The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

l l l l l l .‘Z‘fie Qui[;)fBelbrying ll we found it! A perfect summer excursion. We had the buzz from other WI groups that had gone on this excursion that it was a local “gem” not to be overlooked. It was a Canadian moment! It was a trip to the “Quilt of Belonging“ in Williamstown, Ontario. This quilt actually has a reserved spot for every noted ethnic and aboriginal cultural group in Canada represented by a minimum ofone person, Each of the 273 groups has been invited to produce a handmade textile block that would best represent their unique and varied cultural contribution to the “Canadian fabric" “The tapestry will be approximately 140 feet long by 12 feet high," says EsterBryan, the coordinator of the project. Each panel is about 12 x 12 feet with each single block being 1 1 inches square. The design of each block is up to the group represented and is created by them in their traditional needlework techniques, sym~ bols and colours. Not being limited to a traditional quilt formula, the door was opened for a truly creative use ofquills, beads. moose hair, charms. leather. fur and the more traditional needlework tlosses. Each block is so different from the next. and each has a .vour unique to the moral and cultural values of the group it presents. The inspiration of artist Esther Bryan. the quilt project is now a registered non-profit organization with charitable status. Esther told us that she wanted this project to represent the make up of .c wwwmm Russell Village members are being shown quilt blocks that are stared and waiting to be quilted. Canada. What better way than in a quilt which has always symbolized our cultural history in Canada. Esther' s brochure says it best: “This is an invitation to celebrate together the beauty, complexity and sheer size of our Canadian story. Artists, craftspeople. school children, ethnic groups and communities from across Canada will work together to show n path from separateness to whole to belonging!" So, as I said, this is a perfect summer excursion through picturesque countryside to the Williamstown Township Hall where the quilt is being stored and worked on by volunteers from all walks oflife. Although the cost is free. donations are accepted Esther's introduction is inspiring and the quilt itself is magical. To book a tour. contact Esther at 1-8777347-2381 or email info@invitationproject.ca Submttad by Jean Williams, Russell Village WI Russell, Eastern Area Storiesâ€"Toâ€"Go - Combining the Love of Reading and the World of Agriculture hancing the literacy skills of children nd adults is a goal of the Women's gstitutes ofNova Scotia (WINS). In [998. e Federated Women's Institutes of Canada (FWIC) initiated the LINKS program ~ Linking Institutes and Neigh- bours with Knowledge and Skills. LINKS gave WINS members the skills to learn how to identify literacy needs in the rural community. WINS felt that literacy issues could be promoted more easily to the rural public ifthere was acommon theme for the project. Because agriculture affects every- one, it was chosen as the theme for their new resource project for children called StorieseTo-Go. What is Slories-Ta-Go? It is a resource bag that holds a collection of learn ing tools and activities designed for children up to Grade 3. Each bag includes a good quality children's book with an agricultural theme, agricultural activity sheets, puppets. literacy activity sheets. an adult guide, additional resources. and many other interactive items that children will enjoy. Teachers Lind parents can Lise these items to encourage roleeplaying. reading and discussions about agriculture and rural life. The use of these resources not only en- hances the literacy skills of children, btit also of adults. The distribution ot‘ZSU Sto» rics-To-Go Kits took place between SeptEHiber 2002 and March 1003. Branch and District Women‘s Institutes were given a number of Kits in place at various venues in their area. This. protect not only brings adults and children together through the love of reading, it llClp\ to develop a better understanding oi ngnculg ture and an appreciation for rural living. Home & Country, Fall 1003 ll