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to By Arthena Hecker What an experience! It was an honour and a privilege to be Ontario's representative at the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) 22nd Triennial Conference held in Pretoria, South Africa. In total, Canada was repre sented by sixty-nine participants. Three hundred and eightyâ€"one new member so- cieties joined ACWW. Two are from Ontario; Eastern Areajoined as a Category II member (one vote) and the Arkell WI joined as a Category IV member (no vote). Congratulations! Our new Area President for Canada to ACWW is Elizabeth Rushton from Alberta. Our best wishes to her as she ac- cepts this demanding and important post in ACWW. A special thank you to Peggy ‘(napp for her dedication and work repre- enting Canada at ACWW during her two terms. Congratulations are extended to Excellence in Agriculture Award Have you ever attended the Royal Agricultural Winler Fair (RAWF)? Have you attended a Women's Day Luncheon and met people from across Canada? Have you sat at the Horse Show and watched the spotlight focus on our “Women of Excellence?" It" the answer is “no,” now is the time to plan to join us in November to share this experience. The Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario Award recognizes the excellence and contributions of women in all facets ofthe Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Criteria for selection: I open to women who are Canadian citizens currently residing in Canada Caring (8’2 Sharing Margaret Munro for her reelection as Treasurer and to Charlotte Johnson as a member of the Projects Committee. Water For All and Women Feed the World are two of ACWW’s projects. I en» Courage you and your Branch to support these projects to the best of your ability. Women are the water bearers, the wood gatherers and gardeners. When you actue ally see women carrying large plastic cans of water on their heads or trudging home with wood strapped on their backs. it truly brings home how very fortunate women are in Canada. We have a chance at educaâ€" tion and dignity; most of our sisters in the world do not. Help by contributing to Water for All and Women Feed the World ifyou are able. Donations should be sent to the FWIO Provincial Office for forwarding to ACWW. It was a time of learning and reflection '1 currently or previously involved in agriculture at the RAWF l a letter of recommendation not to exceed 500 words (be specific) to be submitted by the nominator I three references The deadline is September I, 1998. Nominations should be sent to: “Excellence in Agriculture Award." c/o FWIO. 7382 Wellington Rd. 30, RR 5. Guelph ON N [H 612. Presentations will be made at the Women's Day Luncheon and the evening Horse l'Show at the Royal on November 6, I998. from the opening ceremonies to the closing of the ACWW Conference. The next Triennial Conference will be held in Ham- ilton. Ontario. Iencourage you to start now to plan and save and attend. Yes. it costs money to attend, but what an opportunity to learn and hear what is happening around the world with your organization. It is your organization. Without your Pennies for Friendship and your donations. it would not be possible. Here at home, work continues on the restructuring of and a business plan for the organization. Meetings are ongoing at Stoney Creek regarding the widening of the road in front of the Erland Lee (Museum) Home. Budgets are being looked at and plans are being made for 1999. The figures are in for E997 v our membership stands at 12.227. Unfortu- nately. JWIO has voted to disband. Fortunately. some of their Branch mem» bers arejoining FWIO. We feel sorrow at the loss oi‘JWIO. but extend a warm wel- come to each person and/or Branch. Arthena Hecker is the Presrdent of the Federated Women’s institutes of Ontario she can be reached at RR 1, Richard: Landing ON FOR 110, Phone. (705)246-2377, Fax‘ f705)246~l'236. FWIO Areu Convention Dates, I998 ' Northwestern. . . . . . Sept. 21-22 Visions North . . . . . Sept. 25â€"27 Grey-Bruce . . . . . . , . . . . Oct. 6 Guelph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 7-8 Simone. . . . . . . . Oct. 14 V'TrentValley'......... Oct.15 . . . . . . . . . Oct. 16 H Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 26 j " outhwestern . . . . . . . . . Oct. 28, Home 1. Country, Summer '98 3