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Caring 8. Sharing in ‘DXC’ Season‘s Greetings! I sincerely hope your New Year will be happy and prosâ€" perous. The l998 Annual Meeting was held and FWIO'S new structure is in effect. The new Board - 8 Regional Directors. Past President. President-Elect and President - met for the first time following the Annual Meeting. Dates for the Board meetings were set and some priority items identified for discussion at the next meeting to be held in January. Thanks to the Branches for responding to FWIC's Literacy Program. To those who sent their response by email: thank you. The total response from Ontario was dis appointing. FWIO realizes that more notice of this project should have been given, but we were hoping for a better .By Arthena Hecker response, Traveling to the Areas across the prov- ince during the latter part of September and the month of October was a pleasure. WI .projects and community involvement is outstanding. I can only commend you for Branching Out The Birth of Rumura WI By Cindy Lockhart all your hard work and dedication. And thank you for your hospitality: I felt we|~ corned whereverI went. Each Branch will be receiving a copy of FWIO's Annual Report. This is the first time that FWIO has had a professionally printed Annual Report. It will be a great tool as we try to obtain funding for 2001 and other projects. Please ask to take the Report home to read. There is confusion with regard to Resolutions. The PrOVInCial Lobbying Co» ordinator can present resolutions at any Provincial Board Meeting. A resolution of provincial. national orinternational impor- tance must be directed through the District Lobbying Convenor to the FWIO Lobby» ing Coordinator. A copy of the resolution. with the names ofthe mover and seconder. the signature of the PreSident and the Sece retary-Treasurer or Secretary of the Branch. name of the Branch. date sus» tained. and all supportive material. must be forwarded to the District Lobbying Cone venor. If sustained at DISH"ch the District Lob» bying Covenor shall send a copy of the resolution. bearing the signature of the mover and seconder. and all supportive material to the FWIO Lobbying Coordina- tor and to the Provinctal AdVisory Council (PAC) member in the Subdivtsion. The Branch Convenor retains the original reso- lution. bearing the signatures of the mover and seconder. One member of the Branch shall be pre pared to present the views oithc Branch on the resolution at a District Meeting. [hope this clarifies the issue. There is a rumour that the Erland Lee (Museum) Home Wlll be closing due to financial difficulties. This is not true. The Erlund Lee Home is having a hard time financially due to low interest rates and our drop in membership. But it is not in danger of closnig! If any Branch or indi- vidual could help financially. llIL‘ Museum would be most appreciative, The cheque should be marked “Operating Fund." Thank you for your Canadian TJI'C money for the TV. VCR and I‘ll’ICC sup» plies. We have purchased a TV and VCR on sale. We would appreciate yourcontine ued support for other items 7 fax machines for Board Directors and Coordie natiirs. a unit to hold the TV and VCR and better telephones for the office (etc. I could be purchased through Canadian Tire. Arthena Hecker IS the President of FWIO After two information meetings with speakers, displays and lots of "plain old“ encouragement and enthusiasm, the Ramara Women's Institute Branch was officially formed in September, 1998. in Ather- ley, Simcoe East District. Seven charter members started the group. but more have-joined since the first meeting. After elections, officers were sworn in by ShirleyGleadall, Provincial Board Director for Subdivision 13. Special guests included Betty Veitch - Board Director, Subdivision 121, Lorna McGiath ~ FWIO Membership Coordinator, Barbara Ann Cook - President. Simcoe Area, and Glenys Hepinstall - President. Simcoe East District. Other members from nearby Branches joined in to wish the new members well. Increased membership, whether it is through the establishment of new Branches or adding new members to existing ones, is critical to the Women‘s Institute organization. We need new, enthusiastic members with new ideas to encourage us all! Congratulations to the ladies of Ramara for making the right .decision to join this great organization. Ramara Women's Institute members From left to right are Sue Rand: - Treasurer. Muriel Matthews - Secretary, Lynda Davidson - President, Frances Carrick - First Vice President, Elva Moase - District Director and VaIMyers - Program Coordinator. Linda Whitney was absent: she was giving birth to her son Jered Lee, 7 lbs” 8 oz, Submitled by Cindy Lockhait Membership Organizer. SImCDe Area Home 8. Country, Winter 1993-99 3