The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
When Katherine Warren opened the first meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch No. 73 of the Royal Canadian Legion in March 1933, she likely had no idea that the organization would still be flourishing some 80 years later. Indeed, many Legion branches across Canada would not have survived over the years if not for Ladies Auxiliaries whose membership is today around 100,000 nationally. Locally, Legion branch president Robert Penner is very aware and appreciative of the Flin Flon Ladies Auxiliary. 'On behalf of the veterans and members of Branch No. 73, congratulations on 80 years of dedication to the Legion and community,' he said. 'Without your help, it would be very difficult for our organization to help the veterans and community. I look forward to many more years of working towards the same goals of serving our veterans.' As noted by Penner, Ladies Auxiliaries are formed to assist a Legion branch in carrying out of its work. Each year across Canada, these dedicated ladies contribute millions of dollars to Legion programs. Locally the Flin Flon ladies provide bursaries for Grade 12 graduates, support Cubs, Brownies and Cadets, and are always at the ready to serve our veterans or anybody in need in the community. It would be virtually impossible to list all those who have made meaningful contributions to the organization over 80 years. With this in mind, we decided to accompany a former auxiliary president and long-time member, Bev Mensch, to the flagship Branch No. 73 facility _ the Legion Jubilee Residence _ to see how auxiliary members living there reflected upon the 80th anniversary. In doing so, we acknowledge all those who have made this landmark occasion special. Banquets Helen Crone joined in 1966 and says she really enjoyed working at the catered banquets over the years. Anne Henry, who joined in 1963, added: 'I spent 23 years in the Colour Party before handing over to younger members.' Lilian Genovy joined the auxiliary in 1954 and went through all the chair positions. She is still very exuberant about the organization and reflected: 'I loved the banquets and remember the Jubilee Hall activities. The facilities were pretty bare and workers brought in big tubs for water, and others would hook up stoves for us to use.' Vera Larson proudly acknowledged her 50-year pin as a dedicated member. Chris Heideveld considers herself the new kid on the block, reminiscing: 'I joined in 1976 after retiring from HBM&S and really enjoyed the banquets, kitchen work and the 50/50 draws.' They collectively recalled the good times and work at Phantom Lake Day and more recently the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee events of 2012. To a person, these ladies expressed sincere pride in the traditions and dedication that they have handed down to a younger generation, and the hopes for a vibrant auxiliary for many years to come. Marg Senyk commented: 'As the auxiliary president, I feel that we do a lot to help out the branch and our community. It is an honour to be affiliated with the branch in honouring the veterans and widows of veterans. It's so exciting to be celebrating our 80th anniversary.' With anniversary celebrations scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19 and several fundraisers in the offing, Senyk and her slate of officers will be kept busy. The slate includes Bev Zollen (first vice); Lynn Gobeil (second vice); Janice Ballard (treasurer); Ellen McFarlane (recording secretary); and executive members Denise Rose, Joyce VanKoughnett, Ruth Rose, Carmen Fisher, Karen Prokopetz and Michelle Dollard. Happy anniversary. Morley Naylor is a long-time Legion member who writes for Cottage North magazine.
