Waldo County 4-H Newsletter – February 2021
Upcoming Dates
02/09: Afterhours with 4-H session: 4-H Public Speaking
02/09: Public Speaking Workshop: Career and College Readiness
02/16: Public Speaking Workshop: Intro to 4-H Public Speaking for Cloverbuds
02/23: Public Speaking Workshop: All about Judging and Scoring
03/01: Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline
04/16-18: State 4-H Public Speaking Tournament
County News
Waldo County 4-H Leaders’ Association
The Waldo County 4-H Leader’s Association monthly meeting will be March 4th at 10:30am via zoom. All 4-H waldo county volunteers are invited to attend and participate in the meeting.
More information on how to join the meeting and the meeting agenda will be sent via email. We look forward to seeing you there!
Afterhours with 4-H
Waldo County 4-H staff would like to invite you to a series of informational zoom meetings. To make ourselves available to Waldo County 4-H families, we will be holding Afterhours with 4-H office hours every other Tuesday evening.
These zoom meetings will be a chance for 4-H members, parents, and volunteers to ask questions or learn more about the topic being covered. For a schedule of topics being discussed please see the information below. We encourage you to attend and bring any questions you may have. Those who are unable to join via video conferencing can call into the zoom meeting.
Afterhours with 4-H Schedule:
02/09- Public Speaking (6:00-7:00pm)
This zoom session will cover 4-H public speaking projects. Anyone who is interested in completing a public speaking project or who would like a chance to practice their skills is encouraged to join. Public speaking projects are beneficial to youth of all ages and interests. 4-H public speaking contests typically take place in March, so join us to get a jump on your preparation!
If you would like to suggest a topic to be covered at a future Afterhours with 4-H zoom meeting, please do so by emailing sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or calling 207.342.5971.
Club News:
Little Beavers 4-H Club
Waldo County 4-H would like to congratulate Lydia S. of the Little Beaver’s 4-H Club on being selected as a delegate to National 4-H Conference. Lydia will represent Maine 4-H at the National 4-H Conference, to be held virtually in spring of 2021. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is proud to have Lydia as a representative of Waldo County and Maine 4-H.
2021 National Weather Service SkyWarn Weather Spotter Training (Virtual)
Help your National Weather Service by becoming a Weather Storm Spotter! Storm spotters identify and report on severe weather that they observe. The SkyWarn spotter training will be delivered by the Waldo County Emergency Management Agency and will teach you how to accurately measure and report significant weather phenomenon!
The SkyWarn Weather Spotter Training will take place in spring 2021. The training is open to youth of all ages, but youth under 16 will need to be supported by a parent or guardian.
You may also consider taking online, self-paced weather spotter courses at: www.meted.ucar.edu/training_course.php?id=23.
To register for the training, for additional information, or to request a reasonable accommodation, email joyce.weaver@maine.edu. Registered families will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link and workshop handouts.
Emergency Preparedness Opportunity for Youth
Waldo County 4-H and Waldo County EMA have partnered to create a youth committee which will educate and empower youth to handle emergency situations. Preparing youth will empower them to respond safely while making good decisions based on the knowledge and skills they have developed through this program.
In a time of chaos, we believe youth and adults can take action and keeping themselves safe as they respond appropriately as caring civic leaders.
If you are a teen who has an interest in emergency preparedness or emergency response, please join us on our Youth Preparedness Committee. Youth who participate in the committee will have opportunities to participate in emergency preparedness trainings and educate community members about emergency management. For more information, please email joyce.weaver@maine.edu or call 207.342.5971.
State News
Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships
Graduating seniors can apply for a 4-H scholarship from the Maine 4-H Foundation. Applications are due on March 1, 2021 to the local county office and on March 8, 2021 to the Maine 4-H Foundation. For more information, please go to: https://extension.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/funding/.
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. Dates are Tuesdays, January 19th, February 2nd & 16th, 4:00-5:00PM and Saturdays, January 30th, February, 13th & 27th, 9:30 – 10:30AM. Register at: umaine.edu/4h/4-h-passport-around-the-world-spin-club/.
4-H For All Club
Join 4-Hers from across the state as we learn what 4-H is all about, connect with each other, create new goals, and discover new passions in the 4-H For All Club. This club is geared toward youth 5-13. Wednesdays February 20th, March 17th, and April 21st at 6:00pm via Zoom. Register at: extension.umaine.edu/4h/4-h-for-all-club
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 sent out
Email a photo and the following information to jessica.brainerd@maine.edu (if you do not 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.
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!
Save the Date for the 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 will be 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!
Save the dates for the 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 by appointment in February and March
*Youth are expected to attend two workshops and one practice session to qualify for the State Public Speaking Tournament.
Questions about the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Program? Contact Sheila Norman, 207.942.7396 or sheila.norman@maine.edu.
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 14 – 18 year 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.
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, one in January, one in February and one in March. Each session 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. Feb. 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.
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 here: https://go.rutgers.edu/h9kcm9j9. Please contact Sara Conant, sara.conant@maine.edu, 207-781-6099, for more information.
Northeast Teen 4-H Virtual Meet & Greet
Thursday, February 4th, 2021, 7:00-8:00PM – Calling all 4-H teens ages 12+! Join the Northeast regional teen meet and greet for an evening of fun games and conversation with teens from across the Northeast. Hosted by the Northeast Region Virtual Special Interest (SPIN) Club Committee. Register here: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/NE_Regl_4H_Teen_MeetGreet_21_237
Please 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. For more information visit: https://astro.umaine.edu/virtual-astronomy-experiences/
Maine 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafes
Planning is currently taking place for Spring 2021 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafes. These weekly topical webinars are a great chance to learn something new! Information about upcoming sessions will soon be available online.
EFNEP Recipe of the Month
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 a food we only eat occasionally, 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
- Cut the bananas into 1” pieces (you will need a very sharp knife)
- Place the banana pieces into a food processor
- Start the processor
- You may have to 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.
