Wreaths Honour Fallen Heros From Past Wars - September 11 Reminds Us Of The Reality of War Today

 “On November 11, 1918, a silence was heard all over the world.  The same silence is heard whenever wars end. It is a moment of relief, of sadness and loss, but most of all of hope that peace is here to stay.”

The above quotation is taken from a brochure produced by the Capreol Branch 179 - Royal Canadian Legion.

On September 11, 2001, another silence was heard all over the world as mankind realized that our quest for true peace may be an unattainable goal.

No matter what your feelings about war or terrorism, you will undoubtedly agree that the world has changed forever as a result of what happened in the Attack on the United States on the morning of September 11. The sheer vulnerability of our existence on this planet should be all that is needed to motivate all of us to dedicate November 11, 2001 as one of the most important Remembrance Days since 1918. Anthrax scares; warnings of possible terrorist retaliatory attacks; increased security at the cost of individual freedom - all of these things deserve our attention and reflection as we begin to understand the fragility of our life on earth.

Royal Canadian Legion Branches such as Capreol 179, provide an excellent opportunity for local residents to do something worthwhile in the name of peace for their neighbours, both at home and around the world. Volunteers have never been more important to the quality of life of so many, and now that anyone can become a non-voting affiliate member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the time is perfect for you to consider becoming a member of Branch 179 or of any other branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

We can wear a poppy during the days leading up to November 11. We can observe 2 minutes of silence during ceremonies. We can read poems about the wars. But more importantly, we must all join together to show support for our fellow human beings in ways which will last a lifetime - not just a few minutes. Joining the Royal Canadian Legion and helping keep this organization strong and viable will ensure that future generations never forget the lives that were laid down to preserve peace. November 11, 1918 was a significant date in the history of the world. September 11, 2001 was another significant date in our history. No doubt there will be other dates to come that will stand out as turning points for this planet. We must make sure that we establish a strong support network to combat the negative forces from both within and from outside in order to make the future a better place.

In order to become a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, you simply have to be a Canadian citizen or Commonwealth subject who is 19 years of age or older and who supports the aims of the Legion. After two years of service to your branch you may apply for affiliate voting status which then gives you rights of all other members, including veterans. Men and women 19 years of age and older are invited to visit the Legion at 16 Young Street in Capreol to discover what the Legion can offer in helping you make a real contribution to your community. The current Executive of the Capreol Branch consists of: William Haystead (President), Gerry Sorel (1^st Vice); George Little (2^nd Vice); Michael Ball (3^rd Vice); Annette Johnson (Secretary/Treasurer); and directors Edward Brown, Roger Hatchard, Eileen Kristiansen, Steinar Kristiansen, George May, John Reid and Gary Biesinger. To join, all you have to do is drop into the club room of Branch 179 at 16 Young Street, Capreol, and leave your name and phone number with the bar steward on duty, or call the Branch at 858-1522.

The Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1925 with a membership of 50,000. The Legion’s commitment to the Remembrance of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom, is just as valid today as it was then. Today, the Legion is one of the largest community service organizations in Canada with 500,000 members and 1600 branches in Canada, the USA, and Germany. As well as service to veterans and the community, the Legion has a strong and continuing commitment in promoting Canada’s contribution to world peace, the protection of Canadian sovereignty and the preservation of national unity.

Please consider contacting Branch 179 for more information on how you can join this extremely worthwhile organization and help us all remember two dates in the history of the world which will serve notice that war is an awful thing to be avoided at all costs.

The wreaths shown in front of the Capreol cenotaph are all that remains to remind us of November 11, 1918. Unfortunately, reminders of September 11 will be around us for the rest of our life. 

Confederation Secondary School 21^st Annual Winter Fair Takes Place on December 2

For the 21^st consecutive year, Confederation Secondary School in Val Caron is presenting its Annual Winter Fair. The well-known annual craft fair will take place in the school’s gymnasium on Sunday, December 2, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year more than 75 artisans will display their creations, making this fair the largest in Valley East and one of the largest in the Sudbury area. The fair has earned the reputation of being one of the best craft fairs in the Sudbury Region.

“There’s something for everyone at the Confederation Winter Fair - from chocolates to stained glass to pottery to Christmas decorations,” according to Fair Organizer, Don Lamarche. “Profits from admissions, table rentals and some of the sales tables are used for student activities at the school.”

Admission tickets are $2.00 in advance and $2.50 at the door. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted for $1.00. The admission price includes access to the exhibit areas as well as a chance on door prizes. Advance tickets are available at Confederation Secondary School, on Main Street in Val Caron.

Children From Capreol Celebrate “Children’s Book Week” During Special Story Time Presentation

Children from the primary classes of St. Mary and C.R. Judd Schools, plus several pre-schoolers from the community were treated to a special recital by local author, Pauline Cormier at the Capreol Public Library in celebration of “Children’s Book Week” across Canada on November 7. Ms Cormier, who lives in Levack, read from her new 28-page hardcovered, book. “Can You See Her?”  It is a story about a sister and her brother trying to get along together. Their little doggie, Daisy, which is a troublemaker like most little pups, must be “found” in each illustration as an added attractive feature of the book. The 40 minute presentation kept the children in awe as Pauline brought the story to life with expressive narrative and colourful illustrations.