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Cross Country Calendar Bellhuven Wl, York North Bluewater WI, Grey North The Bluewarer WI held a Strawberry Tea, inviting five nearby Branches and mem- bers ofthe surrounding communities. Grey County Archivist Paul White spoke to the group about the history of the three local townships. He also recognized the W] for their tremendous efforts in compiling Tweedsmuir Histories. noting that 26 books were already stored in the archives. Branch President Lois Urstadt spoke about the origins of Tweedsmuir books and the achievements of the WI. Nelson WI, Halton A $700 donation from the proceeds of an Annual Spring Lunch and Dessert Euchre and a bake sale were presented to the Rotary Club ofBurlington for the building of the Burlington Hospice A time capsule from the Nelson WI, along with others, will be placed in a cairn at the Joseph Brant Museum in Burlington. Winterbourne WI, Waterloo Winterbourne WI members recently hon- oured Ruth Aberle for her many years as Branch Secretary. Branch member Janny Swijlers presented Ruth with a copy of Chic/ten Saupfar the Soul. Cherry Valley WI, Prince Edward This Branch organized the “Big Debate" on genetically modified foods (GMOS). They invited Dr. Ann Clark and Dr. David Hume from the University of Guelph to discuss this controversial topic at the comâ€" munity centre in Picton. More than 300 people attended, including organic and non-organic farmers. naturalists and mem» bers of the general public keen to find out more information on the subject. The local newspapers and a cable company covered the event. The group charged $2 for admis- sion to cover the cost of the hall. Branches in the District and local businesses proâ€" vided baked goods and refreshments. And area organizations and individuals made donations to cover the speaker‘s expenses. The group is working on a follow-up reso- lution. 14 Home 5. Country, Fall 2000 Burgoyne Wl, Bruce Centre This Branch enjoyed doing the "Fun 31» Day Fundraising Idea" that appeared on page 12 of the Summer 2000 Home & Couriton They collected $97.13 and donated the money to Walkerton's Emer- gency Fund. "Snowbirds" The fourth annual meeting of the “Snow- birds" was held at the Sun and Fun Resort in Sarasota. Florida, in February. This gathering of WI members vacationing in the sunny south was attended by 35 people. including husbands and guests. The guest speaker was a member of the WI of Nova Scotia. Mono Rood Wl, Peel North Mono Road W1 presented a new education award » The Most Improved Student. with a focus on Special Education â€" to Caledon East Public School student Lisa James. Second line ol Drummond WI, lunork South The Second Line of Drummond WI, in coop- eration with EcoPerth, participated in a program to re-green the Second Line as part of local millennium celebrations. Last May, over 400 sugar maple, spruce, ash, pine and birch seedlings were distributed to residents of the Second Line for planting along the roadside. Original settlers planted sugar ma- ples, but they have declined over the years from road widening and the 19981ce Storm. It is hoped that the new seedlings will flour- ish and restore the beauty of the Second Line. Submitted by Shellee Evans, PHD. Second Line at Drummond WI, Ianark Soulh. Belha ven WI is proud to announce that five of their members were recipients of the Ontario VolunteerAwards. These five ladies total over 100 years of WI service. A letter, certificate and pin were presented to each of them at a special awards ceremony in Aurora. From left to right are David Tabuchi - MPP for Markham, Julia Munro â€" MPP for Durham-York, Phyllis Yorke (12 year WI member), Helen Pegg (35 year member), June Fairbarn (20 year member), Edna May (Byearmember), Ruth Mundy (25 year mem- ber) and Frank Klees â€" MPP for Oakridges. Submitted by DBDl Johnson. PRO, Belhavon Wt. York North Highgute Wl, Kent Members of the Highgate WI planted an oak tree at the Orford Central School in Chatham during Education Week to recognize long- time members Margaret Fenton (seated left) and Doris Ford (seated centre). In 1937 both women were members of the Muirkirk Wl, which planted an oak at the Muirkirk School. This oak originated from an acorn from the Buckingham Palace grounds. The oak grew, but was eventually cut down. When the Muirkirk WI disbanded, the two ladies jo ined the Highgate Branch. Members thought it fitting to honour them in this way, as well as carry on a tradition. Submlttad by Isabella Lelhhridge. PHD. H'tgngate wr, Kent .