Lac du Bonnet Legion | Branch #164 News

Legion News - Lac du Bonnet Branch #164

LdB Legion gives back
More than $4,500 given out to community organizations

By Marc Zienkiewicz
Friday June 27, 2008

From left: Glen Didyk of the Whitemouth Personal Care Home, Evonne McLean of the Pinawa Hospital, Vic Popel, May Fast of Pinawa Hospital, Sharron Wickstrom, Beryl Savage, Dwayne Wickstrom, Brenda Rose-Wiebe of the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home, Norm Rimmer, Marilyn Rimmer. Missing: Harvey Pischke of Whitemouth Personal Care Home.

Photo by Marc Zienkiewicz

Lac du Bonnet Legion Branch #164 brought some big smiles to members of five community organizations on Monday.

The Legion gave out more than $4,500 to community groups around the region. The money came from both the branch itself and the branch’s Poppy Trust Fund. Money stored in the fund is raised by annual poppy sales carried out prior to Remembrance Day.

“We want people to know that the money we raise really does go back to the community,” Legion member Ann Okrainec said.

From the poppy fund, the Whitemouth Personal Care Home received $950 for the purchase of two aspirator machines. Pinawa Hospital received $1,150 to purchase general equipment, while the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home received $1,917 for an oxygen tank and two dining tables.

The branch itself donated $500 to the Beausejour Air Cadets Squadron #234, and $1,020 to the International Peace Garden Athletic camp.

By Comrade Ann Okrainec
Friday June 13, 2008

Tuesday, June 17 Br. General Meeting 7:00 P.M.

This will be the last Branch meeting until September. Have a good summer.

Executive Meetings by the Branch and Ladies Auxiliary will carry on all summer. Jam Fests are held the 1st Saturday of each month, 7:00 P.M. at the Legion, attendance is free, everyone is welcome to attend, however, we appreciate non-members signing in at the door. The Branch‚s giant garage sale went over very well. The Branch appreciates all that donations received. The first Steak and Spud will be held on June 21. Tickets are available at the Lounge.

The local Branch held its Memorial Day with a very colorful parade; march off time was 1:00 p.m. Many color parties from other Legions participated along with the cadets. The march began at the Royal Canadian Legion with the R.C.M.P. leading the parade to the Cenotaph. A bus was very kindly supplied by Sunrise School Division to transport the veterans and others who could not make the long walk. Melanie Schwab opened the ceremony by singing our National Anthem. Legion #164 President read the Scripture; Pastor Jake Doell then said a prayer. Comrade Otto Williams read the Honor Roll.

Past President Lloyd Jones read out the dignitary‚s names that laid wreaths. On leaving the Cenotaph the march continued back the Legion with a salute along the way to Dignitaries in attendance, the Honorable G. Hawranik, MLA for Lac du Bonnet, V. Toews, M.P. for Provencher, Comrade D. Wickstorm President Legion #164, E. Konopetski, L.A. President Provincial Council, R. Bennett, Provincial Command, P. Chapman, Mayor of Lac du Bonnet and B. Skinner, Mayor, Pinawa, MB. The Ladies Auxiliary served a very nice lunch to all that participated. Following the lunch presentations were made. Two life members pins were handed out to Comrade Marilyn Rimmer, Secretary of the Branch and Comrade Leonard Larson, House and Grounds. A special Meritorious Award was given to Comrade Beryl Savage for her many years of service to the Branch.

Membership Years in Good Standing Pins were given to Comrades Fergie Duncan, Victor Popple, Allen Savage and George Hampshire. The color parties will be busy this summer attending other parades in various towns.

Important Legion meetings coming up soon
Legion news

By Comrade Ann Okrainec
Friday May 16, 2008

Dates for Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday, May 20 Br. General Meeting 7:00 P.M.
Tuesday, May 27 L.A. Executive Meeting 7:00 P.M.

Remember all Legion Meetings are on Tuesday of each month. I hope this helps those wanting to attend General Meetings. There seemed to be some confusion. During the summer months of July and August there are no General Meetings for the Branch or L.A. But both still hold Executive Meetings in order to carry on business.

The Branch was involved in the Spring Fling activities at the Community Center in April, planning and hosting the Penny Carnival with the Recreation Office. It was a great success for the children. We appreciate all the help we received from those members who put their names forward.

The L.A. chose to set up a table to sell fresh baking items at the Spring Fling festivities making a total of $368.00. All monies earned will be forwarded to Needy Children Foundation Fund at the Peace Gardens Legion Sports Camp. At the last General Meeting the members decided to round off the figure and donated $500.00 to this worthy cause.

Great job ladies. Also during the Spring Fling event the Br. and L.A. served a lunch of bannock and homemade soup.

The Royal Canadian Legion Sports Foundation Athletic Camp at the International Peace Gardens will commence with week 1 July 13, 2008 to week 6 August 13, 2008. Athletes wishing to attend the Camp for a week or more must register and send in their $200.00 deposit as soon as possible. (Please Xerox a copy of your application form and cheque to Emily at Box 1051 Lac du Bonnet.) Some camps fill up very quickly and you may not get the week you want. Deadline for entry is June 16. The Lac du Bonnet Branch along with the Ladies Auxiliary will financially support athletes registering and reporting to the Legion. Please call Emily Konopetski at 345-8363 for more information. Forms are placed in all schools in the area.
Jam Fests are held the 1st Saturday of each month, 7:00 P.M. at the Legion, this is free and everyone is welcome to attend, however, we appreciate non-members signing in at the door.

Tuesday, May 20 the new members will be initiated at the Branch. Saturday, May 10 the Br. hosted a Mother‚s Day Dinner catering a hot Baron of Beef dinner with all the trimmings. A carnation was given to each lady in attendance. Dancing was enjoyed by a live band. Saturday May 17th the Branch is holding a huge Garage Sale from 9:00 A.M. ˆ 4:00 P.M. Donations are accepted. If you need a pick up for large items call 345-6522.

Reminder of Memorial Day Parade June 8th.

S.S. Band Receives Funds
Legion news

By Cde. Ann Okrainec
Friday April 11, 2008

Pictured above L.A. President Fay Dooley donating $325.00 to the Lac du Bonnet Senior School Band Parents Committee. This cheque will help towards sending student(s) to the International Peace Gardens Band Camp.

Spring (maybe) has finally arrived. Anyway the sun is shinning and we are all ready for summer. The Legion will be holding a Giant Garage Sale on May 17th from 9 – 4. If you have any items to donate to this event feel free to call Dwayne at 345-6522 during the day. We would appreciate any items to be donated. If possible do not drop items off at the Legion until the 14th of May due to our limited space. If you need a pick-up (also not before this date) you can let us know at the above number. The canteen will be open for refreshments. For health reasons we will not be accepting any clothes adult/child or infant. We will also not accept any baby furniture. Your local Legion appreciates your help.

Welcome to Bill Toews who has accepted the position of Sick and Visiting to Branch members. Volunteers are always welcome.

On Saturday, April 5th the first Jam Fest of the season was held at the Legion and everyone was glad to get out and hear this wonderful group of individuals as the hall had an excellent turnout. The Jam Fest will be held the 1st Saturday of each month all summer. Mark this date on your calendar, everyone welcome. Non members must sign in at the door.

The Legion Ladies have been busy with catering. The L.A. was made aware of the Needy Children Fund. Prov. L.A. President, Emily Konopetski recently spoke of children arriving at the International Sports Camp at the Peace Gardens in need of a sleeping bag, shoes etc. As we believe in helping the youth it was decided to donate some monies towards the fund. The L.A. purchased a table at the upcoming Spring Fling on Saturday, April 19th and will hold a bake sale with all proceeds going to the Needy Children Fund. The L.A. also recently donated $325.00 toward the Lac du Bonnet Senior School Band Parents Committee. This donation also helps young adults who attend the International Band Camp. The Branch and L.A. both also made donations recently to the Joint Hospital Visiting Committee to help veterans in need of care.

The Branch is also involved in the up-coming Spring Fling on April 19. Soup and bannock will be served from 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. in the Legion hall jointly by the L.A. and Branch. Volunteers also will be participating working the Penny Carnival and supplying all games. This will be from 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

In the month of May beside the Jam Fest an In-door Golf Tournament will be held at the Legion on May 4th. Sign-up sheets will be in the lounge. Lunch will also be served. There is a $5.00 entry fee for those interested. Keep Mother's Day on your calendar May 10th Dinner and Dance. Tickets will be available in the Lounge. More information will be coming.

Next Branch General Meeting Tuesday, April 15, 7:00 P.M. Next L.A. General Meeting Tuesday, May 6, 7:30 P.M.

Ladies Earn Plaque
Legion news

By Cde. Ann Okrainec
Friday March 14, 2008

Ladies Auxiliary provincial council president Emily Konopetski (centre), presents a plaque to auxiliary president Fay Dooley and Norwood/St. Boniface president Judi Vouriot.

Legion Athletic Camp will be starting from July 13, 2008 and running until August 23 inclusive. The camp is in need of dorm deans/cooks, helpers in any area. If you are interested in volunteering on any position towards the youth, contact your local Legion. Honorarium to you is a t-shirt, jacket and a full tank of gas home. This camp is very important to our youth in all areas, music, basketball, volleyball, equestrian etc. Brochures are around town and in all schools in your area.

Lac du Bonnet L.A. attended a District 6 Spring Rally hosted by the Selkirk Branch March 1st. The ladies brought home some hardware in the form of a plaque for most new members joining the Auxiliary in 2007. Our auxiliary was very proud to accept and share with Norwood/St. Boniface Legion a plaque on most members recruited during the past year.

There were many items of discussion during the day, only two legions were not in attendance from all of District 6. Later in the day a hot meal was prepared and served, prepared joinlt by the Selkirk brand and the Ladies Auxiliary. It was a nice finishing touch to end a productive day.

The Branch’s District 6 meeting is March 15 hosted by the Belgium Vets Branch in Winnipeg.

March 22 is Interlake Darts. Kerry Loe will be here with his dart supplies. The Branch is expecting Gimli, Selkirk, Pine Falls, Beausejour and Winnipeg. Should be a great day.

Reminder of the St. Patrick’s Day dance on March 15th. Also the Garage Sale is coming up May 17 if you are doing any spring cleaning, call your branch for items you would like donated.

The branch and auxiliary will be helping at the local Spring Fling taking place in April. Soup and bannock at noon in the Legion Hall. Children’s Carnival at the Community Centre, and the auxiliary will have a baking table of many items, all monies they receive will be donated to the Sports Foundation Needy Children Fund, which is helping the Youth who go to the Sport Camp but cannot afford running shoes/sleeping bag or amenities.

Is there interest out there among the members of a visitation to other branches in our district. A sign up sheet will be placed in the lounge, or you can contact Lloyd Jones.

Many events are taking place always at your local Legion, if you are interested in signing up as a member, the application forms are in the lounge. If you wish to become a Ladies Auxiliary member give Carmen Tetrault a call at 345-2239.

New Legion website up and running
By Comrade Ann Okrainec
Friday February 22, 2008

Our Legion has been busy. We are now on the net and you can follow our activities by connecting to http:/www.legion.lacdubonnet.info, this is a great site to enter. Bill Campbell really put a lot of effort into this endeavor with me.

On Saturday the Entertainment Committee headed up by Jim Law held a Valentine Dance and hot supper. It went off really well considering the weather; those in attendance had a good time and helped Lennart Larson celebrate a birthday. Look forward to March, better weather, and a St. Patrick's Day dinner and dance, information and tickets are available on the net and Legion reader board.

There were three new members initiated in the Ladies Auxiliary meeting on February 5th and 17 new members initiated at the Branch meeting on February 19th. Welcome all new members, if you wish to become involved on any committee you are more than welcome. A reader board is at the front entrance to the lounge. Committee names are posted if you want to contact any of them. February 23 there will be Sweetheart Darts at the Legion, as well as our regular Meat Draw.

The Ladies Auxiliary will be guests of Selkirk Legion for a District 6 meeting on March 1st. Branch will be attending a District 6 Meeting in Winnipeg at the Belgium Vets Legion on March 15th.

Congratulations to Beryl Savage and Joe Gurniak winners of Doubles in Provincial Cribbage recently at the Transcona Legion, their playoffs will be held March 8 at Fort Garry Legion in Winnipeg. The Sports Foundation tea will be held in Wpg. on February 24th.

All members who are thinking of spring-cleaning remember we will be holding a gigantic garage sale on May 17th. (No baby items please). More information will be forthcoming in the following weeks. However, you can contact our President, Dwayne Wickstrom at the Branch for information.

Congratulations to Beryl Savage and Joe Gurniak winners of Doubles in Provincial Cribbage recently at the Transcona Legion, their playoffs will be held March 8 at Fort Garry Legion in Winnipeg. The Sports Foundation tea will be held in Wpg. on February 24^th.

All members who are thinking of spring-cleaning remember we will be holding a gigantic garage sale on May 17^th. (No baby items please). More information will be forthcoming in the following weeks. However, you can contact our President, Dwayne Wickstrom at the Branch for information.

Making history
Legion members both elected to provincial council

By Marc Zienkiewicz
Friday February 15, 2008

Konopetski (left) and Hampshire have both been elected to the Manitoba-Northwestern Ontario Ladies Auxiliary provincial council.

Photo by Marc Zienkiewicz

Two members of Lac du Bonnet’s Royal Canadian Legion branch 164 have made history after recently being elected to the Manitoba-Northwestern Ontario Ladies Auxiliary provincial council.

Emily Konopetski has assumed the role of president of the provincial council and Jackie Hampshire will serve as sergeant-at-arms. It is the first time that two ladies from the same Legion branch and district (both are members of District 6) have been elected to the council in the same year.

Konopetski has held all positions on the council and was elected president in Winnipeg at the council’s convention last year. Hampshire was elected at the same convention after the former sergeant-at-arms retired.

“We’re all so proud of them,” Ladies Auxiliary member Ann Okrainec said.

Both ladies have a combined total of 62 years -- exactly 31 years each -- in the Ladies Auxiliary.

Konopetski, 73, had five uncles who served in the Armed Forces, and said being a Legion member has always been important to her.

“I know what my uncles all went through and it’s important for me to remember that,” she said.
Hampshire, 56, echoed the same sentiments as well.

“My grandfather suffered for years as a result of his experiences (in battle). Remembrance Day was the hardest day on the calendar for him. He always said ‘I don’t need just one day to remember -- I think about it 365 days a year,’” she said.

Both ladies plan to stay active within the Legion for years to come.

“We believe in this organization and what it stands for,” Hampshire said

New board elected at Legion
Legion news

By Comrade Ann Okrainec
Friday February 01, 2008

On Christmas Day the Legion Ladies and the Branch together hosted a hot Christmas dinner. Those who prepare the meal donate their time and day for anyone who is home alone. This is open to all; you do not have to be a Legion member.

It may be the year that your children are spending Christmas with other loved ones, or gone on a holiday, so why must you sit home, come out and enjoy the company of others who find the day longer than usual. The New Year arrived very nicely with the Lac du Bonnet Branch hosting a New Year's Dance with a hot lunch. Although it was cold everyone who attended had a great time and the music man kept everyone on the dance floor. On New Year's Day the Branch hosted their annual New Year's Levy at which the Branch encourager's everyone who can, attend the camaraderie and enjoy the clam chowder. This year along with the traditional clam chowder there was potato soup and a light lunch. You don't have to be a Legion member to attend this wonderful day. But everyone attending must sign in. Keep this in mind for next year.

During the New Year's Levy some of the Executive for 2008-9 were elected. Your new Executive are: President, Dwayne Wickstorm; Past President, Lloyd Jones; 1st Vice President, Norm Rimmer; 2nd Vice President, Otto Williams; Secretary, Marilyn Rimmer; Treasurer, Rose Fifi; and Sgt.-at-Arms Bob Hampshire. Your Executive Committee are: Poppy Trust, Sharron Wickstrom; Sports, Bob Stevenson; House and Grounds, Lennart Larson; Publicity, Ann Okrainec, Bingo/Membership, Beryl Savage; and Entertainment Jim Law. The Executive will do their best making your local Branch a place for members to enjoy.

Remember there is much to enjoy at your Branch such as Bingo, Pokeno, TableTop Curling, Darts, Bridge etc. Feel free to give us a call if you would like to become part of any activity taking place. In the mean time remember, February is not far away and it will warm up. A reminder also the Branch will be hosting a Valentine Dance, posters are posted around town.

On Saturday, January 26 the Lac du Bonnet Branch 61 hosted a Dart Tournament. A big thanks goes out to Dwayne Wickstrom and Beryl Savage for their dedication to sports and hours spent putting the events together. We were very pleased to have Zone 61 Commander Chuck Trefry in attendance. Congratulations to the winners. DART SINGLES: Tim Breton; Tony Moss and Dwayne Wickstrom. TEAM DOUBLES: Tim Breton; Tony Moss; Bob Hampshire; Ester Toews; Doreen Champagne and Dwayne Wickstrom. 1ST IN TEAMS: Marcel Guay; Grant Dugand; Tony Moss and Tim Breton. 2ND IN TEAMS: Doreen Champagne; Bob Hampshire, Dwayne Wickstrom and Ester Toews. 3RD IN TEAMS: Otto Williams; Cindy Law; Jim Law and Allan Savage.