Extension learns of community programs

On Feb. 26, 13 members of the Spragueville Extension attended their regular monthly meeting at the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce Office.
President Lois Griffin called the meeting to order, followed by members reciting the Homemakers’ Creed.
    Prior to the business meeting, guest speaker Jackie Prebble spoke on Project Linus, which is a 100 percent volunteer, non-profit organization with a two-fold mission. First, it’s a mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need, through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer blanketeers’ second, it is their mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities for the benefit of children.
Since 2004 900 blankets from Aroostook have been given to schools, police departments, emergency medical technicians, hospitals, battered women, pregnancy care center and homeless shelter. Jackie was sorry to report that, at the present time, there is no leader for project Linus in Aroostook. She suggested anyone in the Extension who might be interested, or who knew of someone who might be interested in undertaking this rewarding project, to contact her. The group thanked Jackie for her very informative program.
Following Jackie’s presentation, Lois continued on with the business meeting.
Roll call was taken by Secretary LaVone Walters. Lois recorded volunteer hours.
LaVone gave her secretary’s/treasurer’s reports. She also read thank-you’s from the homeless shelter for the Extensions donation; also, from Paula McCrossin, for the Christmas food basket for a needy family.
Coins For Caring were collected at this time.
Under old business: Lois thanked members who helped prepare, cook and serve stews and pies at the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club’s Stew Nights. The pie sales were once again a profitable project for the Extension.
Under new business: Lois reported that a new person was needed to be head caller for a calling list; Ann Knight volunteered to take on this responsibility.
A discussion was held on the 2007 fair booth’s theme, Patriotic Salute. Several suggestions were made. Tammy Wheeler, Mona Cyr, Rose Barnes, Carmen Wiggins, Joyce Bither and Marilyn Wheeler volunteered to make muffins and work at the Fun Day.
It was brought to the group’s attention that the Annual American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days will be held March 20-24; daffodils are considered to be flowers of hope! It was agreed to purchase and deliver three bouquets, one for each the Extensions honorary members.
After learning that Tom Steeves, son of Dave Steeves, is currently serving in Iraq, the group decided to furnish goodies for a care package for Tom, with possibly a St. Patrick’s Day theme. Carmen Wiggins volunteered to package and ship the box. Carmen said the troops really love and appreciate receiving homemade food. Items furnished could be dropped off at Tammy Wheeler’s by Sunday March 4.
Lois announced that the State Spring Meeting will be held at the Elks Lodge in Augusta April 27-28. The County Spring Meeting will be held in New Sweden May 5.
Tammy informed the group that the Stew Night at the Presque Isle Snowmobile Clue on Friday;, March 2, would benefit the Methodist Youth Group’s 2007 trip and cordially invited Extension members to attend.
Tammy also informed the group of a Southern Gospel Concert at the Presque Isle Middle School on Saturday, March 10. Proceeds benefited the Aroostook Habitat for Humanity.
Member Janet Snow spoke to the group on the SAGE (Seniors Achieving Greater Education) program at UMPI for the spring session. SAGE offers courses that vary in length from three to eight weeks, which are planned and led on a volunteer basis. Course topics include arts, sciences, current events, foreign affairs and specialty courses. Janet gave a preview of several field trips that will be taken, all of which sounded very interesting. She also passed out brochures with full details of the upcoming SAGE programs, which begin with a kick off luncheon on Wednesday, March 14, at 11 a.m.
Lois reported that Blanche Beckwith is doing well and is now able to drive herself around.
Ann reported that Angie Powers had been suffering from the flu.
LaVone gave a demonstration of the evening’s eye openers – a beautiful full size quilted jersey cardigan she had made.
The next meeting of the Extension will be an Hawaiian Luau at the Chamber of Commerce Office on March 26. Members are asked to come dressed in bright, tropical colors to add to the occasion.
Following the meeting’s adjournment by President Lois, refreshments were served by Norma Gudreau and Marilyn Wheeler.