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Qiday, Qiday .from the Valley By Christine Reabum What a wonderful experience I had last spring visiting with Districts for their annual meetings. My outstanding impres» sion is of members offering a gracious welcome and friendship I especially en- joyed the opportunity to bring information about FWIO and to hear about the programs. projects and aspirations of members. Sharing and enjoying the excitement ofa 100th District Annual Anniversary and two District amalgamations were high- lights. What an accomplishment to have given a century of service and leadership to a community. Numerous Districts have amalgamated, while others are Contem- plating uniting. This is a challenge and an opportunity to rekindle enthusiasm. to gain strength and to march confidently into the 2 lst century. What are you doing for World Rural Women‘s Day on October 15? You could lan a program or sponsor a community workshop with a panel of local women Eastern Area Branches Knit One and Crochet Tao! Bradbury (right), representative of the Grave Nursing Home. with seven hand knit bears and four lap afghans. May has also donated three bears to the Harvey House Nursing Home. Submitted by Joyce Henonck. PRO. Loine-Suihanand wt. Cailelon West \\\ l //,;.. who have contributed to the success of their rural communities. Or maybe you would like to organize an exhibition on the contribution of women to your rural com- munity. You could create an award for an exceptional woman or woman's group for outstanding rural leadership. And invite the press or put it on the internet. The Board would love to hear about your ac- tivities. I need your help. What did you do to support and promote the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) triennium from 1998 to 2001 (i.e. projects. fundraising, World Rural Women's Day. ACWW Day, etc)? Could you let me know by November I, 2000? Are you looking for a project? If so. the following may be of interest to you. A competition could be held in your community for “Story Sacks.” This in volves making toys and accessories to illustrate the story in a child's book. Every- thing is placed in a strong sack, and after judging. donate the sacks to your local library, school or playgroup. Maybe your Branch or District is cele brating a special anniversary. You could present a basket of “goodies” to the first baby born in your local hospital on the date closest to your anniversary. Have you had your water tested for E. coli and other contaminants. such as lead and heavy metals? The safety of our drink- ing water and the wellâ€"being of our families should be of prime importance. November‘s municipal elections begin a new direction, era or phase in local govern- ance. Would you consider sponsoring an All Candidates Meeting'.7 With new guide- lines. directives and responsibilities, municipal councillors Will be making a wider range of decisions. These decisrons are the ones which have the biggest impact on how our communities function. Area Conventions are almost upon us and I look forward to visiting with you and learning how Women's Institutes make a difference in communities across Ontario. ‘Til next time! Christine Reabum Is the President of the Federated Women 's institutes of Ontario. She can be reached at RR 7, Westmeath ON K0] 2L0, Phone. 67358273569, Fax 613-582-3550, Email’ christinereaburn@hotmai/.com Castleton WI members (from left to right) Joyce Murray, Shirley McComb, Beth May and Margaret McMichaeI display knee warmers they have created for a local nursing home. Submitted by Ruth Harren, PRO, Casttelon WI Nonnumherland East Home 8. Country, Fall 2000 3