Women’s Institute honours long-serving volunteers

Prince Edward District Women’s Institute Branch representatives Rosemary Istead, Kim Debryn, Dini Kempenaar, Mary Ellen Closson, (as president), Brenda DeCastris, Marlene Corfield and Susan Donly give the thumbs up for another successful year.

Tallying 13,653 volunteer hours by about 80 members, the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute cheered another successful year of service through their motto “For Home and Country”.

Members of the district’s six branches met in Cherry Valley for the 109th annual meeting where they also honoured long-serving members.

Doris Wright, who members noted will be 100 next year, has been a W.I. member for 68 years. Her sister-in-law, Mabel Wright, 93, (they married brothers), has been a member for 57 years.

“The two have always helped and worked hard for the Hillier W.I.,” said Marylin Rennie, who is a past president and currently secretary-treasurer. “Over the years they were always ready to help with fundraising and volunteer work.”

Demorestville honoured Peggy Allison for 65 years with the branch. She has served as president of the Prince Edward District and is well known for organizing many activities, including starting the catering for the Over 60 Senior’s Club dinners and helped get accessible transit in the County.

Wellington’s branch honoured Betty Cronk, for more than 50 years of service. A life-long Wellington resident, Betty has served in many offices, including the president’s chair.

Mountain View (amalgamated with Wellington now) honoured sisters Elda Brooks and Florence Wood for more than 50 years with the branch. Elda had been a member of the Gilberts Mills branch until it disbanded. Both held numerous positions at the branch, district and provincial levels.

“They are always there to volunteer and active in anything and everything,” said Nancy Wood.

Rednersville honoured Fay Weatherall and Marjorie Bedford for more than 50 years service. Fay has served as president, treasurer, secretary and district secretary. Marjorie has served as treasurer at the branch and at the district. The branch also honoured Linda Dulmage for 25 years with the branch. She has served as branch president and is a liaison penpal with a WI member in England.

All were noted as being strong supporters of the W.I.’s largest fundraiser, the Art and Craft Sale, which is set to celebrate its 34th year Aug., 3 at the Picton fairgrounds.

Mary Ellen Closson has just finished a two-year term as District President.

“I am so glad one of my neighbours asked me to attend a WI meeting back in 1972. Being part of this organization of women, and especially Prince Edward District Women’s Institute, is an honour. Thre seems to always be some something new to be involved in, always comeone who will step up and take on a job willingly. We enjoy that special bond and companionship of women working together for something so important as our home and our country.”

Abby Terpstra received the scholarship from WI member Barbara Foster.

Following lunch, the branch presented a $1,000 scholarship to Abby Terpstra, who will be graduating from PECI next month and heading to the University of Ottawa in its Honours Bachelor of Commerce program. She explained how the program offers study abroad and a broad range of business programs such as finance, accounting and marketing.

“I am very excited to see what the next four to five years will bring with this new chapter in my life, and I thank the Women’s Institute for being part of it by supporting me through this scholarship,” Terpstra said.

In February, the district presented $15,500 in donations to Quinte Access, PEC 4H, Splash Pad, Reaching for Rainbows, Recreation Outreach Centre, Minor Hockey, the Jake deVries museum collection, Quinte Dolphins Swim Team, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, the PEC Libraries and the 851 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.