We were distressed to learn of the Androscoggin County commissioners decision to withhold all funding for the Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties Cooperative Extension Office of the University of Maine.

Cooperative Extension services include 4-H, Master Gardener Volunteer, nutrition services, Habitat Stewards and many other educational and support services in our communities. These programs aid people in rural areas, the elderly and the disadvantaged. Many who have availed themselves of the opportunity provided by these services remain actively involved in community education, beautification and horticulture projects for many years. The ripple effects from discontinuing these programs would be substantial.

Financially, this decision makes little sense as the University of Maine and the federal government provide over $848,000 for these programs. Androscoggin County provided $48,000 last year. By law, the counties of Androscoggin and Sagadahoc must provide funding for the Extension Office in order to receive the university and federal funding.

We participated in the Master Gardener Volunteer program in 2004 and can attest to the value of the course. Master Gardening Volunteers are invaluable in many community activities including Plant a Row for the Hungry, therapeutic gardening, gardening for the elderly, heirloom gardens and civic beautification projects. Many of these services could not be sustained without knowledgeable volunteers.

Nancy D. Barber, Bath, and Bonnie Beck, Bath

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