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Hello fellow Members ofthe Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario. I expect that most of you, like me, are looking forward to the end of winter. By the time this newsletter is received, many of us will be out in our gardens inspecting the growth of various plants. Each Branch should have received by now, a letter from our Provincial TweedsmuirCoordinator, Irene Robillard, pertaining to the agreement with 065. Please take time to read and study this. You will find most of your concerns answered. The Board has asked for Member input into the repair work that needs to be done at the Lee. Not many Branches have replied to this request. Do we proceed with the work at great cost, or do we call a halt to further work? What ideas do you have for this site? What impact does the Lee have on our vision and mission? Branches that do not send a reply to the Board should not complain about the decision that Board will make. The Strategic Plan the Board is using, is found on our website. If each Branch would download a copy and use it in their planning, we could all reach our common goals with greater success. Branches can work on increasing membership, partnering with other community groups and advocacy to better your community. See what ideas you can come up with and send the ones that work to the Provincial Membership Coordinator, Debbie Bauer. Remember the slogan: Together Each Achieves Moreâ€" On My Mind ~ By F WIO President Caro/ Innes TEAM. Get on board, get involved and make your Branch known in your community! I want to remind you that those who serve on Board are Members first. We all pay our fees. Some of us like to work on Board or as Coordinators to give back to Women’s Institute. There are Provincial Offices to be filled. Please nominate someone you feel would be good for the positions advertised. This is a great way to find out how this organization works, make new friends and extend your abilities. I highly recommend it. Fifty years ago, I would have laughed if anyone had told me I would be in this position. Instead, I am very honoured to be your President. I am looking forward to meeting you in my travels to Area Conventions. Please make sure your AVD is invited to your District Annual to give the Board Highlights. It is the responsibility ofthe District to pay her mileage. Ifyou really have trouble covering the mileage, do some fundraising or talk to your AVD about the situation. I hope to meet some ofyou at the Provincial Conference in June. The committee in charge has planned a wonderful time for all of us and our nonâ€"WI friends. I hope we all have a great spring. Enjoy what you do in and for WI. Do it for the love of it. See you in June, Carol Itoo.utoutonuuou‘too.utoutonunou‘too.utoutonunou‘ooocctoutonu Just like the elves in Santa‘s workshop, FWIO is lucky to have dedicated volunteers across the province. One of these amazing people isn‘t a WI Member...but he has contributed a great deal to the FWIO Provincial Office. Alex is a high school student in Guelph who lives near the FWIO Office. He has been volunteering for almost two years and has helped with various projects like stuffing envelopes for Branch mailings, scanning photos and helping prepare material for large events. He always comes into the office with a smile on his face, and is famous for bringing delicious homeâ€"baked cookies from his Mom. Thank you Alex â€" we appreciate all you have done for WI! I ' CAiLENDAR' Provincial Conference June 4-6, 2010 Board Meeting August 10 -12, 2010