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Caring & Sharing .yArthena Hecker ‘ Q ' hat a wonderful day! The sun was shining and over 250 members and guests were in attendance to participate in the official launch of the Health Program. Minister of Health Elizabeth Witmer pre sented a $229,000 cheque to the Women's Institute and praised them for their past accomplishments and for taking on this important project. There was good media coverage - we made the CTV news! The TV program Town & Country was also there and will be airing their program on volunteers next year We will inform you ofthe date ofthe airing at a later time. Altogether. it was a good day for WI. Kelly Marshall, the Coordinator of the Health Program. is gathering information from the various organizations that would like to work with the Women‘s Institute. She is putting together a program that will .3 brought around the province to show now to use their available resources It is going to taketime for Kelly to get the program up and running. It will be imple- mented first in the Guelph Area. The “bugs” will get worked out during this trial run before the workshops are offered to the rest of the province Working with the Ministry ofI-Iealth and our health partners on this project is a great opportunity for Women’s Institute Not only will we be bringing important infor- mation to our communities. our reputation as progressive women will be enhanced During the planning stages of this pro- gram, it was viewed as a means to increase our membership. Will this happen? Yes! There are a lot of early retirees out there looking for an opportunity to contribute their talent and time. People want to belong to an organization that is doing something worthwhile. The Women‘s Institute has always done something worthwhile, but has refrained from bragging about it. Generally, people are unaware of what the WI has accomâ€" plished. But as the Health Program develops the WI should get lots of media coverage and. ultimately, new members. When the Health Program or PHONE- BUSTERS workshops come to your Region. don‘t miss the opportunity to par» ticipate. You. your family and your neighbours and community will be glad that you did! And what about "A Grandmother's Leg- acy?" I hope every Branch purtiupntes and honours their oldest member. This would be a great opportunity to get together with another Branch. Or get the Branches in your District together and organi/e a Tea or an Open House. Invite the media! Local newspapers like personal SIOI‘IES. Things are happening in Women's insti- tute! Exciting things! This is my lastCaring & Sharing column. Where have the two years gone‘.’ It has bcen a busy time. but a very rewarding time, I have truly enjoyed it! It has been an honour and a privilege being the President of FWIO. Thank you for your encourageman ) our goodwill and your kindness. l have such good memories! Anhena Hacker IS the outgoing Prosident of the Federated Women's Institute; of Ontario She can be reached at RR 1, Richards Landing ON FOR 110, Phone‘ (705)26672377, Fax (705)245-7236, email: Arrhema®sympaiicaca In the Name of Defense As part of its mandate toward revitalizing community spirit and working toward a healthy physical and mental environment, the Chisholm Women's institute recently sponsored a Self Defense for Women Work- Shcp. Chantal Nadan (left photo), the National Kickboxing Champion, takes Kim Chayer and her mother Valerie Chayer through basic self defense techniques. Nadon is the current Canadian, Ni: rfh Ame/l- ean and World Kickboxing Champion. Victoria Town gave it her be“ shot during the afternoon session of the self defense workshop. Gary Peever, who holds a second degree black belt in karate. was the "punch‘ ing bag" for some 40 women who signed up. The allâ€"day workshop was WEI/attended by young women and teens in the commu- nity. The Chisholm Branch was pleased with the response and interest generated for the Women‘s Institute. cerpts and photos courtesy of Ann? Taim. maguin News. .< llibmmed by Linda Ellery, PRO, Chisholm wr, Parry Sound Narrh. Home 8. Country, Fall ’99 3