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The Director Writes... It hardly seems believable that this is the final issue of volume 46 of Home and Country and that the end of another year of Institute work is almost behind us. All branches should be well into 1980. the Year of the W.I.. by this time. I hope that every member has been given an opportunity to express her views on how the Women’s Institutes can become even more relevant in the ‘80’s and thus continue to remain the Very viable. robust organization it has been in the past. There is a big need to reach out to young men and women in the rural communities of me province, to assure them and demonstrate to them that. by working together. both the experienced and the inexperienced can put into effect many in- novative ideas that will really help improve the quality of life in rural Ontario. History has shown us. this is what your founders set out to do and achieved. Surely, history can repeat itself. At the end of April. your provincial directors will have attended the semi-annual board meeting. They will have learned of the deliberations ofthe constitu- tion committee. Make sure you really understand what changes are proposed. At both branch and district level. be sure that sufficient time is allowed for discussion and adequate explanations given to you about these changes so you. in turn. can advise your own directors how they may best represent you. By doing this. you will certainly help keep the Women‘s Institutes in the forefront of rural life for many years to come, Mark your calendar now,so you are certain to attend any meetings where views about constitu- tional change may be expressed and. where necessary. voted upon. Make your personal contribution to streamlining and improving the operation of your 0 rgartization. Officers“ Conference will soon be approaching and I look forward to meeting branch, district and area presidents at the University of Waterloo at the end of April. C0unty/district home economists will be attending your District Annuals and I am looking forward to hearing their reports of the meetings. In conclusion, I hope you all will have a very ena joyable and satisfying summer and return refreshed to institute work in the fall. W‘s/“W CONTEST ALL DISTRICT SECRETARIES PLEASE IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETING Forward all annual report forms received from the Branches. as well as the District including the new form Annual F.W.I.O. Branch Report to the office of Home Economics Branch Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Legislative Buildings. Queen‘s Park Toronto MTA IBS For those Districts with Annuals the last week in May the deadline is June 5, IQBO. We ask your ASSISTANCE, SO RECORDS CAN BE COMPILED AND LABELLING COMPLETED FOR HOME AND COUNTRY MAILING IN JUNE, Members representing branches in the area came to help CLAREMONT W I, ONTARIO SOUTH DISTRICT cele- bra re its 70th anniversary. The guests were greeted by two life members Mrs. Clara Carson, right, and Mrs. Aldr‘ne Evans, left, who pose with President Mrs. Dorothy Brittorr as she cuts the ceremonial cake. riASTINGS EAST DISTRICT PRO, Mrs. Clare Bates. urged he Branches to participate in a contest to design 3 pam- ll‘tlel to include a map of the District and promotional in- rormation about the W l. The winning entry would be made hit) a place mat and would be sold by the Branch members. The reason for the contest was to create public awareness and increase W I activities in the community. The contest was most successful and the first purchase of place mats has been made. Her Honour, Lieutenant Governor McGr'bbon stops to chat wih President of the RIPLEY BRANCH, BRUCE SOUTH DISTRICT, Mrs. W.C. Locke, while aide-de~camp looks on. 5