Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

ITS THAT TIME AGAIN ! EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS & ELECTION

Nominations for New Executive being held at General Meeting in March - Come out and Nominate who you think will be best for the Branch.

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Elections for 20132014 Executive will be at General Meeting in April. Dont let the minority elect your Executive. You are a Member and have a vote. Use it Wisely
THE MERRITTONNIA

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

THE

She was named after William Hamilton Merritt, in a contest won by Merrittons own Florence Nelson Sheppard. The modification having been suggested by the town council. Commissioned at Quebec City on November 10, 1944, she arrived at Halifax in mid December and sailed to Bermuda for a months workups. On her return Merrittonnia was assigned to EG C-7 and left St Johns on February 7 to meet the group which was westbound with convoy ON.283 from Britain. Thereafter continuously employed on North Atlantic convoy duty, she left Londonderry for the final time at he beginning of June, 1945. She was paid off on July 11 and laid up at Sorel for disposal. Purchased by K.C. Irving Ltd, Moncton on November 16,1945, she was wrecked on the Nova Scotia coast on November 30.

PAGE 1

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

THE

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (18721918 )

PAGE 2

Your 2012/2013 EXECUTIVE

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

PRESIDENT: WAYNE HASLAM PAST PRESIDENT/LEADERSHIP: BOB WEIR 1 ST VICE PRESIDENT/POPPY/SERVICE OFFICER: JACK GEMMELL 2 ND VICE PRESIDENT/NEVADA: GEORGE GOFF SECRETARY:COLLEEN BRADSHAW MEMBERSHIP/ LA LIASON: MIKE GANDER TREASURER: PATRICIA GANDER SERGEANT AT ARMS/CADET LIASON: MARY NOVARRO WAYS & MEANS/SPORTS: WAYNE DENVIR BUILDING & PROPERTY: BILL BORDEN SENIORS/CHARITABLE FOUNDATION: COLLEEN BRADSHAW HONOURS & AWARDS: PATRICIA MCCABE YOUTH & EDUCATION: PATRICIA DICKINSON PUBLIC RELATIONS: MARLENE GEMMELL BULLETIN EDITOR/BURSARIES :ROBERT MUSSELL PADRE: REV ELLISTON BRIDGER NON-EXECUTIVE HALL RENTAL : GAIL BARCLAY ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

THE
PAGE 3

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

LADIES AUXILIARY
BRANCH 138 MERRITTON LADIES AUXILIARY

PRESIDENT: 1 ST VICE :

PATRICIA DICKENSON PATRICIA McCABE AUDRIA FRIZZEL COLLEEN BRADSHAW ANGIE REID VERA STRICKLAND MARLENE WALLCE

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

2 ND VICE : SECRETARY: TREAURER : SPORTS OFFICER: SGT. AT ARMS:

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

EXECUTIVE KATHIE BRADSHAW DONNA CARLEY EVELYN FROATS SYBIL WILSON CHARLOTTE BROADLEY LINDA CLUGSTON GAIL ARSENAULT

PAGE 4

THE

Message from The President

March means we have only three months left in the year that this executive was chosen to run the branch. The questions and guidance from our membership helps us out a great deal, to finally put some things into effect properly. We as an executive have put in a lot of hours trying to figure out the best way to run this branch, and sometimes we leave a meeting with many things still on our minds, and this carries over to our personal lives as well. I am very proud to be working with my dedicated members of our executive, as I know that they have tried to do their best, and I notice this in just the number of questions they put forth at meetings and in the branch itself. We have set forth goals to be met this year, and making sure that this branch stays in the "black" at the bank, is number one. Our office upstairs in the Cameron Room is now finished to our liking. Work on the downstairs office is almost completed thanks to many who helped out including Ken Heath and Bob Weir for their work on our new cupboards, Jack Gemmell, George Goff, Stu Murray and Troy Chouinard for doing the painting and Trish Gander for donating the new blinds. Many volunteers stepped forward to lend their help during this year and to miss just one name would not make me very happy, so thank you to all that pitched in, you know who you are and you are a credit to Branch 138. The shuffleboard is just about completed and thanks go out to the many that have given us their time to complete this project for our sports room. All in all with a spirit towards volunteering, our membership should give themselves a pat on the back, and last but not least; many thanks and gratitudes go out to our staff, who not only make sure that our books and inventory balance regularly, but they also go the extra mile to make sure people are contacted and tasks are completed. We ask of our membership, that they support us, and along with our hard working Ladies Auxilary, we will work hard for our membership to make sure that Merritton Branch 138 will survive the hard times, and be a very successful part of our community. Yours in comradeship Wayne Haslim President

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

THE
PAGE 5

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

A MESSAGE FROM THE LADIES AUXILIARY

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013 THE

PAGE 6

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

We the Ladies Auxiliary hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Year; we wish all a blessed 2013. We as the Ladies Auxiliary have our aprons and spoons read to stir up some meals for our Branch, Fellow Comrades and Guests. March 16th is our Corn beef and Cabbage Dinner to celebrate St. Pattys Day from 5-7 or till sold out at a cost of $8.50 per person. We will be holding draws on Lucky the Leprechaun and other draws on baskets thru- out the year. We will have an Easter Basket, Mothers Day Basket and Fathers Day Basket. Please help the Branch and Ladies Auxiliary with the purchase of a ticket. These dinners, draws and other things we do are a work in progress; we try to donate to our Branch as we have done in the past. If anyone has any ideas for upcoming suppers or other fundraisers please let us know. We like the input from everyone. Once again have a good year from your Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 138 Merritton. Patricia Dickinson President Ladies Auxiliary

Our Ladies Auxiliary

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

THE
PAGE 7

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

Past Presidents Report

Thanks to all of our Members who come out and support our functions, Daily Draws, etc. Without your support, your Branch would surely not survive. If you have problems around the Branch, see an Executive member. Come out to YOUR General Membership meetings and bring forward anything new you would like to see around the Branch. Bob Weir

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Past President

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

Treasurers Report
Fellow Members; Its hard to believe that my term as Branch Treasurer is coming to a close at the end of May. I have thoroughly enjoyed this position and thank the membership for their support and encouragement. To look at the branch from a financial standpoint has been both challenging and rewarding. I feel that some sound procedures have been put into place with respect to accountability to the members. It is up to you the membership to ensure that accountability remains a top priority. With elections upon us this month, I encourage each and everyone of you to get involved. It is very important that you have a strong Executive in place to keep your branch strong and viable in these tough times. Regards, Trish Gander

PAGE 8

THE

Taking Chance Bringing a Soldier Home

This is a little out of the ordinary but here goes.. I just got finished watching a movie Kevin Bacon. Marine, Chance Phelps, in Iraq. The movie followed his remains from Iraq from the battle field back to the United States A movie maybe, but the respect shown all the way from the Coroners, Handlers, Airline Pilots and Stewarts and passengers was somewhat overwhelming. I could not stop watching this movie. It was excellently done and the portrayal of a Marine escort was very emotionally played by Kevin Bacon. I admit it moved me following this story and had me thinking of the Young Men and Woman of our Armed Forces we as Canadians have lost over the past couple of years in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please take the time to thank a Veteran for the sacrifices he or she has made and remember that The Legion, Our Legion, is for them, because of them. If you get the chance, sit and watch this movie and you will also feel what I felt and feel about our Men and Woman in Uniform. Lest We Forget. Taking Chance starring

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

This movie was produced in 2009 and is about the death of US

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

THE
PAGE 9

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

Well its that time of year again! I would just like to say Thank You for all the positive feed back about your Bulletin this year. I have, once again enjoyed putting this out every couple of months, trying to keep you up to date as to what is happening in our Branch.

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013 THE

PAGE 10

Its always a bit of a struggle to decide what and what not to place in the Bulletin, only so many pages you know! I would also like to thank you all for the year being a member of Your Executive. It has definitely been interesting and once again, an Education as I learned more and more as to how a Branch is, was, and should be run. Remember that as a Member it is your right to nominate and elect your Executive. You all know what is going on around the Branch, you hear the gossip and criticisms. You have your own. Nominate and Elect the people whom you feel will do the best job for the Branch, not necessarily the one that gives you a phone call or the one that someone in the Branch may really be pushing for. You know how you feel and what you would like to see done. Nominations are at the General Meeting in March and Elections are at the General Meeting in April. Dont Vote, Dont complain. Robert (Bob) Mussell; Bulletin Editor

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

MEMBERSHIP REPORT
Comrades
As of March 2, 2013, your membership has 473 paid up members. Last year, as of December 31st, we showed a total paid up membership of 505. We are still down a little after two months into the new year. In January, I sent out about 120 letters to members who had not yet paid their 2013 dues. Some of these letters came back as not at this address. This is one of the reasons why I asked your stewards, when accepting your dues payments, to ask for your current address and phone number. I followed up last month with phone calls to members about renewal. Again, I found some phone numbers that were not correct. I am trying to update our contact info all the time. Some of you may not be receiving your Legion Magazine. There are about 50 to 60 members on our master list from Dominion Command that are not getting their magazine due to incorrect mailing information. Again, I cannot stress to you enough that if your information changes please notify the branch. That being said, I want to say that I have enjoyed being your membership chairman very much. It is an interesting and fun job. One example is when we initiate a new member and we give them their membership card and Legion pin, the look on their faces is that of pride. KNOW SOMEONE WHO MIGHT WANT TO BE A MEMBER? BRING THEM OUT, INTRODUCE THEM

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

Mike Gander Membership Chair

THE
PAGE 11

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

Legion Seniors
To all of our Seniors, There is still 2 or 3 weeks left of winter. Safety is foremost. Shovel and salt if you can. If you have a neighbor with a snowblower , don't be afraid to ask. Bob Weir

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Legion Seniors Chairmen

Sergeant at Arms
On behalf of the 68 Lincoln & Welland Army Cadets. I would like to thank so very much for all kindness and support. We do enjoy parading with you and honoring our fallen comrades by participating in the 12 hour vidual. Mary Novarro Sgt. At Arms

THE

FOR INFORMATION ON UPCOMING ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE

40 & 8 SOCIETY SEE ENCLOSED INVITE

PAGE 12

WHATS HAPPENING
LADIES AUXILIARY UPCOMING EVENTS
1. LUCKYS POT OF GOLD TO BE DRAWN MARCH 16, 2013 TICKETS $1.00 EA. 2. CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DINNER MARCH 16, 2013 5-7p.m. - $8.50

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

3. EASTER DINNER IN A BASKET DRAW TO BE DRAWN MARCH 30, 2013 TICKETS $1.00 EA. 4. MOTHERS DAY BASKET DRAW TO BE DRAWN May 11, 2013 TICKETS $1.00 EA. 5. FATHERS DAY BASKET DRAW TO BE DRAWN JUNE 15, 2013 TICKETS $1.00 EA.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE LADIES AUXILIARY & YOUR BRANCH

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

KARAOKE WITH RICK TO FOLLOW

THE
PAGE 13

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

WHATS HAPPENING
ALWAYS SOMETHING HAPPENING

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013 THE

PAGE 14

Who says nothing is happening at our Branch. Every Thursday evening, a decent sized group of members gather Together for an evening of Progressive Euchre. This has been going on for some time now and seems to be very successful. Why not come out and join them for an evening of Euchre and Comradeship.

Just Clowning Around (I don't write em..just share em)

50 Shades of Golf
Four golf buddies had been going to Kapalua for a boys golf weekend for many years. This year, Ralphs wife puts her foot down and tells him he isnt going. Ralph calls his buddies and tells them the bad news. They understand and go as a 3-some. When they arrive at Kapalua, Ralph is sitting there smiling with his clubs already on a cart. They ask: Hey Ralph, what did you do to change the wifeys mind? Ralph said: Well, last night my wife had just finished reading Fifty Shades of Grey. She pulled me into our bedroom; on the bed she had handcuffs and velvet ropes. She told me to tie her up and cuff her to the bed, and I did. Then she said, Do whatever you want.

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

So, here I am.

THE TOILET SEAT

My wife, Julie, had been after me for several weeks to paint the seat on our toilet. Finally, I got around to doing it while Julie was out. After finishing, I left to take care of another matter before she returned. She came in and undressed to take a shower. Before getting in the shower, she sat on the toilet. As she tried to stand up, she realized that the not-quite-dry epoxy paint had glued her to the toilet seat. About that time, I got home and realized her predicament. We both pushed and pulled without any success whatsoever. Finally, in desperation,I undid the toilet seat bolts. Julie wrapped a sheet around herself and I drove her to the hospital emergency room. The ER Doctor got her into a position where he could study how to free her (Try to get a mental picture of this).

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

Julie tried to lighten the embarrassment of it all by saying, "Well, Doctor, I'll bet you've never seen anything like this before

."
PAGE 15

THE

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

Get Baking !
Fruit Cocktail Cake
Ingredients: Cake: 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Cups fruit cocktail 2 cups flour
To make cake:

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013 THE

PAGE 16

Beat eggs. Add all ingredients, except flour, and mix. Add flour and mix again. Grease a 9 x 13 pan greased pan and pour in mixture. Mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts ad spread over the batter. Bake at 325F for 45 minutes.

B R A N C H

1 3 8

L E G I O N

Sauce: Have ready to pour over HOT cake 14 lb ( or 1/2 cup) margarine or butter 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup canned milk Mix together, boil for 2 minutes and add some coconut. Pour over hot cake. Enjoy !

R O Y A L

C A N A D I A N

Submitted by Evelyn Froats for your enjoyment.

LAST POST

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

LIFE: ORDINARY: JAMES (JIM) ERSKINE JOHN TIMINSKI JOHN WINGFIELD CAIRNS ASSOCIATE: AFFILIATE: AFFILIATE VOTING: JOHN BIRD All Canadian Soldiers from all conflicts past and present who have lost their lives for the benefit of us and others.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

THE
PAGE 17

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

PAGE 18

THE

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

COMMENTS . SUGGESTIONS
WORK WITH YOUR EXECUTIVENOT AGAINST THEM

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

Ways & Means and your Branch Executive try to put on many Branch Events. Street Dance and Music Trivia are just 2 of them The Ways & Means and Executive Committee are always open to suggestions
HAVE AN EVENT IDEA? LET US KNOW. WRITE IT DOWN MERRITTON LEGION BRANCH 138 HAVING A PARTY? STAG & DOE? LET US KNOW !!! MERRITTON LEGION UPSTAIRS HALL IS AVAILABLE FOR FUNCTIONS NOW COMPLETELY HANDICAP ACCESSABLE. CONTACT THE BRANCH FOR AVAILABILITY AND BOOKINGS. PHONE: 905-227-1821 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138
CRACK THE WHIP

Please don't discourage our Volunteers. They are dong the best they can.. IF YOU CAN DO BETTER, PROVE IT AND VOLUNTEER FOR SOMETHING. IF YOU CANT VOLUNTEER, DONT COMPLAIN.

THE
PAGE 19

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Mar 2013 May 2013 QUARTERLY EDITION

EDITOR: ROBERT MUSSELL

STIRRING THE POT

MEMBERS COMPLAINT PAGE
This is YOUR page. There is no use sitting in the canteen complaining at the bar or sitting and stewing amongst yourselves about what you don't like around the Branch. Dont like the entertainment, or lack of.. Just not happy with the way the Fish Fry is run, or how the various events are put on?

MERRITONIAN 2012/2013

Write it down and submit it to your Executive. DO IT RIGHT, DO IT HERE

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 138

THE

Please feel free to submit a complaint Let YOUR Executive know what you don't like There is a Right and Wrong way to complain
WORK WITH YOUR EXECUTIVENOT AGAINST THEM

PAGE 20