Well summer seems to be winding down and there is definitely that pinch of fall in the air.
The sunrise is later in the morning and is going to bed earlier at night.
Do you feel just a bit cheated on the warm weather? I know I do – sooooooo, then let me help out with the heat.
Things are definitely heating up in Branch 94 with respect to upcoming events. Let me fill you in on the latest.
First of all this coming Sunday you are all aware of our Welcome Home Afghanistan veterans.
This runs from 1 – 4 p.m. in the hall to recognize our returning soldiers and families.
Did you know that there are over 25 men and women from Quesnel who have served in Afghanistan?
I did not know this and I am overwhelmed with the information.
To think that our small community has this many of our young people serving in this capacity is really very humbling. I had no idea we were so blessed.
Invitations have gone out to all of these soldiers and their families to honour us with their presence this Sunday.
We have also sent out personal invitations to all of our local veterans to kindly attend as well.
If you did not receive an invitation or phone call please consider this a formal invitation for your attendance at this event.
If transportation is a problem, contact the Legion and we will see what can be arranged.
This event is also open to the public and we are hoping to have a good showing to display our appreciation to our returning soldiers. And again, a huge thank you to our local 25+ local veterans who have served us proudly in Afghanistan. Branch 94 is very proud of you and I am sure that all of Quesnel is as well.
Branch 94 is also planning on helping with a second tribute to our troops in September in conjunction with the Quesnel Rodeo club.
So, your local branch is continuing to turn up the heat in September with more great events.
We will see the return of regular open hours and days Monday to Saturday.
Lunches begin Sept. 6 and run everyday Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. This is again open to the public so wander in and enjoy a homemade meal and great company as well. Stay tuned to learn when ROLL CALL will begin anew.
Sept. 6 is our first general meeting since June. Mark this date down as you will not want to miss out on hearing what is going on and having your say as well.
These meetings are extremely important to the running of the branch.
The executive cannot possibly know the wishes of its esteemed membership without input from you.
Besides it is a nice way of joining back in with your fellow Legion members.
Come to the meeting and then head on over to the lounge afterwards for a refreshment and maybe a visit.
Veterans’ Luncheon is Wednesday, Sept. 7 – if you would like to attend and are having a problem with transportation to the Branch, call in to the office, 250-992-6819 and see what can be done to make this happen for you.
Keenager and Zumba classes are resuming soon. These classes are wonderfully fun and afterward the lounge is filled with these participants enjoying a cup of coffee and a visit.
Come out and enjoy the excitement. It is extremely affordable and a great way to stay in shape.
Heather Hartridge and Cheryl Scanlan are your usual instructors and they are both class acts that you will not want to miss. Come for the fitness and return for the fun.
If you are into learning how to dance, then you will be pleased to learn Wednesday night dance lessons are once again being offered this Fall.
We have a professional dance instructor named Barry Coulter who will be giving lessons in jive, quick step, foxtrot, box step waltz as well as formal waltz.
With the popularity of such shows as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance and of course, Glee, the art of dancing has once again re-emerged.
It is a great night out and who does not want to learn to ‘wow’ them all on the dance floor. Stay tuned to future columns for dates, times and the cost of this program.
Sept. 17 the Legion will be hosting its first dinner and dance of the session. This much anticipated event will be “French Night” featuring French Canadian cuisine.
Only 60 tickets will be sold for this dinner and they go fast. Picture, if you will, an array of French Canadian ragout, tourtiere, pork and beans, mashed potatoes, harvest vegetables and an assortment of French dessert – sugar pie anyone?
Then once you have feasted on these delectables, you can dance those calories away to the sounds of John Guillet’s band.
This band has been gearing up for this performance for the last few months perfecting their sultry sounds.
The cost for this evening of dinner and dance, you may ask – a mere $20 for Legion members, or if you cannot make the dinner (so sad for you) the dance is only $10 for Legion members, and $12 for non-members.
Tickets will be on sale soon, so hurry in because at these prices they will not last long.
I know I have gone on and on about the upcoming events and it is a very exciting time, but I am running out of column space and do not want to overstay my welcome, but let me send out a little teaser to the ladies.
Sept. 24 we are planning a “Ladies Night” – jewelry, shoes, – early Christmas shopping anyone?
But more on this to come.
Until next week – be kind to each other.