Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 installs new executive

a custom-made lantern, designed and handcrafted by Park House tinsmith Victor Lavergne.

The Legion offered special thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary and Gray as well as scrutineers Nicole Gray and Dave Renaud from Royal Canadian Legion Essex Br. 201 for their assistance with the Amherstburg Legion’s voting and elections. They also offered their appreciation and thanks to outgoing executive officers Brenda Masse, Don Masse and Jeff Turner.

By Ron Giofu

A new executive is incoming at Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157. Despite the fact their terms don’t actually start until June 1, the new executive officers were installed by District A-2 Zone Commander Dan Gray last Thursday night.

The installation took place as part of the final meeting for the current executive board.

The new Legion Br. 157 executive for 2023-24 does include a change at the top, with president Laurie Cavanaugh moving the position of past president. Capt. (Retired) Ernie Gazdig CD will become the Amherstburg Legion’s new president.

“I am extremely proud to be the new president of the Fort Malden Branch of the Canadian Legion. Our newly elected committee, with the participation of our members, volunteers and Ladies’ Auxiliary will continue to support our veterans, grow the branch and youth education initiatives through the Legion programs,” said Gazdig. “We have a solid commitment to be a community involved service club and I would like clarify to the public that we are not a private club and we welcome all to enjoy the camaraderie, food and entertainment at the branch.”

Don Nantais will be the 1st Vice President while Dave Stewart was installed as 2nd Vice President. The executive treasurer is Mary Lynn Tytgat while Lena Lazanja stays on as executive secretary.

Executive officers will include Allan Carroll CD, Ian Spanswick, Kathy Hanes, Richard Nadon CD, Rita Jariett, Shawn Wilkie and Sherry VanHoorne. Sgt.-at-Arms and parade marshall will still be Tim Girard. The chaplain at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 will continue to be Rev. Lisa Poultney from Christ Anglican Church in Amherstburg.

Cavanaugh had already been presented a farewell gift at the Legion’s April meeting. She received

Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 also recognized the Amherstburg Provincial Marine during last Thursday night. Cavanaugh pointed out the Provincial Marine held a “Pirate Dinner” fundraiser last fall and donated proceeds from it back to the Legion. She presented certificates to Provincial Marine president Dale Kidd and vice president Robert Budszioz during last Thursday night’s meeting.

“It was a good success for two weeks planning,” Cavanaugh said of the fundraiser.

Cavanaugh said plans are in the works for a second fundraiser, with Kidd confirming those plans.

“I’m very happy to accept (the awards) on behalf of the Provincial Marine,” said Kidd.

This year’s event will return and be held during the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival weekend in September.

“We are looking forward to doing it another year,” said Kidd.

The next major event at the Legion will be this Sunday when it receives the “Ride for Dad” bikers. Gazdig said they expect a great number of participants arriving at the branch at approximately 10-11 a.m., and the Legion will make a donation to the foundation.

After that will be the “Decoration/ Flag Day” ceremony at the Cenotaph June 4 at 11 a.m.

There will be a short service to remember those of Legion Br. 157’s membership that have passed since this time last year. There will not be a service at the cemeteries this year.