Newmarket Legion more than Military Show

If you're like most Canadians you likely think of your war vets once a year during Remembrance Day, perhaps even attending a parade or a Remembrance ceremony and think that is doing enough. And it may very well be for some, but for local Canadian Legions, such as Newmarket's Legion, it is a year long effort in supporting the community through efforts like youth through cadets or annual sports events and veterans support efforts. And none of any poppy money can be used to help pay run each legion's operations costs as those funds are earmarked, so that can be a struggle.

There are a few old misconceptions about local legions to dispel. Firstly, although originally formed as a support to the families of those in combat, modern times allow for those not connected through family to become members. In other words, you can be a sort of repatriate still for your country, without having been or had family in the war. And it's only $50 to join.

Legion's support cadets

Recently Newmarket's chapter, branch 426 of the Royal Canadian Legion,  celebrated 50 years of sponsoring the local annual house-league ice hockey tournament this past March Break, a tournament I myself played in as a kid, with our Aurora based team going undefeated and winning it. It was a life changing sense of pride at that time as I recall and our team even got jackets that we wore with beaming pride, an undefeated team through all exhibition matches and then tourney winners. I never forgot it - yet had no idea the Legion were sponsors. Events like this allow kids who might not ever play in such a format a chance to do so, giving them more confidence and esteem moving forward. Ironically it ran at the same time as the Friendly Neighbourhood Road hockey tourney I started and would go on to run for 10 years, offering kids free play, meals, entertainment and a leadership cash award. To a degree, starting that event was inspired by that house league tourney. So you see, these community supports do help shape young / future minds and actions!

A couple weeks back, I was contacted buy a member of the local chapter's executive, interested to purchase a copy of the video I'd produced of the Remembrance Day parade and ceremony. After meeting, the gentleman asked about cost. What does one charge a legion who supports those who have and are fighting to keep this country safe? My mother said charge them nothing. Her dad was a cook in WW1, having lost an eye prior to combat and unable to be a fighting soldier.

Newmarket History memorabilia adorns the walls

Then I heard about the leaky roof they have that is more than a simple fix, and that Raise the Roof funds are in dire need to make renovations to it before it affects other parts of the aging structure, an original mess area for soldiers back in the day. That's when I also learned poppy money received is not allowed for such costs - used only for vets supports - and that they must find ways to raise the $ on their own. In recent years there may have been a decline in membership numbers, however part of that " problem" is a lack of knowledge about what a legion does, how valuable they are, and how rewarding being a member can be.

Various nights to attract members in more often are held, and FRIDAY nights ANYONE can come check out the cheap beer and dinner special ( usually under $8!) and meet some of those unique members of your history and other friendly regulars at the legion. Newmarket's Legion, typical of many, sports war medals displays and photos and memorabilia throughout it's front bar & hall with darts and billiards rooms as well as an additional fully functional hall complete with full kitchen - tables, chairs, stage and projector unit also available for public rentals at more than competitive rates.The Newmarket Legion also has some cool activities available like snooker and darts and tourneys too, with euchre being the latest addition to the fun stuff they have going on.

Raise the Roof - Newmarket Legion Military Show

Buy, Sell, Trade - One Show Only! - $5 Entry -

Long way to go to save the roof

Sunday April 17, 2016, 8am - 1pm, the Newmarket Legion Hall at 707 Srigley St features Military Antiques and Accessories. Door and table proceeds to the Newmarket Legion. Kids / Ladies free.

For more info on the Military show contact armystuffguy@hotmail.com

Sounds like a blast! An historic one! At any rate certainly an educational and fun way to explore our militia whilst supporting a great community asset, your local legion or better yet, purchase a $50 membership.

I think that is what I shall ask for for my payment, an entry into a sacred group of patriots, proud of their country and those who would protect her. That, and perhaps host a special showing of TPE's best Troops footage, including entertainers, like an old time variety show, through an evening of memory lane, good food and great Canadian beverages. Cheers!

TP over and out!

Hey...Tom Pearson!!!???

Snacks come out!

Hall For Rent

State of the art kitchen for catering / hall rentals

View from your Legion

TPE file photo - 2016 reminder of our active troops, always in danger

Newmarket Torchbearer A Worthy Choice

Congratulations Dan Philion, 2015 Newmarket Torch Bearer

Newmarket resident, Dan Philion, has been chosen The Torchbearer for Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, for the Pan Am Games! Well, not exactly, but he is one of three chosen for the town of Newmarket for his years of contributions to the community.

Before arriving in Newmarket 10 years ago now, as a single dad with two kids, Dan, now 50, had already made a mark in Ottawa setting records for fundraising efforts for muscular dystrophy and was an annual telethon fixture.

Dan works on getting vendor for Int Day to Eradicate Poverty

In Newmarket he picked up where he left off, this time involving himself in the community through volunteer endeavours, from organizing and running tables and events in at-risk communities - including annual BBQ's and 10 years with the annual Friendly Neighbourhood Road Hockey Challenge which has provided 100's of kids free recreation and food and awarded $10,000 in scholarship / award money to youths over that span via the Mike Thornhill Memorial Award, started in memory of a youth from his Mulock Village neighbourhood who was killed outside a Newmarket Tim Horton's donut shop - to sorting damaged packaged food items for distribution to those in need for P.A.C.C., the Poverty Action for Change Coalition. He also participated in York Region's social audit, Behind The Masks, which took over 6 months to organize, hold, and create a report from, for the Region of York and the Ontario Governments to use to reduce the affects of poverty.

Dan, MPP, and fellow torch bearers. Dan's route is on Bayview.

No, he and these causes have not had much attention or coverage over the past 10 years or so, but that does not take away from the direct impact he had in this area and to be recognized as such is long overdue and a great choice by MPP Chris Ballard.

Newly elected Newmarket Aurora MPP Ballard first met Dan, also the volunteer Vice Chair for PACC Poverty Action for Change Coalition, along with Chair Tom Pearson, late last year when the two attended a meet and greet with the MPP.

Philion returns from MPP visit in 2014

The MPP, noticing incidentally that Mr. Philion might need help to access special shoes, later contacted PACC to see if he might be interested in their help to attain some via the system but with their help. Mr Philion was receptive, particularly since paperwork can be especially tough for him and a "kinship" was struck. Although he's not receiving any 'special' treatment in getting these shoes to speed up the process, he looks forward to hopefully having them in place for The Pan Am Games Torchbearing ceremony.

Mr. Philion was surprised and honoured when asked to be a torchbearer, but his first concern was how would he hold it up as Mr. Philion has Muscular Dystrophy, a form of which his muscles degenerate a bit more and more each year. Now he is sometimes unable to drink from a heavy cup.

OLG reaassured Mr. Philion that indeed they had a special attachment to make wheelchair users able to and after more communications about how he needs assistance dressing and therefore would need his torchbearer atire in advance unlike the directives he received which they accomodated...so...he's good to go!

Make no mistake, Dan Philion is no throw-in because he's in a wheelchair, and indeed has earned his worthy choice as a Newmarket Torchbearer for the Pan Am Games.In fact, you could say he's a shoe-in.

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