The Bethel-Zion Women’s Institute (Trent Valley Area) held its first meeting on a brisk winter day on January 12, 1912.  One hundred years later, over sixty guests, dignitaries and former Members joined in to mark this special anniversary.  Congratulations and certificates were presented from Todd Smith, MPP; Jackie Denyes, City of Belleville; Cecilia Maines, FWIO Area Chair;  Helen Thompson,  FWIO Board Director;  Evelyn Peck, FWIO President-Elect;  Jean Wrightman, District President and from the office of Daryl Kramp, MP. 

Mrs. Hazel Tufts and resident poet, Mrs. Jean Sills, were honoured with Life Memberships, having both contributed actively to Women’s Institute for more than 60 years.  Phyllis Tummon, Phyllis Lott, Lois Ray and Betty Sills received 40 and 50 year pins, recognizing their years of service to WI.  Also honoured, were Members with more than 25 years, Sandra Johnston, Cathy Sucee and Susan McConnell.  Over the years, Bethel-Zion WI Members have continued to uphold the Women’s Institute motto of “For Home and Country” through a wide variety of community projects.  As Jean Sills wrote in a recent poem, “And stay tuned in the future, for we’re not finished yet!”

ABOVE: Cutting the cake are Phyllis Tummon, a WI Member for over 60 years, and Lois Ray, a 50 year Member.