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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2016-06-01, Page 22 News Record • Wednesday, June 1, 2016 Justine Alkema Clinton News Record Sisters Hazel Watkins, 100, and Alma Finnigan, 95, were born on the exact same day — May 26. They celebrated this momentous occasion on Saturday, May 28 at Huron View in Clinton. Many friends and family came to the event to congratulate them. CAN CUSTOMERS FIND YOUR BUSINESS WHILE SEARCHING ONLINE? Search Engine Marketing (SEM) can help increase visitors to your website, by ranking advertisements higher in search engine results. SEM is an easy solution to help more customers find your business while searching online. Clinton News Record can help you implement SEM for your business Get started today by calling 519.481.3443 ext. 521303 or visiting postmediaadvertising.com/DMS 1j] POSTMEDIA Clinton legion faces challenges Justine Alkema Clinton News Record The Clinton legion has been a staple institution in the town for many decades, yet like many other legions across Canada, it is facing various challenges. Some of these include falling member- ship numbers and decreasing rentals of the facility. "I've been on the executive for 16 years," said First Vice Rick Shropshall, who served in the mil- itary for 34 years. "When I started, our membership was around 300, and now it's under 200. At one time 30 years ago we were at about 400." One reason for declining mem- bership numbers is veterans pass- ing away since many former members served in World War II. Now there are only around 10 actual veterans at the legion. One myth about legions is that members must be veterans, how- ever this is not true. Most mem- bers are either family of veterans, even once or twice removed, or simply people from the commu- nity that are not related to a veteran. Another myth is that legions are funded by the government. How- ever they don't get any regular money from the government unless they apply for specific grants. Some perks of membership include discounts to various stores and an invitation to legion events such as darts, pool, euchre, cribbage, curling, bowling, washer toss and more. Members also help out at events that are held at the legion. Another challenge is less peo- ple are renting the facilities. The legion has a large room for host- ing weddings and other events, but it is also not as popular as it used to be. We're trying to get the new generation to come in and take over," said Shropshall. Justine Alkema Clinton News Record First Vice Rick Shropshall at the Clinton legion. While they have a few younger members and younger veterans, their facilities are largely used by the older population. However this is also a positive thing as it is important that the legion provides a space for local seniors. There are weekly events at the legion that don't require mem- berships, for example weekly euchre, darts and the bar, which is open in the evening. For now, they are plugging on. Shropshall is set to become the president in the next couple weeks, and his plan is to organize more events on location. Some ideas he has is to have a DJ come in or have karaoke. Shropshall mentioned that the legion in Goderich was also struggling but has come a long way after they started hosting more events, for example they now have entertainment every Saturday. They are now doing quite well. One way the legion stays afloat is by help from other local groups that have come alongside them. The raceway helped them with an event at the track, they joined with the Optimists for a motorcycle rally, and the Kinsmen have a breakfast at the legion. The legion is focused on break- ing even and above. However cur- rently, they are just funding the main essentials. They would like a new dishwasher and new furni- ture, but for now, it's hard to afford those luxuries. Wednesday, June 15 Libro Credit Union, Clinton branch •