Annual General Meeting 2005
A Huge Success!

More than 170 delegates and friends of Women's Institutes gathered in Sherbrooke for the Annual General Meeting on July 5th and 6th. The AGM events kicked off with a tour of the historic Sherbrooke Village Museum and a wonderful evening of local entertainment. Members who had never had the opportunity to tour the Museum before were amazed. It was a treat to step back in time and discover a part of our heritage. Museum tour guides led members around the beautifully restored village, wagon rides were offered and later in the evening, staff showcased many of the period costumes worn at the Museum. We owe a huge amount of thanks to the Sherbrooke Village Museum for their generosity and hospitality. We encourage everyone to spread the word about this fascinating place - it's well worth a visit!

The next day, the St. Mary's Academy was the venue for the AGM meeting. A record number of delegates filled the school. Greetings from local government officials and representatives were made along with special greeting from ACWW Area President, Mildred Keith and FWIC Executive Officer, Lynn MacLean.

Ruth Blenkhorn's Presidents Report reminded members of the successes of the past year and gave thanks to all members for their hard work and commitment. Ruth also made special mention of the continued support of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Ruth introduced our summer student, Lindsay Murray. Lindsay has been extremely helpful at the WI office this past summer and we will be sad to see her go. She will be attending Nova Scotia Community College in Stellarton this fall. Good Luck, Lindsay!

Ellen Simpson, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported that WINS had finished the last fiscal year with a net surplus. Ellen thanked everyone for their generous donations to our various funds and to the Every Stamp Counts Challenge.

The resolutions on the usage of salt on highways; power interruptions; pedestrian signals for the visually impaired; and insurance and assistance for community halls were approved as circulated.

Keynote speaker, Bob Frame, a past director of Sherbrooke Village, said that the province has more than 100 museums and that Sherbrooke Village Museum is the largest 'working' museum in the province. He said that the museum is very important to the local economy and that many full and part time jobs are provided by the museum. He recommended that we should make use of our provincial museums and visit them frequently.

ACWW Area President for Canada, Mildred Keith, addressed the delegates and talked about the inner workings of ACWW and of her experiences in her travels for the organization. She said that the next triennial project for Canada will be a nutrition project in Tanzania. The next ACWW Area Conference will be held in 2006 in Saskatchewan.

FWIC Executive Officer for Nova Scotia, Lynn MacLean, thanked the delegates for the wonderful support for the FWIC Into the North project. She explained how the project was decided upon by FWIC and how the two Labrador communities were chosen. The project will continue to be conducted over the next three years. More than $5000 in funds have been raised and many donations of clothing and supplies have been sent to Labrador. FWIC is looking at starting a phase 2 of this project that would see assistance going to northern communities in Western Canada.

A draw for the Nova Scotia Tartan Doll, donated by Joan M. Campbell of Tartan WI, was made. The winner was Marie Sanford of Lakeville WI.

The Pennies for Friendship March collected more than $1040 for the fund. The Touch and Take table collected more than $470 that will be put towards AGM expenses.

Past Provincial, FWIC and ACWW Area of Canada Presidents were recognized with presentations of single roses.

Committee chairpersons gave brief reports. Lauren Seaton, chair of the handcraft committee, announced that Ida Dimock of Three Cornered WI was the winner of the 2005 Handcraft Award for an embroidered item. She reminded everyone that next year's competition will be a hooked rug.

Ruth Blenkhorn gave a report from the scholarship committee announcing the winners of the two Family Scholarships (Caitlin Clem and Weldon Fraser). Joann Cory, chair of the membership committee announced that the winner of the 2004-05 Reach for the Stars Award was Burlington and District WI. Rev. Freda MacDonald, a new member of Bickerton WI, was the winner of the free registration to AGM.

Sharon Lynk, chair of the program committee encouraged members to continue to pursue programs under the topics of environmental issues, agriculture and our health. Yvonne Kennedy, chair of the editorial committee encouraged members to keep sending articles and photos for the newsletter.

Coni Murray, chair of the rural issues committee announced that the Nappan Experimental Farm would remain open and that WI has representatives on many agricultural committees. Winnie Forbes, chair of the nominations committee made a special mention of departing board member, Joan McNeil. Winnie reported that Goldie McDow would be taking Joan's place as the new Hants West District Director. The Provincial Convention 2006 planning committee presented a preview of what to expect in Truro next July 4th - 6th. The theme of the Convention will be 'We Can Do Anything!' and workshops and bus tours are being planned for the delegates to enjoy. Also, more than 50 delegates from West Virginia will be taking part in our Convention.

The new 2005-06 Board of Directors was installed by Mildred Keith. Ruth Blenkhorn expressed everyone's heart-felt thanks to the members of Guysborough District for hosting such a successful and well-planned Annual General Meeting. Guysborough District Director, Aleah Lomas Anderson and the Guysborough District members were given a round of applause for their exceptional work.