LoW W.I. sewing crafts and making lefse for Nov. sale

Submitted by
Ruth Brett

Lake of the Woods (Bergland) Women’s Institute met on October 14th with seven members present. President Ellen Chojko-Bolec called the meeting to order with the W.I. ode and roll call “What are you thankful for?”
Members heard from the TOY (Thinking of you) Committee of cards sent out and visits made.
Ruth Brett reported that the W.I. Museum is now closed for the season. They have had a busy summer setting up displays and theme rooms in all three buildings with thanks for their hard work going to volunteer Curator Sheri Stamarski and her summer students and, when a strong arm was needed, with the help of Jan van Rozen.
The Children’s programs, Summer Pie Social, and the Fall Fair booth were successful events over the summer.
The Museum’s annual Fall Luncheon will be held at the United Church in Emo on Oct.23rd from 11am to 1:30 pm featuring a good hot lunch of homemade soups and sandwiches. There will be bake and craft sale tables as well.
Ellen reported on the Area Convention held in Rainy River. The exciting news is that the Genealogical Society of Ontario has offered to help preserve the W.I. Tweedsmuir Histories.
And not so exciting is the fact that FWIO head office finds it necessary to increase membership fees in 2010.
The Canada Comforts Society is doing great work sending clothes, badly needed by children, to many countries of the world.
The Branch hosted a Swedish Embroidery class in Oct. and a card making workshop will be held at the Bergland School on November 7th 9:30 am to 3 p.m. Carolyn Kreger is the contact for the Nov. workshop.
The annual Octoberfest Supper will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24th at the Bergland Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. The menu includes hot German Potato salad, bratwurst, ham, red cabbage, sauerkraut, fresh green salad, beet pickles and apple desserts.
Annual donations have been made to the Pumpkin Festival and for the Remembrance Day Wreath. Members voted unanimously to send money for the Ultrasound campaign in Rainy River.
Future plans for the Branch include sewing crafts and making lefse for the craft sale in November, preparing gift bags for the seniors and the school children and continuing with workshops and sewing sessions at the school over the winter. They will support the Canada Comforts by knitting baby toques, making bibs and little dresses.
The door prize was won by Linda Kreger. The members enjoyed a good visit and lunch served by hostess Ellen.
The next meeting will be held at the home of Karen Sepers on November 10th.