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Bumstown WI turns 90 By L UCYHASS Martini Editor Although the actual anniversary fell. on January 9, members of they Bumstown Women’s Institute chose a farimore pleasant spring evening on June 7 to celebmte nine decades of friendship and philanthropy. The evening opened with a dimer in the basement of the Bumstown Church. followed by the dedication of new fumace-room walls in memo~ ry of Catherine Elizabeth McIntyre, The daughter of Sandy Campbell and Elizabeth Box, she grew up in Bumstown and married Neil McIn- tyre. She was active in all women‘s organizations within the Bumstown church and was Mission Band leader atone time. She was desenhed as “a faithful. dedicated member of the Bumslown WI up until her death in 1994." “She always enjoyed the meetings and a few of the current members joined as a direct result of her efforts, one being current presrdent Kay Reid.“ Vice President Irene Robillard noted. Life members Adele McLeod, Jean Denniston and Jessie Fraser set the festive tone for the evening when they cut and shared a birthday cake marking the 90th anniversary. Fellow life members Goldie Moore and Carmel Stewart were unfortunately unable to attend. The first life membership fl granted by the branch to anyone who has served actively for 25 years or more â€"was given to Annie McAdam ll'l l970 after she had belonged for 42 years - But the cake cutting was just the beginning of an evening of fellow- Women bless in every land . Help them Lord to take a stand," a} _ Standup tall formalin 4 u and right May they always see the light. Ari Institute Prayer * Ella Smith, Picnic vae Brunch ship and fun. The real icing on the cake fol- lowed with a programme that paid tribute both historical and humourous â€" to each decade of the Wl’s lifespan. Filled with facts and closing with fantasy (a comical look at the Bum- stown WI in 2011) the programme of song and skits was only the tip of the iceberg. _ As emcee Eileen Brydges said at the programme’s end, “There is a great story untold” as glimpses were given of only the first year of each decade “What a tale could be told if We had the time to mention every short course, all the catering. all the speak- ers. all the exchange visits with other branches, all the fair exhibits. all the methods of fundraising, and all the things on which those funds were spent," she said. Past secretaries on hand for the June 7 celebration were Adele McLeod. Ella Rosebrugh. Irene Robillard. chny Sehaly and Eileen Brydges. Treasurers of the past decade were lrcne Robillard. Pat Maika. Jessie Fraser and Betty Brannen. In closing. tribute was paid to some very special members. Years of active work in the branch were repog-- nized with the following commemo- ‘rativeipit‘is: 40fy‘eais lCan‘nel Stewart, JCSSleFSWE‘iI‘W 9.015135}- M39F§;-.~20 years Lrene Robillard, Helen Jones, Norma Riopelle and Netta Wyatt; and [0 years Kay Reid, Diane McKinnon and Karen Schaly. Betty Combs also received an FWIC pin for her 36 years as a mem- ber of Quebec WI and 9 years in the Ontario WI movement. Earlier in the program District President Karen Pender brought greetings to the group. The evening closed with words of inspiration by Provincial President Christina Raebum who congratulated the Bumstown ladies on their mile- stone anniversary and outlined the challenges that lie ahead as women around the world use their social con- science to address such pressing international concerns as human rights and national issues such as the impact of globalization and protec‘ tion of our natural resources. “We have some momentous deci- sions on the horizon? she said encouraging members to face the crit- ical issues of our day. “How do we want to see Canada in 2011'?" she asked the ladies. Meeting other women from around the world “oneâ€"on-one" and learning about their life experiences. Raebum has learned, among many other things, appreciation. “We are so absolutely fortunate to live here in the Ottawa Valley.“ she said, proud of being part of the Women's Institute movement, “an organization who cares." :llt'rt‘ulj'p/wlu at um H.455 Aside from celebrating its anniversary, the Burnstown Women’s Institute presented commemoraâ€" tive service pins. Present to accept their recognilion were, left Io right, Jessie Fraser, Diane McKin- non, Irene Robillard. Betty Combo, Norma Riopelle, Helen Jones and Norm Wyatt. Page 6 - The \lercur). Renfreu. Ontario - June 19. 2001