Legion Leanings - March Brings Luck of the Irish

Support your Legion by entering for a chance at a TV or Cash this March.

The Branch initiated seven new members in a ceremony at the February general meeting. We welcome them to our Branch and look forward to another group of equal size joining us officially at the March meeting. We are still receiving dues for 2012 renewals and hope all members can be paid in the near future.
Under our Building Officer, Cde. Larry Williams, Branch members have put many hours of work into a massive “re-warehousing” project which has seen the cleaning, clearing out or re-ordering of most of the storage areas in the building. At the time of writing, some electrical upgrades remain but the results of the work to date are outstanding.
More work is currently underway in the Legion Hall as part of a planned overhaul of the building interior. Dart boards are to be re-located and Branch Memorabilia will be placed more appropriately in the hall. More painting is required and this phase of the work is planned for completion within the very near future. Thank you to all who assisted in these long overdue improvements.
Commencing immediately, short order meals will once again be available in conjunction with the regular buffet meal. However, they will only be available when the kitchen staff and volunteers have had an opportunity to make inroads into the clean-up from the buffet itself.
We await a planned presentation by Bragg Creek residents this coming Friday. What it comprises is unknown at this time and more details will be available in our next column. At the same event, we will perform our New York Flag Exchange programme between the Longview and Okotoks Fire Departments.
An Honour Guard performed our Legion tribute at a Memorial Service in Okotoks for the late Naomi Robinson, a WWII RCAF (WD) Veteran who passed away recently. Naomi was a Life Member of this Branch and was a long-serving Past President of the former Okotoks Ladies' Auxiliary. Our members extend their sincere condolences to Larry and his family.
A committee led by our two vice-presidents has been formed to develop a plan for the enhancement of our Cenotaph and the area surrounding it. We will be seeking donations which will allow us to apply for matching grants from various Government and Legion sources. Current ideas are wide ranging but other suggestions will be gladly received. When completed, the site will present not only a more fitting memorial to those who sacrificed their lives for Canada but also a welcoming place for those who wish to pay their respects.
Meanwhile, the Branch is selling tickets for a draw which will take place at 19:05 on March 30th. There are four prizes: two 40 inch flat screen TV's and two for $500. Tickets are 3 for $5 (yellow) or $2 each (blue). All tickets are eligible for all four draws. While on the topic of lotteries, if you purchase tickets on the Legion Million Dollar Lottery, we hope that you name Branch #78 as the recipient of your support.
Mark your calendars for St Patrick's Day, Saturday March 17th. The entertainment committee has a special event planned. Following the success of the kids' Jelly Bean dance, this should be an equally good event for adults.

Serving our Veterans, Seniors, Youth and the Community
Malcolm Hughes