CONSTANCE BAY – the West Carleton Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 616, hosts its annual Remembrance Day service Saturday, Nov. 9 with the Legion Parade starting at 1:30 p.m.

Branch 616 traditionally chooses to have their service on the last Saturday before Remembrance Day so members could also attend the Remembrance Day service on Parliament Hill.

In other branch news, Branch 616 is into the third and final month of the Early Bird Campaign. After Nov. 30, dues revert to $60 payable by Dec. 31. The branch is pleased to see so many have taken advantage of the eary bird discount, plus a chance to win their money back. The winner for October is Kay Wilson. Congratulations Comrade! 

The Poppy Campaign is well underway. The branch has tables at Sobeys, Metro, and the LCBO on March Road where poppies and poppy products are available until Nov. 10. It’s not too late to volunteer at these venues; you can do so by contacting the branch or dropping by and adding your name to the calendar of volunteers. 

Branch 616 Remembrance Day will be on Saturday, Nov. 9. The branch will open at noon. A bus will be available for transportation to the corner of Constance Bay Road and McConnell Lane where the parade will form up at 1 p.m. At 1:30 p.m. the parade will march off to the Legion cenotaph for the ceremony of Remembrance. The bar will be closed during the ceremony. After the service, everyone is invited inside for a late lunch. 

Branch 616 Ladies Auxiliary Sports have had a record start to the season. Singles/Doubles Zone Darts were held here in October. Debbie Wilson took first place in singles and Harriet Farrell/Denise Lyttle placed first in doubles. Five singles and four doubles teams have qualified for the district playdown in Kingston. Two cribbage teams also qualified for district with Branch 616 coming in first and third at Zone. Congrats, girls! Provincials are next. 

Last Post: Comrade Bernadette Day left us suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 1. Bernie was an active member of the branch and the ladies auxiliary and had served on both executives including LA President. Our condolences to her family. R.I.P., Friend and Comrade. 

Past events 

Saturday, Oct. 12: Tony True Night. As usual, Tony put on a great show, emulating a wide range of stars from Nat King Cole to Johnny Cash. Thank you to Jim and Gloria Wilson and the Seniors Club for inviting him. 

Friday, Oct. 25: Halloween Party. Thank you to Barb and Ric O’Dell for the great dance music. Thanks to Barb and Denise Lyttle for helping with the clean-up. 

Coming up 

Saturday, Nov. 9. Branch 616 Remembrance Day. 

Saturday, Nov. 23: Ladies Auxiliary Zone Darts, Teams. 

Saturday, Nov. 30: Veterans Christmas Party. The bus bringing our guests from the Perley/Rideau arrives at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served, followed by the 616 floor show. Forever Friends will entertain throughout the visit. Please feel free to come out to meet and greet the guests, make them comfortable, help serve lunch. Veterans of all genres are our guests. 

Sunday, Dec. 1: Ladies Auxiliary Annual Christmas Bazaar. 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors tables $12 each or $20 for two. Door will be open to vendors at 7:30 a.m. Please call the Branch at 613-832-2082 to reserve your spot and arrange payment. 

Sunday, Dec. 8: Children’s Christmas Party. 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch, crafts, treats, and a visit from Santa! Parents, please bring a $10 or less wrapped Secret Santa gift for Santa to hand out to each child. 

Saturday, Dec. 21: Branch Christmas Party. ‘Nt Neml’ entertaining. More details to follow 

Sunday, Dec. 22: Turkey Shoot. Register at 11 a.m. play at 11:30 a.m. Blind draw mixed doubles. Open to everyone 19 years and over. Win your Christmas bird! 

Next branch meeting – Monday Nov. 18: 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 or the entertainment chairman at 613-800-5057. 

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 thirrd Monday of every second month: Branch General Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Joint Meeting of Branch & LA 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). 

RED FRIDAYS – Please show your support for our troops and their families and to the families of the 158 soldiers killed in Afghanistan, by WEARING RED ON FRIDAYS.