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Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario Provincial Board Highlights January 2005 The first meeting of the year for the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario was held at the Kempenfeldt Conference Centre in Barrie on January IO, followed by the Provincial Annual Meeting on January I 1. Area Convention Workshops Watch for a notice in an upcoming Branch mailing advising of a 45-minute workshop on the revised Handbook that will be offered at Area Conventions this fall Christine Reaburn, a member of the W10 Handbook Committtee, will be facilitating the workshops. FWIO Handbook The revised FWIO Handbook has been made available to the Districts. One copy will be provided to each Branch at the District Annuals. Some of the Regional Board Directors have inserts for sale. Be sure to ask about them. Provincial Program Theme 2005 â€" "Sharing Our Heritage” 2006 â€" “Keep Our FWIO ROSE Blooming Awards to Remember Don‘t forget to nominate a deserving individual for the Woman of Excellence in Agriculture Award and the Erland Lee Award of Appreciation, Refer to page 16 ofthis issue for guidelines to the Woman of Excellence in Agriculture Award and remember the upcoming deadline is September 15. The deadline for the Erland Lee Award is March 1 of each year. so start thinking about your next year's nominee. See page 9 of the Spring/Summer 2004 Home 6 Country for the guidelines. Public Relations Tape While in the position of Interim Public Relations Coordinator, Rose Marie Smith produced I4 videos and the accompanying scripts on effective public relations. For the cost of postage members can request the use of this video from their Area Voting Delegate, Check it out! FWIO Provincial Board. 2005-2006 Shown from left to right in the front row are Cindy Lockhart, lune Feaver, President Elsie Stephenson and Cecilia Maines. Shown from left to right in the back row are loy Trimble, Marian Austin, President-Elect Rosemary Morin, Anne Dyas, Glenna Ladell and Frankie Higginson. Women’s Institute Week For years Branches have been asked to recognize February 19. Now the Legislative Assembly of Ontario has declared an Act (Bill 26) designating a week of recognition for the Women's Institutes. It is proclaimed the Women's Institute Week Act, I999. Each year, the week begins on the third Monday in February. Each year, Branches are encouraged to contact their local papers to let them know it is WI Week and to inform them ofall the great things your Branch has done in your community. Conference 2006 Competitions The Board approved a number of competitions. Read more about these on page | l ofthis issue. Spotlight on Areas The Greyâ€"Bruce Area was selected as the first Area to spotlight in "The Connecting Link," a quarterly mailing sent out after each Board meeting. Areas were selected at random. Watch for a timeline and more detailed instructions. Retiring Officers Sincere thanks to the Retiring Officers: Norine Empey - Eastern Regional Board Director, Gloria Pakkala - Northern Regional Board Director and Christine Reaburn - International Officer. Elections at the Annual Meeting All officers who were currently in their term of office were reâ€"eiected. The newly elected officers included: Frankie Higginson â€" Eastern Regional Board Director Anne Dyas â€" Northern Regional Board Director l Rose Marie Smith â€" Public Relations Coordinator Mary lanes â€"- International Officer Refer to the contact sheets in a recent mailing for a complete listing of the Area Voting Delegates. Workshops ROSE Program Manager Julie Wheeler facilitated two different workshops; one on how to maneuver about the new Women's Institute online discussion forum called "WI Chit Chat" (see page 16 oithis issue) and another on how to get about on the FWIO website. Feedback Member feedback was positive in regard to the new elections procedures and the annual meeting format. Note: Not all of the topics discussed at theso meetings are outlined here due to space constraints. If you have any questions. Contact 0 your Regional Board Director or your Area Voting Delegate. Access "The Connecting Link" from the member services section of the FWIO weEsite, or call the FWIO Office. 4 fianfimm“ alfflism‘g“ “ - itbiifia“.“ 1%)me