After four years of dedicated efforts, Ponoka Legion president Stan Orlesky has stepped down.
Taking over command is Sybil Evans, who was nominated for the job. She is a long-standing member of the legion who has served on the executive as well.
Evans is proud of Orlesky’s efforts.
He helped create a positive environment at the legion, which has earned praise from their executive branch. Members of the provincial command said they were impressed with the clean, friendly and open environment at the legion.
“That was quite a compliment from provincial command,” stated Evans.
She feels Orlesky helped make her job as president easier. “He certainly left it in good shape. He did a lot of things for the branch.”
Much of Orlesky’s work created strong relationships with the Town and County of Ponoka and with corporate sponsors. Evans intends to continue with Orlesky’s momentum and bring more folks into the legion. “I would like to see us provide more family oriented things.”
Evans said the Legion, while it supports its members, is also available to the public for use. To encourage that, the group has some events planned in the near future; a special Valentine’s Day supper, which starts at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 14, is planned , to be followed later by a musical presentation by a group called The Wardens. Members of this group are actual forest wardens who sing and tell stories of their job.
A recent public relations issue with the federal government has already given Evans some work to do; the Ministry of Veterans Affairs recently announced its intention to close down some regional offices. Minister Julian Fantino was 70 minutes late for a meeting with veterans who were lobbying against the closure.
The meeting ended badly with the veterans saying they were disrespected and Fantino walked out. Evans receives three or four memos a week on the issue and she feels their work helps Canada’s veterans.
“The legions do a lot of lobbying with Veterans Affairs Canada…and maybe change some of these rulings that would otherwise go unnoticed,” said Evans.
“We’re encouraged to talk and communicate with our MPs,” she added.
She feels Ponoka’s legion has a strong relationship with Wetaskiwin MP Blaine Calkins and Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Rod Fox, who is also a member. “We do have a good opportunity just as members to talk with them.”
For now, Evans is working on the continued support for the Ponoka Air Cadets.
Orlesky looks back at years of service
Orlesky looks forward to a little less responsibility, but intends on being a big part of the legion still. He also feels Evans will make an ideal president. “She’s very well organized. She’s got a ton of respect.”
Of the many things Orlesky did in his time as president, he is most proud of “getting everybody working together for the same objectives.”
He feels there used to be division within the legion, but Orlesky worked to have members of the volunteer organization more unified.
And it showed. Membership participation increased and the Ponoka Legion has seen new membership increase by 20 per cent over the last four years.
The trick, he feels, is allowing legion members and the executive to try new things. “I just let them do things to the best of their ability.”
He reiterated Evans’ statement that the legion is open to anybody who wants to hold an event there. The rooms at the legion have also received a name change to honour past soldiers.
The main auditorium is now called the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, the games room is called the Vimy Ridge Room, the boardroom is called the Juno Beach Board Room and the lounge is called the Dominion Lounge. Orlesky said a naming ceremony is planned for the near future.
While change may be difficult for some, it is an important part of any organization if members want it to stay vibrant, explained Orlesky. “The biggest challenge was getting people to accept that change is required and change is good for the Royal Canadian Legion.”
He said the dominion and provincial commands are encouraging legions to look at different ways to stay strong and healthy. “It’s a different way of thinking to achieve the same goals.”
Orlesky needed help along the way and his mentor was past Dominion president Hugh Greene, who provided valuable advice. The now past-president hopes to do the same for Evans if she needs his help.