District Women's Institutes holding summer celebration July 31st

By Ruth Brett
Contributor

So far, 2009 has been a busy year for the Women’s Institutes in the Rainy River District and the months ahead will be even more so.
The members of the WI branches and the Museum Board have been working at their museum, preparing the grounds and buildings for the summer visitors. Under the direction of Sheri Stamarski, director/curator, the kitchen, laundry and sewing room, parlour, bedroom/ bathroom, toolroom, School, and Chapple have come to life. Special pride has been taken with individual displays, military and sports.
A summer celebration is planned for Friday, July 31 for the Museum’s open house. From 1pm to 3pm the Women’s Institute will be serving pie and coffee and inviting everyone to visit their museum. There will, of course, be whole pies for sale - large and small - all homemade.
On Sunday, August 9 in downtown Bergland, the Lake of the Woods Women’s Institute will be hosting the Chili Cook-off (and subsequent supper) at the 6th Annual Family Fun Day. The whole day is in aid of the Canadian Cancer Society. There will be Cuts for Cancer and “Walk, Run, Ride” , and the Balloon Release all for Cancer; kids games and activities; and the Dunk Tank is back. It is rumoured that John Rafferty is bringing extra clothes with him.
There will be live entertainment all afternoon with Hwy. 621 and open mike for everyone who brings their talent with them - the more the merrier.
The WI ask that those who are entering the Chili Cook-off bring their chili pots to the cafe by 4pm for judging.
The Morson Women’s Institute plan to have a silent auction table and will be preparing a supper at the Morson Bass International to be held on August 15th weekend.
All 5 of the District WI branches will have members working at the Fall Fair in Emo on that same weekend.
The Northwestern Ontario Area Women’s Institute Convention will be held in Rainy River on
October 2nd and 3rd this year and the local WI are deep in planning for that event as well.
The District Women’s Institutes may be fewer in number now than years ago but they continue to be active and productive members of their communities.