Announcements & Reminders
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NOVEMBER 2024
The Kitchen Committee is asking for your feedback. They are thinking of changing the Billy Bistro Menu (keeping your favourites of course) and are open to hearing your suggestions! You can send an email (Subject line: ‘Billy Bistro Menu Feedback) to billybishoplegion@gmail.com if you have any ideas. Thank-you!
NEWS RELEASE
June 04 2024 Vancouver, British Columbia Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion
Roof Replacement Project
The last few years has seen the ability for seniors and veterans to be able to gather socially decline due to the Pandemic and availability of a safe and pleasant place to gather and enjoy camaraderie and social events. With that decline the ability to provide a safe and pleasant facility has also declined due to financial constraints for a number of required facility repairs.
The Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion has received funding in part from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. The funds are be used to replace the Gable roof which is in need of repair and upgrade. This allows the branch to continue to provide a safe place for seniors and veterans to gather and engage in the surrounding community.
The Program is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help improve the wellbeing of seniors and foster social inclusion and engagement in their communities.
Quotes
“Wow, that is fantastic news!!!!! So happy to hear! The roof is a vital infrastructure and knowing it is repaired through the award of the New Horizon Grant is wonderful!”
Laura Lee Coles – Member Branch #176 and KPMHMS
“Without the assistance of the Federal Government’s New Horizons for Seniors grant, our “home away from home” would not be safe from the elements and the wear and tear of time.” “Our environment would not be dry, warm and healthy.” Our significant memorabilia was in serious danger of damage from the leaking roof.” The peace of mind of knowing our roof has now been repaired is rewarding. “ “Thank you.”
Valerie Merrett – Member Branch #176
Additional Information:
Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program
Programs and services for seniors
New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging seniors, strengthening communities
EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST, 2024
Memberships for new members are 1/2 price ($32.50)! Please see our bar staff or call us for details.
Sunday, November 24th, 2024
Upstairs Lounge
Election of Executive Officers
Registration begins at 1:30 with a 2:00 pm meeting start.
OCT 2024 – RECOMMENDATION & THANK YOU!
The branch recently engaged the services of “Absolute Roof Solutions” of Vancouver to inspect and repair our membrane flat roof. Their service from start to finish from all of their staff was commendable. The completeness of the job from starting photos to final photos provided and the excellent workmanship by Gregory Schrimbit was exceptional. We highly recommend this roofing company.
A great big thank you to Komo roofing for completing the replacement of the Gable Roof at the branch on time and on budget. Dealing with Kevin Luethi was a pleasure and seamless. The project was completed without interference with Branch Operations or with member access.
Our sincerest recommendations for workmanship, scheduling and all aspects before, during and after the project.
komoroofing.com
778-888-0449
info@komoroofing.com
We all know that nothing happens in isolation; it takes a community banding together to thrive. Please help us if you have the inclination, or a few hours a week to spare and/or any of the “special skills/experience” that may be identified below. Please contact us at: billybishoplegion@gmail.com. Thank-you!
Volunteers Required (for many different activities- always):
- to assist on event nights especially those nights with a dinner service, like our Traditional Roast Beef Dinners served on Saturdays. If you are able to help out please contact: Natasha Smiljanic at (778) 882-7808 or you can also send an email to Natasha@yellowdoors.ca
- to assist with the maintenance of our website
- to assist our very busy House and Grounds team; be it helping with a work party, wanting to prettify our outdoor patio, or providing specialized trade and maintenance skills. Please contact us at: billybishoplegion@gmail.com.
Recycling:
When you take back your recycling to a Return-It Express, please consider donating 1 or more bags to the Branch. Simply use our Phone Number 6047384142 for the clear sealed bag(s) tags. Click here for additional information on the Return-It Express program.
The environment and the branch thanks you!
Please note that 2024 membership fees are now considered past due. They can now be paid at the bar or online. Membership dues remain at $65.00 payable by December 31, 2023.
New and renewing members now have the option to choose either the traditional plastic card OR the new Digital Card that can be saved to your smart phone. To receive the Digital Card, you need an email address on your Legion membership profile.
Digital Legion Memberships
Click here to learn more.
. . . . . . . .
The Billy is proud to have provided a safe place for veterans, friends and families to socialize and support each other for generations. Now we need your help.
The gable roof on the original building requires reparation. Installed in 2006, it is at its limit with shingles currently becoming detached exposing the wood underneath. Aside from the critical repairs required, there is a long list of needed building components needing replacement as our amazing volunteers are reaching the end in trying to repair and salvage them; always to keep our premises safe – Staircases, shed, appliances…just to name a few.
We have a GoFundMe campaign to help raise the much-needed funds. If you find it in your heart and are able to reach out, anything helps – there is no minimum amount. The Billy has served the community for many many years, and now depends on the community for their generosity to help with the crucial repairs. To help out, please click the link below or as always, we invite you to visit us at the Branch. Meet old friends and make some new ones.
On behalf of your Branch Executive, thank-you! To those who have already donated we are so very grateful and THANK YOU!
PLEASE SUPPORT THE BRANCH
IF YOU ARE ABLE
Our House and Grounds team is busy at work with anticipated needed work parties in the near future. We’ll keep you posted!
A HUGE THANK YOU – to all who volunteer their time and energy to the branch.
Your help is so greatly appreciated – THANK YOU!!
What's happening at the Billy/Kerrisdale?
Click on each “Happening” to view additional details.
Save the Dates
for our
“Special Happenings”
SPECIAL - Grey Cup Pancake Breakfast
NEW INFO - Supporting Community Events
Fish & Chips Dinner Nights
Movie Nights
BOOK LAUNCH - Save the Date Dec. 5th
Billy's Birthday Club
SPECIAL - Grey Cup Pancake Breakfast
Thursday, November 14th, 2024
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
We are honoured to have been selected by the Calgary Grey Cup Committee to be one of the locations for their celebrated Grey Cup Week pancake breakfasts!
Members, friends and neighbours of the Branch are invited to a complimentary pancake breakfast on Thursday November 14th between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM in the Upstairs Hall.
RSVPs not required! In attendance will be Tuffy Nuff, the official equestrian mascot of the supporters of the Calgary Stampeders!
Also please note in consideration of the trademark white cowboy hats of the Calgary Grey Cup Committee, the wearing of cowboy hats inside the Branch during the pancake breakfast will be permitted.
NEW INFO - Supporting Community Events
Acknowledged as one of the finest Canadian musicals of all time, this one-man tour-de-force—starring Metro favourite Damon Calderwood as Billy Bishop, and accompanied by pianist Chris Robson—recounts the triumphs and horrors of World War One, “the war to end all wars” through raucous stories, haunting memories, and vibrant songs, as Bishop traces his journey from Royal Military College troublemaker to top flying ace.
The Metro Theatre is extending an offer of special pricing to members of the Branch: $28 for any seat! Please call their box office at (604) 266-7191 or email tickets@metrotheatre.com for more information.
Evening Dates
Thursday to Saturday, November 09 to November 30, 2024
Matinee Dates
SUNDAY MATINEES: November 10, 17, and 24
Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Drive SW, Vancouver
Fish & Chips Dinner Nights
Movie Nights
Movie Nights
Every second Wednesday
November 13th – Passchendaele
November 27th – Chinatown
Movie Nights are free of charge, including complimentary popcorn and are screened in the Upper Lounge.
Reservations are not required for Members or Guests. Regrettably though, due to licensing restrictions, minors are not allowed to attend.
BOOK LAUNCH - Save the Date Dec. 5th
We can absolutely guarantee a wonderful evening when Graeme presents. – Don’t miss this fantastic evening!
Billy's Birthday Club
Let us help you celebrate your birthday
at the branch
Visit this link to review the Birthday Club guidelines
Weekly “Happenings”
Fancy a Nosh? NEW Fall Menu Available Menu Thurs.- Sat.
Saturday Evening Meals
Our Week - At a Glance
Karaoke Fridays
Meat Draws Sundays
Fun Drop-In Darts Wednesday Nights
Fancy a Nosh? NEW Fall Menu Available Menu Thurs.- Sat.
The Kitchen is looking for your feedback! – Please check out Key General Information above.
We are also pleased to announce several new non-alcoholic beverage options are now available at the Branch including Guinness 0!
Saturday Evening Meals
We have changed our Dinner Reservation and Cancellation Policy. Please Review
Our traditional Roast Beef Dinners are returning! Kicking it off with a Spooktacular
October 26th.
Our Week - At a Glance
Karaoke Fridays
Karaoke is on with All Stars Karaoke!
9:00 pm – Midnight
Please Note:
May 10th Karaoke takes place in our Upper Lounge
(Be “Centre Stage” for your turn in the spotlight!)
Meat Draws Sundays
Meat Draw
EVERYONE
(neighbourhood & surrounding community)
is welcome to join us
NO MEAT DRAW,
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10th, 2024
(most times with our special musical guest,
Jesse Arens)
Join the Meat Draw Mavens as we support our charities and you can take home dinner!
We have 4 draws each on the half-hour
starting at 4:30 pm.
Ticket sales begin at 4:00 pm.
Please note:
– Tickets to sell at 2 tickets for $1.00.
– Social distancing and safety protocols will be adhered to.
– We recommend patrons bring their own recyclable bags for winnings as we no longer provide single-use plastic shopping bags.
Fun Drop-In Darts Wednesday Nights
Usually starting approx. 6:30 for those who care to join.
Would you like to throw some sharp pointy objects with purpose while possibly winning prizes?
Our Wednesday evening Fun Darts is not affiliated with any dart league and is simply meant for fun and friendly competition for members and guests.
No long-term commitment required and we welcome all skill levels.
We can’t think of a better way to practice a skill, meet up with friends and have a wonderful time.
Sign-up is required (via email or at the bar)
Win a prize each week!
Monthly best score wins a grand prize
Monthly “Happenings”
Ukelele Sing Alongs
New Members Welcome Evening
50/50 Draw
Ukelele Sing Alongs
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Next Scheduled Event:
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Join Joe Young and ukelele players of all experience levels for a fun Ukelele strum along and sing along at the Billy.
All are welcome (per our current rules).
New Members Welcome Evening
New Members Meet & Greet
(All members and guests welcome!)
First Tuesday of the Month
Next Event: Tuesday December 3rd, 6:30 pm
Explore the rich history of the Billy Bishop Legion with an exclusive guided tour led by members of the Kits Point Military Museum. Come and meet fellow members, and some of the executive with complimentary snacks and drinks for our new members.
Tour to start at approximately 7:00pm.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow history enthusiasts, local neighbours and experience a piece of local heritage.
50/50 Draw