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Page 9 A Tweedsmuir History Workshop was held in Cobden.Dorothy MacGregor visited our meeting to give us the highlights.Provincial Curator had conducted the workshop. She told us many dos and donts in keeping our history. We can purchase the new poetry books for $10.0ur members knitted squares to be sent to Zambia to be sewed together to make warm covers for cold nights. International Affairsâ€"Eleanor McLaughlin gave a paper on 13 yearâ€"old Craig Keilâ€" burger who spoke out about child labour.He had visited other countries and had met with government leaders and was asked to be an advisor for Foreign Affairs.He had. learned that 200 children work in factories as slaves making goods for North Americâ€" an stores. Our branch had received several memorial donations made for memorial gifts for members of families by our neighbours.We were saddened by the passing of one of our . faithful members Bernice Derouin,.and also one of our past members Verna Johnson. Laurentian View hosted the District Annual in St,Andrews United Church on May16. 1996.We served homemade pies for dessert at 6:30.How pleased we were to achieve this large undertaking with omly 6 members!Three girls came in to help with the cleanâ€" up for which we were thankful. The Spring Tea and Social was held in Cobden.,on May 30 at 7p.m.Our ladies took 7 pies and Gwen attended as our PRO. Gwen Kidd was nominated as Senior Citizen of the YearAt this meeting guest speaker Laura Burgess gave an interesting report on her sixâ€"month trip to Australia she had backâ€"packed with her friend Cibdy Hammel.from September 1995 to March 1996. Concerns regarding the Institute Hall were discussed at several times.The cost of hydro,maintenance of the hall and property was a problem and the actual use of the hall hardly warrants the burden financially or worthwhile.Some members feel it is a heritage spot and shéuld be valued.No decision could be made. To attempt to interest new members,A"Meet your Neighbour"Night was held.Members of the communities around were invited.Only three came to hear an interesting program on "Money Management" Barbara McGonegal Manager of Personal Banking at National Trust gave an informative talk on investments,finances,wills,Power of Attorney,Mutual Funds, GICs,RRSPs and RRIPs.Safety measures with moneg were discussed. Congratulations were extended to Gwen Kidd who had been presented Senior of the Year Aflg;g_fiu;flg§gg§g§g_zggg§hig Gwen and her husband had also celebrated their b60th Wedding Anniversary and were congratulated. Librarian of Beachburg Public Library,Marilyn Labow,Gave a presentation informing us of the large selection of reference books,magazines,fiction,.science fiction and other reference material there.She encouraged us to join and make use of the library.We gave a $15 donation.At this meeting we decided to suspend hydro service at the hall for 6 months to save the cost. For Citizenship and Legislation,Councillor Terry Ethier was quest speaker.He told us about tax distribution,options for the future of the dump,and concerns over amalgamatio due to provincial cutbacks.We suggested some things that would improve our township. We committed ourselves to complete a beautification project.A pictur before and after was shared. Sandra Jeffrey gave an informative talk on her homeland Holland.She told us about her young days there during wartime,.the lifestyles,land and culture of Holland.Her family came to Canada and she described the hardships and challenges they faced.Sandra told about trips she and her husband made back to Hollandâ€"May 1995 for the Liberation celâ€" bration.The Dutch people are very grateful to Canadians. During the year we kept the theme of Safe and Healthy Communities incorporated into our programs. 1997 . 1997 is the 100th Anniversary of WI.many celebrations are planned for the year. Our members enjoyed the February meeting when we followed the same program as all the otfier branches.5 members and two quests attended.Gwen Kidd will be awarded the Centenâ€" nial Award at the Area Convention in 1997.We were saddened by the death of Beulah Cotâ€" nam one of our life members.A memorial service was held at the funeral home.We were inâ€" vited to a 100th celebration with South Renfrew at the Renfrew iInn on May 3,1997. . Hazel Hawthorne gave a talk on Adult Falls Prevention.We must be aware of safety facâ€" tors in every area of home and workplace.A Build for Life encourages safety in building codes. Ekeanor McLaughlin held a program on Bed ‘N‘ Breakfast.Experiences with bed ‘n‘ breakfast were shared,ideas for setting up one,etiquette and safety were discussed.Interesting names and descriptions were read from books taken from the library.