Bar River WI'_(AIgo‘r‘n,a North Shore District, North Central Area) was founded in 1931 and, more than 80 years later, the Branch still plays an active role in its community. Today the Branch consists of 10 Members from Laird Township and the Bar River area. Each Member has unique talents that blend well together, and their willingness to share ideas and talents is what helps to make this Branch’s time together so much fun. Members keep busy throughout the year with catering and craft activities. They help with their local hall and have attended cross border picnics with Michigan groups. They also try to visit local facilities of interest. For over 40 years, Bar River WI has held an annual Children’s Christmas Party. In the past, when ladies met in their homes, the party would be held there. In the early 1980’s it became such a large event that it had to be moved to a hall. One of the WI Members plays Santa Claus, and the event now includes gifts and candy â€" even a gift exchange for the mothers! Carols are sung, lunch is enjoyed, and there is a draw for a barter basket. It is a wonderful opportunity to let young mothers in the community know about the Women’s Institute. Bar River WI continues to be a very active group and helps as much as possible in their area. Whether it be donations, birthdays, anniversaries, or funeral lunches, they always try to lend a hand. When asked what the key to their success as a Branch is, they point to their efforts to make their meetings both fun and educational. The Branch consists of Members of all ages, so they always try to ï¬t in programs that each Member would enjoy. Pictured: Santa Claus makes a special stop at Bar River Wl’s Children’s Christmas Party! Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals Awarded Inman Road WI Pat Logan was presented with the Queen Elizabeth 11 Diamond Jubilee Medal on January 12, 2013. Pat was nominated for this award by Haldimandâ€"Norfolk MPP, Toby Barrett, in recognition of her long-time volunteer efforts with Dunnville’s Airport Museum, Agricultural Society, and Heritage Society, as well as the Haldimand Genealogical Society and the Inman Road Women’s Institute. Pat has been a valued Memberofthe Inman Road WI (Hamilton Area) for over 30 years and is a willing helper at both the Branch and District levels. Congratulations Pat! Pictured: HaldimandiNorfo/k MPP, Toby Barrett, presents Pat Logan with the Queen Elizabeth II DiamondJubi/ee Medal, Russell Village WI On December 12, 2012, Ina Henry was presented with the Queen Elizabeth 11 Diamond Jubilee Medal on Parliament Hill. Ina gives freely from her heart, for the betterment of her community and especially her community’s children. What better gift can any person give than the betterment of their young people? She is a volunteer marvel and has the ways and the means to make anything happen. Her faith, her attitude, her endless strength and her charming wit encouraged her Branch, Russell Village WI (Eastern Area), to nominate herfor this honour. Ina has been a WI Member since the age of 18 (as a Junior Member) and has been a fully participating Member for over 37 years. She is a wife and mother of six, yet she has found time to share her strengths with others who wish to learn from her. Pictured: Ina Henry with Pierre Lemieux, MP for Prescott, Glengarry, Russell, Photo by Pamela Pearson, The Russell Villager, diffs-1‘