CALEB NICKERSON
SHAWVILLE Feb. 20, 2019
On February 20, the Pontiac County Women’s Institute (PCWI) held their long-standing information day, bringing out nearly 50 people to Shawville United Church.
The day features four speakers discussing a wide variety of topics, from health and education to agriculture and personal wellness.
PCWI President Beryl Smart explained that the group has put on the event once a year for more than three decades.
“1989 was the first they had record of, but it was running before that,” she said, adding that the group invites different guests educators from all over the Pontiac.
“The first section was Jennifer Russell and she spoke about agriculture, she works at the Exhibition farm in Ottawa,” Smart said.
Next up was Louise Belec of The Golden Peak. She spoke about the non-profit organization’s work in the community, specifically their emergency sensor program. The group lends out sensors to seniors that alert contacts in case of an emergency.
After lunch, the group heard from Pontiac High School Principal Debra Stephens, who discussed demographics and education strategies at PHS.
Rounding out the day’s presentations was motivational speaker Samantha Gagnon, who challenged attendees to set goals and achieve them.
