By Arleen Morrow, Lori-Ann Summerfield and Marilyn Deslauriers.

CONSTANCE BAY- Branch 616 once again thanks all the hard-working volunteers for their effort in keeping the Legion running smoothly in the black. Anyone needing help with their event – there is a list of volunteers with contact info in the kitchen.

Anyone wishing to volunteer, please add your name to the list.

The house dart leagues are winding down their season. New players are still welcome to come out to spare during the few weeks left. This will give them an idea of what to expect as regular members and may encourage them to join the leagues when play resumes in September.

The euchre team of Jim Wilson, Gloria Wilson, Donna Keays, and John Keays placed first at District and will be going to Provincial in May. Congratulations, team! This means that Branch 616 will be hosting District Euchre next season! We also had a first at Zone Mixed Doubles. Heidi Karow and Rob Gallant have advanced to District, so we have a shot at hosting that event also.

The Veterans Summer Party will be on Saturday, June 15. Everyone is encouraged to attend this celebration of our heroes from the Perley/Rideau Health Centre and those of all modern-day conflicts. Help is needed to serve lunch, clean up, and just generally lend a hand in making our visitors comfortable. Anyone interested in joining the floor show is most welcome. Contact Arleen at 613-800-5057.

Last Post

Branch 616 said farewell this month to another long-time member. The crib players are going to miss Ron Arbour. Condolences go out to his family from everyone at the Branch. R.I.P Comrade.

Past Events

Tuesday, March 5: St. Gabriel’s Pancake Supper. There was a full house for this event, held at the Branch by our local parish. The food was delicious – Beans by Bob, and real maple syrup for the pancakes! Thank you to St. Gabriel’s for once again choosing the Legion for their event. (pics p 3)

Sunday, March 10: Euchre. The top prize for this euchre session was taken by Karen DeHoog and Jane Lunney. Kathryn and Walter Biggar were second, with Gabby Martinez and Martin Coutlee placing third. Thank you all for coming! Sunday euchres are working out!

Sunday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Party. From two o’clock in the afternoon and into the evening, the Branch was busy with a continuous flow of people who came to enjoy the music of Forever Friends and try the Irish stew. Some came at two and stayed right through to the end. Everyone had a ball being green and partaking of the green food and drinks. A big Thank You to all the party people and volunteers who were Irish for a day.

Saturday, March 23: Annual Theresa Wilson Memorial Dart Tourney. Harriet Farrell outdid herself for this one! She rounded up twenty-three teams for this event, which means ninety-two women showed up! They came from everywhere – Stittsville, Almonte, Kanata, etc. etc. The tournament was won by Connie Cormier, Jen Barr, Vicki McDougall, and CindyLou Boudreau from Almonte. West Carleton had 8 teams entered.

The W.C. team of Nancy Atchison, Sandi Sbardella, Helen Smith and Anita Kamps placed fifth. Thank you to Harriet, Gloria Wilson and the kitchen helpers, the bar help, the players, and everyone else who contributed to this excellent day.

Friday, March 29: Trivia Challenge. Top marks in Trivia went to Arleen Morrow. Michelle Bainbridge came second, and Marina David third. Congrats girls! Thank you to Kevin Johnson as quizmaster and all who came out to play.

Coming Up

Saturday, April 13: Bunny Shoot! Jim Wilson will be supervising this annual dart tourney. Blind draw doubles, 1 man, 1 woman teams. Registration 11 a.m. play at 11:30 a.m. Open to players 19 years old and up. Take a shot at winning your Easter ham!

Friday, April 19: Branch 616 Triathlon. Remember this popular event of 25 years ago? It has been revived! Please join us for a session of Euchre, a shot at Darts, and a turn at Washer Toss. Blind draw for partners.

Registration is at 10:30 a.m., play will start at 11 a.m. The entry fee is $15.00 and there will be food available. Open to everyone 19 years of age and up. Sunday, April 21: Annual Children’s Easter Party. 12:30 p.m. Bring your kids down to the Branch for some Easter Sunday fun before dinner! There will be snacks, crafts, and cupcake decorating! The Easter Bunny will drop in with treats! Everyone Welcome!

Saturday, May 4: Tony True Night! 8 p.m. The Sandhill Seniors are sponsoring another fun night at the Branch! Tony was on stage with Elvis at the Seniors Christmas party. He can do any voice requested, so line up your favorite tunes and come on down! Tickets are $15 and will be at the bar soon. Snacks are included.

Sunday, May 25: Ladies Dart Banquet, Windup Party: details to follow

Don’t Forget

Next L.A. meeting – Monday May 6, 7 p.m.: Elections

Next Branch meeting – Monday April 15, Executive 6:30 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 thirrd 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 & L.A., third Monday of February & August 7 p.m.

Every Tuesday: Ladies Darts 7 p.m.

Every Wednesday: Bingo! 7:15 p.m. *On hiatus till further notice.

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, $10.60 + tax; Children under 9, half price; Toddlers, No Charge. Premium prices will be posted.