Some info. on the successful Newfoundland Event at the Cobourg Legion, Branch 133, on October 25th. Newfoundlanders certainly know how to have fun! Great performers: Claude Collins, formerly of Hare Bay & George Hillier of St. Anthony. SUPPORTING OUR LEGIONS Newfoundlanders know how to organize a good party, and to have fun! It is very common these days to hear that there is a "Newfoundland Evening” at the Royal Canadian Legions around Ontario. When I first arrived in Richmond Hill it was suggested by comrade Beverly Ducharme that we have something different to raise funds for our legion. Well, we did organize an event over the winter, and it involved a lot of planning. It got off to a good start on July 5th, 2008, and was a great success. All the funds raised went to Branch 375, in Richmond Hill. The community at large attended, and there were even some visitors from Poland and the USA. It was not only a great evening for the people who attended, but a very special treat for our veterans. The business community gave their great support in respect of our veterans and our Canadian troops involved in the Afghanistan war. There is one thing certain about Newfoundlanders, they communicate very well, and want to share their great sense of kindness in volunteering to help their community. This was a good indication when the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 133, in the town of Cobourg was approached by Comrade Arthur Seymour, expressing an interest in helping his Legion to raise funds. In no time, Arthur and his wife Yvonne, with the assistance of the branch membership, got to work on a new fundraising event. After months of planning, the event took place on October 25th, and was a great success. There are many great highlights to a “Newfoundland Evening,“ which makes it very special, and it is sure to attract people from the east coast of Canada. The wonderful musicians who were willing to give their time away from a busy schedule, just to help the Legion. They were always there when an event was needed to raise funds for the Legion, the veterans, and the community at large. We have seen the best of musicians coming out to entertain our legion membership and those who wanted to support our legions and troops as well. The traditional Newfoundland meal (Scoff) and “The Newfie Screech-Ins” are always enjoyed with lots of good eating and laughter. One cannot ask for more than this, and no wonder why they all say, “It is some shockin' good b’y.” When I talked to many veterans, they expressed so much gratitude in knowing that the events have been organized to help their legion and many other veterans who needed their help. For me, it was heart-warming to hear the veterans note how much they enjoyed the Newfoundland folklore, sung by the very talented musicians who performed for them. “The Newfoundland Evening” events have the best of talent coming from Newfoundland and Labrador, and to date, many are wondering when such a great event as this can be organized again? There are those who say that ”Newfoundland Evenings” are for Newfoundlanders only. Well, this is not what legion members want to hear today. They want more events like this to keep the spirit of the place they are so proud of, and worked so hard to keep open. Today, many legions are closing across Canada, and we should do everything to keep our legions alive for those who served their country, our Veterans. We need to get out and join our Legion branches in respect of those who gave their lives for you and me, and fought the great fight for Peace. Comrade Frank Blackwood Newfoundland writer Richmond Hill, Ontario October 27, 2008   Submitted By: NULL