WATERVILLE — The Maine Extension homemaker’s Council annual spring meeting was held April 28 with MEHC President Barbara Hathaway of Wilton presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by John Rebar, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension executive director who also spoke about strengthening the partnership with the Extension Homemakers.

MEHC Vice President Marie Temm lead the group in the Maine Extension Homemaker’s Creed authored by Caroline Mayo from East Wilton. The roll call acknowledged Homemakers, members at large, guests, staff and educators with 103 in attendance. Past MEHC presidents in attendance included immediate past president Jackie Conant from Oxford, Elizabeth Ames from Knox/Lincoln, Marilyn Wheeler from Aroostook, Pam DuPont from Hancock and Bunny Worster from Somerset.

Deborah Killam, associate extension professor and MEHC adviser, was a first timer to the spring meeting. Other advisers in attendance were Lisa Fishman, Aroostook County; Deb Eckart, Hancock and Washington; Donna Bucher, Franklin and Oxford.

Fran Berry provided an inspirational memorial service by hanging bells of remembrance on a small tree. A bell for MEHC 1960-61 past president Dora Littlefield from Corinna was added to the tree.

The secretary’s report was given by Susan Buddemeyer, from York County. First time attendees were acknowledged by a gift given by the past presidents. Alberta Philpot, from Somerset County, gave the treasurer’s report. A check was given to John Rebar for 4-H UMaine, the Coins for Caring Project.

County Extension Homemaker reports were given by presidents Carolyn Kelley from Aroostook County, Marie Temm from Cumberland, Barbara Hathaway from Franklin County, Betty Robshaw from Hancock, Jean Smith from Knox/Lincoln, Polly Bussiere from Oxford, Betsy Lint from Somerset, Connie Pennell from Washington and Susan Buddemeyer from York.

Hathaway gave the MEHC President’s report. The figures showed that Franklin County Extension Homemakers had the largest membership with 130 members, in eight groups. Hathaway is also the president of the Franklin County Extension Homemakers and had initiated a membership campaign for 2011-12. The group with the most new members received scholarships for the new members to attend their county spring meeting. Wilton Day Extension Homemakers won with six new members.

Narratives of success stories were include with the report. Oxford took a quilting program into the school where second graders learned how to make a quilted wall hanging.

All of the Extension Homemaker groups donated to community food pantries. They also worked with other community agencies in providing volunteer hours and monetary donations.

The Coins for Caring vote was for UMaine’s Senior Companion Program. Funds raised help with transportation costs to medical appointments and to the store.

The Washington Extension Homemakers will be hostesses for the MEHC fall meeting on Sept. 14 and 15, at Machias and Whitneyville. Fund trips, ukulele band and a presentation by Fannie Farmer have been planned.

A Garden Party Luncheon followed the meeting. Cultural arts and photo albums were on display showing what several Extension Homemaker counties had for programs and activities. Each county group arranged a garden party display as entry for a contest. First place was won by Franklin County, second Aroostook and third Somerset.

Members donated seed packets as part of their registration and filled a large basket full which will be donated to Harvest for Hunger and community gardens.

Train the Trainer workshops were held in the afternoon. These are programs that will be used by each county in 2013; topics were Nova Scotia, falls and balance, and technology.

The Maine Extension homemakers are a volunteer group offering education programs in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. All are welcome to attend programs and new members are welcome. Contact your county Extension Office for more information or go to the Extension home page, extension.umaine.edu.

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