WILTON — Wilton Day Extension Homemakers were busy crafting felt penguin ornaments during their meeting Thursday, Nov. 8.

President Hazel Flagg said the ornaments would be used to decorate the group’s entry in the Farmington Rotary Festival of Trees.

“The group voted on the penguin theme and we have been collecting penguin-related items to go under the tree,” Flagg said.

The Festival of Trees will take place Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Farmington Community Center, 127 Middle St., as part of Chester Greenwood Day festivities. Doors will open at 9 a.m. for visitors to view more than two dozen trees and a number of wreaths decorated by local organizations and businesses.

The trees and wreaths will be auctioned off starting at 6 p.m. All proceeds will support local and international Rotary projects.

“The Festival of Trees is just one of the community service projects we do,” said Flagg.

The group established and supports the Flags on Main Street fund, which anyone can donate to through the Town Office. The homemakers are also holding a tissue drive to benefit Wilton schools through the end of November.

“Townspeople who want to participate can drop off boxes of tissues at the Town Office,” Flagg explained. “On November 30, we will deliver all the tissues we’ve collected to the Town Office to be distributed to schools.”

In January, the group will be making hats for chemotherapy patients, she said.

Wilton Day Extention Homemakers has been an active group in the community for longer than anyone could remember. Lillian Miller became involved when she was 18-years old. She is the longest standing member with well over 60 years of membership.

“A lot has changed over the years,” said Miller. “We used to meet in different member’s homes before meeting in churches and, at one point, the fire station.”

Flagg said members range in age from mid-thirties to 101. “It’s not just for ladies either. My son-in-law is a member,” Flagg said.

“Before Hazel came on board, we were down to 5 members. Now we have 28,” added Miller.

Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 59 High St. During meetings, the group socializes, works on service projects and enjoys lunch.

“You don’t have to be a member to come to a meeting. Anyone is welcome to come and socialize,” said Flagg. “That is why many of these ladies have joined. They lost their husbands and just needed to socialize.”

Membership is not limited to those who live in Wilton. Flagg said current members live in towns such as Temple, New Sharon, Jay, and East Dixfield.

The group will hold its 8th annual Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. In addition to crafters, there will be a bake sale, white elephant table, and Christmas basket raffle. Lunch will also be available.

Proceeds from the craft fair will support the Wilton food pantry, schools, and Theresa’s Totes. Flagg said room could be made if any vendors are interested in having space at the fair.

For more information about the group or craft fair, call Flagg at 645-2423.

dmenear@thefranklinjournal.com

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