WHITNEYVILLE — The Maine Extension Homemakers Council annual fall meeting was held Sept. 14 and 15, with Barbara Hathaway of Wilton presiding. Washington County Extension Homemakers hosted the two-day event. WCEH President Connie Pennell and Vice President Judy Spencer welcomed the members with added welcome remarks from Betsy Fitzgerald, Washington County manager.

Friday activities provided three tours for the members to attend: West Quoddy Head Lighthouse at Lubec; Wreath Across America Museum at Columbia Falls; Burham Tavern, a 1770 Revolutionary War historic gathering place and the Gates House, home of the Machiasport Historical Society.

The roll call taken by MEHC Past President Bunny Worster of Somerset acknowledged 80 present. Alan Majka, educator adviser, attended.

Members enjoyed a turkey dinner sponsored by the Whitneyville Library Association followed by entertainment provided by the University of Maine at Machias Ukulele Club.

The meeting reconvened Saturday at the church in Whitneyville with welcomes from Hathaway and Spencer. The treasurer, Albert Philpot, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice President Marie Temm led the Extension Homemaker’s Creed. The roll call taken by Secretary Pro-tem, Lola Layne, showed 85 people attending. Those attending for the first time received a gift from the MEHC past presidents. Hathaway’s husband, Barry Sr., was a first timer at the meeting and took photos to commemorate the activities.

John Rebar, UMaine Cooperative executive director; Lisa Phelps, UMaine program director; Deborah Killam, MEHC adviser; and Lisa Fishman, Aroostook Extension adviser, were in attendance.

New business included a vote for the geographical area of study with Amish Country as the choice. This subject will be used for educational programs in each county. The bylaw committee chairman, Jackie Conant, presented one change of spring meeting location that passed.

The nomination committee chairman, Jackie Conant, presented the names of Carolyn Kelly from Aroostook County as vice president and Marie Temm of Cumberland as president for 2013-14. The newly voted officers received yellow roses at the installation ceremony provided by past presidents Pam Dupont and Marilyn Wheeler.

Deb Eckart, Washington County Extension adviser, received congratulations, a certificate of appreciation and gifts at the announcement of her retirement. Member expressed their appreciation to her for helping to organize the event and for all her help and friendship with advising the Extension Homemakers.

Rebar shared a slide presentation titled “Animal & Plant Diagnostic Services,” about the need and importance of UMaine Cooperative Extension’s educational and scientific research in Maine agriculture.

Hathaway expressed her thanks for all the help and advice received during her administration as MEHC president by presenting lighthouse statues to the Extension Homemaker county presidents. Hathaway chose the lighthouse to symbolize that the Extension Homemakers are a beacon in their communities.

Harriet Sprague from Hancock received a member certificate of appreciation for 57 years of volunteering. Sprague became an Extension Homemakers when she was 21 and learned how to be a homemaker through the Extension.

A Fannie Farmer presentation by Betty Duzen acted out the life of Fannie Farmer, cookbook author. Raffles and a lunch at the community building concluded the meeting activities.

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