December 4-H Newsletter

2 horses running in the snow

 

Upcoming Dates & Events

Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign: November 29th – December 15th
Zsuites Training for Volunteers: December 10 (see state news)
Ignite 4-H Applications Due (National Trip): December 23rd (see sate news)
4-H MEMBER & VOLUNTEER RE-ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: December 31st
Aroostook Leaders Mtg: January 13th, 6:00 pm
Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club Registration: January 7th (see State Program Highlight)
County 4-H Pop Up Meeting: January 21st, 6:00 pm at the Houlton Office
County 4-H Pop Up Meeting: February 13th, 4:00 pm at the Easton Rec Hall
County 4-H Pop Up Meeting: March 25th, 6:00 at the Presque Isle Office
Check the Aroostook 4-H Calendar for the most up to date event information.

COUNTY NEWS 

Re-Enrollment Time: This is not a drill!!! 

We all know December is a busy time of year for families, but in the hustle and bustle of the month please don’t forget to re-enroll the 4-H members & volunteers in your household.  Current members who are not re-enrolled by December 31st, risk not being able to participate in 4-H events and activities in the upcoming year.  We want to ensure all our members have the opportunity to participate in as many activities as possible and receive all the information to do so.  Enrolling is the only way to do that.  Enrollments can be completed online at https://4h.zsuite.org.  If you do not have internet access, experience difficulties, or have questions please contact the office and we will assist you with enrollment. 

All Aroostook 4-H Meetings – Coming in 2025

Starting in January Ms. Megan will be facilitating monthly Pop Up style 4-H meetings for ALL Aroostook County 4-H members who wish to participate.  Independent members looking for a club experience, and current club members looking for additional ways to participate in 4-H are encouraged to join us.  We will cover various topics and interests with a focus on 4-H basics such as project records, 4-H pillars, and pledge as well as fun seasonal activities and opportunities for all ages. This is also a great opportunity to bring a friend who may be interested in 4-H, and for parents/guardians to ask questions and get information on 4-H activities.   The location of the in-person meeting will move around the county, but there will also be a zoom option for those members who are not able to travel to the monthly meeting.   The first monthly meeting will be held on January 21st at 6:00 pm in our Houlton Office.  The Houlton office is located in the CLA Building (formally Houlton Higher Ed) 18 Military St. Houlton ME 04730. 

January Pop Up Meeting Agenda

Opening & Pledge – 6:00
New year, New Project Record – 6:20
4-H Pillar Activity – 6:45  (Agriculture/STEAM/Healthy Living/Outdoor Leadership)
Q & A and Closing: 7:00 

Please reach out if you plan to attend via zoom, and we will send you the link. 

* Cloverbud members (age 5-8) must be accompanied by an adult.
* Members must have completed enrollment forms. 

Membership & Project Pins

If you were unable to attend the 4-H Achievement Night in October and would like to receive your project and/or year pins please contact the office so we can make arrangements for you to pick them up at the office most convenient for you. Additionally if you are missing any membership pins from previous years, please let us know and we will make sure you get them. 

Giving Hands & Grateful Hearts 

On November 16th, Aroostook members and leaders gathered for a different type of cookie swap.  Each member brought one of their favorite treats to help build trays of goodies to share with members of the community they are grateful for.  We were able to build 20 trays of delicious treats to share with individuals and organizations around the county. Members delivered the trays to various locations including…

  • Presque Isle Police Dept. 
  • Fort Fairfield Fire Dept.
  • Central Aroostook Humane Society
  • East of Eden Stable
  • Fort Fairfield Border Patrol
  • Washburn Bus Garage
  • US Postal Service Staff
  • Houlton Higher Ed. Staff

State Program Highlight

Many of you met Sadee Mehuren, our Maine 4-H Animal Science Professional, at Spring Fling last year, or at the livestock clinic at the NM Fair.  She and another 4-H professional will be offering this wonderful introduction to livestock care for ages 9+.  I highly recommend this for anyone interested in livestock projects or are interested in raising livestock.  NO ANIMAL OR EXPERIENCE NEEDED! 

girl and 2 sheepFarm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club
Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (such as cows, goats, or sheep)? How do we 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 any prior animal experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner/introductory level program.  This is a free opportunity for youth ages 9 – 18, and will meet over Zoom from 4:00 – 5:15 pm on Wednesdays, January 22, 29th, and February 5, 2025, February 12th will be an optional session for youth who intend to participate in a 4-H livestock project. The final session will be geared towards youth who are beginning their journey into raising livestock. Parents are encouraged to attend this session with their child. Register before January 7, 2025.

 

CLUB AND MEMBER NEWS

The Evergreens

Mylah G and Oakley P of The Evergreens and Mane Eventers 4-H clubs recently attended Equine Affaire (EA) in Springfield, MA. EA is an educational program showcasing the ins and outs of a wide variety of equestrian disciplines through hundreds of clinics, seminars, demonstrations, and hosts the largest horse-related trade show in North America.  Besides attending the Fantasia-A musical celebration of the horse night show, the girls attended many clinics over several days. Mylah attended a clinic with Kevin Raber, the 2022 Congress Freestyle Reining Champion. Oakley met new book author Sydney Collier, 2016 Team USA Paralympic. Oakley also participated in “Drive a Draft” workshop with Kellie Rettinger of Whispery Pines Percherons and ground drove Maverick, a beautiful 2000 lb Percheron draft horse.

Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors

Two Aroostook 4-H members, who participate in Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors recently traveled to the Maine Grazing Behavior Lab at UMaine for a workshop with Dr. Colt Knight, Associate Extension Professor and State Livestock Specialist.  After the workshop, Dr. Knight invited the 4-H Members and staff to sit down with him for an Episode of his popular podcast, Maine Farmcast. Aroostook Members, Austin Q. & Rachel M. along with the other Ag Ambassadors each took a turn at the mic answering a question from Dr. Knight.  Listen to the full episode HERE!

Members then had lunch on campus and returned to the 4-H Science Center to plan their projects for the upcoming year. 

The Maine 4-H Agriculture Ambassador Program is intended for youth ages 14-18 and provides them with the opportunity to connect to local agriculture, build relationships with industry professionals, develop professional and advocacy skills, and explore careers in agriculture. Following completion of a 6-week training, participants serve a year long term as a member of a Maine 4-H Agriculture Ambassador team in an area of their choosing. The program focuses on:

  • connecting youth with their local food systems and industries
  • exploring the richness and diversity of the Maine food system
  • developing “ag-vocacy” skills
  • increasing access to career and post-secondary opportunities in agri-science and food system

If you are interested in becoming an Ag Ambassador please reach out to Ms. Megan at megan.cook@maine.edu. 

 

Happy Birthday slide with 5 cupcakes

 

State 4-H News

December, 2024

4-H ignite logoIgnite by 4-H

Who is eligible: All 4-H enrolled youth of high school age (14-18) 
When is the event: March 12-16, 2025
Where: Washington DC metro area at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
Timeline: Applications need to be completed by Dec 23rd
Cost: The Maine 4-H Foundation has graciously funded the majority of the registration and travel costs for youth.  Youth will be responsible for $300 towards the cost of the trip. We encourage youth to reach out to the County offices and programs to seek out additional funding support. If youth need help or assistance please have them contact tara.marble@maine.edu.
Spark your imagination and passion! Join us from across the U.S. in Washington, D.C. for Ignite by 4-H! The four-day interactive summit helps teens find their spark through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration, and connecting with peers as an inclusive teen event in March 2025.  
Ignite is a step forward in the journey of becoming beyond ready. At Ignite, teens collaborate, create and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world—becoming resilient and READY for everything life has to offer. The possibilities are endless at Ignite by 4-H. Ignite will include:

ZSuite – A Tool for 4-H Volunteers

By now you have heard of ZSuite, but how can it help YOU as a 4-H volunteer? If you are a club leader, ZSuite has features that you can use to help keep you organized and communicating clearly with your club members and families! Join us for a “ZSuite How-To” training via Zoom on Tuesday, December 10th from 6:00-7:00pm. To register, log into ZSuite and then go here.   Questions? Reach out to Jessy Brainerd jessica.brainerd@maine.edu or Jen Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu.

4-H Volunteer Connections: Register Today!

We are offering THREE virtual interactive sessions this winter for all 4-H volunteers! Join us for regional training and networking opportunities with 4-H volunteers from our 13 states in the Northeast Region! Session topics include the following:

– Preparing for Youth Engagement – January 22, 2025 – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
– Building Connections for Success – February 19, 2025 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm
– Growing Beyond the Ribbon – March 19, 2025 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm

To read more about each session and register, go to this link!  https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/volunteer-connections/

Sign up for one, two, or all three! Sessions are free, but you must register! Questions? Reach out to Jen Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu  We hope to see you there!

microphonePublic Speaking – Save the Date!

The state Public Speaking event will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the University of Maine in Orono. The snow date is Sunday, April 6. Stay tuned for events and details on our website soon. Please contact your local county office for information about your local events happening soon.

4-H Climate Civic Action SPIN Club

This is a 3-part series for youth ages 12-18 that will dive into real world issues and what we can actually do about them. Together we will learn about climate change from a global perspective, a local perspective and explore opportunities for individual action to make a difference. This will involve hands-on, minds-on learning to unpack this big topic.  This is a free opportunity for youth ages 12 – 18, and will take place over Zoom on Mondays January 27, February 3, and February 10, from 4:30 – 5:30 pm.  Register before January 13, 2025.

Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club

Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (such as cows, goats, or sheep)? How do we 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 any prior animal experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner/introductory level program.  This is a free opportunity for youth ages 9 – 18, and will meet over Zoom from 4:00 – 5:15 pm on Wednesdays, January 22, 29th, and February 5, 2025, February 12th will be an optional session for youth who intend to participate in a 4-H livestock project. The final session will be geared towards youth who are beginning their journey into raising livestock. Parents are encouraged to attend this session with their child. Register before January 7, 2025.

virtual aquacultureExplore Maine’s Aquaculture Industry with Virtual Field Trips from 4-H

Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) are an innovative way for youth to explore and learn about places and people that would otherwise be infeasible! These immersive, online experiences bring Maine’s thriving aquaculture industry to life—no travel required.

Accessible at no cost, the Virtual Field Trips are designed to break down geographical and financial barriers, making high-quality, hands-on learning available to all. Register online to receive a link to the VFTs. Each field trip also comes with complementary 4-H activity guides and lesson plans to help facilitate meaningful engagement with youth.

The first VFT currently available features the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR), a large-scale, land-based aquaculture facility in Franklin, Maine. Additional virtual field trips are in development and will be rolled out throughout 2025 and 2026. These experiences offer insight into seafood production, workforce development, career exploration, and STEM concepts related to aquaculture technologies.

To register for a virtual field trip, visit extension.umaine.edu/hancock/aquaculture/vft.

For more information: contact Carla Scocchi, 4-H Youth Development Professional, carla.scocchi@maine.edu. 

4-H Science Toolkits

Maine 4-H has a lending library of 4-H Science toolkits. These come with activities and materials around a variety of topics. Recent additions include:
– eBird Explorers, exploring Ornithology for Cloverbuds
– Harmful and Shifting Species, which examines species impacting the Maine coast
– Power Protectors, which involves exploring energy use and an introduction to renewable energy through engineering design challenges.

Reach out to your local 4-H staff person or email 4-HScience@maine.edu to make a reservation or with any questions.

4-H Dairy Quizbowl – Save the Date!

The 2025 Maine 4-H dairy quizbowl tryouts will be held on March 1st at the Randall Student Center at the University of Maine Augusta. The contest will start at 10:00 AM with the written exam, followed by the individual questions portion and then the buzzer rounds.

This event will serve as the official tryout for the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Team. The top four eligible 4-H members will be selected to represent Maine 4-H at The Big E in the regional dairy quizbowl contest in September.

Maine 4-H dairy quizbowl tryouts are open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members ages 9-18. Youth will be divided into two age categories, Jr. ages 9-11 and Sr. ages 12-18. If you plan on attending please notify Sadee Mehuren via email at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so that we can prepare for the event.

For more information on the event including the contest rules, please visit extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy-quizbowl/.

ESE 4-H Dairy Intent Forms Available Now!

The 2025 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form is available online at https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy/. In order to be eligible for participation on the Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States Team next fall, 4-H members must submit their completed intent form online or to the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office before March 1, 2025. 

Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 with any questions.

Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available

The 2025 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is now available online and must be submitted by January 15, 2025. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Beef Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September. Youth must be 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2024 and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin, kristen.grondin@maine.edu, 207-581-8193, with any questions.

Market Beef at Fryeburg Fair

The 2025 Maine 4-H Intent to Sell a Market Beef Project at Fryeburg Fair is now available for eligible youth.  The animal must be owned and in the youth’s possession, and the youth must be enrolled in their county by December 31, 2024.  More information and the form are available on the Maine 4-H Beef page.  Online forms must be submitted, and paper copies must be postmarked by January 6, 2025.

Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships

Every year, the Maine 4-H Foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to participants in the Maine 4-H Program pursuing higher education, this participation includes traditional club membership, as well as the many other ways youth can engage with 4-H, including at our Camp and Learning Centers.  Dozens of different scholarships are available to applicants, and a single application is used for all.

To find out more about available scholarships, and access the application and templates, visit the Maine 4-H Foundation website.  Applications are due to your local UMaine Extension county office or one of our 4-H Learning Centers by March 3, 2025.

Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales

Maple Sugaring 101, also known as Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise, is a 7-week hybrid program open to Maine youth ages 9 to 18 who are interested in learning about the entire maple sugaring process and how to create a commercial grade syrup. Participants will learn about forest management, tapping trees, transporting sap, using an evaporator, grading and storing syrup, and operating a maple sugaring business.

Each week, participants will learn about the process and connect with other young maple sugar makers through online meetings and in-person workshops led by University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts. Online meetings are scheduled for weekday evenings, 5pm-6pm in February and March. On-site workshops will be held at participating sugarhouses following the virtual sessions.  Exact dates will be released in January 2025.

This program will also prepare youth for a new Level 1 digital badge called Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise. Youth who complete the program will get free access to the learning modules to earn the digital badge.

Club leaders who would like to have their club participate in this program, please contact your 4-H County Professional or Andrew Hudacs by Monday, January 27, 2024: andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, 207.581.8204.

Youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register. Travel beyond their home county may be required to attend onsite sessions if a sugarhouse is not available locally.

For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/annual-events/maple-sugaring-101/

Save the Date: Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE)

The Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE) will take place from May 16 – 18, 2025 at the Windsor Fairgrounds in Windsor, Maine.  More information can be found on their website, and entry forms and schedules will be available in 2025.

graphic of squashHarvest of the Month –
December is Maine Winter Squash

Check out the link for a Winter Squash Resource Page.

 

 

 

charcuterie boardHow to Build a Healthy Charcuterie Board for the Holidays

— By Kayla Parsons, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Ph.D. Student, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Heading to a holiday party, but not sure what to bring? Everyone loves a well-assembled charcuterie board (pronounced: shaar-koot-tr-ee). While charcuterie traditionally refers to the preparation of cured meats, the term is frequently used to describe snack trays and plates with a variety of themes and compositions. Our take is to create a healthful snack plate using the MyPlate food groups and guidelines. Charcuterie boards are the perfect option for any holiday party because:

  1. there’s minimal cooking involved,
  2. it contains a variety of options for everyone, and
  3. A charcuterie board can be a light and healthy snack for those who don’t want to fill up before a main meal.  Click here for more.