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go Your Behalf Dianne Orr The autumn weather was astounding around the province ofOntario as I trav- eled to the M- Area Conventions during September and October. Provincial Mem» bership Coordinator Cindy Lockhari traveled with me to five Conventions to present her Membership Workshop. It was an exciting time to visit so many members in such a short span of time. I have learned a great deal from your programs. which included educational sessions. crafts, t'ele lowship, fun and, of course. good food! Thank you to all who opened their homes during my travels. During the Conventions, l was presented with token cheques for the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario tFWIO) Operating Fund. On behalf of the Provin- cial Board of Directors, a very big thank you for your generous response in the first year ot'the "Focus High for WI" initiative. The next phase of this project is aimed at as isting the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, which is owned by the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Canada (FWIC). The "Restore the Root" shingle carri- paign for the Erland Lee (Museum) Home is well underw r. Many members have already responded with voluntary donaâ€" tions. It is our hope to begin the restoration ol’ the root' with historically accurate cedar shingles by early summer in 2003. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) was a great success this year for FWIO. The public showed much interest in WlO‘s smaller booth at a corner loca~ tion. People were particularly interested in the organiration‘s website which was on display lior everyone to \‘lfiw. It was a great honour to attend the RAWF President's Luncheon on November | l , and to present the Woman of Excellence in Agriculture Award to Josie Wintersinger. Josie has worked at the Royal for [8 years organizing the display of the Christa mas Tree Growers of Ontario. She also coordinates the annual Christmas Tree Competition at the Royal, and two years ago she founded the Natural Wreath Com- petition and established itsJudgrng criteria. With numerous other credits to her name in the field of agriculture. we know that .losic: was truly deserving ofthe Excellence in Agriculture Award. The Holiday Season and the beginning ol'a new year is a time to be With our loved ones and share a time of t’ellowship. For those inciiibcrs who were unable to be with their faritilics at this time ol'year, know that you are in our hearts; especially when we recite the following line of the Mary Ste- wart Collect » “And may we strive to touch and know thc grcat htiman heart common to us all." ()n your behall. [)lfliltlt‘ ()rr Dianne Orr is the Presrdent of the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Ontario fVl’lO) She can be reached at RR 1. (Dim ON N06 7N0 Phone 579-348-6440‘ Fax 99843-3478 Email orr‘waytrjtfreespare net . . Views of the Future fl; $5 Could you put your VIEW ol the luture into 250 words on paper in good handwriting and wrth correct grammar, paragraphing and punctuation? Burnstown WI felt that a child's ability to do this was a step in the right direction to a successlul luture. They challenged 218 Grade 4 students in ten local schools to write a hrret essay about their view oi the luture. The essay was optional. but 54 students rose to the challenger Four ludges spent an afternoon reading and grading these writings and were amazed at the literary talent displayed. The students active imaginations' and creative styles made it dilltcull to choose seven Winners. Entrants received an admisswn pass to the Renfrew Fair where their essays were exhibited for all to read. The seven winners were invrled to dinner as guests oi the Burnstown WI where they read their prize-winning submissions. Marie Ingram. Burnstawn's newest member, poses with live 0/ the winners of this literary competition. First prize went to Malcolm Calrnla (front left) - Central Public School. Left of him is best presentation prize winner Amber Stuiko at Queen Ellzabeth School. and in tire back row left to right are most original story authors Stacey Bates ~ St. Thomas the Apostle School. lhlrd place winner Caitlyn Daugherty and second place winner Sarah Daugherty â€" Horton Public School. Extracted lrcrm an aiticte wiilten tni The Ronlrew Mercuiy by Eileen aiyages, Pm. Buinslovm wr. aenirew South Prime ccuilnsy ol THE Renliew Meicury Home ll. (ounlry, Winter 2002-03 3