​Bervie W.I. to hold Plant and Bake Sale, May 16

The Bervie Women’s Institute met at the Bervie United Church, Wednesday (April 1), at 10 a.m. for the regular meeting, followed by the annual meeting.

President Bev Berndt opened with "O Canada" and the usual openings followed by the land acknowledgement. The Roll Call, “A joke or poem,” and payment of fees was answered by 11 members.

Betty Jean White read the minutes of the last meeting and Islay Eby gave the treasurer’s report. Any outstanding bills will be paid. An Institute pin was presented to new member (2025) Kim Armitage by president Bev and secretary Betty Jean. The Tweedsmuir report was given by Ellen Waye and the Sunshine report by Sandra MacDonald.

It was decided to hold a Plant Sale, with some baking, Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to Noon, at the Bervie United Church. There will be no yard sale items this year. The Bervie United Church ladies will have quilts and craft items for sale.

Ellen reported on the District Director’s meeting held early in March.

The annual meeting then followed with Betty Jean reading the minutes of last year’s annual meeting and Islay going over the treasurer’s report for the 2025-26 year.

The following reports were presented:
 

• Financial examiners – Betty Anne Thompson and Ellen
• Tweedsmuir – Ellen
• Advocacy – Betty Anne
• Sunshine – Sandra
• ROSE Program – Brenda Ramsdale
• Secret Pal – Brenda
• Nominating committee - Betty Anne and Sandra

All reports were accepted as presented. Ellen then installed the new officers for the 2026-27 year with Bev Berndt remaining as president. The Institute bylaws were read by Betty Jean and a few changes made.

Financial donations will be made to the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) operating, Erland Lee Museum operating and Lyme Disease. Our monthly collection for FWIO Women in Action will be sent in as well. Donations to the Kincardine Food Bank were collected in lieu of a gift for our secret pals.

President Bev thanked everyone for working together throughout the year. Bev, Diane Wilson, Ellen and Betty Anne received a small attendance gift.

The meeting closed with the Institute Grace and the Royal Anthem.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at the Bervie United Church with Christine Roberts as guest speaker.