Hello 809!

This week brings back range training on Monday night, along with regular training on Wednesday. Even though the bottle drive was cancelled on Saturday due to bad weather, not everyone received our cancellation notice and there were still plenty of bottles dropped off. I’d like to thank Mr Abt, CI Dau and Mr & Mrs Froese for giving up their time on Saturday morning to assist in the pick up. The bottle drive has been rescheduled for January 27. Details follow later on within this message.

Details on this week’s training, along with dress instructions and detailed information for cadets can be found in this week’s WRO’s which are published exclusively on teams.

Here are this week’s announcements

1. Monday Night Range Training / Range Team Selections – 15JAN2024:

This Monday night marks the return of range training. We’re getting ready for the Zone Marksmanship Competition on Sunday, February 11 at the Lake St Armoury. Our team will consist of the top 5 cadets trying out this week and team must include at least 2 junior cadets.

We’ll continue range training on Monday, January 22 and also on Monday, February 5, but only for those selected to represent 809 on the range team.

Anyone wishing to try out, please join us this Monday night from 1900-2100hrs.

Duty Officer: Capt Couroux

2. Bottle Drop Off – Make-Up Date – Saturday, 27JAN2024:

As you all are aware, we made the decision to cancel the bottle drop off last Saturday due to potentially serious weather. The bottle drop off has been re-scheduled for Saturday, January 27. As with the previous bottle drives, we’ll be needing everyone’s assistance (Cadets, Families, SSC and Staff). Here are the details
What: Cadet Bottle Drop Off
When: Saturday, January 27 @ 0830hrs until approx 1400hrs
Where: VanNoorts Greenhouse (Corner of Hunter Rd & Four Mile Creek Rd)
Dress: Appropriate Civilian Attire
Any questions, please forward them over to Capt Couroux

3. Senior NCO Development Day – Saturday, 20JAN2024:

For the 5 Cadets that signed up last week, the Senior NCO Development Day, hosted by 62 Phantom RCACS in Grimsby, is taking place this Saturday (20JAN2024). Participating cadets will be coached in leadership and management of cadets and will also be given the opportunity to lead training sessions.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Saturday, 20JAN2024 – 0800-1730hrs
WHERE: 62 Phantom RCACS – 105 Mountain Rd, Grimsby
DRESS: C1
TRANSPORT: Parent Drop Off
LUNCH: Bring your own lunch.
CANTEEN: There will be a canteen open through the activity. Bring money if you’d like take part.

4. Fish Fry:

The legion is looking for volunteers to take part in service duties for Fish Fry on Thusrsday nights. This is not a cadet activity, but you can earn time towards your community service hours for high school decoration. All interested parties are to reach out to Ms Katleen Kells by email. Include your phone number, cell phone number she can text to, and any dates that you cannot help out. Ms Kell’s email is ktkells@gmail.com

5. Sports Night – Monday 29JAN2024:

We will be having a sports night on Monday Jan 29. The activites will include both volleyball and basketball. We have invited 358 Sea Cadet Corps to join us for the evening. Timing is typical for a Monday night activity (1900-2100). However, the location will be Carleton School in St Catharines (1 Carleton Pk Dr, St Catharines)

More details to follow as we get closer to the date.

That’s all for now. I’m available should you have any questions.

Regards,
Capt. Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Good morning.

After reviewing today’s weather forecast, we’ve decided to cancel today’s activities.   Rain is expected throughout the day, however winds are expected at around 80 km/h with gusts up to 110 km/h. This will make operation of today’s activities difficult to conduct safely.

Because this fundraising activity is important to the operation of the squadron, we are looking at the possibility of having a make up date later in the month.   More details on that will follow.

Thanks for putting time aside today to help us with fundraising.  I apologize for any inconvenience.  Enjoy your day.

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Although WRO’s are now being published exclusively on Teams, we realize that parents still need to be in the know for upcoming events.     Here are this week’s announcements.    For more details, including cadet specific instructions, dress instructions, class detail, duty NCO and duty Officer appointments, please have your cadet consult teams.

1. Monday Night Optional Training – 08JAN2024:

For Monday night optional training, we’ll again have the flight simulator available.   Come out for social time with other cadets.

The more cadets we have attending Monday evenings, the more fun it will be.  Optional training will be from 1900-2100hrs.

2. Canteen Cards for Sale – Wednesday, 10JAN2024:

Canteen cards will be on sale on Wednesday evening for those who would like to purchase them.   Cards are $20.00 each.   Cadets, please see Mrs Lett upon arrival to the squadron to purchase yours.

3. Bottle Drop Off – Saturday, 13JAN2024:

809 Newark RCACS is conducting the 2nd of 3 Bottle Drop Off’s this Saturday morning.   This is a major fundraiser for the unit and all members are required to attend.    Cadets, bring your parents, siblings and friends to help out. It’s a lot of work as well, and the more people we have helping out, the easier the job will be.

We depend greatly on the funds that these bottle drop offs provide.  In order to keep the program free we need everyone, including cadets, parents, staff and SSC members, to provide some sweat equity. To all the adults, if you have a truck you can bring along for the day, please do. It will help us in transporting the bottles back to VanNoorts.   Make sure you wear something that is appropriate for the weather, yet you don’t mind getting dirty. Please be at VanNoorts Greenhouse no later than 0830 to receive instructions and so that we can have everyone out to their stations by 0900hrs.

Make sure you bring water with you for the morning. Pizza will be laid on after we’re finished up for the day.  Dress appropriately for the weather.  It’s January and we will be out in the cold.

What: Cadet Bottle Drop Off
When: Saturday, January 13 @ 0830hrs until approx 1400hrs
Where: VanNoorts Greenhouse (Corner of Hunter Rd & Four Mile Creek Rd)
Dress: Appropriate Civilian Attire

Any questions, please forward them over to Capt Couroux

4. Senior NCO Development Day – Saturday, 20JAN2024:

Niagara Air Group (NAG) is conductiong a Senior NCO Development Day, hosted by 62 Phantom RCACS in Grimsby.    Senior cadets (Levels 3, 4 and 5) from throught NAG will participate in team building activities and workshops designed to enhance their skills in mentoring junior cadets in dress, drill and deportment.   Participating cadets will be coached in leadership and management of cadets and will also be given the opportunity to lead training sessions.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Saturday, 20JAN2024 – 0800-1730hrs
WHERE: 62 Phantom RCACS – 105 Mountain Rd, Grimsby
DRESS: C1
TRANSPORT: Parent Drop Off
LUNCH: Bring your own lunch.   There will be a canteen open through the activity.   Bring money if you’d like take part.

Let Capt Couroux know if you’d like to participate NLT Wednesday, January 10.

5. Fish Fry:

The legion is looking for volunteers to take part in service duties for Fish Fry on Thursday nights.    This is not a cadet activity, but you can earn time towards your community service hours for high school decoration.   All interested parties are to reach out to Ms Katleen Kells by email.   Include your phone number, cell phone number she can text to, and any dates that you cannot help out.   Ms Kell’s email is ktkells@gmail.com

Any questions, please forward them to myself at daniel.couroux2@cadets.gc.ca

Regards,

Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

I’d like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the staff of 809 Newark RCACS, to wish all our cadets, parents, guardians and SSC members Happy Holidays!

Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Dear Parents and Guardians of 809 Cadets,

Our annual mess dinner is coming up on December 20. It’s a celebration in Military Style, giving our cadets an opportunity to experience RCAF tradition and enable them to interact in a social setting prior to our Christmas break. Even though it centers around training and tradition, this has been an effort on behalf of the entire squadron. The staff looks after the program, the SSC looks after most of the preparations as far as the venue and the food, along with the logistics of how it works behind the scenes. Parents have helped out as servers during the dinner. It’s for this that we’re looking for your help. So, Parents/Guardians, we asking for your help to make this a success. Please sign up to show your availability and desire to help us out with this annual tradition. If you find that all the spots are filled up and you’d still like to help, please let us know.

Regards,

Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Hello 809 Squadron,

For tonight’s training, please bring your beret.    Along with flight simulator and other activities, you’ll also be given a refresher on how to wear and form your beret.    See you tonight.

Regards,
Lt D. Couroux
CO
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Good evening 809 ,

I’m happy to see that there are only 2 spots left to fill for the poppy campaign this weekend.    However, there are still cadets who have yet to volunteer.   If you haven’t volunteered, take the time to fill in the spots leftover.  Don’t leave it up to your squadron mates to do the heavy lifting.  For those cadets that have volunteered to do multiple shifts over the two days, thank you for your dedication. It has been noted.

Here’s the link for sign up and also to review your shift schedule:  Poppy Campaign | 809 Newark (809cadets.ca)

As promised, here’s a clarification on the details for Saturday and Sunday

Dress for Cadets: C1  Bring Parka, gloves and toque. Make sure you wear a poppy!
Dress for Staff: Appropriate civilian attire
Date: Saturday Nov 5 and Sunday Nov 6
Timings & Location: 15 minutes prior to your shift, report to the Royal Canadian Legion, 124 Branch @ 410 King St, NOTL
Duty Locations: Phil’s Independent – 1551 Hwy 55, Virgil & Hendriks’ Independent 130 Queen St, NOTL – You’ll be assigned a location upon your arrival to the Legion for your briefing.

Parents/Guardians
– Please bring your cadet to the legion prior 15 minutes prior to their shift. This way we can take attendance and ensure that the cadet has their appropriate box
– Once checked in, the duty officer will will issue instructions on the day’s activity to your cadet and direct you to transport your cadet to the duty location they’ve been assigned.
– Pick up your cadet at the and transport them back to the legion for their quitting time – they’ll hand their box to the duty officer at the end of their shift before being dismissed.

Cadets:
– Junior cadets will be paired with senior cadets.
– Cadets are to act in an appropriate manner at all times while in uniform as per the code of conduct.
– Be friendly and approachable.
– A duty officer has been assigned to supervise each shift and will be making rounds throughout to monitor the activity
– If there is an emergency, the duty officer will be available by the squadron phone – 905 468 7584
– If you have a cell phone, please bring it with you and leave your number with the duty officer for your shift.

I’m available if anyone has any questions.

Regards:
Lt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Hello 809 Squadron,

We need your help to support the poppy campaign. Money goes to the Royal Canadian Legion’s efforts to support veterans. Shifts are Saturday AM, Saturday PM, Sunday AM and Sunday PM. We’re looking for 4 cadets and 2 staff members on each shift. Multiple shifts are available for those who wish. The more people that sign up means lighter work for others. This is an important activity for both the unit and our sponsor. It gets us in the eye of the public doing a service. Cadets will assemble at the Legion on King St for a quick briefing before moving off to their duty location. Parents/guardians will then be asked to transport their cadets to their shift area.

Dress: Dress is C1, with parka, gloves and toque.
When: Saturday Nov 04, Sunday Nov 05
Timings: AM Shift – 0900-1230, PM Shift – 1230-1600 (Arrive 15min prior to shift)
Where: Meet @ 124 Branch RCL before and after shift (410 King St, NOTL)
Transport: Not provided – Parent/Guardians to bring cadets to Legion and then transport to duty location. Parents/guardians then to pick up cadet at end of shift, transport back to legion and then home after dismissal.

An officer/staff member will be on-hand to supervise cadets throughout the activity. Cadets and staff will be requested to have their phones with them in case of emergency.

Sign up sheets for both cadets and staff can be found here:

Poppy Campaign | 809 Newark (809cadets.ca)

Any questions, please contact me via email at daniel.couroux2@cadets.gc.ca

Regards,
Lt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Hello 809,

For those cadets that have committed to participating at the Trick or Trunk, or for those cadets that haven’t committed, but would like to take part, here are the particulars:

When: Sunday, October 29, 2023 – Drop off: 1630  Pick up: 1900
Where: Central Community Church – 680 York Rd, Niagara On The Lake
Dress: C5 – FTU (bring parka in case of bad weather)
OIC: OCdt Bell

The purpose of attending this activity is to get community exposure for 809 Squadron. There will be cars decorated for halloween, people in costume, and other organizations (local fire, ambulance, police) will be taking part as well. You’ll be handing out candy to the children attending and also brochures about our program to interested potential recruits

Cadets are to make their own way to the venue.  Enter through the small parking lot at entrance “B” and meet up with OCdt Bell, who will be the supervisor for the event.   Please be there no later than 1630hrs to help set up. Here’s a map showing the location:

This should be a fun experience and it will be happening rain or shine.

Regards,
Lt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Hello 809,

Here’s all the information you need for this weekend’s FTX.   This includes all the same information that went home with you last night, however, drop off is at 1630 on Friday

New news: There will be a canteen on Saturday starting around 1800 hrs. Bring $5 with you if you wish to purchase canteen items. The Canteen will have Pop, Chip bag and a chocolate bar for $5 as a package deal.

Let me know if you have any questions:

Dates and Timings

Parent Drop off:                            1630 (4:30 PM) Friday, 13 October 2023 (bus leaves at 1645)

Parent Pick up:                              1715 (5:15pm) Sunday 15 October 2023

Drop off and Pick up location:    809 Squadron LHQ, 1416 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Transportation:                              Cadets will be transported to and from the exercise by school bus.

Exercise Location

Chippawa Creek Conservation Area on 74646 Regional Road 45, Wellandport, Ontario L0R 2J0

Emergency Contact

Lt. Dan Couroux: 905.468.7584

Exercise Description

The Niagara Challenger Exercise will conduct an all-unit Field Training Exercise (FTX) to provide Fundamental and Elemental Training to the Corps and Squadrons training on a large-scale, using the various assets and training experiences within the Niagara area.

Cadets will be mixed into syndicates comprised of members from other Corps and Squadrons in the Niagara region.

Accommodations

New this year, the Squadron Sponsoring Committee have purchased a 4 season tent for each cadet.  This tent will be set up by the cadet upon arrival at the facility on Friday night.  It is the cadet’s responsibility to care for the tent and treat it as their own.  It is for this reason that we encourage each cadet to have their own flashlight to use in their issued tent.

Special Notes

Cadets should remember that the weather this time of year can be unpredictable and should be prepared to participate in training in all weather (rain or shine).  Training will only be shut down if the safety of the cadets and or staff is at risk.

Attached to this email is a kit list.  There are quite a few items listed.  Be sure to include all the required items for your own safety and comfort. It is always better to dress in layers when temperatures and weather can fluctuate.  Be careful, however, to not over pack.  Each cadet is responsible to carry and maintain their own kit for the weekend.

Below is the current weather forecast.

Friday Evening:
Low 11
Increasing cloud
30% POP

Satuday:
High 12, Low 9
Light Rain
80% POP

Sunday:
High 13, Low 9
Cloudy w/ Showers
40% POP

Cadet Kit List – Niagara Challenger FTX – 13 – 15 October 2023

You are required to bring the following:

Your Provincial Health Card is required to be in your possession to participate in the exercise.

At NO time the following will be brought on any exercises:

• Electronic devices
• Non-prescription drugs
• Cigarettes, cigars, vape for other similar items
• Knives or other cutting utensils
• Alcohol or mood-altering substances
• This is not an exhaustive list. Cadets will be held to their personal conduct as per their signed Code of Conduct.

• Any cadet caught in possession of any of the above items will be returned home immediately at the expense of the Parents.

Cadets who are deemed not to have suitable, or enough, equipment will not be permitted to participate in the exercise.

All prescription medication and over the counter medication will be handed over to the Cadet Corps / Squadron upon arrival.

Regards,

Lt D Couroux
CO
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”