It’s a new year and era for our Legion branch following the annual general meeting last week. There were 47 voting members at the meeting, as well as a few guests including Sask Command Chairman Ray Marjoram and District Commander Carol Pedersen.
Comrade Pederson was invited to join Pres. Verda Hoppe in initiating new member Celia Schreiner.
Elections
Comrade Marjoram was asked to run the election. His first request was to have Pres. Hoppe’s name added back on the nomination list for president. When he asked whether nominees would allow their names to stand, Comrade Hoppe declined, saying 16 years was long enough. Shauna Grassing and Roberta Wheeler also declined their nomination, leaving Comrades Laurie Unger and Gord Joyes on the slate. After a secret ballot vote, Comrade Joyes emerged as the new president of Branch #120. Congratulations and best of luck over the next year.
Nominated for first vice-president were G. Joyes, R. Wheeler; and Unger. Comrade Joyes was removed and Comrade Wheeler declined, leaving Comrade Unger acclaimed.
For second vice-president nominees were Seeve Penzes, D. Propp, L. Unger and Helen Hodgson. Comrade Unger was removed and Comrades Penzes and Propp declined, leaving Comrade Hodgson acclaimed.
For Secretary, incumbent Comrade S. Grassing was the only nominee.
For treasurer Comrade R. Wheeler was nominated and Comrade L. Unger declined, leaving Comrade Wheeler acclaimed.
For at large (seven positions): B.Emmons, Helen Hodgson, G. Joyes, S. Penzes, D. Propp, Darwin Wheeler, R. Wheeler, Jack Grassing, Kevin Stene, Amanda Lyons and Pam Senger were nominated. Due to an oversight of not obtaining a letter from Comrade Emmons, accepting his nomination, his name was removed as were Comrades Joyes, Hodgson, and R. Wheeler as already elected to other positions, leaving seven names acclaimed. Stene and Lyons had given letters accepting the nomination although not present.
Meeting reports
Retiring treasurer Tania Cherny gave her final report on 2016, showing we are in good financial position with inventories completed and the balance sheet indicating a surplus. She recommended that Nipawin Agencies do the 2016 financial review and a motion was passed to that effect.
A letter from Pres. Ken Box advised the annual fundraising telephone appeal for the Military Service book that recognizes and honours Saskatchewan’s veterans is underway until June. Businesses are asked to purchase advertising space and private citizens are asked to contribute as well. Any questions may be directed to toll free number 1-866-471 VETS(8387).
Poppy chair Helen Hodgson reported that a donation of $2,000 was given to the hospital for a digital X-Ray machine. The Branch was paid $675 for the meals for veterans, spouses and widows on Nov.11. The elevator repair bill of $542 was paid. The bursaries will be continued at LP Miller. The Poppy levy to Saskatchewan Command of $2,323 was also paid.
Ways and means chair Comrade Joyes also reported on continued success of Chase the Ace bar proceeds as well as good profits from bingo and Nevadas, although more volunteers are needed.
Comrade Hoppe reported on the Lotto 100, whose year ends in February. Renewal letters are going out as well as posting on the website. Funds from the Lotto paid for refurbishment of the hall floor as well as a repair bill of nearly $900 for heater in the entryway. Only 100 tickets are available and may not be sold after the first draw for new year on Mar. 7 at bingo. There are 52 draws for prizes from $50-$1,000.
Pres. Joyes invited Past President Hoppe to perform closing ceremonies as her last official duty.
Competitions
The Legion sports program for 2017 is now underway, with six cribbage players from our Branch advancing to Zone competition in Hudson Bay last Sunday. In the Closed team event our team of Dave Propp, Kevin Duchscherer, Lawrence Fisher and Pat Daly were successful as were the doubles team of Eileen Wagar and Duchscherer (subbing for Roberta Wheeler) and singles player Comrade Duchscherer. We had no entries in the Open category. District play will be in Nipawin Feb. 25 and winners from that advance to Provincials, also in Nipawin from Mar. 17-19.
The branch darts competition was held last week with the following results: in the Open category the winning team was Jack, Shauna and Janine Grassing along with Rocky Reine. Winning doubles were Jack Grassing and Comrade Reine with runners-up Janine and Mom Shauna Grassing and in third were Laurie Unger and daughter Brittany Lyons. Jack Grassing finished on top in singles play followed by Reine and Unger.
In the Closed category, there were only four entries. David Propp, Bill Cragg, Earl Stirling Brown and Kevin Duchscherer will be the team; Propp and Cragg are the top doubles team with Stirling Brown and Duchscherer second while Propp won singles play followed by Cragg, Stirling Brown and Duchscherer.
Darts provincials will be at Saskatoon Nutana, Mar. 3-5 with winners in closed events advancing to Dominion competition in Brooks, Alta. from May 5-8.
Nipawin will be hosting the Sask. Youth Darts provincials at the Legion Feb. 17-18. The annual Sask Darts Pines Open darts tournament will be held this weekend on Friday evening and all day Saturday. Spectators are welcome.
The 8-ball pool continues on Thursday evenings and everyone is welcome to come and play.
