OUR BRANCH

The 1967 Centennial Parade in Stella

Our branch is one of the oldest in the federation. It was formed in November of the year 1900 and by May of the following year membership was 60, with Mrs. Duncan (Elizabeth) McDonald presiding. Some of her descendants still live on the island. It isn't surprising then that one of the biggest projects we've undertaken recently was a wonderful party/open house, held in November 2000, celebrating our 100th anniversary. We received greetings from the Prime Minister and the Premier, as well as from many others, both important folks and good friends, and the turnout at our party was just great - men, women and children from our community and from the mainland. We had a wonderful time. And we felt appreciated and renewed.

Canada Day 2001 Parade in Stella

OUR ISLAND

Our island is just a short ferry ride from Millhaven, Ontario. Historically it has been a farming and fishing community, and while we now number among us many retirees "from away", there is still considerable farming of livestock - sheep and cattle. Our year-round population is about 400 humans and many more livestock. The island is well known among birders for providing for viewing an array of owls and other interesting feathered creatures. And cyclists love to visit too.

In the village of Stella a number of services are offered to visitors, including an interesting General Store, a branch of the public library, a tea room and in summer, boat dock facilities, a restaurant, and a very interesting art and craft shop called the Weasel and Easel.

WHAT WE DO

At present, the WI branch here has over 20 members; meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month. Location of meetings is often in a member's home, the Presbyterian Church Hall or the school gym.

Our 100th Anniversary Celebration	Island Market
Book Sale	Planting Flowers at the Ferry Dock

AMONG OUR RECENT SUCCESSES:

• Running a refreshment stand each Saturday this summer at the Island Market.
• Bake Sales held the Friday afternoon before long weekends in summer, near the ferry dock; we're often sold out in 15 minutes!
• Preparation of an attractive and most useful phone directory with road addresses of islanders.
• Regular donations and various forms of encouragement and support to our young people in the 4-H club and in our school.
• Provision of meeting programs several times a year which are directed toward the interests of the community as a whole.
• Restoring the stone fences at Pentland Cemetery as well as a large private fence on the Second Concession - This project continues in 2006.

LATEST UPDATE

At the Annual Meeting in April, a new executive was elected for the current year, 2006-2007.

President - Jackie Sylvester

Vice Presidents - Kirsten Bennick and Claire Jenny

Treasurer is Stephanie Boissonneault

Secretaries - Nancy Henshaw and Mary Kay Steel

A few highlights from this year's program:

• July 2006 - "Children's Books" with Margaret Maloney
• August 2006 - An outing to the Picton W.I. Craft Fair
• September 2006 - "Photography" with Brian Little
• December 2006 - Annual Christmas Party for Seniors

2006 CALENDAR:

Island artists will graciously contributed their visions for this fabulous Island Sights calendar.
Our calendar will have it all;

• Island Art
• Community events and meetings
• Moon phases and best meteor shower view days
• Space for your daily appointments
• Holidays
• Island Residents' Birthdays

ORDER NOW: Last year the calendar sold out quickly! Call Jackie at 389-1320 or Kirsten at 389-0636

RESTORATION OF AMHERST ISLAND STONE FENCES

In the summer of 2004 the W.I. spearheaded a committee to start restoration of the "Irish" dry stone fences on our Island. A stone mason was hired through funds from The Community Foundation of Greater Kingston and the Amherst Island Woman's Institute. Twenty-four community volunteers were taught the basics of restoration and 300 feet were restored on the west and north walls of Pentland Cemetery. The enthusiasm of the group promoted the additional completion of 100 feet on the Emerald 40 Foot at the Second Concession Road on the Hitchins farm.

This summer there is more work in progress at the Pentland Cemetery which required stone to be brought to the site.

The goal is to preserve the unique stone fences for future generations. Our gift to the community by community members.

OUR INVITATION

To non-members: we welcome enquiries about our programs, and visitors to our branch meetings and to our island.

To everyone: this web page will be updated regularly so "keyboard" in often. Look for important announcements re upcoming meetings and other events.

Here are some links that you may also find interesting:

• www.fwio.on.ca
• www.womenshealthmatters.ca

If you wish to come as a guest, or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Branch Secretary, Mary Kay Steel at 613 634-9772 or by email at marykay.steel@sympatico.ca.