May Smokehouse
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Building Strength Through People – Branch 29 Update
As we continue in our efforts to strengthen Legion Branch 29, it is clear that our success depends on people—dedicated individuals who bring the talent and commitment needed to make things happen.
Some time ago, I appointed Mark Ford as Sergeant-at-Arms and Awards Chair, and I am pleased to say that progress is well underway in both areas. I have also asked Mark to begin exploring potential real estate opportunities as we consider the future possibility of relocating our Legion to a new property.
Charles Prystupa has taken on the role of Membership Chair, and through our discussions, it is evident he is already making meaningful progress in addressing some of the challenges we face. Charles also brings valuable IT expertise that will be a great asset moving forward.
Building a strong team focused on a common goal is essential to ensuring that Branch 29 remains a vital part of the Paris community for many years to come. I have reached out to several newer members to join our executive team and look forward to their responses.
With BBQ season just around the corner, we are pleased to report that our first meat draw of the season was a success. We look forward to continuing this momentum with monthly draws in the months ahead.
I would also like to recognize a few of our dedicated volunteers who consistently go above and beyond each week, including Sue Bohar and Randy Monday. Their behind-the-scenes efforts do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated.
To our current executive, thank you for the ongoing work and dedication you bring each month. It is also encouraging to see new volunteers stepping forward, ready to contribute and support their Legion.
100th Anniversary News
Preparations for our 100th Anniversary continue to gain momentum. Our poppy count has now surpassed 8,700, an incredible milestone made possible through the generosity and support of our community. While we have set the end of June as the official cutoff date for poppy donations, we will continue to accept contributions beyond that point. However, we do hope the number of incoming poppies begins to taper off so we can focus our efforts on the next phase—attaching them to the netting.
The Anniversary Committee has been hard at work organizing a mix of new fundraising initiatives alongside some of our tried-and-true favourites. We encourage everyone to support these efforts by attending upcoming Legion events, including the Mother’s Day High Tea and Mother’s Day Brunch. Tickets for both events are available at the bar for $20.00.
Together, we are building a stronger Branch 29.
