FARMINGTON — The December meeting of the Franklin County Extension homemakers advisory met at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension office with FCEH president, Barbara Hathaway, presiding. Deborah Killam, associate extension professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, was introduced as the Maine Extension Homemaker Council Advisor for 2012. Killam brought a supply of the new Extension Homemaker brochure card which fits easily into a business envelope for mailing.

Linda Gramlich from the North Chesterville Extension Homemakers reported for the Rotary Tree committee. The red, white and blue color scheme fit the theme of honoring all men and women veterans. Five flags topped the tree in honor of the five branches of United States military. Mr. Gramlich’s help with the lighting of the tree and placing the tree topper was much appreciated.

Hathaway and Linda Brown also helped with placement of the ornaments. Clearwater homemaker, Barbara Titcomb, made a spiral, white garland that wrapped around the tree. Handmade ornaments were made by eight extension homemaker groups: Clearwater Homemakers president, Kathy Tracy; East Wilton Homemakers president, Caroline Mayo; Kingfield Evening Extension president, Beverly Pillsbury; Neighborhood president, Polly Howatt; North Chesterville Extension Homemakers president, Susan Gill; Strong Learning and Sharing president, Betty Snell; Wilton Day Extension, Hazel Flagg. The ornaments included birds, reindeer, snowflakes and drums in red, white and blue, made by the members. A wooden plaque donated by Sign Works, stating the theme, was placed under the tree.

The 2011 Membership Focus results revealed that the Wilton Day Extension Homemakers had the most newspaper articles and most new members. Becky Tyler was appointed their publicity chairwoman and business cards were printed to use to invite new members to attend. A treasure box was used to accept the news articles and new member names as Hathaway had chosen a theme of “Extension Homemakers are a Treasure in the Community.” The Wilton Day Extension group will receive scholarships for the new members to attend the FCEH spring meeting.

Donna Bucher, University of Maine Cooperative Extension regional supervisor, Eat Well Nutrition Education Program, was also in attendance.

The members enjoyed a festive buffet. Accompanying music was provided by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension office secretary, Carol Ross.

The Extension Homemakers are in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Fun and education programs are provided by each group. All are welcome to join. Call the extension office at 778-4650 for information or to join a local group.