WCEA Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025
Washington County Extension Association
May 7, 2025
Present: Inez Lombardo, Nick MacDonald, Rachel White, Jason Palomo, Tara Wood
Secretary’s Report
Inez made a motion to accept. Nick second. All in favor.
Treasurer’s Report
Inez made a motion to accept the report. Nick second All in favor.
Staff program highlights-
Gabby submitted a report and has a full plan throughout the summer including Egg Business Project, Gardening Club, and Science Fridays.
Nick said to let the Executive Committee know if they can volunteer at any events including the Washington County Fair.
Jason’s submitted report discussed a beach clean up; Dia de los Ninos event in Milbridge, and a Mother’s Day event with Mano en Mano. He invited the Executive Committee members to join in on a vernal pool exploration at Sipp Bay Preserve in Perry on May 24 at 10 a.m.
Rachel spoke about the parasite workshop she did at UMaine Machias and how much she enjoyed working with the Washington County residents. She spoke about planning for the EMROOTS gathering saying that the conference would be every other year. The gathering would give industry members a chance to have roundtable discussions and talk about issues. Rachel also spoke about the virtual Tractor Safety program that she is
working on. She went to Tennessee as a grant requirement and a close encounter with a tornado. She is working on a poultry processing curriculum. She also discussed a sheep shearing workshop in Belgrade.
Update on annual meeting from subcommittee
Review of the planning meeting that happened before this meeting.
32 registrations have come in so far.
We may need to have a backyard clean up if Facilities is not able to do it. Tara will be in touch once she has more information.
Set up is at 9 a.m. on May 31.
Inez will present the Duzen Award. Robin will present the Pen Award to Kyle.
Nick will speak about Eric as a recipient of the Pen Award. He will not be able to attend.
Staff will be responsible for giving a 3-5 minute program highlight.
In addition to Kai Bauman, Soren Danielson will give his 4-H Speak Up presentation.
2025 Officers
President: Nicholas MacDonald
Vice President: Robin Pinto
Treasurer: Lisa Hanscom
Secretary: Robin Pinto
Inez expressed a possible future interest in the treasurer position.
Recruitment: Bylaws state: The Executive Committee shall fill vacancies on the committee as needed. New Executive Committee members shall be ratified at the Annual Meeting. This Committee shall consist of not more than eighteen members. Members should adequately represent the diversity of the Extension programmatic areas, population, as well as the geographic regions of the County.
Amanda Smith from SCEC is interested and will be attending the annual meeting.
Lucy Zwigard officially declined.
Rachel will reach out to Regina.
Gabby spoke with Jane. Not sure of status.
Executive Committee interested in having youth members join.
Other:
New County Commissioner
Courtney Hammond has joined David Burns and Billy Howard as a new County Commissioner. John Crowley resigned due to health reasons.
As-needed Administrative Specialist for Office Coverage
Kerry is checking into the possibility of having an as needed position to help cover the office when Tara takes vacation time. We are down to three staff. Gabby and Jason cover the office when they can, but with programming and their vacation/remote schedule, it isn’t always an option. The office will be closed to the public more if we don’t have this position. We have a bit of surplus in the support staff salary that could help pay for some coverage. Kerry is checking with HR to see if this is a possibility and if so, the Executive Committee will need to take an email vote to approve the spending.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Tara Wood.