Bruce County Women’s Institute marks 25th District Annual Meeting
Bruce County Women's Institute (W.I.) members celebrated the 25th District Annual Meeting in Chesley, May 23, with the theme, “Making your community safer.”
President Ellen Waye opened the meeting which was held at St. John's United Church with host branches Jackson, Kinloss-Kairshea, and Oliphant welcoming and organizing the day.
Gathered around the Bruce County District W.I. Annual Meeting 25th anniversary cake, are Ellen Waye (left), Edie Arnold and Linda Freiburger; photos courtesy of Fran Farrell
Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) president Michelle Phillippi ratified the district directors from each of the nine branches in Bruce County. Minutes of 2023 District Annual were read by secretary Marion Leifso, and the financial statement and donation report were presented by treasurer Marg McCready.
Linda Freiburger, ROSE (Reaching Out Sharing Education) co-ordinator, reported on the programs presented by the branches during the past year. Roots of Bruce hosted more than 600 students from schools in Bruce and Grey counties and fed 70 volunteers on the Thursday, and 90 volunteers on Friday. The food committee also makes more than 40 pies to feed the volunteers! Farm Safety is now being looked after by Dianne Atkinson of the Bruce chapter of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). The Safety Village at Sulphur Springs sees many schools during the season - an excellent place to visit with young children and families to understand how important safety around the farm, home and in the workplace, is communicated.
Betty Anne Thompson, scholarship chairperson, reported that nine applications were received for the open scholarship and that Hayden Oberle was this year's recipient. There were no applications for the workplace scholarship this year.
Brenda Ramsdale gave the Tweedsmuir report, working on digitizing of more branch Tweedsmuir Histories. Most of them are stored at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre.
Bren de Leeuw, vice-president, introduced the guests, Phillippi; provincial board member Linda Tottenham, Grey-Bruce Area president Rosanne Judge, Area voting delegate Barrie Owen, Grey
County president Donna Watke and Grey County secretary Myrna Casemore. They brought greetings and news from their areas of representation.
The Grey- Bruce Area quilt, when completed, will share display time between the Bruce County Museum and Grey Roots Museum.
A delicious cold plate lunch was served by the St. John's United Church with the 25th anniversary cake and ice cream!
Bruce County District W.I. president Ellen Waye (left) passes on the gavel to incoming president Bren de Leeuw
Jackson W.I. introduced the guest speaker, South Bruce OPP constable Melissa Barfoot, and her presentation about "Human Trafficking." Barfoot has been working with this division for some time. She encouraged the public to report situations to police if there is concern for anyone's safety. Oliphant W.I. thanked her for an excellent presentation.
In Memoriam was observed by Jackson W.I.
Freiburger, the first Bruce County District president, read the inaugural minutes from May 28, 1998. There were 37 original W.I. branches in Bruce County at that time! It was very interesting to hear and recall the past members and branches and the many projects and committees that were organized from then until now. W.I. also translates to “Women Involved!”
Waye gave the president's report, thanking the executive and members for all their help and support over the past two years. The new executive was elected and installed by Linda Tottenham.
The silent suction wrap-up was conducted by Kinloss Kairshea W.I. and Bruce County tartan items collected by Ellen Waye also added to the District Funds.
Motions were made to support Roots of Bruce, Bruce County Queen of the Furrow and Bruce 4-H Judging Competition.
The meeting adjourned with the singing of the Royal Anthem.
The Bruce County District W.I. executive for 2024-25, includes, Brenda Ramsdale (left), Bren de Leeuw, Betty Anne Thompson, Linda Freiburger, Charlene McEwan, Marion Leifso, Ellen Waye and Linda Tottenham
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