CLICK HERE to - The Federated Women`s Institutes of Ontario

FALL 2014
ROSE Garden
FWIO Provincial Office Opens
at the Erland Lee (Museum) Home
The Home & Country ROSE Garden
is published three times a year by the
Federated Women’s Institutes
of Ontario.
Editor
Andrea Morrison
[email protected]
Proof Reader
Ruth Kennedy
Graphics
Big Footprints Inc., Cambridge
www.bigfootprints.ca
Copyright © FWIO 2014
Copyrighted material, including graphics,
may be reproduced as long as it remains
in context, its source is recognized and it
is not used for monetary gain. To reprint
copyrighted material under any
circumstances, contact the Editor.
ISSN – 1715-216X
Printed on recyclable paper by
Ampersand Printing, Guelph, ON
www.ampersand.ca
Publications Mail Agreement No.
40036824
Return undeliverable Canadian
addresses to:
Federated Women’s Institutes
of Ontario
552 Ridge Road
Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2Y6
Tel: 905-662-2691
Email: [email protected]
www.fwio.on.ca
FWIO OFFICE HOURS
The Provincial Office is open
Monday to Friday from
10am to 4pm.
Erland Lee (Museum) Home Tours
are available Thursdays, Saturdays
and Sundays from 12pm to 4pm.
CONTACT INFORMATION
FWIO Provincial Office (see left)
Office Administrator
Kim Sauder: [email protected]
Program & Communications Manager
Andrea Morrison: [email protected]
Advocacy Coordinator
Glenna Smith Ph: 519-824-0217
[email protected]
Membership Coordinator
Ellen Martin Ph: 613-433-3463
[email protected]
Public Relations Coordinator
Donna Henderson Ph: 519-418-7480
[email protected]
Tweedsmuir Coordinator
Christine Reaburn Ph: 613-582-3569
[email protected]
International Officer/Restructuring
Chair
Margaret Christenson Ph: 705-779-3996
[email protected]
[email protected]
Executive Officer to FWIC
Joy Trimble Ph: 519-942-2093
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE DATE
Please send stories and photos for
consideration in the Home & Country
ROSE Garden to the FWIO Provincial
Office or [email protected] no
later than the content deadline date
below. Please review the Editorial and
Graphic Guidelines before making a
submission.
Winter 2015 - December 1, 2014
2
On August 14, 2014, the FWIO Board
and Lee Home volunteers raised
the Canadian flag at the Erland Lee
(Museum) Home in honour of the
Provincial Office’s relocation to the
Museum in Stoney Creek. FWIO’s
travelling Addie Doll also took part
in this special moment. Pictured
(L-R): Margaret Byl, Barbara Weese,
Barbara Stones, Eleanor Williams, Alana
Robinson, FWIO President Evelyn Peck,
Mary Shortt, Pat Cooper, Kim Sauder,
Naomi Cho and Cleda Yachetti.
nside:
I
4. Donate to the Lee Gift
Shop
5. In Memory of Peggy Knapp
6. Collette Tours
8-9. Down the Garden Path
10-11.100th Anniversaries
12. Canada 150 & Tweedsmuir
Digitizing Updates
13.
14.
15.
Meet the Members
Provincial Conference
Competition Winners
All for a Good Cause
By FWIO President, Evelyn Peck
My emotions are mixed. I am feeling the excitement of
moving on to new things but there is the nostalgia of
leaving behind the old familiar office facilities and the
long-time staff. There is the anticipation of the benefits of
using our own office space with WI returning to the very
location where our constitution was penned.
Mary. Their contributions were much appreciated and they
will be missed.
The renovations are completed. The office area at the
Lee has new windows and doors, new insulation, fresh
paint, and recently welcomed new staff. The supplies and
office furnishings have been transferred from Guelph
to Stoney Creek. The gift shop has been relocated and
redecorated. A beautiful new sidewalk leads to the
entrance door that has been widened to be wheel chair
accessible. The displays have been rearranged. All is
ready and waiting for our official opening.
This also will be my last message as president. How quickly
the time has passed. My busy term was made even busier
with the decision to relocate the office but the Board
worked as a team with a lot of outstanding assistance. It
was a blessing to work with such capable Board Directors
with their diverse skills and knowledge. It also has been
uplifting to meet so many dedicated and enthusiastic
Members. Each of us
is the face of WI. May
your smile reflect the
positives of WI so that
AGM - Guelph
November 27, 2014
WI flourishes anew. I
believe that through
Workshops – Guelph
WI we can give new
November 28, 2014
meaning to the lives of
many women.
The shelves, cupboards and closets at Park House were
emptied. Some things were purged. Files were sorted and
consolidated. There was a feeling of accomplishment as
boxes were filled and labeled. But, there was a sadness to
see the bare walls and empty rooms where so many staff
and Members have met, discussed and accomplished so
much. We have had to say goodbye to Lynn, Vicki and
Gratefully, Andrea is staying with us with the new title
of Program & Communications Manager. As well, we are
happy to welcome Kim, Lynn and Sandy to the positions of
Office Administrator, Bookkeeper and Receptionist.
The “Addie Doll” was recently created
by Crowland WI (Hamilton Area) to
be kept in the President’s care and
to travel with her to WI events across
the province. Keep a look out for
Addie at Area Conventions this fall!
Pictured outside the former FWIO
Provincial Office in Guelph on August
12, 2014 is (L-R): Naomi Cho, Glenna
Smith, Mary Shortt, Alana Robinson,
Eleanor Williams, Margaret Byl, FWIO
President Evelyn Peck (holding Addie),
Kim Sauder, Mary Chisholm, Barbara
Weese and Andrea Morrison.
3
An Open Letter to All FWIO Members
I am sure many of you donate to
various worthy projects and charities
throughout the year. However, I think
that it is time for ALL of us to support
our own Erland Lee (Museum) Home GIFT
SHOP. Each year one geographical area of FWIO
is designated as the main contributor, but that doesn't
mean that the rest of us can't contribute as well.
Many gently used items in our homes have "worn out
their welcome" and simply need to find a new home!
For those of you that are hobbyists, please check your
stash! Fabrics, stamps, yarn/thread, craft paints, paper,
beads etc. You all know the endless variety of articles
that can be made with these materials by our talented
Members. The results can be fascinating and would be
very welcome. Please keep in mind that pretty (fabric)
colours that complement each other when combined
sell quickly. Seasonal colours within quilted articles, tea
cozies, runners or placemats help transform the shop for
upcoming seasons. We recommend pastels in the spring
and for Easter; earth tones for the fall, and of course
Christmas colours in November and December.
Jewellery, greeting cards, pin cushions, aprons, plants
in containers, baby items, fragrant candles, potpourri,
seasonal decorations and children's toys are items that
have been sent in and sold well. Also, "coffee table type
books" on crafts, quilting, horticulture, wild life, art,
the Monarchy, cookbooks, etc. would all be welcome.
(Please, NO novels or text books).
Perhaps your china cabinet needs "downsizing". Teapots
(large and small) , coffee mugs, serving plates, small
crystal bowls, candle holders and the like are all desired
items for resale. Even better if they have the WI logo
printed on them to make them special.
Re-gifting of soaps, jewellery, candles, etc. is quite
acceptable as are "bargains" from a garage sale or charity
bazaar. They may be sold for quite a profit in support of
the Lee. Just be sure that ALL items sent are in very good
to excellent condition.
As a final thought, make sure to include your family and
friends in this venture. My own 16 year old granddaughter
4
overheard my conversation with her mother and
decided to donate her china doll collection which she
felt she had outgrown! Also, when my friend heard of
this worthy cause, she offered to donate the bone china
cups and saucers she had received as wedding gifts over
55 years ago. She is not a WI Member but her niece is, so
she was well aware of WI and its worthy causes!
Perhaps when you make up next year’s meeting
schedule, you could include a "workshop" day when all
Members could create articles to donate to the gift shop.
You might also consider a trip to "the Lee" for a tour of
the Home and lunch in the Carriage House as an outing
for your Branch when you could personally deliver your
"goods" and do some shopping as well! Remember
this is OUR organization we are supporting. Together,
through our merchandise, WE can communicate the
motto, "For Home and Country" and enhance the image
and purpose of the WI - education in all life skills - while
making the Erland Lee (Museum) Home gift shop a very
special experience for shoppers of every age.
Sincerely,
Wilma Cleghorn,
West End WI (Guelph Area)
If you wish to donate, please call 905-662-2691. Items can be dropped
off Thursdays 12-4pm or alternate arrangements can be made.
Please include donor name
and address with all items.
In Memory of Peggy Knapp FWIO President 1989-1991
Sadly, Peggy Marie Knapp passed away on August 13, 2014 in Stratford, Ontario at
the age of 86.
You only have to pull out an old issue of Home & Country and read an article penned
by Peggy to know that there was something truly special about her. She not only
knew how to get your attention, she knew how to hold onto it. This is because her
kindness and sincerity always shone through. Quite simply, Peggy had a way. She
had a presence. She was one of a kind.
Peggy joined the Women’s Institute in 1950. She was a long-time Member of
Ashgrove WI in the Milton area and had once belonged to Laura Rose WI when she
lived in Cambridge.
Peggy was involved in Women’s Institute at the Branch, District, Area, Provincial,
National and International levels. She became FWIO President in 1989, after being
the first person to ever hold the President-Elect position. At the time, she expressed
the value of having two years of learning before taking on the role of President.
In 1992, Peggy became the ACWW Canada Area President.
Peggy chaired the 1997 Convention which celebrated the 100th anniversary of Women’s Institute.
Peggy was very involved in the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, both personally and through WI. From 1989 to 1998, she
served as FWIO Representative to the Royal’s Board of Directors. Peggy was a member of the Executive and Agriculture
Administration Committees from 1991-1998, and was also an Honourary Governor of the Fair.
Peggy’s leadership extended to several other causes in her community and beyond.
In 1998, Peggy was inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame. She was also the recipient of an Honourary
Doctorate of Laws from the University of Guelph.
While Peggy received many accolades in her life, she was never one to take all the credit. In her final column as FWIO
President, written in November 1991, Peggy likened herself to a pilot attempting to fly a plane throughout her term.
She graciously referred to everyone who supported her as “the wind beneath my wings”.
Farewell, Peggy. You will never be forgotten.
Don’t Miss the
Annual General Meeting!
When: Thursday, November 27, 2014
Please Note the Venue Change:
The Best Western Plus Royal Brock Hotel &
Conference Centre
716 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON N1G 1Y6
*For overnight accommodations, please call
519-836-1240 and mention that you are with
FWIO, as rooms are reserved.
Workshops will take place on Friday, November
28, 2014.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 5,
2014
The Registration Form is available on the FWIO
website or can be requested from the Provincial
Office.
Copies of the form may also be made from the
insert, received by Branch Secretaries with this issue.
5
St. Lawrence WI Celebrates Tweedsmuir
History Books
The Members of St. Lawrence WI (Frontenac District,
Kingston Area) held a ROSE Session in honour of the Branch’s
presentation of their recent volume of Tweedsmuir History
Books to the Wolfe Island Public Library. Approximately
35 people attended this celebration of the Tweedsmuirs
and of the late Mrs. Connie Woodman who was curator
of the books for many years. The Branch was pleased to
welcome many members of the Woodman family, WI Area
President Maureen Lollar, Mayor Denis Doyle, Council
Member Wayne Grant, Patricia Enright of the Frontenac
Public Library, and members of the community.
Guests were welcomed by Lynda Hulton, Secretary/
Treasurer, and the books were presented to Sharon Hogan,
Librarian of Wolfe Island Public Library. A letter was read
from Joanne Stanbridge, Librarian of Local History and Geneaology, Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Guests were
invited to enjoy refreshments and look at the books. Many found interesting articles and pictures of family members and
friends. It was a wonderful time of remembering the past and visiting with friends of the present.
6
The Headquarters Fund currently sits at $567,177 est.
Your support will ensure that WI continues
long into the future.
“
IN THE LONG RUN,
THE SHARPEST WEAPON
kind
and gentle spirit.”
OF ALL IS A
- Anne Frank
To make a donation, contact the FWIO Provincial Office at 905-662-2691
Grand Bend WI Celebrates 6th Annual Spring Awakening
Grand Bend WI (London Area) held their 6th Annual Spring Awakening Ladies
Day Out on April 24, 2014 at the Grand Bend Legion. A fashion show, musical
entertainment, a humorous motivational speaker and an informative speaker
relating how to deal with adult bullying were well received by 150 ladies. Community
donated raffle and door prizes were distributed throughout the day to those in
attendance. Profit monies are directed to
several local agencies.
At their Annual Meeting on May 17, 2014,
Grand Bend WI honoured Barb Kilback,
a valued Member of their Branch. Barb
worked diligently in arranging several
Ladies Day Out programs, ROSE Sessions,
and helped with Thanksgiving Markets.
Barb is relocating to London and will be
missed.
Pictured: Karen Waters arranges
dessert cupcakes made by Grand
Bend WI Members.
Pictured: Barb Kilback is adorned
with a tiara while enjoying cake
and ice cream, the highlight of the
Branch’s potluck luncheon.
70 Year Membership for Dublin WI Member
Maisie Lasby of the Dublin WI (Guelph Area) was presented with a 70 year
membership pin by her Branch at their May meeting. Presenting Maisie with
her pin is Sarah McLean, a Dublin WI Member who is currently President of the
Wellington-Halton District. Maisie joined WI at Arkell in 1944 where her mother
and grandmother were both Life Members. She then joined Eden Mills and
later Dublin and continues to be an active Member at all levels. She has held
most offices at the Branch and District levels and some at Area. She served as
Provincial Board Director for Halton District in 1989-90.
Letter to the Editor
I just returned from a fabulous weekend in Ridgetown at the FWIO Provincial Conference. I did hesitate to go, but decided
to take my walker along, as I don't walk so well anymore. I am writing to thank so many people for all the help they gave
me over the weekend. People showed me where the ramps were, told me about the elevator in the dining hall, offered
to give me rides, opened doors, carried my meal plate to my seat, brought me a cup of tea, and so many other acts of
kindness. With special thanks to my roommate and driver, Marian, who certainly was my right hand person through it
all. Women's Institute ladies are very special people, and certainly know how to lend a hand when needed. Thank you
friends!
Helen Young,
Marburg WI, Norfolk District, Hamilton Area
7
Pine Grove WI & West Shore WI
A ROSE Bloomed! Twenty-two women attended a ROSE
Session hosted by the Pine Grove and West Shore Women’s
Institutes (Simcoe East District, Simcoe Area) on April 23, at
St. Athanasius Church in Orillia.
An “Introduction to WI” was presented by FWIO Board
Director, Alana Robinson. Alana described the Branch,
District, Area and Provincial levels of the Women’s Institute.
Glenys Hepinstall, a fifty plus year WI Member, spoke of
the friendships she has made through WI and the many
accomplishments she is proud of, such as – the unveiling of
the Women’s Institute Tartan, establishing the Foster/Brown
Bursary at local high schools and the “Pitch-In” program
carried out by WI Members in their communities.
Guest speaker, Dorothy Duncan, Author and Food Historian
talked about the history of food and the incredible
contributions found in the WI publications. Dorothy brought
some examples of food prepared from the WI cookbooks.
Samples of bannock, breads, Nanaimo bars and maple syrup
tarts were passed around the tables and tasted by the guests.
The food samples were delicious! Names of book buyers were
placed in a basket. Alana Robinson was the lucky winner of
a basket of items that Adelaide Hoodless, co-founder of the
Women’s Institute, would have loved to receive.
Jeanne Wallace received a plant from Marion Wilson in
appreciation of her beautiful display of quilts she had
made from handkerchiefs. Door Prize Winners were Gloria
Johnson, Helen Perrault, Ruth McDonald, Marilyn Graves,
Jackie Gumbrell and Jeannette Barlow.
The Branch would like to thank the many donors who helped
make this ROSE Session a success.
Woodland Springs WI
Each April, Woodland Springs WI (Grey
County District, Grey-Bruce Area)
participates at the Egremont Maplefest
that is held in Love’s Sugar Bush in
Holstein.
The Branch has a building called the
Biscuit Hut with a wood cook stove in
which Members bake their tea biscuits and serve them warm
to the public, along with their homemade Dandelion Jelly. It
is always a “hit” and the jelly is sold at the Craft Sale area of
the Maplefest to offset Branch expenses.
In early May, Premier Kathleen Wynne made a visit to Mount
Forest and toured Love’s Sugar Bush in Holstein. The Branch
provided 18 dozen tea biscuits for the visit. The Members
were pleased to be involved in this activity and had a photo
with Premier Wynne.
Pictured: Premier Kathleen Wynne (standing) and Woodland Springs
WI President, Shirley Love (seated) at the Coffee Culture Shop.
I
BOWEN ROAD W
Bowen Road WI Members got crafty
at a recent card-making ROSE Session!
8
Nipissing District
Nipissing District (Northern Area) has donated $400 to
the Erland Lee (Museum) Home and $400 to the Adelaide
Hoodless Homestead. This money was raised through the
fifty plus bus trips organized by the District. The Lee Home
and Hoodless Homestead were chosen for donations as
they were destinations on several of the trips, as well as
important sites in the history of the
Women’s Institute. Other monies
raised were used to purchase
a metal leaf engraved with the
words “Nipissing District Women’s
Institute” to be displayed on the
Pergola at the Discovery North
Bay Museum.
Victoria II WI
The Members of Victoria II WI (Lennox & Addington
District, Kingston Area) held a ROSE Session on “Herbs”
with Michele Cole and Brad Smith from Herb Haven. It
was a very informative meeting about the medicinal and
culinary value of various herbs. Many samples were given
and knowledge shared with the 21 participants. There
was even a “Vicks” plant.
Pictured: ROSE Session participants check out the many varieties of
herbs and herbal products.
Avening WI
and now houses many artifacts and pictures which tell
the story of the critical ‘discovery’ period at the University
of Toronto.
The new addition to the old homestead is currently used
as a Diabetes Management and Education Centre as
well as a central reception area. Plans are in the works
to expand, add a flexible classroom with a special
diabetes teaching kitchen and eventually, support for
outpatient services. The centre has invited the schools
in the area to visit and the interest and turnout has been
overwhelming. The mission of the “Sir Frederick Banting
Legacy Foundation” (SFBLF) is two-fold: Fight Diabetes
and Preserve a Legacy. This foundation definitely
demonstrates the need for preventing diabetes, with
the current statistics of 371 million diabetics in the world,
projected to rise to over 500 million by 2020. Children
are at an ever-increasing risk today and the percentages
are rising. This was definitely a ROSE Session enjoyed by
everyone who was present.
Pictured (L-R): Dorothy Shropshire, Marg Prescott, Myrtle
Carruthers, Marion McArthur and Eileen Martin. The picture
above the fireplace is an original oil by ‘Hunt’ which was lovingly
restored with funds raised by Simcoe Area Women’s Institutes and
donated to the Banting Homestead.
Members and guests of Avening WI (Simcoe Centre-West
District, Simcoe Area) enjoyed a field trip to the “Banting
Homestead Heritage Park” in Alliston. Foundation
President, David Sadleir, shared the history of Sir Frederick
Banting and his achievement of discovering insulin in
1923. He also shared the struggles of rescuing the old
homestead farmhouse and getting it into shape for public
access. The 1925 farmhouse was completely renovated
9
Celebr ating
100th
Anniversaries!
The Maples WI
Members of The Maples WI (Dufferin-Peel District,
Central Area) celebrated their 100th Anniversary on
May 29th (the actual date the Branch was formed 100
years ago) in the newly renovated High Country United
Church, north of Orangeville.
Former Members were invited along with the daughters
of deceased Members and Members from other Branches
in the District. About 50 guests enjoyed a delicious lunch
served by the church ladies. The anniversary cake was
cut by two Members, Vi Hayward (who celebrated her
100th birthday in August 2014) and Mabel Graham.
FWIO President, Evelyn Peck and Regional Board
Director, Barbara Weese presented the 100 year pins to
the Members. Special guest was Steve Brown, Archivist
from the Dufferin County Museum who did a “show and
tell” using items that brought back many wonderful and
humorous memories that took place at the community
hall that The Maples once owned. The Members formed
a “kitchen band” and old favourite songs were sung by all.
It took a “Home & Country Centennial History Book”
to stun a bumble bee that had decided to join the
celebration. The bee was later released. The afternoon
closed with picture taking and it was a great memorable
day for all who attended.
Bealton WI
Bealton WI (Norfolk District, Hamilton Area) celebrated
their 100th Anniversary on June 9, 2014. FWIO President,
Evelyn Peck presented 16 Members and 1 youth
Member with 100 year pins. The celebration was held at
the Waterford Historical Agricultural Museum, with 125
attending. Local dignitaries, Members and local residents
came out to hear WI Member, Marion Anderson’s report
of the past.
In honour of their 100th, the Branch asked Evelyn Peck
to present Toby Barrett with an Associate Membership.
He is a local MP who attends most meetings when he
is invited. He had often commented that he wanted to
be a Member because he had attended many meetings
as a young lad with his grandmother, who was a very
active Member. Mr. Barrett was so surprised, he
was speechless.
Mr. Hollie Archer was unable to attend, but
was presented with his Associate Membership
at the Strawberry Social at the Erland Lee
(Museum) Home.
Pictured below (L-R): Florence Armstrong and Marion
Anderson, who are both over 90 years of age.
Pictured Above (L-R), back row: Donna Simpson, Doris
Dodwell, Nancy Robinson, Shirley Robinson, Dorothy Hilliard
and Joy Trimble. Front row: Carol Butt, Vi Hayward, Mabel
Graham and Pearl White-Newson. Absent: Lenore Bullock,
Suzanne Rayburn and Joan Tuckey.
10
100th
Hillier WI
Rocklyn WI
The Members of Hillier WI
(Prince Edward District,
Trent
Valley
Area),
Pictured holding the cake are
celebrated their Branch’s
Marylin Rennie, Rebecca MacKellar
100th Anniversary in
and Catherine Sutherland. Middle
row: Gerrie Jenkins, Doris Wright,
June. A speech given at
Carol Haagsma, Grace Clements
the celebration recalled
and Lorraine Fullum-Bouchard.
the numerous trips taken
Back row: Mabel Wright, Carole
by the Branch over the
Harrison, Jean Alexander, Peggy
Burris and Rosemary Istead.
past seventy years – all of
which were documented
in a diary kept by Doris Wright, who will be 97 this year.
On May 13, 2014, Rocklyn WI (Grey Country
District, Grey-Bruce Area) celebrated their 100th
Anniversary at the Rocklyn Community Centre with
Members, former Members and visitors from other
WI Branches. President, Marion Genoe welcomed
the guests and presided over the day’s program.
The original Branch Members were country women who did
not have the advantage of easy access to places of interest.
To broaden their horizons, trips were organized to places
Members would not otherwise visit. This became a regular
event, usually in the autumn after harvest. Trips were not
just around the corner, they were to places all over Ontario,
and sometimes even to the States. Visits were to Lake Placid;
to Corning, NY to see the Corning Glass Works and Corning
University; to Vermont to visit the Shelburne Museum and a
trip across Lake Champlain; to Detroit, Michigan to tour the
Ford plant at Dearborn; and one trip via the Ivy Lea Bridge to
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, and right around the lake and back
to Hillier via the Peace Bridge at Fort Erie!
These trips were never just about site seeing; they were all
designed to fulfill the purpose of educating rural women.
Every place visited had a museum, a factory, or was an
historic site: Kodak works in Rochester; Fort Henry in
Kingston; the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa; a Shakespeare
play at Stratford; Quaker Oats Plant and Canada Packers
in Peterborough; The Martyrs Shrine and Simcoe County
Museum in Midland; a tour of the nickel district in Sudbury;
a woollen mill and Red Cross Hospital in Bancroft; Kemptville
Agricultural College; Stoney Creek Battlefield and the
Shredded Wheat Factory in Niagara Falls.
Grey Highlands Mayor, Wayne Fitzgerald offered
congratulations and Lynne Silverthorn presented
a scroll to the Branch. Greetings were presented
from federal and provincial officials. Several
Members displayed their Life Membership
Certificates and other awards. Manuals from a
number of short courses the WI had participated
in and samples of the work done, as well as 4-H
projects were shown through a PowerPoint
Presentation.
Entertainment for the afternoon included a
display of Victorian clothing by Marilyn Bergman,
assisted by Nancy Breadner. The Maple Meadow
Line Dancers performed their routines. One
hundred year pins provided by FWIO were
presented to the Members by Helen Thompson
and a memorial list of former Members was read.
Tweedsmuir Coordinator, Nancy Breadner
presented highlights of the Branch’s work over
the years and had the two volumes of Tweedsmuir
History Books on display.
A specially decorated anniversary cake was cut
and served to those attending, along with fruit
and beverages.
But of course there was lots of fun on these trips. Imagine
a bus load of excited women - free to chat, sing and laugh.
At most destinations there would be time for shopping:
something for “Show & Tell” on the return trip.
Lately there have been day trips: Loyalist College Cooking
School; the RCAF Museum in Trenton, the Agricultural
Museum at Sterling, the Ontario Water Buffalo Park, the
Casino at Ganonoque, Ottawa at Tulip Festival Time, with a
visit to the Governor General’s residence. But nothing like
the trips that were taken in those "Glory Days".
Pictured (L-R): Marion Genoe and June Falls cut
the anniversary cake.
11
TWEESDMUIR DIGITIZING UPDATE
~ By Tweedsmuir Digitizing Coordinator, Irene Robillard
Real Life Stories
U P D A T E
By Canada 150 Chair, Irene Robillard
Submissions have started to arrive – 15 were received
by the end of June. At the Provincial Conference,
these authors’ names (as well as anyone submitting
for another Member) were put in a draw for a FWIC
messenger bag. Congratulations to Catherine
Freymond from Lennox & Addington District (Kingston
Area). She had submitted six stories on behalf of
other Members in Victoria II Branch. Catherine had
made a program of this project, asking Members
specific questions at a meeting, and submitting the
resulting stories. Besides being great fun, she said the
ladies learned more about each other.
The
Ontario
Genealogical
Society (OGS) ran out of funding
to digitize historical records, such
as our Tweedsmuir collections.
Until more funds are found, this
specific Tweedsmuir Digitizing
Project is on hold.
But that does not mean we should stop. I am currently
looking at other ways to proceed with digitizing the
Tweedsmuirs, as well as minute and other books.
In the meantime, Branches are welcome to digitize
their books. Some disbanding Branches have
decided to use part of their remaining funds to do
this. But please do not put them on a website as the
OGS agreement is still in effect for now.
There will be another draw at the AGM in November,
with more through the winter months. So the earlier
you submit your story, the more chances you get to
win. Members submitting on behalf of others will
also have their name entered.
There are a number of considerations to ensure you
receive the best possible digitized product; such as,
the size of the scans, archival quality, and having
them searchable. There is a gentleman near Ottawa
who does an excellent job at a reasonable price
and I am sure there are others across the province
who also could do a great job. If you are considering
digitizing some records, please contact me and I will
try to help and answer your questions.
Please submit through the website or via email. At
least one District has named a volunteer who will type
and submit stories for others that are not comfortable
with computers. Final Deadline: March 31, 2015.
Irene Robillard may be contacted by email ([email protected]),
phone (613-432-6987), or mail (1075 Calabogie Road, RR 1, Renfrew,
ON K7V 3Z4).
Peace Garden Scholarship
The Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada
(FWIC) recently launched a new initiative in
partnership with the International Peace Garden. This program provides an opportunity
for a young woman (aged 17-19) from each province across Canada to participate in
a one week educational program at the International Peace Garden (located on the
Manitoba and North Dakota border). All expenses are paid for, with provincial WI’s
covering the transportation for their recipient.
Pictured: Ontario recipient,
Holly Bus (second from
right) with Ann Mandziuk,
Executive
Officer
for
Manitoba, Sonja Mueller
(Manitoba) and Hayley
Campbell (Quebec).
12
From June 23-30, 2014, young women from Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec took part in
activities such as planting flowers and learning about horticulture, beautifying the WI
picnic shelters, learning interpersonal skills, visiting and viewing both the beautiful and
varied landscapes of the Manitoba and North Dakota border, and meeting International
Music students attending a camp there simultaneously.
Ontario’s recipient, Holly Bus, is a recent high school graduate from Orangeville who
has a passion for photography.
Meet the Members
Introducing…Sylvia Wilding
Pictured: Sylvia Wilding (seated in middle)
with fellow WI Members.
On July 21, 2014, some friends from the Prince and North Tarentorus
Branches of the Women’s Institute (North Central Area) visited with Sylvia
Wilding to help her celebrate her upcoming Birthday on July 25th. They
also presented Sylvia with her 70 year WI pin, a certificate and flowers.
Sylvia came to Northern Ontario as a child. In 1928, she married her husband Wes and they lived with her motherin-law in what was then Korah Township. Wes took the train to Kirkland Lake to find work. When World War II broke
out, he moved back to the Soo because the Steel Plant was in “full swing” and there was plenty of work. They built a
house on Walter Street and Sylvia accepted an invitation to join the Prince of Wales Branch of the Women’s Institute.
Sylvia remembers going to meetings in the winter pushing her baby in a cutter sleigh and in later years, several
of the ladies were driven in a neighbour’s touring car with their children snuggled under quilts. They met in each
other’s homes and in those days, there were Home Economists to plan courses and little trips from time to time.
Sylvia remembers that one lovely trip was to Ottawa during tulip time.
During the war they knitted socks and baked fruit cakes for “ditty bags” that were sent to the service men. She was
not crazy about the rug hooking course, but thoroughly enjoyed the hat making course and made beautiful hats
that she wore for years. The ladies also used to volunteer at clinics in the local schools for inoculating children,
swabbing their little arms and wiping tears. She was also a 4-H leader when her children got older.
Sylvia actually joined the Women’s Institute in 1941, so she is a 73 year Member.
Branch Profile:
Oxdrift WI
sign for the Oxdrift Cemetery, a
bypass at the Oxdrift store and
post office, and renovations to
the Oxdrift Community Hall. They
often extend their help outside
of Oxdrift to small neighbouring
villages, as well as the City of
Dryden.
Oxdrift WI (Northwestern Area) is
one of FWIO’s furthest Branches
to the north. In fact, it is located
closer to the Manitoba boarder
Always interested in changes
than it is to most of the Branches Pictured: Oxdrift WI Members with guest that will impact the community,
in Ontario! The 8 Members of speaker, Donna Cockle at a recent meeting. Members recently welcomed
this Branch live mostly in Oxdrift,
guest speaker, Donna Cockle
Wabigoon or the City of Dryden. The Branch has a
who explained how the community’s 911 calls are
long history of helping out in the community. Each
now being answered in North Bay - 1,445 kilometers
year, they make a gift box for the residents of Princess
away. Donna is Oxdrift’s Fire Chief as well as former
Court Long-Term Care facility, and they make quilts for
Dryden Police Dispatcher, where the 911 calls had
patients with cancer and other illnesses. The Branch
previously been handled. Donna’s job and 8 others
also prepares lunches for funerals and cattleman’s
were terminated. The City of Dryden 911 calls are now
suppers. They have assisted with obtaining a new
handled out of Owen Sound.
13
“Yes We Can! ”
~ By Irene Robillard, 1st Place Winner of the Essay Competition at the 2014 FWIO Provincial Conference
Can we revitalize the Women’s Institute (WI) and have
the WI survive the 21st century? Yes, we can! Many
things have changed in the last 117 years. However,
we still have the same basic needs – to be valued as
a person, to meet others socially, and to learn new
things. We still want to meet other women and help
our families, our community, and our country. We want
to help the world.
Can we restructure this organization with minimal
disruption? Yes, we can! We can be large in thought,
word, and deed. We can be done with fault-finding
and leave off self-seeking. We can stop being hasty
in judgment. We can always be generous. We can
take the necessary steps to work together for the
common good of our organization, our communities,
and our province.
Can we streamline our many levels? Yes, we can! We
can put into action our better impulses straightforward
and go unafraid from our comfort zone. We can stop
saying: “But we always did it this way!” We can remove
one or two of the organization’s levels. We can work
out the details in a logical manner, remembering that in
the big things of life we are one.
Can we change our conference? Yes, we can! We can
combine our annual general meeting with the conference
and make it an annual event. We can offer training for
various offices and positions, as well as workshops to
train the trainers in a variety of mini-courses.
Can we get Members interested in the provincial
level of the organization? Yes, we can! We can rotate
the newly formatted annual conference around the
province to get more Members involved and enthused.
We can do away with Area Voting Delegates. We can
give all Members the right to vote on their president
and executive at the Annual General Meeting.
Can we get more Members? Yes, we can! We can be more
flexible in our meetings; both in time and day. We can
minimize the business element of meetings. We can have
informative, educational programs at every meeting.
Can we make the WI more enticing for younger
women? Yes, we can! We can go where they are. We
can use social media. We can reach out to them and ask
them for their needs and wants. We can advocate for
changes that younger women and society need. We can
continue to provide training in basic homemaking skills
but we can provide other training as well. For example,
we can teach women about financial literacy, as well as
healthy living and eating. We can offer walking groups
and other social events.
Can we be the voice of rural women? Yes, we can. We
can continue to be the conduit for our ROSE partners to
reach the rural community. We can expand our outreach
by partnering with other organizations and government.
Can we revitalize the Women’s Institute and have WI
survive the 21st century? Can we? Yes, most definitely,
we can!
Provincial Conference 2014 - Competition Winners
14
Miniature Quilt
Essay
Greeting Cards
First: Donna Thompson
First: Irene Robillard
First: Freda Leenders
Second: Myrtle Reid
Second: Brenda Shirley
Second: Frances Millen
Viewer's Choice: Donna
Thompson
Viewer's Choice: Jane Darlow
Viewer's Choice: Frances Millen
All for a Good Cause
Marburg WI
On July 17, 2014, ten members of Marburg WI (Hamilton Area) gathered
in Marburg Hall to assist in the Faceless Doll Project. Haldimand &
Norfolk Women’s Services, in support of the Native Women’s Association of
Canada’s Sisters in Spirit campaign, has spearheaded this project. They
are attempting to make 1,186 felt faceless dolls by early fall to represent
the 1,186 aboriginal women and girls who have been reported missing or
murdered in Canada.
These dolls will be used to create a travelling art exhibit in memory of these
women, as well as at a Sisters in Spirit event on October 4th in Hagersville.
Felt bodies and dresses were cut from various colours of felt, and then embellished with feathers, beads, etc.
Strands of yarn were braided to make hair and glued on the dolls’ heads. In a few hours over 100 of these very
colourful dolls were created, and added to those already made by other groups. If your group is interested in
receiving more information or assisting with this project, please contact Sarah at [email protected].
Russell Village WI
Russell Village WI (Eastern Area) held their bi-annual
Blood Donor Clinic in early July. Despite it being the first
week of summer holidays, the generous community
of Russell still came out to give the gift of life. Even
with shortened clinic hours, 100 individuals attended,
including some first-time donors. In total, 75 pints of
blood were collected. There were 24 deferrals, mostly
due to low hemoglobin. To improve this issue, Blood
Services personnel suggest eating more red meat.
The Russell Village WI ladies who have managed and
organized this clinic for well over 30 years would like to
thank the volunteers who help. The cookies and drinks
were donated again by Giant Tiger, Foodland and
Cochrane's Dairy. Help with the signage and advertising
came from the Lions Club and Township personnel.
Pictured (L-R): Gloria Surridge,
Renee Gendron, and June McDill
with her granddaughter, Abigail.
The
Branch
is
indebted to the
donors who always
show up and give
the gift of life: a pint
of blood. Did you
know that Canadian
Blood Services is a
national,
not-forprofit
charitable
organization
that
manages the blood
supply in all provinces and territories outside Quebec
and oversees the country's One Match Stem Cell and
Marrow Network? A team of 4,800 staff and 17,000
volunteers enable them to operate 41 permanent
collection sites and more than 20,000 donor clinics
annually. Provincial and Territorial Ministries of
Health provide operational funding, and the federal
government through Health Canada is responsible for
the regulating of the blood system.
Norfolk District
Norfolk District WI (Hamilton Area) held their annual
meeting on May 5, 2014 at Walsh Baptist Church.
They donate new stuffed toys, lap robes and quilts to
local agencies, and this year was no exception. With
proceeds going to the WI scholarship fund, a draw was
held for 3 knitted bears made by Helen Young. Winners
were Jan Butts, Pat Cooper & Margaret Wheeler.
Pictured (L-R) with some of their donations are Members
of Vittoria WI, Oni Maclaughlin, Helen Watt and Gertrude
Smith.
15
For Your
information
2014 Board Listing
President
Evelyn Peck
Upcoming Workshops at the Lee
Come join us at the Erland Lee (Museum) Home for our fall
session of crafty workshops in the circa 1873 Carriage House
setting! Workshop fee includes all materials.
DATE
TIME
Sat. October 18
9:30am-12pm Felt Candle Mat
$25.00
Sat. November 15
10am-12pm
$20.00
Sat. December 6
10am-12pm
DETAILS
Sock Monkeys
Christmas Door Decoration
COST
$25.00
Please pre-register due to limited space.
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: 905-662-2691
HospitalityHOMES
President-Elect
Margaret Byl
Northern Region
Joyce Cockle
Vacant
Eastern Region
Myra Kelly
Mary Shortt
Southern Region
Eleanor Williams
Vacant
Western Region
Alana Robinson
Barbara Weese
Thank you
to our Partners
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT
NO. - 40036824
Hospitality Homes in Ontario are open to all WI Members and their companions
for $15 each per night. If you would like to be added to the list or if you need to
take your name off the list – please let Gillian Catto know.
To obtain a copy of the list, visit the FWIO website,
email Gillian at [email protected] or send three standard stamps to Gillian Catto
at 89 Ellmen Road, Whitefish, ON P0M 3E0.
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE
CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:
FWIO
552 Ridge Road
Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2Y6
Email: [email protected]