Home & Country Newsletters (Stoney Creek, ON), Summer 1993, p. 7

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A new Women's Institute Branch was established in the Kingston Convention Area, Frontenac District. Its name is Westside and the charter meeting was April 7, 1993. Charter President Connie Harris, with her contagious enthusiasm and determiâ€" nation, organized the Branch, and the Kingston Whigâ€"Standard played an im- portant role as well. The Branch is in the Bayridgeâ€"Amherstview area. As New Branch Organizer, it is the culmination of my efforts which began in Pictured above signing their charter, from left to right, is Valerie Smith. New Branch Organizer, Maidens Wentzel, Secretary-Treasurer, and Con- nie Harris, President, of the ne w/y Iormed Westside Women's Institute. January, 1992. Promoting awareness of the WI through area newspapers was one of my first objectives. And it paid off when the Kingston paper ran an article in December, 1992. Connie Harris, one of the interested women who responded to that article, brought together enough other women to plan an information meeting at her home. The Whig-S tandard published a notice about the meeting which provided more coverage. Along with my committee members, Rowena Raycraft and Vera Collings, Judy Smith, Kingston Area Board Direc- tor, attended that first meeting on February 9. Judy spoke about the history of the movement, the aims and objectives of the WI, its publications, the benefits of membership, and the Associated Country Women of'the World. The organizational meeting took place on March 3; once again, the Whig-S tandâ€" ard provided marvellous coverage There are 14 members of the Westside Branch, only 5 of whom are former WI members, and their comments have been very positive. June Barber, hostess of the charâ€" ter meeting, looks forward to the regular meetings. “I know Connie through our church,” she said. “I learned about the WI, found I liked what it stood for and decided to join. They have interesting pro- grams and projects that will give me a new interest in life. I am also looking forward to meeting new people.” Molly Woodruffe, who recently moved away from her former Branch, has been a member for seven years. “I have enjoyed it very much. I like the friendly atâ€" mosphere of the meetings and the projects we undertake. The Women’s Institutes are wonderful groups. The people in the group become close friends." Betty Berry, who does a lot of volunteer work, joined to do something for herself - a sentiâ€" ment that reflects the personal growth objective of the WI. At the charter meeting, the Kingston Area Board Director, Judy Smith, in- stalled the officers: President - Connie Harris; Secretary-Treasurer â€" Marlene Wentzel; Program .Co-ordinator and District Director - Penny McNaughton; Public Relations Officer - Molly Woodruffe; and, Tweedsmuir History Curator - Betty Berry. Cheryl Frae is in charge of Pennies for Friendship. As New Branch Organizer, 1 presented the charter and addressed the members: “I am pleased with your commitment, and it is evident that you are a strong Branch of capable members who will be an asset to the Women’s Institute move- ment.” CONGRATULATIONS WESTSIDEI Valerie Smith is the New Branch Organizer for the Kingston Area. Join us for a little PG & R at Crieff Hills By Donna Rursett Enthusiasm, camaraderie and eager- ness to learn were evident at the second Personal Growth and Renewal (PG & R) Courses held at Crieff Hills Commu- nity and Conference Centre. The art participants - both the experiâ€" enced and nonexperienced - produced amazing pieces of art inspired by the local winter scenery. The tatters, on the other hand, started out knotting when they shouldn’t have. But all of a sudden, the thread flicked over the right way and the only knots they made were the ones they had been trying to make all: along. They could tat at last! A get-together of the two groups to exhibit their paintings and tatting en- deavours brought the four-day educational program to a close. Each participant left to inspire others to sign up for future courses. Remember, the investment in a new undertaking can not be measured. Danna Russen‘ is the President Elect of the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario. Horne & Country, Summer '93 7

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