Purple Grove news

Another beautiful few days after the rain this week! Our farmers will be combining the last of the soybeans and corn, so be careful on the roads again.

Monday of last week, Bruce County students were at the Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area for the Bob Aitkinson Memorial Track and Field meet. Congratulations to the Saugeen Central students for overall points accumulated and to all the students participating and the teachers helping out at this event! Thanks also to those bus drivers who get the students to these events!

Quite a few folks have celebrated a birthday recently and we extend our best wishes to Evelyn Bradley, Marg Thompson, Jack MacDonald, Lisa Courtney, Charlie Harris, and Christine Heinisch!

The Afro Caribbean Youth Awards were held last weekend and we especially extend our congratulations to Will and Evan John for their activities and involvement in our community! It's wonderful that we can celebrate and acknowledge all these great young people in our neighbourhoods!

Our sympathy is extended to the families of Betty Ann Kirkland of Lucknow and Jim Vogan of Kincardine.

The Ripley Agricultural Society pie fund-raiser will have those pies ready for pick-up Nov. 6. Hope you got your order in!

Last weekend, Jim and Fran Farrell and most of the Logtenberg family were pleased to attend Melissa Burmaster's ordination service at the Waterloo Christian Reformed Church, Sunday! Melissa has accepted the call to be campus pastor at the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College. She has been ordained as minister of the word and installed as the campus pastor. The family also gathered for a Thanksgiving and birthday celebration at the home of Melissa and James after the service.

Thank you to the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens fund-raiser take-out meal prepared by Ainsdale Golf Course that many of us were able to enjoy Tuesday evening.

BRUCE COUNTY DISTRICT RALLY

Last Thursday, more than 30 Bruce County Women's Institute members and guests gathered at the Chepstow Community Hall for the 68th rally meeting. Coffee and muffins were welcomed on a chilly, rainy day! It was also the 60th anniversary of the Bruce County Tartan.

Host branches were Bervie, Colpoy's Bay and Eden Grove-Cargill. President Bren de Leeuw called the meeting to order with O Canada, followed by the Women's Institute Ode and Mary Stewart Collect. The theme was "Water First" and the Roll Call, "Do you get your water tested every year?" had various answers depending on the community structures and where members were living.

Colpoy's Bay branch president Tara Stanton welcomed everyone. Secretary Marion Leifso presented the minutes of the 2024 rally and treasurer Flora Becker gave the financial report. The District Fair Award was presented to Fran Farrell by Linda Tottenham on behalf of the Bruce County District and Federated Women's Institute of Ontario (FWIO). Fran was recognized for her involvement with the Ripley Agricultural Society, Roots of Bruce, Bruce County IPM 2008, Bruce County 4-H, Women's Institute and St. Andrew's United Church.

De Leeuw gave her report on activities over the past year. She is looking forward to attending more branch meetings yet before the District Annual next May. She reminded the women of the W.I. history, accomplishments and the benefits of being a member, and how we can be ambassadors and advocates for our communities. She also encouraged us in our efforts to engage and welcome any new members.

First vice-president Betty Anne Thompson introduced the guests, Grey-Bruce Area president Ellen Waye, Grey County president and Western Region FWIO board director Linda Tottenham, Grey County secretary Myrna Casemore, and Grey-Bruce Area voting delegate Alyssa Phillippi. Each brought greetings from her office and gave an updated report on upcoming activities.

Judy MacKinnon had an update on the Tweedsmuir Books and digitizing of more books of disbanded branches. Some of these books are available in communities and at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, and are an invaluable source of historical references. Bruce County Women's Institutes were the instigators and supporters of the establishment of the Bruce County Museum.

Rose Weir entertained with several musical selections on her guitar, urging the group to sing along. Thank you, Rose!

A delicious chili lunch with ice cream sundaes for dessert was enjoyed by all.

Eden Grove Cargill W.I. introduced guest speaker Teresa McDonald-Thuro, manager of development for "Water First." She explained her position as manager and the purpose of "Water First" which is the establishment, operation and maintenance of the water stations in Indigenous communities.

The organization began in Creemore in 2012. It has a training program for residents of the communities for their drinking water, environmental testing, and a school program for post-secondary students. Many of these students are now working to upgrade their credentials to work at other communities within Ontario. The majority of the funding comes from corporate donations and government grants.  Colpoy's Bay W.I. thanked Teresa for her very interesting presentation.

Bervie W.I. announced the Silent Auction items and the new owners of some beautiful chrysanthemums and a lovely china doll in her Bruce County Tartan dress that has a new home at the Treasure Chest Museum!

De Leeuw thanked all the members for their participation and attendance at this excellent day and the meeting was adjourned with the Royal Anthem.