As the year is coming to an end, PortageOnline caught up with outgoing Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65 president Bob Oldford to reflect on the past year and preview what 2023 has to hold. 
 
Oldford says that 2022 had a lot of ups for the Legion, with one of the biggest highlights being able to open the doors back up after the pandemic.

"The Legion is finally starting to get back into activities. We were able to host our First Legion week, in a couple of years, due to COVID-19, we were also able to hold our first Remembrance Day service back in Stride Place." 

One of the biggest changes we will see in 2023 is a change of Presidents. Oldford decided earlier in the year to step down after a six year stint as president of the Branch. 

As of January first, Lynn Payette, the vice-president, will take over Oldford's role. Oldford says that although he is stepping down, he has no intentions of leaving any time soon. 

"I will probably work in some capacity on the board. I'm not sure exactly what yet. There have been some hints, but we have yet to make definite decisions."

When looking at what the new year has to hold, he says it will be an event-packed year. Starting on January first with The President's New Year's Day Levée from 12-6 at the Legion. On top of that event they have many other activities planned.

Oldford says that if anyone is ever interested in joining the Legion, it's a super easy process. 

"Come down and talk to our membership chair or the bartender and take an application. Fill it in, and the fee for 2023 is $45.00. And with that, you'll also get the Legion magazine, which comes out every couple of months. "

He finishes the interview by saying that he wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and that he is looking forward to seeing you at the Legion.