Norwood News: Royal Canadian Legion in Norwood bestows its honours and awards

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The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 330 in Norwood held its annual honour and awards night on Nov. 1; the evening gives the legion the opportunity to acknowledge the years of service its members have contributed as well as extend a special thank you to members, individuals, and businesses that have gone above and beyond with their support for the local branch.

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An elegantly decorated hall greeted guests as they found their way to their tables, while behind the head table was an incredible diorama featuring soldiers’ uniforms and memorials; both the decorations and the display were the work of talented and creative legion member Rhonda Leeper.

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The evening began with the traditional formalities including the singing of O Canada, a toast to the King, a toast to fallen comrades and grace by legion Padre United Church Rev. Lyn Watson. After enjoying a fine meal catered by Jenny Lyons guests settled in for the evening’s program.

The guest speaker was local resident Lt.-Col. (retired) Ross Cossar, a 35-year veteran with the Canadian Armed Forces. Ross served overseas in Afghanistan and Cyprus as well as commanding several training exercises from the Arctic Circle to the swamps of Florida. After nearly three decades, he transferred to social work and was posted to the medical clinic at Trenton where he taught mental resilience programs and provided mental health services to military members.

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He retired in 2022 to open his own private therapy practice in Campbellford, where he continues to work primarily with serving military and veterans. Ross presented a very informative slide show and talk about the progress made in recognizing and treating mental health issues in the military.

Following Ross’ presentation, the Legions Ladies’ Auxiliary presented its awards with a number of service pins and awards being presented. The Ladies Auxiliary celebrated its 70th Anniversary in October; this story will be featured in a future column.

The Ladies Awards were followed by the regular legion awards where years of service pins were awarded to 27 members recognizing their ongoing commitment to the branch. Service pins are presented for every five years of membership.

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Some of the longer-serving individuals included ordinary member Monick Beaulne with 25 years and Ron Cooney with 45 years of service, Associate members included Doreen Allen-Bell, Michael Rioux and William Scott each with 25 years; James Calder, Robert Hynes and Mike Wilford each with 30 years, Wayne Gontier with 35 years; and, Peter Thompson with 45 years of service.

It was also noted that Branch life member Rob Gordon — featured here last week as the recipient of the senior of the year award — has served for 25 years. The late Bud Wrightly, who was also a life member of the branch, had served 30 years before his passing earlier this year. The late Jim McPherson had 40 years of service before his passing, also earlier this year.

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The winners of the two major awards of the night are both chosen by legion members using a secret vote.

The Worker of the Year for 2024 went to Liz Burfield. Burfield is a fairly new member of Branch 300, having joined only three years ago. If she lacks anything from her short time of service, she more than makes it up with her enthusiasm and commitment.

As soon as she joined, she “jumped in with both feet,” signing up for the poppy campaign, helping with all legion events from the fish fry to special luncheons and she can be found nearly every Thursday in the kitchen helping with wings night. Burfield simply helps wherever needed and does so with huge smile on her face. She is also a member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and received its worker of the year award too.

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The winner of the prestigious Legionnaire of the Year Award is also chosen by the members.

This year the accolade was bestowed on individual whose commitment and dedication to the Branch 300 fringes on almost legendary. He is a lifetime member with 19 years of active service to the branch. He has been an integral part of the Catch the Ace Draw from its inception and continues each week to be one of the branches top ticket sellers. He also orders, picks up, and delivers tickets to other sellers and assists with the draw nearly every week.

Each November he will be found helping organize and prepare the wreaths and poppies for Remembrance Day. He makes it his mission to visit and keep in touch with the legion’s older members and is always happy to lend a hand wherever necessary. He is also his wife’s “right-hand man” when she is decorating the hall for events.

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The 2025 Legionnaire of the Year is comrade Dave Leeper.

The evening concluded with best wishes from branch president Bob Tytko and the traditional singing of God save the King.

Bazaar reminders

• St. George’s Anglican Church, 38 Bridge St. S. Hastings is hosting its Christmas Bazaar this Saturday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests will find home knitting, Christmas-themed gifts, a large book room sale and more, they can also enjoy the church members well-known hospitality as they partake in a tasty lunch, delectable desserts, and of course coffee and tea. Admission free, lunch $10, all are welcome.
• St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 19 Flora St. Norwood will host its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 6. There will be a limited supply of their famous shortbread available (shortbread pre-orders can also be picked up the same day). Vendors will include Ten Thousand Villages, homemade quilts and more. There will be draws and raffle prizes as well and of course a traditional delectable lunch. More details to come.

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