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As I write this, I am nearing the end of Area Conventions. I have enjoyed meeting the wonderful women of Women’s Institute. I thank you for your friendliness and hospitality. Getting to know you and seeing the beauty ofour province has been a wonderful experience for me. I hope you have had (or will have) a Blessed Christmas and New Year spent with family and friends. Come back to your WI meetings in January renewed and ready to work for Home and Country. Recently, I have learned of the death of several women who were very active in Women’s Institute. As I read the notices in the paper, I realized that there had not been a Women’s Institute service at the Funeral Home. There is a ceremony outlined in the FWIO Hand Book for such an occasion. When Members who have put their energy and time wholeheartedly into service for Women’s Institute pass on, why is this not recognized by their Branch? I am sure the family would appreciate the remembrance by the Branch, District, Area, and Members in recognition of their Mother’s, Aunt’s, Sister’s, Daughter’s, Grandmother’s dedication to Women’s Institute. I have also noticed that when the organizations to receive donations are listed, FWIO seldom appears. We should ask ourselves why this might be. These women have given a large part of their lives to Women’s Institute. Would they not be pleased to have their organization recognized as a recipient of donations on their behalf? When you go To celebrate the fall season in true WI fashion, Dianne Masse, daughter of Crediton WI Member Jane m" Dearing, hand painted the WI crest on a pumpkin from her ven/ own farm. Dianne and her husband, Mike Masse own "Masse Sweet Corn & Pumpkins” in St. Joseph’s. Thank you to Debbie Bauer for passing along this beautiful photo! Waxy?!“ 01/1 My Mind ~ By F W/O President Caro/ Innes to a funeral and the option is "a charity of your choice," consider giving a donation to FWIO as a remembrance. FWIO is a charitable organization and provides charitable receipts. In addition, are Branches aware that there is recognition by FWIO for those who have been Members for seventyâ€" five years? These Members are given a vase inscribed with the WI crest and are usually presented by the President of FWIO at the Area Convention. The Branch orArea provides flowers for the vase. In the event that the recipient is not in good health, other arrangements for presentation can be made. The Branch will need to contact the FWIO Provincial Office and provide some information about the Member. Branches can also obtain service pins for their Members. I know that some Branches already present these. They are available for every ten years of membership. We do value the support of our Members and this is another way of rewarding them. It is my hope that each Member will have a wonderful year of Women’s Institute as we carry on with our meetings, projects and events in 2011. Please don’t forget to invite non WI women to your meetings. Carol ' CALENDAR ' WI Day February 19, 2011 “ Wgzlflm’m‘“wgfiims\£ 3