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By Mary Macfarlune t a sewing workshop about a year ago, Rosemary Moran, Past Presidentofthe Trent Valley Area, spoke to me about her involvement in WI and its history. Rose- mary’s enthusiasm triggered my interest. Soon. Margaret Killeen, the Area New Branch Organizer (NBO), contacted me to discuss what kind ofsupport there might be in the Keene area to start a new Branch. A list of women was compiled and letters were mailed inviting them to an information night. This proved a disappointment; yet, a core group evolved committed to the idea. We were successful in gaining more interest simply through word of mouth. A fashion show and workshop sparked interest in an- other information night. A small group continued to meet monthly for almost a year to learn more about the WI and fellowship. Craft nights held in someâ€" one's home generated the most interest. At the same time, Margaret Killeen asked for a volunteer to coach our small group, answer questions and act as a liaison. Mary Elmhirsl from the Westwood WI was that enthusiastic volunteer. On April 22, I993. our charter was estab lished at a potluck supper with tifteen charter members. Our name comes from the same Cranberries, continued from page 1 Then, with fall, comes the harvest. Beds are flooded to help loosen and cushion the berries and picking begins. The berries are mechanii cally harvested and turned into shallow punts. Harvested berries are trucked to the Johnstons‘ packing house, sorted and packed. most of them destined for processing. It sounds like hard work without much time left over for socializing. Nevertheless, visi- tors during harvest may find their arrival 12 Home 5 Country, Winter '93 name ofour new public school - North Shore. We live on the North Shore of Rice Lake. In support of our establishment. the Execuâ€" ti ve ofthe Mather' s Comets Community Hall offered the Hall to us rent free. The Pioneer Seed Company donated $1000 to help us buy new chairs and tables for the Hall. And the Keene WI donated $100 to get us started and offered support, The Vice President. Valerie Bell. and my- self now joke about how for six years we waved to each other, but didn't get to know one another until joining the WI. The majority of our members work full or partAtime. They travel to Peterborough to work and that‘s why we hold evening meet» ings. Though we are rural based, only a few members live on farms. In our enthusiasm, we agreed to meet in the summer, We work together to plan meetings and Events so as lo not overload or frustrate any one member. We all have busy lives and many of us have young children. Our Branch Directors call members with a friendly re- minder of the upcoming meeting and a “We hope you can make it" attitude. Strong friendships are evolving in this co- operative working relationship. Flexibility is our strength. We are not afraid to try some- thing once or try it differently the next time. Our future plans include: building a float for the Keene Santa Claus parade; becoming more involved in our community and explor- ing local business and industry; and, seeking out interesting guest speakers. We all enjoy the fellowship and many view it as time out for themselves. We look for» ward to enjoying many years ahead in this organization. Mun' Mac/irritate is the President ufl/ie North Shore WI. coincides with the annual Bala Cranberry Festival. “The weekend is really fun for us," explains Murray. “We look at it as our once» aâ€"year open house, and always look forward to seeing a lot of old familiar faces.“ The Johnstons' Cranberry Marsh is located on Medota Lake Road in Bala. For more information on the Bala Cranberry Festival, contact the Ministry of Culture. Tourism and Recreation at l-800â€"ONTARIO. This (Irl'tL‘ft’ was prepared by F oozlland Ontario. Carymtuflztions Anniversaries: Balmoral Wt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Ferguson's Falls WI . . . . . . . 65 lldenon WI . t . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Parham WI , . . i . . . . . . . t t . 70 Sparrow Lake WI . . . . . . . . . 75 Uttoxeter WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . ao Alton WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Cathcart WI . . . . . . . t t . . . . 90 Coldstream WI . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Fordwlch Wl . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Moyle WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Sanford WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Springford WI . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 ' Certificates of Merit: Canboro WI - Vera Scott - Heather Topp Paynes' Mills WI - Irma Karatil Sparrow Lake WI - Edna Franklin â€" Ruth Mcdonald - Phyllis Stanton - Mary Wineman Sunshine WI - Eunice Hill - Pauline Ryan - Patricia Bradley - Yolanda Gadouas â€" Marla Wilkes - Ruby Proudfoot Life Memberships: Canboro WI - Dorothy Bradford - Mildred Lane Dunvegan WI ‘ Joanna MacLean Kippen East WI - Margaret Hoggarth - Ruby Tnebner Sanford WI - Hazel Penney Uttoxeter WI - Joan Falconer - Norma Ross - Barbara Steven - Norma Steven 4