​Bervie Women’s Institute holds annual general meeting

The Bervie Women’s Institute met at the Bervie United Church, Wednesday morning.

President Bev Berndt opened the meeting with the usual openings and land acknowledgement. Twelve members answered the Roll Call with a joke or poem and payment of their annual membership dues.

President Bev thanked Betty Jean White and Diane Wilson for preparing the program booklets for the coming year. Betty Jean read the minutes of the last meeting and Islay Eby gave the treasurer’s report. Ellen Waye reported that she had finished two Tweedsmuir books and started two more. She also mentioned that local branches can purchase a small metal sign for $25 that will be attached to the stump of a tree at the Erland Lee Museum at Stoney Creek. The Bervie W.I. will purchase one.

Ellen and Islay reported on the recent District Directors’ meeting held in Chesley. Sandra MacDonald gave the Sunshine Report. A donation will be made to Kurt and Courtney Cooper and family who recently lost their home to fire on the Northline. A donation will also be made to Global Medic, to assist those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.

A phone call was made to member Elsie Schular, advising her that she is now a W.I. honourary member and enabling her to say hello to everyone.

The plant sale will be held May 17, from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Bervie Church.

The regular meeting was adjourned and the annual general meeting started. Betty Jean was appointed secretary and read the minutes of the last annual meeting. Islay gave the treasurer’s report. Ellen and Betty Anne Thompson had examined the books and all was in good order.

Islay gave the public relations officer (PRO) report and Sandra gave the Sunshine Report. Betty Anne gave the Advocacy Report. Ellen installed the officers for the 2025-26 year with most remaining the same as before. The Bervie W.I. bylaws were reviewed and no changes made.

Donations of $100 each will be made to the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) operating fund; Erland Lee Museum operating fund, and Lyme Disease Foundation. Our members’ collection of $190.50 will be donated to the ACWW Rural Women in Action fund. Attendance gifts were presented to Bev, Islay and Ellen.

Our secret pals were revealed and donations made to the Kincardine Food Bank in lieu of a gift. New secret pal names were distributed by convener Brenda Ramsdale.

The meeting closed with the Institute grace and The King.

A lovely potluck lunch was enjoyed by all. The ladies had to scrape the ice off their cars before returning home – will this winter ever end?!