COLUMN – Branch 616 has received a directive on procedure via email for when doors re-open.

Strict COVID-19 requirements are to be followed until such time as we are declared virus-free. We have not yet received any directive from the Ontario government to reopen the doors.

Comrades, you can still process your 2020 membership renewal online. New members can also be accepted online. If you need assistance with this, or wish to process any change manually, contact Membership Chair Kevin Johnson at 613-832-3170.

The Perley/Rideau Centre reports that the facility was in the clear until last week when sadly one new outbreak of COVID-19 was detected. That person was moved to isolation immediately and the infection was contained. Our 616 Comrade Bill Berry (Korean vet) is among the healthy. Bev Berry cannot physically visit Bill, but they keep in touch via Facetime.

The community gardens are well underway and all plots are assigned. Garden manager Lynda Boland is doing a fine job as are the gardeners. Command keeps us updated with reports and bulletins via email. We can only hope this pandemic will soon be over so we can get back on track and resume where we left off in March.

We remain at the service of our veterans and the community.

Don’t forget

Next L.A. meeting – tba

Next Branch meeting – tba

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 at 613-832-2082.