WILTON — Franklin County Extension Homemakers President Barbara Hathaway attended the Franklin County Extension Association annual meeting and shared information about the Homemakers program.
She chose as her motto, “Franklin County Extension Homemakers are a treasure in our communities,” during her two-year administration. Hathaway said a treasure box was brought to each meeting in which members were asked to place news articles and other information on group activities. New member names were also placed in the box.
Points were given for programs that included an Extension adviser, educator or professional. The group with the most points and new members received scholarships to the FCEH spring meeting. Wilton Day Extension Homemakers brought in six new members for 2011.
All the groups added something to the treasure box and the articles have let the community know who the Extension Homemakers are, what they do and how to contact Extension or become a member.
The Extension Homemakers are sometimes behind the scenes but when they hear there is a need, a project starts, Hathaway said. Ideas on how to feed the hungry in Maine produced $150 in seeds distributed through Harvest for Hunger and church charities.
The Garden Angel Project, to show people how to plant their own garden at their home, apartment or nursing home, presented by Susan Gill of the Chesterville Extension Homemakers, was a success.
Annual Extension Homemaker reports showed Franklin County had the most members and programs of the 12 counties reporting. Activities included working with other community agencies to provide assistance or participating in their fundraisers.
A 2012 community project was providing cloth bags and donating health items to fill the bags for United Way. The Rotary Tree Auction, when Homemakers decorate a tree to be auctioned, is an annual fundraiser.
Funds are collected for Coins for Caring, donated to the Extension Senior Companions Program, which helps seniors maintain daily living skills and travel to groceries and appointments.
The Extension Homemakers are in partnership with the Cooperative Extension. For more information, call the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Franklin County Office at 778-4650 or 1-800-287-1478.
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