Aroostook 4-H Newsletter April 2020

Happy Birthday to our 4-H’ers born in April

Brooklynne M
Macie B
Mallory W
Matthew G
Molly S
Wambli M

UMaine Cooperative Extension – we are still here for you, just in transition

Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020:

University of Maine Cooperative Extension buildings are CLOSED until May 17, 2020 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 staff are working remotely from their homes.

During this time of transition, the staff has started exploring new ways of serving the community remotely.  If you would like to reach Mari or Emily, feel free to email us.  mari.glatter@maine.edu  emily.dow@maine.edu As mentioned in the Social Media section below we have started sharing articles and opportunities for youth to enjoy while at home. We want to make sure you have the tools in your toolbox to allow for fun, educational, and simple alternatives for projects that might take place outside the home normally.

Social Media

If you do not already, please find the Aroostook County 4-H Facebook page and “Like” us. We are doing a push on social media to grow our following and this is also a faster way to keep up to date on County news, statewide events, and fun happenings and posts that we share.

leaf in ice

Attention all 2019-2020 Aroostook 4-H Seniors

The Wilma Winslow Post-Secondary Aroostook County 4-H Leader’s Association College Scholarship Application
Due May 1st

SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION: The Aroostook County 4-H Leader’s Association is offering one scholarship to a graduating 2019-20 high school senior who is currently active in 4-H. This scholarship will pay $250.00 first semester and $250.00 for the second.

Looking for fun things to do, we are here for you

Learn at Home: Educational Resources to Use During School Closures

With novel coronavirus closing schools across Maine for several weeks, the University of Maine 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.

Mainely Dish Mondays

Need a new recipe to add to your collection?

Watch our “Mainely Dish” step-by-step videos for a simple recipe that can be done right at home!

Learn at Home: 4-H Friday Fun!

Each Friday, watch for a new hands-on activity that you can try out with simple materials you have at home. Watch a short video clip to see how it’s done or download our 4-H Learn from Home activity sheets. Each activity outlines materials needed, easy to follow instructions, reflection questions for discussion and activity extensions.

QuaranTEEN Science Cafe

Maine 4-H is offering an exciting new ‘Virtual” Science Cafe series that started March 31st. The series is offered through Zoom and allows teens to chat with a UMaine scientist, and learn about their work.

The upcoming dates are:

April 7: Dr. Alicyn Smart, Extension Plant Pathologist (description coming soon!)

April 14: Chef Rob Dumas, Food Science Innovation Coordinator (description coming soon!)

Cost: FREE!

For more information, or to sign up go HERE.

We hope to see you there!

Public Speaking

Due to the COVID19 situation, our Aroostook County Public Speaking Tournament had to be postponed.  This gives all of our Aroostook 4-Hers a unique opportunity to try and qualify for the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Tournament!  You can make a video of your 4-H illustrated talk or demonstration (HERE is a video how to do that) and then send the video to me.  You will use THIS link to send me your video by April 11th.  Our county judges will be able to evaluate your presentation and any Aroostook 4-Hers who scores a 78 or higher will qualify for the state competition.  I am working with our state Public Speaking staff and that competition lots to be a unique and exciting live (virtual) competition and awards ceremony!  Please feel free to reach out to Mari (mari.glatter@maine.edu) with any questions or needs that you may have.

#STEMPiglet

#STEMPiglet took a hike to explore all the beautiful sights in the woods. Can you identify what he found? Head #outdoors and create your own #ispy game! #woods #game #4h #maine #spring #seekthesimplicity #hideandseek #4hgrowshere

UMaine Extension:  Connecting with our Maine Community During COVID-19

 

UMaine Cooperative Extension: Responding to COVID-19

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State 4-H News

April, 2020

  • Learn at Home: Educational Resources to Use During School Closures
    With novel coronavirus closing schools across Maine for several weeks, the University of Maine 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: learn at home
  • “Seclusion Showdown” Online Horse Show
    Horse shows may be postponed and cancelled across the country, but don’t let that stop you from competing! Join our sponsor, @SLTcom for their first ever “Seclusion Showdown” Online Horse Show. No entry fees, real judges, exciting prizes! Session #1 March 26th – April 1, 2020.  https://www.statelinetack.com/content/events/seclusion-showdown/
  • 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).
  • We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more information. Please contact your county office if you have specific questions.
  • #EmpoweringMEandYou – Stress Less Online Workshop for Teens – 04/16/20, 6:00 – 7:00PM
    The National 4-H Healthy Living Summit Team from Maine will be presenting their Stress Less lesson plan developed at the 2019 Summit and presented at the 2020 Summit. Any youth ages 13 – 18 are welcome and encouraged to attend. 4-H participation is not required! This hour-long lesson was designed by and for teens to educate others on the effects of stress and how they can combat and cope with stress in their daily lives, and the lives of others. Youth will start by identifying what the effects of stress are, and then have the opportunity to practice a variety of coping strategies that can help to reduce these effects on the body. Youth will also learn and practice how to reframe their own negative self-talk and redirect that of others as it relates to stress. If you are interested in attending this workshop please RSVP here by Monday, April 13, 2020 to receive a reminder email and the Zoom link. For questions or information on offering this to your county or club, please email or call Sara Conant, sara.conant@maine.edu, 207-781-6099.
  • Camp Scholarships Available
    The Maine 4-H Foundation has camp scholarships ranging from $100-$200 available for 4-H members to any one week of 4-H camp. Try one of our University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Centers at Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond, Greenland Point and Tanglewood. Call the camps to ask for a scholarship. Scholarships are based on need and first come, first serve.  https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/camps/
  • 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.
  • 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 next 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.