Please note that there will be NO Tuesday night practices for drill team for now.

There is no staff member available to be in charge these nights.

I’ll keep you posted if there are any further changes to the drill team practice schedule.

There are approximately 150 items up for auction tonight with a total retail value of over $10,000.  All money raised from this auction will go to the corps to help cover the costs of uniforms, training, transportation, instrument costs, facility rentals, etc. etc. etc. that are all paid for by the corps so that the program is available to everyone regardless of income level.  Fundraisers such as this one are crucial to the corps success in being able to continue the no-fee policy that the cadets movement is famous for.

At tonight’s auction we will be accepting payments by cash or check.  We have even rented a payment terminal so that we can accept credit card payments this time!!  I hope that this event is extremely successful.  Remember that all the money is going to support the kids:)

We have all sorts of items that might catch your eye to be bid on tonight.  While we don’t have the kitchen sink, we do have the taps!!!  Here’s a quick list of some of the items that are up for bids tonight:

• Kitchen taps
• Pink motorbike helmet
• An overnight stay at a Canmore resort
• Jewelry of all varieties including many pieces that were handcrafted by local artisans
• Custom cufflinks with the Highlander crest
• Paintings and photography by local artists
• Household items such as lamps, a mirror, knife block, counter top convection oven, clock, etc.
• Several items of clothing including Stampeders t-shirts, swag from various companies, Olympic jacket, etc.
• Signed Calgary Flames hat
• Gift certificate to a Canmore area Bed and Breakfast
• Two big plants from Sunnyside Garden Center
• Electric toothbrushes donated by local dentists
• A variety of handmade children’s clothes that was donated by local crafters
• Gift baskets galore of coffee items, lotions, handmade soaps, bath products, candles, etc.
• Weight loss products
• Passes to a variety of local performances including a guitarist at Bert Church Theatre, Yuk Yuk’s, the Comedy Cave, the Laugh Shop, a play at Alberta Theatre Projects and more
• Gift certificates to local stores and vendors including The Avenue Cakery and Bakeshoppe, Original Joe’s, Anna’s Spa, Airdrie Carpet cleaners, The Home Vintner and more.
• A beautiful golf club and various golf supplies
• Passes to local fitness classes including Marcy’s Yoga and Crossfit 403
• And so much more!!

A big thank-you to all of the companies, crafters and artists who have donated to our silent auction fundraiser.  We could not have organized this auction without the support and generosity of such a varied range of people providing us goods to raise money for the kids.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

The drill team will be meeting twice a week over the next month or so to get ready for the upcoming drill competition on March 3.

The revised practice schedule will include Sunday practices at the Legion from 8:30 AM until Noon.  Cadets need to be on time and on their best behaviour (as usual).  Drill team will also meet for practice on Tuesday evenings at Ralph McCall from 6 until 9.  Here’s a list of drill practices for February:

Sunday, Feb. 12 — Meet at Legion from 08:30 until 1200

Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Meet at Ralph McCall from 1800-2100

Sunday, Feb. 19 – Meet at Legion from 08:30 until 1200

Tuesday, Feb. 21 – Meet at Ralph McCall from 1800-2100

Sunday, Feb. 26 – Meet at Legion from 08:30 until 1200

Tuesday, Feb. 28 – Meet at Ralph McCall from 1800-2100

Joining the drill team is mandatory for cadets at silver and gold star levels. There is a new points system in place for NCSE and participating in drill team will help cadets earn points to advance to their next levels.

There will be NO MARKSMANSHIP practice on Thursday, February 9, 2012.

Team members in Sections 1, 2 and 3 should go to SAT training at Mewata Armories instead.

There is a parent’s committee meeting tonight that all cadet parents are encouraged to attend. These meetings are the best way to stay informed as to what the cadets will be doing in the next few weeks. Our parent’s committee works hard to keep the cadet corps running as efficiently as possible and it would great to see more parents involved in the process.

Parent’s committee meetings are the second Wednesday of every month.  Our elections are coming up for next year’s parent’s committee in May.  We are always looking for new volunteers and parents to help out.

Just so you are aware RALPH McCALL school is closed tonight!!!

Airdrie Middle school has offered to help us out and open their doors for us tonight!  Cadets must have 2 pairs of shoes and be on their best behavior!!   This school is located on 1st Ave across from the plainsman arena. Please use the front door, cadets will not be allowed in the school without a officer there.

Please bring your money for the valentine fundraiser and also camp forms are due tonight, if you cannot attend cadets tonight please let your section commander know.

Section commanders should do a call out after school to make sure all cadets are aware of the changes.

Thanks for your cooperation and I am really sorry this evening has been disorganized!

Just a heads up this weekend will be packed full for the cadets, all cadets that do not have their Hunters Ed need to be at training this weekend 28 Jan 9-5 and in 29 Jan there is a full training day 9-5 both days at the Ralph McCall school.

Thanks

Capt. Mark

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