEFuneral Services are being performed at the request of the Veteran’s family through the funeral homes.The WVMSC is coordinating the main Remembrance Day Services in Windsor.This year’s event is restricted attendance due to the Covid-19 pandemic.From June 1st, 2019 to Dec 6th 2020 we have lost:55 Veterans, 10 Comrades & we have performed at 7 funeral services.Ron Bisnaire WVMSC Chair
KITCHEN CONVENOR REPORTOur Kitchen Operator, Craig’s Kitchen, has been providing food services for our Branch since Dec 2016.We work as partners to offer our members and the public a place to come for all of life’s events,Showers, Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Memorials.We also offer a great place to have meetings and banquets.Current code red Covid-19 restrictions have limited the number of guests to 10 so food is TAKE-OUT only fornow.Dinners TO GO.Fridays and Sundays. See full menu in this newsletter.Catering available for any day.Call Craig to arrange 226-347-4253SummaryCraig’s Kitchen is an important part of our Legion.The revenue the Legion receives from the kitchen helps us keep our doors open so we can support our Veteransand our greater community.We are looking forward to seeing you at OUR Legion for dinner and all your events.Veronica FriesenKitchen ConvenorNewsletter AdvertisingThanks to our Advertisers for supporting yourLegion.2020 rates as follows:Business Card,¼ pageHalf pageFull page 90.00 HST 125.00 HST 250.00 HST 500.00 HSTThe above is for 11 issues (July – August arecombined)Payment can be made via mail by cheque or atthe Branch by Debit Visa or MasterCard.Royal Canadian Legion5030 Howard AveTecumseh, ON,N9A 6Z4Branch 594 “Newsletter Advertising”If you have any questions please contact TomFriesen, Newsletter Editor [email protected] or 519 992 8303
Ways & MeansBranch 594 Volunteer CommitteeALL YOU CAN EAT SPAGHETTI DINNERDEC 8TH CANCELLEDTUESDAY DATES IN 2021 TO BE ADVISED“Spaghetti with Rich Tomato-Basil & Meat Sauce,Garden Salad and Fresh Baked Bun”Adults 10.00, ALL Legion Members 9.00 (must show card)Children (6 & under) 3.00NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR TAKEOUTMASKS WHILE STANDING AND SOCIAL DISTANCINGREQUIRED
Children's ChristmasSunday December 6th, 20201 pm – 3 pm“We won't let the Grinch (Covid-19) spoil ourChristmas!”DUE TO CODE RED RESTRICTIONS THIS WILL BE A DRIVE BY EVENTALL THOSE WHO REGISTERED BY NOV 28TH HAVE BEEN CONTACTEDCanned Good Donations accepted for local Food Bank.Be safe and have a Great Holiday!!2020 RCL Br 594 Children's Christmas Party Committee
SENIORS COMMITTEE REPORTSince COVID-19 forced our Legion to close the operations in mid-March, we have not been able to conduct anyfunctions, guest speakers and other activities for our Seniors.Currently there is no change, and the Committee will meet once it appears that we can start planning andrunning functions like guest speakers and the Seniors Dinner and Dance.Special Thanks to the Committee Members: We would like to recruit at least another 2-3 new members forour Committee. If you know of someone who has recently joined our Legion and would like to belong to thiscommittee, please contact me.If you are interested in being a member of our Committee, please contact Morris Brause, First VP and theChair of the Seniors Committee.SERVICE OFFICERS REPORTThe spouse of a recently deceased veteran is gathering medical stuff and is planning on donating them to theLegion. Will go through to see what can be safely used.If you know of a veteran in need please let me know!Chris Ricard, Branch Service OfficerHOSPITALWe have many Legion members and friends that can no longer come to the Branch in person would love to hear from us.Branch Pastor, Rev. Catherine (Cathy) Collins-Barker our chairperson has agreed to visit our hospitalized members ifthey agree. Visitations could be in person or by phone, email, Facebook as the situation requires.This committee would also arrange for flowers as directed by your Branch Executive.If you can help, we would love to hear from you!Please contact us in person or through email, website or a note in the comment box in the lobby.Note we can only report after families give us permissionBranch Members Celebrating December BirthdaysJohn Bondy, Philip Bradbury, Rick Brusseau, Lee Callister, Janet Ciurysek, Bruce Clarke,Constantine Corchis, Doreen Eansor, Clarice Friesen, Dorothy Gamble, Albert Hazael,Kenneth Hedgewick, Scott McEwen, John McFadden, Herman Pansier, Dave Pickford, SusanPoonia, Trevor Read, Douglas Rivington, Suzanne Robinson, Cheryl Rousseau, ThomasSoulliere, James Sparrow, Vera Stilson, Mary Stroud, Michael Stroud & Anthony ZahalukHope your birthdays are great!
Bar ReportDECEMBER BAR HOURSCODE REDOpen DAILY from 2:00 – 7:00 pm-In November I have assumed the Bar Officer Position from Comrade Morris Brause and have become morecomfortable with the duties required of the position.-On Dec 1st, the bar inventory was completed. Due to CODE RED restrictions we will be very careful abouthow much inventory we have on hand. Presently we have slightly less than last month.-Training has been completed for all bartenders, with the exception of WHMIS training for a few that weexpect to complete in the next week or two.-Bar operation hours have been reduced to 5 hours per day (2-7pm) to accommodate 10 customers at a timemaximum.Randy Soulliere, Bar ChairBUILDING UPDATE-The storage room in hall A has been reorganized.-There are a number of items in hall A that need to be looked at and determined if they should be kept ordumped.-Christmas decorations and trees have been positioned.-The conference room has pictures and memorabilia hung after repainting.-The door to hall A has been repaired.-A meeting with a representative from Troy has lead to verification that the 4 sprinkler heads in the cadetroom must be replaced. Work is being scheduled.-The AHU for hall A is ongoing.-The 1st urinal in the men’s room has been repaired. The hand towel dispenser in the kitchen has beenreplaced.-The members lounge seating has been rearranged to accommodate 10 only customers.-A barrier for Santa clause was created but has since been deemed unnecessary.Many thanks to all those that helped in the afore mentioned tasks.Com Larry Williams, Chair Inside & Outside PropertyLawn and Gardening Sub-Committee-Comrade Morris Brause completed the final lawn cutting for the season on 13 November 2020.-There are still a few bushes that need some trimming and a final effort at getting rid of weeds in thegardens, especially at the back of the building.
-Comrades Larry Williams and Morris Brause cleaned out the garage.-Over the winter, we will look at maintenance of the lawn mowers, the two trimmers and the tools.-Thank you to all comrades that assisted in maintaining our outdoor property this from March to November2020.Morris Brause, First VP; and Comrade Janet Ciurysek, Sergeant-at-Arms and Chair of Sub-Committee.2715RCACCCadet Corps ReportJim McGhie,Cadet [email protected] person Cadet training started back on Nov 4th at the branch with all board of health protocols in place.The Cadets were all certainly glad to be back after not parading together since last March!On Nov 11th our Cadets held a small service at the branch cenotaph and also held an awards ceremony togive out the various trophies, promotions etc. that are normally presented at the annual review in June.Unfortunately, as of Nov 18th we are back to having only virtual Cadet meetings (via ZOOM) due to the risein Covid cases in the area.We look forward to a return to more normal operations and thank you for yourcontinued support of our Cadet Corps.PS: Thanks to those who supported our 2020 Poinsettia FundraiserLEGION SPORTSBRANCHAfter a month of play pool and darts have again been suspended due to our Code Red status.The leagues were required to have a single point of contact for Covid-19 issues.This person must sign a waiver on behalf of their league ensuring safe protocols are being followed.Each participant is required to sign a waiver before participating as well.Monday Night Pool CANCELLED for nowWednesday Men’s Darts have not committed. They will review in January. Thursday Night Pool. They willreview in January.Friday Night Dart League. CANCELLED for nowSaturday Mixed Darts. CANCELLED for nowCARDS we can’t find a safe way for cards to be played so NO CARDS for nowWe will review sports when Health Unit restrictions are lifted
LAST POSTNothing to report this monthCondolencesOur condolences to Sue Robinson (and family), on thepassing of her mother Rita Barrette on Nov 16th.POPPY REPORT-The balance in the Poppy Trust Fund at the end of November is 52,391.88- Donations from this year’s campaign, to the end of November, total 45,371.78.-Many thanks to Janet & Gerry Ciurysek for arranging the table set up at Costco and the many Volunteerswho manned this table during the Campaign. I can say that this effort resulted in over 10,000.00 beingcollected during the Campaign.-Many thanks to ALL those who donated so generously this year!-At the Nov 17th Executive meeting motions were made to request permission from Ontario Command todonate 1, 500.00 to Parkwood Institute and 2,000 to Camp Maple Leaf with the donation to supportVeterans and families. Both Motions passed and Special Use forms submitted as required.Archie Neilson,Branch Poppy Chair.
DECEMBERSunNov 29OPEN1:30-7:306OPEN 2-710 MAXMonTuesWedThuFriSat30CODE REDOPEN 2-710 MAXSTARTINGTODAY1234OPEN 2-710 MAX5OPEN 2-710 MAX78OPEN 2-710 MAXOPEN 2-710 MAXOPEN 2-710 MAXHappy BirthdayMom!9OPEN 2-710 MAXOPEN 2-710 MAXTake OutFood2-6pm10OPEN 2-710 MAX11OPEN 2-710 MAX16OPEN 2-710 MAX17OPEN 2-710 MAX18Dinners4:00 – 8:0012OPEN 2-710 MAXNOSPAGHETTIOPEN 2-710 MAX14OPEN 2-710 MAX15OPEN 2-710 MAXDinners4:00 – 8:007:00 PMExecutive Mtg2021OPEN 2-710 MAX22OPEN 2-710 MAX28OPEN 2-710 MAX29OPEN 2-710 MAX2719OPEN 2-710 MAXOPEN 2-710 MAX23OPEN 2-710 MAX24OPEN 2-710 MAXOPEN 2-710 MAX30OPEN 2-710 MAX31OPEN 2-610 GDAYCLOSED2OPEN 2-710 MAX
2nd Vice Pres Konrad Boehler 519-966-7794 [email protected] 3rd Vice Pres Larry Williams 519-726-4043 [email protected] Executive Bob Hart 519-984-1544 [email protected] Barb Hooper 519-969-2379 [email protected] Jim McGhie 519-979-8904 [email protected]
