Annual General Meeting - Review 2007

More than 130 delegates and friends of Women's Institutes gathered in Shelburne for the Annual General Meeting on July 3rd and 4th. The theme for the meeting was ‘Water, Water Everywhere'. The AGM events kicked off with an evening of local entertainment at the Shelburne Community Centre.

The next day, greetings from Gerald Post, Director of Resource Stewardship, NS Department of Agriculture, FWIC Executive Officer, Ruth Blenkhorn, and other local representatives.

Ellen Simpson's President's Report and slide presentation reminded members of the successes of the past year and gave thanks to all members for their hard work and commitment. Coni Murray, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported that WINS had finished the last fiscal year with a modest net surplus.

The resolution on the Advertising of Alcohol Products was approved but the resolutions on Voting, Emergency Personnel Listing and Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods were not.

Keynote speaker, Judy MacDonald, Supervisor of Drinking Water Management, Department of Environment and Labour, talked about water quality issues in the province and what can be done to ensure private well water is safe for consumption.

Ellen Simpson gave a review of the ACWW Triennial Conference that was held in Turku, Finland in June and mentioned the resolutions and recommendations passed at the conference.

FWIC Executive Officer for Nova Scotia, Ruth Blenkhorn, thanked the delegates for the wonderful support of the FWIC Into the North project. FWIC is looking at starting a phase 2 of this project soon. Ruth also mentioned that FWIC is putting together a calendar as a sales item this fall. Pictures will feature various WI members from across Canada who work in non-traditional fields. The winning picture from Nova Scotia was of Lobster fisher person, Mary Richardson.
 
PHOTO: Adeline and Roger Blatt

A special presentation was made to Roger Blatt, the recipient of the 2007 Erland Lee Award. Roger assists his wife's branch, Lakeville WI and also helps the District with their many projects. Roger was nominated by Lakeville WI and the award was presented by FWIC Executive Officer, Ruth Blenkhorn.

A draw for the Irish Chair Quilt, made by Anita Emeneau, was made and the winner was Phyllis Wessell of Chelsea WI. The proceeds of the quilt were used towards the expenses of the 2007 AGM. Thanks go to Anita for this generous donation. The Pennies for Friendship March collected more than $1006 for this ACWW fund.
 
PHOTO: Anita Emeneau and Phyllis Wessell

Committee chairpersons gave brief reports. Copies of their reports can be found in the 2006-2007 Annual Report. Each branch will receive a copy of the report with this newsletter.

The winner of the 2007 Handcraft Competition (Recycled Item) was Cindy Lou Usher, Burlington and District WI.

The new 2007-08 Board of Directors was installed by Past President, Winnie Forbes. President Ellen Simpson expressed thanks to the members of Shelburne District for hosting the Annual General Meeting.