Extension informed of interesting projects
On Oct. 24, 16 members of the Spragueville Homemakers Extension, plus nine guests, enjoyed the Annual Fall Potluck Supper at the Presque Isle Congregational Church.
Directly following the meal, Wayne Harper, husband of Extension President, Sylvia, presented a very interesting and beautiful video program on his and Sylvia’s summertime cruise to Alaska.
Photo courtesy of Peter Hilton
HUNTERS’ BREAKFAST — Pictured are some of the nearly 300 area residents — many of them hunters hoping to get a deer on the first day of firearms season — at the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club’s annual Hunters’ Breakfast held on Saturday, Oct. 29. This was the club’s 62nd breakfast, making it the longest-running hunters’ breakfast in central Aroostook. Many attendees are regulars who were brought by their parents and now bring their own youngsters, continuing the tradition. Over 100 door prizes donated by many Aroostook businesses were given away. The event culminated with a Fall Raffle which featured a Rossi three-barrel youth’s gun outfit provided by Ben’s Trading Post which was won by Earl Barnes; 100 gallons of fuel from Dead River won by Angel Douston; and a $100 gift certificate from North Maine Woods won by Bruce Lavway. The Presque Isle Fish & Game Club also hosts an annual gun show and a spring sportsmen’s show. The three events raise funds for the Jack McPhee Conservation Education Memorial Fund. Every summer the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club provides scholarships for eight to 12 area youngsters to attend the University of Maine and 4-H Club’s Conservation Schools at Bryant Pond or Greenland Point in Princeton. These scholarships are in honor of former game warden pilot and sporting camp owner Jack McPhee, a strong supporter of conservation education.
Following Wayne’s presentation, a short business meeting was called to order by Sylvia. The Homemakers Creed was recited. Marilyn Wheeler took roll call and gave the secretary’s/treasurer’s reports in the absence of LaVone Walters. Volunteer hours were also recorded. Sylvia thanked all those who furnished food, set up and cleaned for this meal, which was enjoyed by all. Sylvia also read a “thank you” to the group from Viola Beaulieu for all the thoughts of her during her stay in Mars Hill; she’s hoping to be able to be back with the group in the spring. Lois Griffin also thanked the group for the expressions of sympathy on the recent death of her sister, Leona Curtis. Ann Knight proposed that “Sunshine Lady,” Lois, send Thanksgiving cards to the Extension’s four shut-in members; Lois said she would take care of that matter.
Under Old Business: the Extension County Meeting was held on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church with seven Spragueville Extension members attending. Installation of the new county officers was held with Carolyn Kelly, from the Caribou Night Extension being re-elected president. Bonnie Weatherhead and Arlene Plourde from the New Sweden Extension were installed as co-vice presidents.
It was voted at this meeting to donate $500 to the Sister Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter, also, $500 to Norma Milton’s Halfway House Pet Rescue project in Caribou. A vote was taken at this time on several suggested Fair Themes for 2012, with “Homemakers Extension – This is What We Do” receiving the majority vote. It was also announced at this meeting that the Fall 2012 State MEHC meeting will be held in Machias on Sept. 14-15.
The program during this county meeting included Rick Duncan speaking on the proposed Aroostook Hospice “House of Comfort.” Rick gave a very interesting presentation on how this project was born, and stated that a capital campaign will begin the first of the new year to help bring this much-needed end-of-life facility to fruition in the not-too-distant future.
Also speaking was Jason Parent, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on the upcoming World Acadian Congress, to be held Aug. 8-24, 2014. Lisa Fishman, Cooperative Extension Educator, also gave a “Train the Trainer” workshop at this county meeting, on “My Plate” which is the new nutritional formula, replacing the “Food Pyramid”.
Under New Business: Sylvia once again reminded members to be thinking of a theme and ideas for the County Spring Tea, which will be co-hosted by the Spragueville and Mapleton Extensions.
Marianne Thomas, who volunteers at the animal shelter, reported there has been a crisis of cat virus at the shelter. Volunteers are desperately needed at the shelter to assist the staff in socialization, walking the animals, cleaning plus many more regular duties. As holiday ideas for the shelter, Marianne suggested gift cards from Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply, gas cards, used for transferring animals to Bangor for free spaying/neutering. Obviously, the shelter is in dire need of many volunteers and items!
A discussion was held on a Christmas craft project to be made at the Nov. 28 meeting at the State Park lodge. Marianne displayed a picture of a door ornament made with an ice skate with added decorations, which many thought would be fun to do.
Joyce Bither displayed an “Eye Opener” of a beautiful white baby afghan she had knit for an upcoming new baby.
Following Joyce’s display, President Sylvia adjourned the meeting.
