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. FWIO 1994 Annual Meeting Highlights By Margaret Atkins he annual meeting of the Federated Women’s Insti- tutes of Ontario was held in Guelph from November 22 to 25, 1994. From the Tuesday evening workship “Conflict Management" to the closing ceremony of retiring the flags, the Executive and Board Direc» tors were keptbusy considering the issues affecting today’s women and making decisions that will reflect on their life- styles as they enter the 2151 Century. Highlights of the following three-day agenda included: Conference '97 Peggy Knapp. Chair of the Conference ‘97 Committee, reâ€" ported on the progress of the committee and its mandate to celebrate. create a new aware- ness. communicate and continue effective leadership. She reminded Board that this conference is also a triennial convention of FWIC and that together we shall celebrate the 100th anniversary ofthe founding of the Women‘s Institute. Early registration will be necessary, as the Committee expects 1500 to 2000 people to attend. Centennial Committee Margaret Zoeller. Chair of the Centennial Committee, gave a progress report which stressed the upcoming Centennial Prelude Quilt Show and Barbecue on June 14. 1995, at the Ontario Agricultural Musuem in Mil» ton. All Women's Institute members and their families are invited to attend and share in the fellowship, enjoy the Barbecue, tour the grounds and view the Quilt Show. Watch for a flyer in your Branch mailing. Wl Booth at the Royal There were 718 people who signed the register at the Women’s Institute Booth at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF), and a list of women interested in becoming members was compiled. The location of the booth (on a direct route to view Big Ben. a star attraction at the Royal) allowed many visitors to inquire about our organization. Rosine Findley. Chair of the RAWF Booth Committee, believes our presence is a valu- able asset and that the booth is certainly one of many places to show our face to the world. Pictured above is the FWIO Executive. Standing from left to right are Anna Jackson - Executive Secretary, Glenna Smith - Program Coordinator, Arrhena Hacker - Northern Regional Vice-President. Mary Janes â€" Public Relations Officer, and Joan Play/e â€" Western Regional Vice-President. Seated in the front row are Marg Ebeiie- (left) - Past President, Danna Flt/SEEM (centre) - President, and Mary Harris (right) - President Elect. Public Relations Provincial Public Relations Officer, Margaret Atkins, reported that the volunteer hours contributed by WI members in Ontario exceeded three-quarters of a million. Area repons indicated that the Women’s Institutes are visible and viable in every area within Ontario. Remember. every WI member is a Public Relations Officer. as they promote the WI by word of mouth. Sheencouraged mem» bers to know their organization. keep abreast of current issues and be knowledgeable about the position ofthe Women‘s Institutes on subjects affecting today’s women. Donations Report The total of all donations made by WI members in the fiscal year 1993-94 was $802,869; clearly, a reflection of the mem- bers‘ belief in their organization and its motto - “For Home and Country." Erland Lee (Museum) Home Pam Bronn, Chair of the Eriand Lee Com- mittee, reported that a museum display was mounted in the Legislative Assembly Build- ing this past summer and will be set up again in 1995. Admission to the Museum is $2, and $1 for children. The Museum is open â€" from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 1:00 to 5:00 pm. on Sundays - from April 1 to November30. 1995. Bus tours are welcome. but call in advance. Junior Women's institutes Congratulations to Kate Ter- vit from Listowel. the newly elected President of the JWI. At their annual meeting last fall JWl members voted to continue the organization; at present it has 10 Branches and 143 members. The Junior Women’s Institutes ofOntario made a $500 donation to the Headquarter‘s Fund and a $700 donation to the Associr ated Country Women of the World. Centennial History Book Dr. Linda Ambrose, Re~ searcher/Writer of the History Book, reported that she is in the process of writing the first three chapters which span the period from 1897 and before, through the growth in the early 19005, to the work of the WI Branches in the first World War, Jane Croft, Co-Chair of the FWIO History Book Com- mittee. reported that monies received in the form of grants, challenges and book deposits have helped towards the cost of producing the book If you have not yet reserved a copy, do so now with a downpayment of $10 per book. payable to the FWIO and clearly marked History Book. Home 81 Country Newsletter The Editorial Committee is always open to suggestions and constructive criticism about the Home & Country newsletter. Lois Olmsted, Chair of the Editorial Committee, reported that due to dramatically increasing prices in the cost of paper. especially recy~ cled stocks. future issues of the newsletter will be printed on a lighter weight. recyclable paper. The Editor, Janine Roelens-Grunt. and FWIO‘s Assistant Secretary, Georgina Heyden, applied for a 100% PST refund on Home At Country production and delivery costs. retroactively to April of 1992, realiz- ing a substantial refund. Along with the usual refund of 50% GST on all Home at Country related expenses, about $3500 was returned to the Hame & Country budget from PSTand GST refunds. MargaretAtkins has completed/1w last term as Public Relations Officer for the Federated Women 'r Institute: 0f Ontario. Home 5 Country, Winter'94 7