Extension ends 2009 season, begins 2010

The Spragueville Homemakers Extension ended their 2008-2009 season with its annual Family Potluck Picnic at the James School on June 22, with 10 members, six adult guests, and two precious 5-month-old twin girls, Ava and Adelle Thomas, grandchildren of member Marianne Thomas, in attendance.     A short business meeting followed the delicious supper, which was called to order by President Tammy Wheeler.
Secretary/treasurer LaVone Walters took roll call and gave her respective reports. A discussion was held on ideas/plans for the fair booth.
Tammy announced that an open house would be held at the James School on Aug. 8, in conjunction with Presque Isle’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, with many fun, family events planned.
There being no further business at this time, Tammy adjourned the meeting.
On Sept. 28, the Extension began its 2009-2010 season at the home of Marianne Thomas, with 10 members in attendance.
Tammy called the meeting to order, followed by the recitation of “The Homemakers Creed.”
Roll call and volunteer hours were recorded by Walters, followed by her respective reports. She also read a thank-you from Honorary Member Angie Powers, for flowers sent following her surgery in Portland.
Marilyn Wheeler reported that work needs to be done at the Balloon Site, regarding weeding, trimming shrubs, etc. Carmen Wiggins, Marilyn and Marianne volunteered to work at the site Oct. 1, weather permitting.
Under old business: members who worked on the fair booth were thanked for their work times at the fair. All were pleased to learn that Spragueville’s booth received third place, with an award of $100. Marilyn said things had been changed and improved at the Exhibition Building this year, and many more food items were entered for judging.
Marilyn and Mona Cyr represented the Spragueville Extension at the fall Maine Extension Homemakers Council meeting, which was held Sept. 18-19 at the Holiday Inn in Saco. They reported there was a good business meeting, enjoyable entertainment and delicious food. It was voted at the meeting that the “Coins for Caring” collections from all state chapters, would benefit patients with Lou Gehrigs Disease, of which the state president is currently battling. Marilyn also reported that it was announced at the meeting that over 5,000 lbs. of can tabs have been collected from extensions throughout the state since 1997; this can tabs project benefits children at the Shrine Hospital.
It was reported that David Harper, son of member Sylvia Harper, is currently battling cancer in Texas. It was voted to send David a card; also, to send a “thinking of you” card to Sylvia and husband Wayne, who are currently in Texas to support David during these trying times. It was David, who was stationed in the Philippines, to whom the Extension sent many items for him to distribute to orphans there last Christmas time.
It was voted to purchase two hymnals, in memory of Charles Gudreau, husband of member Norma, to be placed in the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church.
It was also voted to give a donation for Lois Griffin’s two granddaughters to attend a day at a 4-H-sponsored Mane Event for horse enthusiasts.
The County Fall meeting was held Oct. 17 at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church in Presque Isle, along with the business meeting.
Following a short break, refreshments were served, including a homemade, fresh pumpkin pie made by Lois Griffin. The meeting then continued, with plans made for the upcoming 2010 season.
The next meeting of the Extension was the annual Potluck Supper with guests, held Oct. 26, at the Cooperative Extension building. Yearly dues were collected during the evening.