Announcements & News

We gave three $500.00 Bursaries from our Lottery to a graduating Grade 12 student that is continuing their education and that live in Merrickville-Wolford. Those students were from St. Michael’s Roan Hanlon-Rothwell, North Grenville Brooklyn McNeely and SFDCI Wesley Stoebis. We wish them well in their future studies.

Branch 245 has partnered with the Merrickville Lions Club, and they have a place to call home where they have their meetings twice a month. We thank them for their financial support that they have given to the Legion.

The Legion provides a free venue for many other organizations and groups. The Historical Society, Merrickville Artisits Guild, and the Photo Club have monthly lectures and meetings at the Legion. We have hosted many Celebrations of Life at the Legion that are free of charge, but we do gladly accept donations if possible.

We have 50/50 draws at all our sporting events and TGIF dances. The funds from this are spread widely throughout the community. The last 5 years we have given out 17,819.25 in donations, sponsorship, youth activities and school activities and bursaries. The following have received funds from the Legion: Merrickville Public School, St,Marguerite School, Merrickville Library, Merrickville Ag Society, Merrickville Guides/Brownies/Pathfinders, Merrickville Scouts, Merrickville Soccer, Merrickville Lions Club, Snowflake Festival, Hilltop Manor and Rosebridge Nursing Homes, RCHS Food Cupboard. We also provide 3 ($500.00) school bursaries to a graduating Grade 12 student that lives in Merrickville-Wolford from North Grenville, St. Mike’s and SFDCI High Schools.

The Legion would like to take this time to offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to our Treasurer Robert Hadley, our Bar Stewart Nancy Watkins and their family on the loss of Kirsten (daughter & sister) to cancer.                    Also, to Pat Young who lost her husband Clifford both of whom have been active members of the Legion for years. There will be a Celebration of Life for Clifford Young on July 21 from 1 to 4 pm at the Legion.                                            Also, to Pauline O’Brien who lost her partner of 15 years Wayne Trusty. There was a Celebration of Life for Wayne Trusty on July 14th at the branch.

On May 18th 2024 Our Mixed Dart Team consisting of Terry Sprowl (Right), Darlene Sprowl (Right Middle), Lee-anne Pritchard (Left), and Branden Schroeder (Left Middle) placed 1st in District Shoot. Congratulations to them all and we look forward to hosting next year. 

Canada Day July 1st the Legion was open from 12 noon to 4pm. The Legion hosted a Potluck lunch at 1pm. There was Evening music provided from 7 to 11pm on the backyard patio.

May 25th was the 85th Anniversary of the unveiling of the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The National War Memorial was first unveiled in 1939 to commemorate the response of Canadians in the First World War 1914-1918. Over the years the memorial has come to symbolize the sacrifice of all Canadians who have served Canada in time of war and was rededicated to their honour.

Public speaking was held at the Branch on Feb.24 with 11 Grade 6 students from Merrickville Public
School participating. We also had one student from St. Mike’s. Great speeches from all students with a
large turn-out from family and friends. A huge thank-you to Mr. Bennett at MPS for encouraging the
students and getting them to participate. A huge Thank-you to the students that came to the Legion and
did their speeches you were all great and job well done.
The results from Legion Provincial 2023/2024 Remembrance Day Literary/Poster Competition have
been announced. Emma McIntosh-Belanger from Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Merrickville has
placed 3 rd in the Junior Poem Competition representing Branch 245 Merrickville at Provincial level and
has competed against over 1000 entrants in this Competition. The Legion will be making a Presentation
to Emma at School. Congratulations to Emma on such an accomplishment.
April 1 was the 100 th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force and we Thank every member for their
service to this country past, present and in the future. April 9 th was Vimy Ridge Day, commemorating the
Canadian soldiers who stormed the ridge on this day in 1917. Over 3500 members of the Canadian corps
gave their lives and close to 7000 were wounded in this offensive.

We had a not so good start to the New Year on Jan 1 st as the blower on the downstairs furnace went but luckily someone was there. Huge thank-you to Larry from Heat Busters coming to the rescue for us. Fixed the blower but informed us that the furnace needs to be replaced. The Branch held a Raffle Fundraiser to help pay for this as it is a costly item to replace. 
The draw took place on Canada Day July 1st at the Legion. The following are the winners of the prizes. 

• 1st prize– BBQ – Melanie Malo
• 2nd prize– Camp Chair and cooler combo – Christine Bimey
• 3rd prize– Utility Cart – Mark Scullino
• 4th prize– Visa Gift Card – Mike Curry

We hope that this provides some insight of just some of the things we do as there are many more. (Rose Lamingman Public Relations Chair)

Our TGIF supper and dances are every other Friday night. Supper is served at 6pm and the Dance
starts at 7pm with a live band. You are welcome to come to both or just supper or just the dance but
please contact Mary Horning at 613-269-3234 if coming for the supper. Check out our Facebook page or
our website for more details and info.