Celebrating 105 years of IODE’s good work in Norwood
Mayor calls members of the women’s group ‘heroes without capes’
The Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire or simply the Norwood IODE is celebrating 105 years of service both in the community and indeed worldwide. A special anniversary “High Tea” was held on September 23 at the village Community Centre in honour of their impressive milestone.
Current IODE Regent (president) Lisa Cossar introduced a number of guests which included many past members, past regents, the national regent as well as several members of other local chapters. Several local organizations brought greetings and good wishes including the Norwood Lions Club and the Ministerial Foodbank, Members of the Norwood Lioness Club also expressed best wishes with a donation to the chapter while members of the Norwood Legion Branch 300 Ladies Auxiliary made a donation to Hospice Norwood on behalf of the IODE.
Asphodel Norwood Mayor Terry Low congratulated the chapter calling them heroes without capes as one need only look around not just Norwood but neighbouring communities as well to see the amazing contributions that the IODE has contributed over their 105 years.
Lisa closed the afternoon’s festivities with thanks to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Norwood for preparing the afternoons refreshments and hoped that any of the non-members in the crowd might consider becoming one by joining a great group of ladies.
The Norwood chapter was formed in 1913 after Colonel Richard E. Birdsall made a suggestion to his wife that a local IODE chapter would be a good idea as it would assist in the recruiting for the 40th Northumberland Regiment; on May 10, 1913 a number of Norwood ladies met for the purpose of organizing the Norwood chapter of the IODE. One month later on June 11, 1913 the Norwood IODE received their charter.
The name 40th Northumberland Regiment Chapter was chosen in honour of the same named local military regiment. (The 40th Northumberland Regiment was amalgamated in 1954 with The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.) From the beginning the IODE’s mandate has been to provide loyal support to Canadian soldiers at home and abroad as well as support worthy local and community projects.
Many organizations and projects have been and many continue to be the recipients of the IODE’s generosity, they include minor sports, the Figure Skating Club, Area Shuts-in, Norwood’s two elementary schools, hospitals in Campbellford and Peterborough, Palliative care, the Norwood library, Community Care, Five Counties Children’s Centre, the fire department and the Santa Claus parade, the Royal Canadian Legion, Norwood Fair, PARD, the food bank and men and women’s shelters, plus Academic Achievement awards at the local schools and more.
If you would like information on membership in this vibrant and active women’s organization; contact Lisa at 705-639-1223
Community Coffee Hour
The popular Community Coffee Hour returns on Saturday at the Asphodel Norwood Community Centre, 88 Alma St. beginning at 9 a.m. Please come and enjoy an hour or so of fellowship with an uplifting message, good music and tasty goodies, there will also be a silent auction to bid on with the proceeds going to help struggling families at Christmas time. Donations always gratefully accepted. The Coffee Hour is open to all and everyone will be welcomed.
For details or for more information call Annalene Miles at 705-639-2093.