Washington County Extension Association recognizes volunteers at annual meeting

University of Maine Cooperative Extension hosted its annual meeting of the Washington County Extension Association (WCEA) on Saturday, May 31 at UMaine Machias. This year’s program featured highlights from national 4-H trips and a volunteer award ceremony.

During the WCEA annual meeting, members and residents voted on the 2026 budget and a new slate of officers which includes Nicholas McDonald, President; Robin Pinto, Vice-President and Secretary; and Lisa Hanscom, Treasurer. 

Staff presented program highlights from the past year, speaking about the Eastern Maine ROOTS Conference, 4-H clubs and activities, and the Master Gardener Volunteer program. 4-H’er Kai B. shared details from her trip to Washington D.C. for the National 4-H Conference. This annual event brings hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’s capital. Delegates become familiar with the government and future career opportunities and share their voice with federal agencies and congressional committees. Soren D. gave his Speak Up 4-H! Public Speaking illustrated talk on what should be done with the Machias marshlands. Soren received a blue ribbon for this presentation at the state event.   

A highlight of the event was the presentation of two community-focused awards: the University of Maine Pen Award and the Norman W. Duzen Community Service Award. Recipients of the University of Maine Pen Award were Dr. Eric Jones and Kyle Winslow. This award is presented to volunteers who make significant contributions in one program area of Extension. Both Jones and Winslow were honored for their volunteer work with the Washington County Extension Association.

Cindy L. Griffin of Whiting was the recipient of the Norman W. Duzen Community Service Award. Inez Lombardo, who presented the award said this about Griffin, “Cindy contributes in ways, large and small, to the life of Porter Memorial Library. She never stops thinking about the next improvement that might make the library a better place.”

Representative Will Tuell was also on hand to congratulate Cindy and present her with a special legislative sentiment.

For more information about Washington County Extension and the Association, visit the county website or contact Tara Wood at 207.255.3345 or tara.a.wood@maine.edu.