4-H January Newsletter 2023
Happy New Year Aroostook 4-H’ers!
Returning members and volunteers, thank you for re-enrolling. We look forward to an exciting year ahead. If you have friends who are interested in joining 4-H they have until April 1st to enroll if they wish to participate in summer fairs, state events, and Eastern States. Think of a friend or family member you want to share 4-H with and bring them along to your next meeting, invite them to an event or refer them to the county office and let us help them find their SPARK!
Looking Ahead….
Public Speaking
It’s time to start thinking about Public Speaking season! All youth are eligible to participate in the county event. Youth ages 9-18 are eligible to compete at the state level if they qualify during the county level event. Please let us know if you are interested and stay tuned for more information on a workshop day and contest date.
Ag Ambassadors – Explore your interest in agriculture!
Open to youth ages 14-18, 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, and increasing their access to career and post-secondary opportunities in the agri-science and food system.
Dates: Online Meetings: Tuesdays, March 7th – April 18th, 3:30 – 5:00. Teen Ag Symposium: Orono, April 20th & 21st.
For more information or to register…
Contact Megan Cook in the Aroostook County 4-H Office: megan.cook@maine.edu or 207.532.6548
Contact Maine 4-H Agricultural Leadership Team: extension.4hagleadership@main.edu
Visit: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/youth/ag-leadership/#fall-ag-leadership-club
Club & Member News
Chromebook Giveaway
Congratulations to Abe Han! Abe was the winner of the Chromebook, generously donated by a Cooperative Extension Master Gardener.
Evergreens Light Up the Holidays!
The Evergreen club had an active Holiday season. Members participated in the annual Holiday Light Parade in Presque Isle. Evergreen youth and volunteers, along with independent and Aroostook Valley Dairy club members strolled the parade route with a lighted float and some very cute goats wearing pajamas. They took home top prize for the “Non-Profit” division.
The Evergreens also made a trip to The King’s Gardener to learn about tipping and wreath making. The group enjoyed cookies and mulled cider and created some beautiful wreaths on their festive outing.
4-H for All Aroostook
Independent and Club members came together in two 4-H for All Aroostook Events held December 7th (Houlton) and December 8th (Presque Isle). The event was open to the public and offered an overview of 4-H to those interested in joining as well as a chance for our independent members to make connections with other groups.
Families learned how to make borax crystals and how 4-H can help them find and grow their SPARKS!
Happy Birthday to our 4-Her’s born in January
Angelina N Alyssa N Julia P
Brooke Q Ella S
The Tyler App Challenge is open
This program provides youth ages 13+ the opportunity to build a mobile app. There are video workshops on innovation as well as resources on app building available – and there are scholarships awarded to winners! More information about the App Challenge here – The innovation videos are online
State 4-H News
Maine 4-H Equity Challenge for all Maine Youth
Are you a photographer? A performer? A writer? Then consider the 4-H Equity Challenge. The challenge is for youth ages 5-19 to create a digital photograph, a performance, a presentation, or a writing piece that tells why every Maine youth belongs in a welcoming and inclusive environment. There are prizes based on age. This challenge is open to any 4-H’er or partner organization in Maine. There are helpful guides and a rubric to help you understand what judges will look for in an entry.
To submit an entry or to find out more information go to the Maine 4-H Equity Challenge webpage. To participate, submit your creation by February 24, 2023.
Maine 4-H Engineering Virtual Club
Registration is now open for the Maine 4-H Engineering Club, which will introduce basic engineering skills by exploring a different topic each week. Each week will have a new hands-on engineering challenge to work on while making connections with fellow 4-H engineers around the state! UMaine Extension 4-H staff will lead the challenges. The club is free; limited to 20 participants. Register by January 17 on the event webpage to receive the link and at-home materials. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.581.8206 or sarah.sparks@maine.edu. Additional information also is available on the Extension 4-H Virtual Learning webpage.
State Public Speaking Tournament – Save the Date!
Our state public speaking tournament will be held on April 8, 2023 at DP Corbett Hall on the University of Maine campus. Youth must qualify for this event by achieving a score of 78 or higher at their county or regional tournament. Check with your county 4-H staff to find out when your county tournament will be held.
Public Speaking In-Person Workshop
The Maine 4-H Communication Science Team invites all enrolled 4-H members to an in-person workshop on January 21st from 2 – 4 pm. The meeting will be held at the Penobscot County Extension Office in Bangor. Participants will learn how to prepare for county/regional public speaking contests for both Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks. Please contact sheila.norman@maine.edu for more information or to register.
2023 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities
As we get ready for the new 4-H year, we are looking forward to offering a variety of learning experiences (both in person and virtual) for our 4-H volunteers. Sessions are free of charge, but require registration. Some sessions have limited space. Visit the 4-H Volunteer Calendar of Training Opportunities to learn more and register!
Androscoggin/Sagadahoc 4-H Monthly Workshops – Open to All Maine 4-Hers!
Come join the Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties 4-H program at their monthly workshops – the Third Friday of every month (unless otherwise noted) from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Lisbon Extension Office at 24 Main Street. Anyone interested can contact Cathy Gray to find out more information.
Currently Scheduled Topics:
– January 20, 2023 – “Getting the Word Out” Digital Marketing
– February 17, 2023 – Short Film Making
– March 10, 2023 – Spa & Relaxation Science
– April 21, 2023 – Movie Premier Night
– May 19, 2023 – Wool Spinning Workshop
EFNEP Mainely Dish Recipe Video
Red Potato Wedges
Maine Harvest of the Month
Check out the Potatoes Resource Page for lessons, activities, books and more.