The Enlightener

March 2015
THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 99
IMPORTANT DATES
St. Paddy’s Day Celebration – 15 March 2015
Vimy, VE Day, Battle of Atlantic – 12 April 2015
Op MANNA Commemoration – 19 April 2015
IMPORTANT INFO
Op MANNA – Page 1
Entertainment – Page 5
Branch Contact Numbers – Page 8
THE
Branch Hours
ENLIGHTENER
Branch 99 Belleville
Monday – 3 pm to 10 pm
Tuesday to Thursday - 1 pm to 11 pm
Friday -11 am to 1 am
Saturday – 1 pm to 6 pm
Sunday – Special Events Only
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132 Pinnacle Street
The Enlightener
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 99
Vimy, VE Day &
Battle of the Atlantic
Parade
Operation MANNA
Andy Anderson
During the fall of 1944, the German controllers of
Holland cut off all food shipments to the Dutch
populous. As a result, the Dutch were soon
starving. It got to the point they were reduced to
eating weeds and tulip bulbs. By spring more
than 10,000 had perished (starved to death).
Queen Willhelmina who was in exile in London
asked the allies to try to do something to help her
countrymen. A plan was decided on, but it
required the cooperation of the Germans. If the
Germans would keep their Anti-Aircraft guns
silent, the Air Force would drop food to the
Dutch.
This year’s parade commemorating
Vimy, VE Day and Battle of the Atlantic
will be held on April 12th, 2015. Please
ensure you mark your calendar. More
information will be coming out in the
near future. As for all of our
Commemorative Parades, your
participation is appreciated to help
ensure those sacrifices are not forgotten,
“Lest We Forget”.
Operation Manna (April 29 to 8 May 1945)
Branch Elections
The drop jones were marked by R.C.A.F. 405
Squadron and 625 R.A.F. Squadron started the
initial drop, this squadron had at least 25
Canadian involved in the drop. The Aircraft did
their drop from less than 500 feet and at as slow a
speed as possible since no Parachutes were
used. More than 250 Lancaster Bombers were
involved in the drop. On May 1st, the Americans
joined the drop with about 400 B17 bombers. The
anti-aircraft guns stayed silent, but the German
ground troops fired on the low flying aircraft
causing heavy battle damage. One American
plane was so badly damaged it crashed in the
North Sea killing 11 of it’s crew of 13.
On Monday, May 4th, RCL Branch 99 will
be conducting Branch Elections.
Nominations are now being sought for
Executive positions within the Branch.
Please give a thought to participating in
the Branch Executive. Your involvement
within the Branch is highly encouraged.
A large blackboard will be placed in the
Club Room with a list of positions. Please
place your name in the area that
corresponds to the position sought.
Come out, get involved and
participate!
Continued on next page.
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THE ROYAL C ANADI AN LEGION BRANCH 99
Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment
While the Air drop was going on, the allied Armies
were pushing the enemy forces out of Holland.
The German Army surrendered on May the Fifth
and VE day occurred on May 8th. The Hastings
and Prince Edward regiment were part of the
push through Holland.
Princess Margriet
Most of the Dutch Royal family spent the war
years in Canada, and Princess Margriet was born
in Ottawa. January 19 1943. The Canadian
Government declared her Maternity ward as
neutral territory so she would not be born DutchCanadian, as this would prevent her from ever
becoming Queen of the Netherlands. She has
become involved with the International Red
Cross which is noted for assisting those in trouble.
We plan on dedicating our Poppy Office to her
by placing a plaque in the door. We think this
would be appropriate as the Poppy office does
much the same thing for our Veterans, but on a
smaller scale.
St. Paddy’s Day
Cellebration!
Where: RCL Branch 99
When: Sunday, March 15, 2015, 2 pm to 6 pm,
Food: Irish stew, Buns and Dessert.
Drink:
Green Beer
Entertainment:
Op MANNA Commemoration
The Garlands D.J. Service
with Garland Tulley.
On Sunday April 19th a celebration
commemorating the 70th anniversary of
Operation Manna and the Liberation of Holland
will be held at Branch 99. The local Dutch
community are working with us to make this a
success. The Princess Margriet plaque will be
dedicated, and Dutch food and Dutch
entertainment will be available. The dedication
will take place about 3 PM.
A $10.00 charge at the door. Come out and put
your green on!
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THE ROYAL C ANADI AN LEGION BRANCH 99
Youth Education
Gerry McConnell
On March 1st, 2015, RCL Branch 99 hosted the
Annual Youth Public Speaking Contest. There
were over 30 contestants ranging from grades
1 through to 9 who participated in this event.
The Primary Division results were:
1st Place – Abbi Solomon
Sir John A. MacDonald, Public School
2nd Place – Charlotte Plante
George Vanier Public School
3rd Place – Emery Leveque
George Vanier Public School
4th Place – Miah Grace Hubble
Sir John A. MacDonald Public School
Primary Division Winners
The Junior Division results were:
1st Place – Grace Bashall
George Vanier Public School
2nd Place – Elliot Mundle
Albert College
3rd Place – Elijah Martindale
Sir John A. MacDonald Public School
4th Place – Sydney Smith
George Vanier Public School
Junior Division Winners
The Intermediate Division results were:
1st Place – Morgan Hawley
Sir John A. MacDonald Public School
2nd Place – Morgan Beatty
Centennial Public School
3rd Place – Kyley McGuinness
George Vanier Public School
4th Place – Will Brennan
Holy Rosary Catholic School
Intermediate Division Winners
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THE ROYAL C ANADI AN LEGION BRANCH 99
Youth & Education Con’t
SPORTS
Many thanks go out to the following volunteers
who made this event so successful: Bob Shaw
(Toastmasters), Barry Lieff, Donna Boulton
(Toastmasters), John Boulton (Toastmasters),
Jerry McConnell, Bob Reid, Donna Vickers,
Phyllis Smith and Steven Burr.
Zone Mixed Darts Tryouts
March 29th, 2015
RCL Branch 99
Sports
Registration: 9 am
Start time: 10 am
Bob Ried
On March 14th, we have one team going to
District shuffleboard in Lakefield. Then on
March 15th, we have one team going to Zone
euchre in Deseronto. Later on March 29th, we
have two teams and four doubles going in to
Zone darts. It will be held at the branch, if
anyone wants to come and watch.
Ladies Dart Tournament
April 18th 2015
RCL Branch 99
Registration: 10:00 am
Start Time: 11:00 am
Did you know?
The saying “The whole nine yards” - American
fighter planes in WW2 had machine guns that
were fed by a belt of cartridges. The average
plane held belts that were 27 feet (9 yards) long.
If the pilot used up all his ammo he was said to
have given it the whole nine yards.
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RCL Branch 99’rs Snooker Club
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THE ROYAL C ANADI AN LEGION BRANCH 99
Entertainment
Canteen
Pauline DeGenova
Monday – Hot Dogs
5 pm to 9 pm
Sunday, March 15, 2015
St. Paddy’s Day Celebration
2 pm to 6 pm, There will be Irish stew, buns and
dessert. A $10.00 charge at the door.
Entertainment will be Garlands D.J. Service
with Garland Tulley. Come out and put your
green on!
Tuesday/Wednesday – Hamburgers,
Western Sandwiches, Fries and Onion Rings
6 pm to 9 pm
Thursday – Chicken Wings, Hamburgers,
Western Sandwiches, Fries and Onion Rings
6 pm to 8 pm
Friday, March 27th, 2015
Karaoke with John & Rita
6:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Everyone welcome. Plenty of room for
dancing as well!
Friday Night Specials
Fish & Chips – 1st & 3rd Friday of the month
Regular Menu (Hamburger, Hot dogs &
Fries) – 2nd Friday of the month
28th,
Saturday, January
2015
Belleville Legion Country Jamboree & Open
Mic.
7:p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Julie Simpson will be the
special guest for this Jamboree along with the
house band; Steve Piticco, John, Rita and Brad
Harpell, Dan Washburn, Chester McCann, Brad
McCumber. Great bunch of entertainer's.
Again great dancing floor as well, door prizes.
Comfort Food Night (Chili, Stew, Spaghetti
etc.) – 4th Friday of the month
Canteen open Fridays, 4 pm to 6 pm
Canadian Trivia
$10.00 p/p at the door. Everyone welcome.
The world’s first chocolate bars – evolved on
fishing streams in New Brunswick and were
produced by two executives of the Ganong Bros.
Candy Factory (founded 1872) at St. Stephen,
NB. In 1910, Arthur Ganong & George Ensor
made up blocks of chocolate laced with nuts to
use as an energizer on fishing trips. The Sales
Department thought the idea of “chocolate
bars” a good one, and they were right. The bars
were an instant success!
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THE ROYAL C ANADI AN LEGION BRANCH 99
Ladies Auxiliary
Shirley Stewart
Humour Haunt
The Ladies have been busy with catering to a
funeral for one of our member’s Father and
Grandfather, the canteen Friday night we had
Mac and cheese with ceaser salad. We have
our Easter Baskets Draw tickets available for
sale. Some of the Ladies went to Zone team
darts and they did not do very well. I was told
they only won one game. Better luck next time
girls. We have been asked to do the Dart
Banquet for the 418 (Monday night darts). I
would like to thank Diane Delarge for all the work
she has been doing. Without her none of this
would be possible as she likes to cook and she
has been looking after all this.
An admiral visited one of the ships of
the line under his command. While
eating breakfast with the crew he
was impressed to see the Naval
insignia stamped on every biscuit.
He went to the Chief cook to ask
how this feat was done, so it could
be used on other ships under his
command.
Sick and Visiting
The Chief replied, "I’d be glad to
Janis Drummond
share that with you, Admiral. After
I am happy to report, we have not much to
report. It sounds like everyone is staying fairly
healthy. Glad to hear Walter Mudd is home
from the Hospital. A sympathy card was sent to
George Haines & family on the loss of his
mother.
each biscuit is cut, I just slap it here
If you are ill, we wish you a speedy recovery. If
you are well, please remain so.
"That's very unhygienic!"
Volunteers Wanted
The Chief shrugs and replies, "Well, if
against my belt buckle which bears
the Navy insignia.
Horrified the Admiral exclaims,
that’s the way you feel, sir, I would
suggest that you avoid the donuts
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer
on one of our various committees, please
contact one of the Committee members on
page 11. We would truly welcome your
participation.
entirely."
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The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 99
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The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 99
Legion Office – 613 962-2643, Fax 613 968-9971, Bar 613 968-9053
www.Comming Soon!
132 Pinnacle Street, Belleville Ontario, K8N 3A4
President
Past President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
3rd Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Padre
Sgt-At-Arms
Membership
Honours & Awards
Service Officer
Poppy
Belleville Vets Council
Sports
Youth Education
Bingo
Funerals
Bar/House/Property
Entertainment
Ways & Means
Special Events
Special Events Coordinator
Public Relations/Enlightener
Public Relations/Enlightener
Public Relations/Enlightener
Training & Development
Sick & Visiting
Andy Anderson
Bob Morris
Mike Joyce
Jack Crozier
Mary Presley
Joe Drummond
Carol Hamilton
Ralph Collins
Mike Joyce
Mary Presley
Pat Boulter
Jane Joyce
Jane Joyce
Andy Anderson
Bob Reid
Gerry McConnell
Frank Freeman
Ralph Collins
Jack Crozier
Pauline DeGenova
Gail Reid
Gail Reid
Gary Reid
Alicia Chambers
Donna Vickers
Steven Burr
Mike Joyce
Janis Drummond
Ladies Auxiliary President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
Sgt-At-Arms
Shirley Stewart
Jean Saulnier
Ellen Abbott
Diane Delarge
Brenda Snider
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613 968-7261
613 396-5288
613 967-5923
613 962-2101
613 967-6494
613 962-7947
613 962-0356
613 962-8754
613 967-5923
613 967-6494
613 779-6871
613 967-5923
613 967-5923
613 968-7261
613 968-9905
613 968-5940
613 394-3851
613 962-8754
613 962-2101
613 394-3851
613 968-9905
613 968-9905
613 962-9339
613 962-5521
613 968-9312
343 263-0665
613 967-5923
613 962-7947
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 99
RCL Branch 99
Events Calendar – March 2015
Sunday
1
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
Wednesday
4
Thursday
5
Friday
6
Saturday
7
Fish & Chips
8
9
Daylight
Savings
General
Meeting
7:30 pm
15
16
10
11
12
14
Regular
Menu
17
18
19
St. Paddy’s
Celebration
2 to 6 pm
22
13
20
21
Fish & Chips
23
24
25
26
27
28
Comfort
Food
Country
Jamboree
7 to10:30
pm
Karaoke
6:30 – 10:30
pm
29
30
Zone Mixed
Darts
Tryouts
9:00 am
Executive
Meeting
7:30 pm
31
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