Waldo County 4-H Newsletter – February 2022
Upcoming Dates:
February 3: 4-H Leaders’ Association Monthly Meeting
February 24: Explore 4-H Paint Night
February 26: 4-H State Dairy Quizbowl Tryouts
March 3: 4-H Leaders’ Association Monthly Meeting
March 5: Explore 4-H Horses
March 5: Waldo County 4-H Public Speaking Contest
County News
Waldo County 4-H Leaders’ Association
The Waldo County 4-H Leaders’ Association monthly meeting will be on February 3rd at 12:30 pm via Zoom or in person at the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office. All 4-H 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!
Explore 4-H Series
Join Waldo County 4-H staff in a series of workshops to learn about all the awesome programs that 4-H has to offer! The Explore 4-H series is a chance for Waldo County youth and their families to learn about the many opportunities available through Maine 4-H. Each session will explore a different 4-H project through hands-on learning. The Explore 4-H series is open to all Waldo County youth ages 5-18 and their families. You can register for these events on our website.
4-H Paint Night: 4-H Paint Night is an opportunity for youth and their families to learn about 4-H art projects. Participants will be guided through the steps of painting barn quilt squares. All materials will be provided. This workshop will take place on February 24th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office.
4-H Horse Projects: On March 5th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm there will be the Explore 4-H horses event. This event will take place at Pleasant View Stables in Knox, ME. Participants in this Explore 4-H session will learn about the ways in which they can be involved in 4-H horse projects through hands-on learning opportunities.
Waldo County 4-H Public Speaking Contest
The Waldo County 4-H Public Speaking Contest is open to all Waldo County 4-H members. The contest will take place on March 5th at 2:30 pm. Youth who participate will have the chance to qualify to participate in the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest. Registration can be completed on our website.
State News
Special Event at the Versant Astronomy Center
The Versant Astronomy center is open at UMaine, welcoming groups as well as individuals. Their current programming and other information are on their website https://astro.umaine.edu/. Some great upcoming events are:
February 4 – Public Show – Skywatchers of Africa
February 5 – Telescopes, Binoculars, and Stargazing – this is a hands-on workshop!
February 11 – Science Lecture Series including Melissa Maginnis and Ben King
Maine’s Mysterious Marshlands: Using eDNA to Understand Climate Change
Are you interested in learning more about Maine’s changing climate? Salt marshes have the potential to lessen the impact of increasing carbon dioxide in our atmosphere! Join University of Maine graduate student, Heather Richard, in exploring Maine’s salt marshes and learn more about how environmental DNA (eDNA) can help us understand the role of this important habitat in our changing world. Hands-on games and demonstrations will give participants an in-depth perspective into the science of eDNA and salt marsh ecology. Youth ages 12 – 18 can register to participate in the one-hour workshop on February 23rd at 1:30 pm. The workshop will take place over Zoom. Pre-registration is required by February 11th, as materials will be shipped to participants’ homes.
Public Speaking Workshops
Are you interested in learning more about giving a polished, interesting presentation? The Maine 4-H Communication Science Team members will be leading two workshops in February and March. Workshops are designed to help 4-H members learn new public speaking skills and prepare for the upcoming State Public Speaking Tournament in April.
Workshops are open to 4-H’ers age 9 and up and will take place on February 16th and March 16th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm via Zoom. Contact cathy.gray@maine.edu if you would like to attend this free online Workshop.
4-H Volunteers Register Now!
February 16th and March 16th – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
This year’s Cabin Fever Series for 4-H volunteers is combining efforts with other states in the Northeast region! This winter’s feature topics include re-engaging and motivating youth, designing captivating and fun activities, and expanding possibilities for youth to broaden their world.
These workshops will offer a great chance to learn something new, brush up on your skills and connect with 4-H volunteers from across the Northeast! Register Now!
Start Your Volunteer Journey Today
Do you know someone who is thinking about becoming a 4-H volunteer? Is there someone you think would make a great 4-H volunteer? We are looking for people to help youth find their spark and thrive! If so, please encourage them to sign up for Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey Today! These two one-hour virtual sessions on March 1st and 8th from 7:00-8:00 pm will provide initial training and information about 4-H. There will be hands-on activities, opportunities to hear from youth, other volunteers, and more. There is no pressure to commit, no cost, and no reason to not attend! Invite someone you know to register by February 18th. For more information contact Jen Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu or 207-255-3345.
Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Tryouts
The 2022 Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl tryouts will be held in person on February 26th at the Randall Student Center at the University of Maine Augusta. This event will serve as the official tryout for the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Team. Those who make the team may have the opportunity to travel in person or compete virtually at a regional competition.
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. Per the University of Maine’s covid guidelines, masks will be required for all attendees. For more information visit https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/2022-maine-4-h-dairy-quizbowl/.
Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships
The Maine 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce a number of scholarships available to 4-H members. They range in value from $1,000 to $2,500. Donors from around the state have been very generous in supporting our 4-H seniors as they pursue their dreams and aspirations. Scholarship applications are due to your county office on March 1. Please visit the Maine 4-H Foundation website for applications and additional information.
2022 4-H National Trip Interviews
As in the past, we will be holding interviews for National 4-H Trips in early spring. The National 4-H Trip websites are currently being updated to reflect the updated schedule. We will be interviewing for National 4-H Congress in 2022 and National 4-H Conference in 2023. National 4-H Conference will be held from March 20-24, 2022. Information about how to join our Maine 4-H Conference delegation will be available soon. If you have questions, please email Heidi Palmer, State Activities Coordinator at: heidi.thuotte@maine.edu.
4-H For All: Spring 2022
The purpose of this virtual club is to provide new and potential members and their families a place to learn about 4-H and to connect youth across the state. Youth will choose a project to complete and learn more about 4-H and how to become involved. We want you to join and engage in our 4-H program! There is no cost and meetings will help challenge you to create new goals and discover new passions. This club is open to youth 5-13. Dates will be March 24th, April 28th, and May 26th at 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Register at: extension.umaine.edu/4h/4-h-for-all-club.
Maine 4-H ESE Sheep Intent Forms are Now Available
The 2022 Maine 4-H Sheep Eastern States intent to participate form is available online at https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/sheep/. In order to be eligible for participation on the Maine 4-H Sheep Eastern States Team this fall, 4-H members must complete the online intent form or mail a hard copy of the intent form to the Oxford County Cooperative Extension office before April 1, 2022. Please contact Sara King at sara.king@maine.edu or 207.743.6329 with any questions.
New Impromptu Catagory at State Public Speaking Tournament
The Maine 4-H Public Speaking Committee is pleased to announce a new category at the State Tournament in April 2022!
Impromptu is a fun and exciting category that gives participants the opportunity to practice off-the-cuff presentations. Youth will be given three topics to choose from and then have several minutes to prepare a short presentation for an audience. For this year, Impromptu will be a non-scored category. However, participants can expect to receive feedback from judges and peers. Youth who participate in the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Tournament will also be able to participate in the Impromptu category as a bonus opportunity.
Union Fair – New Dates in 2022
Starting this year, the Union Fair will be held earlier in the summer. The dates for Union Fair 2022 will be July 27-31, about a month earlier than in years past. Please plan accordingly, and check UnionFair.org for updates. Knox-Lincoln Extension staff produce a 4-H Union Fair Information Booklet each year. Once the 2022 pdf document is ready for distribution, it will be shared with all Maine county Extension offices. The booklet will also be available for download on the Knox-Lincoln 4-H website. Questions? Contact cynthia.rogers@maine.edu.
Hudson Museum Virtual Lunar New Year Celebration
The University of Maine Hudson Museum in Orono has put together some great resources to help celebrate the Year of the Tiger. Watch a pre-recorded presentation about how Lunar New Year is celebrated. A downloadable instructional packet will have templates, directions, and information on how you can create your own New Year’s decorations to celebrate. The Hudson Museum will offer a limited number of kits to create traditional decorations. These kits will include arts and crafts materials and instructions for their use in the classroom. This event is geared toward elementary and middle school students. To get information on this event or to reserve a kit, please email elliot.bowen@maine.edu or visit the website.
The Maine App Challenge
Do you love technology? Here is a chance to put your passion to a purpose and win a scholarship along the way! The Maine App Challenge is an incredible opportunity for Maine middle school and high school students who are 13 years of age and older to create a mobile application with a chance to win a scholarship and other valuable rewards. A series of innovation workshops from the University of Maine Foster Center for Innovation will help you get started! There are three scholarships available for the top mobile apps: $6,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place.
Other awards include $500 to the high school with the highest participation, Tablets to the first 50 completed submissions, a guaranteed internship interview for the top 10 submissions following his/her college sophomore year. Visit the Tyler Technology Maine App Challenge website for more information.
4-H Pitch Project
The Youth Trustees have established a fund to support young entrepreneurs in 4-H. Pitch us your idea for a business and we may fund the start-up idea. Check out the Pitch Project at https://extension.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/funding/.
New Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub
Maine 4-H Virtual Learning is a hands-on, virtual learning program for youth ages 5-18. Workshops will be organized by age and topic. Topics include engineering, science, animals and agriculture, teen leadership, and more.
Workshops will range from single-time events to short-term programs (typically four to six sessions). Participants will engage in hands-on activities, interact with other 4-Hers, and be positive adult role models.
No prior experience with 4-H is required to participate. If you are interested in learning more about 4-H, this is a great opportunity to become familiar with the program!
- Check out the upcoming 4-H Virtual Learning Programs we have planned in the coming months: Visit the Upcoming Events: Statewide Virtual Offerings for 2021-2022 page.
- Learn which virtual event registrations are open: Visit the Open Registrations page.
- Interested in becoming a Volunteer Presenter? Visit the Become a Volunteer Presenter page for more information and to complete an interest form.
- Read what 4-H Parents, Youth, and Teachers have to say about these 4-H Virtual Learning offerings: Visit the 4-H Parents, Youth, Teachers: Stories and Testimonials page.
4-H Club Resources
The Norma Hardison Fund has been created to support 4-H club special projects. 4-H Club Creativity Grant application ideas should tie into the 4-H program priorities for Maine, including club and community learning projects, philanthropic projects that engage members in the community supporting 4-H program work, and/or new creative educational ideas. Funds can be requested for amounts up to $200; on a rare occasion, the grant request may be considered for more than $200. Sponsor: Maine 4-H Foundation Youth Trustees in Philanthropy. Application Form.
4-H Service Innovative Education, and Philanthropy Grants
Grant application ideas should tie into the 4-H program priorities for Maine including club and community service learning projects, philanthropic projects that engage members in the community supporting 4-H program work, and/or new creative educational ideas. Funds can be requested for amounts from $100 to $500; on a rare occasion, the grant request may be considered for more than $500. Grants are sponsored by the Maine 4-H Foundation Youth Trustees in Philanthropy. Application Form.
EFNEP Recipe of the Month:
We have a lot to celebrate in February! Not only is it a great snowy month, but we have Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, and our school winter break. One other fabulous celebration is National Bake for the Family Month. Here is a chocolatey baked treat that is perfect for the family to make (and eat) together! You can see the video for this recipe and other great recipe ideas on our website.
Mystery B Bars
Servings per recipe: 12
Serving size: 1 bar
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked beans or 1 can (15.5 oz) beans (kidney, pinto, or navy)
- ⅓ cup nonfat dry milk
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup applesauce
- 1 egg, well beaten (or equivalent egg substitute)
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup raisins
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Drain and rinse beans. Mash beans into a paste.
- Add other ingredients and stir
- Bake in a lightly greased 9″x13″ pan at 350°F for 30-40 minutes
- Cool and slice
Notes
- If you like, sprinkle with powdered sugar before slicing
To see the full recipe and video visit our website.