4-H June Newsletter 2020
Update for County office re-opening
University of Maine Cooperative Extension buildings are closed until June 30th in an effort to ensure the health and safety of the community, and to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. However, please note that UMaine Extension is operating and the staff are working remotely. We are hoping that July will see us back in our offices until that time the best way to reach us is through email: mari.glatter@maine.edu emily.dow@maine.edu
Happy Birthday to our 4-H members born in June
Clinton G
Evan C
Hannah C
Izabelle H
Lucius F
Olivia H
Rheanna O
Sarah G
Staci D
Wayne S
Congratulations to our Graduating Seniors 2020
Caleb D
Gavin H
Katelyn A
Michaela G
Lila M
Congratulations also to Lila M for the being the recipient of the 2020 Wilma Winslow Post-Secondary Aroostook County 4-H Leader’s Association Scholarship in the amount of $500.00.
On behalf of your Aroostook County 4-H staff, we would like to wish you all the best in the next chapter of your lives.
Club News from Ultra Clover
Congratulations to Mallory W who came in second place for the state in the online Veterinary Science competition for FFA!
Awesome job, Mallory!
Mallory W with Cannon and Megan R with Minnie were at Houlton Regional Hospital on 5/28/20 for their Western Day.
Welcome
Welcome to our newest 4-H Leader, Hannah Elland. She will be helping David and Judi Howard with the Paca Pals, located in Hodgdon. Thank you so much for choosing to become a 4-H Leader.
Virtual Fair
I know we are all missing the opportunity to participate in a live fair this year. 4-H staff are working on a virtual fair for Mainers, stay tuned in for more information.
4-H Adventures
Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? This summer, Florida 4-H brings you 4-H Adventures – a virtual summer program that will navigate through healthy living, leadership and science based programs. You will find an array of fun and educational adventures along with course descriptions and dates. Over 40 virtual summer experiences for youth. The journey awaits with 4-H Adventures; at home and in your community.
Register now
State 4-H News
June, 2020
- 4-H At-Home Aquaponics Project
For youth ages 9+ interested in fish, gardening, engineering, aquaculture, and/or simply learning something new – we have a summer project for you! The 4-H At-Home Aquaponics Project is an experiential learning program delivered virtually beginning in Summer 2020, in partnership with the UMaine Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR). The program will include learning experiences in introductory aquaponic systems and design, fish husbandry, aquaponic gardening, cooking and nutrition, and more! Prior experience with aquaponics is not required. The program leaders will mentor youth through the stages of designing and building an aquaponics system through maintenance and harvest. Youth complete their project independently at home (with adult supervision), but they are also members of a state-wide group of youth who will meet regularly via Zoom from July – October 2020. More info and registration is online.What is Aquaponics? Aquaponics is a type of farming that combines raising fish in tanks (aquaculture) and growing plants without soil (hydroponics). In an aquaponics system, the plants use nutrient-rich water from the fish tank while purifying the water for the fish. Aquaponic farming can be done year-round, indoors, and in any climate. It is a fun and different way to grow your own food that is safe, easy, and fresh! - 2020 4-H Summer Programming
4-H Staff and volunteers are working hard to put together some non-traditional offerings for Maine 4-Hers this summer. Registration and other information will be available online on June 19th.
- Learn at Home: Educational Resources to Use During School Closures
With novel coronavirus closing schools across Maine for several weeks, the UMaine Cooperative Extension has assembled this collection of helpful educational resources for parents and caregivers. From science to financial literacy, whether for toddlers or teenagers, we encourage you to take advantage of these activity books, guides, and other resources to help children remain engaged in educational experiences throughout their school closure. Find resources for every age group at: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/learn-at-home/
- 4-H “Learn at Home” BINGO
Looking for some fun family activities you can do from your own home? Maine 4-H invites you to play 4-H Learn at Home BINGO! Register online to receive your Bingo Board for the month of April: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/learn-at-home/bingo-registration/.
- Virtual UMaine Webpage
If you’re interested in UMaine – there is a dedicated web page for students to learn more information because Accepted Student Days and Open House Programs have been canceled for the spring. Check it out at: https://go.umaine.edu/admitted-fyr/.
- All 4-H Club Meetings and Events Canceled Until Further Notice
- Given the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation in Maine, UMaine Extension is cancelling all 4-H club meetings and events until further notice (no matter what size group).
Coronavirus | Airborne Disease Surveillance Epidemiology Program | MeCDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–Coronavirus Summary
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–Coronavirus Fact Sheet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–What the Public Should Do
U.S. Department of State–China Travel Advisory
We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more information. Please contact your county office if you have specific questions.
- Save the Date for 2020 Maine 4-H Days
Maine 4-H Days will take place July 16 – 19, 2020 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. If you are interested in helping to plan this year’s event, please contact Jessy Brainerd at jessica.brainerd@maine.edu or 207.581.3877.
- Maine 4-H Days Planning Committee
July will be here before you know it, and we are looking for a few good volunteers to join the fantastic current Maine 4-H Days Planning Committee. Joining this committee gives you the chance to help come up with ideas and plans for one of our biggest statewide events! If you are interested in joining the Maine 4-H Days Planning Committee, or have general questions/comments/recommendations about the event, please email jessica.brainerd@maine.edu, or call 207.581.3877.
- National 4-H Dairy Conference
The 66th National 4-H Dairy Conference will be held September 27 to September 30, 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin. It will be held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo and attendees will have the chance to visit Expo as part of the conference agenda. Additionally, the conference will offer opportunities to learn more about careers in agriculture, seminars on dairy topics, and a wealth of chances to interact with dairy 4-H members from across the country.More info about the conference can be found here (check back for updates as they happen): https://national4hdairyconference.org/2018/11/07/join-us-in-2019/The Maine 4H Animal Science Dairy Committee would love to try and send/support a team of motivated kiddos who are involved with the Dairy Goat, or Dairy Cattle Project Areas for this very unique and meaningful opportunity.The National 4H Dairy Conference requires that 4H team members: Have spent at least 3 years in those project areas, and be at least 15 years old but not yet older than 18 (4H age).We are also looking for potential VOLT Chaperones who might like to help organize and facilitate this trip. If we have an idea of how many kids are interested we can plan our fundraising efforts accordingly. Interested parties can contact Tara marble at tara.marble@maine.edu, or 207-778-4650 at the Franklin County Office.