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he Director Writes . . . pril is the month when a new fiscal year begins in overnment. At the same time the branch prepares a Variety fannual reports. I have just finished analyzing the end_of_ he year statistics. The Home Economics Branch had an xtremely busy year and all of our staff worked very hard to erve our various clients, including FWIO, wen ONSUMER REQUESTS A new and major trend has been a marked increase in the number of requests made by individuals across the pro- vince. There was a 39% increase over the previous record breaking number last year. During 1980â€"81, we answered 64,278 questions from the public, compared with 46,] 18 in I979-80. In addition, we gave out over 50.000 of our numbered publications in reply to requests for specific in- formation. t-H HOMEMAKING CLUBS The projected enrolment in the 4â€"H Homemaking Clubs was maintained, in spite of a falling birthrate. The Vomen‘s Institutes Provided us with a sponsored 58% of he volunteer leaders and assistants; 3061 out of a total of ;234. The Ministry, especially our branch, is very apprecia- we of the support we receive from individual members and ranches. We hope that you will continue to sponsor the 4-H clubs, recause the 4-H movement is a vital part of rural society :ross Ontario. We know that 4»H helps young people to :velop strong human relationships; strengthens the family ill in the rural communities; and prepares members for the orld of work. The 4â€"H program has a marked effect on ‘f’dl youth as evidenced by several major sociological udies. DULT PROGRAMS The number of participants at the adult courses run pri- orily for W.I. members fell slightly during the past year. .N APPEAL. TO ALL SECRETARY-TREASURERS or ECRETARIES at each level of the organization ; lranch, District and Area to have their books audited, Until all the District and Area audited financial state nents are received by the Home Economics Branch, Pm' .:ssed‘ and forwarded to the Accounts Branch, an applica- ion to Treasury Board, the grants cannot be prepared. The late financial statement at Branch level can Prel’em the entireorganization from receiving the grants on time. 'v'hereforer would all Branch Secretary-Treasurers or See- ‘L‘tafiesfil. every level send their audited financial statements i'rompfly to the. District or Area. Because of staff changes and eight maternity leaves among the county and district staff last year, some summary days have been postponed until May, Consequently. I hope we Will have record numbers at our adult programs in 1981‘82. Please inform as many of your friends and neighbors about our programs. Head office staff work very hard to produce interesting and topical programs. Of course, we always appreciate the large number of volunteer leaders the W. L‘s provide: 1407 in “980-81. WORLD FOOD DAY To commemorate the formation of the Food and Agricul- ture Organization, a World Food Day is to be held annually on October loth. It will first be celebrated this year. I hope you will be able to include a program about the long-term problem of world food this fall, Agriculture Canada plans to have promotional and resource material for distribution to the provinces by the summer. We will ask that any useful information be sent directly to the branch Secretary- Treasurers or Secretaries to ensure no delays are encoun- tered. STAFF Jane Muegge, formerly home economist in Simcoe North. has rejoined the branch and is now working in Huron County with Loralee Marshall. Maxine lnnes Holbrough has returned _ to Lambton County following maternity leave. Kathryn Biondi is cur rently on maternity leave from Essex and Kent Counties. Irene Stevens, a head office crafts specialist, will go on maternity leave at the beginning of May. I look forward to meeting many of you during Officers’ Conference at the University of Waterloo, May 5-7. and during W.I. lune l-5. In conclusion. I hope that you all have a very pleasant summeri ready to return refreshed to institute Work in the W MW GRANTS FROM THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SEND AN AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT IM- MEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ANNUAL MEETING OR AREA CONVENTION. The fiscal year is as follows: Branch April .1 to March 31 District May I to April 30 Area September 1 to August 31 The DEADLINE for the District Financial Statements to reach Toronto is August 1, and for the Area. December 15!. Please make certain these are forwarded to the HOME ECONOMICS BRANCH immediately following the Disâ€" trict Annual meeting or Area Convention. Refer to Handbook, Branch 10-11; Junior 22; District 28â€"29; Area 43, regarding Auditors.