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North Tarentorus WI On October 18, 2011, Members and guests of North Tarentorus WI (North Central Area) visited the Martel Alpaca Farm north of Bruce Mines. Over 100 alpacas of all sizes and colours entertained the group with theirfriendly, funny ways. Back in the barn, the owner explained the shirring process and demonstrated the art of separating fibre according to colour, length and quality. In the farmhouse, participants viewed and purchased the many attractive and varied alpaca fibre products. It was a fun and informative day on the farm! Pictured above: North Tarentorus WI Member, Ingrid Schmidt, looks at a variety ofalpacas, Beamsville WI Every February, BeamsvilleWI (Hamilton Area) holds a Craft Day (ROSE Session) during WI Week to commemorate the founding of the Women’s Institute. Last year, Members and guests were shown how to stitch together squares of a quilt and, this year, the Branch and community members joined together once again, learning how to tie surgical knots. On this day, they finished the tying stage oftheir quilt. It will soon be completed, with the intention of donating it to an injured soldier through the organization, Quilts ofValour. The names of those who have worked on it are noted on a piece sewn onto the back ofthe quilt. Gowanstown Peace WI Gowanstown Peace Women’s Institute (Guelph Area) held a ROSE Session in October with a guest speaker from CNIB. She spoke about the work done by the organization, common vision problems and how they can help clients. She also demonstrated many aids that are available. A time for questions and interaction with the guest speaker followed. Kim Lown/ of Listowel entertained the Branch, singing two songs accompanied with her autoâ€" harp. Kim, who is blind, was thanked by Ruth Nuhn and was presented with a gift. Diane Bender recognized International Day of Rural Women. Since the "World Conference on Womâ€" en” in Beijing, China in 1995, every October 15th the Branch recognizes the critical role and contribution of rural and inâ€" digenous women in enhancing agriculture and rural developâ€" ment, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty. Thirty volunteer hours were devoted to this ROSE Session. Pictured above: There were 9 WI Members and ii noneMembers present at this ROSE Session, Pictured above: {LR} tying the quilt, are Anne Stolys, Barbara Stones, Virginia Blackman, Margaret Romagnoli and Swadesh Sachdeva. mm w image