October 29, 2026
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Thank you to everyone for supporting the Poppy Campaign again this year. Every poppy you wear, every donation you drop in a poppy box, and every hour given by our volunteers, adds up to real help for veterans and their families right here in our community. Seeing poppies being worn all over town in the days leading up to Remembrance Day is something our branch never takes for granted.
Remember to wear your poppy correctly. It goes on the left side, over your heart. If your coat has no lapel, put it as close to your heart as you can. Keep the original pin rather than replacing it with something that covers the centre of the flower, and ask at the branch about a poppy keeper if yours keeps slipping off. Wear it through Remembrance Day, Nov. 11. After the ceremony, you can keep it on for the rest of the day, lay it at the Cenotaph, or tuck it away respectfully, until next year. And if you spot one that has fallen on the ground, pick it up and brush it off. A poppy on the ground deserves better than being stepped over.
Remembrance Week is almost upon us, and Branch 183 welcomes everyone in the community to take part. The week begins in Tiverton, Sunday, Nov. 8, with the service at Lions Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, No Stone Left Alone returns to the Kincardine Cemetery, where Grade 6 students from Huron Heights Public School, Kincardine, will thank veterans and honour them by placing poppies on more than 300 veterans' graves.
Our Kincardine Remembrance Day service follows Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. in the Legion Hall, with a choir from Huron Heights performing. The indoor service will be followed by the traditional wreath-laying at the outdoor Cenotaph. That evening, Knox Presbyterian Church holds its Ringing of the Peace Bell ceremony at 7 p.m., with our Colour Party taking part. Tiverton's Bells of Peace will also be rung this year at 7 p.m. at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre, an outdoor event at the old school bell in tribute to Norm MacIntosh.
Anyone interested in joining the Colour Party is welcome to attend practices at the Legion Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Practices continue until Remembrance Day. For more information, contact our sergeant-at-arms, Kirk Rutledge.
The October Kin Cares 50/50 draw is almost here. Ticket sales close at 11:59 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, and the draw will be made at 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2, live at the Legion. The jackpot now stands at $12,660, so the winner will take home an estimated $6,330. If you haven't got your tickets yet, you can still buy them on-line at kincares5050.ca before sales close.
The Saturday Meat Draw saw meat prizes won by Stewart MacDonald, Debbie Emmerton, Elmer Lamont, Bonnie Robertson, Gail MacKay, Carolyn Hamilton, Brian MacKay, and Mary Farrell, a full eight-winner sweep with no repeats and no double-dippers. Hats off to everyone! The 50/50 prize of $180 landed in Marty Furnivall's pocket.
Veterans, please take note. The "Heroes Mending on the Fly" program launched Oct. 26 in Hanover, offering disabled veterans and active military personnel an opportunity to support their physical and emotional well-being through fly-fishing and fly-tying. The program provides basic fly-fishing, casting, and tying classes and clinics, along with outings, all at no cost to participants, with equipment leant and tying material provided. For more information, contact Jack Serre at 519-270-4456.
Membership renewals for 2027 are in full swing at Branch 183, and there are a few dates worth circling. First, the clock is ticking on our New Year's Eve party ticket draw: renew before the end of October and you'll be entered to win two tickets to the party featuring Adam Cousins. Then, renew before the end of November to lock in the Early Bird rate of $55, which is $10 off regular dues. Veterans renew at $50, but note that the $50 rate is only available by renewing in person at the bar or by E-transfer to the Branch at Kinlegion@bmts.com. And if you haven't joined yet, there's still time to take advantage of free membership for the remainder of 2026. This offer ends Dec. 31, and you'll need to renew and pay your 2027 dues to remain a member in the new year. Finally, members who are paid up for 2027 can save $10 on their New Year's Eve party ticket when tickets go on sale Nov. 12.
Congratulations and thank you to Steve Musselman, our Legion bartender, who retired Oct. 19. Steve has been a familiar and friendly face behind the bar, and the branch is grateful for everything he has done for members and guests. The good news is that Steve is not going far; he will continue to volunteer at the branch, so you will still see him around. Join us in wishing Steve a happy and well-earned retirement.
Our darts players did Branch 183 proud at the zone event in Clinton last Saturday. Keith Colley Jr. and Derek Farr will advance to the district singles event. In doubles, the teams moving on are Steve Musselman and Terri Hogsden, Keith Colley Sr. and Keith Colley Jr., and Derek Farr and Dan Van Der Veeken. Thanks to all the competitors for representing our branch, including Chris and Stephanie Hartwick and Paul Lajeunesse and Dawn Senior, who also took part.
The Walkie-Talkies have guest speakers booked for every meeting until the end of the year. The group has also been busy with Remembrance, putting together a wreath and a crocheted poppy display. The Men's Shed group now meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. The group has about 30 members and is looking into building a free library for the Legion.
A few other reminders: Sign-up for November Trivia is now open at the Legion Bar. Music Bingo is tomorrow night, so come and bring your friends. You can dress up if you wish, but if not, at least wear your favourite band shirt if you have one.
Coming Events:
Friday, Nov. 6 - Trivia Night - 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7 - Cornhole Tournament - 1 p.m. - Details to come
Saturday, Nov. 14 - Kincardine Legion Craft Show and Bake Sale - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 15 - Branch General Meeting - 2 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 20 - Music Bingo Night - 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 22 - Family Dinner - 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5 - Mega Meat Draw with HWY 19 - 2–6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6 - Veterans Christmas Banquet - Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12 - Breakfast with Santa at the Legion - More details to follow
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