Women study birds, bees and butterflies

    The New Sweden Homemakers Extension met March 18, at the home of Donna Cyr. Guests Carolyn Kelley and Betty Thompson presented a program to Extension members entitled “Birds, Bees and Butterflies.” During the program, Thompson handed out Habitats: “Landscaping for Butterflies in Maine”, information sheets and explained the life cycle of butterflies. A slide presentation was also shown regarding perennials that provide nectar sources for butterflies.     The business meeting, led by co-president Arlene Plourde, began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Homemaker’s Creed, followed by the secretary’s report read by Dot Tomlinson and the treasurer’s report given by Deleen Johnson.
    Members were notified of the State Homemakers spring meeting in Augusta, April 18-19 and the County Spring Tea, scheduled to be held in Easton, May 3. The tea is to be hosted by extension groups from Easton, Mapleton and Spragueville.
    Following the event notices, Bonnie Weatherhead updated the members on the committee’s plans for the fair exhibit and new volunteer hour record sheets were handed out.
    In regardsto community projects, members brought to the meeting non-perishable food items to be given to the New Sweden Food Pantry and a $200 donation to the New Sweden Helen B. Espling Scholarship Fund was approved.
    During luncheon, served by Donna Cyr, Arlene Plourde and Bonnie Weatherhead, Arlene Plourde presented the Eye Opener, handcrafted decorated towels she had made and also had the members take part in a quiz “ for people who know everything”.    
    On Saturday, April 19, the New Sweden Extension will be traveling to Littleton to tour the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum.
    Present for the March meeting were Eloise Anderson, Betty Grant, Deleen Johnson, Carol MacKay, Lucy Nelson, Ada Plourde, Arlene Plourde, and LouAnn Skidgel and her granddaughter. Also Joanne Smith, Monica Soderberg, Dot Tomlinson, Bonnie Weatherhead and hostess, Donna Cyr.
    Anyone interested in joining a homemakers extension group may call the University of Maine Extension office at 764-3361 or 800-287-1462 or log on to www.umext.maine.edu/homemakers.