CONTACT! Volume 7 Number 9 Tel: 613-591-5570 November 2018 www.kanatabr638.ca

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President’s Report It has been a busy time for everyone since our last meeting. In addition to our regular activities at this time of year, we have been through the preparations and the execution of our responsibilities as The Keepers of Remembrance: from the planting of two Vimy Oak trees; the Poppy Campaign; Veterans Week; the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice and the tolling of the Bells at St Paul’s Church; visitations and services at our area retirement homes; outreach to our local schools, businesses, and community; support of the Colour Party, Piper and Trumpeter for many functions including helping out the West Carleton Branch Parade and service; preparation and activities leading up to our own Remembrance Day Service at the cenotaph; and culminating with the Remembrance Dinner this past Saturday evening. I applaud the organizers and committee members of all these functions.

Of course, all of this could not have happened without the

dedicated support of our many branch volunteers who gave

their time and worked very hard to ensure everything ran

smoothly. We have exceptional volunteers supporting our

branch. In fact, we have a great branch and Ladies’ Auxiliary.

We should be proud of what can be accomplished if we put

our minds to it. Well done, everyone. You made this happen

through your teamwork and dedication to your branch.

Thank you for supporting our legion responsibility as The

Keepers of Remembrance.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Lorraine Elmas, the editor of this newsletter, on receiving two Royal Canadian Legion awards presented at the November General Meeting. “The Henry J. Campbell Award, Annual Bulletin

Contest Class “D” Winner, District G, Royal Canadian Legion, Kanata Branch 638 2017 – 2018” (second time in a row), and the “General Excellence Award, Branch Bulletin Competition, Class “D” 2017 – 2018 Kanata

Branch No 638, Contact Editor: Lorraine Elmas.” Congratulations to the editor of our Contact newsletter, Lorraine Elmas. Well deserved!

First Vice President I had the honour of attending the Candlelight Tribute at The Canadian War Museum on November 5th. This occasion marked the commencement of Veterans’ Week. There were poignant speeches delivered. What resounded for me was the speech provided by Chief Kirby Whiteduck, Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation. Two of Ottawa’s new streets will be named to remember the service of two men from the Algonquin First Nations who served our country. Another memorable moment for me was the passing of candles from audience guests to the youth in attendance. This year’s Poppy Campaign was accentuated by the centennial of the signing of the Armistice. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the Poppy Campaign Committee and the efforts of the countless volunteer hours which contributed to what I believe to be a successful Poppy Campaign. For me, I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent at the Centrum Loblaws and at the Cabelas Poppy tables. I was very impressed with the Sea Cadet presence at Cabelas. Cadet Remple and Cadet Cameron and their officer were a pleasure to work with. I am always thankful for the countless people in our community who generously give which in turn enables our Branch to support our community initiatives. I attended the Remembrance Day Ceremony at Beechwood Cemetery with my family, as I do every year, in honour of my Dad, F/L H. W. Robbins, age 27, who is buried in Canada’s National Military Cemetery. I was proud to hear that our very own District G Commander Dave Cormier laid the wreath this year representing The Royal Canadian Legion. I am always moved by the artillery salute and the fly pass. It was a pleasure to meet the Ladies’ Auxiliary (L.A.) Zone G Commander Marilyn Devlin and Deputy Zone G Commander Elaine Madore on November 7th at our Branch’s L.A. meeting. Congratulations to our Branch’s L.A. for an Annual Inspection of A+. There is much activity and funds being raised by the dedicated L.A.’s across Ontario. Our branch’s L.A. is no exception. They have grown by seven members during 2018 and continue to grow and provide support towards our initiatives and especially in the service of Veterans. A positive memory was made for many, if not all, who attended the sold-out Harvest Dinner our Branch hosted on October 27th. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to making this event the success it was. Respectfully, Amanda Robbins

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Poppy and Remembrance 2018 So many volunteers to thank for another successful campaign. Our stalwart money counters under Treasurer Don Raven are Norma Raven, Paul Raven, Terry Jacobs, Karl and Barbara Hennigar, Reg Redknap, Johanna Walters, Tom Strachan and George Pollock. Store venue table captains: Sue McLean, Suzanne St. John, George Medynski, Angie Jacklin, Frank Boisvenue, George Royle and Carolyn McIlquham also Jackie Terris at CTC. Stores and businesses: Mark Hunter, Eric Farmer, Rick Keindel and Mary Jo Gauthier. Schools: Denis Pelletier and Brenda Grant. Seniors residences and nursing homes: Jane Cane, Denis Pelletier and three Cadet corps. Supplies: George Pollock. Bob Thomson and the colour party. However, without you, the members, friends, neighbours and families, this could not have happened. A more comprehensive report will follow next month once all monies are in. Lest We Forget Moira

Poppy Wine/Cheese October 19 What a terrific turn out of veterans and members! Thank you all so much for taking the time to attend and hopefully you met some new people. Thanks to Brenda on bar and Sue for the delicious cheese spread, also Angie and Brenda for IT help with my presentation. No doubt I will be seeing you all soon at one of our poppy venues. Your volunteer time is invaluable. Without you, our campaign is impossible.

To our amazing volunteers: Thank you! Moira Poppy and Remembrance Chair 2018

Remembrance services in Kanata Sincere thanks to the following members who participated in our 12 Remembrance services in our area. Bruce and Margaret Judge, Harry Needham, Sue McLean, padre Bill Prentice, Garth Lee, Johanna Walters, Art Cornelisse, Brenda Grant and Helen McKiernan. The veterans and residents greatly appreciated the services. Thank you to the activity directors and staff for their effort in gathering their residents for these occasions. Particularly memorable was the presentation given by Lt Col Jill Lutz at the Kanata Seniors Centre who reminded all of the sacrifices made during all wars and conflicts. If you have not been blessed by hearing Padre Bill’s Auntie Mary’s story, perhaps he might share that with you. It never fails to affect me profoundly when I see the effort made by our aging veterans to salute with pride during our ceremonies. A privilege for each one of us legion members to be able to participate in these events.

Poppy Venues An enormous number of shifts were filled by you, the members, friends, neighbours, cadets and family. At time of writing we are still counting, and many boxes have still to come in. A comprehensive and detailed report will be forthcoming.

Poppy Wind Up Meeting Please plan to attend this meeting on Tuesday 27 November at 7:30. Your positive input is vital to our success. How did we do? What can we do to improve? See you then. Moira

Rose Corman and twins Dylan and Dayna volunteer at Loblaws Centrum. Thank you for helping out.

Sue Lavergne with dragoon cadets Tara Robinson and Elena Zima. Thank you, ladies. We appreciate your help.

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Volunteer Tom Brown at Superstore. Thank you for your time.

Poppy Duty at Hazeldean Mall

Ernie Jurakosky and Daniel Bond

Kanata Seniors Centre Remembrance

Service

Lockheed Martin

West Carleton on Saturday 10th November

… continued

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The colour party approaches the cenotaph at Br 616 West

Carleton on Saturday 10 November.

Remembrance Dinner

Sincere thanks to all who attended our Remembrance dinner on

Saturday 17 November. Thank you to Lorraine Lapensée for her

work in making the evening a success and bar tenders Yves and

Rob. A wonderful pipe solo from Brenda helped set the tone for

the evening. Thank you, Brenda. A last-minute technical glitch

was solved by Angie and Brenda. A potential disaster averted

thanks to your expertise. Thank you, Helen, for O Canada and The

Queen. Our guest speaker gave us much to think about with his

presentation on the Canadian War Graves Commission. A pleasure

to have David and Bonnie as our guests. Lots of positive comments

on the meal catered by Lolacher’s. I hope you enjoyed it.

Lest We Forget

Our Guests

Public Relations Officer

Cub Scouts

Remembrance Thanks to Father John and the clergy team at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hazeldean for taking part in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armistice in 1918 by the ringing of the bell. Sincere thanks to those St Paul’s parish members who took the time to sit at a poppy table during this year’s poppy campaign. We at the legion greatly appreciate your co operation and assistance in our endeavours to remember In continued service Moira

Second Vice President,

Garth Lee, and Tara

Jackson Lee

Here is the photo from the Cub Scouts (ages 8 – 11) at the Steven Leacock school in Kanata Nov. 5, 2018, at 6.30 p.m., which was a great success!

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Congratulations Congratulations to veteran member Les Peate who was honoured during a special ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of Esprit de Corps Canadian Military Magazine on 25 October at Beechwood Cemetery. Moira

On Remembrance Day

Poppy Placemats

Hope Living

The Eleventh Hour

Santa Claus Parade Saturday 17 November

New members

Our Editor

Michael’s Birthday

Jack Waugh proudly looks after his father’s medals. James Waugh was a Korean veteran.

A huge thanks to Hans Van Den Berg for supplying the poem for our poppy place mats at fish n chips.

Moira Green’s grandsons Laughlin and Carson Green and Major General (Ret) Lewis MacKenzie

Our colour party and Karen McCrimmon Well done and thank you. MG

New members Linda and John Argue are welcomed to the branch

Lorraine Elmas receives an award for the branch and a plaque for her dedication and sterling production of our branch CONTACT.

Quite an accomplishment when one considers there

are 66 branches in District

“G” that could compete!

Canadian War Museum Lest We Forget Moira

Happy Birthday, Michael, and thank you for all your hard work every Friday.

Your legion friends 😊

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Remembrance Day Ceremony and Parade Committee Report I am very pleased to report this year’s Kanata Legion’s annual Remembrance Day Ceremony and Parade was a big success! An estimated 500 – 1000 people were present to remember. A good representation including military, cadets, politicians, veterans, school children, service groups, police, fire fighters, businesses, Military Family Resource Centre and many more. A very special thanks to the Remembrance Day Ceremony & Parade Committee for their excellent input, work and support towards the ceremony and parade’s success and I wish to recognize each committee member as follows:

• Bob Thomson: Committee Co-Chair, Sgt. @ Arms, co-ordinating traffic volunteers, Ruth Kasper to place the Bereaved Families wreath and much more;

• Gaëtan Chartier: Veterans Commander;

• Anita Fortier: Administration – Invitation letters, Wreath Laying List, notices and much more;

• Brenda Grant: Highland Mist Pipe Band, Parade and more;

• Moira Green: Emcee, choir liaison, public relations, and more;

• Angie Jacklin: minutes, check list update and parade input and preparations;

• Bill Molnar: Parade Commander, Invite Major General (Retd) Lewis Mackenzie to place the Sovereign wreath and to take the salute;

• George Pollock: Treasurer, wreath preparations & coordination, barricades, onsite set-up and much more.

Special thanks to:

• Sobeys Kanata North for donation of all the food for the reception and a beautifully decorated cake;

• The Ladies’ Auxiliary for doing a great job with the reception luncheon food preparation, serving and clearing.

• Commanding Officer, Major Perron and CWO Harris,

• 2CMBG HQ & Signals Squadron

• Sentries and Public Address Technicians (courtesy of 2CMBG HQ & Signals Squadron and all Parade Participants)

• 319 Centurion Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps, Kanata

• 2870 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, - E Squadron - The Royal Canadian Dragoons, Kanata

• 872 Kiwanis Kanata Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

• City of Ottawa Special Events, Traffic Control & Parks and Recreation

• West Ottawa Ladies Chorus - under the direction of Robert Dueck

Special thanks to our members: President, Bruce Judge, for his support and participation; to Padre Bill Prentice for prayers, blessing and benediction; to Comrade Bill Mercer for reciting In Flanders Fields; Comrade Gerry Dore, Act of Remembrance; Comrade Denis Pelletier, Cadet Liaison; Joseph de Lepper, sound system; Mike Chopowick, Dave McPherson, George Royle, set up and take down, traffic control; Margaret Judge and Dennis Mah, photography; Bob and John Thomson, hall set-up and clean-up; Tara Jackson Lee, Bar Manager, and three bar tenders. Special thanks to the many others who contributed, participated and/or attended. Lest we forget. Respectfully submitted, Lorraine Lapensée, Chair Remembrance Day Ceremony & Parade Committee

Sentries at the cenotaph

Veterans Bert Fox and Len Dent cutting the cake

Ruth Kasper placing the wreath for Bereaved Families

Colour Party: Branch 616 & Brach 638

back row behind the podium (l-r). Chaplain, the Reverend Canon Dr. Bill Prentice; Comrade Bill Mercer front row behind the podium (l-r). Emcee, Moira Green; President, Bruce Judge

MGen (Retd) Lewis MacKenzie taking the salute from Sergeant @ Arms, Bob Thomson

MGen (Retd) Lewis MacKenzie placing the Sovereign wreath

Please visit Kanata Branch 638 website to see all the photos of the Remembrance Day Ceremony, Parade and Reception taken by photographer Dennis Mah. www.kanatabr638.ca

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Kanata Seniors Council

ARMISTICE 100TH ANNIVERSARY On November 8th the Kanata Seniors Centre observed Remembrance Day with a service of remembrance, followed by lunch. As in times past, The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 638, led the service at which Lt. Colonel Jill Lutze (Air Weapons Branch) spoke movingly of the sacrifices made by Canadians during the first World Ward. “This was the first time that Canada stood on the world stage as an independent nation,” said Lutz. “Our population stood at a little over 8 million of which 650,000 men and women went to fight. Of those 6,000 were never to see Canada again and a further 172,000 were wounded. “The last man to fall before the guns fell silent was a Canadian A young private. George Price of Port Williams, Nova Scotia. His name is marked in history books today as the last fatality.” On Sunday, November 11th, “Remembrance Day”, large crowds gathered at the Kanata Cenotaph. Councillors Marianne Wilkinson (Kanata North), accompanied by incoming Councillor Jenna Sudds, and Allan Hubley were in attendance together with representatives of MP Karen McCrimmon and MPP Merrilee Fullerton. The event was organized by The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 638. Legion President, Bruce Judge spoke briefly but movingly of the sacrifice made by those who fought in what was to be “the war that ended all wars” – and for all those who have, and continue, “to serve our country in its armed forces”. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Kanata Seniors Council by Vice President Peter Fedirchuk and on behalf of the Kanata Seniors’ Centre by Janet Baigent.

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

From the Branch Service Officer I am delighted to report that the number of persons that I have been able to assist took a dramatic jump up this month. That is mostly due to the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance activities! Next year, every Poppy table will have the Service Officer's contact information.

Hazeldean Mall A tremendous HUZZAH! to all of you who worked the Poppy Table!

😊 Your dedication paid off! 😊

Individual table results aren't available yet, but overall, the count is very good. Thank you!

Sue McLean

November Gaming Report

October Bingo Report Total Deposit to Bingo Trust $ 1,348.00 Total Expenses $ 757.75 Donatable Funds $ 472.20

October Catch the Ace Report Total proceeds from draws $ 1,855.00 Total Expenses $ 185.00 Donatable Funds $ 593.60 Total Donation (to Lottery Trust) $ 1,065.80 Total Rent & O&M (Branch) $ 767.20

Gaming Committee

Donations The Lottery Trust Fund received a thank-you letter from the Salvation Army for our donation to victims of the tornado. With the approval of the Executive Committee, the Lottery Trust Fund donated $500 to each of the following charities:

• Operation Service Dog

• Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa Respectfully submitted, Margaret Judge Lottery Trust Fund

Youth Education Report Judging of the Poems, Essay and Posters took place Sunday 25 November. Stay tuned for some exciting results. Respectfully Submitted Brenda Grant

From the Ladies’ Auxiliary At the Ladies’ Auxiliary’s general meeting, Wednesday, November 7, the Ladies’ Auxiliary, Zone G6 Commander, Marilyn Devlin and Deputy Zone G6 Commander, Elaine Madore visited and conducted the annual review. I am pleased to report we passed with flying colours! Most recently, the Ladies’ Auxiliary catered to the Remembrance Day reception. On Saturday, November 24, the Ladies’ Auxiliary held their annual Christmas bazaar at Hazeldean Mall. I am pleased to report that this year’s annual Christmas bazaar fundraiser is the most successful bazaar that we have had! This tremendous success is attributed to the overwhelming donations and the

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support from members and the public. This huge success is also a result of the L.A. members’ contributions whether it be donating items, coming out to shop or/and working together to make it the best bazaar ever. It isn’t over yet! Items leftover will be available for shopping at the next couple of Sunday bingos, at the Christmas Dinner and Dance, Dec. 1, and the L.A.’s Seniors Festive Luncheon, Dec. 3. On behalf of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, Branch #638, a very special thank you to all for your outstanding support. Together we made a difference! I wish to personally express my appreciation and thanks to the two bazaar event coordinators, Judy Homma and Angie Jacklin and all the Ladies’ Auxiliary members for their dedication and hard work for this fundraiser. Wonderful women! Thank you! A reminder, the L.A. will be hosting their annual Seniors Festive Luncheon on Monday, December 3, 11:30 a.m. reception / 12:00 p.m. lunch. $15/ticket. Turkey with all the trimmings! Ticket cut-off date has been extended to Friday, November 30. Reserve as early as possible to guarantee tickets and seating arrangements. Let’s celebrate, growing together! Lorraine Lapensée L.A. President

A Festive, Fun, Fantastic, Fab-U-lous time! In celebration of the harvest season, Halloween and a little bit of Oktoberfest, the Kanata Legion hosted an extremely successful “Harvest Festival Dinner and Dance” on Saturday, October 27. The hall and tables, decorated to reflect Harvest and Halloween, set the theme for the evening!

It was a sold-out event – just over 100 guests who enjoyed a superb, first time menu: Strawberry Salad with Pecans and Feta, Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon Wedges, Mushroom Scalloped Potatoes, Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage, Green beans Almandine, Apple Crisp with vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel! Prizes GALOUR! A guest at each table won the centerpiece just by sitting at the right place at the right time! Best costume contest – lots of creativity and participants! Guests were the judges and did a great job!

Ladies Best Costume 1st place winner, Nancy Deterding – Costume – Golf – A hole in one! Gents Best Costume 1st place winner, Carl Patrick – Costume - Goosehead! Congratulations to all costume participants! It was fun!

First and second prizes were presented for the two best carved pumpkins! Congratulations! Thank you to those who participated! Again, guests were the judges! Performing for the first time at a Kanata Legion event was “The Classics” (Deb and Ray) providing great music favourites guests enjoyed and danced to. A BIG special thank you Judy Homma who donated the evening’s prizes. Success of this event is thanks to

• Our guests for coming out and making the Harvest Festival the fun it was.

• “The Classics”, for great music A big, special thank you, to our volunteers! Your hard work and dedication are very much appreciated!

• JoAnne de Lepper and Jackie Terris – Ticket Takers

• Clay Wheaton – Catch the Ace Lottery ticket sales

• Yves Grimard and Rob Padget – Bar Tenders

• Bob Thomson and John Thomson – hall set-up and clean- up

• Jackie Terris – poster and ticket design and Lorraine Lapensée – production

• Brenda Grant, Angie Jacklin, Lorraine Lapensée, Garth Lee, Helen McKiernan – promotion

• Sheila Taylor – Volunteer Co-ordinator

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• Barry Briggs, Adrianus and Linda Jane Cornelisse – Table Setters

• June Tyrrell – Decorations

• Judy Homma – Kitchen Coordinator

• Debby Holden, Sue McLean – Cooks

• Judy Homma, Susan Cooper – Assistant Cooks

• Marilyn Bailey, Gaëtan Chartier, Juanita Cody, Mary-Jo Gauthier, Jade, Suzanne St. John, – Food Preparation

• Terry Homma – back-up support

• Denzel, Jade, Moira Green, Krista Reid, Patricia Taylor – Servers/Clearers

• Garry Fancy, Terry Homma, Terry Jacobs – Dishwashers

• Judy Homma & Lorraine Lapensée – Event Coordinators

• Lorraine Lapensée – Emcee

• Margaret Judge – Photography

• George Pollock – Treasurer

• and to the spontaneous volunteers/guests who pitched in to help where needed.

Many hands make light work!

Thanks a million!

Deck the halls for Christmas & Pot Luck Magically, Santa’s elves decorated the Kanata Legion for Christmas on Sunday, November 18, 2018 a means of getting into the Christmas spirit. After the elves/members enjoyed a delicious pot luck and most of all the comradeship. Thank you for coming out to decorate: Gaëtan Chartier, Bev Connell, Eleanor Groot – Koerkamp, Judy Homma, Terry Jacobs, Lorraine Lapensée, Linda McEwen, Helen McKiernan, Doug Rowland, Sheila Taylor (bar tender), June Tyrrell.

Submitted by Lorraine Lapensée

Ways and Means Committee

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Branch Weekly Ongoing Activities

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Bingo 12:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bingo as usual Dec. 23 & 30

Lounge is Open 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Drop in for a visit! Euchre 7:30 p.m. Finish for the season Dec. 18 Start-up Jan. 8

Coffee Club 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Closed Dec. 26, Jan. 2 Start-up Jan. 9

Darts 7:00 p.m. Finish for season Dec. 20 Start-up Jan. 3

Fish ‘N Chips & L.A. Book Sale 11:30 am–1 pm Only soup & crackers, Catch the Ace Dec. 21 & 28

Lounge is open 1:00 – 3:00 pm Drop in for a visit! Closed Dec. 29

Euchre – a fun league & we will teach how to play. For info: Contact Sue at 819-431-8130 or suesiadam@gmail.com

Darts –Everyone welcome. For info: Contact Patty at: tiggerrogers@yahoo.com

DATE and TIME EVENT/ MEETING

DETAILS FEE CUT-OFF

Fri. Nov. 30 5:30/6:00

Pot Luck & a Movie

Movie – Walk the Line N/A Name on sign-up sheet in the lounge

Sat. Dec. 1 5:30 reception 6:00 dinner

Annual Christmas Dinner & Dance

Entertainment back by popular demand: Debra McCann Turkey & all the trimmings – (Robbie Burns cooks -Connie & Roz)

$25 Ticket cut-off noon on Wed., Nov. 28

Mon. Dec. 3 11:30 reception 12:00 dinner

L.A. annual Seniors Festive Dinner Luncheon

Turkey with all the trimmings Christmas carol music – Moira, Helen and Suzanne White Elephant table & baked goods

$15 Extended ticket cut-off date: Fri., Nov. 30 (unless sold out sooner)

Wed. Dec. 5 7:30

L.A. General Meeting

New Members welcome.

Wed. Dec. 12 7:30

Branch Exec. Committee meeting

Branch Executive meeting

Wed. Dec. 19 No general meeting

No general meeting in December Next gen. mtg. Jan. 16

Tues. Dec. 31 Reception 6:00 Dinner 7:30

New Year’s Eve Party

Roast Beef Buffet – Leatherworks Catering; Celebrity DJ – Graham Cameron Newfie New Year 10:30 p.m.

$50 Ticket cut-off by Dec. 27

Wed. Jan. 1 11:30 – 3:00

New Year’s Day Levee

Comradeship and good cheer Reception / moose milk

N/A

Kanata Legion & Ladies’ Auxiliary Upcoming Events 30 November 2018 – 1 January 2019

CONTACT! is published monthly (except July and August) by RCL Branch 638 in Kanata, Ontario. The views expressed in the newsletter are those of the contributors or the editor and are not necessarily those of the Royal Canadian Legion or Branch 638. CONTACT! is edited by our District “G” Bulletin, Class “D” award-winning Lorraine Elmas lorraine_elmas@yahoo.ca