CONSTANCE BAY – Branch 616 congratulates the West Carleton Warriors peewee hockey team, with the help and support of the community, on winning the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup plus $100,000 for the Dunrobin disaster relief fund. The team has certainly done good deeds and deserves this honour.

The branch had another busy month of February in spite of the bone-chilling temperatures and record snowfall. Three main events filled both halls to capacity – Comrade Rick Charlebois’ 70th birthday, the Old Sled Run, and the Celebration of Life for Comrade Rick Dooher. Along with these we had our usual meetings and Friday night dinners, plus every day patronage and dart nights. Also, Jim Wilson held a Euchre Day on a Sunday which went over very well, so looks like euchre will be on Sundays now.

Branch 616 is very much into the Legion interbranch sports program, sending teams to all events. For Example, one seniors doubles dart team is advancing to District, three cribbage teams went to District in Orleans, and the team of Heidi Karow and Rob Gallant placed first in Mixed Doubles and will be advancing to District in Finch.

It’s not too late to bring your membership up to date and join in Zone activities. Only members in good standing are eligible to participate.

The Ladies Auxiliary Annual Zone Convention is to be hosted by Branch 192 Carleton Place on Sunday, May 5, 1 a.m. The Branch Zone Council is on March 10 at 638 Kanata, at 11 p.m.

Thanks to Shadine and Kevin Robinson and family, the annual Children’s Fishing Derby which went off like gangbusters. The branch and the ladies auxiliary always give a generous donation to this fun day for the children.

Next branch meeting: Monday, March 18 – executive meeting at 6:30 p.m. General meeting at 7:30 p.m. Branch members are urged to attend the general meeting. Important issues are up for discussion. First Vice President Bogie Procyk will treat all attendees of the general meeting to a complimentary drink following the meeting.

Coming up

Sunday, March 10: Euchre! Another Sunday fun tourney open to everyone 19 years of age and over. The games start at 1 p.m. Grab your partner and come on down. No partner? Come anyway, pick one up here.

Sunday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Celebration. Get your green on and be Irish for a day at the branch. The party starts at 2 p.m. Forever Friends will be here to entertain you and you can entertain each other with your own inimitable renditions of karaoke. Stew will be available starting at 4 p.m. for $8 including buns, dessert, and tea or coffee. Everyone Welcome.

Saturday, March 23: Theresa Wilson Memorial Dart Tourney. Overseen by Harriet Farrell, this annual event is open to all females 19 years of age and over. Get your team of four together and sign up. Pre-register and get more info by calling Harriet at the Branch 613-8322082 or on her cell 613-806-1789.

Friday, March 29: Trivia Challenge. Be prepared to exercise your brain cells – you never know what Jim Wilson is going to ask you to do for this challenge. Starts at 7 p.m. after TGIF dinner (lasagna, full course). Small entry fee, total prize payout.

Friday, April 19: Branch 616 Triathlon. (TBC) Remember this popular event of 25 years ago? Plans are in the works for resurrection. The details haven’t been firmed up yet, but we are thinking euchre, pool and darts. Or, depending on the weather, horseshoes. Watch for posters and Facebook ads.

Saturday, April 20: Bunny Shoot. Jim will be organizing this annual dart tourney. Blind draw doubles, one man, onr woman per team. Come out and try for an Easter ham. Open to everyone 19 years old and up.

Sunday, April 21: Annual Children’s Easter Party. 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.

Don’t forget

Next L.A. meeting – Monday April 1, 7 p.m.

Next Branch meeting – Monday March 18, Executive 6:30 p.m. General 7:30 p.m.

Musical Opportunity: Branch 616 is offering the hall to aspiring musicians who would like to have a place to practice, free of charge on Friday nights after TGIF dinner. Perhaps you need to try out your act on an audience or iron out some kinks or break in a new number. Call the branch if interested 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.

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

Joint meeting of Branch & Ladies Auxiliary, third Monday of February and August 7 p.m.

Every Tuesday: Ladies 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 meal content. Basic price Adults, $10.60 + tax;

Children under nine, half price; Toddlers, No Charge. Premium prices TBA.