NEWS BRANCH PHOTOS Lots to see ... - Royal Canadian Legion

8T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N DSpring 2011Notes from NunavutCaribou feeding near Iqaluit.Iqaluit todayThe Iqaluit of the twenty-first century is a veritablehub of activity by northern standards. As the territorialcapital, and therefore officially a city, it houses theNunavut Legislature, the headquarters of all governmentdepartments and the senior bureaucracy. It servesas the home for many Inuit organisations, it links thethree Nunavut regions of Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin), Kivalliq(west coast of Hudson Bay) and Kitikmeot (CentralArctic) and its influence extends throughout the Inuitcircumpolar world.It is the transportation and communications centreof the territory (one that is only accessible by air mostof the year), and provides air links with all Nunavutcommunities, with Yellowknife and southern Canada.But it is its status as the political centre of Nunavutthat gives Iqaluit its real significance, stemming fromthe many years of negotiations between Inuit and thefederal government that culminated in the 1993 landclaim settlement and the creation of Nunavut in 1999.As a modern community, Iqaluit can offer a wellequippedhospital, emergency services, a number ofhotels and restaurants, several schools and daycares, theArctic College, a museum, a visitors’ centre, a library,arenas, a curling rink, a movie theatre, art galleries,cable T.V., high speed Internet, cell phones, serviceclubs, a variety of stores, a host of recreational andentertainment options and probably more computersfor a place its size than anywhere in Canada!At the same time, many Inuit customs are still verymuch a visible part of community life. Hunting, fishingand trapping continue year round, skin clothing is stillworn and women continue to carry their young in traditionalamoutiit. Carvers can often be seen working outsidetheir homes, native arts and crafts can be bought inmost stores and galleries, while festivals and displays ofInuit dance, song, drama and fashion are regular events.The community has managed to pioneer a blendingof Inuit and Non-Inuit ways so that much of itsunique flavour lies in its cross-cultural contrasts andcombinations. This is a place where Inuktitut, Frenchand English can be heard in daily use; where men incaribou-skin parkas go hunting wild animals while jetaircraft fly overhead; where sealskins are scraped andcleaned in homes that may also house a television anda computer. It is perhaps the access to this unusualblend of three cultures, coupled with an over-ridingfeeling of freedom and spaciousness, that draws peopleto make their homes here in ever-increasing numbers.In many ways Iqaluit offers the best of both worlds.It lends easy access to the rugged northern landscape,its people and their traditions, while at the same timeproviding the conveniences and modern facilities of aCanadian territorial capital.Notes from Nunavut is a regular column providing backgroundon Canada’s newest territory and its people. Nick Newberyis a teacher, author and photographer who spent 30 years inthe North and who recently retired to Nova Scotia. The photographswhich accompany this article are drawn from three coffeetable books he produced on the Eastern Arctic, all published byThe Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 168, in Iqaluit.

Spring 2011 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D9Game action during the Pictou County Legion Zone Curling Bonspielheld on March 13 and hosted by Westville Legion.Zone curling bonspiel heldTilda Raney-FlemingNew Glasgow LegionBranch 34The Pictou CountyAnnual Fun Day LegionZone Curling was held onMarch 13.Hosted by WestvilleLegion Branch 35, participatinglegions includedTrenton Branch 29, PictouBranch 16 and NewGlasgow Branch 34.In 1979, Olands Brewerydonated the trophywhich is handed out eachyear to the winning team.In 1979 the very firstteam to win the trophywas Pictou Legion Branch16 and this year, 2011,the trophy went to PictouBranch 16.Pictou team playersconsisted of RickieRae, Jerry Betts, ToddHantsford, Draper Hardy,Danny White, Gary Beck,Donna Cyr, Micke Murdock,Eric Veniot, RobertMacNeil, Rose and BrentMacLellan and GlenJoudrie.Second place went toTrenton Branch 29. Thirdplace winners were NewGlasgow ,Branch 34. Thefourth place rink wasWestville Branch 35.With approxemately50 people in attendance,Westville Legion provideda luncheon and, after thegames, members returnedto Westville LegionBranch 35 for chili andclam chowder. Prizes werehanded out to all whoparticipated. A specialthank you goes out to theWestville Branch 35 for ajob well done as host.

Spring 2011 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D11Zone and Branch newssAbove, Dominion Command Past PresidentComrade Wilfred Edmond (left) presents ComradeKenneth Ferguson with his 65 year servicepin at the 2010 Honours and Awards ceremonyat RCL Branch 12 Sydney. A Life membership wasalso presented to Branch 12 Comrade ShirleyGreen during the ceremony.Dominion Command Past President ComradeWilfred Edmond (left) presents Comrade HectorHuntington with his 65-year service pin atthe 2010 Honours and Awards ceremony at RCLBranch 12, Sydney.New Glasgow Legion Branch 34 hosted an award presentation on February 23, 2011 certificateswere presented to our legion members of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 65 years of service. President JohnDesmand made a special Medal presentation to our Legion members of 50,60 and 65 years alongwith our special guest New Glasgow Mayor Barry MacMillan made presentations on behalf of theTown of New Glasgow. (1st row) Harvey MacLeod 50 year medal, E.C. Mingo 65 year medal, HarryFerguson 50 year medal, Gordie MacDougall has 51 years in - last year Gordie received his 50 yearmedal, Fred Mombourquette 60 year medal; (2nd row) 1st Vice President Don Kennedy, Service OfficerGlen Alexander, New Glasgow Mayor Barry MacMillan, Awards Chairwoman Mary Austin, PresidentJohn Desmond.Branch 12 President Mike Flemming presentsthe 2010 Legionnaire of the Year award to 1stVice Comrade Alfie Giorno CD. The awards ceremonytook place Friday, September 24.

12 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N DSpring 2011Zone and Branch newssSt. Peters Branch 47 presented $4000 from their hospital fund to Dr.Kingston Memorial Fund Raising Drive for the new medical clinic. Above,Branch 47 President Jackie Hopkins makes a presentation to fund raisingmembers Steve Sampson, Treka Burke and Carolyn Martell.St. Peters Branch 47 President Jackie Hopkins presents an appreciationcertificate to Richmond Municipal Council for donating over $20,000 tohelp defray the $40,000 plus cost of the branch’s new septic system. Above,councillors Steve MacNeil, Brain Marchand, Shirley McNamara and GilbertBouchie accept the certificate on behalf of council.St. Peters Branch 47 President Jackie Hopkinspresents District Commander and Branch 47 pastpresident Ted Martens with an Honourary Presidentplaque. This award was given for the firsttime by the branch.Cape Breton District Commander Ted Martenspresents Lillian Peeples with the Branch 47Legionnaire of the Year award during legionceremonies in January.Branch 47 President Jackie Hopkins presentsJohanna Martens with her name plate that willbe put on the branch honour board for the yearsof service she has given to the branch.The Town of New Glasgow Community Development Department heldtheir 2011 Municipal Volunteer Ceremony on April 12 and thanked thevolunteers for their outstanding contribution to others in our community.Among the recipients for Community Group Volunteers were Royal CanadianLegion Branch 34 members Glen Alexander (Service officer) and GordonMacDougall. Above (l to r) comrade Glen Alexander is shown with Town ofNew Glasgow Mayor Barrie E Macmillan and Comrade Gordon MacDougall.In Zone 12 news, Cape Sable Island Branch 148 comrades recentlypresented a $2000 cheque to Paulette Sweeney-Goodwin, Director of theYarmouth Hospital Foundation. The presentation was made with the participationof comrades (l to r) Don Smith, Osgood Ross, Dawn Mitchell, CecilAtkinson and David Cleaver.

Spring 2011 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D13Zone and Branch newssCommand President Les Nash assisted by Command 2nd Vice PresidentRon Trowsdale (acting sgt.-at-arms) installed comrade Murray Dawson asBranch 26 president for 2011 as well as Comrade Gary Higgins as ImmediatePast Pesident Branch 26. (Above l to r) comrades Gary Higgins, LesNash, Ron Trowsdale and Murray Dawson.Above (l to r): Branch 64 members Gordon Hiller and Dennis Tattrie,Senior Poetry winner Jacob Pickard-Tattrie of North Colchester High School,District C Commander Jim Whitman, Branch 64 Poppy Chairman WilbertSutherland.Zone 7 Installation of Officers took place at Maccan Legion Branch 134.(above l to r) District C Commander Jim Whitman, Peace Branch 60 PugwashLadies Aux. President Irene Myers, Joggins Branch 4 Ladies PresidentSusan Murphy and Zone 7 Commander Bob Hoeg.Comrade Wayne Hunt is shown receiving his Curling Hall of FameAward (builder) at the 2011, NS/NUN Command Curling Championshipshosted by Bridgewater. (Above l to r) Comrade Wayne Hunt, Legion curlingsec./treasure Ernest Hawboldt and NS/NUN. Command curling chairmanBob Hoeg.( l to r) Past Dominion Command President Wilf Edmond, Branch 8President Brian Bobbitt, Minister of Transportation Rob Merrifield, ServiceOfficer Betty Simpson, Past Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command President ClarenceDawe and MLA Cecil Clark pose at the announcement of free travel toNewfoundland for veterans and serving military personnel. The CanadianForces Appreciation Fare 2011 will provide Canadian Forces members andveterans with free passenger fare on the Port aux Basques-North Sydneyferry route. Additionally, members will receive a 50 percent discount ontheir passenger fare when traveling on the Argentia-North Sydney ferryservice. Up to three companions traveling in the same vehicle and on thesame reservation will also receive the discount. More information may befound at www.marineatlantic.caAction from the Bridgewater Branch 24 Annual Children’s Bowling Day.This event is sponsored by the branch and attracts a large number of children.It is supervised by the Branch Sports committee chaired by ComradeTerry Naugler. His team of volunteers work very hard at this project andthis year they had over 170 children participate.

14 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F N O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D Spring 2011Zone and Branch newss( l to r) Zone 2 Commander Mel Crowe,Deputy Zone Commander George Dellavelle and1st Vice President Jean Marie Deveaux pose fora picture after both gentlemen were sworn in totheir respective offices on March 20.Command President Les Nash presents acheque to Patricia Haight of the Halifax andRegion Military Family Resource Centre. Thecheque represents a $5,000 donation to theMFRC from Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command.The Ladies Auxiliary of Bridgewater Branch24 held their 64th annual Banquet and Danceat the Branch on March 26. As is the tradition,the Branch Executive past and present, preparedcooked and served the dinner. It appears allsurvived. The Ladies Auxiliary over the past 64years have contributed well over $100,000 to thebranch by their wonderful work and the branchpresident Comrade Gary Wamboldt thankedthem for their continued support. The cake wascut by the first president and charter member,sister Jean Demone (left) and the present 1st VicePresident sister Dianne Hone.On April 14, 2011 New Glasgow LegionBranch 28 Service Officer Glen Alexander waspleased to present Captain Ross Bland of the 219Army Cadets a cheque for $1500.Cape Sable Island Branch 148 Ladies Auxiliaryrepresentative Patricia Nickerson presentsa $3,000.00 cheque to branch President DavidCleaver.On April 14, New Glasgow Legion Branch 28President John Desmond presented the BranchService Medal to: (l to r) Comrade Sis Beaton forher many years of service to the legion, especiallyall her hard work with our Poppy Campaigneach and every year; service officer ComradeGlen Alexander, who has donated hours to thebranch; and Comrade Anne Reddeck for hermany hours of service to our branch especiallyfor the hard work she has contributed over theyears in our kitchen for the many banquets. Allthree comrades have held several positions within the branch including president.Brian Richardson, NS/NU Command ServiceOfficer (left) presents a $1,000 donation fromCommand to Mr. Ed Mroz, Vice Chairman, NSProvincial Committee, Air Cadet League. Thedonation helps support the Provincial EffectiveSpeaking Competition.Bridgewater Branch 24 President, ComradeGary Wamboldt, presents a Certificate of Appreciationand the Special Branch Medal to ComradeBasil Comeau for his dedication and the work hehas contributed to the branch. It was also ComradeComeau’s 90th birthday.

Spring 2011 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D15Zone and Branch newssSt. Peters Branch 47 President Jackie Hopkins(left) presents 65-year membership pins to comradesAlex Morrison and Ted Martens. Missingfrom the photo is Charlie Kyte.Branch 142 Honours and Awards Chair NicholasBoudreau (left) presents the 50-Year Award toComrade Fred Duffy.Branch 142 Honours and Awards Chair NicholasBoudreau (left) presents the 65-Year Award toComrade Fred Cullen.Cameron Clairmont, a Grade 6 student ofForest Ridge Academy, receives a cheque andcertificate for first prize in the Nova Scotia RemembranceDay Poster (Junior Division) Contest.Her poster has been forwarded to Ottawa to bejudged accordingly at the national level. Presentingthe award is Zone 12 Commander FredMolyneaux on behalf of Nova Scotia/NunavutCommand.Past President, Branch 49, Mahone Bay, Comrade Jerry Jardine received a well deserved LifeMembership Award. (Above l to r) Branch 49 Sgt. at Arms Peter Freeman, Zone Commander TammySmith, Past President Jerry Jardine and District Commander Frank Wells. Executive and members arevery proud of Comrade Jardine and express their congratulations.Zone 2 Commander Mel Crowe presents thegavel to newly installed President of RCL Branch12 Sydney Comrade Alfred Giorno CD. Theinstallation ceremony was held December 19,2010.Digby Regional High School was recognized for its annual Remembrance Day Program, and receptionheld each year for the local veterans. L to R Cmd. Keith Stevens Sgt-at-Arms Branch 20, Ben Elms,Principal DRHS, Lara Cress, of the Student Parliament, and Cmd. Phil Dondale WW 2 Veteran

Spring 2011 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D16Zone and Branch newssThe Niobe 62, Sea Cadet Corps hosted theexchange visit of the 780 Freshwater SquadronAir Cadet Corps from Newfoundland. Bothcadet corps had a busy weekend with visits toLunenburg, the Bluenose II, Maritime Museumin Halifax and Shearwater Museum. A dinner/dance was organized by the Niobe SCC andBridgewater Branch 24. (Above) BridgewaterBranch 24 presented a plaque to commemoratetheir visit and this was presented by ComradeRoger Purnell .Officers of Royal Canadian Legion Br 49 Mahone Bay present the Officers of 39 Neptune Royal CanadianSea Cadet Corps of Lunenburg with a $3000 donation Dec 5 at the Sea Cadets Annual ChristmasMess Dinner. Mahone Bay Legion has been a strong supporter of the Lunenburg Sea Cadets formany years and recognize their very positive contribution to the community in the development andtraining of our youth. (above l to r) Neptune’s Training Officer Jerry Jardine, Branch 49 Past PresidentPeter Freeman, Neptune’s Commanding Officer Ltn(N) Clinton Reid, Branch 49 Secretary/TreasurerHelen Whitehouse.Bridgewater Branch 24 Stitch and Bitch activity.33508 2-16/5-4/7-27/10-26Afghans for vets and seniorsIn 2007 a group ofseasonal campers started agroup to crochet afghansand decided to make ita weekly gathering. Onevery Sunday morningthese ladies gathered atthe LaHave River CampGround with crochethooks in hand and goodwill in their hearts toshare a little warmth andcomfort to others aroundthe province.The group, of abouta dozen women whichcall themselves Stitch andBitch, all became friendsthrough the campgroundand can be found in therecreational hall swappingstories, patterns andsharing coffee while theywork on afghans that theydonate to the veteransand seniors in retirementhomes and hospitals.In June of 2010 thegroup visited the Fishermen’sMemorial Hospitalveterans Unit inLunenburg and donatedafghans to many of theveterans. So far the grouphas distributed over 97afghans. One of the biggestproblems they have isdonations of wool, theirstockpile is diminishing.The ladies welcome anyunwanted yarn and manyattend yard sales and donateto the group. Duringtheir spare time at homethey work on the squares,and stitch them togetherat the campground.Over past few years,on Labour Day, the ladiesdisplay the afghans anddecorate a small truck forthe annual Parade Day.The group has donatedto individuals, nursinghomes, Red Cross, veteransunits, from Halifax,Middleton, Bridgetown,Shelburne, Bridgewater,Lunenburg and NewGermany.