Variety of projects for North River WI group

The May meeting of North River Women’s Institute was held at the Warren Grove Community Centre hosted by Sheila MacNeill and Jean Gallant.

President Faye Trowsdale presided.

The roll call was answered with toothbrushes for Mikinduri children and a suggestion for the group’s annual outing in June.

The secretary, Jo Anne Smith, was not able to attend due to illness so Dianne Callbeck read and recorded the minutes of the meeting.

Louise Mills gave the treasurer’s report, noting that bills were paid.

The sick committee also gave its report.

The WI Notes & News reminded members of the county convention for the area to be held on May 22 at North Shore Community Centre in Stanhope.

It was also decided that eight members would assist with the handcraft exhibits during Old Home Week in August at the Charlottetown Exhibition.

Thank- you cards were received from Phyllis MacFadyen and the family of Erna Younker.

Six members and two guests took part in the ACWW walk for fitness.

Three members attended the gala dinner, which was held in April.

A donation of an afghan and chair set had been given — proceeds to go to the Dialysis Unit of Prince Country Hospital.

Donations were also made to East Wiltshire and Bluefield schools as well as to the Salvation Army.

The group will also be helping students who are going to Kenya to teach women skills so they can make money to provide more help for their families.

In addition, it will be providing lunch for members of the North River Fire Department during one of their upcoming training nights.

Marguerite Yeo presented a program on gardening - Alternatives to Pesticides. Members will be taking part in the roadside clean- up on May 12.

The April meeting of the group was held at the home of Buddy and Margaret MacKinley with MacKinley in charge of program.

She introduced the guest speaker, Margaret Gallant, who gave an interesting and informative report on her motorcycle tour across the United States, into British Columbia and then home again.

After taking a motorcycle course she left home on June 8, 2011, travelled for nine weeks arriving home in the middle of August.

She used maps and pictures and told stories about memorable events.

Members were well entertained and really admire her for venturing out on such a long trip by herself — 17,500 kilometres.

The roll call for the meeting was answered with Pennies for Friendship and an Easter verse.

Donations were also made to the Lung Association and Easter Seals.

One of the group’s members, Dianne Callbeck, has entered a logo design for the Womens’ Institute centennial in 2013.

Members joined in with singing Happy Birthday to Teresa Docherty as she was presented a birthday cake by her secret pal on the occasion of her 85th birthday.

A donation will be made to the QEH Telethon, which was to be held at the end of May.

New members are always welcome to join our group.