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“No matter how long I live, it was the - highlight of my life!." said Helen Baufelt. lOOâ€"year old guest from Thorold at the Convention '97 Opening. Memorable, marvelous. magnificent were words used in letters from near and far describing Conven- tion ’97 in Hamilton, Ontario. Indeed. this was a historical event in Women’s Institute history. Congratulations everyone! Who is Ontario’s longest-serving active member? Word of a 75 and 73-year continu- ous active membership comes from Prince Edward Island and England respectively. Let me know of our longtime members. An Ontario WI Branch has nine new mem- bers, largely due to one person’s efforts. The FWIO Membership Coordinator and I have something coming to Area conventions re- ..arding such results. I look forward to seeing on there to talk of this. By Marg Harris The Finance Committee brought in a bal« anced budget at August Board. F'WIO is prudent, responsible and in a healthy position financially. As President, I am pleased to assure the membership of this fact. Four years ago theI received a call asking me to allow my name to stand for President- Elect. At that time. my concern was “what does the Women’s Institute have in place as a platform following theircentennial celebra- tion?” Upon being elected as President-Elect. my personal obligations were fourâ€"fold: 0 to be accountable to the Branch mem» bers; I to do what is deemed best for our organi- zation; ' to be a part of setting. establishing and realizing goals and objectives: and. 0 to lead in ensuring a solid foundation for our next one-hundred years. The organizations‘s vision. goals and mis- sion statement. its structure and its strategic and business plan - all these things needed consideration as we looked ahead. Action comes from the input and caring of many people. Credit belongs to those many special people who recognize the needs of this or- ganization. Changes and challenges were faced and dealt with from many sources. It has been tough sledding. Objectives have been realized. Many positive changes are now in place. There is always more to do and that keeps us on our toes. This year I have had 229 days away with WI related activities. travelled over 50.000 kilometers, spoken to untold numbers ofpeo- ple and written almost 1.000 cards and letters. As Past President. I will continue to support the new President. Arthena Hecker. and the incoming Board Directors. May you enjoy tranquillity as you take office Arthena. And to the new Presidentâ€"Elect. welcome and best wishes from all of us. To Bud and to each Committee Chair. Pro- vincial Board Director. WJIO office staff. the Home & Country Editor. and most of all, to you as Women‘s Institute members and friends. I say thank you for your support and confidence From my Heart. Mary: Harris Lr the “arguing PrEIldt’rlf u/ the Federated ll’nmen'r lIir/ilulur u] Onlurm. She can be rear/ted ul RR 3. Kemmid 0N NUM 280, Phone: (519)24773695. Fm" (519)2-[773931 Ceremony to Mark the Grave of Mrs. Alfred Watt, Founder of ACWW B)’ Peggy Knapp ven though the afternoon sky threatened rain. Trisha Needham‘s Trumpet Vol- untary soared across Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal as members from six Canadian ACWW Societies.joined by executive mem» bers of FWIC and ACWW gathered at the graveside of the founder and first President of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). Mrs. Alfred (Madge) Watt‘s grave had gone unmarked for almost fifty years when Lucy French of the Quebec WI discovered the omission and brought it before the Board of Directors of the FWIC. An appeal was sent out for donations toward a grave marker. and following the FWIC Convention/Centennial Celebration in Hamilton a ceremony. organ- ized by a committee of FWIC and hosted by the Women's Institutes of Quebec, took lace on June 26. I997. The ceremony included opening remarks by Charlotte Johnson. Past President of FWIC. reflections on the life and work of Madge Watt by Mildred Keith, newly elected FWIC Presi- dent. and Lyndsay Hacket~Pain, President of ACWW. Prayers of Dedication and a meaningful Litany written by Quebec WI President. Sheila Needham. were interspersed with the Hymn of All Nations and Amazing Grace. As a closing tribute to this great Canadian woman whose ideals have touched the lives of so many women worldwide, all those gathered around the impressive granite head- stone joined their voices to the sound of the trumpet in singing O’Canada. The flowers on the grave. the flag of her countryt and the flag ofACWW lent a solem- nity to the occasion; the afternoon tea served by members of the Quebec W] in Taja Hall. Pictured above (from left to right) a! the Mount Raye! Ceme- tery grave Slte is Thelma K/lpp - ACWW Area Pris-groom for Southern Africa. Noel Whamond - ACWW Secretary, L ynd~ say HackeI-Paln - ACWW Presrdenl. Hilda Stewart » ACWW Depuly Presrdeni, Margaret Munro - ACWW Treasurer. and Peggy Knapp - ACWWArea Presrdent for Canada. McGill campus home of Sir William Mac» donald, added a note of celebration. To all members who donated funds for this project. many thanks. You would have been proud. Peggy Knapp is the A ,\‘_\‘tlt mm] C mu try errrleri at the Wnrld Area Prexideui jur Cunmlu Home 8: Country, Fall '97 3