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On Your Behalf By Dianne Orr I t was a proud moment for me on January 15. 2002, at the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) Provincial Annual Meeting in Barrie when Christine Reaburn handed over the President's Badge and gavel. The support of the Provincial Board Directors. Advisory Councillors and members has been of great assistance as I begin my twoâ€"year term as your Provincial President. Education CoordinatorJoan King andthe Education Committee have created excitâ€" ing program ideas (see Home & Country. Winter 200 l 4002. pp. 849) for members as they strive to support all aspects of ROSE â€" rural ontario sharing education. She is counting on all members to do their part and to share these ideas with their commu- .nities. Membership Coordinator Cindy Lockhart is full of energy and enthusiasm as she works to show other women the benefits of belonging to the Women’s In- stitute (WI). There is no doubt our organization will continue to grow. Equally important is our Tweedsmuir Co- ordinator who works to record provincial events and our Lobbying Coordinator who processes resolutions and directs them to the most effective avenues. The FWIO Conference is in Sault Ste. Marie this June. The Conference Commitv tee has created an exciting program with speakers. workshops and entertainment for all to enjoy. I look forward to meeting you for a time of fellowship. fun and learning. I anticipate a large attendance. See you there! My Sears Spring and Summer Catalogue arrived before Christmas. Two weeks later the first seed catalogue was in my mailbox. These things remind me of the fact that although many changes have occurred in our organization in recent years, the cycle of nature remains the same. Spring brings forth renewal and growth - a renewal and growth of plants and animals and also of our human spirit. What is more beautiful than the country- side full of beaming sunshine. colourful spring flowers and the fragrance of lilacs? We need to pause in our busy lives to appreciate this view. and the many things we take for granted, such as safe and healthy food. our homes and the friendship of our WI sisters. Take time to be grateful and pray for those millions of people around the world who do not have the basic necessities of life. You can help by supporting the special projects of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) by donating to Pennies for Friendship. With yourcontinued trust and support the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario will continue to grow and to flourish. Forever friends in WI On your behalf Dianne Orr. PresidenL FWIO Dianne Orr IS the President of the Federated Women's Institutes oI‘Ontario, She can be reached at RR 1, Conn 0N NOG 7N0, Phone 519-848A5440, Fax: 519-846-3475, Email: ornvay@freespace.net Excellence in Agriculture Award I n November 2001. in partnership with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) presented their Excellence in Agriculture Award. The RAWF Committee is responsible for selecting a woman who is a Canadian citizen residing in Canada and who has contributed to the Royal in an outstanding manner over a period of time. Jane Whaley. Communications Coordi- nator for Holstein Canada (right). was the recipient of the Award last November. FWIO President Christine Reaburn (cen- tre) and Vice President ofthe Royal Donald Rickard (not shown) presented the Award to Jane during the evening Horse Show. From Mount Hope. Ontario, Jane grew up on a dairy farm and was active in both 4-H and Junior Farmers. Over the years. she won many awards for Showmanship and judging. After having taught with the Hamilton Board of Education for five years. Jane accepted a position with Holstein Canada in 1976. As Communications Coordinator for Holstein Canada. Jane also compiles and edits Info Holstein. a bi~monthly publica» tion. which has been honoured with six consecutive APEX Awards for excellence. Jane also acts as secretary and plays an active role in the association‘s show comâ€" mittee. That puts her in the forefront for managing Canada's National Holstein Show at the Royal. As well. she organizes the President's Cup Showmanship Competition for youth. Whaley sits on the Dairy Cattle Commit- tee at the Royal and has been particularly keen in keeping the Royal interests rooted in agriculture, She was partly responsible for naming a show committee. which inâ€" cludes exhibitors from across the country who advise the association and the Royal on how to have a better show. Jane is a current member of the Agricultural Administrative Committee, which dcvel~ ops policies for the Royal. Home 8. Country, Spring 2002 3