April 2024: Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H Newsletter
Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County 4-H News
Table of contents:
Dates to Remember
- April 8, 2024: Solar Eclipse Coming to Maine – See State News for tips!
- April 8, 2024: Farm Animal Care – FUNdamentals SPIN Club Registration due
- April 9, 2024, 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.: Volunteer Connections: Animal Science: Strong Relationships and Sportsmanship
- April 13, 2024: 2024 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
- April 22, 2024, 4:00 – 5:00 P.M.: 4-H Solar Eclipse Wrap-Up Extravaganza
- May 1, 2024: ESE Equine Intent Forms Due
- June 5, 2024: Last day to submit Fryeburg Market Lamb Intent form
County News
Midcoast Mainers
Guest Talk by Jessie Dowling
During our March meeting we had guest speaker, Jessie Dowling share her adventure of a lifetime. Jessie competed in the Mongol Derby where she road 621 miles on 40 different horses across the Mongolian Steppe. Finishing 13th, a high accomplishment in the Worlds longest horse race! The kids got to ask questions and check out the tack she competed in.
Oh Yea! 4-H Grows True Leaders
Ignite Summit 2024
Six youths traveled to Washington DC this March to attend the Ignite Conference. They networked with youth from other states and territories; grew their knowledge around STEM, agriculture, and healthy living; and electric scootered around a city rich with history and culture. The youth also created and presented a project proposal to create culturally appropriate mental health services for the Lewiston community.
State News
Are you ready?! How to Prepare for the Maine Solar Eclipse
First, it is good to know some background information about what you will see on Monday, April 8. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the earth and sun. At the right angle, the moon blocks the sun’s light from reaching Earth and causes a solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in a direct line. It is visible from only certain locations on Earth. When the center of the Moon’s shadow hits the earth, the sky goes dark and we can experience changes in temperature and sounds. Watch this solar eclipse animation from NASA for a visual.
Second, in order to watch the solar eclipse, you will need to wear eclipse glasses or use a pinhole camera. This means at all times except for totality when the moon completely covers the Sun’s face (yes, even if it’s cloudy or raining).
- The only safe way to view partial phases of the eclipse is with viewing (eclipse) glasses or
through a handheld solar viewing (i.e. a pinhole camera) - Do not view partial eclipse phases with sunglasses, through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope.
- If your viewing glasses are damaged in any way, discard them and do not use them.
- You can view the eclipse directly without eye protection only when the moon completely blocks the Sun’s face (totality)
Third, plan ahead for viewing the eclipse. If you are traveling, be aware that Maine is expecting an influx of travelers, so plan for traffic, packed gas stations and restaurants. Here are a few suggested items to bring with you to experience the solar eclipse:
- Eclipse viewing glasses and/or pinhole camera
- Appropriate clothing for the weather
- Snacks, water
- First Aid kit
- A comfortable spot for viewing (ex: folding chairs, blankets for warmth)
4-H Market Lamb Intent for Fryeburg Fair
Youth planning to participate in the Market Lamb program at Fryeburg Fair need to submit the 2024 Fryeburg Fair Market Lamb Intent form by June. An online form is available, otherwise youth can print and mail a copy downloaded from the website.
4-H Dairy Judging Contest
The 2024 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on April 13th at Quimby Farm in Albion, ME and Springdale Farm in Waldo, ME. The event is open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the 2024 Maine 4-H Eastern States Dairy Judging Team.
For a complete schedule for the day please visit our website.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971.
4-H Volunteer Workshops for the 2023-2024 4-H Year
We invite you to participate in our 4-H Volunteer Connections virtual workshops! Join other 4-H volunteers from the North East region to learn, share, and engage with one another on a variety of topics related to 4-H. All workshops are free and offered via Zoom in the evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 PM.
Topics include:
- April 9 – Animal Science: Strong Relationships and Sportsmanship
Click here to register now! Come to one or come to all! We look forward to connecting with YOU!
4-H Tick Project
The 4-H Tick Project is a community science project engaging K-12 youth and educators, made possible through a partnership between 4-H Youth Development, UMaine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab, Maine Forest Tick Survey, and members of the Learning Ecosystems Northeast partnership. The project provides youth an opportunity to explore ticks and tick-borne diseases, which is a connected story of climate, ecosystem change, and public health.
All educators interested in teaching about ticks in Maine are encouraged to participate in the project at no cost to you. This is a great project for 4-H clubs, SPIN clubs, homeschool groups, and more. For more information and to register, visit the 4-H Tick Project webpage.
Equine ESE Intent forms Due May 1, 2024
The 2024 Eastern States (ESE) Horse Intent Form is now live and online. The form indicates your interest in participating in the Eastern States Team Tryout event this summer. The event this year will offer a weekend opportunity for youth to qualify and to learn and grow while getting to know other youth who are also interested in trying out. Youth can try out to be a Teen Leader (4-H age 12 and up) or to be a Rider or Driver (4-H age 13 and up).
More details will go out to those who fill out the intent forms in the registration packets. The intent form does not bind you to the tryout event. Applications will be used to determine the event roster.
Here is the ESE intent form to be filled out by May 1st. Approval forms must also be filled out and sent to your county office by May 1st as well.
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Tara Marble, tara.marble@maine.edu, or 207.778.4650.
New SPIN Club: Farm Animal Care – FUNdamentals
Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (such as cows, goats or sheep)? How to care for them? How do you know what to feed them, how do you actually do regular health checks and have proper housing? Join the 4-H Animal Science SPIN club. We will have 3 virtual sessions focused on what livestock need to live a healthy life and one field day that provides hands-on experience. Set yourself up for success in your 4-H project by learning the basics of animal care. Participants do not need to have any prior animal experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner/introductory level program.
Virtual sessions will be on Wednesdays, April 24, May 1, and May 8, 2024. An Optional in-person field day will take place Saturday, May 4.
This club is open to youth ages 9 – 18, space is limited to 15 participants.
More information and registration are available on our website. Registration closes April 8, 2024.
Save the Date: Maine 4-H Days is Happening in 2024!
Where: Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, Maine
When: Friday evening, July 19 – Saturday, July 20. Animal Science tracks are being scheduled
from Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21.
Workshop sessions for Saturday are still needed. If you know anyone who might want to run a
workshop on Saturday, please reach out to Karen Giles at karen.giles@maine.edu or phone: 207.474.9622.
All workshop forms are due by May 1, 2024.
Registration for the event for 4-H’ers and their families will be opening in mid-May. More information is coming soon. We can’t wait to see you there!