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BRANCH PROFILE: Russell Village WI It’s hard to imagine a more active Branch than Russell Village WI! Friendship, learning and volunteerism all come naturally to these Members...and there is never a moment that isn’t FUN! Formed in 1936, Russell Village W! is one of five wonderful Branches belonging to Russell District (Eastern Area). With a current membership of 22, the Branch is always happyto welcome new Members orthose interested in attending a meeting. In fact, they say "the more the merrier!" The Branch takes part in many events year after year. Every Januan/ and July, Members host Blood Donor Clinics in Russell. About 6 Members escort blood donors to their seats, ask how they are feeling and offer them a refreshment or goodie. Members have been involved in this project for many years and they all feel ven/ good about this work. July is also a time when the Branch has their "Summer Trip Day" and by August, they are beginning to prepare for the Russell Fair. Each year, the ladies make sandwiches and pies to sell with tea and coffee at the fair. It is one oftheir many fundraisers! Another Branch project is the "Keep Russell Blooming" campaign. Over 30 hanging baskets are located around the Village core along with 13 street planters. Funds are raised to pay for the flowers and their care throughout the summer season. The Branch also sends out "Thinking of You" baskets and cards if they hear of someone who needs a little upâ€"lifting. They support a sanctuary for battered women and their children, programs such as Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity and various local initiatives as well. Lobbying, catering meals and hosting cooking classes are other interests of the Branch, but not even/one participates in each and every action or event. Members usually have their favourites, which helps to round out this special Branch. They are a great group of ladies ven/ dedicated to volunteer work â€" but most of all, they are all friends! If that isn’t enough, the Branch just launched a book in late July titled, A Snapshot of Russell 2010. Way to go! What a wonderful group of frien d5! Gathering fora special photo on the occasion of th eir 75th Anniversary, celebrated in May 20 72, are some of the Members of Russell Village WI. Back row (L-R): lna Henry, Alison Thompson, Linda Clemen t, Jean Williams, JaneAd/ard, Cherry Bekkers, Renee Gendron, Pauline Tyo, Betty Hay, Nancy Romme, Diane Wade and Eileen Hamelin. Front Row: Coby Bols, Mary Inglis {as Adelaide Hoodless), Corry I/andenhanenberg, Judi Hubbard, Shirley Van Dusen and Evelyn Ritchie. “’“fob;£fld Save the Date for the 2014 Provincial Conference! Theme: "YES WE CAN!" Wheanuly 11 â€" 13,2014 Where: Ridgetown, Ontario (University of Guelph â€" RIDGETOWN Campus) WORKSHOPS Digital Photography: learn how to get the most from your digital camera. Native Crafts: making a dream catcher* Quilting: a quilter will walk you through the process of making an item using a quilting technique* Card making: make a greeting card to take home* Floral Arrangements: you will be shown simple arrangements made with flowers from your own garden. Car Care for Women & Tai Chi *Cost of materials TBD. COM PETITIONS Essay: a 500 word essay on the theme "Yes We Can!" Miniature Quilt: no larger than 18" x 24" Greeting Cards: a display of 5 handmade greeting cards Prizes will be awarded for Ist and 2nd place with a Viewer’s Choice for each category. TourzThere will be a short Friday night tour of the University grounds at a cost of $5. Sales and Display Tables: Available at a cost of $20. Guest Speaker: Linda Ambrose will speak about her book on Madge Watt. NOTE: The registration package will be sent to all Branches and will also be available on the FWIO website. Please stay tuned for more information as other details are confirmed. ' W‘Ezhfism‘“