submitted by Heather Fryer
The Star of the North Women’s Institute hosted a Harvest Dinner and 75th anniversary celebration on Saturday, August 17th at the colourfully-decorated Monetville Community Centre. A homestyle roast beef dinner with all the trimmings was served to more than 200 attendees.
Mayors Kathleen Rochon of West Nipissing and Gisèle Pageau of French River were joined by MPP John Vanthof and his wife, Ria. Also in attendance were Georges Pharand, newly-appointed WN Councillor and former Ward 8 Councillor, Jerome Courchesne.
Prior to the meal, some background information about the Women’s Institute was shared. This ladies’ organization has local, provincial, national and international branches. The local branch, Star of the North was organized in 1949. The names of the twelve founding members were read, including one who is still living, 93-year-old Betty (Mrs. Vern) Zeitz, now of Whitby.
Visitors were able to peruse displays of the projects, photos, mementos and certificates collected over the years. They included the original name tag of one of the founding members. This ladies’ group, which meets nine months of the year, has made quilts, supported the local 4-H group and other clubs, held fundraising suppers, assisted and participated in the school’s fall fair, learned home-making skills and put on plays at Christmas dinners. Current projects include supporting Canada Comforts with knitted items that are sent overseas, sponsoring educational meetings open to the public, holding an annual yard sale and a harvest dinner and participating in the community Christmas dinner, as well as offering scholarships to local graduates.
A large specially-decorated cake was shared for dessert, along with a variety of pies. A silent auction was held, with generous and skillful local citizens having donated a wide variety of articles, such as a wooden children’s growth chart, decorative objects, small appliances, framed art, tools and a hand-crocheted afghan. Proceeds of the silent auction go to the group’s Scholarship Fund.
In typical community spirit, everyone pitched in to clear tables, stack the chairs and clean the hall. The ladies of the Star of the North are especially grateful to the gentlemen who helped out, including the mashing of a huge pot of potatoes! Star of the North W.I. not only supports its community but is also greatly supported by generous neighbours who enjoy getting together and visiting on such pleasant occasions.
