Photo: Patty and Don Middleton each received a Certificate of Merit from Provincial Command at the Sharbot Lake Legion's Annual Honors and Awards Dinner on March 11

Following a gala roast beef dinner on March 10, members of the Sharbot Lake Legion Branch 425 presented numerous pins and honorary awards to many of its longtime members and associates at their annual awards dinner.

Sitting at the head table were the Legion's first vice president Dave Whalen, Zone Commander Dan Bush, president Patty Middleton and her husband Don, guest speaker and Deputy District Zone G Commander Garry Pond and his wife Linda, Donna Longmire and Tyrone Seeley. Special guests in attendance were members of various Legion branches from near and far and included Arnold and Elsie Davis and Chris Ingersoll representing Branch 137 in Napanee, Terry Shelley and his partner Donna Brand representing Branch 458 Tamworth, and Jean and Ross Compeau and Sue Mackenzie representing Branch 623 Bath and Area.

Prior to the awards presentations guest speaker Garry Pond spoke about the importance of honoring members. Pond, who was born in St. Johns Newfoundland, joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1972 and was employed as a supply technician, eventually rising to the rank of Master Warrant Officer. He retired in 1996. After postings to North Bay, Ontario; Shilo, Manitoba; Gagetown, New Brunswick, Petawawa and Ottawa he worked as a consultant at NDHQ since retiring. Pond spoke of the importance of “showing the people who work for you how you feel about them. Even though this is a small branch here, I can't stress enough the importance of keeping our members happy," he said.

As membership chair of District G he spoke of the extremely high membership numbers here in Ontario. “The Royal Canadian Legion has about 330,000 members Canada wide and of those, almost half, roughly 127,000 are here in Ontario. District G alone has over 18,000 members which is more than the individual totals in five separate provinces in Canada including Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Quebec, PEI. We know the politicians care about numbers and the more members we have the more political clout we have,” Pond said.

Branch 425 Legion members who received executive medals and bars were Dave Whalen, Kathleen White, Bill Everett, Connie McLellan, and James Gutowski. Members receiving ordinary pins were Dave Whalen and Bruce Bertrim for 10 years, William Bowick for 15 years and Cecilia Marshall for 45 years. Associate members receiving pins were Rustin Hollywood for 5 years, Diane and David Yerxa and Guy Cooke for ten years, Sharon Quinn and Rosemary Bowick for 15 years, Gerald Dunham for 20 years, Cathy MacMunn and Ernie Barr for 25 years, and Suzanne Barr and Peter Brugmans for 30 years. The Legion's Volunteer of the Year award was presented by Dave Whalen who said, “The Legion is made up of volunteers and without them we'd have to close our doors. Of those there are two types: those who are visible and those who are less so.” The winner of this year was Don Middleton, who was honored for all of the hard work he did when the branch was required to overhaul and replace its septic system last year. Also receiving special honors was Donna Longmire. Legion members presented a cheque for $300 to Fire Chiefs Art Cowdy and Bill Young for the Sparky Fund. The funds had been raised at a special breakfast fundraiser.

The final presentation was made to Patty and Don Middleton, who each received their Certificate of Merit from Provincial Command in recognition of their efforts to get the branch's septic system replaced in such a timely fashion and their efforts to involve the greater community at large.

by Julie Druker (with files from Wilma Kenny)

Photo: VisionSoup organizers Leslie Reade and Josey Steele with two of their volunteers Lily Chubaty and Clare Cook

Two well-attended fundraisers took place in Sydenham last weekend.

The first was on Nov. 18 at the Sydenham Legion by Southern Frontenac Community Services (SFCS) staff and the Sydenham Legion Ladies Auxiliary. The Legion ladies served up a 100-person turkey dinner that was completely sold out.

Those who missed the dinner had a chance to participate in the live and silent auction that followed, which included a line-up of gift items donated by individuals and businessesin the local area and Kingston. Auction goers had a chance to bid on a Schwinn bicycle, Avon products, chocolates, a trolling motor, artwork, jewelry, theatre tickets, multiple gift certificates and much more.

The auction alone raised $5000, an increase of 32% from last year’s event and together with ticket sales, the event raised close to $6,000. Proceeds will go to the SFCSC seniors programs, which include an Adult Day Program, transportation and foot care services, bereavement counseling, and more.

The second fundraiser took place the following day on Nov. 19 at the Grace Centre in Sydenham, the new home of SFCS.

Close to 150 gathered the 8th installment of VisionSoup, which has become for many an annual Sydenham event heralding the beginning of the holiday season.

Organized by Leslie Reade of Sydenham Veterinary Services and Josey Steele of Sydenham Chiropractic, and staffed by their friends and family, the lunch raised $3,000 this year, which is being divided between the Loughborough Christmas and Emergency Fund, and Southern Frontenac Community Services. The Grace Centre was crowded with lunchers comparing soups from a selection of over 15 varieties donated by various restaurants, individuals and groups. Some took small helpings so they could sample two or three soups; others settled for a big bowl of a favourite. Sheldon Cooke reprised his role as bowl-washer, so everyone had a clean bowl to take home, chosen from ceramics donated by artists Tim De Rose (of Wilton Pottery) Susan MacCrae, Sue Lyon, Maggie Jean Gray and June Lang.

The ticket also included coffee and an assortment of desserts, courtesy of Colebrooke Kitchen. Twenty red-shirted volunteers assisted in serving the soup.

Leslie Reade and Josey Steele were thrilled with the turnout this year. It was the second time that the event has been held at the Grace Centre, which is the perfect location to hold the event due to the large seating space and the full kitchen facilities.

I spoke to SFCSC executive director David Townsend and board chair Joan Cameron, who were in attendance at both fundraising events

“We really have an easy time of it with events like VisionSoup since the organizers have their own team of volunteers to do most of the work,” Joan said. “We make sure we are here to help out, but for us, it’s a pretty easy thing.”

The Grace Centre project continues to boost the fortunes of SFCS.

“It's wonderful to watch the changes that are taking place here and it’s put us in a very visible place in the community”, Joan said.

“We have been able to increase the number of seniors that we serve by more than 20% and the new space allows us not only to expand our current programs like Meals on Wheels but also to consider offering new programs like a hot meals program as well,” David added.

SFCSC has just received an $80,000 Trillium grant that will assist in the ongoing renovations at the centre, which will include upgrading the heating system. The Grace Centre seems to be meeting all of the corporation’s requirements and then some.

“The staff are very happy here and they have put a lot of work into getting the building to the stage that it is at now and as we move ahead we look forward to eventually relocating all of our programs and staff to the new building,” Joan said.

The next special event the SFCSC will be holding will be a heritage event; a wine, cheese and cake reception at the Grace Centre celebrating its 150th anniversary and the building’s recent transformation to the SFCSC's new home. The event will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. and will include special guests the Rev. Malcolm Steinburg, Wilma Kenny, Mayor Gary Davison and David Linton. Local musicians Sharon and Mark Alton and friends will entertain with traditional Christmas songs.

Photo: Legion President Patty Middleton presents Parham veteran Art Goodfellow with his lifetime membership pin

No one was more surprised at the Sharbot Lake Legion’s annual Veterans dinner on Nov. 5 than Art Goodfellow of Parham, who was called to the front of the hall by Legion President Patty Middleton to receive his lifetime membership pin. She also returned to him the dues that he had previously paid for this year’s membership.

William Arthur Goodfellow known to most as Art, who is now 86, served in the Second World War from 1942-45 as a flying officer with the 425 Air Squadron (photo left). He enlisted when he was just 18 years old and a picture of him as a young soldier is displayed in the hall’s front foyer. Art traveled across Canada while training and ended up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia where his squadron flew numerous runs over the North Atlantic looking for enemy submarines. Though he says that he did not see a lot of action during his service, he jokes saying that “by day we were hunting for submarines and by night-for ladies.” Art was honored to receive the life time membership pin and it was just the second time that a Sharbot Lake Legion veteran has received the honour. Ken Hollywood is the Legion’s oldest living veteran at 93 and was the first Sharbot Lake Legion member to receive the honour a few years back.

While attaching the pin to Art’s lapel, President Middleton said, “I think this is something that you definitely deserve.”

Following the full course roast beef dinner the evening’s guest speaker, MWO Peter Manuge of Amherstview, who served for 32 years in the Canadian Forces in the intelligence branch and who is currently the Quarter Master Sergeant Instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Military Intelligence in Kingston, spoke of Canada's new role in Afghanistan, where they will serve until 2014.

“Canada's goal is to help Afghans rebuild a viable country that is better governed, more stable and secure and that will never again be a safe haven for terrorists,” he said. “The work will focus on four key themes: investing in the future of Afghan children and youth through the development of education and health; supporting and training security forces to advance security; the rule of law and human rights; promoting regional diplomacy; and lastly helping to deliver humanitarian assistance.”

The Legion’s annual dinner is put on every year to help celebrate Remembrance Day and as a way to honour the more than 30 Sharbot Lake Legion veterans in the community. “This is our way of showing our appreciation to all of the veterans in the community and we are always very happy to do it,” Middleton said.

Photo: Official ribbon cutting at the SL Legion l-r, Patti Middleton, Mayor Janet Gutowski, Bill Charlton, Ken Sorrenti, Guy Cooke and Dan Bush

There was much to celebrate as the Sharbot Lake Legion held an official grand re-opening ceremony on Sunday, August 14. The celebration recognized the overwhelming generosity and hard work of many in the community, who helped to turn an unforeseen and costly septic nightmare into what can only be described as a miraculous dream come true.

Legion president, Patti Middleton, presided over the ceremony, which included guests Mayor Janet Gutowski, Legion Padre Marcel Giroux, a plethora of Legion officials and representatives, and visiting guest of honour, Bill Charlton of Napanee. Recently, Charlton's generosity has enabled the Legion to pay off in full their $40,000 loan for their new cutting-edge septic system, which became operational just over a month ago.

“It was like having an angel of mercy come down”, Middleton said later. “He (Charlton) came to my house, knocked on the door and said to my husband Don and me, 'I've known your parents and grandparents all my life and I need to know what it’s going to cost for the new septic system.' We told him and he said he would donate the full amount.”

At one time Bill Charlton (photo left) owned Charlton Motors in Napanee, but he was originally from the Sharbot Lake region. He sold cars in Kingston before moving to Napanee, and he was an active service club and Legion member throughout his working life.

“He said that he had nothing when he left Sharbot Lake, and he wanted to give something back to the community where he was raised,” said Patti Middleton.

Charlton, who is 88, has known some of the senior members of the Sharbot Lake Legion, such as Ken Hollywood and Art Goodfellow, for many, many years, and he remains in touch with them to this day.

He owns a cottage on Sharbot Lake and told Patti Middleton he plans to move back to the area when he retires.

The Legion received the initial $40,000 loan from the Frontenac Community Development Corporation back in June, which Middleton said was the maximum amount that Ontario Command allowed the Sharbot Legion to borrow for the project.

Bill Charlton's donation came with a small string attached. He asked that a plaque be made and hung to recognize the donation in memory of his father, Robert Charlton, and Patti Middleton was more than happy to present him with the plaque after inviting him to do the official ribbon cutting.

The Legion also wished to honour the many other “angels” from the community who donated their time, equipment, skills and muscle to the project, and without whom the new system could not have been put in place.

“You can't really single out any one person because there were other huge costs involved due to the amount of work that needed to be done. We were told that in total this job in reality could have cost us $140,000 but we were able to do it for $40,000, thanks to the incredible generosity of 60 plus businesses and individuals, which is really quite unbelievable,” Middleton said.

With that in mind, a second plaque recognizing all of the individuals and businesses involved was unveiled, and it will also hang in a prominent location at the Legion.

Towards the end of the ceremony, and on a humorous note, attendees were invited to purchase playing cards from a deck. Two players’ cards were chosen and they were invited to make the official “royal flush” of the ladies and gents toilets, ending the official ceremony on a high, dry and, thanks to all of the donors involved, a very sanitary note.

It was a case of a big problem that became a huge, and costly headache.

Back in early March the septic system for the Legion Hall in Sharbot Lake failed. Right away, members of the Legion executive, including the outgoing President Guy Cooke and incoming President Patty Middleton, knew that replacing an older system with a new system that complies with stringent new building code regulations was going to be a challenge. But they couldn't have known how much of challenge it would end up being.

“We found out that because of our commercial liquor license we required an 8,000 gallon septic tank, when we had a 1,000 gallon tank before. This was the case even though we are only open three days a week,” said Patty Middleton.

A larger tank meant a larger weeping bed, and even with a filter bed system instead of a traditional septic system, that meant that the limited parking lot at the Legion would have to be shrunk almost out of existence.

“We just don't have a large lot to work with, and that stopped us in our tracks,” said Guy Cooke.

Finally a solution was found using a tertiary treatment system, enabling the use of a much smaller weeping bed that fits on the property without cutting into the parking lot. The system is made by a company called Bionest, based in Shawinigan, Quebec.

Bionest's Ontario headquarters is in Pembroke, and out of that office a solution was offered. That was the good news. The company did offer a discount for the Legion. That was also good news, but the price of the system was still a lot more than the local Legion could afford.

“With all of the labour involved, and heavy equipment, on top of the system that includes three separate tanks, etc. the whole thing would cost over $100,000 to put in,” said Patty Middleton.

A couple of things happened to make the project possible.

First, all of the heavy equipment needed to dig out a big enough hole for all the tanks, and to prepare a septic bed, as well as all the labour, was donated by local contractors. Secondly, some of the ancillary costs, such as a grease remover for the kitchen (a requirement for the system to operate properly) have been paid for through donations from community members.

In the end, the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation came through with a $40,000 loan to the local Legion branch, and once that arrangement was accepted by Ontario Command, the project was a go.

On Thursday, June 30, the trucks and cranes arrived to put the two-piece concrete tanks in place, and a host of local contractors and other helpers, including the Central Frontenac Deputy Fire Chief, were on hand to help put the tanks together.

While the first tank is a standard septic tank that removes solids from liquids, the secondary tank is the Bionest innovation. The tank is filled with a polymer ribbon, which forms a nest for bacteria to adhere to as they go to work reacting with the contaminants in the waste. Air is pumped into the tank to encourage the biological reaction. The water then moves on to secondary treatment, by the time it enters the new weeping bed that is being put in, the water is already clean.

The workers went on throughout the afternoon on June 30, but the tanks required 72 hours to set before the treatment tank could be filled with water. Work is continuing this week, and a Health Unit inspection is scheduled for July 11.

“We are hoping to be open July 15 for a Friday night supper in our newly air-conditioned Legion hall,” says an optimistic Patty Middleton. “It's been a long haul and there were moments when we didn’t know if we would ever re-open, but thanks to the community support we have received, we will be around for a long time yet.”

The Legion has been a source of funding for many community groups over the years, and now is the time for the community to come to the support of the Legion.

Friday Night suppers and other events will be raising money to pay off the $40,000 loan, and donations to the Legion will be gratefully accepted.

A formal fundraising campaign is being planned by the Legion executive.

Photo: Ralph and Vera Steele with Zone Commander Dan Bush and Legion President David Moore at the Arden Legion Branch 334's awards ceremony on September 22

In a special awards ceremony, numerous members of the Arden Legion Branch 334 were honoured and presented with pins and awards by branch president David Moore. Zone Commander Dan Bush was the guest speaker of the evening and he spoke about the history of the Legion in the community, first as a meeting place for service personnel, then later also for their spouses, other family members and for members of the community at large.

“Being a Legionnaire is an honour because of the work that the Legion does”, Bush said. “We assist veterans and their families and also play an important role in the community. At this branch, for example, members have set up a convenience store and also regularly hold various events to support the community. These awards are a small token of our appreciation for the long hours of volunteer work that members have done. These awards should be considered an honour and they should be worn with pride.”

Following Dan’s speech, presentations were made to members who received their 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 35-year pins. Joan Moore and Ken Scobie also received their past sport executive and past first president bars respectively. The final presentation of the evening was made to Ralph Steele, who received his 40-year pin two weeks earlier at the annual Arden Legion pig roast dinner where he and his wife Vera were celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary. The event was enjoyed by the Legion’s many members, their families and friends.

The original Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1945 by returning veterans from World War 2 and was called the North Frontenac Legion. Between 1945 and 1983 Legion meetings were held at available homes, halls and the Kennebec Community Centre, just down the road from the present location.

The first president of the Legion in Arden was Harry Alexander, followed by Claude Parks,
Charlie Parker and Bert Brown. Fred Hugh, was president from 1948 to 1955, and Howard Jackson served as treasurer for numerous years. Another active participant back then was Edward Wilkes

The current Legion was developed in 1981 and 1982, with the official opening taking place in May 1983. At that time it was still known as the North Frontenac Legion but in 1985 the name was changed to Branch #334, Gordon Gaylord Branch. It was thought at that time it was the only Legion branch named after a living veteran.

As times change, so do the functions, uses and commitments of both the Legion and all its members. The membership has fluctuated through the years from a high of 427 to a low of 123. Current membership stands at 155, which is hoped to be a stepping stone to a goal of 200 by 2015. Members are definitely wanted!

A sign of responding to local needs was the decision by the Legion to open a small grocery store on the premises. The idea of a store was started by the "Friends of Arden". It is open to all; you do not have to be a member to purchase grocery items, and although the Legion is no "Wal-Mart" or "Target", it is unique. Where else can a person have a relaxing beverage while shopping? No big city store can offer that! Store hours are noon to close Tuesday through Sunday.

Our Legion hosts numerous events, all open to the public, all reasonably priced, and all held in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere, such as a New Year’s Levy; Fishing Contest & Fish Fry; ATV Rally, Chili Cook-off; Bass Derby & Fish Fry; Chicken BBQ, Duck Race; Pig & Corn Roast; Car Rally; Remembrance Day; Deer Contest & Hunter’s Ball; Children's Christmas Party and New Year’s Eve Party. Throughout the year there are also various dart tournaments, breakfasts, bake sales, cake auctions, raffles, meat draws and steak suppers.

Since January 2011 the fundraising committee has raised $8,000 for roof repairs; $2500 for kitchen renovations, purchased a new television set, vacuum cleaner, replaced the ceiling in the central dart room, and purchased an awning for outdoor BBQ events.

The latest venture is to raise $4,950 by issuing redeemable shares at $50 each to repair water damage to both ceilings and floors. Shares earn interest at 6% per annum, repayment to start in mid-September 2013 and the target is 4 shares per month being repaid. The same idea was used on the roof and repayment took only 10 months instead of the scheduled 40. All participants should feel very proud to have helped. At this time, over 50 ceiling shares have either been paid for or committed to, so don't be shy; you can still join the club! Call the Legion at 335-2737.

The Ladies' Auxiliary is active as well and all monies raised by the auxiliary are used for local community activities, covering various sporting events and donations to worthy causes.

Other programs supported by Branch #334 consist of helping administer the Legion Villa in Kingston. This is a home for all seniors, not just veterans, and contributions to help cover costs come from all Legion branches within the area.

Our local C.A.R.E. program, started in 2006, is another source of funds for local families in time of need. Branch #334, along with the C.A.R.E. Committee and Ladies Auxiliary raise funds by holding the annual Duck Race, a summer sewer tournament, Christmas tree Angel donations and raffles throughout the year. Other funds are raised by generous donations from community members.

All Legions are very involved in the November Remembrance Day Services and Poppy Campaigns. Branch #334 is no exception. We host up to 60 serving military each November 11th and without a doubt, the hospitality given them, plus the food all donated by local ladies is second to none.

Within Arden, our Legion is one of the few remaining hubs of activity and would be sorely missed if not there. All help within the Legion is strictly volunteer. Our current members can all feel a sense of accomplishment at what has been built so far and we can all hope for bigger and better things for the future. If anyone is thinking of being a member or has a suggestion for improvements, please call 613-335-3664

Though Harrowsmith's Oddfellows and Rebekahs obviously have not been around for such a length of time, on March 23, some of their members were recognized for a total of 700 plus years of dedicated service to the organization.

The lodges’ award ceremonies take place every five years and at this year’s event a total of 23 men and women, accompanied by a large contingent of friends and family, attended the special jewel presentation at the Golden Links hall. The hall is the home of the 101-year-old Harrowsmith Oddfellows (Athena 306) and 68-year-old Harrowsmith Rebekahs (Princess Elizabeth #358) lodges.

The celebration was attended by over 100 guests, including representatives from Lyn, Cobourg, Brooklyn, Kingston and Gananoque, and was headed by MCs Wayne Gard and Sandra Clow. Following a sumptuous ham dinner with all the fixings that was prepared by two new Kingston members, Bob Dorey and Kevin Nickerson, the ceremony began.

Charles Benson, the Sovereign Grand Guardian of The Sovereign Grand Lodge, was one of the speakers and he spoke about this year’s theme: Make a Difference. “Looking at the number of the years that people here in Harrowsmith have served shows that these people are making a difference and following the principles of friendship, love and truth and are taking that out into their community. This is a great organization where people can learn about these three basic principles, and how they can be spread around the community, and put into practice in order to help make a better world with members working together for the betterment of everything and everyone,” Benson said.

The Oddfellows and Rebekahs serve the community wherever and however they are needed. The organization has raised funds for Camp Trillium and for eye and leukemia research and they also regularly raise funds for the purchase of hospital beds, wheelchairs and walkers for those in need while also tending to the immediate needs of individuals and organizations in the community. Benson also touched on how the general membership in the club has been on the decline for a number of years. “We are presently losing more members than we are gaining because for years we were not worrying about broadcasting to the community what exactly it is that we do. In the past we just did it for the sake of doing it. Now we see that we need to let people in the community know what is that we do and to shine that light out there so people know about us and understand the kind of work that we do,” he said.

That message seems to be getting out and early in the ceremony two younger members of the community, Samantha Rattray and Ryan Baker, received their new membership pins. Samantha said that she was encouraged by her mother, a Rebekah, to join and felt that joining the organization would be “a new fun thing to do”. The couple have children aged 6 to 16 who regularly attend the club’s youth dances they said that they are looking forward to helping out at the dances, dinners and bingos. “Our children love the youth dances, so helping out is our way of giving back to the community. Volunteer work is great thing to be involved in and it really helps out a lot of people in the community. We are hoping to encourage some of our friends to join too,” Ryan said.

It was by far the older members of the organization, many of whom have served over half of their lifetimes, who owned the spotlight at the ceremony. Sister Hilda Hodgson of Harrowsmith, who is 89 years of age, received her 55-year jewel. She was accompanied to the podium to receive the award by son David and daughter Darlene. She said she was happy to see many of her old friends and admitted that she has not been around as much in recent years because she no longer drives. “I have so many wonderful memories over the years and I am still in touch with many of the friends that I have made here,” she said.

Sister Barb Garrison received her 45-year pin and also a special certificate of service. Brothers Harold Benjamin, Howard Fellows, Lyle Crawford, Acton Hayes and Howard Warner also received their 45-year jewels as did many others their 5 - 40 year pins. Accompanying many of them were younger members of their families, perhaps demonstrating that these newly jeweled members of the organization are indeed doing their part in encouraging younger folks to step up and join the ranks.

Those interested in finding out more can contact Brenda Taylor at 613-372-2410 or Wayne van Alstine at 613-358-2533.

Though many Royal Canadian Legion branches across the country are finding it difficult to make ends meet due to declining memberships and lack of funds, the Sydenham Legion Branch 496 is one example of a rural Legion striving and finding success in its goal to offer Sydenham and its surrounding communities a family-friendly place to meet, lounge, play games and enjoy a meal and/or a beverage.

First began as an organization solely to help veterans, their families and dependents, many Royal Canadian Legions like the Sydenham Legion have expanded their membership to include all members of the community.

That being said, history still holds a special place at the Legion in Sydenham. Hanging on the back wall of the downstairs meeting area in a wooden oval frame is a photo of Robert Miles Richardson, for whom the branch was named. A note beside the photo tells of Bob Richardson, who was born March 18, 1875 and died May 31, 1949. He served in the First World War and went overseas with the 146 overseas battalion before joining the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles on November 3, 1916 while serving there in the field. He served both at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele and on December 21 his regiment occupied the trenches in Loos, France and remained there for one month.

On December 22, 1917, Richardson was struck in the temple by a bullet that lodged itself part way into his skull and on December 31, he was struck off the regimental strength and repatriated to Canada. Deemed to be inoperable, the lump on his forehead was visible until the time of his death.

While remaining proud of its history, the Sydenham Legion’s executive are actively striving to debunk the idea that Legions are dark, somber places where only those associated with war veterans are apt to gather.

I recently met with John Pickernell at the Sydenham branch, now in his tenth year as Legion president, and he explained how he and his executive are actively striving to attract newcomers and younger members who may in the past have stayed away. The Sydenham Legion offers up what Pickernell describes as a friendly, “Cheers”-like environment where people go to meet up with friends and/or family on a regular basis and enjoy a game of cards, pool or shuffle board free of charge. Every day of the week, staff, members and volunteers offer visitors and members a wide range of activities.

On the third Mondays of every month members gather for regular meetings. Wednesday night is pool night and a local league of six teams get together to shoot a friendly game of eight ball. Every second Thursday is Wing Nite, when hungry folk can enjoy a pound of wings in a flavor of their choice for $8.99.

When I was visiting many groups were gathered downstairs, some chatting at tables and chairs and others leaning on the central bar, where long-time bartender Cindy Van Luven was serving up beverages to a number of regular customers.

The Sydenham Legion, like many other Legions, also strives to assist an array of local charity groups and organizations in the community. Last year alone they offered up the hall for free 81 times for various local fundraisers, which included events for the Canadian Cancer Society. They have also held Tai Chi classes in the past, as well as meetings for the local Girl Guides.

Membership over the years has continued to remain strong and currently there are 177 paid members. In their particular zone, the Sydenham Legion is the fourth largest. Pickernell says that is the case because, “We strive to attract younger people by offering our games free of charge, free music picks on Friday nights and free WIFI for those looking for free internet access … Basically we try not to be too strict. We have an open door policy here, unlike some other branches, where members are required to sign their guests in. We chose not to do that and feel that if people want to come and check us out first before they join up, they can.” Kids are also welcome.

Pickernell says also that part of the Legion’s success is because the building is entirely paid off, which makes the costs of running it much less than it would be otherwise. The Legion also boasts a “stellar executive board”, many of whom have long-time professional experience in their fields of expertise. One example is their financial officer, Jay Sheff, who has been a chartered accountant for over 40 years. Other long-time members like Marv Ostopovich, owner of Eskerod Signs, donates all of the organization’s event signage free of charge. Member Derrick Anderson, who is the entertainment director, is able to attract big name entertainment to the branch, like the band Ambush, who will be playing at their upcoming Halloween Dance on October 26 at 8pm.

Also upcoming is the Legion’s Car Rally/Dinner and Dance event, which will take place on October 5 (please register as soon as possible). For more information about membership or about any of the upcoming events contact Cindy Van Luven or Phil Somers at 613-376-6808. The Sydenham Legion is located at 4376 William Street in Sydenham and the hours are Monday to Thursday from 3 – 11pm; Fridays from noon till closing (which varies depending on the turnout) and Saturdays from noon to 8pm.

Tom Revell, of Little Betty and Bauder Road infamy, has a penchant for playing heavy rock and blues, guitar-based music.

When he teamed up last week with the Centre Stage band, which has just added Denis Larocque, a second electric guitarist along with stalwart Terry Reynolds, there was no shortage of likely suspects whenever it was time for a guitar solo or three to creep into a song.

In the second half of last Thursday’s (September 18) show at the Sharbot Lake Legion, Tom Revell started out with the Neil Young standard Powderfinger, but before he started he nodded to Terry Reynolds, saying, “You take the first lead, then Denis, then me.” That set the tone for the set, and since all three of the guitarists have their own styles, the leads were distinctive, tuneful and relatively short.

In addition to all those electric guitars, Jim MacPherson kept pounding away on his acoustic guitar and took some of the lead vocals, which included belting out a memorable version of the Robert Johnson classic, Crossroads, near the end of the show. Gary Giller, bass and vocals, and Dave Limber, hidden behind the wall of guitars on the drum kit, kept up the bottom end.

Once again a feature of the Centre Stage Band concert series at the Legion is the enthusiasm that the house band and their guests bring to the performances. They play for the sheer joy of it, and the audience finds it infectious.

Next month, the show will feature Cajun fiddler and accordionist Jim Keith, which will bring a totally different sound to the Legion, stretching the Centre Stage Band in an entirely new way. The show is set for October 17 at 7 pm. Admission is a modest $4