Franklin County 4-H Newsletter, August

July 25, 2023 Franklin County 4-H Newsletter

 

Table of Contents

Franklin County 4-H Calendar

  • August 10 -19: Skowhegan State Fair
  • August 26: Open Air Market
  • August 27 – September 4: Windsor Fair
  • September 1: Farmington Fair entry forms due to the Extension office
  • September 4: Labor Day; Extension office closed
  • September 17-23: Farmington Fair Week

Franklin County 4-H Leaders’ Association

No Leaders’ Meeting in August and September

County 4-H News

Farmington Fair

Farmington Fair has their entry forms listed on their new website Farmingtonfair.org:
Entries need to be submitted by September 1.

Open Air Market

Open Air Market is scheduled for Saturday, August 26. All Franklin County Youth are welcome to participate in the Farmers Market on August 26.  This gives 4-Hers an opportunity to sell produce, baked goods and other items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, in the District Court parking lot on Main Street in Farmington. If you would like to participate, please contact the Cooperative Extension Office at 207.778.4650 or 1.800.287.1478.

Summer Learning at the Strong Library

Tara Marble, participated in the Summer Learning Program at the Strong Library this summer about pollinators.  She can be seen below reading to the youth about the different types of pollinators before they started their plant dissection project.

4-H professional showing a picture of pollinators at work.

 4-Hers needed! Do you want to help and teach others about 4-H?

My name is Lauren Larson. I am reaching out on behalf of Maine Mountain Children’s House, we are an early childhood montessori school in Kingfield, Maine. We are planning our Annual Harvest Festival, our biggest scholarship fundraiser of the year (for more information here is a link to the website, https://www.mainemountainchildrenshouse.org/harvest-festival ) It will be held on September 30th from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at Mountain Village Farm Bed and Breakfast in Kingfield, Maine.
We are wondering if there are any 4-H children or families who might be interested in bringing an animal to contribute to the festival; we are coordinating a petting zoo, as well as various educational exhibits about animal products or rearing. Specifically, we are looking for a sheep; we have a person who spins wool and are hoping to have a felting project for children and families; or, a goat and goat milk products could be wonderful too! If there are any other ideas, we are open to suggestions and contributions of anyone interested in participating in the event.
Please let us know if you have any questions, or have any interested families. Let Tara know at the office or contact Lauren who is in charge of the event at burghard.lauren@gmail.com.

State 4-H News

4-H Ecological Studies (4Est) SPIN Club

Did you know that YOU are a scientist and can contribute to the science community?!? This virtual
4-H citizen scientists club encourages youth to practice citizen science in their own backyard, with
a variety of citizen science opportunities to consider, and report their observations while making
connections with fellow citizen scientists in their community and around the state.  Along the way,
we’ll learn about Maine ecology and how you can participate in research by just taking a picture.
Tuesdays September 12 – October 17, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm via zoom. This SPIN club is
open to up to 12 youth ages 12 – 18. Please register by August 30 th , so we have time to mail the
materials to you home. To learn more or sign up, visit out web page.

4-H Brave Spaces

4-H Brave Spaces is a five-session series designed to provide a safe place for youth to have important conversations about gender identity. This series demonstrates to LGBTQ+ youth that they are valued and welcomed by 4-H and gives all youth the tools to be supportive and effective allies. The peer-reviewed curriculum was created by Minnesota 4-H youth alongside regional and local Extension educators. Session highlights include: gender identity basics, a panel of LGBTQ+ and ally 4-H alumni, and tools to interrupt harassment and bias.

Session topics will include:

  • Words and Culture Matter
  • A Walk in Their Shoes
  • What Can I Do?
  • Global Cafe

To learn more or sign up, visit out web page. Limited to 12 participants. Register by September 10th. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.581.8206; sarah.sparks@maine.edu.

Fall 2023 Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors Program

Who: This program is for all Maine youth ages 14 – 18.

What: This hybrid program will provide youth with an opportunity to connect to local agriculture,
build relationships with industry professionals, develop professional and advocacy skills, and
explore careers in agriculture. The 2023 fall cohort will explore careers and local agriculture
through in-person field trips (limited transportation available), and by attending virtual meetings to
grow their professional skill set (e.g. resume writing and interviewing skills). Additionally, youth will
complete a personal reflective project exploring the role of agriculture and their future. This
program includes mentoring in post-secondary opportunities as well as exploring current issues
around food systems, livestock, crop sciences, aquaculture, climate issues impacting food
systems, food equity, and more.

Why: The goal of the Maine 4-H Ag Ambassador Program is to provide experiences for youth to
explore their interest in agriculture. 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 systems.

Where: Virtually and in-person throughout Maine.

When: – Virtual Meeting Dates: October 18 & 25, November 1 & 15
– In-Person Meeting Dates: October 21, November 10, and December 2.

How: Interested in Joining? Register Online by October 11 th .