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Mike Baker - 2017 The Elgin County District WI (Southern Area) was honoured to nominate Mike Baker, Curator and Manager of the Elgin County Museum and Archives, for the Erland Lee Award of Appreciation in 2017. Mike has been a great ambassador for the Women's Institute, instrumental in preserving historical documents and in displaying WI artifacts in local heritage exhibits at the museum. He has welcomed the WI's Tweedsmuir Histories and has supported their digitization. His leadership excels in the coordination of exhibits and advisory services in which WI shares a partnership. Mike has dressed in period costume and portrayed historic figures for WI events. For the 115th Anniversary of the Women's Institute organization in 2012, the District was proud to have Mike represent Erland Lee with a re- enactment signing of the 1897 Constitution. This photo is on the cover of the Home & Country ROSE Garden, Spring/ Summer 2012 issue. On September 27, 2017, the District presented Mike with his award at an event hosted by the Elgin County Museum and Archives. He was genuinely surprised and honoured to receive the award. Pictured (L-R): Madeleine Jenkins (Elgin County District President), Mike Baker, Rie Van Steeg (Southern Regional Board Director) and Margaret Ogar (Southern Area President). Neil Blackman - 2017 FWIO was pleased to nominate Neil Blackman for the Erland Lee Award of Appreciation in 2017. Neil has been an asset to FWIO and the Erland Lee (Museum) Home for many years, helping with various repairs and minor maintenance of the Museum, Carriage House and grounds. He has also assisted staff and volunteers with many of the events which have taken place. Neil has brought his personal antique tools for demonstrations at the "Step Back in Time" annual event and has spent a great deal of time on handmade toys, racks and gifts for the Museum Gift Shop. Neil also helps the Beamsville WI and Lincoln District WI whenever needed. Neil was presented with this award at the Hamilton Area Convention in October 2017. Pictured: Neil Blackman receives his award from Glenna Smith, Western Regional Board Director. Wayne Bauer - 2016 Wayne Bauer has been a tireless supporter and a true asset to WI. In 2015, when his wife, Debbie Bauer, was FWIO's Membership Coordinator, Wayne drove her across the province from north to south and east to west so that she could present membership recruitment workshops. He not only was the chauffeur but he helped Debbie set up and take down displays at these events and at her local Branch and District events, as well as performing other work behind the scenes. Wayne was very deserving of the 2016 Erland Lee Award of Appreciation and FWIO was pleased to nominate him. Pictured: Debbie and Wayne Bauer. Fred Cooper - 2016 Fred Cooper has been very active in supporting the Erland Lee (Museum) Home and activities held at the Museum. He has helped with set-up and take-down as well as providing free of charge a popcorn making machine and supplies used at various events for the children. Fred has been a huge support to his wife, Pat, at the Branch and District levels as well. If something needs to be done, ask Fred and he will gladly help if he can. Fred was a worthy recipient of the 2016 Erland Lee Award of Appreciation and FWIO was proud to put his name forward as a nominee. Pictured: Pat Cooper, Linda Hoy (FWIC President) and Fred Cooper. Erland Lee Award of Appreciation This prestigious award is presented by the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada (FWIC) to a man who most exemplifies those qualities of Erland Lee, which led to the founding of the Women's Institute. Congratulations to Mike Baker, Neil Blackman, Wayne Bauer and Fred Cooper, Ontario's most recent recipients of the Erland Lee Award of Appreciation. 7