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of Excellence In A'ricultur Congratulations to Doris Aitken winner ofthe 2009 Women of Excellence in Agriculture Award! Doris was selected as the award recipient after she was nominated by friends, colleagues and fellow volunteers that recognized her significant contributions to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair over the past 25 years. In a letter nominating Doris, Pat Palmer writes the following endorsement: "i first met Doris at the Ontario Charolais Association (OCA) AGM where l quickly learned that she was the "go-toâ€"person” and the glue that kept members involved and participating in OCA events. Next, when larrived at the COOP store in Mount Forest, l again found Doris behind the counter, in the aisles and in the store room willingly helping with her knowledge and outstanding service. Gradually, she encouraged me to participate in the RAWF with other breeders. Before i knew it, i was sponsoring one of the prizes in our breed’s competition. Arriving at theRA WF as a neophyte, Doris was there to help calm my nervousness and show me the ropes. i watched this quiet, unassuming woman, who takes vacation each year to orchestrate the successful presence of the OCA, make the group come together as an agricultural family. One minute she’s grooming cattle; the next she is on the stage; then she is handing out prizes or running back into the barn to change and enter the ring to show her animal." That is quite a tribute to this modest, dedicated ambassador for the RAWF. As a proud member of Canada's agriculture community, Doris is an outstanding role model for young people and adults alike when it comes to service, participation ' ‘ * and endorsement for the RAWF. As another nominator suggested in their letter, Doris is a RAWFâ€"aâ€"holic! If you know a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the RAWF, consider nominating her for the annual Women of Excellence in Agriculture Award. Contact the FWlO for more information. AGRICULTGRE AW I 0 flame “‘ «Iflhsiji’u ' W We want to hear from you! Send your stories and photos for our next issue of The Home & Country ROSE Garden to the following address: The Home & Country ROSE Garden 7382 Wellington Road 30, RR it 5 Guelph, ON NiH 6J2 or email them to roseprogram@fwio.on.ca or fax them to 519-836â€"9456 Please note, your article may not appear exactly as submitted. We will do our best to edit appropriately to include as much information as possible. Be sure to make an additional copy of your photos before submitting them as we will no longer be able to return photos. Thank you for your understanding. Deadline Dates Spring/Summer - March 1, 2010 Fall - July 1, 2010 - ‘ W240i.“ ‘3‘