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J“ Profile: Russett says the WI keeps a community together By Janine Roelens-Gmrtt orina Russett moved to the Stirling area in Hastings County when she was a small child. Today, Donna and her huse band Gerald run an 800 acre dairy and beef operation near Stirling with their son and daughterâ€"inâ€"law. Donna has four children - Julie, Darrell, Gloria and Holly » and eight grandchildren. “All of my children grew up with the In- stirute," remarked Donna. “The very first meeting lever went to Julie was only three weeks old. That particular meeting was at my aunt’s house. I’ve been going ever since." In November of 1991, Donna was elected President Elect of the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario. “When I went on Board in the fall of ’89,” she said, “it never even crossed my mind that I would go on." Donna has over thirty years of Women's Institute work under her belt and has held positions at all levels. “Officer’s Conferen- ces [and Leadership Training Courses].” she remarked, “wet your feet, and then you be- come interested in doing more than at the Branch level. " But it was after her term on the Executive as Eastern Regional Vice-President that she decided to let hername stand for reelection. “Participating on the Executive [is] very interesting and inspirational,” explained Donna. “You get a broader perspective working provincially. It’s educational and rewarding. You meet so many people with a common interest." And she added, “We are all fired up now about our new headquarters. If everything works out it will become a reality during my term as President. And with the preparations for the centennial celebrations, these are two pretty big endeavours to be involved in." Donna also had this to say about her invol- vement on the Executive: “It is giving me the opportunity to do a bit of travelling. And now that our son farms with us and I’m not as needed, I have more free time to do these things." This past summer, Donna attended the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference in The Hague. “When you are in an auditorium 6 Home 8x Country.WirItet 1992 “We must work to meet the needs of the current generation where 70 countries are represented," said Donna, “you really feel a part of this world organization. Especially when you see the procession of flags and your country’s is one of them." Two years ago, Donna was amongst the group who travelled to England to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Women's Inâ€" stitute in that country. While at Denman College, she participated in their courses. When she returned home, the FWIO Execuâ€" tive asked her to chair the committee to establish similar courses for Ontario mem- bers. The second year of “Personal Growth and Renewal” Courses will be offered this winter. “[PG & R] offers women a chance to get away from their mundane chores." Back home in Wellrnan’s Corners, Donna remarked, “(the WI] is the only thing left. The church is gone, the cheese factory, the school, the general store, even the Orange Lodge. W1 is the only thing left, and its important to keep a community together.” Personal Growth and Renewal Experience the fun and iellowship ol the Per- sonal Growth and Renewal Courses offered lrom February 23rd to the 26th, 1993, at the Crieff Hills Community and Conference Centre south of Guelph. Sign up for Tatting and use a shuttle and thread to construct a series of knots into deli- cate patterns for making and decorating a variety of Items. This is a practical course for beginners or those with a little knowledge of the craft. Every fall her Branch has a booth at the Charity Bazaar at the local mall in Belleville. It is a ftmdraiser and theproceeds are usually donated to community projects. But, she added, "It is more important to see how much good feeling is engendered among the members and the part the Inâ€" stitute plays in the community, than to see how much money can be raised.” At the District level, a beef barbecue ftmdraiser is held in June to celebrate WI month. “It’s good fun! And a way of reach- ing out into the community and publicizing our existence," exclaimed Donna. “I think we all have to do our share for public rela- tions.” When asked about her vision of the future of the Women's Institute, Donna responded: “We must work to meet the needs of the current generation, to encourage new members, and ensure that our goals and objectives will be realized and carried on in the future.” She concluded: “Let us look to the future with enthusiasm and advertise our Orparticipale in the Art course and study the basics of drawing and' acrylic water colour painting. Develop your powers of observation and personal expression. No prior experience is required. Formoreinformation contact Donna Russett at (613)395-5543, Maisie Lasby at (51 9)356- 4436, or Jane Croft at (416)854-2759.