March 2024

We are excited to share that we have partnered with Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) to deliver two upcoming programs for our community: Legion Learning will be a dedicated space for senior (aged 55+) community members to improve their tech literacy through educational talks and a mentoring system for one-on-one, personalized help.

This will include specialized hands-on learning for online banking, fraud/scams, and basic technology and computer and tablet use.

Legion Lounge (downstairs) will act as a social space and café, filled with various physical and cognitive- based games aimed at creating camaraderie and healthy competition while improving both physical and mental well-being. This space will hold a driving simulator, which will allow the user to engage in cognitive development by practicing their driving skills and enhancing their reaction time and hand-eye coordination.

With these learning opportunities, the aim is to combat social isolation and loneliness through community building and establishing relationships. Both programs will be run out of the Branch 109 and will be open to the public this summer.

These programs are made possible by the TD Ready Commitment Connected Communities funding and the dedicated work of Gateway CERH’s research assistants.

We will be launching a Beta session for members only so if you are interested in attending, please email me at rcarroll148@gmail.com or call me at 519-441-1391. I am also looking for a few volunteers that would be willing to act as lounge hosts on Monday and Friday afternoons through the summer. Again please send me an email or call if your interested.

February 2024

So why are members meeting important to attend? At each members meeting the business operations of the branch, committee, executive and financial status of the branch are discussed. From time to time motions are put forward that need to be voted on

by the membership in attendance. In order for a vote to be considered valid we need a quorum of the voting membership to be in attendance.

A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting in order for the meeting to be legally valid and decisions to be made. It ensures that decisions are not made without sufficient participation and representation from the members. Having a quorum helps ensure that decisions made during a meeting have the support of a significant portion of the members.

It also helps prevent a small group of individuals from making decisions that may not reflect the views or

interests of the wider membership. In our case in accordance to our regulations that means we need 5% of our recorded voting membership with command as of the previous year end. Over the winter months our meeting attendance has been close to not

achieving quorum so please take the time to attend. Most meetings have motions that need to be approved and it is not in the best interest of the branch to have decisions delayed. Please do what you can and attend and keep the momentum going and support your Executive.

Please makes sure to attend the Member meetings it’s there where items like this will come up for discussion and your approval. 

Randy Carroll

President

January 2024

Welcome to 2024! Let me start by thanking each of you for all the support that you have given me and the Branch in 2023. I know that you have heard it before but without you and what you do, we could not accomplish all of the things that we have done within our branch. As your President I will continue to challenge our team and myself to go above and beyond and look for ways for improvement, ways to do more and ways to do better with what we currently do.

We are looking at a few things already for 2024: Bringing back the Veterans lunch is on our agenda for 2024 and I would like to

thank Comrade Dennis Schmidt for volunteering to help put this together. Our building will need some attention in the coming years and we will need to do some fundraising and spend a few dollars to cover some needed maintenance cost. If we do not stay ahead of potential repairs the cost will just escalate beyond control. Our deck needs a refresh, we need to start planning for major

expenditures like the elevator and the main floor bar fridge which at some time will need some attention. Your Executive is committed to having the discussions and determining when to suggest moving forward.

December 2023

Welcome to December. As we enter the month where giving is our focal point it’s a good time to reflect on what we do and what we stand for as an organization. The Legion is a pillar of support for veterans, their families, and the community at large.

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the District C Service Officers Seminar along with Comrade Dennis Schmidt, Diane Thorne and our Service Officer Comrade Paul Thorne. The day was filled with valuable information and educational content that provided an overview of how we as an organization assist veterans and their families.

We assist in many ways and our Service Officer plays a vital role in guiding those in need to get the assistance that they are entitled to. Learning more about what the Legion has made available to our veterans made it abundantly clear that key aspects of the Legion's importance lies in our unwavering commitment to the welfare of our veterans and their families.

It’s at time like this that we need to remind ourselves why we are here and be thankful for everything that we have accomplished. Not only do we enjoy comradery but collectively we support the events and initiatives that not only keep our doors open but add to our collective financial support of those we serve.

None of what we have accomplished could have been done without our countless volunteers, the support of our members and each of you that have passed through our doors in support of what we do. As 2023 comes to a close I want to thank you for doing your part and I look forward to working alongside you in 2024. Have a fantastic Holiday season and Happy New Year.

September 2023

Welcome to September.

As you know September brings the official close to summer and kicks off our fall season. The Legion Branch will be busy and we are looking forward to your participation with all of the activates that are in the works. On September 17^th we kick off “Legion Week” and will be focusing on increasing our community recognition and highlighting what we do. In addition, we will be hosting a variety of events in the branch which include the famous L.A Soup and Sandwich, Schools tours, Presentations by OPP around Fraud and Seniors driving, Presentations by Gateway on Rural Health and Senior Isolation. On Sept 23^rd the L.A and Branch will be hosting a joint breakfast upstairs for the 1^st 120 to register.

We will also be hosting an installation of new members on the 22^nd of September at 5pm. Watch for posters and social media post listing all our events and activities. Our social media presence is on the rise, and we are busy behind the scenes putting together our online mailing list of members. Once completed electronic copies of this and publications like the “Legion Ledger” will be sent out to those of you that are interested in receiving them. If we do not have your email address and you would like to be included please send us a request to be added to info@goderichlegion.ca and we will make sure you are included.

August 2023

Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the summer season. As we welcome the month of August, I wanted to take a moment to reach out to each and every one of you and share some exciting news and upcoming events at our Legion Branch.

Firstly, I would like to extend a warm invitation to all of you to participate in the various events we have planned for the month. Make sure that you check out our website, bulletin board and Facebook page for a current listing of what’s happening within the branch. These events not only provide an opportunity for us to come together as a Legion family but also allows us to give back to our branch in meaningful ways as a result of our fundraising efforts.

I am thrilled to announce the return of our beloved "Fish Fry" on August 12th. In the past this was one of the branches highly anticipated events. This year will not disappoint. We will offer both eat-in and take-out options, ensuring that all members can enjoy this delicious feast. We kindly request all those planning to attend to register their name with our friendly bartenders as soon as possible to help us with the preparations.

Furthermore, I am excited to inform you that we have some new staff members joining our team behind the bar this month. Let us extend a warm Legion welcome to these individuals as they begin their journey with us. Their presence will not only enhance our service but also contribute to the vibrant atmosphere that makes our Legion Branch so special.

In conclusion, I encourage each and every one of you to actively participate in the events taking place this month. Let us continue to strengthen our Legion community by coming together and celebrating our shared values. Your presence and support make a significant difference, and I look forward to seeing you all here during the month of August.

July 2023

Welcome to July and I hope you had a Happy Canada Day and were able to join us at our Levee. It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through 2023. I want to take some time and talk about the value of volunteers. Volunteers are an indispensable part of our organization. It is important to recognize their value and appreciate their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment towards our mission of supporting veterans, serving our community, and promoting remembrance.

Legion Branch 109's volunteers are involved in various activities and programs that help us achieve our goals and keep our doors open. Without our volunteers it would be next to impossible to organize our events, fundraising, conducting outreach programs, and aiding with our members and their families.

The contributions of our volunteers are invaluable, and we could not accomplish what we do without you. Your selfless efforts and willingness to help have a significant impact on our organization and those we serve.

Volunteering with Legion Branch 109 is an excellent opportunity to give back to our community and support our veterans. It is also a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience. We welcome volunteers who share our commitment to serving veterans and our community.

We encourage our members to consider volunteering with us and help us continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our veterans and their families.

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please reach out. We would be more than happy to discuss the available opportunities and find the best fit for you. There is plenty to chose from. Volunteering for Sunday afternoon bingo, helping out with burger nights, helping with dances or an hour or two here or there. There are lots of opportunities. If your interested let us know by reaching out to me or any of the Executive team directly or leave your name, number and email address with the staff at the bar.

Thank you for your continued support,

Randy Carroll

June 2023

So, you elected a new President and Executive of Goderich Branch 109 of the Royal Canadian Legion, now what?

Well to begin with and speaking on behalf of my fellow elected members of the Executive we would like to say “Thank You” for your support and entrusting us to oversee your branch and all that it stands for. We will do what we need to do to ensure that this branch continues to thrive, serve its members and all the patrons that venture inside our four walls. We will do what we can to make sure that we remain an essential institution for veterans, their families, and all members by providing support, fellowship, and a sense of belonging. 

As we go down this path “working together” will be a key component to our success and future. The Executive Team is one piece of the puzzle, but we need you to be a part of the future of our branch. Each member in good standing has the same one vote towards the decision-making process as me and any member of the Executive team do. My first ask of you is for your participation and for your voice to be heard. Please continue to attend your members meetings and share your thoughts and ideas. Each Members meeting agenda will have an opportunity for any member to bring forward any concern or idea for discussion and consideration. But if you have something to share, feel free to reach out at any time and share.

Don’t hold back. Together we are stronger and together we can accomplish more. 

Randy Carroll

President

May 2023

Comrades, as we begin a new month we remember the Battle of the Atlantic, commemorated on the first Sunday in May. This was the longest continuous battle of the Second World War (1939-1945) and resulted in 72000 allied causalities including 4000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders.

Although we won't be having a service this year please take a moment to reflect on the brave sailors, airmen and merchant mariners who helped keep Europe alive and to supply our armies despite the scourge of the dreaded Nazi U-Boats. We will Remember them!

Comrades we begin our election on May 3rd. and I can share with you that I am not seeking re-election. I have served 5 terms as your President in the past 15 years and now it is time to throw the torch to a new executive. I would like to thank our Executive, staff and members for their support over the past year and I am proud to turn over the reins of a healthy Legion Branch to my successor. We have accomplished much since the pandemic especially through some trying times and yet we remain a vibrant thread in the fabric of the Goderich Community. Friends, together we have accomplished a great deal and our membership continues to grow. In closing I would also like to thank our many volunteers who have chosen to donate their time and effort in support of the principles of the Legion, service to our Veterans and their families and to our community.

It was my pleasure to serve as your President.

Thank you,

Paul Thorne

President

April 2023

Hello Spring!

As sure as we can count on robins being the harbingers of the season, spring also signals the Legion's annual Election of Officers. Please join us at our General Meeting held the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm wherein we will open up the floor for nominations for our Executive Committee Chairs.

I know that some of you have seen our cartoon showing two Legion members showing up to a boarded up Legion and wonder what happened. Well although a dramatic depiction, this is what could happen so we can't let our guard down. We have 590 members on the books at Branch 109 and yet we still can't get a quorum of 5 percent (29 Members) to attend the meetings in order to pass motions on expenditures required to run the Branch. Please consider helping us to keep our Branch viable by attending our General Meeting.

 I am sure you will all agree that the new carpet looks great and we are doing a final push to fund raise enough to cover the

cost. Please consider buying a square at $25. if you haven't already and for those who have contributed to this

badly needed enhancement, a sincere thank you.

 Thank you to all our volunteers for all you do for without you there would be no Legion.

 See you at the Legion,

 Paul Thorne

March 2023

Comrades,

March is upon us and given that we have had such a mild February and winter generally "we should beware the ides of March" foreboding by William Shakespeare of what is yet to come. Enough of the drama and on with the show or should I say carpet. Yes, we will soon be laying our new carpet and a sincere thank you to all those who have worked so hard to fundraise or have simply made a donation to make this a reality. Still plenty of opportunities to volunteer a little of your time to the Branch. On the horizon, we will be doing a general grounds clean-up closer to the spring and we will also be stuffing envelopes for our 2023 Poppy Drive new comers are always welcome. 

I would also like to introduce you to our new Branch website www.goderichlegion.ca.

This is a one-stop shop for all Legion essentials hope you will take the time to check it out and to bookmark it on your favourites as I am sure you will be back often. 

What's new , you ask? Well our new menu is now available and we have added hotdogs as well as poutine with real cheese curds come and treat yourself and a friend.

Look for some exciting new entertainment options coming soon which is sure to please the masses, the answer is; brush up on your Jeopardy skills.

See you at the Legion,

Paul

February 2023

Hello Comrades,

We have fully embraced 2023 and things are in full swing at the Branch. We have many activities running throughout the week so if you are trying to beat the winter blues, get involved. We can always use more volunteers, plus if you are new to the Branch it is a great way to make new friends.

We still have more squares available if you would like to donate to our "By the Square" carpet fundraiser. The sooner we get the board filled up, the sooner we can start to lay the new carpet.

Look for some changes to our menu coming soon. Speaking about coming soon, don't forget our Valentine's Sweetheart Dinner on February 17th. So if you do forget to pick up something for your special someone on February 14th, here's a chance to redeem yourself.

Special thanks to Lynn Somers, the "Basket Lady" for donating yet another generous and jam-packed gift basket to be raffled for this year's Valentine's Day fundraiser.

Hope to see you all at the Branch soon!

Paul