Crowd raises toast to 2018 at Kincardine Legion New Year's Levee

Despite the snowstorm raging outside, a good crowd gathered at the Kincardine Legion, Monday afternoon to raise a toast to 2018 at the annual New Year's Levee.

Legion president Jim McDonald welcomed everyone and said he was pleasantly surprised at the turn-out, given the inclement weather.

"Happy New Year," he said. "I hope it's a good year and that all your wishes come true. And I hope you can keep your resolutions for a little while."

Maureen Couture offered a toast to the Queen, followed by Jim Wade raising a toast to the Fallen Comrades.

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie brought greetings from the municipality, its council and staff, on this the first day of 2018.

"I have a great appreciation for the Legion New Year's Levee," she said. "The first levee in history was held in the 1600s in New France. It was a formal affair and went on all day."

She said the levee is a long-standing tradition in Kincardine and she thanked the Legion for maintaining that tradition.

"We also thank the Legion for all it does in the community," she said. "For the work it does for our veterans, its many programs as a community organization, and the work its volunteers do in the community.

"Many people in the Municipality of Kincardine volunteer their time, so I raise a toast to our wonderful community of Kincardine and the surrounding area, and its many volunteers. And I wish each and every one of you all the best in 2018."

Trustee Jan Johnstone of the Bluewater District School Board thanked everyone who supports the public education system, and noted that the school board has seen increased enrolment this year, and has balanced its budget.

"We are also working with the Municipality of Kincardine on a vision for a new high school in Kincardine," she said. "Thanks to the Legion for all your hard work, especially in the field of public speaking and the competitions for the youth in this community.

"It's an important skill to speak in public and it's great for the students to be able to compete at the Legion public speaking contests. So, I raise a toast to the students of the Bluewater District School Board for a great year in 2018."

New Legion chaplain Eric Williams said grace, and the group enjoyed a delicious lunch.