News & Events

W.I.N.S. to Make and Distribute Face Masks

W.I.N.S. board has approved a motion that during this time of COVID-19 pandemic W.I.N.S. members should make masks and distribute them according to those in need.

With that in mind, the office offers this pattern that new office admin Christine MacKenzie’s mother has used to make MANY of these masks! They seem simple to make, were a great way to use up scraps of cotton that she had cluttering her home, and many family members, some of the local hospital staff, and grocery clerks have already been grateful to receive these: https://www.facebook.com/jadybabys/videos/3087758167921215/

You are encouraged to share your patterns, too!

#staysafe #COVID19

More Exciting 2019 AGM Details!

Are you excited about our 2019 AGM? You can read all about it here (as well as download the registration form). Today we have more details about some of the exciting events at this years AGM!

HANDCRAFT COMPETITION

The Handcraft Competition theme is Wall Hanging. Must not exceed 12 inches by 30 inches, and can be any material so long as it can be hung. Please note, depending on space, entries may be displayed on tables. Entry forms will be available at Annual General Meeting.

TOUCH AND TAKE

Bring a wrapped gift/bagged item with a minimum value of $5. Items will be sold for $5 with the proceeds going to defray Annual General Meeting costs.

CHARITY DONATION

Please consider bringing your Canadian Tire money and/or costume jewelry (clip on earrings) for the WI Home in New Brunswick.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The year-end Notice to Reader will be distributed prior to Annual General Meeting via e-mail only. Please provide an e-mail address when submitting your Registration Form if you wish to receive the statement for review.

SILENT AUCTION

A Silent Auction will be held at Annual General Meeting. The winners of the items will be responsible for remitting payment for any successful bids at AGM before leaving.

GUEST SPEAKER

Silent Witness Nova Scotia is a group of organizations and individuals working together to raise awareness of the realities of domestic violence. Donna MacGregor will speak about the organization and their experience as a recipient of 100 Women Who Care.

DOOR PRIZES

Annual General Meeting Planning Committee has extended a request to all other Districts to donate one door prize, valued at approximately $20.

WINS Annual General Meeting 2019

2019 Women's Institute of Nova Scotia AGM

August 7th & 8th, 2019
Nova Scotia Museum of Industry, Stellarton, Nova Scotia
Download the brochure and Registration Form here.

TENTATIVE AGENDA

(Subject to change prior to Annual General Meeting – Please check your Annual Report at AGM for Final Agenda)

August 7th – Museum of Industry

  • Early Registration – 6pm
  • Evening Entertainment – 7pm to 9pm

August 8th – Museum of Industry

  • Registration – 830am
  • Opening Ceremony – 9am
    O’Canada, Mary Stewart Collect, Flag Salute
    Introduction of Board and Guests
    Past President Recognition
    ** Business Session**
  • Guest Speaker – 1130am
  • Lunch – Noon
    (Pennies for Friendship Collection)
    **Business Session Resumes **
    Evaluation
    Closing

**Business Session items will happen in order listed below, but cannot have a specific time allotted. **

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. President’s Report
  3. Approval of Minutes of Provincial Convention 2018
  4. Financial Report
  5. Appointment of Auditor
  6. Committee Reports
  7. Resolutions
  8. Erland Lee Award
  9. FWIC Report
  10. ACWW Report
  11. Reach for the Stars Award
  12. Handcraft Award
  13. Invitation to AGM 2020
  14. Installation of 2019/20 Board of Directors

ACCOMMODATIONS

Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodations.

Holiday Inn
86 Lawrence Blvd, Stellarton
902-755-1020
Block of rooms reserved for WINS if booking by July 7th

Comfort Inn
740 Westville Rd, New Glasgow
902-755-6450

Tara Inn
917 E River Road, New Glasgow
902-752-8458

DIRECTIONS

MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY
147 N. FOORD STREET, STELLARTON

Highway 104 Westbound – From Halifax/Truro:
Take Exit 24.
Enter roundabout at end of off ramp.
Take second exit of roundabout towards North Foord Street.
Destination is on the left in approximately 170 metres.

Highway 104 – From Cape Breton/Antigonish:
Take Exit 24.
Turn right at lights at end of off ramp, merging onto North Food Street.
Enter roundabout.
Take second exit of roundabout, towards North Foord Street
Destination is on left in approximately 170 metres.

Download the brochure and Registration Form here.

WI Week 2018

February 19th marks the founding of the first Women’s Institute in Canada by Adelaide Hoodless. For 105 years, Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia has continued to provide Nova Scotia women with opportunities to improve life for families and their communities through community service and involvement, education, and personal and leadership development.

Pictou District WI recently had February 18th-24th proclaimed WI Week in Pictou County by Warden Robert Parker. Proclamation issued by Councillor Darla MacKeil (far left) and member of Caribou WI, Lyon’s Brook member Lynn MacLean – Pictou District President, Warden Robert Parker, Ruth Wortman – member of Caribou and Ruth Mackay – member of Lyon’s Brook.

Let the office know how your celebrating WI Week!

Cape Breton District’s “Rally The Troops”

After the Provincial Board meeting in October, District Director Cheryl Durham discussed with her fellow W.I. members in Cape Breton the concerns of the future of Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia (W.I.N.S.).  At the Fall District meeting, Cape Breton W.I. Branches agreed to hold a workshop on how they could grow WI.  At their workshop (pictured above) they brainstormed a number of actions that could be done locally and/or provincially.  One strategy was to have a display table at the Coxheath Market together with the Department of Agriculture.  They displayed information on W.I., had cookbooks to give away, door prizes and of course food – carrot cookies and potato/apple muffins. Pictured below are Cheryl Durham, District Director and Effie Ferguson enjoying the  Market. Pictured below  right aremembers Marilyn Singer, Pauline Singer, Gerry MacAulay, Laurie Boudreau and Cheryl Durham.

Cape Breton District at the Rally The Troops Event

Cape Breton District at the Rally The Troops Event

Another  strategy  was to arrange to have a regular column about W.I. in the free paper that is wrapped around delivered flyers in their area!  An editor of the paper met with them beforehand and gave them some valuable pointers on  newspaper journalism -how to catch the readers’ interest, etc. and now each Branch in their  District is taking turns on a rotational basis to write about W.I. and what their Branches are doing.  The first article was published in early January and they are already seeing the results:  There have been enquiries about joining existing branches and even interest in forming a new branch.

If you are  interested in learning more about Cape Breton’s “Rally the Troops” contact your local District Director.