March 30, 2009
When Peter Murphy was president of the Newcastle Legion, the branch faced some hard decisions as it struggled to stay open.
One of the tough decisions made was to cut back on staff wages, which the employees accepted as a necessary sacrifice.
"We're still here today thanks to them," Murphy said.
That was 13 years ago and on Friday night Legion members, friends and family gathered to honour the many years of service put in by those same staff members.
Ray Taylor, Thea McEvoy and Elizabeth Davis have worked at the Legion for a combined 80 years and were all smiles as they gathered in the Legion hall's basement to celebrate.
About 50 people joined them, surrounded by balloons, streamers and the numbers 25 and 30 made of colourful construction paper taped to the walls.
Miramichi Centre MLA John Foran, Mayor Gerry Cormier and former MP Charlie Hubbard were also on hand with Foran and Cormier presenting certificates of appreciation from the province and the city.
Legion president Joe Pineau presented gold watches emblazoned with the Legion crest to Taylor and McEvoy for their 25 years of service.
Davis already received her gold watch five years ago, but Pineau made sure she didn't leave empty handed and presented her with a wooden jewellery box.
Taylor, who continually professed he didn't know what to say, was never at a loss for words as he talked about how much the night meant to him.
"I'm a very happy man tonight."
The staff were surprised to see the dignitaries at the celebration and although it was unexpected, Taylor said they appreciated it.
"To us it meant a lot for them to be here."
When McEvoy started work as the Legion's secretary/treasurer, she replaced someone who had held the position for 13 years and, at the time, she wondered how someone could stay in the same job for that long.
"Here I am 25 years later," she said.
As a paid employee, she said she felt humbled by the event because she generally thinks of herself as just staff, not someone who contributes to the Legion in the same way as the volunteers.
"I think it's really nice if them to think of us that way."
Davis is the longest serving of the three with 30 years under her belt and said she enjoyed her time working at the Legion.
"I'm glad I'm still here."
She started out as the building's janitor, but moved on to join Taylor behind the bar last year after another long-time employee retired.
As Davis helped cut pieces of the celebratory cake with McEvoy, she dropped one on the floor and laughed as she bent down to clean it up.
"I guess this is why I retired from this part."
At the other end of the room Legion member Sonny Drisdale sat at the bar and said it was nice to see so many people out to celebrate with the staff.
"It makes them feel good after being here so long."
Murphy said it is the dedicated staff who keep the Newcastle branch going.
"Those who are members really appreciate it."
There is a mutual appreciation from the staff who all expressed their appreciation for their jobs and the Legion members.
Taylor said he wanted to thank all of his customers for being so nice to him over the years he worked there.
"I'll never forget their hospitality."
McEvoy said she wouldn't have changed anything and smiled as she said she plans of working at the Legion until they get rid of her.
"Another 25 (years) sounds good."
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