ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE VETERANS ASSOCIATION SOUTH OKANAGAN DIVISION

Transcription

1 ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE VETERANS ASSOCIATION SOUTH OKANAGAN DIVISION NOVEMBER 2014 NEWS BULLETIN HIGHLIGHTS: Remembrance Day Ceremonies Attended by Association Veterans Annual General Meeting held on Nov. 15 th in Penticton New Executive Elected for 2015 Christmas Party on Dec. 5 th official kick-off to Yuletide Celebrations Life Member George Mohr will celebrate special birthday on Dec. 30 th VETERANS HONOURED BY RCMP MEMBERS AND VETERANS AT PENTICTON, SUMMERLAND, OSOYOOS AND OLIVER: Pictured - Legion Colour Party, Pipe Band and RCMP Members and Assoc. Veterans 1

2 Our Veterans Bob Ogden, Bill Lauritzen, Bob Fozzard, Finn Nielsen, Rob Boulet (3 rd from left in bottom left picture) and our Padre John Briscall marched with the RCMP Penticton Detachment members. Padre Briscall also gave the Call to Worship during the Ceremonies at the Trade Centre. Within our South Okanagan Division wreaths were laid in Summerland by Joe Macdonald, in Osoyoos by Jack Becker and in Oliver by former member Larry Larson. Annual General Meeting Approves new Division Manual and 2015 Budget which will retain annual dues at $ Twenty-seven members and guests attended the 2014 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Luncheon held at the Penticton Chinese Buffet on Saturday, Nov. 15 th. In the absence of President Ted Cronmiller, away on grandparent business, Senior Vice-President Bob Ogden called the meeting to order at 11:40 AM. He welcomed all members and guests including Theresa Boulet, wife of Rob, who was attending her first Veterans event. Once again joining our Division event was Clem Jones, retired Dog Master, who has found the Osoyoos winter friendlier than The Pas, Manitoba. O Canada was followed by a moment of silence for departed members. Padre John Briscall related a humorous story and gave Grace. The delicious buffet lunch followed. BUSINESS MEETING: 1. Approval of General Meeting Minutes from Oct. 18 th, M/S Approved, K. Baxter/J. Macdonald. 2

3 2. Treasurer s Report: Treasurer Bill Binfet s reported the following balances in the Division s Bank Accounts as of Oct. 31 st, 2014: CIBC Cherry Lane Branch, Penticton, Current Account... $ 5, Petty Cash $ Bank of Montreal, 195 Main St., Penticton, GIC #1 $22, Bank of Montreal, 195 Main St., Penticton, GIC #2 $4, TOTAL MONIES.$32, Treasurer Bill articulated the following highlights from the past two years of his position as Treasurer: Expenses have surpassed revenue given the increase to the per capita dues our Division sends to National Office in Ottawa (increased from $22.00 to $32.00 for each member). In two years the current account balance has declined significantly. Our Division does not have any sources of revenue other than the 50/30/20, the Chinese Auction at the Christmas Party, and the occasional profit from meals which is offset by paying for speakers meal costs. Our Division subsidizes several social events including the annual Christmas Party and BBQ. While our current nominal roll totals 70 active members, 9 Life Members, 3 Associate Members and 1 Honourary Member, only 63 Active Members have paid their 2014 dues to date. Our Division pays for Service Bars, Veterans Pins and name tags for new members. A number of Life Members donate monies to the Association although by current by-laws they are not required to do so. These donations are appreciated. Attendance at the Association s National Annual General Meetings for a member of our Executive is important, but does add to the operating expenses. By extrapolating our present financial status, our Division may need to use funds from the GICs to sustain our Division s financial status in the future. There are fundraising opportunities in the community exampled by one organization that raised $15, by holding a raffle for two WestJet tickets for two anywhere in Canada/USA. (A discussion was held about the feasibility of such a fundraising idea for our Division including a raffle for a direct flight to Las Vegas more research will be undertaken to fully explore this initiative). Financial Provisions for 2015: The Executive has recommended dues for 2015 will be retained at $ The Executive has recommended approval of the 2015 Budget which at this time shows a deficit of $ Revenue is forecast to be $ with expenses of $ Dues paid by January 31 st, 2015 will be eligible for refund in February Draw. Rt: Retiring Treas. Binfet. Thank you Bill!!! 3

4 3. EXECUTIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Sr. VP Bob advised he has prepared a special Birthday Card for George Mohr who will turn 105 on December 30 th. The card will be delivered by a number of our members on his birthday. He will check with the ECU at the Penticton Regional Hospital to confirm the time and date of the birthday event. Past Pres. Joe advised our Director George Witte has undergone his scheduled chemotherapy and is doing well at home and will be attending future events. Rob Boulet has agreed to take on the position of Chair of the Honour Guard. He will be in possession of the Division s Burial Pall. He will be contacting the Division members who have indicated their interest in serving on the Honour Guard. Quartermaster Jack McDonald not present. Sr. VP Bob noted that Jack has a variety of items for sale (ties, belts, badges, hats etc.). He can be reached at OLD BUSINESS: Division s Web Site: Sr. VP Bob advised the Executive has decided to defer the Division Web Site Project due to the cost and the wide range of social media tools available that are gratis. Other options will be explored in NEW BUSINESS: Approval of 2015 Budget as presented by Treasurer Bill Binfet. M/S, Joe Macdonald/Orv Robson. CARRIED. Approval of 2015 Dues at $55.00 per Active Member. M/S. Macdonald/Robson, CARRIED. DIVISION MANUAL. The Manual has undergone several revisions based on feedback from the Executive and other Division Members. Sect. Finn noted that Bill Newhouse had also reviewed the Division Manual drafts. The final version was distributed to the wide membership. Pending approval of the Division members the Manual will be forwarded to the National Office for their review and confirmation it meets all requirements of the new Not For Profit Legislation. Sr. VP Bob asked for a motion to approve the Division Manual. M/S, Jack Becker/Joe Macdonald. CARRIED. The Division Manual will now be forwarded to National. ANNUAL ELECTIONS: Chairman of the Nominating Committee Joe Macdonald reported on the new slate of candidates for the 2015 Executive. The following Association Members have agreed to let their names stand for the noted positions: EXECUTIVE/COMMITTEE POSITION PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT (Non-elected position) SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FIRST VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY DIRECTOR SUMMERLAND DIRECTOR PENTICTON DIRECTOR OLIVER DIRECTOR OSOYOOS FAN OUT COORD. (non-elected position) CHAIR HONOUR GUARD (non-elected position) QUARTERMASTER (non-elected position) CANDIDATES -- INCUMBENTS TED CRONMILLER (incumbent) JOE MACDONALD BOB OGDEN (incumbent) GLENN DEOBALD (incumbent) BETH MCGIFFORD FINN NIELSEN (incumbent) GEORGE WITTE (incumbent) LORI WOODS LIN SPRINGER (incumbent) No Candidate BETH MCGIFFORD (incumbent) ROB BOULET JACK MCDONALD (incumbent) 4

5 As the call for nominations from the floor failed to identify any other candidates the above candidates were acclaimed in the positions indicated. Past Pres. Joe also thanked the members who have continued or taken on the non-elected positions. All members of the Executive will be formally installed at the Annual Christmas Dinner and Dance on December 5 th, 2014 held at the Penticton Golf Club. 6. GOOD OF ASSOCIATION: 50/30/20 Draw: Winners were Kerry Baxter and Trish Macdonald. Congratulations! Wine Draw: Winner of Okanagan bottle of wine was Theresa Baxter. Enjoy! Book: When Grandpa was a Mountie. Sect. Finn advised he had been contacted by former RCMP Sgt. Charlie Scheideman who has written his third book based on his 27 years policing the interior of British Columbia. The newly released When Grandpa was a Mountie includes The Fred Quilt Frame-up story about two RCMP Constables at Alexis Creek who were falsely accused of beating a First Nations elder to death. Only a deathbed confession by a key witness confirmed the innocence of the RCMP members. A copy of this book is being made available by the author for a draw at our Christmas Party. To order your copy advise your News Bulletin Editor or visit the author at: policestories@gmail.com. SOCIAL HOUR ENJOYED BY ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS AT THE AGM: As can be seen by the smiles of the following attendees at the AGM, your Veterans Association provides a great forum for fellowship and social contact plus an opportunity to catch up on news and future events: Ernie& Babe Best, Darcy McGifford, Rob &Theresa Boulet, Wine Winner Theresa Baxter, Padre John Briscall & Wayne Symes, Past Pres. Joe Macdonald and Clem Jones from The Pas, & Trish Macdonald and Sr. VP Bob Ogden. 5

6 L-R: Mimi Symes, Bea Becker, Joe Holz, Ginny Ogden; Wayne Symes, Enabelle Gorek, Bob Fozzard (The Fozz!) Annual Christmas Party will be held at the Penticton Golf Club in Penticton on December 5 th, 2014 commencing at 6 PM, Dinner at 7 PM and Dancing till.. There will be a Chinese Auction, Door Prizes, Spot Dances and great music. Dinner will include Turkey, Ham, Cabbage Rolls, Vegetables, Salads, Desserts plus guaranteed Christmas Spirit. Come join your fellow veterans and friends and bring a neighbour with you. Call Bob Ogden today for tickets that can be picked up at the door. Let s support this traditional Veterans event. Bob can be reached at Tickets $40 for members or $80 per couple. See you there. REMEMBER TO CHECK IN WITH OUR NATIONAL WEBSITE FOR THE LATESTS IN DISCOUNTS, NATIONAL VETERANS NEWS ETC.: SHORT BYTES: Service Bars for members with 10 or more years membership in the Veterans Association will be handed out at the Christmas Party or mailed to the recipients during December. (Awarded in 5 year increments). Remembrance Day photos courtesy of Randy Kirkoski. Please check to see if you are up-to-date on payment of 2014 dues. If not, please mail a cheque to Bill Binfet. Pres. Ted Cronmiller and the Executive welcome your comments, suggestions and concerns. Why not let your voice be heard on any matter/issue that will improve our Division and the Veterans Association. The new Executive will be installed at the Christmas Party. We still need a Director for Osoyoos. Call please. Comments are invited by you News Bulletin Editor: Finn Nielsen, Ph , nielsenms@telus.net 6