Dispatch - Branch 112 – Whitby

Dispatch
January 2015
Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 112 Whitby
117 Byron Street South.
1
Branch Executive June 2014 – May 2015
Branch Officers
President
Past President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
3rd Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Roger Andrews
Bob Peddle
Lorraine Duncan
Sandra Andrews
Mike Culpan
Carolyn Johnston
Marilyn Culpan
905-721-0829
905-668-0922
905-446-1004
905-721-0829
905-576-4784
905-668-0998
905-576-4784
Executive Committee
Sgt-at-Arms
Bob Hartley
Poppy
Sandra Andrews
Veterans Service Officer
Lorraine Duncan
Membership
John Stephenson
Youth Education
Sandra Andrews
Sports
Kevin Bailey
Dispatch
Mike Culpan
T.O.D.
Roger Andrews
Bursaries
Larry Batherson
Honours and Awards
Sandra Andrews
Public Relations
Mike Culpan
Canteen
Doug MacLean
Ways & Means
Lorraine Duncan
Nevada
Mike Culpan
House Chairman
Doug MacLean
Sick and Visiting
Dave Barkwell
Non Executive Appointments
Web Site
Larry Goucher
Hall Rental
Paula Seto
L.A. Liaison
Marilyn Culpan
Cemetery
Bernie Bucking
Piper
Murdoch Ferguson
Padre
Rev. Phillip Ralph
President- Ladies Auxiliary
Catering
Regalia Purchasing
Kids Christmas
Parade Marshall
Bobbie Simmons
Doug MacLean
Joanne Pollard
Lorraine Duncan
Bernie Bucking
905 721-0829
905-446-1004
905-743-0795
905-721-0829
905-576-4784
905-721-0829
905-721-0829
905-576-4784
905-430-9621
905-446-1004
905-576-4784
905-430-9621
905-493-4323
905-668-9052
905-621-4495
905 576-4784
905-404-1722
905-668-6175
905-430-6905
905-723-2795
905-430-9621
905-668-3134
905-446-1004
905-404-1722
2
Ladies Auxiliary Executive
June 2014 – May 2015
Branch Officers
President
Past President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Bobbie Simmons
Jan Brittain
Judy Pardy
Glenda Hurley
Rita Reuter
Cheryl Lampitt
905-723-2795
905-668-0056
905-576-8612
905-430-8697
905-668-8673
905-493-3337
Linda Thornton
Glenda Hurley
Kym Benns
Joan Toorish
Faye Brown
Lexie MacLean
Judy Pardy
Ruby Thompson
Marsha Butcher
Della Pearson
Jan Brittain
Janet Harrison
Marilyn Culpan
905-665-5699
905-430-8697
905-430-3351
905-665-5699
905-666-1260
905-430-9621
Executive Committee
Sgt-at-Arms
Membership
Sports
Sick and Visiting
Telephone Committee
Catering
Honours and Awards
Bursaries
Ways & Means
Luncheon
Liaison
905-668-8697
905-720-3930
905-668-1443
905-668-0056
905-430-6823
905 576-4784
3
Snail Mail:
117 Byron Street South
Whitby, Ontario
L1N 4P5
Phone - (905)-668-0330
Fax - (905)-668-0746
Hall Rental - (905)-668-0330
Email Accounts
Hall Rental - hallrentals@whitbylegion.ca
General Information - contact_us@whitbylegion.ca
Branch President - president@whitbylegion.ca
Veteran’s Services - veteranservices@whitbylegion.ca
Legion Seniors -president@whitbylegion.ca
Sick and Visiting - sickandvisiting@whitbylegion.ca
Membership - membership@whitbylegion.ca
Sports - sports@whitbylegion.ca
Public Relations - publicrelations@whitbylegion.ca
Sergeant At Arms - sgtatarms@whitbylegion.ca
Ladies Auxiliary - ladiesauxiliary@whitbylegion.ca
Webmaster - webmaster@whitbylegion.ca
Dispatch - dispatch@whitbylegion.ca
Secretary - secretary@whitbylegion.ca
4
Dominion President’s Christmas Message
Dear Legionnaires, Veterans and my fellow Canadians,
As the Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion I wanted to take a moment to recognize the service,
sacrifice and commitment to Remembrance that has truly marked 2014 as a year where we all came together
for Veterans and their families.
I am just now completing my first few months in office and am pleased to see our members bringing a renewed
commitment to the Legion and to strengthening our commitment to our services and support to Veterans, our
communities and our country. The Legion is a truly great organization. We can, and will be better. The Legion is
changing in many ways to reflect a growing younger membership as well as responding to the changing needs
of our Veterans and their families. I am personally making it my mission to ensure the Legion remains Canada’s
largest, strongest, and most respected Veterans and community service organization by supporting the
modernization of our organization. I want the Legion to be the place that all Canadians, who want to support our
Veterans and our communities, will join and get the real satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference.
As we approach the holiday season and prepare for some time of reflection and renew our ties to our families
and friends, I would like, on behalf of my wife, Cheryl and our four children: Ryan, Daniel, Brook and Brett and
two granddaughters, Killian and Ella, to say simply but sincerely “Thank You” for giving me the opportunity to
work with you this year and to extend our wishes for a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New
Year. May 2015 be our best year yet!
Tom
Right across the organization, Branches and Commands receive complaints
from the public and even our members about their experiences walking into
a Branch. At some Branches, people are met with a certain ‘grumpiness’
that is not acceptable. It’s time to address this situation, and quite frankly it
must be addressed now and with urgency. It’s time to get the grump out of
the Legion!
B.C/Yukon Command sent out the following (adapted) message to their
Branches, and Dominion Command whole-heartedly agrees with this
message. It’s a message that must be shared across the organization, and
we hope every Branch shares this message with their members.
5
Every effort is being made at the Dominion, Provincial, Zone and Branch levels to recruit
and retain Legion members. The media loves sounding the death knell for our
organization, and we must fight it by working even harder at our membership numbers.
We know many Branches have focused on this, ensuring their Branches stay
welcoming, inclusive and relevant… and these Branches see growth because of this.
What we continue to struggle with is the reception people get at some of our Branches.
We hear of experiences from across Canada that makes us cringe…
• An Ordinary member (in his forties) went for dinner at a Branch in a town where he
was working temporarily. Upon entering, the entire place turned and stared at him, and
not one person greeted him. He felt too awkward to stay, so he left.
•Another person attempted to join a Branch, and asked if he could be an Ordinary
member as a Paramedic. He got a flat “No” and no one took the time to explain or offer
information on any other category of membership. He left.
•A group of people belonging to a local softball club went to their Legion Branch after a
game. Rather than taking what could have been a great opportunity for the Branch to
welcome the team, tell them about the Legion and let them know about membership, a
group of ‘regulars’ (members that occupy the same table each night) shouted at the
team to remove their baseball caps the moment they walked in the door. The team
turned around and left.
This kind of behaviour is creating a perception across the organization that is killing our efforts in welcoming
potential new members. We must address this final and critical step of recruitment. For this organization to attract
new members we must all, even the folks at “that table” in your Branch, be less grumpy. In fact, why are we not
more like hosts?
Put bluntly, the Legion cannot survive on its current membership alone; to continue our mission of Remembrance,
we must embrace those that walk through our doors, regardless of background, age, or profession. It’s time to get
the grump out of the Legion!
Let’s start to get the word out about being a good host. Here are 6 ideas to assist your Branch in ways to welcome
new or visiting people:
1.Agree that if there is any member of the Branch Executive in the Branch, that it is set up that that they watch for
people who look out of place and uncomfortable, and greet them.
2.Put up a small dry erase board at the entrance that says: New to our Branch? We want to welcome you! The
greeter of the day is: (name of volunteer) . Please ask for me.
3.Talk to the bartenders and servers to approach and welcome people when times are quiet. We hear stories of
people being completely ignored by bar staff in some Branches. Not ok. Sometimes they are the first people that a
new person would approach and they should be personable.
4.Understand that most people don’t really know how things work in our Branches or what activities are available
in our locations. If we welcome our guests a bit better and make them feel comfortable with the Branch events,
then it won’t be so intimidating to come in the next time – perhaps with another guest.
5.Having trouble getting a new member to come for their initiation ceremony? It should be done at a general
meeting, but it doesn’t have to be. Invite them to an event, or even do it with a couple of Executives hosting their
visit. Have an Executive member accompanying the new member at the meeting at which they are to be initiated
and explain the initiation process in advance of the event – this could make a new member more comfortable;
anything that forms the relationship helps.
6.Why not have some pin-on buttons made and ask some of your outgoing and pleasant members to wear a “host
of the day” pin and have them welcome people? These are easy things that friendly people do well. Above all,
deal firmly with the grouches and those members who “welcome” guests by yelling “remove your hat” – they are
hurting your Branch.
We know that some Branches are doing an extraordinary job of being friendly and welcoming from the minute a
guest opens the front door. So if you are doing it right and having success, or have good ideas to welcome your
visitors, please share them with Dominion Command so we can start conversations across the organization.
6
Let’s show Canada just how friendly the Legion can be!
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 112
117 Byron Street South
Saturday, Jan 24th 2015 at 6:00 PM
$20.00 per person
Doors Open @ 5:00 PM
Murdoch Ferguson to pipe in the Haggis
The Haggis is addressed
Menu
Roast Beef, Tatties (Potatoes), Neeps (Veggies)
HAGGIS
Entertainment at 8 PM
For further information – call (905) 668-0330
You must sign up at the Legion Bar and pay Bar Staff before Jan 15th
2015 in order to accommodate food purchase and preparation
Senior Elected Officers: 2013 - 2015
President:
Immediate Past President:
First Vice-President:
Vice-President:
Vice-President:
Vice-President:
Chairman:
Vice-Chairman:
Bruce Julian
Andre Paquette
Brian Weaver
David Smith
Ken Sorrenti
Sharon McKeown
Bill Chafe
Ron Goebel
Standing Committee Chairmen
Branch Financial Advisory:
Bursary:
Charitable Foundation:
Constitution and Laws:
Honours and Awards:
Membership:
Ontario Correspondent:
Poppy:
Public Relations:
Resolutions:
Sports:
Track and Field:
Training & Organization Development:
Veterans Services:
Veterans Services Co-chair for Seniors Issues:
Youth Education:
Chuck Johnston
Karen Luttrell
Marg Emery
Bruce McKittrick
Mike Atkinson
Sharon McKeown
Mary Ann Goheen
Ken Sorrenti
Carolyn McCaul
Brian Weaver
Vic Newey
Tom Carr
Gary Brown
Greg Oakes
Bob Sivyer
Dave Smith
Special Committee Chairmen
Cadet Corps Liaison:
Homeless Veterans Program:
Information Bulletin:
Property Committee:
Website:
http://www.on.legion.ca/who-we-are/ontario-command
Brian Weaver
Bruce Julian
Brenda Funston
Andre Paquette
Mary Ann Goheen
8
On the next few pages, for those without internet access we will show you a few
pages of information you may not know. Yes we will still have some fun stuff dotted
around here and there.
Ontario District Commanders
District A:
District B:
District C:
District D:
District E:
District F:
District G:
District H:
District K:
John Grosvenor
Tom Astley
Derek Moore
Jay Burford
Mike Giovanetti
Greg Kobold
Gary Pond
Gerald Ferguson
Tom Garnett
District F
Commander:
Deputy Commander:
Secretary:
Sports Officer:
District Website:
Greg Kobold
Robert (Buck) Buchanan
Marg Hycha
Ann Vance (johnvance1965@yahoo.ca)
District F - Zone 1
Commander:
Deputy Commander:
Doug Mclean
Lisa Dinsmore
9
Saturday February 14th 2015
Tickets are only Available in
the Club Room from January
2nd until February 10th 2015,
The cost is only a mere $30
per person.
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Dinner is at 6:00 PM
Enjoy a Sumptuous
Authentic Jiggs
dinner. Join in the
fun as we Screech in
the new Newfies.
Come Dance to music provided by a group from “Down Home”
Proudly Presented by the
Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 112
117 Byron street south
10
Whitby Legions` Newest Life Members
On December 3rd during the general meeting, RCL 112 Whitby, was proud to induct
two new life members: Comrades Larry Batherson and Comrade Lorraine Duncan.
On hand to help present the awards was Zone F1 Commander Doug MacLean
11
FUN STUFF ?
12
Elvis is in the building.
On December 5th 2014, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112 Whitby, had a very
special guest, who came to perform live in the upstairs hall.
Elvis, went around the room and serenaded the Ladies of the audience, and yes led a conga line.
The many incarnations of Elvis, showed up during a most fantastic
evening of entertainment. The branch members present and the public
enjoyed a most
memorable night.
Mike is seen here
with the hand
puppet teddy
bear that he
managed to win,
seen here being
used as a
beverage cover.
13
Elvis is in the building.
The audience did not only sit and
enjoy the music, they also got up
and danced.
Who is that with the Bear behind !
14
MORE FUN STUFF ?
When World War II broke out, a school chum of my mother's joined the army and was later
sent to Britain. After crossing the Atlantic by boat, the Swift Current boy took the train to
London, arriving at Waterloo Station. This country boy, finding himself in a busy train station
thousands of kilometers from home, lugged his duffel bag to a bench and sat down, feeling
dispirited and lonely. Soon after, a Royal Air Force fellow sat down next to him. Noting
“Canada” on his seatmate's shoulder flashes, the flyer said: “You must be feeling lost, mate.
I know what it's like. I'm going to Canada. I've been posted to a little place called Swift
Current. Ever heard of it?” “Yeah,” the Canadian responded with a smile. “My dad's the
mayor.”
15
Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Dinner.
The dinner was held on Wednesday
December 10th in the upstairs hall,
and was marvellously decorated by
the L.A. in festive attire.
16
Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Dinner.
When there is no chimney,
Santa improvises.
Santa's little helpers.
What I want this year is……
The ladies line up to get close to Santa
with their Christmas lists, wonder who was
naughty and who was nice, Only Santa
knows and he does not kiss and tell.
17
OTTAWA, ON, November 25th, 2014 – The Royal Canadian Legion welcomes the Auditor General’s Report6
released today which echoes many concerns highlighted by the Legion during the past several months –
specifically related to Disability Benefits programs, staffing levels and improving access to services for Veterans
and their families.
“The Auditor General’s report validates many of our concerns related to the care and benefits available for
Veterans,” says Dominion President Tom Eagles. “Our position on these issues has been consistently presented
to government from our national conventions through to presentations before Parliament so we are glad to see
the Auditor General layout the details of what needs to be done to improve the provision of mental health care
for Veterans,” adds Eagles.
The major issues regarding access to mental health care for our Veterans contained in this report and supported
by the Legion are:
Much of what the Auditor General speaks to is going to require VAC and DND to make additions to staffing in
various areas in order to provide timely access to care. There are needs for medical professionals, support staff,
case workers and other care providers that must be met in order to address the deficiencies noted by the
Auditor General.
Disability Benefits Programs, through which the majority of Veterans receiving long-term mental health support,
is not timely. The Legion position has repeatedly stated that every day there is a delay in a Veteran getting
access to care they are suffering needlessly. According to the Veterans’ perspective it takes about 32 weeks to
receive an eligibility decision and it takes too long for VAC to obtain military records from DND. While it has
improved from 18 months to 16 weeks it is still too long. The Legion strongly believes there must be better
cooperation, if not integration, between VAC and DND on medical/personnel records sharing. Veterans must
not be forced to wait any longer than absolutely necessary to get the care they need.
The Legion has been a strong proponent that there is not enough attention paid to meeting the needs of family
members who must live with Veterans who may be suffering from mental illness. The Auditor General clearly
spells out that VAC outreach activities could do more for other key stakeholders, such as family physicians and
the family of Veterans as part of the broader continuum of care. Legion Service Bureau officers see this situation
every day and are keenly aware that this need must be addressed. Families too must have access to resources
that will help address their needs.
The Legion is fully supportive of a move to a more Veteran Centric Care culture that must emerge from VAC and
DND. VAC claims and appeal processes must be reviewed and cleaned up to reflect a more positive outcome on
first application for benefits. The high rate of success of appeals (some 65%) clearly indicates problems with the
VAC’s initial decision making process. The focus must shift from government only looking at the numbers to
caring about the quality of care and services provided to the Veteran and their family. Measurements must be
taken of whether the care and benefits provided are making a positive difference in the lives of Veterans.
VAC has developed a mental health strategy but has not developed performance measures that adequately
focus on mental health and positive outcomes for Veterans and their families.
According to VAC statistics dated 31 March 2014, some 15,000 personnel were eligible to receive mental health
support from Veterans Affairs Canada through the Disability Benefits Program. It has also been reported that an
increase from 2% of VAC clients in 2002 with mental health conditions rose to 12% in 2014. Therefore, it is
crucial that these issues be addressed.
“The Legion will expect a well-defined action plan from VAC on the Auditor General’s recommendations,” says
Eagles. “And we are greatly reassured that our long –standing positions on these issues have been fully
supported in this report. It proves the Legion’s advocacy is relevant and we are tackling the important issues
facing Veterans today,” concludes Eagles.
- 30 For further information please contact Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, at (613) 591-3335 ext. 241 or by
18cell
at (613) 292-8760 or bruce.poulin@legion.ca7.
Homeless Veterans Assistance
OPERATION: LEAVE THE STREETS BEHIND
MISSION STATEMENT:
To ensure that every Veteran who is homeless or near homeless finds the help they need to leave the
streets behind.
In November 2009 Mr. Joe Sweeney, a Korean War Veteran who has dedicated much of his time to
assisting homeless persons in the City of Toronto, wanted to organize a Remembrance Day Ceremony
to honour the homeless Veterans. With assistance from The Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario
Command it was held at the Scott Mission in Toronto. At the conclusion of the ceremony it quickly
became evident that there were a number of homeless Veterans within the city and a team made up
of personnel from Veterans Affairs Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Command were
determined to see what could be done to assist them. This team travelled to Buffalo, New York in
January 2010 to review the United States model to end homelessness in Veterans. From this a plan to
launch a pilot project in Toronto was formulated.
On September 24th, 2010 a partnership between The Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Command
and Veterans Affairs Canada was announced at the Good Shepherd Ministry in Toronto. In an
agreement with the Good Shepherd Ministry and Veterans Affairs, an Outreach Worker has been
embedded at the Shelter. This enables the Outreach Worker to gain the trust of the Veteran and to
coordinate the type of assistance required with the available resources. With the assistance of Mr. Joe
Sweeney, our Homeless Veterans Committee Project Advisor, they have approached other shelters in
the downtown core.
When news of the program reached the Ontario Command Legion Branches, they were very eager to
assist. A Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund was started at the Provincial Headquarters and the
Branches responded with generous donations. With funds raised from the Ladies Auxiliary, "comfort
bags" were assembled with personal items such as shampoo, shaving cream, shavers, hats, mitts and
socks and distributed to Veterans through the Outreach Worker. With assistance from the Homeless
Veterans Assistance Fund, we have been able to permanently house Veterans with assistance for their
first / last month's rent, furniture and food vouchers. Rental assistance has also been provided to
those facing eviction. Medical assistance has been given to other Veterans such as dental treatments,
transportation to stress therapy clinics, eyeglasses and much more.
The Joe Sweeney Fund was created to ensure that these Veterans have suitable housing and/or the
support services they require to remain permanently housed and with a stable future. Tax receipts
can be issued for this fund.
In early 2012 we partnered with Mainstay Housing to provide ten (10) residential units in a house on
Parliament Street and it is now full. The tenants are enjoying a "safe" environment along with the
camaraderie that comes with community style living. Now that they have stable housing the focus is
on their well being and life skills.
We are currently working with two municipalities outside of the GTA regarding other possible housing
projects.
In late 2012 we distributed a training package to our Branch Service Officers across Ontario. With
their assistance the program will soon be known to all communities and their local resources such as
the "Out of the Cold" program, Food Banks, Churches, Municipal and Provincial Government Offices,
local emergency personnel ( Police, Fire, and Ambulance) all asking the same question: " Have you
had military service?". The result of their efforts is already tangible as we are fielding many calls to
our office regarding the program.
19
Twas the week before Christmas and all the through the
branch, the darters were stirring and having a bash.
Karaoke was sung in various tunes, to melodies known and some quite couth, to others
a voice was heard and shared with all, songs of fun and frivolity with actions to boot.
Definition of COUTH
: sophisticated, polished
Examples of COUTH
<he's remarkably couth for someone who grew up in a small town with limited cultural opportunities>
Origin of COUTH
back-formation from uncouthFirst Known Use: 1896
20
The following article is printed with the kind permission of
Emma Nicholls as printed in the Chronicle, the student paper
at Durham College.
In a sea of 7,000 ‘bomb’ girls
Turning 18 is a right of passage for many young adults, but for Marie Hicks,
now 90, it meant joining the war effort.
In the 1940s, Ajax was home to many women building munitions for the
Allies overseas, and Hicks was one of about 7,000 women known as
‘bomb girls’.
“It seems funny to say ‘bomb girl’, but there were no men around, they
were all in the service,” she said.
Defense Industries Limited (DIL)
was built in 1941 and sat on
almost 3,000 acres of farmland in
the Pickering Township.
At the peak of the war, DIL
employed more than 9,000
people, many of whom lived in
residence.
Hicks says she began working at
the factory when the war started,
and stayed until it was all over.
Hicks has memories of her
supervisor, a man named Mr.
Berry. She remembers he was
“not really a foreman, because
he was so much more than that,”
and was a
pleasant man who looked for ways to cheer up the people working
towards the war effort at home.
21
She remembers him saying, “‘Don’t forget to sing girls…If you sing it takes your
mind off of all the things…I do believe that our soldiers are singing.’”
Hicks celebrated her 90th birthday this year, but says she remembers the daily
routine at the factory as though it was yesterday.
“They made the detonators for the big 26 pounders,” Hicks recalled. “They
were very, very, highly explosive. You had to be very, very careful over there.”
Even a small static spark could set off an explosion, she said.
“If you decided you wanted to comb your hair you didn’t dare do it in the
company of your department or the table you were working on,” said Hicks. “I
did experience one hell of a thing myself. I will never forget it. Never.”
The women in the Cap and Det department would fill small detonators with
powder, and were taught to grip the detonator with the thumb and forefinger
to complete the task.
A woman living in the same residence as Hicks and her sister started working at
the same department. Hicks worked alongside her and noticed something
wasn’t quite right.
“Something’s wrong here. She’s not doing her job right. They didn’t uphold
‘squealers’,” said Hicks. “I didn’t know what to do – I know she was doing it
wrong.”
Hicks said this woman was covering the cap with her entire hand, instead of her
two fingers.
“She lost two fingers, she was sitting beside me, I was a mass of blood,” she
said. “There wasn’t a spot on me that wasn’t covered in blood.”
Hicks made it, though, and was even able to find love during the war.
“He was a disabled veteran at 20. It doesn’t seem possible, but he was,” said
Hicks, remembering her husband’s early years. “He survived it, with mine and
God’s help.”
22
“He was in Italy when he got wounded, then he was moved to England and
then eventually came back to Canada to recover and that’s where we really got
involved,” she said. “We were married within that year.”
st
Hicks and her husband, Murray, were married on his 21 birthday in December
1945.
The day the war ended is etched in her mind.
“It came over the loud speaker sometime in the morning,” she said. “The
enemy had retreated and the war was now over and the Allies won.”
Hicks said it was very strange to be in the building, knowing their work was
finished for good.
When she and the other bomb girls were told the war was over, they were also
warned.
“Do not just race out of this building. We’d like you to remain here until your
shift ends,” said Hicks, remembering the message she’d heard over the loud
speaker in the morning. “If you were on day shift it ended at 4 o’clock. It was a
long day, there was nothing to do, everything was finished.”
In January 2012, a show debuted on Global called Bomb Girls. It was this show,
Hicks said, that made her realize she was in fact a ‘bomb girl’.
Monday 24th November 2014
23
New Years Eve
How peaceful the hall looked before the guests arrived.
Dim the lights, turn on the music and lets dance…..
24
New Years Eve
I am hungry lets eat.
25
Man who made Britain’s first mobile phone call remembers
the event
Michael Harrison became the first to test the new system at
midnight on January 1 1985.
Mr Harrison rang his father, former Vodafone chairman Sir Ernest
Harrison, from London’s Parliament Square.
He called on a Transportable Vodafone VT1 that weighed 11lb, had
30 minutes’ talk time and cost £2,000 – around £5k at today’s prices.
“My father often told me how mobile phones would change the
world”
Michael Harrison said: “I thought it might sound different talking to
somebody on a cellular network so it was a bit of a surprise that
everything was so clear.”
He added: “My father often told me how mobile phones would change
the world.
“I did think mobile would catch on, but more for people who had to be in
contact like that, not as an indispensable part of everyone’s daily life.”
26
Brits now make 132 million mobile calls every day.
New Years Day; Presidents Levee
Many thanks to the Volunteers who came in
early to setup and to those that in to
perform membership and door cards.
Bob Hartley
our very own
branch
Sergeant at
Arms, is seen
here greeting
members and
guests alike.
27
New Years Day; Presidents Levee
Local Council Representatives were on hand to pass on greetings to the membership and guests.
This years
winners of
the
wheelbarrow
draw is Lana
and Clayton.
28
What does the future hold in store, here are few tidbits that some
sources are putting out, from Fortune magazine to fortune tellers.
tid·bit
: a small piece of
food
: a small piece of
news or
interesting
information
Gas might be cheap, but a different American fuel is
getting pricier: The cost of lattes is primed to
increase in 2015 — potentially by as much as 30%.
Prices of the morning salve’s main inputs — coffee
beans and milk — are both up, and likely to keep
rising. But this is all a preamble to 2080, when the
coffee bean might disappear from the planet all
together. If morning commutes are still around by
then, expect mayhem.
The world economy is still recovering from the last
financial crisis, but is another just on the horizon? The
consensus view is no, but economist David Levy says yes.
He argues that China has over-invested in its export
sector for years now without commensurate growth in
demand across the developed world, and that this
dynamic could trigger a Chinese debt crisis in 2015 that
takes down an already reeling Europe and ultimately the
U.S. This isn’t a popular view, as plenty of China watchers
see the globe’s second largest economy continuing to
grow at twice the speed of the world at large. But if the
global economy does suffer a major slowdown, trouble
Middle Kingdom will be the culprit.
The world economy is still recovering from the last financial crisis, but is another just on the horizon?
The consensus view is no, but economist David Levy says yes. He argues that China has over-invested
in its export sector for years now without commensurate growth in demand across the developed
world, and that this dynamic could trigger a Chinese debt crisis in 2015 that takes down an already
reeling Europe and ultimately the U.S. This isn’t a popular view, as plenty of China watchers see the
globe’s second largest economy continuing to grow at twice the speed of the world at large. But if the
global economy does suffer a major slowdown, trouble Middle Kingdom will be the culprit.
29
Psychic and Astrology World Predictions for 2015
Prince Harry will get engaged
Major volcanic eruptions in Japan and Hawaii
National Health and Police strikes with riots in London
Joan Collins dies
Royal family death
Zara Phillips – princess Anne’s daughter will fall pregnant
Strange fluctuations in the Earth’s Magnetic Field Detected
A Nuclear submarine will get into serious problems. It could
be Russian though there is also Chinese involvement –
perhaps an incident over the disputed Japanese islands in
the China Sea?
2015 will be a year with a lot of Maritime problems and there could be a very serious disaster
– akin to the sinking of the Titanic
2015 will see the closer ties between Russia and China. There will be an economic and military
pact. In the years to come this will become a powerful alliance that will challenge America.
Economically, India will rise faster than China in the coming years. The Russian Economy will
collapse but be bailed out by China. The two countries will become a very close allies both
militarily and economically.
Josefina Vázquez Mota will become the first female president of Mexico. There will be a bad
earthquake during 2015 in Mexico City. Mexico’s economy will see an improvement as more
cartels and gang leaders are brought to justice in 2015. A deal is done with America over
immigration with American companies offering economic opportunities to temporary workers
on short term visas.
Many countries may see terrorist attacks from loan gunmen. I ‘see’ Berlin, Rome and Paris as a
targets but a simultaneous London attack with be thwarted. I feel one of the most frightening
will be aboard a passenger liner. There will be a celebrity kidnapping and an attack on a
member of the Saudi Arabian Royal Family
Both FaceBook and the BBC will develop search engine algorithms for the in an attempt to rival
Google. Amazon will also make ventures into web search.
The Conservatives will win the UK election by a whisker as they will agree to bring forward the
European Election Vote and so disrupt UKIP’s momentum. Cameron will be ousted just after
the election despite his electoral success.
2015 Jeb Bush will gain popularity and will win the American Election in 2016.
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31
Welcome New Members
During the
December General
meeting, the branch
welcomed three
new members. Do
Not Be Shy, go over
and say hello.
Nailed it…
Lost It…
32
IN MEMORIUM
ROBERTSON, Mary Theresa (nee Amato) - Peacefully, surrounded by her family after
a short battle with cancer on December 22, 2014 at the young age of 70. Beloved
wife of James David Robertson for 33 years. Loving mother of Susan (Terry), Robin
(Scott), step-mother of Heather (Laurence) and David and sister-in- law of Helena
(Keith). Predeceased by her brother Bill Jr. and her parents William and Winifred
Amato. Adored Grandma of Matthew, John, Kirsten, Kelsey, Conner and Taylor.
Theresa was proud to be a member of the Branch 112 Whitby Legion. Her greatest
joy was being with her family and friends, enjoying the many fun times she had
with them. Theresa will be fondly remembered by her extended family, friends and
neighbours. Special thanks to the Oshawa General Hospital Emergency Nurses who
took such loving care of her when she needed it most. At Theresa's request, no
services will take place. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Memorial
donations to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
SILLER, Mary Robertson (Cuthbertson)
(August 30, 1935 - December 31, 2014)
(44 year member of the Oshawa Legion – Branch 637)
Peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Wednesday,
December 31st, 2014.
Loving mother of Tony Poole (Josie) and Steven Poole (Tracy).
Grandma of Stacie (Matt), David (Jen), Christopher,
Joshua and Aaron. Great Grandma of Abby, Claire and Nathan.
Mary will be sadly missed by her sisters Janet (Bobby),
Ruth and Margaret, and longtime companion of Charlie Stewart.
A celebration of life and scattering of ashes will take place at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905721-1234).
Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be made at oshawafuneralhome.com.
Mavis O’Connor, Long time member of Branch 112 Whitby past
away on December 31st 2014.
We have no further information at this time.
33
Reader Submissions
Glenda Hurley
INNER PEACE
I am passing this on to you because it has definitely worked for me…At this time of year we all could
use a little…calm!!! By following the simple advice I read in an article, I have finally found inner
peace……… the article read:
“The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you’ve started.”
So I looked around the house to see all the things I started and hadn’t finished…this morning I finished
off a bottle of red wine, a bottle of white, the Bailey’s Kahlua and Tia Maria, my Prozac, some Valium,
my cigarettes and a box of chocolates.
You have no idea how freakin’ good I feel…
You may pass this on to those you feel are in need of Inner Peace….
A FEW GROANERS
A GROUP OF CHESS ENTHUSIASTS CHECKED INTO A HOTEL AND WERE STANDING IN THE LOBBY
DISCUSSING THEIR RECENT VICTORIES. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THE MANAGER ASKED THEM TO
LEAVE. “BUT WHY” THEY ASKED. “BECAUSE” HE ANSWERED “I CAN’T STAND CHESS NUTS BOASTING IN
AN OPEN FOYER”
A MAN PROUD OF HIS IRISH HERITAGE PROPOSED ON SAINT PATRICKS DAY. GIVING HIS GIRLFRIEND A
RING SET WITH A SYNTHETIC DIAMOND SHE ACCEPTED HIS PROPOSAL BUT DEMANDED HE EXPLAIN THE
ARTIFICIAL STONE. HE TOLD HER IN THE SPIRIT OF THE DAY I HAVE CHOSEN A SHAM ROCK.
IN “STAR WARS”, A GUY WHO INSTRUCTED PEOPLE ABOUT FIGURES OF SPEECH OFTEN PROCLAIMED
“METAPHORS BE WITH YOU!”
THE CHEMIST WAS ASKED BY HIS COMPANY TO TRANSFER TO THE SYNTHETIC FABRICS DEPARTMENT
BUT HE REFUSED KNOWING THAT HE WHO ACETATES IS LOST.
A DAYDREAMING TEENAGER HAD A JOB AT A FACTORY THAT MAKES FROZEN ORANGE JUICE BUT WAS
SOON FIRED BECAUSED HE COULDN’T CONCENTRATE.
TWO HUNTERS IN A KAYAK WERE BLOWN OUT TO SEA BY A SUDDEN STORM. THEY LANDED ON A FRIGID
DESERT ISLAND. THEY PULLED THE KAYAK UP ONTO THE BEACH TO USE AS A MAKESHIFT SHELTER , THEN
LIT A FIRE FOR WARMTH. THE KAYAK CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP STRANDING THE MEN ON THE
ISLAND FOREVER.
MORAL: YOU CAN’T HAVE YOUR KAYAK AND HEAT IT TOO.
34
Reader Submissions
Mike
& Rita
35
See you
th
Wednesday 4 .
Special dates to remember
January 24th, Robbie Burns
Night.
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