Legion: Legion Week round-up

CONSTANCE BAY – Branch 616 is well into the fall season; has kicked off the Earlybird Membership Campaign; and anticipates Harriet Farrell’s Thanksgiving Meals to Wheels TGIF Turkey Dinner on Oct. 10.

The Royal Canadian Legion will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2026. Plans for our celebration are in the works. We will let everyone know ASAP when, what and how. Congratulations ahead of time to the Legion on this historic milestone. Members in good standing for 2026 will receive a centennial sticker for their card. We already have 78 Earlybirds for the first month of the membership campaign. The Earlybird winner for September is Mike O’Reilly. Congrats, comrade.

Next on the agenda are the Branch 616 Remembrance Day observation, and the annual Poppy Campaign. The ceremony is traditionally held on the Saturday preceding the National Day, which this year is Nov. 8. The campaign starts on Friday, Oct. 31 and ends on Nov. 11. Branch Poppy chair George Dolan asks not only branch members but friends in the community to please consider taking a turn at tending our poppy stations at The Metro and Sobey’s stores on March Road. Contact George or visit the branch and sign up for a two-hour volunteer session. On Nov. 11 our branch will carry colours with branches in Almonte and Kanata, and the Carp memorial group. Also on Nov. 11, for those wishing to observe the ceremony at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa, Branch 616 will open at 10 a.m.

The Perley Rideau Health Centre has extended the invitation to attend the annual appreciation and information session to be held on Monday, Oct. 6. Proceedings include words of thanks to the branches for their support, a tour of the facilities, and lunch. Branch 616 President Kevin Johnson and acting public relations officer Arleen Morrow will attend; please contact Kevin if able join them.

Families of veterans past and present, plus serving military personnel, are encouraged to submit entries to The Military Service Recognition Book (MSRB) which is a Legion program created to honour and preserve vets’ memories, commemorate the past and bring communities together. Entries should tell of their military history, years of service etc., and include a picture if possible. The MSRB program is in its 10th year. Featured in the first edition were comrades William Berry and Dr. Roly Armitage, both veterans and both members of Branch 616.

Legion family members have an opportunity from the Ottawa Senators to access tickets at a reduced rate. Tickets for the first half of the NHL season are on sale now. Please contact the branch for information.

Past events

• Thursday, Sept. 18, Seniors’ Social: Thank you to Julie Maheral for organizing another special day for our seniors. The ‘50s theme was an excellent idea – got everyone moving. We all enjoyed everything – lunch, dancing, ‘50s music, friendship.
• Saturday, Sept. 20, Alfie Currie Memorial Golf: What a great day for the Edgewood and the branch. This early sell-out filled the course and the Legion to capacity. The dinner back at the branch was delicious, the awards generous and the emcee was his usual hilarious self. Top team was Glen Beck, Cindy Delahunt, Maureen and Jim Lafferty. Thank you to the generous donors of prizes, Tom Watters, the chef and kitchen staff, the busy bartenders at the Edgewood and the Legion, and the golfers – they never miss this successful and fun fundraiser. Thank you to Mike Oatway for looking after the donations. He thanked every single donor at the banquet.
• Sunday, Sept. 21, Honours and Awards: Jim Wilson, in his dual role as Branch Membership Chair and Zone Commander, and President Kevin Johnson presented the awards. Thank you to those that showed up to accept their service pins and executive bars etc. A delicious lunch of pulled pork with sides was prepared and served by the Ladies Auxiliary. Thank you to all the volunteers.
• Monday, Sept. 22, Trivia Challenge: Kevin Johnson hosted this brain-wracking session. Michele Bainbridge came out on top, with Wendy Watters second, Arleen Morrow in third place, and Jim Wilson bringing up the rear. Congrats everyone and thanks, Kevin.
• Tuesday, Sept. 23, Ladies Darts: The usual suspects showed up plus some new prospects. One more night of fun next Tuesday then the schedule will be in effect – hope the newbies will stay and play for real. Thank you to the branch for providing Legion Week snacks for the darters.
• Wednesday, Sept. 24, Pool Tourney: First Legion Week pool tourney in a few years. Welcome back.
• Thursday, Sept. 25, Men’s Darts: Just like the ladies it was a fun night, introducing new recruits to the old gang. They also enjoyed snacks provided by the branch for Legion Week. Thank you.
• Friday, Sept. 26, Ladies Auxiliary Barbecue followed by Mixed Darts: The barbecue was delicious and well-attended. Thank you to Anita Kamps and the auxiliary members who volunteered with her. Mixed darts is always blind draw and was also well-attended. Thank you to everyone who participated in both events – you made them successful.
• Saturday, Sept. 27, Wind-up Pool Tourney: Thank you to Harriet Farrell for undertaking this final event of Legion Week. It was a fun and successful seven days. The pool tourney, continued from Wednesday was won by Ron Findlay, Wayne L came second and Tom Watters, third. Congrats and thank you to everyone who participated in Legion Week events!

Coming up

• Saturday, Oct. 4, Ladies Auxiliary Zone Doubles and Singles Darts: Singles in the morning, doubles in the afternoon.
• Monday, Oct. 6: Ladies Auxiliary meeting, Zone Commander Annual Inspection, 6 p.m.; Branch Visit to the Perley Information Session. If able to go call Kevin Johnson at the Branch.
• Friday, Oct. 10, Meals to Wheels is back. Thanksgiving turkey dinner by Harriet. All the trimmings – pumpkin pie – pickup 5:30 p.m. – still $20.
• Thursday, Oct. 16, Senior’s Social – Theme Hallowe’en: All seniors and assistants are welcome. Costumes welcome but not required! Come and enjoy the theme, the music and lunch. Get your picture taken at our Photo Booth! Posters are posted on Facebook Legion 616 page.
• Saturday, Oct. 18: Private booking.
• Friday, Oct. 24, Meals to Wheels TGIF Dinner: Schnitzel by Anita. Pork-tenderloin Schnitzel, Spaetzle, Sauerkraut, Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting; $20, pick-up 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 25, Carrie’s Crazy Spooky Hallowe’en Bash! Combination Hallowe’en party and fundraiser for a member fighting cancer; Music by Nt Normal; $10 per ticket.
• Saturday, Nov. 8, Branch 616 Remembrance Day Observance: Meet at the Legion at noon. A bus will be provided for transportation to Constance Bay Road and McConnell where the parade will form up at 1:30 p.m. and march off to the Legion for the service at the cenotaph. At the completion of the ceremony all are invited inside for complimentary snacks.
• Tuesday, Nov. 11: Legion will open at 10 a.m. All TVs will be tuned into the Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, downtown Ottawa.
• Saturday, Nov. 15: Private booking
• Saturday, Nov. 22, Ladies Auxiliary Zone Team Darts
• Sunday, Nov. 23: The Veterans at the Perley Health Centre are unable to visit Branch 616 for their annual Christmas Party so we will visit them. We will take gift bags and treats and provide entertainment. Please sign up for this assignment – the more the merrier.
• Sunday, Nov. 30: Ladies Auxiliary Annual Christmas Bazaar: Watch for more info.