Spragueville Homemakers Extension kick off new season, plan fund-raiser

    PRESQUE ISLE — The Spragueville Homemakers Extension held its first meeting of the new season on Sept. 24 at the home of Tammy Wheeler, with 13 members present.     Following the Call to Order by President Lois Griffin, the Homemakers Creed was recited, roll call taken, volunteer hours recorded, “Coins for Caring” collected and the secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were read by Lavone Walters. Lavone reported that, to date, $3,000 has been received for the Balloon Site Vinyl Fencing Project.
    Correspondence was read by Lois from County President Carolyn Kelley, stating that she hoped as many as possible would represent Aroostook at the Maine Extension Homemakers Council Fall Meeting in Newport Oct. 12-13. Carolyn also informed the group that the County Fall Meeting will be held Nov. 3 at the Caribou Inn & Convention Center, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m.
    Under Old Business: Lavone gave a report of how the flowers at the Balloon Site did during the spring and summer months. She said the edging that had been put in place in June really did make a difference in weed control.
    New twin sheets were collected to be sent to Tom Steeves and Lavone’s nephew in Iraq, as requested at the last meeting in June. Those who did not bring sheets at this time, can bring them or pillow cases at the October meeting for upcoming “Care Packages.”
    Marilyn Wheeler said she had done much leg work to obtain quotes for materials and installation of the new vinyl fencing at the Balloon Site. Following a discussion, Marilyn volunteered to take a trip to Limestone to further discuss bid details with representatives of Gervais Fencing.
    Under New Business: Tammy Wheeler discussed a possible fund-raiser for the fencing project – the sale of “Home & Garden” items. It was suggested that a few items be obtained to sell at the upcoming Hunters’ Breakfast.
    Tammy also reminded the group that the Habitat for Humanity Informational Night would be held Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Extension had previously agreed to furnish refreshments for this event; several members volunteered at this time to furnish and serve the refreshments.
    The Extension’s Annual “Stew Night/Pie Sale” at the P.I. Snowmobile Club will be held Jan. 25, with proceeds from the stew going to the fencing project; the proceeds from the pie sale will go towards the Extension’s treasury.
    Marilyn informed the group that the Fund-raising Committee had decided to hold a Hunters’ Breakfast at the P.I. Snowmobile Club on Saturday, Oct. 20 in conjunction with “Youth Hunting Day.” Breakfast will be served from 5-10 a.m. with a menu of eggs, bacon, homefries, home baked beans, toast and beverage. The fee will be adults, $6; children under 12, $3. Door prizes will also be given away. All proceeds will benefit the Balloon Site Vinyl Siding Project. Several members offered to donate breakfast supplies.
    It was decided at this time by those present that, due to being busily involved with the Hunters’ Breakfast on Oct. 20, they would not hold the Annual Fall Supper for members and guests, which was previously scheduled for Oct. 22.
    Due to the length of this present meeting, the original agenda of a “Planning Meeting” for the upcoming yearly events was postponed until the October meeting, which will be held Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at the new Cooperative Extension facilities on the Houlton Road.
    Following adjournment by President Lois, the “Eye Opener” for the evening was shown by Lavone – an extremely beautiful, king-size quilt she had made.
    Refreshments were served by Tammy Wheeler, Marie Page, and Lavone Walters.