FARMINGTON — The Franklin County Extension Homemakers have begun their programs for the new year, offered by eight groups.

President Barbara Hathaway has encouraged the members to share their talents and ideas as the groups work together, providing programs in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

The programs include food nutrition, clothing and sewing, health and safety, nature crafts, container gardening, wool felting, Native American culture and dehydrating produce.

Seven groups are offering “Argentina, a Geographical Area of Study.” Members went to a train the trainer workshop and brought back information for their groups. The Weld Extension Homemakers will also hold a Farmer’s Market in August.

Hathaway presented a program focusing on increasing membership. A treasure chest was chosen as a symbol for 2011 and it will be filled with names of new members, successes with programs and clipping about the groups.

Vice president is Amy Palmer from Clearwater Extension; co-secretaries, Glennese Taylor of Kingfield Extension and Anne Moody of Strong Extension; and treasurer, Lynda Davis of Weld Extension. Other groups are located in East Wilton, Farmington, North Chesterville and Wilton. All groups offer a variety of programs, including geographical area of study.

All are welcome to become a member. For more information, call the Franklin County Extension Office at 778-4650.