Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 381
 
Al Seamons, President of Legion Br. 381, would like to thank all his executive and legion members for their co-operation for the last 5 months.  We had our ups and downs but most of all the ups out way the downs, and I as president am proud of all my comrades.  Best Wishes for the up coming Holiday Season.  Talk to you in the New Year.

President Allen J. Seamons
 
Irene Cole, Poppy Chair Person, would like to thank all volunteers for their great effort.
 
Youth Education 2004 Remembrance Day Winners

Intermediate Poetry Grades 7,8,9
1.  Amanda Hickey
2.  Kelsey Sewel
 
Junior Poetry Grades 4,5 and 6
1.  Candace Evans
 
Junior Black and White Poster
1. Alison Lawley
2. Julia McColl
3. Nathan Manus
 
Primary Colour Poster
1. Taylor Jeff
2. Chantel Lamothe
3. Justin Jeff
 
Primary Black and White Poster
1. Aaron Manning
2.  Brandon Hanna
3. Hannah Lewis
 
Junior Colour Poster
1. Caitlyn Evans
2. Amber Pesendorder
3. Teal Tucker
 
Intermediate Black and White Poster
1. Sarah Colley
2. Nick Earnshaw
3. Samantha Kemp
 
Intermediate Colour Poster
1. Natalie Nesbitt
2. Cassandra Gronman
 
Up Coming Events:
  
   New Years Eve Dance (D.J.) 8pm
Hot and cold appetizers-- party favours- $15.00 per person.
Purchase tickets at Legion bar.  For more information phone Carole Matheson 656-4954.
 
Presidents Levy- Jan. 1st-- 1pm
Hot and cold appetizers and refreshments available.  Everyone Welcome.

BC Senior’s say good-bye to Gloria Seabrook as she has moved to Havelock. President Dr. Sally presented her with a special plaque thanking her for the years of service to the club. Gloria cooked us some of the best meals ever and also planned and executed many a worthwhile trip. We hope you come back and see us sometime Gloria.

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How the United Way
Helps in the County
By Len Lifchus

United Way Member Agencies help county residents cope with unexpected and unforeseen challenges, as well as with day-to-day living.  This is a true story from YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria & Haliburton, an agency that depends on funds raised by our Annual United Way Campaign.

“During the 20 years I spent with my abusive husband, I was just trying to survive one day at a time.  When the violence first started, I couldn’t believe it – not in my house, not to me, not to my kids.  My husband was very manipulative.  He said that if I was a better mother, housewife, cook, money manager, you name it – he wouldn’t have to lose his temper.  If I was the failure –  well, how could I leave myself?

“I was scared of my husband.  My life became a full-time attempt to shield my children and pets from his physical violence while hiding what was happening from everyone outside our house.  It was our dirty little secret until I turned 40 and realized I had to give my daughters and myself a better life.  I started hiding essential things to take with us when we left.  I went to a meeting about subsidized housing and there met a counsellor from YWCA.  I asked for help and soon had a Safety Plan for leaving.  I was assisted with legal issues, safety issues, food, household items – the things that are overwhelming when you’re in emotional turmoil.

“Leaving my husband was just the first step.  You can’t just flip a switch and everything is wonderful.  I grieved for the dream I had for my marriage and the person that I married.  The support group I attend at the YWCA helps me to keep moving forward.  Everyone in the group has so much in common!  It isn’t my dirty little secret anymore.  I’m not alone and when I look at the others in the group, I see genuinely nice, kind women.  My confidence grows out of that.  The YWCA has made an overwhelming difference for my daughters and me.  It’s the safest place I ever remember being, where I’m never judged and people understand and relate to what I’ve been through.  I’m grateful for the services they offer to women and children.”