Betty Shier wore many hats at the agency 50 years ago After a recent article in The Barie Examiner, detailing how far United Way of Greater Simcoe County has comein the last 50 years, the agency received a delightful call from Betty Shier, our first employee who is still living in the same home from which she carried out her duties. During a visit with her, Betty had wonderful memories to share of those early days, such as working with the agencies that were supported and the visionary volunteers who created and maintained the agency through its first decade of existence. Betty was initially approached to take on the role of executive secretary when the board of directors determined that the agency strategy of rotating treasurer and bank accounts from bank to bank each year in order to share the responsibility was also causing a loss of continuity of information and processes. She carried out her duties as the sole employee from approximately1962 to 1972. However, far beyond her role of administering the funds raised, of which she must have done a wonderful job as Barrie had the lowest administration rates in Canada, Betty was also involved with work of United Appeal and Community Chests of Canada as they were then known. In the attached Examiner file photo, Betty is seen here at a six-day training conference held at Geneva Park. The 36 delegates who attended this conference were sponsored by the Department of National Health and Welfare (now called the Ministry of Health) which was orchestrated by the Community Funds and Councils of Canada. Professor Ben Lappan of the University of Toronto social work department was one of ten lecturers, the topics of which were meant to furnish professionals with new concepts in the management of community services and funds. Attendees and lecturers came from across Canada, with professors from the University of British Columbia and administrative staff from the Social Planning Council of Saskatoon. Much work happened locally of course, with business campaigns, golf tournaments and at that time, door to door canvasses which were often organized by Ruth Kinzie, wife of Willard, the first mayor of the City of Barrie; Helen Brown, wife of Arch, the former owner of Canadian Tire and local philanthropist; and Muriel Stephens, wife of Ross, the owner of Ross Stephen's Men's Wear and a former Barrie city councillor. Betty shared that she admired the agencies she was engaged with, enjoyed working with the board and in fact, loved every minute of her 10 years with United Way. What a wonderful legacy she has left for those who have followed. Susan Laycock, cfre, cae. Special Events and Public Relations Manager, United Way of Greater Simcoe County