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BETWEEN THE LINES Mrs. Keith erpleh President Federated Women ‘s Institutes of Ontario As the new year 1981 unfolds across our vast province, may peace good health and joy be yours throughout the coming year. It is a wellâ€"known fact that each year brings forth new challenges. but also the hope for a better to-morrow. These few lines help to express the thoughts of “A New Year". Here‘s a clean year. a white year. Reach your hand and take it. You are the builder And no one else can make it. See what it is that waits herc Whole and new; It‘s not a year only But a world for you! Let us build for a better to-morrow. resolve to continue to make our community a better place in which to live and encourage our members to be responsible citizens. Following your Branch annual meetings. your pro- gram committee will be busy making plans for the coming year. You have already been alerted to the fact that 1981 is "The international Year of the Disabled Persons." it is therefore. fitting that Women's Institute members should centre their thoughts and actions around a centrai theme. Your Provincial Board decided at the annual meeting that the 1981 Project for the Women‘s Institute should be: Working Toward “Barri- er-Free Communities for Disabled Persons Across On- tario.“ It is a well-known fact that many disabled or handicapped citizens are denied full use of public facilities due to physical barriers. You are encouraged to make a survey of your community in respect to transportation, employment and recreational opportuni- ties for physically disabled people, Remember. action begins with you! Follow up your survey with a published report and suggestions to remedy the need that exists for the one out of seven people handicapped. Plans are underway for the 33rd Annual Officers‘ Conference. Discussion group leaders from all across Ontario are making preparations for this year's Confer- ence. it will be a time of beneficial instruction for all who attend. with the hope that leaders will be developed for the future well-being of our organization. This new year marks the start of a new beginning in my life as 1 commence to serve my first year as your Provincial President. "Thank you“ for giving me this great privilege and honor I will endeavor to carry out my duties to the best of my ability. My most sincere 4 thanks to thosc who sent congratulatory message” phone or mail, and to. those who have offered theilr services and pledged their support. Your best wishes and kindnesses have been overwhelming. I am indeed pleased to bring this great honor to Elgin County and London Area. Early in December I had the opportunity of meeting many Women‘s Institute members at “The ire". This was a special occasion when members visited th._. to see the traditional Christmas decorations. \«mlmm fashion. As the guests stepped into the pioneer niche" they were greeted with the aroma of fresh]: baked bread and an offer to sample this delicacy. Th. tum“ table was laden with an impressive display DI Grimm delights, The mincemeat pie. dundee cake, :Hmbl'c cookies, turkish delight, a bowl or English _ mm. . another bowl filled with cranberries and a i Stags pitcher filled with maple syrup, were a luv. tithe samples on view. The Parlor looked magnificent. Garlands 1 1L- Ur cedar and entwined with popped corn and er. writs framed the doorways and bay window. The in mm] Kissing Ball, forerunner of the Christmas TIA hung from the centre of the bay window. The par. Mme centrepiece was made of cedar. pine cones illll nnu- ture feathered birds. The world renowned Constitution Table in th 'llng» room featured an apple pyramid with sticks 0ft man and a few sprigs of cedar. This work of art med under the beautiful crystal chandelier. As the guests arrived at the Drive House. 1. were treated to a cookie and a drink of hot mulled L“ The ceiling high cedar tree was bedecked with I ttllh. white crotched stars and slender whirling mirr- luth wrapped parcels tied with ribbon could be so win the tree. Demonstrations by ladies dressed in old t ilflcd gowns upstairs in the Drive House and al:« the Home, included spinning. china painting and l :mus other handicrafts. The two busy memorable days I spent at “i luv" certainly put me in the mood to prepare for sold fashioned Christmas at my home in the country Now that we have stepped into this New Ye -.'1 us remember that “the measure of life is not in its mm but its donation." What are you as a Women‘s mule member willing to contribute to family. can inllt‘ Branch, District and Area in the days ahead'.] The Door of Happiness by Virginia Oliver 3”“ advice. I stood at the door of happiness And flung it open wide, For I wished to have the chance to see Just what might be inside. And there I learned a lesson rare That meant a lot to me, Because I found how really happy Folks everywhere can be. Doing all that we can for others. The little deeds that show Our thoughts of love and of kindness As through the world we go. gamut x0, .Zu/Aizfzé/é