​Bervie W.I. discusses fitness at February meeting

The Bervie Women’s Institute met at the Bervie United Church, Wednesday morning, with the focus on fitness.

President Bev Berndt read the Land Acknowledgement and the meeting opened with O Canada, The Opening Ode, Mary Stewart Collect and Institute grace.

The Roll Call, “Your best healthy salad or snack recipe,” was answered by nine members. Betty Jean White read the minutes of the last meeting and Islay Eby gave the treasurer’s report. Several thank-you notes were read regarding recent donations, and the bills paid.

Ellen Waye has sourced a picture of King Charles to hang on the wall. A donation will be made to the family near Ripley that had a house fire recently. We have a number of Books, Bears and Blankets kits ready to go to Victim Services and the Emergency Medical Services. Ellen will contact them with respect to delivery. Ellen and Islay will attend the District Directors’ meeting in Chesley, March 6.

Convener Betty Anne Thompson read the poem, “Underneath the Snow,” and explained Tai Chi which includes slow-moving exercises that benefit our health and help balance, muscle strength, arthritis and your mind. A Tai Chi video was shown and everyone participated in the exercises. With February being Healthy Heart Month, Betty Anne provided some tips about eating properly, counting your blessings, doing what is good for you, and enjoying some humour in your life.

The meeting closed with the singing of “God Save the King” and the closing ode. Thank you to Betty Anne for the treats during our coffee time.

The next meeting will be held March 11 at 1 p.m., as a ROSE (Rural Ontario Sharing Education) program in conjunction with the Bervie United Church Women. Guest speaker Alana Leiskiu will speak about food insecurity.