By Norma Friest
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 397 Creemore held its Honours and Awards and Ladies night on Saturday, January 18.
After grace was said by Comrade Dawn Craven, we enjoyed a beautiful roast beef dinner served by the United Church Women. Comrade Norma Friest chaired the meeting along with Comrade Laura Earles.
They introduced the Ladies Auxiliary President, Dee Hanson, and the Branch President, Jim Richards. Comrade Nancy Willoughby from the Ladies Auxiliary presented the ladies’ year pins.
Comrade Marg Falls received her 40-year membership pin and a bouquet of flowers.
The Legionnaire of the Year for the Ladies went to Comrade Marie Blohm. Comrades Friest and Earles presented Comrade Howard Hanson with his 50-year Long Service Medal, and Comrades Dave Smith and Ed Stephenson with their 65-year pins.
This year, two Legionnaire of the Year awards were presented by President Jim Richards: one to Mary Underhill for her volunteer service, and one to the Ladies Auxiliary for their continuing efforts in support of the Branch.
Mary Mugford was introduced as the only widow of a Second World War veteran present.
As in previous years, Branch 397 Creemore presented money to representatives of the town’s youth groups. Recipients were: figure skating, minor hockey, the Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School band and breakfast programs,1944 EME Cadet Corps, Ray’s Place, soccer and the three Scouting units.
Following the presentations, a social time was held in the Lounge.