SENIOR SCAPE: Legion

January 28, 2015 · 0 Comments

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION – AURORA BRANCH 385 — Much more than a place for Veterans
By Jim Abram

It was exactly 10 years ago I joined the Aurora Legion. I am not a veteran of any conflict. I joined for many different reasons. The Legion offers so much to active servicemen and women, veterans, seniors and all other community members. Everyone is welcome. It is a very inviting and hospitable place offering events, programs and activities for all. Aurora Branch 385 is famous for being the most active Legion in Canada!
Last week I dropped into the Legion (conveniently located at 105 Industrial Parkway North in Aurora) and met with Lori Hoyes for lunch. You might know Lori as the Avon Lady! I also know Lori from her family’s involvement with the Queen’s York Rangers Army Cadets who conduct training exercises at the Legion. Their use of the Legion Hall works out well.
The food is great at the Legion, both tasty and affordable, and for those who wish, there is also a cash bar service available. We were fortunate enough to have Len Whines join us. Len is a past president of Aurora Branch 385 and still very active in the Legion at the young and spry age of 83.
Len is a veteran of the Second World War where he drove a tank doing tank recovery in Vimy.
While I was there, I met many seniors that I know from the Seniors’ Centre who play both regular Euchre and Bid Euchre at the Legion. I glanced into the snooker room and there was my brother-in-law, John, enjoying a game. My young nephew, Aidan, even dropped in to say hello!
In addition to euchre, the Legion schedules Darts tournaments, cribbage games, and snooker games to mention a few of the activities that go on.

Bill Nadeau On Stage
Starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, January 30, do not miss the musical guitar play of Bill Nadeau. Bill plays entertaining and inspirational music based upon influences such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Led Zeppelin.

Progressive Euchre
For a friendly afternoon of cards in the banquet hall, drop by the Legion on Saturday, January 31 at 1 p.m. sharp. A fun afternoon is in store for all for only $5.00 per person.

Daytona 500 Nascar Fun
The Aurora Legion’s Colour Party is hosting this fun event on Sunday, February 22. The fun starts at 1 p.m. so get there early to enjoy the race in the comfort of the lounge where you can relax and cheer on your favourite driver while enjoying great food (wings) and win prizes.

Valentines Dinner and Dance
For a modest $14 per person come on out on Valentines’ Day for dinner at 7 PM. Come out and spend the night with someone you love, or meet someone new!

At the Aurora Seniors’ Centre
As always, there is more going in Town at your very active Aurora Seniors’ Centre!
On Friday, February 13, there will be an evening of great theatre and entertainment at the Aurora Seniors’ Centre by members of the Newmarket Stage Company. This event will contain comedy, drama and music and will take place from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Doors open at 6.45 p.m. Tickets are $10 each which includes the show, refreshments and door prizes!
This show is not suitable for children.
Tickets are available at the Reception Desk at the Centre.
Get them early as there will be no tickets sold at the door.

Jimmy’s last word: Get to know your Legion. Everyone is welcome.

For more information on the Aurora Seniors’ Centre and all it has to offer, drop by 90 John West Way, visit the web site www.auroraseniors.ca, email auroraseniors@rogers.com or call 905-726-4767 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.