December and the New Year

Christmas Carnival
On Monday Dec 16 the Sponsoring Committee is hosting a fun carnival for the cadets. There will be food, games and prizes. There will be NO UNIFORM for this event. If any parents are available to help please see Mrs. Stevenson or Mr. Berezowski.

Fish Fry
Our last Fish Fry of 2013 will be on Dec 19. If any cadets are looking for community service hours please see the Warrant Officer.

Holiday Break
December 16th will be the last cadet parade night of 2013. We will be returning after the holidays on January 6th, 2014.

Family Skating
We have rented the Haig Bowl Arena for a family skate for our cadets and family members on 30 December 2013 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. This is an optional fun skating event. However, if you are interested in coming we ask that cadets provide an approximate number of people attending on December 16 so we can plan for the appropriate numbers.

Cadets Return
January 6, 2014 will be our return. This will be a regular parade night.

Upcoming Events

CO's Parade
A reminder that Monday December 2, 2013 will be a CO's parade. Cadets should spend extra time on their uniforms and wear medals if applicable.

National Summer Camp Applications Due
IF YOU WANT TO APPLY FOR A SENIOR (6 WEEK) CAMP THE INFORMATION PACKAGE IS DUE TO CAPT DEROUSIE ON DECEMBER 2, 2013.

Fish Fry
Friday Dec 6 there will be a Fish Fry at Br 350 Legion. If you want to help and get some community service please sign up.

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

A reminder that this weekend is the annual St. Catharines Santa Claus Parade. This is usually a short parade and is a great opportunity for us to drum up support in the community. Cadets should arrive at the Optimist Hall at 2:00 pm wearing full uniform with your parka, cadet toque and gloves. We will be joined by the 826 Sqn Band for the parade. The parade itself steps off at 2:30 pm. Come out and welcome the big man in style.

Events to Come for November

Remembrance Day Follow-up
Thank you to all of our cadets who participated in our many Remembrance Day activities. The veterans and our community greatly appreciate all of your time and hard work. Also, if you would like to count this towards community service hours please bring in your forms.

Power Famil Flying
For those cadets who signed up this weekend there is power familiarization flying at the St. Catharines Flying Club (NOT CARES BUILDING). Cadets who are on the list should arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time. Schedules were handed out on Monday. Anyone on standby will be called if a slot opens up.

Squadron Overnight
To give our cadets a chance to unwind after our busy Remembrance Day season we are having an fun sleep-over night on Saturday November 16. Cadets can be dropped off at 6:00 pm and picked up on Sunday at 10:00 am. Cadets should eat supper before coming and breakfast will be provided. Cadets should bring things that will be needed for an overnight. (i.e. Sleeping bag, toiletries, suitable clothes for sleeping). Cadets can bring snacks if desired.

Niagara Cadet Winter Gala
128 Thorold Sqn is planning to host a Winter Gala this year for cadets. This is a formal evening with dinner and a dance. If you would like to attend it is necessary that you sign up and pay in advance. If you are interested in going please see WO Gervais and bring your payments. The advertisement is below.

Remembrance Day Activities Vol 2.

Remember if you sign up to participate in an activity you are EXPECTED to be there. If something changes or you are ill the onus is on you to contact your Flight Commander so we know you will not be in attendance.

Vol 1. Recap
Thanks to all those cadets who have so far volunteered to help sell poppies and you came to the Br. 350 Remembrance Day Parade. Your efforts and participation are greatly appreciated by the Sqn, the veterans and our community.

Poppy Sales
For those cadets that volunteer we will be selling poppies again at Br 350 (Port Dalhousie) this Saturday (Nov 9). First shift is 8:30 to 12:30 and the second shift is 12:00 to 4:00.

Veteran's Dinner
Cadets who are serving at the Veteran's dinner should be at Br 350 (Port Dalhousie) at 6:00 pm until approximately 9:00 pm. Uniform is full dress.

Remembrance Day Parade
The City of St. Catharines Remembrance Day Parade is going to be on November 11 at 9:30 at Branch 24 Legion (111 Church St.). Uniform is full dress and remember to bring your parka. Since this event occurs during school time it is not mandatory, however we would like maximum participation. If you would like a letter for your school to excuse you during that time please speak to the CO on Thursday night.

Remembrance Day Activities Vol 1.

Remembrance Day is a busy time. Please ensure you keep yourself up to date on all that is going on. It is important that we support our veterans as they are also big supporters of our cadets.

Remember if you sign up to participate in an activity you are EXPECTED to be there. If something changes or you are ill the onus is on you to contact your Flight Commander so we know you will not be in attendance.

Fish Fry
There will be a Fish Fry at Branch 350 (Port Dalhousie) Legion this Friday from 5:00pm - 7:15pm for those cadets that signed up. We also encourage everyone to join the Legion this Friday and every other Friday to enjoy the fish.

Poppy Sales
For those cadets that volunteered we will be selling poppies with the Legion at Br 350 (Port Dalhousie) this Saturday (Nov 2) at 0830 hrs. Where your full dress uniform and bring your Parka.

Br 350 Remembrance Day Parade
Branch 350 Legion is holding their annual Remembrance Day parade this Sunday (Nov 3). Cadets are to arrive at the Legion at 0930 hrs (Note the time change from the previous post. This was also announced last Monday). Cadets are to be in full dress and should bring their parka.

Training Schedule Change
This coming Monday (Nov 4) there is a change to the training schedule. Someone from the Detachment in London is coming to inspect the Sqn and has requested that our planned sports night be changed. Therefore, Nov 4 will be a regular training night (in uniform) and the sports night has been re-scheduled to the following week.

Upcoming Events

NOTE: Some times may be subject to change. Listen to the regular announcements and check here for updates.

DATE	EVENT	APPROXIMATE TIMES
Mondays Sept. to June	Training Night	1830 to 2115 Hours (6:30 to 9:15 PM)
Thursdays Sept. to Jan.	Ground School	1900 to 2100 hours (7 to 9 PM)
Friday, Oct. 18, 2013	Branch 24 Fish Fry 111 Church Street (4 Cadets Volunteer Hours) No Uniform	1900 to 2030 Hrs (6 to 8:30 PM)
Monday, Oct. 21, 2013	Commanding Officer’s Parade - Full Uniform	1830 to 2115 Hrs (6:30 to 9:15 PM)
Friday, Oct 25, 2013	Air Cadet League -Ontario Provincial Committee Meeting (OPC) (Mississauga) Officers and Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC)	Friday 1700 to Sunday 1800 hrs
Friday, Nov. 1, 2013	Branch 350 Fish Fry (6 Cadets) Full Uniform	1700 to 1900 Hrs (5 to 7 PM)
Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013	Branch 350 Poppy Drive (As many Cadets as Possible) Meet At Branch 350 Full Uniform	0830 to 1700 Hrs (8:30AM to 5PM)
Sunday, Nov 3, 2013	Branch 350 Remembrance Day Parade (Mandatory Parade All Cadets) - Meet at Branch 350 Full Uniform	1000 to 1330 Hrs (10 AM to 1:30 PM)
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013	Branch 350 Poppy Drive (As many Cadets as Possible) Meet At Branch 350 Full Uniform	0830 to 1700 Hrs (8:30AM to 5PM)
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013	Branch 350 Veteran’s Dinner (12 Selected Cadets) Meet At Branch 350 Full Uniform	1800 to 2130 Hrs (6 to 9:30 PM)
Monday, Nov 11, 2013	Branch 24 Remembrance Day Parade (As many Cadets as Possible) - Meet at Branch 24 Full Uniform	1000 to 1330 Hrs (10 AM to 1:30 PM)
Friday, Nov. 15, 2013	Branch 24 Fish Fry 111 Church Street (4 Cadets Volunteer Hours) No Uniform	1900 to 2030 Hrs (6 to 8:30 PM)
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013	Power Familiarization Flying Selected Cadets	Times to be determined
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013	Sleep Over All Cadets	1800 Hrs to 1000 hrs
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013	Optimist Youth Appreciation Dinner 2 Selected Cadets and their Parents Full Uniform	1845 to 2100 Hrs (6:45 to 9PM)
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013	Power Familiarization Flying (Raindate) Selected Cadets	Times to be determined
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013	St. Catharines Santa Claus Parade Meet at Hall Full Uniform	1400 to 1700 Hrs. (2 to 5 PM)
Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013	Niagara Officer and Instructor Meeting – (NAG) Officers Only	1930 to 2200 Hours
Monday, Dec. 2, 2013	Commanding Officer’s Parade - Full Uniform	1830 to 2115 Hrs (6:30 to 9:15 PM)
Monday, Dec. 2, 2013	All National Course Applications Due
Friday, Dec. 6, 2013	Branch 350 Fish Fry (6 Cadets) Full Uniform	1700 to 1900 Hrs (5 to 7 PM)
Monday, Dec. 16, 2013	Cadet Christmas Carnival	1830 to 2115 Hrs (6:30 to 9:15 PM)
Friday, Dec. 20, 2013	Branch 24 Fish Fry 111 Church Street (4 Cadets Volunteer Hours) No Uniform	1900 to 2030 Hrs (6 to 8:30 PM)

TAG DAY

Our two TAG Days are our major fundraisers for the year. Therefore this is a mandatory event for all cadets. 

Date: 05 October, 2013

Time: 07:30 to 5:00

Dress: Full dress uniform (including tunic and parka)

Be prepared for the weather. The Optimist Club will be preparing breakfast for our cadets when they arrive.

Note: If you cannot attend Tag Day for whatever reason, you must inform either CI Behring or the CO prior to Tag Day.

Field Exercise Weather

The current forecast looks like we will have some nice weather this weekend. Just beware that the nights will get quite cool and the days will be sunny. So bring warm clothes and sunscreen. Also don't forget Murphy's Law. If you fail to pack some rain gear it will probably rain.

Environment Canada Forecast

Field Training Exercise

We will once again be joining 87 Sqn for our annual field training exercise on 27-29 Sep 13. This is mandatory training as cadets a required to complete the survival training for complete their level. Cadets can be dropped off at Camp Wetaskiwin at 6:00pm and can be picked up again on Sunday 29 Sep at 4:30pm.

We will be training rain, shine or cold. So check the forecast and then ignore it and be prepared for anything. Also remember that you are responsible for your own kit. Therefore YOU must carry your own gear.

If you have equipment difficulties please speak to someone in the office.

Supper is not provided. Cadets are to eat supper before arriving.

Kit List
T-Shirts (3)
Pants (Not jeans) (2)
Sweater or sweatshirt (2)
Underwear (3)
Socks (3)
Raincoat / Rainpants (1)
Warm Jacket (1)
Water resistant boots (1)
Gloves and toque (1)
Groundsheet/Personal tarp (1)
Sleeping bag, pillow (1)
Air mattress SINGLE PERSON (optional)
Face towel (1)
Flashlight (1)
Sunglasses (1)
Large Water Bottle (1)
Toiletries and Personal Hygiene Items
ONTARIO HEALTH CARD
Prescription Medication (ONLY ENOUGH FOR WEEKEND)

DO NOT BRING
Jewellery
Money
iPods/MP3 Players
Knives
Food
Non-prescription medication

Office Hours

This is a reminder that our regular office hours on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30-9:00 p.m. We have heard that a few parents have tried to drop off some of their paperwork outside those hours and found we were not around.

Also a friendly reminder for those that have not yet finished their enrollment paperwork or the personal information verification forms to get those in ASAP.

We're Back

Time to break out the shoe polish and the iron. We are back and getting ready for the 2013/2014 training year. As always it is going to be a busy year with lots of good events planned.

Welcome Back BBQ
On Monday Sep 9 at 6:30 is our annual welcome back BBQ. This is an informal opportunity for cadets and parents to meet the staff and senior cadets, ask questions and have fun. We will also be giving out information for new recruits, so if you have friends, family members or know of anyone that may be interested in joining us bring them out.

NCO Training 
On Saturday September 14th at 0800 hrs there is a 1 day training event for all cadets Sgt and up. The training schedule for the day will include a mix of leadership, instructional techniques and drill.

Gliding
For our younger cadets the Sqn is scheduled for gliding on Sept 14th. We can only take 20 cadets so it is important to sign up early.

Fall Field Training Exercise
Our annual fall survival ex will be held on the weekend of 27-29 Sept. Details and a packing list will be posted at a later date.

Cadet Return From Camp

We have just received the schedules for cadets returning from summer camp. Families will be called individually by a member of the Sqn staff, however with few exceptions, our cadets returning to Niagara by bus will be arriving this Saturday (Aug 17) between 11:25-12:00 at Niagara Region Headquarters on St. Davids Rd.

Summer Camps

There have been a few questions regarding summer camp information. Most information about summer camps can be found on the website www.cadets.ca under the summer camps directories.

For those selected for camps, you will be contacted with your travel information as soon as we get it. There are many cadets who travel to summer camp and sometimes these arrangements take a while to make and to send to the Squadron staff. As soon as we find out this information we will pass it along.

For those that were on standby, if there is a change in your status and you are selected for a camp we will inform you as soon as we find out.

Before getting on the bus to go to camp cadets MUST be in possession of a Provincial Health Card, (or receipt showing its renewal), Appendix 6 (Rules of Conduct) which is signed by the Sqn officer at the bus, and any other relevant forms from the joining instructions (Medication authorization, etc.). Please note, these forms were handed out on our summer camp info night, but can be found at the above link incase they have disappeared.

Over the summer, the Squadron phone number will continue to be monitored. If there are emergencies or concerns you may call that number and your call will be returned. However, we ask that you remember we contact our cadets ASAP when we get new information regarding their camps, and we therefore ask that this number not be used for regular inquiries about camp status, bus times, etc. as you will receive a phone call with this information as soon as it arrives.

Enjoy your summer and your camps.

Upcoming Events

GLIDING
We have two gliding dates coming up. This is for cadets who have signed up for gliding, you should be getting a phone call to confirm  your position. Cadets should meet at the CARES building at the Niagara District Airport . Our two dates our the 18th and 26th of May, with cadets arriving both days at 8:30 with parents picking up cadets at 12:00. Please be dressed for the weather and BRING YOUR HEALTH CARD.

VICTORIA DAY
There will be NO cadets on the Victoria Day Monday. Enjoy some time with your family.

DECORATION DAY PARADE
We will be joining the Legions from St. Catharines for their annual Decoration Day Parade at the Victoria Lawn Cemetery. Cadets will be in full dress and timings will be posted shortly.

ANNUAL CEREMONIAL REVIEW
This should not be new information to anyone. The ACR is coming up on June 3rd. Start getting your uniform ready and practicing your drill. The drill team has been working hard and our senior cadets should also be working on static displays. An invitation for the review is below.

Range

On Monday May 13th, the level 3 cadets will be having range. All level 3's are to come in appropriate civilian attire for range.

Range Night

On Monday Apr 29, the Level 3 cadets will be conducting range training. All Level 3 cadets (only) are to come in civilian clothing, as opposed to their uniform, for appropriate for the range.

Reminder: Late Arrival

With the good weather and some cadets arriving late due to sports activities etc., it is important that we know if someone has come in late. Therefore as a reminder, if you arrive late but still during opening parade you are to form up behind the flight (infront of 2IC) so your Flight Commander can mark you on the attendance. If you arrive after the opening parade you MUST report to the Orderly Office and to CI Behring so that you can be marked present.

Upcoming Events

SUMMER DRESS!

With the coming of spring and the warmer weather it is once again time that we transition to summer dress. For the remainder of the year (except for parades) all cadets are to be in summer dress, which constitutes dress pants and t-shirts, with ribbons for those cadets with medals.

St. Juliens Parade

On 20 Apr 13 we will be remembering the Battle of St. Juliens with the 10th Field Battery. This parade is to commemorate the battle in WWI which was the first to have gas used as a weapon and in which the Canadian soldiers, including the St. Catharines 10th Battery held their line despite the chemical attack. Cadets are to be at the Armoury in Full Uniform at 1230hrs.

Trivia Night Fundraiser

The Squadron Sponsoring Committee will once again be holding its third annual trivia night fundraiser on 20 Apr 13. This is an event in which parents and friends can purchase tickets, put together a team and test your collective knowledge against other teams.

Niagara Air Group Field Exercise

The Annual NAG FTX will be held on 3-5 May 13, time TBD. We will be taking a bus to Valens Conservation Area where we will conduct training with 8 other Squadrons from the Niagara Area. A kit list will be sent home closer to the date. Due to the size of this exercise we cannot supply sleeping bags or rain gear as we sometimes do. Please make arrangements to have all of the kit you will need.

CO's Parade Reminder

This is a reminder to all cadets that this coming Monday (8 April 2013) will be a CO's parade. That means all cadets should be in full dress uniform (Shirt, tie and tunic).

Upcoming March Events

Welcome back to those who attended the March Break Ottawa Trip. Hopefully good times were had by all. There are a few items to bring your attention to prior to the end of the month.

Sports Night
Monday March 18th will be a sports night at the Squadron. Please come dressed in appropriate civilian sports attire (NO UNIFORMS!)

Tag Day
Tag Day is one of the most important fundraising events of the year. It provides the bulk of the squadrons operating funds for the following year and therefore attendance is MANDATORY. If for some reason a cadet cannot attend Tag Day they must personally speak with the CO to be excused.

Tag day will be held on March 30th (Saturday). Cadets are to arrive at the Optimist Hall at 0730hrs in full dress uniform (with parkas) and will be provided breakfast prior to departing.

Parent volunteers are also an integral part of Tag Day. If any parents are available and interested in volunteering please speak to Mr. Berezowski.

OPC TICKETS DUE!
OPC Lottery tickets are now due. They must be returned to Toronto soon for the final draw. Because this is a registered lottery it is imperative that all tickets be sold and returned by Monday March 18th.

March Break Trip Parents Meeting

There will be a meeting for all parents whose cadets are going to be attending the March Break Ottawa Trip this year. The meeting will be at the cadet hall on Monday 25 Feb 13 at 1930 hrs (7:30).

Winter FTX

The following is some information for our senior cadets (Sgt and up) attending our winter FTX from 22-24 Feb. We will be departing the cadet hall at 1700hrs. Please be there before this time, so that we can ensure everything is packed, and make sure you have eaten supper before arriving. Our plan is to arrive back at the cadet hall on the 24th between 1600-1630hrs.

In terms of a kit list, this is an outdoor winter FTX. Bring appropriate clothes for that environment. We will be near Parry Sound, so check the weather and pack accordingly.

Kit List
Winter Boots
Winter Coat
Snow Pants
Hats/Gloves/Mitts
Warm Clothes - pack for multiple layers so things can be removed
Bring extra socks
Pillow
Writing pad and pencils - pens may freeze
Contact gloves - thin pair of gloves to cover hands for fine manual work
Canteen/water bottle
Flashlight (bring fresh/extra batteries- They don't last long in the cold)
Sunglasses/ Ski goggles - prevent snow blindness
HEALTH CARD
Backpack/kit bag YOU can carry for long distances
Money for stops enroute
Unbreakable coffee mug
chapstick (newly added item)
facial tissue (newly added item)

NOTE: Sleeping bags are not required, they will be provided. We will also provide parkas, mitts, etc. But bring extras anyways.

Also review your map and compass skills prior to our departure.

February and March

Family Day
There is NO cadets on Monday 18 Feb 13. Enjoy the time with your family.

OPC Ticket Sales
The Squadron has secured a table at the Merritton Sportsman show on 22 Feb 13. This is an opportunity to sell OPC tickets. Remember there are prizes for the top seller. If you are interested speak to FSgt Stevenson.

Winter FTX
There is an upcoming cold weather field training exercise for senior cadets (Sgt and up). For those that have signed up we will be meeting at the cadet hall at 1630hrs on 22 Feb 13 and will be returning 24 Feb 13.

Legion Fish Fry
1 March 13 we will be helping out Br. 350 Legion at there weekly Friday Fish Fry. Please see the WO if interested to help.

March Break Trip
For those cadets that have signed up, the March Break Trip to Ottawa will be from 8-12 March 13. More news is forthcoming.

Reminders:

OPC Tickets
There are many outstanding books of OPC tickets. These need to be sold and returned to the Squadron immediately. There will be a prize for the top seller.

NCO Reminder
All Sgt's and F/Sgt's are reminded to be in formation NLT 1815hrs on regular parade nights.

Upcoming Events:

Range Team
Wednesday will be a regular range team practice. 1900-2100hrs.

Thursday Night
Both Sports and Drill teams will be practicing. Sports will be from 1800-1930hrs and Drill will be from 1930-2100hrs. Maximum participation in drill will be required for the team to travel to the regional competition in May. Please bring/wear your boots, wedge, wool socks and issued pants.

Sports Competition
For those selected for the Sports Team, we will be meeting at the Armoury no later than 0630hrs on Saturday 26 January 2013. Bring all of your required equipment for the day. This includes water botles, sports gear, etc. Lunch will be provided and water/snacks will be available at the competition. Estimated return time is 5-6pm and a cell phone will be available for cadets to call home. The pick up time may change by +/- 30min.

CO's Parade
February 4th will be a CO's parade. We will have a special guest Reviewing Officer from Br. 350 Legion. All cadets are reminded to be in full dress uniform.

New Fundraiser
The Squadron is now collecting all Alkaline batteries. There is a designated bucket in the Orderly office in the Optimist Hall.

In Memory

It is with heavy hearts that we are informing you that Mrs. Tammy Berezowski passed away peacefully on January 16, 2013 after a long illness. She is survived by her husband Ray, children Holly-Anne, Amanda and Bradley, her grandson Jordan and her parents and brothers. For many years Tammy was a valued member of our sponsoring committee, alongside her husband Ray, and was a member of the Optimist Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray and his family in this difficult time. Tammy will be greatly missed.

Details on arrangements can be found on the Hulse and English Funeral Home website.