Home & Country Newsletters (Stoney Creek, ON), Fall 1981, p. 4

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BETWEEN THE LINES Mrs. Keith Hiapleh President Federated Women ’s Institutes of Ontario Dear W.I. Members: During the past few months Ontario Women‘s Institute members have been concentrating on the 198| project. The Women‘s Institute: Working Toward “Barrier Free Com- munities For Disabled Persons Across Ontario." It is my hope. that, through your efforts. existing physical barriers that have made accessibility to the community a serious problem for the handicapped, are now being removed. thus enabling equal opportunity for all citizens. Recently another project commenced for Women‘s Insti- tute members across Canada. The decision to “twin” one province with another province was unanimously accepted by the Board members attending the annual Federated Women's Institutes of Canada Board Meeting at Carleton University. Ottawa. Since regional variances in Canada are great. Women's Institute members have a need to update their knowledge about the other provincial units and their members. The twin chosen for Ontario is the province of Manitoba. It was my good fortune to be able to share the last afternoon following the conclusion of the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Canada Board Meeting in Ottawa with Mrs. Lois Edie. President of Manitoba Women's Insti~ tutes. thus beginning the Ontario~Manitoba Twinning Pro- gram. Mrs. Edie and her husband live on a grain farm in the municipality of Dugald. Manitoba. She is a warm. friendly person keenly interested in Women‘s Institute. who writes a column in the Institute News published quarterly by the Manitoba Women‘s Institute. There are presently 2.000 Women's Institute members in Manitoba. working to improve their homes and com- munities. They study current issues and problems related to families and societies. ProjecLs overseas. Northern Canada and the International Peace Garden are supported. The women enjoy the friendship of fellow members and the fun of special family nights. sports and other activities. Insti- tutes have been active in the communities ofManitoba since IQIO, Mrs. Edie and l were privileged to have a personally conducted tour of the Parliament Buildings by Senator Martha P. Bielish. Area Vice-President for Canada to the Associated Country Woman of the World. The Peace Tower immediately commands your attention upon arrival at the Centre Block. This world renowned gothic structure houses in its Tower a four-faced clock that measures sixteen feet in diameter. .lutting out from each corner of the Peace Tower are four. lenâ€"foot gargoyles carved from Wallace stone. 4 After entering through the huge archway and going up i, number of steps into the main entrance of the Houses or Parliament. Confederation Hall. sometimes called the Rotunda. comes into view. A magnificent central column in the centre of this Hall rises toward the ceiling. The groin arches join lngelher as a symbol of confederation. Carver] heads of Eskimos and Indians. the original inhabitants or Canada. are carved on the east and the west sides of [hL hall. The trapper. the woodsman. the minor and the sailtn are featured on the north and the soulh walls, Proceeding to The Honsc of Commons we were able ti view from the gallery assembled Members of Parliament engaged in debate in the Chamber, Built of Canadian out and Tyndall limestone. the Chamber seats the 282 electei. representatives of the people of Canada. The Speaker Madam Sauvé. was presiding over the House. She wu seated in the great chair which is a replica ofthe Speaker' chair in the Palace of Westminster that was destroyed b enemy bombing in I94I. Leaving the Centre Block. we walked to the West Elm of the Parliament Buildings. where we attended the Ottutt premiere of "Moving Mountains". This film by Canadiu producer Laura Sky. showed women working in nor traditional jobs at Fording Coal mine in British Columbi. Capable women were driving huge trucks. handling explt sives. making repairs to machinery and supervising variot jobs at this coal mine. This sensitive. moving film portrayi women working side by side with the men in mutual respe of each other. FOIIOWing the showing of this film. v. mingled and chatted with the people attending this premiei while enjoying the hors d'oeuvres. delicious canapcs ur» fancy sandwiches. Sight-seeing in Ottawa continued for Mrs. Edie and I . we made our way past various shops to the marketplaci Fresh garden produce consisting of fruits and vegetablt interspersed with fragrant cut flowers and potted floral at rangements caught our attention. However. it was in the gi- shops that souvenirs were purchased to remind each of us. it the days ahead of the friendship that had been developc between two Women‘s Institute members in adjoining prt vinces as a result of the Ontario-Manitoba Twinning Pri' gram. Quality of life is enhanced when we become involved It our organization. Working together we are encouraged It develop our talents and selfwonh. Leadership skills at learned and women are encouraged to become leaders. Ou minds are kept alert as discussion takes place on curren issues. Doors will open to new avenues of learning it interesting programs are presented by the Standing Commlr tee Conveners. Membership in Women's Institute allows one to met people and become involved provincially. nationally an‘ internationally. Any woman or girl ([6 years of age an over) may join the Women‘s Institute upon payment of Hi annual fee. Encourage new brides. young mothers. yow neighbor. single women and professional women to becom new members. By being enthusiastic and projecting a goow image. we will encourage potential members to join on organization. Congratulations and best wishes are extendeo to the new branch Providenceâ€"Shaw organized in Durban. West; may each new Women‘s Institute member develop into better informed. happier and more useful citizens. flaw/v ADJ/W

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