***Originally published in Neepawa Banner, December 27, 2019***
2019 Round-up for Kelwood Legion #50
As another year comes to a close, it is good to remember all of the events, big and small, that were held during 2019 at the Kelwood Legion #50.
Legion President, Larry Henton, was grateful for all of the support the Legion received throughout 2019. “Looking back, we had an incredible year. There were plenty of outstanding band nights and functions that brought our community together. Looking forward to 2020, we have ambitious plans to update and repair the infrastructure of the building. Thanks to the tireless help of our many volunteers and some major donations of material we will be able to give the building a facelift that will keep it in good shape for years to come.”
One of the primary goals of keeping the village’s Legion open is to provide a gathering place for people to come together and enjoy each other’s company. To that end, the Entertainment Committee put on several memorable shows that packed the house. One Night Stand and Generation Gap played to capacity crowds during Kelwood’s Agricultural Fair weekend in August.
Back in June, The Ring of Fire, Johnny Cash Experience came to town as part of their Canada wide tour to support Royal Canadian Legions. Billed as ‘Canada’s most critically acclaimed tribute to Johnny Cash’, Johnny and his band treated patrons to a rare musical evening that would normally be reserved for big city venues.
Then as part of the Legion’s Hallowe’en celebrations, the building was rocking to the stylings of a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, The CCR Band. Many of the patrons dressed in imaginative costumes for the occasion and the band was appreciative of our small town Manitoba hospitality.
Another main function of all Legions is to promote, support, and honour the sacrifice of Canadian veterans. This year’s Remembrance ceremonies were well attended and several veterans and a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces were present.
Along with the usual ceremonies, a select group of Legion members were recognized for their continued support of the village’s institution. Cindy Hafner was presented with the ‘Legionnaire of the Year’ Plaque in appreciation of her industrious dedication and effort to help keep the Legion operating.
Many Legion members were also acknowledged with presentations of their Royal Canadian Legion Membership pins:
5 year: Neil Fraser & Will Wetherill; 10 year: Jackie Aucoin & Kim Boxall; 15 year: Lynn Wetherill; 20 year: Douglas Chripps, Russell Newton, Norma Somers & Irene Sulik; 25 year: Earl Burton & Victoria Kein; 30 year: Judi Burton, Pat Gilmore, Karol Onyschak & Kathy Therrien; 40 year: Brent Smith.
A rare, coveted 70 year Legionnaire pin was presented to long time Kelwood resident and veteran of the Korean War, Albert Kingdon.
Fund raising and support for various causes also kept the Legion busy this past year. In February, the community and the Legion rallied to support a Riding Mountain couple whose home was badly damaged due to fire. The Legion helped with the Kelwood Snowmobile Derby in March. There have been raffle draws to help raise money for the community’s goal of opening a new skating rink. Then there is the weekly Saturday night ‘Chase the Ace’ which paid out $10,836 in June and is already climbing over $7,000 for the New Year.
Of course, to round out the year, the Legion plays host to Santa on December 21st. This annual tradition has been running in Kelwood for many decades and the kids are delighted when the Jolly Man comes to town.
The Kelwood Legion #50, President, Executive Committee and staff, are appreciative of all the support, volunteering, and patronage received from the many community members who helped keep the Legion thriving during 2019. Well wishes and the doors will be wide open for a fantastic 2020
Blair is a personification of a ‘Jack of All Trades and Master of None’. He has held several careers and has all the T-shirts. Time to add the title Blogger to the list.