Cathy Alcombrack named Kincardine Legionnaire of the Year

For more than 22 years, Cathy Alcombrack of Kincardine has made significant contributions to the success of the Royal Canadian Legion, MacDonald Branch 183.

As a tribute to her hard work and dedication, she was named the 2016-17 Legionnaire of the Year, at the Kincardine Legion Honours and Awards and Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, held Saturday night at the Legion.

In presenting the award, honours and awards chairman Robert Grey said Alcombrack has volunteered in many areas over the years, such as bartending at functions in the hall, working in the kitchen, serving food, cleaning off tables, selling tickets at meat draws, selling specials at the Bingos, and the list goes on.

Since the inception of the monthly "Trivia Night at the Legion," she has assisted co-ordinator Laura Haight with the set-up required prior to the event, as well as helping collect answer sheets and keeping track of the scores. She has even acquired the nickname "Vanna."

Alcombrack has been the branch sports officer since 2011, attending mostly all the yearly Zone and District sports meetings. Attendance at these meetings is important because the branch must be there to acquire an upcoming sports event which can help the branch financially. Branch participation in sporting events has increased during Alcombrack's tenure.

"Without her contributions, our MacDonald Branch 183 would not be the same," said Grey. "Congratulations to our Legionnaire of the Year, Cathy Alcombrack. Let's show her our appreciation for all she has done for the branch."

The crowd responded with a standing ovation as Alcombrack came forward to receive her award from past-president Mary Farrell and District C commander Lynn McClellan.

Not one to for the spotlight, Alcombrack said she was honoured to receive this award. She was joined at the front by her husband, Doug Kennedy.

Other awards and certificates were presented, as well as a life membership to Andy Burgess.

Further coverage of this event, later, in the Kincardine Record.