Knox-Lincoln 4-H Newsletter—February 2021
Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
February 9 Public Speaking Workshop “Career & College Readiness,” 6-7pm, register online
February 11 KLLA Meeting, 6pm, via Zoom
February 13, 16 & 27 4-H Passport Around the World SPIN Club, see article below
February 16 Public Speaking Workshop “Intro to Public Speaking for Cloverbuds,” 10-11am, register online
February 20 4-H for All Club, 6-7pm, via Zoom
February 23 Public Speaking Workshop “All About Judging & Scoring,” 6-7pm, register online
February 24 Northeast Special Interest Club Workshop for Volunteers, 7-8pm
March 11 KLLA Meeting, 6pm, via Zoom
March 17 4-H for All Club, 6-7pm, via Zoom
February Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Nomi B., Alanna G., Paige G., Izabella S., Joshua M., Teah H., Elia B., Tara M., Britney J., and Julia B.!
Valentine Treats!
When we think of February we usually think of Valentine’s Day, and one of the things associated with Valentine’s is CHOCOLATE!!! While chocolate is definitely a food we eat only occasionally in small amounts, there are healthier versions of our favorite recipes we can enjoy. Black Bean Brownies give us that delicious chocolatey flavor with the added protein found in black beans. Try this great recipe with Monkey Ice Cream for a healthier treat.
Monkey Ice Cream
Peel 3-4 very ripe bananas. Wrap them in plastic wrap, place them in the freezer for at least 24 hours. When the bananas are completely frozen, remove them from the freezer. Peel off the plastic wrap and cut the bananas into 1″ pieces (you will need a very sharp knife; ask for adult help!).
Place the banana pieces into a food processor. Start the processor*. You may have to stop and scrape the bananas down as they begin to break apart. At first the mixture may look dry. Keep processing until smooth. In less than 5 minutes you will have the consistency of soft serve ice cream
*A blender may be used but the pieces will have to be much smaller and you will have to do several smaller batches.
Welcome Ryan LeShane, 4-H Professional
The UMaine Extension of Knox and Lincoln Counties is pleased to announce that Ryan LeShane has taken on the role of 4-H Professional in Knox and Lincoln Counties. Ryan has been Director of Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp and Learning Center for several years, and will continue in that position in a modified capacity in addition to his role in this office. This will provide a path to more integration of the camp and our county office programs. Ryan brings with him extensive experience working with parents, schools and community stakeholders…and youth of course! Welcome, Ryan!
2021 4-H Public Speaking Tournament 
The 2021 4-H Public Speaking Tournament will take place virtually over the weekend of April 16-18, 2021. In the absence of local club and county tournaments this year, there is ample support for youth preceding the tournament in the form of workshops and focused practice opportunities. These workshops are open to all youth who wish to practice their public speaking skills and those who wish to qualify for the state tournament. If you are interested in participating in the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Program and need assistance in any way, please contact us to discuss your needs. We are committed to making 4-H programs accessible to all youth, regardless of internet or technology access. Details for the workshops and tournaments are still being organized— regularly updated information can be found on the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Website. Stay tuned for more announcements!
Register for the remaining 4-H Public Speaking Workshops:
– February 9, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Career & College Readiness
– February 16, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m | Introduction to 4-H Public Speaking for Cloverbuds
– February 23, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | All About Judging & Scoring
– Practice Sessions in February and March
*There are two ways to qualify for the State Public Speaking Tournament:
- Attend two workshops and one practice session.
- Individualized qualifier; contact Emily Mott, emily.j.mott@maine.edu to make arrangements.
Questions about the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Program? Contact Sheila Norman, 207.942.7396 or sheila.norman@maine.edu.
NEW! 4-H Open Public Speaking Opportunity
Would you like to practice 4-H public speaking skills but aren’t necessarily interested in competing at the state tournament? If so, we want to hear from youth and/or clubs! 4-H Staff is interested in hosting a virtual “Open Public Speaking” Event for youth who would typically practice public speaking at the club or county level but who do not have the opportunity this year due to COVID-19. This would be a low-pressure, non-competitive (no scoring) opportunity for youth to gain feedback on their presentations from their peers and adults. Fill out this form with your contact information, and we will be in touch!
Northeast Special Interest Club Workshop for Volunteers
Wednesday, February 24, 7:00-8:00PM—Calling all 4-H volunteers, or potential volunteers! Join this virtual Northeast regional volunteer workshop to learn about the SPIN club model of short-term program delivery, and how you can create your own SPIN club in your state. Hosted by the Northeast Region Virtual Special Interest (SPIN) Club Committee. Register or contact Sara Conant, sara.conant@maine.edu 207.781.6099 for more information.
Virtual Astronomy Experiences offered by Versant Power Astronomy Center at University of Maine!
Versant Power Astronomy Center has innovated new ways to help you and your class explore the universe via distance learning. We are eager to work with you and your class, camp, family or private group and bring astronomy to you in an interactive way.
Virtual Astronomy Experiences are presented live by Shawn Laatsch, Director of Versant Power Astronomy Center & Jordan Planetarium. All experiences include an interactive presentation followed by a question and answer period with a total duration of around 45-50 minutes. Please contact us if you would like us to tailor something special for your group.
Presentations are $50.00 per class/group (maximum of 50 participants) and payment may be made by check or credit card.
Maine 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafés
Planning is currently taking place for Spring 2021 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafés. These weekly topical webinars are a great chance to learn something new! Information about upcoming sessions will soon be available online.
4-H Passport Around the World SPIN Club
Join Maine 4-H and Greenheart Exchange as we travel around the world virtually and meet other teens from across the globe! Meetings will include a brief presentation from a Greenheart Exchange Student, an activity, and Q & A. This SPIN Club is best for ages 12-18 and open to all youth. A minimal supply list will be provided for each activity. Remaining dates are Tuesday, February 16th, 4:00-5:00PM and Saturdays, February, 13th & 27th, 9:30 – 10:30AM. Register
Important Information for 4-H Market Steer Project Members
Any youth who have submitted an Intent to Sell a Market Steer at the Fryeburg Fair need to follow the updated guidelines:
Email a photo and the following information to jessica.brainerd@maine.edu (if you don’t have access to email, you can print the photo and put the required information on the back—regular paper is fine—mail to: State 4-H Office, 491 College Ave, Orono, ME 04473). Show any distinct marks (i.e. white feet, white spots on head/body). Include a picture of the RFID tag in the animal’s ear.
- Your name on the page
- The USDA approved RFID ear tag # (it starts with the first three digits of “840”) and it is 15 digits long. Confirm that you have written down the number correctly! No changes will be made.
- The name of your steer
- The birth date (month/year or exact date if known)
- Beginning weight— use a weight tape if necessary (either the date you first tape it or the weight you purchased/obtained your steer)—we can figure the ADG (Average Daily Gain) at the final weigh-in.
- The breed of your steer
- Who you purchased/obtained your steer from and the price paid. If Bred and Owned, please state this.
- Address where is the steer being housed—a complete address
- Any other farm tags or tattoo that your animal has
NEW THIS YEAR—Your approval form will be handled at the county level. Your steer should be entered on your regular animal approval form. In the column titled “Show Class” enter Fryeburg Sale. If you do not complete this correctly the animal will not be eligible for Fryeburg’s Sale as there are other sales throughout the state.
Livestock GPS
Do you have an animal, an acre of pasture, and an interest in GPS? Learn real world uses for GPS in modern livestock operations. Youth age 14-18 will learn:
- How GPS works
- History of GPS livestock tracking
- Current GPS uses in livestock research
- Developing your own GPS Research Project with your livestock
- How to download and analyze data
- How to present your GPS research results—Best presentation receives a Custom Silver Buckle.
Want to know more? Contact either Debra Kantor debra.kantor@maine.edu or 207.474.9622, or Colt Knight colt.knight@maine.edu or 207.581.2593.
4-H for All Club
Come and discover your spark! Maine 4-H is a place to learn new skills, meet new friends, and uncover the possibilities available to you. This opportunity is open to all Maine youth ages 5-19 and their families. New dates have been added!
Purpose: To provide new and potential members and their families a place to learn about 4-H, and to connect youth across the state.
How: Meetings will be held on February 20th, March 17th, and April 21st from 6-7 pm via zoom; registration for each date will be closed at 12:00 pm, the day before the meeting. The club will be led by various 4-H staff and guests. Register below!
What’s in it for me? You will be connected to youth across the state. You will be able to choose a project to complete. You will learn about 4-H and learn how to become more involved.
Why: We would love to have you join and engage in our 4-H program. There is no cost in participating. Monthly meetings will help challenge you to create new goals and discover new passions.
UMaine Faculty Leading Online Forums During the 2021 Maine Science Festival
Habib Dagher, founding director of the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center, and Melissa Maginnis, an associate professor of microbiology, will lead two online forums during the 2021 Maine Science Festival. The festival will offer six one-hour sessions via Zoom in January, February and March. Each of the sessions remaining will include an overview from the speaker, followed by a Q&A period.
Dagher, also a professor of civil engineering, will participate in a talk titled “Off-shore wind: from the UK to Maine” with Tony Appleton, director of offshore wind for Burns & McDonnell, and Ronit Prawer, director of the U.K. Government’s Science and Innovation Network (SIN) for the Eastern U.S. The festival will host the online forum at 1 p.m. February 16. Register on the event webpage.
Maginnis, leader of the University of Maine System Scientific Advisory Board, will speak in a forum titled “Overview of COVID-19” that explores what COVID-19 is, how it works and why it has been effective as a pandemic. The festival will host the session at 4 p.m. March 2. Register on the event webpage.
More information about the 2021 festival and its forums can be found online.