of The Air Cadet League of Canada 581 Castlegar Squadron Sponsoring Committee

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 at 7PM (location TBD)

To all 581 SSC members:

This is the notice of AGM for the Castlegar 581 Sponsoring Committee.

We will be presenting the budget and reports, and electing board members for the coming year. Any member of the community may serve on the board, the only requirement is that the board member go through the standard volunteer screening process.

We would like to thank Teck Trail Operations for their generous donation of $5,000 towards our roof replacement fund!

With their support, we are one step closer to reaching our goal!

You can follow Teck online at:

Twitter: @TeckResources
Facebook: TeckResourcesLtd.
LinkedIn:  Teck Resources Limited

of The Air Cadet League of Canada 581 Castlegar Squadron Sponsoring Committee

This will be a virtual meeting held through Zoom on Saturday, October 2nd at 2pm

To all 581 SSC members:

This is the notice of AGM for the Castlegar 581 Sponsoring Committee.

This year the AGM will be held online, via Zoom. A link to the meeting will be posted to the group Facebook page and this page 30 minutes before the meeting.

We will be presenting the budget and reports, and electing board members for the coming year. Any member of the community may serve on the board, the only requirement is that the board member go through the standard volunteer screening process.

• Download the Minutes of the last AGM on September 19, 2020
• Download the Agenda for today’s AGM

Since 1952 the Castlegar Air Cadets have been active participants in community events like Castlegar’s Sun Fest, the Pass Creek Fall Fair, Remembrance Day ceremonies and Castlegar’s Winterfest just to name a few.

The Squadron has had many homes in its nearly 70 years of serving the community. Starting its early days in the old Castlegar Elementary School which stood where the Castlegar Courthouse now stands. This headquarters was followed by Stanley Humphries High School, the Kinnaird Hall and then old Airport Terminal Building.

And finally the Kiwanis Hall, our current home since 1994. It is also the home of the community Sharing Pot, a soup kitchen that typically runs on Tuesdays at noon.

Why we’ve started a GoFundMe Campaign – Our current building is in need of desperate and emergency repairs.

In October of this year, members of the Sponsoring Committee, who regularly check on the building, noticed puddles of water on the main floor which has resulted in water damage. Water damage that will require significant remediation to the ceiling, main floor and basement.

Although we had hoped the roof leak would be resolved by a repair, we have been advised a full roof replacement is now required. We are fortunate that our insurance will cover the extensive water damage that has occurred to the interior of the hall, with a deductible of $5,000.

However, the roof repair is NOT covered by insurance. The squadron sponsoring committee of the Castlegar Air Cadets is looking at approximately $30,000 to replace the roof. As a result of COVID and other fundraising challenges we are starting this GoFundMe campaign to raise the $30,000.

We are seeking your financial support to ensure that our Cadets and the community soup kitchen will continue to have a safe and secure place. Any excess over the $30,000 goal will be used for other building upgrades, and/or invested in other cadet programs (upgrade flight sims etc).

Thank you for your support.
581 Castlegar Air Cadets Squadron Sponsoring Committee

of The Air Cadet League of Canada 581 Castlegar Squadron Sponsoring Committee

This will be a virtual meeting held through Zoom on Saturday, September 19th at 2pm

To all 581 SSC members:

This is the notice of AGM for the Castlegar 581 Sponsoring Committee.

This year the AGM will be held online, via Zoom. A link to the meeting will be posted to the group Facebook page and this page 30 minutes before the meeting.

We will be presenting the budget and reports, and electing board members for the coming year. Any member of the community may serve on the board, the only requirement is that the board member go through the standard volunteer screening process.

Please read this important notice to all Cadet Parents from Commander Henderson RCSU(Pac) regarding the extension of the cancellation of all Cadet activities till 30 April 2020.

https://581castlegaraircadets.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LetterToParents27-March-2020-.pdf

East Meets West Sports Weekend

Annual Cadet Sports and Fitness Weekend

January 28, 2020                                                               581 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Castlegar, BC – Over 150 Cadets and Officers from all 12 East and West Kootenay units meet this past weekend to engage in friendly sports and fitness competition.

Sea, Army, and Air Cadets from Creston, Fernie, Invermere, Golden, Elkford, Cranbrook, Trail, Nelson, and Kimberly joined their host, the 581 Castlegar Air Cadets, at Selkirk College to take part in activities ranging from volleyball and basketball to 20 m shuttle runs and push-ups and even a dance.

“We put a huge focus on having a variety of activities to ensure everyone is having fun,” stated Tyler Visona, a Volunteer Instructor for the 581 Squadron and former cadet himself.  “All the while meeting new friends from other units.”

The goal of the Air Cadets is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and to stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.  As part of this goal, each Cadet unit is required to participate in a fitness assessment at least once a year.

“Cadets were able to earn their Cadet Fitness badge, compete in sports activities and learn leadership skills.” said Capt. Gerry Rempel commanding officer of the 581 Castlegar Air Cadets. “Additionally, they got to participate with youth from other units while also making new friends.”

“My favorite part was being a role model to my cadets, and getting to show them all of the benefits cadets has to offer.” Said Sierra Johnson a Flight Sargent with the 581 Castlegar Air Cadets.

“East meets west is fantastic … (and) makes cadets feel more connected to their fellow cadets…” said F.Sgt Dylan Hastie when asked about the event.  “My favorite part was interacting with different cadets from all over the region.”

The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 years old with a focus on leadership, citizenship and healthy living.  Individuals interested in joining or volunteering with the cadets are encouraged to check out aircadetleague.com and www.cadets.ca.  You can also visit the 581 Casltegar Air Cadet Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CastlegarCadets.

Strike A Pose. Photo Credit: Matthew Mussio

F.Sgt Sierra Johnson and her 2IC (2nd In Charge) take a moment to pose of the camera. Photo credit: Matthew Mussio

Push up time. Photo Credit: Matthew Mussio

2020 East Meets West Sit and Reach Station. Photo Credit: Matthew Mussio

Cadets from around the Kootenay’s took part in the 2020 East Meets West Sports Weekend at Selkirk College. Photo credit: Major Kevin DeBiasio

December 3, 2019                                                            581 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Castlegar, BC – Local Castlegar resident Dave Blancher is no stranger to supporting his local community or country; having served in the Canadian Armed Forces for just over 20 years between 1989 to 2009, he now works as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) for the BC Ambulance Service.  Now he can add a new item to his list of accomplishments after being sworn in as an Officer Cadet for the Castlegar Air Cadets.

Capt. Gerry Rempel, the commanding officer of the 581 Squadron, swore in his new officer on November 19^th, during a regular parade night for the Air Cadets.  “I’ve known Dave for just over 8 years, starting when he and I were both involved with St John Ambulance.” said Capt. Rempel, “He will be an important addition to our Squadron and we are lucky to have him.”

As an Officer Cadet, Dave is now a member of the Cadet Instructors Cadre branch of the Canadian Armed Forces.  His primary duty will be as the assistance supply officer and instructing Cadets.  “Before I joined the regular forces, I was with the Nelson squadron for 4 years.  It really helped prepare me for a life in the armed forces” said OC Dave Blancher.

Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) consists of specially trained part-time members of the Canadian Forces. CIC officers are responsible for cadet training, supervision and administration; and are an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to the Cadet program.

“We are always looking for new volunteers to join and help support this great program.” said Capt. Rempel.  “Without Officers and the volunteers who run our Squadron Sponsoring Committee we couldn’t have a Cadet squadron here in Castlegar.  Individuals donate large amounts of time and it shows in how successful out Cadet Program has been.”

If you are interested in volunteering with the Castlegar Air Cadets either as an Officer or volunteer you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CastlegarCadets or their website at 581castlegaraircadets.ca for more information.

Dave Blancher (right) and Capt. Gerry Rempel (left) Photo credit: F.Sgt Corbin Johnson

Dave Blancher signing his paperwork, making him an official CIC officer as Capt. Gerry Rempel and F.Sgt Anthony Ismay look on. Photo credit: F.Sgt Corbin Johnson

November 29, 2019                                                         581 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Castlegar, BC – When the Canadian Armed Forces tweeted out an appeal for holiday greetings for soldiers serving away from home this holiday season, the Castlegar Air Cadets answered the call and got right down to work.

“I have a friend who has served overseas, in a variety of operations, so I know how important caring contact from home can be.”  Said 2Lt Barb. Makortoff the squadron’s administration officer who organized the letter-writing night. “not all soldiers have a supportive family back home, but even those that do, appreciate the care and thoughtfulness of those at home, known or unknown.”

The Castlegar Air Cadets recently visited seniors in local care homes around the community during Remembrance Day activities and took part in the Castlegar Remembrance Day Services held on November 11.  “It only seemed like the next step to take to teach the younger generation, what it is all about…LEST WE FORGET.” said Makortoff.

The aim of the Air Cadets is to “develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and to stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces”.  The Castlegar Air Cadets have been strong members of the local community since 1952, when they first received their charter.

“It makes me feel good to know that someone who might not have gotten a letter from home will get one now for the holiday season.” Said F.Sgt Dylan Hastie when asked about the letter he wrote.

The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 years old with a focus on leadership, citizenship and healthy living.  They meet every Tuesday night at 6 pm.  For more information, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CastlegarCadets or website at 581castlegaraircadets.ca

Members of the 581 Squadron holding their letters to be sent to Canadian Armed Forces members serving away from home. Photo credit: Matthew Mussio