BANGOR — The Maine Extension Homemakers Council November meeting was held at the Penobscot County Cooperative Extension Office, with Barbara Hathaway of Franklin County presiding. Lisa Phelps, University of Maine Cooperative Extension program administrator and Deborah Killam, adviser to the MEHC, gave updates on extension changes in areas of responsibilities with the budget changes.

Communication from John Rebar, the executive director of Cooperative Extension, stated that $5000 would be allocated to support the educational mission of the MEHC.

An email from past-president Bunny Worster was read explaining the importance of continued collection of can tabs, a project started by Worster in 1997. The money realized from the tabs benefits the children at the Shrine Hospitals. Maine Extension Homemakers have collected 6027 pounds.

Hathaway read a letter from Gov. Paul R. LePage complimenting the Maine Extension Homemakers on their thoughtful and dedicated work in providing 190 education programs, teaching how to grow fruits and vegetables in a small space, giving of vegetable seeds to churches and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Harvest for Hunger, and donating to food pantries.

For new business, immediate past president Jackie Conant provided updated bylaw changes and meeting guidelines. Barbara Lord from Somerset County was voted secretary for 2013. Officers for 2013 are: Marie Temm, president, Cumberland County; Carolyn Kelley, vice president, Aroostook County; and Alberta Philpot, treasurer, Somerset County. Temm chose the Golden Rod as her administration symbol.