Extension enjoys fall activities, prepares for holidays

    On Oct. 20 the Spragueville Homemakers Extension met at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, with 15 members enjoying a delicious potluck supper, prior to the regular monthly meeting.     President Lois Griffin called the meeting to order following the supper. The Homemakers’ Creed was recited, Roll Call and volunteer hours were recorded by Secretary LaVone Walters. LaVone then gave her secretary/treasurer’s reports.
    Marilyn Wheeler reported that she and husband, Wayne, along with Mr. Humphrey, had installed the new plaque at the Balloon Site, listing donors for the new fence.
    Mona Cyr gave a report of the State Meeting held in Portland Oct. 17 and 18. She said it was a good meeting and enjoyable entertainment by a bell choir. The country to study in 2009 will be Australia.
    Sylvia Harper reported that her son, David, is deployed to the Philippines and hisunit  has become sponsors for several orphanages in the area. The orphans are in need of clothes, school supplies, books, grooming items, toys, etc. Extension members agreed to help out with these needs by bringing items to the November meeting so a box can be sent to David for distribution.
    Tammy Wheeler announced that school children planned to be at the James School on Saturday, Dec. 6, ; various crafts were planned for the children to enjoy during this time. Tammy asked if Extension members would be willing to provide cookies for the children; members agreed to do this.
    This meeting was also the yearly Planning Meeting for activities for the upcoming year. Following discussions, the calendar of events was finalized, with some incorporating activities connected with Presque Isle’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.
    Following the planning session, President Lois adjourned the meeting.
    On Nov. 17, 11 Extension members and two guests met at the Aroostook State Park Lodge.
    President Lois Griffin called the meeting to order, followed by the Homemakers’ Creed.
    Secretary LaVone Walters took Roll Call and recorded volunteer hours. She then gave her secretary/treasurer’s reports. She also read a thank-you from Ann Knight for the lovely, nutritious fruit tray the Extension sent during her recent illness.
    Under Old Business: LaVone reported the Fall County Meeting, held at the Caribou Inn & Convention Center Nov. 1. A new filing cabinet will be purchased for County Extension files, to be located at the Cooperative Extension Office in Presque Isle. The Fair Booth Theme for 2009 will be, “Green is…”
    Tammy Wheeler spoke again on the event at the James School for children on Dec. 6. Sylvia Harper, Carmen Wiggins, Mona Cyr, Marilyn Wheeler and President Lois volunteered to supply cookies for this event.
    Under New Business: Sylvia Harper informed the group that her son will try to be available at the orphanages when the many gifts the Extension is sending arrive and are distributed by the chaplain.
    Lois read a letter from Richard Engels, thanking the group for considering his son, Sabastion, and his working platoon as recipients of any care packages the Extension sends.
    Marilyn Wheeler gave a report of the Nominating Committee, naming officers for the next two years; new officers will be: President Tammy Wheeler; Vice President Marianne Thomas; Secretary/Treasurer Lavone Walters; Food Committee Mona Cyr and Rose Barnes; Historian Blanche Beckwith; Sunshine Lady Sylvia Harper; and Publicity Ann Knight.
    Lois reported that she had just learned member Myrtle Libby had fallen and badly fractured her leg; LaVone volunteered to deliver a fruit tray to Myrtle.
    Marilyn reported that she’d been contacted by Chris Beaulieu, from the Rec & Parks Dept. regarding the Extension’s “Letter to the Editor,” in the Star Herald, pertaining to maintenance at the Balloon Site. Chris said he appreciated being made aware of the needs there and said the projects will be taken care of in the spring. Marilyn noted that the sign at the corner of the State Park Road and Spragueville Road had been stabilized. It was also noted that the old shrub in front of the balloon replica had been removed.
    The “Eye Openers” for the evening were made and shown by Sylvia – two very cute and practical travel jewelry cases.
    The next meeting of the Extension was to be the Christmas Party on Dec. 8 at Tammy Wheeler’s home. Those attending were asked to bring canned goods for the food pantry, also, a gift for a “Yankee Swap” not to exceed $5. All those planning to attend the party were asked to contribute to the refreshments.
    Lois adjourned the meeting. Marianne, her daughter, Laura and Lisa Lovely were available to assist members present who were interested in making Christmas wreaths. This was an enjoyable time, with many nice results to brighten up the holidays! Refreshments were provided by Better Ryder, Carmen Wiggins and Sylvia Harper. Thanks go to Wayne Harper for his cozy, warm fire in the fireplace, plus his other assistance!