Opinion

'Spring is for the birds'

Monday, April 27, 2009

Each year, members of Putnam County Extension Homemakers look forward to a special program in the spring to celebrate and honor all new members. This year, there is much to celebrate as the number of new members recently surpassed 30 and two new clubs have also been formed during the last year.

"Spring is for the Birds" is the theme of the 2009 Extension Homemakers Spring Dessert, which has been planned and is being hosted by members of the Country Charm Extension Homemakers Club. The program is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Building at the Fairgrounds on Tuesday.

Extension Homemaker county officers are assisting with the program and with the Cultural Arts Display, which can be viewed and voted on starting at 6 p.m. Entries for the Cultural Arts Exhibit can be brought in between 5:30 and 6 p.m. All Putnam County Extension Homemaker members are encouraged to enter a hand-crafted item made within the past two years. The item from the exhibit that is selected by popular vote will represent Putnam County at a Cultural Arts display during Home and Family Conference at Purdue University in June.

In addition to welcoming and recognizing the new members and the two new clubs, those attending Spring Dessert will be entertained by guest speaker Doug Moon from Wild Birds Unlimited of Avon and a short skit on "The Top 10 Reasons to Belong to Indiana Extension Homemakers."

According this year's membership chairman Bonnie Bryan, there are many reasons to join an Extension Homemakers Club. Just a few of those that will be highlighted Tuesday night include fun mystery trips and picnics, getting to meet great people and interesting educational meetings.

The two new clubs that will be recognized at this year's Spring Dessert are "Family, Friends and Fun" and "Tuesday Tigers." New members being recognized who have joined Putnam County Extension Homemakers since April of 2008 and the clubs they've joined include: Margie Bowman (Better Homes Club); Mary Cummings and Maxine Stoner (Boondock Pals Club); Linda Hartman and Rachael Pace (Bainbridge Community Service Club); Felicia Romalia and Cindy Ryan (Country Bak'n Bunch Club); Mary Ellen Rivers (Country Charm Club); Jane Sutherlin, Jessica Smith, Bonnie Cummings, Kristi Lane, Shelly Tahtinen, Linda Mundy, Nancy McCammack and Barb Black (Family, Friends and Fun Club); June Redelman, Deana Siple and Kathy Wass (Heritage Heartland Club); Linda Hayes, Megan Robertson and Kelly Robertson (Northern Lights Club); Betsy Bowlin, Sharon Black, Terry Bruner, Jean Everage, Mary Giles, Becky Wallace, Jayne Williams, Karen Lister and Ruth Myers (Tuesday Tigers).

For more information about Extension Homemakers and why it is a great group to join, come to the 2009 Spring Dessert or contact the Extension Office 653-8411, membership chair Bonnie Bryan or any Extension Homemaker member for more reasons to join and how to get involved. The 2009 Extension Homemakers Spring Dessert is open to all Putnam County residents and anyone interested in learning more about the local Extension Homemaker organization.

Visit www.extension. purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding column topics or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events

April 28: Extension Homemakers Spring Dessert-Fairgrounds 7 p.m.

April 29: Goat/Sheep Parasite Workshop 2, Brick Chapel, 6:30 p.m.

April 29: Basic Food Pres. Workshop--Freezing Foods, Terre Haute

May 2 & 3: Southwestern Indiana MG Assoc. Plant Sale

May 6: E.H. Leader Lesson "One Day Trips in Indiana" 7 p.m. Extension Office

May 6: Basic Food Pres. Workshop--Drying Foods, Terre Haute

May 9-10: Garden Gala 4 p.m. Gardening Series T.C. Steele State Historic Site

May 14: Ext. Homemakers County Council 7p.m. Extension Office

May 16: Festival of Flowers Paint Out 7 a.m.

May 16: Gardening Series T.C. Steele State Historic Site

May 21: Putnam County Health Coalition 10 a.m. Extension Office