FARMINGTON — The Franklin County Extension Association Executive Committee held their January strategic meeting at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Office in Farmington with President Bill Crandall presiding.

Crandall introduced the newest board member, Barbara Hathaway from Wilton, who will be the Franklin County Extension Homemaker’s representative. Jonathan Prichard, the program administrator from UMF, was the facilitator for the meeting. He gave a quick overview of the Extension program statewide and led the group through a productive day of planning.

Members shared ideas focusing on the direction, goals and action plans that the Executive Committee should pursue over the next five years. A main interest of the group was to seek additional staff support for the very active 4-H program in Franklin County. Currently the Franklin County 4-H program has more than 100 children involved.

Judy Smith is the 4-H part-time aide and has the responsibility of running all of the 4-H programs in Franklin County. This year will also mark the national 100th anniversary of the 4-H program. The board wants to do additional public outreach and possible fundraising to show the importance of this program as it helps young participants to gain confidence and learn the importance of being engaged in their community.

Other members present included John Perry, vice-president; Harvey Hayden, secretary; Dawn Girardin, treasurer; Jon Davis of East Wilton, Steve Scharoun of Farmington, Sue Gill of Chesterville and Darlene Yeaton-Nelson of New Sharon.

Extension staff members in attendance were professionals Marc Edwards, agritourism, and David Fuller, agriculture and non-timber forest products.

Copy the Story Link