Diane Skinner
NEW CARLISLE: The New Carlisle Legion is bustling with construction upgrades and changes that ultimately pay homage to the many men and women who have served, and those who serve in the military today. You do not have to be a veteran or even a relative of one to join the Legion. All are welcome to join the Legion community. Joining supports our veterans and the community that the Legion serves.
Currently, a new extension of 12 feet is under construction on the north side of the building. The Legion is fortunate to own a large piece of land which can accommodate the extension and still have loads of room for parking. Included in this phase of improvements will be a new entrance and two new bathrooms. All these upgrades have been funded by the Bonaventure MRC at a projected cost of $85,000, with the goal of completion in 2024.
President Tammy Chatterton notes, “When we applied for the extension 18 months ago and received approval in September 2023, many of the initial estimates submitted with the application, such as building materials, had increased tremendously in price. For us to complete the extension, we will seek other funding opportunities, fundraisers and donations.”
Recent improvements have included a renovated bar, a new kitchen upstairs and a storage area. Other purchases made to complete these areas are bar fridges, a stove for the new kitchen, a dishwasher and cooking supplies, new flooring, a shuffleboard top, lighting for the dart club, rewiring of the building, a thermal pump and new lighting for the building have made an impressive improvement to the building.
Tammy Chatterton stresses that this building is for the enjoyment of the community, as it is a very busy locale since COVID no longer impacts the ability of the community to get together. Ongoing activities include line dancing, darts, shuffleboard, weekend entertainment tournaments and a visit from Santa.
Darts is proving to be a very popular activity. The Chairperson of the darts club, Stephen LeBerre, has been a Legion member for over 20 years. He tells Spec that currently the group has almost 30 members which has grown from having only a handful of players a few years ago. Stephen credits President Tammy and the Executive, saying, “We are having some of the best fun and moments at darts we have ever had.”
The Legion Executive is pursuing other projects and the financing necessary for them. Currently, they have two federal funding applications submitted and are anxiously awaiting a favourable response. There are other goals including changing the windows, doors and adding a new patio. Ms. Chatterton mentions that there’s a water issue that needs attention in the basement and the need for a second thermal pump. There is also a plan to purchase a pool table to start a league.
Membership has increased greatly, and there are presently 105 members. If you are considering becoming a member, it is open to all at a yearly cost of $45. This is a great way to become more active in the community. You will be welcomed at the Legion!
The executive, led by Tammy Chatterton, is comprised of Comrades Kathy Gallon, Fay Gallon, Howard Chedore, Mary Woods, Clyde Flowers and the Sergeant at Arms is Dean Flowers. It takes a strong team to accomplish all the changes being made to improve the building and to organize activities.
Overall, the future hopes for the legion are that it is a safe building that can accommodate all ages. Tammy Chatterton adds, “We want the legion to be a place that creates shareable memories and continues the important work of educating the youth about the past.”
The Royal Canadian Legion is a nonprofit Canadian veterans organization founded in 1925. In 1935, New Carlisle opened its own charter to become Branch 64 of the Quebec Command of the Legion. From 1935 until 1946, the meetings were held in the old courthouse, with Armistice banquets and parties at the hotel, La Maison Blanche.