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

Cross Country Calendar (harry Valley Members Encourage local Students Cherry Valley Women's Institute have been encouraging the children of Athol Central School in their essay writing and public speaking for 34 years. Here are this year's finalists for the Annual Oral Communica- tions Competition. Cherry Valley WI presented the Grade 4 to 8 students with certificates and gold-ink pens for their excel- lent speeches. Submlllad by Joan Laurie, PRO. Cherry Valley WI, Prince Edward Sunnyside WI, Algama East This Branch honoured long-time member MarjorieMills. Havingjoinedther at the age of to. Marjorie was recognized for her bl year membership. Surprised and moved by the recognition. Mills said the WI has been her one main and enduring commu- nity commitment. Beechwood WI, Middlesex North Members from the Beechwood WI in Middlesex North recently enjoyed hearing from guest speaker Angela Wisnoski. who talked about the pros and cons of homeschooling her two children. Beechwood WI, Kent The Beechwood Women‘s Institute was recently presented with a Certificate opr~ preciation by Councillor Wayne Schnabel from the Municipality of Chatham»Kent for their many accomplishments and come munin work. Slmroe North District WI The Branches of Simcoe North were proud to learn that their local MFP delivered a statement in the legislature in February on the history and importance ofthe Women‘s Institute in Ontario communities, M Home In Country, Summer 2000 Staynet WI, Slmcoe West in recognition of “The New Millennium" Stayner WI held a Games Day in February. Euchre. Bid Euchre and Cribbage were featured, with over 50 people participating. Because the event was held on Ground Hog Day. the prizes were ground pork sausages! Wallace Goodwill WI, Perth North Wallace Goodwill WI members Alma Adams, Marg McIntosh. Edith Mason. Norma Hilpert. Edna Musty and Mabel Ferguson were presented with 50 Year Pins for their dedication to Women's Institute work, Woodiord WI, Grey-Bruce With only six members. one member from this Branch has come up with a unique t'undraising project. She resides in acondo» minium and arranges the use of the Common Room in the building for a bake sale. When members come to her condo for the regular monthly meeting. they bring baked goods to sell. At this time. she ar- ranges to have her brother-inâ€"Iaw sell the pro-priced baked goods and other items to interested residents. The project keeps the Woodford Branch in funds. and the seniors in the building appreciate the home baking, jams and pickles. Embro-West Iona WI, Oxford North Members of this Branch enjoyed a Christ- mas Dinner Theatre together in December. Following the dinner, two members » Florence Ross and Myrtle McCorquodale - were presented with their 60 year pins for their years of WI involvement. Hawkestone WI, Simcoe Kempenleldt , Hawkestone member Joan Banbury Spoke. at a recent Branch meeting. Having just returned from Thailand and Hong Kong. she spoke of her experiences and displayed numerous photos and mementoes of the journey. At another recent Branch gather- ing, the motto was “People are like fire, they take on brightness if you stir them up a bit.” And this is exactly what members did as they answered the Roll Call “Bring Something for the Auction." A lively meet- ing followed, as they auctioned off all the items brought by members. Niagara District WI Sponsors Housing Program The Niagara District Women ’5 Institute span- sored a benefit Card and Games Luncheon for the West Niagara Second Stage Housing, 5 housing program for rural women and their families fleeing abusive home situâ€" ations. Fonthill United Church Outreach Committee and Lincoln District Wl also sup- ported the event. From left to right are Marian Egerter â€" WI Benefit Convener and Outreach Committee member, Daryne Levere â€" Niagara District WI President, Joan Tovenati and Eleanor Hall â€" Public Relations Officers with West Niagara Second Stage Housing, and Jerinne Porteous â€" Lincoln District WI President. Submitted by Maiton Egener. Singer's Corners Wl. Niagara. (-(oleridge Union Supports Hospital Initiative Coleridge Union WI presented a $1200 cheque to the Headwaters Health Care Centre in support of the purchase of a CAT Scanner. Making the presentation to hospi» tal representative Mr. 6.]. Scott is (from left to right) Secretary-Treasurer Anne Horsley, President Mary Hawthorne and Charter and Life Member Belle Braiden. .