Arden Legion Honours its Own With Dinner

Craig Bakay | Feb 03, 2017

“If a Legion Branch had to pay for all the volunteer hours its members spent, no branch could exist,” keynote speaker G1 Zone Commander Terry Shelley told Royal Canadian Legion Branch 334 members and guests at its annual Honours & Awards Dinner in Arden last Saturday night. “And no volunteer does it for awards but a simple thank-you goes a long way.”

Central Frontenac Mayor Frances Smith also emphasized volunteerism in her address.

“Volunteers like you make this a great community,” she said. “You do so much for our community.”

Smith cited examples of what the Legion has done like when the only store left in Arden closed and the Legion “stepped up” to bring in and sell household necessities to fill the gap the store’s departure left.

As is part and parcel of such nights, the branch awarded service pins and there were a considerable number of long service pins handed out.

Longest of these went to associate member Clark Gaylord who received his 40 years of service pin.

Receiving 35-year pins were Clarence Gregg, Robert Miller, Barb Smith, Diane Tryon, Judy McClurg and Wayne Smith.

Receiving 30-year pins were Art Dunham, David Moore, Joan Moore, Mike Trickey, Tom Dewey and Wanda Harrison.

Receiving 25-year pins were Maurice Woodcock and Nancy Gaylord.

Receiving a 20-year pin was Doug Scott.

There were also three 15-year-pins, three 10-year pins and four five-year pins.

Certificates of Appreciation were given to Tammy Shelley, Jeanette MacPherson, Carol Espy, Shirley Dewey, Ian Tryan and Judith Cardwell. Youth Certificates of Appreciation were given to Billy Paddick, Summer Kennedy and Aurora French.

Town Crier Paddy O’Connor opened the proceedings and the roast beef meal was done by Cota’s Mobile Catering.