President'S Report Sept 13th 2021

Greetings,

Branch #233 had the pleasure to participated in the opening of Bravery Park on September

3rd 2O21. Our Colour Party participated in the parade with military from CFB Petawawa and CFB Borden and the Lorne Scott Regiment from the Ontario Southern Region. Our Bugler, Comrade Dave Burgess, played Last Post. Our Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell was very special guest. Canadian Forces Snow Birds did a fly-over with missing man formation just at the perfect time, at Lament.

Speeches were given by our Silver Cross Mother Valerie McGrady and her daughter Shannon. These ladies were the founding members of Bravery Park through the inspiration of Valerie McGrady's son Cpl. Mathew McCully KIA May 25th 2007. Jody Mitic, a retired elite sniper in Afghanistan was a keynote speaker in the opening of Orangeville Bravery Park. Jody's bio is posted on the branch Facebook and the Bravery Park Website pages. Please take time to read it, it's very inspirational. Many organizations and private donors made this day happen. We encourage our Comrades to watch the videos and look at the pictures posted on the Branch Facebook and Web Site. The Town of Orangeville, Rogers Cable and CTV news also carried the event live and recorded the entire event.

Branch #233 is very busy in September. We are renting our lower hall for Elections Canada for early polls and election day. Covid-l9 protocols are being observed with capacity limits, mask wearing, social distancing, contact tracing and sanitization. We are gathering for celebrations of life for some of our members who have passed away the last year and a half. Comrades Greg Fisher, Howard McKinnon and Carol McKinnon are being remembered.

Lest We Forget, We Will Remember Them,

Barry Kimber President Branch #233

President's Report August 16th 2021

Greetings Comrades.

First, I would like to thank our staff and executives for their unwavering support during these unprecedented times. Since our branch reopened on June 17th 2021, our patrons’ attendance has been slowly improving, our bar receipts have improved by 45%, and we have added new patio tables on our licensed deck which offers many alternatives for comradeship. Step 3 of the reopening plan has also meant more members have returned and are allowed to sit inside or outside. We have started serving draft beer again, and have managed to offer 3 varieties by purchasing micro kegs which cut down on loss. We are still waiting for the day when we can resume inside activities.

We have had many inquiries for rental of our downstairs hall. Unfortunately with Step 3 restrictions, such capacity limits due to social distancing and food restrictions, it has restricted us from rentals at this current time. Currently we are only allowed 22 people including staff and food handlers which does not

meet most perspective renters’ requirements. It has been very difficult dealing with these issues.

We are hosting two celebrations of life in September. Comrade Greg Fisher will be on Sunday September 12th 2021 from 11:30am to 2:30pm. The upstairs, on the Lounge side, Sport side and patio allow for more capacity. Please come out and support Comrade Greg’s family. Comrade Howard McKinnon and Comrade Carol McKinnon's celebrations of life is being held on Sunday September 26th 2021 from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Details are being finalized with the family at this time.

Please see our branch website at www.rcl233.com and the branch Facebook page for updates and posters for these celebrations of life.I’m attending the Dominion Convention virtually August 13th, 14th, & 15th. It's going to be very different but I’m hoping that some of the concerns raised will be addressed.

Yours In Comradeship,

Barry Kimber President Branch #233

PRESIDENT'S REPORT jULY 2021

Comrades - It was an exciting day for us to reopen on Thursday June 17th 2021. We have been open with patio service for approximately four weekends. Our membership is slowly returning which gives us hope.

Our Canada Day celebrations went fairly well under current Covid-19 health restrictions. We honoured our country but also paid respects to our Indigenous people. We also honoured Comrade Rosie Elsdon for her 42 years of dedicated service to our branch.

Our branch is on a good financial standing.

We all look forward to the future.

Yours In Comradeship

Barry Kimber, President Branch #233

President's Report June 14th 2021

Greetings Comrades,

Well it looks like the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. Moving into Step 1 with patio service with limited numbers and restrictions is a good sign. Obviously from my perspective once we arrive into Step 3 (which will hopefully happen in July some time) this will allow us to return to enjoying some inside camaraderie with restrictions. Our facility is ready for our membership and patrons.

Unfortunately, Canada Day will be a small celebration, anticipating we will be in Step 2. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people. Restrictions of social distancing and masks will be required in any Canada Day event.

As always, we ask for your patience and cooperation in meeting our health directives. Our staff and executive have worked hard with our local health unit. Once we are all fully vaccinated, life will return to some normality.

Yours In comradeship, Stay Safe

Barry Kimber, President, Branch #233

President's Report May 10 2021

President's Report Branch #233

Greetings Comrades,

Even though our branch is closed due to current health restrictions. Many things have been happening behind the scenes.

We have upgraded our chairs in our sports room and lounge. The old sports room chairs were sent to a recycler and our old lounge chairs were Auctioned off at CDN Auctions. We have also installed a new heat pump system in our banquet room. It is a highly efficient system that will heat and cool 1500 square feet very efficiently. Our new system will reduce hydro and heating costs. It will provide climate control year-round. Thank you to Travis McMullin from McMullin Mechanical for the excellent job. Our electrical supply to this new system required complete upgrade to code. Thanks to Davidson’s Electric for the work that was done to code, including permits. We were absolutely surprised that our cost was only materials. Davidson Electric donated all the labour, wow. Our front door sign has been in disrepair for the last 3 plus years. Well, it’s being rewrapped and repaired. The sign at the west side of the building has been down for over three years. It also has been replaced with a modern material that will last for years. Thanks to McCarthy Signs Shelburne for their excellent quote and job.

From a financial point of view, our branch is in good shape. This week we were informed by Dominion Command that the federal grant we received in December has been upgraded. They are sending us an additional $4,310.72 that will be deposited on May 7th 2021. The Federal and Provincial government have come through for us. Many thanks from all of us.

We have purchased two large 10 ft by 20 ft canopies for our patio. This will allow us to extend our patio for more capacity outside once we reopen.

We continue to meet and hope Alexandra Park Cenotaphs will remain in Alexandra Park. We have had several meetings with several town officials and the B.I.A. Letters have been sent to all council members and B.I.A. board members stating our position. Our last meeting with the Mayor and town personnel ended on a good note. We are optimistic but guarded.

We have also managed to resurrect our Greenwood Cenotaph project. Again, meetings with town officials have gone very well. Fund-raising commitments from Mayor Sandy Brown has been great. We are working on location and fund-raising plans. Unfortunately, our quote from 3 years ago has gone up 35%. It will require our committee to work very hard to reach our new quote. As they say nothing is written in stone but rest assured Comrade Chris and the committee are ready to go to work. Our branch is looking good and ready for our membership and patrons return.

Stay Safe Everyone, Stop the spread

Yours in Comradeship

Barry Kimber, President Branch #233

PRESIDENT'S REPORT APRIL 12 2021

President's Report Branch #233, April 12 2021

Comrades, your Executive made a very difficult decision to remain closed for only one reason and that is the safety of our staff, membership and the general public. lt turns out that with positivity rates going in the wrong direction and now the stay-at-home order effective April 8th 2021, we made the right decision.

Comrades, a zoom meeting was held between the Orangeville Legion and the B.l.A. on April 6th 2021. The intention of the meeting was to clear the air between the B.l.A. and our Legion. The subject was the Alexandra Park redevelopment and their involvement. A discussion took place which addressed both sides of opinion. The end results were that B.l.A very much respects the Orangeville Legion position and we are all stake holders and the final decision was in the hands of council. Going forward the lines of communication between B.l.A and the Legion should be much improved. Comrades Chuck Simpson, Rosie Elsdon, Chris Skalozub and I represented our Legion. Thank you for their involvement and passionate statements.

On a concerning note, Councilor Debbie Sherwood informed us that Council has put aside $50,000.00 to hire a consultant to look at the entire parks and rec plan, including the redevelopment of Alexandra Park. Going forward, Councilor Sherwood has assured us we will be part of this entire process. This entire situation is very concerning and rest assure our Legion will get our opinion across. We have many options going forward to stop the removal of our cenotaph and memorials at Alexandra Park. This is consecrated land and is everything about service, honour and remembrance. Lest We Forget, We Will Remember!

Not much is happening at your branch right now. We have spruced up a few things to make our branch more more inviting when we can return. We hopefully will see you soon in the near future.

Yours in Comradeship,

Barry Kimber, President Branch # 233, Orangeville

president's report March 15 2021

President's Report, Branch 233, March 15 2021

Comrades,

Our branch has been closed since December 14th 2020 due to health restrictions. Our region continues to be in Red Control measures. The numbers have improved in Dufferin County.

We hope that once we move into Orange, we will reopen our doors. Our first concerns are the health and safety of our staff, membership and community. Comrades, it is good news our health unit is starting vaccination in phase 1 and phase 2 groups. I urge all 80+, 70+ and 60+ comrades to register for vaccination. I know it was a great relief that my parents and in-laws have been vaccinated.

For further information on vaccinations with our local health unit please see attached Link https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/covid-19-information-public/covid-19-vaccine-information/pre-register-your-covid-19

Our finances are in good standing for the future of our branch. Branch 233 executive is committed in making a difference in veterans lives and their families, and working with our community partners providing essential services. We wish all our comrades good health, stay safe and stop the spread.

Yours in Comradeship

Barry Kimber, President Branch #233.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT NOVEMBER 16 2020

President's Report November 16th 2020

Comrades, I would like to congratulate, Comrade Chuck Simpson Poppy Chairman, Comrade Sue Simpson, Comrade Kelly Lamont and the approx. 15 comrades who canvassed for our poppy campaign.

Once again even under unprecedented times our branch raised a great sum to continue to respond to our Veterans and families in assistance. Even with less canvassers and limited locations it was very apparent that our donators reached very deep into their pockets. I can't thank the citizens of Orangeville enough

for their donations to our Poppy Fund and also to the branch to keep the lights on.

Our Remembrance Day ceremonies went off very well even under the current health restrictions. I would like to thank the Town of Orangeville for their support in preparation for our ceremonies and meeting the needs of our current health guidelines. The invited participants represented your Legion, Town, First Responders and Government very well.

Our Legion over the years has touched many people. Our Alexander Park is our home for the past 90 plus years. This park has brought thought, prayer, remembrance, reflection, honour and sacrifice to our community. We continue to remind our local Town Council of its importance.

Your Executive, Ladies Auxiliary and staff were here before the pandemic, they are here during the pandemic and they will be here after the pandemic. Thank you for all your support.

Yours in comradeship

Barry Kimber, President Branch #233

PRESIDENT'S REPORT OCT 14TH 2020

Greetings Comrades,

Our branch has been open since July 20th 2020. Our bar receipts are nothing to speak about, but our rentals continue to offset our bar expense losses. Our branch continues to support

our veterans and community. As the Covid-19 cases increase we as our Legion needs to practice Covid-19 preventative measures even more so. I encourage our membership and our patrons to support our bar staff and extend courtesy to our bar staff in performance of their duties.

Your Executive continues to find ways to raise funds for our branch. I would like to thank Comrades Cherrie Chivers and Jess Peterson for all their hard work. I would also like to thank Comrades Elizabeth and Andrew Russell for their excellent work in maintaining our property outside. The grounds have not look this good in years.

I would like to thank Comrade Sylvia Lawson for all her hard work in the LA. Comrade Sylvia and Stewart are moving to the Bellwood Lake area. All the best in your new home.

Our poppy campaign will be very different this year. Comrade Chuck and his team will do their best in continuing our traditions of the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign.

Our Remembrance Day ceremonies are going to be a scaled down event. The general public is being asked to not assemble at Alexander Park this year. The Remembrance Ceremonies are by invitation only. These measures are a requirement of the Dufferin/Wellington Health Unit. Plans are in the works with the Town of Orangeville and the Dufferin/Wellington health Unit. At the time of writing this report the Health Unit has not given us permission to proceed.

Stay Well and Safe Everyone

Yours in Comradeship

Barry Kimber, President Branch #233

President's Report September 14th, 2020

Comrades,

Our branch is performing better on a 3-day schedule. Our losses are less and more sustainable. The fundraising initiatives and community support will keep us going for another year. Our members, private citizens, local businesses, and local clubs have all been instrumental in dealing with our financial needs. I can't say thank you enough.

I did apply for a "Resilient Communities Grant" through the Trillium Fund. We should know by November if it was approved. These funds, if approved, are not allowed to be used for general bills, but can pay for fundraising initiatives and covid supplies, like sanitizer and PPE.

At the time of this report, I'm waiting for a response from the Dufferin/Wellington Health Unit in regards to our poppy campaign. Once we have more information, we will post on Facebook and our branch website.

Please see the direction from Ontario Command below in regards to Elections:

Branch Elections

a. Any annual Branch Election, and Nomination Meeting (if applicable), previously scheduled for earlier in 2020 and subsequently suspended due to COVID-29 will be rescheduled to the appropriate date(s) in 2021 pursuant to their applicable Branch Regulations.

b. Any biennial Branch Election (even-numbered years), and Nomination Meeting (if applicable) previously scheduled for 2020 and subsequently suspended due to COVID-29 will be rescheduled to the appropriate date(s) in 2022 pursuant to their applicable Branch Regulations unless the Branch through approval at a General Meeting chooses to exercise on of the following options:

c. Process an Amendment to their Branch Regulations and approved by Command respecting resorting to a one-year term of office which will take effect on the 1st day of June 2021;

Convene the Elections, and Nomination Meeting (if applicable), on the appropriate day(s) as per their Branch Regulations, in 2021 to become a one-year Term of Office effective on the 1st day of June 2021 after which Elections and Nominations (if applicable) will revert back to a two-year term of Office becoming effective on the 1st day of June 2022.

In other word, Comrades, there will be NO elections until 2021 for those on a 1-year term. All current officers will remain in place until elections are held next year.

I can't thank our Executive, Ladies Auxiliary, Community Partners and Citizens of Orangeville for their continued support.

Yours in comradeship, Lest We Forget

Barry Kimber, President, Branch #233

President’s Report August 10th 2020

Comrades, I can’t express enough how great our community has been coming forward to give such financial support. Our GoFundMe fundraiser, private donations and local media have been instrumental in helping us through these unprecedented times. Many other suggestions for fundraising have been put forward by our membership; these ideas would help a lot, but under current health restrictions, reduced capacity and added costs, most would not work in the current pandemic climate. The road ahead is hard to determine, but your Executive and Ladies Auxiliary are looking at all options. Our roofer has informed me he is almost done with just a couple items left. The fire repairs are the final item; our new fire exit door was installed this week and just requires a bit of paint and some sealing.

Our Branch has been open three weeks and performance is very low. Our daily receipts are in the negative. Unfortunately, our income doesn’t cover our labor and increased utility expenses. Many Legions are operating at reduced hours and days. Some Legions have not even opened due to current health restrictions and reduced capacity. Tough decisions will have to be made in the best interest of our Branch.

RE: RESILIENT COMMUNITIES FUND ANNOUNCED BY OUR PROVINCIAL GOV.

-STATEMENT FROM PROVINCIAL COMMAND PRESIDENT- “QUOTE”

"While we appreciate the support expressed by our provincial government, right now we’re not sure if what’s being offered will get us through this most challenging time when operational costs continue to accumulate. We are still researching the program details however we feel that the Resilient Communities Fund is not designed to help Legion Branches with urgently required financial assistance. Our Branches need help to cover rent, mortgage payments, hydro and other costs until such time as they can fully re-open and continue the valuable support they provide to their communities. We fear that without assistance from all levels of government some Branches will close forever and this will be a great loss to communities .”

Garry Pond, President

The Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Provincial Command

YOURS IN COMRADESHIP

Barry Kimber, President, Branch #233 Orangeville

PRESIDENT's Report July 13th 2020

FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SOLICITOR GENERAL MPP SYLVIA JONES DUFFERIN/CALEDON FOR ATTENDING OUR CANADA DAY PARADE. THANK YOU TO THE 10 MEMBERS OF OUR COLOUR PARTY FOR PARTICIPATING. SOCIAL DISTANCING AND CURRENT HEALTH DIRECTIVES WERE OBSERVED.

OUR LEGION IS STILL HERE DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, WE CONTINUE TO HELP OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

WE ARE CONTINUING HELP FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH OUR BURSARY PROGRAM WHICH WILL ASSIST THEM IN POST SECONDARY EDUCATION. THE DEADLINE IS JULY 17TH 2020 FOR SUBMISSION.

I HAD THE PLEASURE TO PARTICIPATE IN TWO VIRTUAL ACR’S WITH THE 1849 LORNE SCOTS ARMY CADETS & THE 85 TORNADO SQUADRON AIR CADETS. I PRESENTED ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION CADET MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE TO: MWO GRIFFIN SCULLINO 1849 LORNE SCOTS AND WO2 SULEIMAN SUFYAN 85 TORNADO SQUADRON. CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH RECIPIENTS.

COMRADES, OUR BRANCH HAS HAD SOME STRONG CHALLENGES IN RECENT MONTHS AND RECENT DAYS. WE AS LEGION MEMBERS, ARE THE KEEPERS OF REMEMBRANCE. WE WILL PROTECT OUR MONUMENTS, OUR CENOTAPHS, OUR PARKS. IT’S OUR DUTY TO OUR FALLEN, VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND OUR HISTORY.

LEGIONS ACROSS CANADA ARE IN TROUBLE, I ENCOURAGE OUR ELECTED OFFICIAL’S TO FIND WAYS TO HELP. THE LOSS OF LEGIONS IN COMMUNITIES WOULD BE DEVASTATING TO OUR VETERANS, OUR SENIORS, OUR COMMUNITIES, OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

WE STILL OWE A LARGE SUM OF MONEY TO BRYANS ROOFING. WE HAVE PAID $16,000.00 IN THE LAST YEAR. WE STILL OWE $10,533.00. OUR EXECUTIVE CONTINUES TO FIND WAYS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR OUR BRANCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED DEDICATION.

YOURS IN COMRADESHIP

BARRY KIMBER, PRESIDENT BRANCH #233

President's Report March-April 2020.

Comrades, where do I start? As a result of the Covid-19 we were ordered to close by Public Health, Provincial Government, Federal Government, A.G.C.O. March 16th 2020. This result has put us in a situation of Financial Loss. Our hall rentals, bar sales, sports events and fund-raising initiatives all ended. To date we have had 9 rentals cancelled and I expect more. The other losses from our bar sales, sports events, fund raising are in the tens of thousands. I have submitted a claim to PIB Insurance on April 14th 2020 for a Business Interruption Claim. Acting on the advice of Ontario Command to make this claim, I am hoping we can recover some of our loss since our closure. At the time of writing this report I have not heard back but expect some response in the near future.

At this time, I thought I'd give a report in regards to our water damage and fire that occurred in February and March 2020. The roof leak and fire caused significant damage to our branch. The loss is well north of $75,000.00. I don’t have an exact figure of the loss as it is still being calculated. I’m sure many of you are asking what happened to cause the roof leak and fire. Well the roof leak was caused by ice build up between the flat roof and the peak roof. The fire was caused by water traveling down the hydro stack into the conduit into the main electrical panel causing the fire. (Water and Electricity Don’t Mix!)

Since our branch closed on March 16th 2020, many things have been happening behind the scenes. I would like to give you an idea of the work done since we have closed.

Pool Room: ceiling replaced (new drywall, new insulation & paint), walls painted, new trim throughout.
Entire floors replaced with high grade vinyl flooring in the sports room.
The entire half wall painted in sports room with new quarter round trim installed.
The Lounge: the carpet has been removed and high-grade vinyl flooring has been installed. The water damage below the air conditioner in the lounge has been repaired and painted.
The ceiling and bulkhead in the hallway have been replaced and painted. The south and east wall has been repaired and painted.
The stairs' carpet will be replaced at the end of April with a new rubberized material with anti-slip and vision impairment materials.
The railing upstairs and the railing leading downstairs has been painted
The men’s washroom has been completing renovated and repaired. The floor was completely removed due to water damage and replaced. All the walls were removed and replaced due to water damage. The toilet was moved more to the center to allow people with disabilities to use the bathroom. A larger wall-mounted sink was installed with wing tap handles to help folks with disabilities. Ceramic flooring was installed including four feet up the wall. Paint was applied to all walls.
The flooring in the office was replaced with high grade vinyl flooring and new trim throughout.
The beer room flooring was replaced with dry core and vinyl flooring installed.
The ice machine in the beer room was damaged and written off due to fire. A new ice fridge was installed in main bar for the convenience of our bartenders. (New plumbing and platform for ice machine was installed)
The taps in the main bar were damage when the water was shut off during the fire closure. Debris travelled into the mechanism causing poor water pressure. The taps were replaced.
The taps in the furnace room and women’s washroom downstairs were replaced.
The taps in the kitchen were repaired.
The men’s urinal in downstairs bathroom was repaired.
The banquet floor downstairs was stripped and waxed.
A new fire-rated door will be installed at the emergency exit at the west end of the building.
A new prep table and shelving has been ordered for replacement in kitchen due to fire damage.

Comrades, I am pleased to report your Branch was nominated in the category for top service club in the myFM Spirit Awards. Also, Comrade Chuck and myself were nominated as top volunteers in myFM Spirit Awards. MyFM had planned to have the awards held right here at our Branch on April 16th 2020. Unfortunately, that couldn’t happen in our current climate. I’m pleased to report our Legion placed in the top three in the entire county. Congratulations to our current Executive, Staff, Membership and Ladies Auxiliary for our great showing. I also would like to express to everyone, a thank you for all their votes in supporting me also. I placed in the top three volunteers in the myFM Spirit Awards. I have to admit during this time as President I have not had a boring year. It's nice to know I have so much support throughout the community and my comrades. It takes a team to accomplish what we have done so far this year. It takes a team to keep this branch operating not any one individual.

During these unprecedented times our Dominion Council and Ontario Command have made a decision to return some of our per capita tax back to the branches to help ease some of the financial strain during these times. We will be receiving approximately $3,000.00 back from Dominion and Provincial Command. This money will help with our Utility Bills over the past and coming months.

Decisions in regards to elections and commencement of our Executive and General Meetings are still on hold. Dominion and Provincial Command have not made any final decisions in regards to this. The only decision that was made was the current Executive and Branch Officers are to continue in place. I look forward to our Branch opening again and business continues. I will say, I plan on running for President again and hope many of our current Executive will also. I look forward to a normal process once again.

Yours In comradeship, Stay Well & Stay Safe,

Barry Kimber, President, Branch #233

rcl233@rogers.com 519-942-4895

FEB 2020 notice

Good Afternoon Comrades:

As a result of the fire on Wednesday morning, the decision has been made to CANCEL the General Meeting scheduled for Monday February 24.

Contractors and cleaning companies are presently working tirelessly to get our building back up and running. Hydro, phone lines and internet are now working.

At present we do not know when we will reopen, these things take time. We are trying our best to keep everyone updated.

Please if you have questions give us a call 519-942-4895 or by email rcl233@rogers.com

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Yours in comradeship

Barry Kimber

President