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We have received a request to do a short article about Saint George who is the patron saint of England and is celebrated on April 23rd of each year.  While it is not an official public holiday in Canada, it is a key cultural day.  However, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Saint George’s Day is a provincial holiday.  It is held on the Monday closest to April 23rd with a long weekend.

Saint George’s Day is a celebration of English heritage, community cohesion and a symbol of triumph.  Saint George is honoured for his legendary bravery, faith and his fight against evil.  He was born into a Christian family in Cappadocia, Anatolia (now Turkey) in the late 3rd century, approximately, 275 - 285.  His father was a Roman army officer who was of Greek origin.  Saint George was martyred for refusing to renounce his Christian faith under the Roman Emperor Diocletian (245 CE - 316 CE) who then had him beheaded on April 23, 1303. Saint George was martyred in Nicomedia (now Izmit, Turkey) and his body was taken for burial in Lydda also called Diospolis which means city of Zeus (now Lod, Israel).  Emperor Diocletian ruled from 284 CE - 305 CE and was born in Dalmatia (now Croatia). He restored the Roman Empire’s government with actions that were forward thinking for that period in history.  In doing so he laid the foundation for the Byzantine Empire.  During this period the last major persecution of Christians occurred during his reign. 

To read more about Saint George’s Day Click here.

If you have any comments regarding this story please contact the BMO Cyber Pensioners at cyberpensioner@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you.

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It is sometimes hard to believe that this April our website is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Time seems to pass so quickly when we are having fun and helping others.  All of us volunteers are amazed and very happy to share this news with you, our members, as it is with your support and interest that we continue to exist.

In 1991 from very meagre beginnings and a membership of 50, to date, we have grown to 3,814 members and 1,778 Facebook friends.  We know from speaking to one of our Co-Founders, Barry Gemmell, shortly before he passed on April 15, 2022 that he was astonished and proud of how far the website had come and wished us continued success. 

Our history is captured in our Historical Log which you can find under “About Us” on our website.  It is comprehensive with key dates, memorable events, numbers of members and numbers of Facebook friends.  We also inserted some coloured hyperlinks to key events which you can click for easy access to the particular communication or photo for that entry.  Have fun exploring it and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: cyberpensioner@gmail.com

Our team both individually and collectively are dedicated and amazing people.  They give of their time, creativity and professionalism on a daily basis. 

Additionally, our continued deepest appreciation to you for your support, encouragement and confidence first, to become a member and then, to refer other BMO pensioners to join.  Your efforts keep us motivated and pumped.  We  are truly grateful for your articles, stories, photos, social event updates, sporting events, feedback and letters which are tremendous contributions that help our website be relevant and dynamic.  We love hearing from you!

And, we continue to give our heartfelt shout out to our Regional Representatives, BOMPs (Bank of Montreal Pensioner Associations) and other informal groups and volunteers who provide information to us on various matters.

As we reflect on our 35 year journey, we would be remiss not to remember those who have left us.  Our fond memories of them and their surviving families are in our hearts as long as we shall be.

To our fantastic team, Al, Cecilia, Heinz, Joan, Leslie and Roy thank you all for being who you are and your selfless contribution.

Colin Evans, Team Leader

If you have any comments regarding this story or would like to submit a letter or story of your own, please contact the BMO Cyber Pensioners News team at cyberpensioner@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you.

We need your help!  If already a member, please encourage new members to visit our website to 'Join Us'. If a BMO retiree, but not yet a member, check out the benefits of being connected to the Cyber Pensioners' Community. (Benefits) It's free and easy to register! (Join Us)

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PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT STAGE WEST EXPERIENCE

 

'NEW SOUND IN TOWN'  --- WEDNESDAY MATINEE ---  MAY 27, 2026

 

A musical revue that explores the evolution and cross-pollination of musical genres over the decades.  From the smooth harmonies of 1970's folk-rock pioneers like the Eagles and the rootsy swamp rock of Creedence Clearwater Revival to the good-time jug band revival sounds of the Lovin' Spoonful, the lines between pop, rock, and country begin to blur. Willie Nelson emerged as a crossover sensation, bringing his authentic country twang to the masses and paving the way for future genre-benders.

Your ticket includes fantastic buffet, delectable desserts, tea and coffee (10:30-12:00) and performance starts at 12:00 noon.  Bar service is available and gratuities are not included but appreciated for your server.

 

See Jane for tickets in the lobby after 10:00 AM.
 

REGISTRATION FORM ------- DEADLINE ------- APRIL 24, 2026

NAMES;

COST $62.00 PER PERSON

TOTAL SENT $_________E-TRANSFERS TO bompasa.bd@gmail.com

OR MAIL TO JANE BENNETT AT 2796 SIGNAL HILL HTS SW CALGARY AB T3H 2J1

PHONE 403-246-3953 or cell 403-669-1549

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Please note: the spring invitation stated that the summer meeting would be June 11, 2026, however the date is actually June 4.

 

The poster indicates the subject of the presentation for that meeting. Hope to see you all there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Left to right: Front Row: Allan, Elsie, Anne:

Second Row: Ron, Mal, Bob, Debbie, Dorothy, Patrick, Cheryl, Dave:

Above: Paul, Diana, Bill, Carol, Marion, Letty, Mary, Alice, Noreen, Smita, Earl 

 

Twenty-two retirees met for fun and food at the Old Spaghetti Factory in New Westminster. It was the first luncheon of 2026 and while the day produced pouring rain, inside was warmth and congeniality. Mary, Carol, and Mal made the long trip from Nanoose on the Hullo ferry to test the company and found it to their liking. Ron and Bob arose at dawn to make the trek from Chilliwack. It was a wonderful way to start activities for this year. 

 

Thanks to Earl Hansford for sharing.

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As Saint Patrick’s day is around the corner, I was curious to find out more about his background and how he became a saint.  The following information is what I discovered about who he was.

 

To read more about Saint Patrick’s Day Click Here

 

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Are you Interested in an exciting volunteer experience? We are currently looking for volunteers to join our staff. Please send us an email at cyberpensioner@gmail.com

We look forward to input, material and photos from our registered members.  Please contact the BMO Cyber Pensioners News team at cyberpensioner@gmail.com