ADDIE’S ANGELS - Clue #4

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Have you heard the one about the four women who walked into a bar all wearing the same T-shirts?
The shirts were black with pink lettering and said, ‘Addie’ s Angels’. Now what do you think that means? I know about Charlie’s Angels but have you ever heard of this gang?
So they sit down at a table, order drinks and then start looking around the bar like they are checking everybody out. Then the one gets up, walks over to someone, (who is also dressed in an all black shirt), standing nearby and says, “Excuse me...have you ever heard of the Women’s Institute?”
Well maybe not the best pick up line in history but certainly not the worst. When the person replies, “No, never.”, the Addie’s Angel says, “Well, we’ll buy you a drink if you come join our table and let us tell you our story.” So this is what happened as witnessed by someone who saw and heard the whole thing.
This young person joined the table of four, ordered a drink and soon all five were chatting and laughing. The Addie’s group told their guest about the history of the Women’s Institute, its 125th anniversary, and of its co-founder, Adelaide Hunter Hoodless whose birthplace and childhood home is just a couple of kilometers from this particular local watering hole. The T-shirt ladies explained WI’s mission, vision and values related to education and advocacy and gave examples of WI members’ contributions to community service and action. They said why they chose their Team’s name and described FWIO’s Scavenger Hunt, the past clues given, and the Team’s project for each submission.
The guest was also given information about a particular local branch called, ‘Women Inspiring Women WI’. Two of the Addie’s Angels are members and they explained a project that this WI branch is currently involved in and how this initiative will help to support needs in the local community. WIW WI is organizing a fundraiser in support of the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation which is committed to raising critical funds to support the top-priority needs of The Brantford General Hospital and The Willett in Paris. The event which will take place in November, is an evening of musical entertainment by Ian Bell, a well known Canadian folk musician who lives in the area.
The Team’s guest also learned that for each meeting month, WIW WI selects a local charity or service in the community to receive a donation from the organization. Examples given were, The Paris Food Bank, Jason’s Wheelhouse (a recreation centre for adults with high sensory needs), Nova Vita Women’s Shelter, Friendship House, and the Stedman Community Hospice. As a newcomer to this area and being one with urban roots, this young person found all the information about WI very interesting and were glad they had accepted that offer of a drink which led to this opportunity of new learning.
Riverbend Grillhouse, where this scenario took place, is situated in the village of Glen Morris, halfway between Cambridge and Paris as the crow flies along the Grand River. It is a popular place for the locals and a favourite for many motorcyclists who enjoy riding through the beautiful surrounding countryside on a sunny day. Several times during the afternoon this group of five were approached by other people who were also enjoying the patio ambience and music. All who came over to the table, belonged to motorcycle clubs and were wearing T-shirts and jackets with various slogans and names, like for example, ‘Ghost Riders.’ Each person asked the same question, “What does Addie’s Angels mean and where are you all from?” Curiosity and interest seemed to be spreading from table to table on the patio. Many of the patrons looked out towards the parked motorcycles, perhaps expecting to see black bikes with hot pink accessories. Everyone in the black shirt group of five (including the one who was being treated to a drink) always introduced themselves and explained the meaning behind their own attire when asked. The guest at the table seemed to be particularly amused by the question. Everyone found the responses enlightening and seemed to find the conversation of WI - its story, initiatives, and the team’s name interesting. The replies were all positive with comments like, “That’s really cool.”, “Well it just goes to show, you learn something new every day.” and “Glad I asked.”
Before the group left, they had their picture taken together. Apparently, their real names are (from left to right), Margaret McPherson, Karen Murray Hopf, Michiko Bown-Kai, Lyanne Lynch and Ronna Hoogstraten. The one Addie’s Angel gave their guest a bookmark which they said was their ‘weapon of choice’ for this particular mission. Remember when it was a napkin or matchbook that people at a bar passed on with personal information to others! This bookmark looked pretty snazzy. It had information about the Women’s Institute organization and how to become a member. One side of the bookmark said, ‘Women Inspiring Women’. Now even though this was not a WI meeting, any onlooker would agree that these individuals gave off the vibe that they inspire, support and empower each other. There was laughter, sharing of ideas and experiences, thought provoking conversation, moments of quiet contemplation, hugs, comments of encouragement, in addition to giving sincere responses to inquiring strangers.
Now rumour has it that after the four women left the bar, the bookmark was passed among many to confirm the women’s story but people continued to be intrigued by what they had seen. Can one really blame them? Imagine this scene. In a small village bar, on a Sunday afternoon four women wearing the same T-shirt that says ‘Addie’s Angels’ are in the company of the new local minister who is wearing their black shirt and white clerical collar.

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