The Royal Canadian Legion #260-100 Mile House membership elected its new executive board for the upcoming year at its general meeting on Nov. 27.
"We had an outstanding meeting with 53 members, which is extraordinary," says secretary Rick Smale. "We haven't had that many since the meeting of September 2015 when we decided to try it again."
He adds it was not the Legion's annual general meeting, which happens in March, and the executive installations will be performed on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m., providing the Zone Commander is able to attend.
Some executive members, including Smale, were incumbents re-elected to their positions, while others were new to the executive, although all are experienced members of a Royal Canadian Legion, he explains.
"Every position was contested, which is rare."
They are president Scott Rathy (re-elected); vice-president Ken Mills (new); treasurer Shelly Recollet and secretary Smale (both re-elected); and directors at large are Randy Schenkeveld (new) and Dave Taylor (re-elected).
"[Scott Rathy] actually gave a pretty nice little speech thanking everybody for their support and about how it helps us dig out from a pretty deep hole."
Smale says he was "astonished" by the turnout, and despite his own efforts to be on site 90 minutes before the start, he was still making copies of financial reports and agendas with people coming through the door when the meeting started.
"I didn't even get a chance to put my uniform on."
All members had a chance to be “respectfully” heard, Smale says.
"It was nice and acrimonious."
With about 10 newer members – mostly transfers in from other Legions – in attendance, he adds it bodes well for the next year's membership and attendance.
"They got to see us at our busiest and level best, which was really, really heartening."
The secretary notes the membership reviewed some support considerations for its community donations.
There will be some funding to another Quilts of Valour project this January, he explains.
"The Rotary Club of 100 Mile House is getting some money to help with its [recent] senior's dinner, and we are going to donate an automatic defibrillator to Creekside Seniors Activity Centre."
However, Smale says the amounts of these local donations won't be confirmed until the board knows what is needed, such as covering the costs of the defibrillator equipment.