Extension plans activities for new year

    Fifteen members and one guest attended the regular monthly meeting of the Spragueville Homemakers Extension on Oct. 22, at the home of Marilyn Wheeler.     President Lois Griffin called the meeting to order, followed by members reciting the Homemakers Creed. Lois then took roll call and recorded volunteer hours.
    The secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were given by LaVone Walters. She reported that $704.57 had been raised at the Hunters’ Breakfast to benefit the Vinyl Fencing Project at the Balloon Site. It was voted at this time to submit proceeds from the Coins for Caring collections to the new fence project.
    Under old business, Lois thanked members for their donations of food and time to make the Hunters’ Breakfast such a success.
    Marilyn reported that she had not yet been able to make connections with a representative from Gervais Fencing in Limestone with regards to the new fence.
    Lois gave a report of the Fall Maine Extension Homemakers Council Meeting, held in Newport Oct. 12 and 13. The area of study for the new year will be Quebec. Fifty-year members were recognized at the meeting, with two members from the Spragueville Extension being honored. Certificates were brought back from the meeting to Norma Gudreau and Viola Beaulieu; each was also presented with a red rose. Lois reported it was a very productive meeting, with good food and enjoyable entertainment with a steel drums performance. She also stated that the Fall MEHC Meeting in 2008 will be held in Cumberland County.
    More sheets and pillowcases were collected at this time, to be sent to Tom Steeves and LaVone’s nephew – both men are serving in Iraq. Carmen Wiggins once again volunteered to send the care packages.
    Under new business, Marilyn suggested that perhaps a garage/yard sale be held in the spring, to further benefit the fence project.
    Lona Cyr graciously volunteered to make a 66-inch by 66-inch quilt to raffle in the spring, to also benefit the fence project.
    At this time, meetings and activities for the new year were discussed and a calendar of events was finalized. This information will be included in the Aroostook County Homemakers Extension Booklet.
    Following the planning time, the president adjourned the meeting and refreshments were served by Mona Cyr, Rose Barnes and Marilyn Wheeler.
    The next Extension meeting will be a Craft Night at the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce Office on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m.     On Saturday, Nov. 3, nine members of the Spragueville Extension attended the Aroostook County Fall Meeting at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. Spragueville members were extremely proud to have Tammy Wheeler installed as vice president of the County Extension by her mother, Marilyn. Carolyn Kelly, of Caribou, was reinstalled as president.
    Carolyn gave a report of the State Fall Meeting in Newport. She announced that proceeds from the Coins for Caring collections would go to assist the Eat Well Program.
    A group discussion of potential fair booth themes was held. It was voted to have “Olde & Beautiful” as the fair booth theme for 2008.
    Carolyn announced that the County Spring Tea will be hosted by the Spragueville, Mapleton and Easton extensions.
    Following the business meeting and luncheon, Marilyn Wheeler introduced representatives from surrounding non-profit organizations, who spoke on the works of their respective groups. Following each presentation, she presented the representative a $200 donation from the County homemakers Extension to aid in continuing their programs. Those groups receiving a donation were: United Way Dress a Child; Mentoring Program; Tanglewood 4-H Camp Scholarship; Extension Nutrition Aide Program; Helping Neighbors; Homeless Shelter; Senior Companion Program; and Habitat for Humanity. Extension members are very proud to be able to assist these worthwhile programs.