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FWIO Provincial Conference 2002 By Lucy Konkin Approximately 250 members “came forth to the north" to attend the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) Provincial Conference held at Sault College in SaultSte. Marie from June 14 to 16. 2002. The Conference theme was “Communications - from Pony Express to Email Address." and members experienced this theme throughout the weekend's workshops. presentations and displays. Friday, June 14 The evening opened with the Parade of Flags and the singing of O‘Canada, fol- lowed by the FWlO Provincial President Dianne Orr‘s opening remarks, Sault Ste. Marie MPP Tony Wildman. Algoma MPP Mike Brown and City Council repre- sentative Pat Mick brought greetings and welcomed the W] to the Sault. Following dinner. Jody Wildman. a Municipal Councillor with expertise in mediation. alternative dispute resolution and group facilitation spoke about and provided some unique solutions to "Conflict Resolution." Saturday, June IS Professional speaker Kathy Lemieux started the day by involving the audience in her dynamic presentation on “Public Speaking." The day‘s workshops included a variety of topics. including: I Public Speaking I Computer Beginner I Computer Intermediate I Basket Making I Swedish Weaving I Creative Memories I Garden Stone Demonstration l Alternative Medicine ill Home E (ountry, Fall 2002 I MassageTherapy I Financial Planning While Conference participants were busy with their chosen workshop, theircompan- ions were on a Waterfront Touri visiting the Bush Plane Museum and riding a Lock Tour Boat. Provincial Competitions were organized with judging in May of2001 at the District Annuals and in September and October at the Area Conventions, The Conference 2002 Competition Winners are as follows: Poem on Communications 1“ e Joanne Camelon 2"d â€" Agnes Foster 3“J ~ Mary Lou Ross #4 Child's Knitted Sweater lll 7 Margaret Asbury 2"d â€" lngrit Schmidt 3'“ â€" Anne Dyas Cross Stitched Picture Ready to Hang l“ â€" Allison Kubiseski 2'“l » Helen Anderson 3m â€" Donna Russett Appliqued Quilted Wall Hanging air l‘l â€" Myrtle Reid 2"“ â€" Gail Murdock Pieced Quilted Wall Hanging 1“" Lila Smiley , . 2"‘l â€" Joyce Nelson 3”] â€" Marie Cartwright The keynote speaker at the Saturday evening banquet was Jim Cronin. an awardâ€"winning public relations profes- sional and Director of Communications with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Cronin spoke about “Market- ing the Women's Institute“ and provided numerous tips on how to get the media interested in covering your event, This was followed by a hilarious comedy show per- formed by the Goulais River Shovel Band. Sunday, June l6 The Interfaith Service led by Verna Lapish featured well-known inspirational speaker and writer Heather Ingram. FWIO President Dianne Orr. Federated Women's institutes of Canada (FWIC) President Faye Mayberry and Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) Canada Area President Elizabeth Rushton updated the audience on their respective level of the organization Hearing about the var' levels makes members aware of the scope of the organization and how they are mak- ing a difference in the lives ofwomen and families worldwide. Lucy Konki'n was the Public Relations Officer for FWlO Conference 2002. In Good Hands FWIO Board Director Ruth Crump (left) I: trying her hand at massage therapy on the shoulders at the FWIO Interim Health Coordinator Gail Murdock. Anna Morrison (right), registered therapist at Sault Cal/age, also lent a hand. Photo courtesy ol Keith Stephen. The Saul! '