Spring is the traditional time for a Women's Institute conference in the Kettle River District, which encompasses branches from Rock Creek, Beaverdell, Bridesville and Grand Forks. This year it was Sunshine Valley turn in Grand Forks.
The theme for the day was "Put Your Best Face Forward.”
Nancy Podmorow, beauty consultant for Mary Kay products, had an information table and was guest speaker in the afternoon.
Over 30 Women’s Institute (WI) members from the four branches and guests from Arden, Washington met in the Baptist Church Hall on Wednesday, April 22, decorated with spring flowers and WI posters and information.
Entries for four competitions were judged by People’s Choice with the winners going on to the provincial level for further judging. The popular “branch five item display” of members’ handicrafts showed how talented the ladies are.
Other sales tables offered plants, books and a silent auction, which were popular over lunch break.
The business meeting was conducted efficiently by District President Norma Tilgner of Rock Creek and included five-minute reports by each branch and the president's report, which confirmed all WI's are busy "for home and country" in various ways.
Life members were recognized, and service awards presented to Delores McNee and Ella Thate.
The board for 2015-16 were installed and sworn in as follows: president Marie Bourgh, Bridesville WI; directors Lynn McKillican of Main River WI, Marje Robishaund of Bridesville WI, Brenda Schmaltz of Rock Creek WI and Eloise Kingswood of Sunshine Valley WI. Secretary is Sharon Funnell and treasurer Ruth Champagne were re-appointed.
As Womem's Institutes are part of the Associated Country Women of the World, we support their projects, and passed a Loonie bowl around for donations to them.
Sunslline Valley Wl members provided a noon luncheon with lots of choices both for savory and sweet foods. Each table setting had a small cosmetic travel bag, made by a SVWI member, with a sample Mary Kay product inside.
Nancy Podmorow gave an interesting talk about the philosophy of Mary Kay Ash, founder of a very successful business and charitable foundation.
Next year the spring conforence will be held in Bridesville.