2024 Elections / Re-vote required

Our General Election was conducted at the General Meeting held on November 26th, 2024. Due to a procedural error an individual was allowed to Stand for Office and vote prior to being approved as a new member of the Branch. As advised by BC/Yukon Command the position of Secretary and the 6 General Executive must be voted at our next General Meeting scheduled for January 28th, 2025 at 7:00pm. We appreciate the great participation by members at the November meeting and hope that they and others will attend the January meeting also.

I would like to congratulate the following individuals, who by acclamation, will assume their positions effective January 1st, 2025:

• President - Neil VanBemmelen

• 1st Vice-President - Linda Balaski

• 2nd Vice-President - Donna Wood

• Treasurer - Norman Anderson

The positions to be voted on are:

• Secretary

  • William Ince (Nominating Committee)

  • Elizabeth Halloran (Nomination from the floor)

  • Wendy Anderson (Nomination from the floor)

• Executive at Large

  • Sigmund Johannessen (Nominating Committee)

  • Katey Savoy (Nominating Committee)

  • Joe Sparrow (Nominating Committee)

  • Gillian Taccogna (Nominating Committee)

  • Phyllis Taylor (Nominating Committee)

  • Amanda Wilson (Nominating Committee)

  • Sherry Sparrow (Nomination from the floor)

Please note that the Nominations from the Floor will have to be made again and that additional nominations are permitted.

In order to vote, you must be a Member in Good Standing.

• Per the Membership Manual, a member is still in good standing until January 31st even if they have not renewed for the new year. We do appreciate the ongoing support of all our members and hope if you have not renewed to-date that you will do so before the meeting but if you have paid your dues for 2024 you will be permitted to attend and vote at the January 28th meeting.

 

Outgoing President's Message

I wish to thank the past executives and all the membership for their support during my 6 years as President of Branch 211. Much has happened over my tenure, including COVID, the Heart of Bowser Gazebo & Green Space Project, numerous building upgrades, withdrawal of the Ladies Auxiliary and so much more. As I continued to work full-time while serving as President, I would also like to give special recognition to Wendy who has taken on many duties and administration not normally required of the Branch Secretary.

As the Branch has navigated these events and projects, we have been fortunate to have so much member and community support which was reflected in 2023, with our membership surpassing the 500 member threshold. To date in 2024, we are only 2 off that mark and the Early Bird Campaign for 2025 renewals is on par with last year.

As members of Branch 211, we should all be proud that the Bowser Branch is recognized through out the Zone, and beyond, as one of the most active, inviting and well maintained Branches. Our Remembrance Day Service is also considered to be one of the best on the Island and continues to get better each year. A great testament to our volunteers and the community.

I would like to welcome Neil VanBemmelen as the new President of the Branch. Neil has served on the Executive for several years as Entertainment Chair and for the past couple years as 1st Vice President. I will be moving down to Treasurer and Past President, where I can continue to support Neil and all the Executive, new and returning this upcoming year. I hope that Neil and all our upcoming Executive will continue to receive the support of the membership and wish them the very best as we continue to act as the stewards of activities and values of the Branch.

Sincerely,

Norman Anderson,
President, The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 211 Bowser