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By Ruth Kennedy ese last several months have been a Tslteep learning curve for me, but I am enjoying the challenge. Thanks to everyone for their encouragement. under- standing and assistance. My first major task was writing to the appropriate government officials in sup- port of the resolutions passed at the FWIO Annual Meeting. These resolutions cov- ered a wide range of topics (refer to page X of the Spring 2003 newsletter), including funding and awareness of AIDS. pension rights for home caregivers. research on mosquito-borne diseases and mandatory home economics and/or life skills courses in high schools. Even though the original resolutions were passed by ACWW, they apply to us here in Ontario as well as around the world. .Ihe government of Ontario has just an» need a comprehensive strategy for combating the West Nile virus, providing funding for the education of the public, laboratory research and mosquito control programs. Was it spurred by our resolu~ tion? At the Annual Meeting. an emergency resolution was passed urging the government to allow smaller charitable organizations to fall under different guide~ lines than larger lotteries when applying for licences. A reply from the Ministry of the Attorney General informed us that licencing of lotteries for charitable pur poses now falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services, whose current Minister is Tim Hudak. Letters to Mr. Hudak supporting the Wl's need to receive licences to carry on their charitable work can only benefit the cause. In January a brief was presented to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Stage 2 Draft Nutrient Management Regulations. With help from the Kars Branch where the resolution originated. we urged the government to have provincewide regu- lations in effect before allowing the spreading of biosolids on agricultural land. Please be sure your resolutions are prop» erly signed and dated with the names of the Branch President and Secretary, the name. place and date of the District meet- ing, and the signatures of the District President and Secretary. As well, be sure to include a return address. Remember. resolutions for local causes do not have to go to FWIO. but can be sent directly to the local municipal authority Ruth Kennedy is the Advocacy Coordinator fol ero She can be reached at 647 Thomas Dolan Parkway, RR 1, Dun/obin ON KOA 1T0. Phone: 613783240114, Fax: 61333270661, Email: culzeanl@yahoo.corn Profile Meet Ruth Kennedy, Your New Advocacy Coordinator Ruth Kennedy grew up on a dairy farm in North Gower, Ontario. Ruth has been married tor45 years to her husband George. a farmer who switched to the construction business. They have three married daughters and 10 grand- children. Ruth‘s goal is to make a quilt for each grandchild: she has six more to 90. Her hobbies include quilting, gardening, tennis. bridge and traveling, Ruth is a retired High School Teacher/Li- brarian. Currently, she is a Sunday School Teacher at the Dunrobin United Church. a volunteer at the Community Resource Cen- the and a canvasser tor the Cancer Society. A priority in Ruth’s life is visiting her mother at the nursing home. Ruth is a 43-year member of the Dunrobin Women‘s Institute and follows in the footâ€" steps of her mother. grandmother and mother-in-law. all long-time members. She has held all offices at the Branch level and is a Life Member. At the District level. Ruth has been Secretaryâ€"Treasurer and taken on the numerous convenorships. When apply- ing for the position of Provincial Lobbying Coordinator. Ruth stated: "The WI can have a positive influence at all levels of govem- ment to better society as a whole, and women in particular. Jelly Belly Bears & Stuff Roebuck Women's Institute members were privileged to create 3 Teddy Bear from scratch during the height of the winter daldrurrrs. Debbie Findlay introduced the idea and arranged to have Millie McLaugI’ine, owner and instructor of Jelly Belly Hears 5 Stuff, assist members in making their very own unique Teddy Bear. Millie gave generously of her time and talent. aptly assisted by Colleen Hart. as members out out bearpatfems with special scissors. Aflerpinhing the pieces together, members were shown how to stitch them together, Next they learned how to insert the laser's eyes, stuff the nose with $3 wdust waste and place the EEIS. Millie 's husband John showed us how rejoin the bear's body parts with caflerpins. so our bear would have maveab/e parts. After stuffing with polyester tiben'ill. stitching the openings together and combing the fur, the bears were complete! What a great way to provide education. a social outlet and personal growth [or members! Submllted by Jenny Van Hyswyk Roebuck wt, Grenville, Eastern Area. Home 8. Country, Summer 2003 5