By Elaine Hennessy
North Renfrew District W.I. News
Greetings from the Women’s Institute for the District of North Renfrew. The following branches have reported on their meetings and activities for the month of Feb. 2019.
Greenwood: President Charlotte Cotnam-Isea welcomed everyone to the meeting, followed by the Institute Ode and Mary Stewart Collect. Teuna Cotnam read the minutes from the previous meeting. Roll Call was “It’s never too late to become what you might have been” so what do you still want to become/accomplish? Motto “Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength”. Pennies — 10 cents if you decorated for Valentine’s Day or made a special effort for someone, 25 cents — if you did not. Gail Fletcher gave the Treasurer’s Report, and also read a letter of thanks from St. Vincent de Paul for the donation the branch had given to them. Teuna Cotnam read a Thank You card from Nancy Willig for the donation that was given to her by the branch. Doreen Jackson had an article on the history of the Women’s Institute, and advised that Feb. 19th was the 122nd Anniversary of W.I. (The night of our meeting). W.I. expanded to ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World). These are powerful worldwide organizations. Sharon Cotnam inquired about a survey or action plan to reduce plastics, and perhaps ask the other branches in the District to do the same. Sharon and Kathy Bennett will sit on a committee to look into this matter. Kathy Bennett advised that the skating trail in Laurentian Valley was rated the 3rd best in all of Ontario. There is also a snowshoe trail in the same area. Sharron Jansen advised there is a new book out called Brenna’s Farm. Brenna is the daughter of Sharron and Gary Jansen and operates an Organic Farm and she sells produce at the Carp Farmer’s Market. Kathy Bennett and Sharron Jansen were planning to take part in The Coldest Night of The Year Walk to help support The Grind, and Renfrew County Safe Shelter for Youth. Susan de Haan was a guest at the meeting and was the winner of the Door Prize. Susan joined the Greenwood branch in 1985 when it started and was a long-time member for many years until she went into the Ministry and moved to Chalk River. Following the business portion of the meeting a few games were played and a lot of laughter was shared in one game called Catch Phrase. A Quiz was held about Family Day and members paired up to answer the questions. The winners of the Quiz were Teuna Cotnam and Elaine Hennessy. The Institute Grace was recited and refreshments were served by the convenors Charlotte Cotnam-Isea and Cindy McConnell.
Queen’s Line: Seven members met on Feb. 20 at the home of Sheila Broome on a calm, but cold day. The meeting was called to order, we recited the W.I. Ode and Collect, and then we answered the Roll Call which was “A food beginning with your first initial and how to cook it”. The minutes from the December meeting were read and approved. We discussed our financial situation, and donations were given to both Beachburg and Cobden Agricultural Fairs. We went over our entire entries for the W.I. Fair Display. As there was no further business the meeting was adjourned. The program was about businesses in Whitewater Region, and we realized after discussion there are very few businesses registered in our rural area. A short quiz was given to the group, the prizes being a dozen eggs. A light lunch was served and we then were able to catch up on all our activities since we had last met. Our next meeting will be March 20. Hopefully, Spring will be here then.
