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I Wat is the meaning of ROSE? The d ictionary defines itas “a flower" and the “past mm: of rise," But to Women‘s Institute (WI) members. it also means “rural ontario sharing education." This “flower” of ours has given WI members across Ontario 3 common bond. ROSE has been working to help and in- form family, friends and neighbours about health concerns and issues. When it comes to health. it is better to be proactive. than reactive. And by being active in the ROSE Health Program. you are accomplishing this. I commend the many Branches and Districts that have held two. three. four and more ROSE sessions. Portable displays have been given to each Provincial Advisory Councillor (PAC) in an effort to help advertise the ROSE Health Program, If you wish to use these displays at a WI function. contact your PAC. The display consists of an in- .)rmative display board. which can be free i anding or wall mounted. The display can also be set up using our ROSE pamphlets, promotional items from our health partners or other pertinent information. Are you bound to using our current Health Partners in your ROSE sessions? The answer is “no.” Although it would be courteous to cover our Health Partners. there are many health related topics be- yond their interests. Pick a topic that is of major concern to your target group. Other topics may include information on Heart and Stroke, diabetes (adult or juvenile). elder abuse. helping the caregiver. proâ€" grams for new mothers or keeping yourself safe when at home or traveling. The listcan go on indefinitely. Your needs and imagiâ€" nation are the parameters! If you have access to a computer. check out this informative website: www.womenshealthmattersca and in French at wwwfemmesensanteca Computers can access a wealth of infor- ation. It is through the computer that that organizations are learning about the rural ontario sharing education kOR WOMEN Women‘s institute â€" who we are and what we are doing. The Ontario Women's Health Council l0\VHCl has recently funded initiatives to assist in the prevention. diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. The OWHC has awarded $1 million to the University of Western Ontario to establish an endowed Chair in Rural Women‘s Health. Matching funds from the University brings the in- vestment in this initiative to $2 million. This newly established Chair in Rural Women‘s Health is another avenue to help rural women voice their special issues. The ROSE Health Program is flourish- ing. Keep up the good work! Be proud of yourselves for helping educate your family. friends and community, as well as promoting the Women's Institute. One last note. please send your ROSE Health Session reports to the Provincial Office so they can be recorded. Gail Murdock is the Interim ROSE Health Program Coordinator She can be reached at RR 7, Richard: Landing ON FOR 110, Email- 9. r murdock@rympati<o.ca Leone Faerter, Provincial Advisory Councillor for Subdivision 10, is shown with the new portable HOSE Health display. life Member Anna Allen Rides Wheelchair to Meetings In nice weather. Anna Alien can be seen traveling to Frankviili;I WI meetings in her motorized wheelchair. accompanied by friend and Branch President Margaret Barnett. In good weather. meetings are held at a nearby member‘s home. When the weather is too wet orcold. Anna travels by car with a fellow member. or the meet- ings are held in her home. In 1979. Anna was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). At that point. Anna and her husband Seymour turned their mink ranch north of Brockville over to their youngesl son. And they builta wheel- chair iricndly bungalow nearby. Anna has raised hundreds of dollars over the years lor the Leeds 8i Grenville Chapter of the MS Society through their Super Cities Walk. Anna joined the Frankville Branch in 1950 and has rarely missed a meeting since. She has served in all capacities in the WI. some several times. including District President. and she is proud to be a Life Member. Anna remembers attend- ing Women's Institute meetings With her mother. In tact. she said itis one oi the first groups she joined when she moved to the area. “I knew I would find friends there." she said. And. for the Frankwlle WI mem- bers. that feeling is mutual. Submitted by Margaret Barnett. PrESident. Frankville WI. Leeds Home 8. Country, Spring 2002 9