CONSTANCE BAY – Branch 616 wishes everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. 2019 was a very good year.

Branch membership is up, and the Ladies Auxiliary membership has nearly doubled. There were numerous successful events, both standing and special. July and August were quiet but the function hall for the rest of the year was booked solid. The branch continues to operate in the black. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. The only down times were the Last Posts for Comrades Bernie Day, Vicki Burrill and Ron Arbour. 

Thank you to everyone who took advantage of the Early Bird Campaign. Membership is 80 per cent paid up for 2020. Those who haven’t submitted as yet, there is still time to do so and remain in good standing. Just drop in and see the bartender who will take your payment and issue your card and a receipt. 

The branch made a donation of $2,500 to the Centurion Sea Cadets in acknowledgement of their participation in the Poppy Campaign and Branch Remembrance Day. 

The first meetings of the New Year are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20. The executive meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. followed by the general meeting at 7:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend.

TGIF dinners and Ladies Darts took a Christmas break but everything is back on schedule now. 

Past events 

Saturday, Dec. 14 Seniors Christmas Party: Once again Jim and Gloria Wilson and the Sandhill Seniors Executive organized an excellent evening. After a delicious turkey dinner by Harriet Farrell and helpers, Tony True did a return engagement, providing excellent entertainment. Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed to this annual event. 

Tuesday, Dec. 17 Ladies’ Darts Christmas Pajama Party: The dart ladies took a break from their regular schedule and had a great Christmas fun night. After a delicious hot and cold potluck buffet, fun games were played, raising $125 for the food bank. Santa paid a visit bringing gifts for everyone, and Julie Goudreau won the prize for best pajamas. Thank you to all who participated.

Saturday, Dec. 21 Branch Christmas Bash: Thank you to all the volunteers who made this another great evening for the branch. Nt Nrml kept the house rocking until 1 a.m.Thank you, everyone, for coming to our party (there were lots of younger folks: future Legionaires!)!

Sunday, Dec. 22 Annual Turkey Shoot: There was an excellent turnout for this dart tourney. Six shooters won Christmas turkeys and the last place team got turkey cold cuts. Coming in first was the team of Todd Legere and Sandi Sbardella. Rob Gallant and Donna Keays placed second. Lisa Nothnagel and Tom Watters were third. Thank you to Jim Wilson for organizing and Harriet Farrell on the bar and food.

Jan. 1, 2020: New Year’s Day Levee: Branch 616 Annual Open House: There was a great turnout to help Branch 616 meet and greet the New Year. Zone Commander Rob Madore and Deputy L.A. Zone Commander Elaine Madore dropped in for a visit. Thank you to the kitchen crew who laid out the abundant and delicious buffet.

Coming up

TGIF Dinner Schedule: Jan. 10, BBQ Ribs; Jan. 17, Roast Beef; Jan. 24, Chicken Parmesan;

Jan. 31, Ham & Scalloped Potatoes. Check out the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 616 Facebook page on Wednesday and Thursday for full menus and prices.

Saturday, Jan. 11: Seniors Zone Darts

Saturday Feb. 8: Ladies Day. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., set up at 11 a.m. Vendors tables, no cost. Call the branch at 613-832-2082 or Helene at 613-858-2544. Everyone welcome.

Sunday, Feb. 9: Roly Armitage Birthday Party.

Sunday, Feb. 16: Old Sled Run

Don’t forget

Next Ladies Auxiliary meeting – Monday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.

Next Branch meeting – Monday, Jan. 20: Executive 6:30 p.m. General 7:30 p.m.

Musical Opportunity: Branch 616 is offering the hall free of charge to aspiring musicians who would like to have a place to practice on Friday nights after TGIF dinner. Perhaps you need to try out your act on an audience, iron out some kinks, or break in a new number. Call the branch at 613-832-2082 or the entertainment chairman at 613-800-5057 to book a session.

We have an 80 to 100 capacity hall for rent. Call the branch for info 613-832-2082.

Standing dates

Monday: Every first Monday: Ladies Auxiliary Meeting 7 p.m.

Every third Monday: Branch Executive Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Every third Monday of every second month: Branch General Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Joint Meeting of Branch and Ladies Auxiliary: third Monday of February and August 7 p.m.

Every Tuesday: Ladies Darts 7 p.m.

Every Wednesday: Mixed Darts 7 p.m.

Every Thursday: Carpet Bowling 1 p.m. Men’s Darts 7:30 p.m.

Every Friday: Cribbage 2 p.m.

TGIF Dinner 5:30 p.m. Charges will vary according to content. Basic Price for Adults, $12.40 + tax;

Children under nine, half price; Toddlers, no charge. Premium prices will be posted (e.g. Roast Beef $16. incl. tax).