​Purple Grove news

Last Tuesday evening, Jim and Fran Farrell attended the retirement celebration for Brian O'Connor, founding general manager of East Gen Corporation in Elora. Many past directors of East Gen (formerly Gencor and Eastern Breeders), and dairy industry and agriculture leaders were in attendance. Senator Rob Black spoke at the program, recognizing Brian's contributions to dairy and cattle genetics over his 46 years. Brian's skills at working with people from all corners of the province were acknowledged. Another retirement celebration is also planned for Kemptville later in the month. It was fitting to also congratulate both Brian and Rob on their recent nominations to the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame for their contributions working with many organizations that serve the agricultural industry and especially their work with youth in programs to encourage future leaders.

So, now that everyone saw the Artemis II take off on its journey around the moon, it was a good memory for those of us who remember the 1969 Apollo 11 landing on the moon! It was also the day of the Pink Full Moon of spring, which is actually named for the pink phlox that blossoms at this time. It's sure interesting to learn of all the traditions that come with the changing seasons.

Hoping everyone had a good Easter weekend. In spite of the rain, the Ripley Easter Egg Hunt went ahead with a good crowd of children in attendance!

Several families celebrated together over the long weekend. The Logtenberg families gathered on Good Friday at the home of Jim and Fran Farrell with 40 in attendance. They also celebrated the 30th Wedding Anniversary of James and Melissa Burmaster which is coming up in May.

Mary Anne Kukoly was glad to be with John and Joyce Farrell as they hosted family for Easter. We extend "special" birthday greetings to Paul Greenwood this month.

Other folks celebrating birthdays recently were Chris Davey, Henry Pope, Erin Ackert, and Cheryl Bridge, and Happy Wedding Anniversary to Rick and Susan Ryman on April 2!

We extend our condolences to the families of Margaret Cale of Point Clark, Cindy Catton of Kincardine, Glenn Morningstar of Port Elgin, and John Grubb of Walkerton.

Maple Syrup Festivals are happening and we hope you get to at least one of them. Belmore is this Thursday, April 9, and Saturday, April 11; and Holstein Maple Fest is April 11-12. Along with the pancakes, there's entertainment and activities for the children.

PURPLE GROVE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE ANNUAL MEETING

Acting president Bonnie Boyle welcomed everyone to the April 1 meeting at the home of Dianne Simpson. The Roll Call was payment of fees and a tip or suggestion. Those laundry strips are very environmentally-friendly and work really well, and some fun facts were shared about taste buds only living for 10-14 days, and did you know that slugs have four noses?

The minutes from the March 4 meeting and the financial report were adopted as presented, and the motion to pay the bills was moved by Dianne Simpson, seconded by Marilyn Reid, and approved.

The W.I. then moved on to the annual meeting.

The minutes from the April, 2025, annual meeting and the year-end financial report were accepted and a thank you to Dianne and Don Simpson for reviewing the books. Reports from the Tweedsmuir, ROSE Program, public relations officer, and advocacy, of last year's activities, were presented. Members expressed appreciation for the great speakers, meetings and to the Kincardine Record and Independent for posting the Purple Grove news!

The nominating committee of Marilyn Reid and Janet Nixon had filled the slate of officers and Dianne Simpson, as election officer, installed the 2026-27 executive: president Bren de Leeuw, alternate Bonnie Boyle, 1st vice-president Christine Bridge, alternate secretary Diane Clifford, branch directors Janet Nixon and Betty Johnson. All other positions remained the same.

The bylaws were reviewed and updated. Bonnie declared the annual meeting adjourned and the ladies enjoyed pie and cheese from lunch committee Diane Clifford and Mary Anne Kukoly, and shared some fashion memories.

In new business, Fran Farrell and Marilyn Reid gave a report from the District Directors meeting and details of plans and the group's duties for hosting the District Annual, May 28, in Ripley with Purple Valley.

Roots of Bruce is April 16-17 in Walkerton. Motion to send a cheque for help with the food expense was approved. Fran is planning to help on the Thursday.

The W.I. will be at the Spark Fair in Kincardine, April 17-18. Some members plan to attend the "Calendar Girls" production in Chesley in May, and details of the May Night/Day Trip were shared. The group will again host coffee and muffins on the Saturday afternoon at the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair.

Bonnie thanked everyone for attending and helping with this meeting, and called for adjournment.

She then reviewed the details for the June meeting to be held at the Purple Grove Community Centre at 7 p.m., with Robyn Bridge as speaker.