Richmond County Women’s Institute Semi-annual Meeting, Sept. 26, 2020
The semi-annual meeting of the Richmond County W.I. was held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 at the St. Andrew’s Church in Melbourne. President, Cindy Jackson, called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m. by all repeating the Opening Ode and Salute to the Flag. As it was a beautiful morning and due to Covid-19, the meeting was held outside with masks and social distancing being done.
The roll call was answered by 13 members - Cleveland 2; Gore 4; Group 92 3; R.Y.W.I. 2; Spooner Pond 2.
The minutes of the semi-annual meeting 2019 were read by Mona Mcgee and approved.
Motion: To approve minutes: Moved by: Joyce Cinnamon
Seconded by: Shirley Beasley.
Business Arising: None
Treasurers Report: Vera Hughes gave the treasurer`s report. A copy was given to each branch.
Motion: To accept treasurer’s report:
Moved by: Matty Banfill
Seconded by: Muriel Duffy
Motion: Moved that all bills be paid.
Moved by: Joyce Cinnamon
Seconded by: Freda Coote
Membership Fees 2020/21: Vera informed us that QWI had made a motion that there be a one-time reduction in fees due September 30, 2020.
Correspondence was read. This consisted of a letter from Centre d’action Benevole thanking us for our donation to Meals on Wheels program in 2019, and two thank you cards from Shirley Marceau for cards she had received.
President, Cindy Jackson gave her yearly President’s Report. There will be no QWI Bursary given in 2020. She distributed a 2020 breakdown of general funds from QWI. The creative writing will be judged.
Vera Hughes presented the 2019 Treasurer’s Annual Financial Report.
Mona Mcgee gave the 2019 Secretary Report.
Committee Annual Chair Reports for 2019: Agriculture Report:
Patricia Keenan Adank reported. There was no fair book printed this year.
19 people attended a workshop on egg decorating in February 2020.
Education & Personal Development: Sui Min Jim was absent, so report was read by Cindy Jackson.
County Bursaries for the high school level went to Paige Frost and Riley Keenan.
Health and Community Living: Report was given by Matty Banfill.
Publicity: Report was given by Mona Mcgee.
Sunshine: Jean Storry sent out 18 cards since the last County Meeting.
Motion: Motion made that all reports be adopted as read.
Moved by: Matty Banfill
Seconded by: Alice Weare
A short break was supplied by Richmond Group ‘92.
A drawing was held. Winners were: Shirley Beasley; Mona Mcgee; Joyce Cinnamon; Elizabeth Mastine and Alice Weare.
Motion: A motion was made to waive the Election of Officers for this year (2020/21).
Moved by: Muriel Duffy
Seconded by: Matty Banfill
Current slate of officers will stay the same.
New Business
Patricia Keenan showed a panel that was made with the County name and all branches listed on it. It is very heavy and bulky. It was decided to make it smaller which will also make it easier to store. Patricia Keenan with the help of Matty Banfill will take care of it.
This year will be Gore W.I.’S 100th Anniversary.
A discussion was held concerning the low numbers of members in the branch groups. Changes need to come. Each branch is to discuss what options are available and bring their ideas to the County Meeting.
The W.I. program booklet made for 2020/21 will be used this year. A new one will not be made.
Interbranch Competition for 2021 will also remain as for 2020. This will be a decorated egg - any size and made from any material.
Motion: A motion was made to keep W.I. booklet and Interbranch Competition as is for 2021.
Moved by: Marjorie Dunlavey
Seconded by: Shirley Beasley
Branch Duties in the booklet will remain the same for 2021.
Motion: It was moved to keep duties as is for 2021.
Moved by: Marjorie Dunlavey
Seconded by: Patricia Keenan
The annual county meeting will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Church. We will hope for a beautiful sunny day.
As there was no further business, Cindy Jackson adjourned the meeting at 11:25 a.m.