Waldo County 4-H Newsletter – December 2020
Upcoming Dates
12/08: Afterhours with 4-H session: Opportunities in 4-H Animal Science
12/31: 4-H Re-enrollment forms due at county office
12/31: 4-H volunteer background check applications due
01/05: Afterhours with 4-H session: National 4-H Trips
01/19: Afterhours with 4-H session: Support for 4-H High Schoolers
County News
Waldo County 4-H Leaders’ Association
The Waldo County 4-H Leader’s Association monthly meeting will be January 7 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!
It’s time to re-enroll 4-H members and 4-H volunteers!
Enrollment packets are being distributed to 4-H clubs and leaders. If 4-H clubs, groups or families have not received re-enrollment packets, please contact your 4-H leader or advisor. ALL enrollment packets are due by December 31st.
Renewing members and clubs are expected to re-enroll between October 1 and December 31 each year. New members may enroll at any time. However, both new and re-enrolling members must be enrolled by December 31 to participate in many county and state 4-H events.
Why Re-enroll in 4-H?
To be eligible for all 4-H programs, projects, and events such as but not limited to: 4-H Public Speaking, 4-H Summer Learning Series, 4-H Exhibit Halls, 4-H Club and Independent membership, and much more! (note: all of these programs – and more! – were available even this year, and will be for years to come!)
- To take advantage of experiential and financial opportunities unique to 4-H’ers such as: National 4-H trips, scholarships, awards, and more!
- To be eligible to participate in 4-H livestock shows and exhibit halls at county and regional fairs.
- To continue receiving your Waldo County 4-H Newsletter to stay informed and connected.
- To connect with the trusted resources of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, especially important during challenging times.
- Because 4-H provides an opportunity for all youth to pursue their passions, explore their sparks, and build community.
- Because it’s an incredible, positive youth development program at NO COST TO YOU!
Waldo County 4-H Recognition
Due to COVID 19, Waldo County 4-H was not able to hold an in-person recognition event as we have done in previous years. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that we faced in this 4-H year, we want to make sure that Waldo County 4-H members receive recognition for their efforts. In this unconventional year, 4-H members have demonstrated resiliency and problem solving. They have adapted to the changes that were thrown at them and they demonstrated just how resilient and committed 4-H youth can be. For their exemplary efforts, all 4-H members who submitted a 2020 project record will earn a blue ribbon for their 2020 4-H work. Waldo County 4-H staff would like to congratulate the following 4-H members for completing a project records for the 2020 4-H year.
Samantha B., Emily C., Emily G., Zoe H., Lily P. and Zia H.
In addition, Waldo County 4-H would like to recognize two outstanding 4-H members with the Waldo County 4-H Achievement Award. Each year, two 4-H youth (one Jr. and one Sr.) are chosen to receive the Achievement Award in each of the following project categories, STEM, Healthy Lifestyles, Youth in Community Action.
The 2020 Jr. Achievement Award winner in STEM is Lily P. Lily has been in 4-H for four years and she is a member of the Born to Ride 4-H club. She has been riding horses since she was three years old and through 4-H she has completed a variety of community service projects and leadership activities. In 2019, Lily served as a groomer for the Maine 4-H Equestrian team at The Big E in Springfield Massachusetts. In the future, Lily hopes to be a veterinarian for large and small animals.
The winner of the STEM Achievement Award for the Sr. Category is Emily C. Emily C. is a member of the Born to Ride 4-H Club. She is in her fifth year of 4-H and has been riding horses since she was 8 years old. Through 4-H, Emily has completed a number of community service projects and has held numerous leadership positions. Emily represented Maine at the Big E where she was a member of the Maine 4-H Equestrian team. 4-H has helped Emily develop confidence that she is able to carry with her into other aspects of her life.
In lieu of a traditional recognition night, Waldo County 4-H members can view a virtual recognition gallery at www.artsteps.com/view/5fa1b1e8d1dc2047104f572b. Please reach out to sadee.mehuren@maine.edu with any questions.
Afterhours with 4-H Offerings
Waldo County 4-H staff would like to invite you to a series of informational zoom meetings. In an effort 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.
To participate in a session, please email sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or call 207.342.5971 to be provided with the zoom meeting information.
Afterhours with 4-H Schedule:
12/08 – 4-H Animal Science Opportunities (6:00-7:00pm)
This zoom session will provide information on the variety of animal science opportunities that are offered through the Maine 4-H program. To get a jump on your animal science project and be sure that you do not miss any deadlines by joining this one hour zoom session. This session is open to both new and enrolled 4-H members. If you have any questions regarding 4-H animal science projects, please bring them to the zoom session with you and Waldo County 4-H staff will be happy to go over them with you.
01/05– National Trips (6:00-7:00pm)
This zoom session will provide 4-H families with an overview of 4-H National Trips and the requirements for participation. This informational zoom session could be helpful for youth who are interested in attending a 4-H national trip, including CWF, National 4-H Congress, or National 4-H Conference.
01/19– Support for 4-H High Schoolers (6:00-7:00pm)
This zoom session is designed for high school age students and their families to explore the ways in which 4-H can help you discover your passion and plan for life after graduation. This session will also cover some of the ways in which 4-H can support youth in their postsecondary education applications and finances. If you are a current or perspective 4-H member in high school or about to enter high school we encourage you to join this zoom session.
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.
Joann Discount for 4-H members
We have an exciting opportunity we want to share with you all. Through our partnership with JOANN Fabric and Crafts, 4-H’ers can expand their hearts, hands, and minds through new crafting projects on Creativebug.com When you sign up for a JOANN 4-H Rewards Card, https://www.joann.com/4-h/ not only will you save 15% off every purchase and have a portion of the sale go back to support 4-H, but you also will get free access to Creativebug.com.
Creativebug.com has thousands of award-winning arts and crafts video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. Already have a rewards card? Go to https://www.creativebug.com/lib/4-h and use your rewards card number to sign up for free Creativebug access today.
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 are capable of taking action, 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 repsonse, 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
Only TWO More 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafes in 2020!
There are two more 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafes happening in 2020! On December 3, Shawn Laatsch will join us to talk about the Mars Rover Perseverance, and on December 9th Dr Pauline Kamath will teach about how to be a Genetic Detective tracing the source of an outbreak. The program will be running again in Spring of 2021, if you have ideas of new topics, please email Alice Philbrick. Register today at: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/learn-at-home/teen-virtual-science-cafes/.
Every Wednesday, you have the opportunity to participate in The University of Vermont’s VTeen Science Exploration – these are a similar format and run from 3:30 – 4:45 pm. On their announcements page, scroll down to VTeen Science Exploration for details about the different offerings, and registration links: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/youth/announcements
To view spring session webinars, visit: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/learn-at-home/recordings-teen-virtual-science-cafes-march-31-june-9-2020/
4-H Tuesday Trivia
Come join the fun and test your knowledge in a variety of topic areas, including your knowledge of 4-H and our land-grant university, the University of Maine!
When? Every Tuesday in December! Register to play and each Tuesday at 12:00 noon you will get an email with your link to the week’s trivia game. The quiz will close at 11:59 pm that night. Each game will have questions about 4-H, the University of Maine, and one of these themes : Disney, Winter, Animals, Star Wars, and the State of Maine.
Who Can Play? Any 4-H member, family, or volunteer can play. We will have four age categories: Cloverbuds (age 5-8), Juniors, (9-12), Seniors (13-18), and Adults (4-H volunteers, parents, and 4-H staff) In addition, you can invite your non-4-H friends to join the fun and play along too!
Does it cost anything? Nope, it’s free! AND, you can win prizes!
Did you say prizes? Yes! Prizes include t-shirts, 4-H swag, gift cards, and a 4-H Camp and Learning Center scholarship! Each week we will draw random winners. Top scores at the end of December in each age group will receive prizes. You can even receive an award for recruiting the most non-4-H friends to play! Each week youth play, their name will go into a drawing that will take place at the end of the month for a partial 4-H Camp and Learning Center scholarship up to a $150 value.
How do I sign up? Head to: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/4-h-tuesday-trivia/ and click on the form. Then, each Tuesday in December, watch your email for your link to your trivia game. Submit your answers. Speed and accuracy count. Check back on the webpage to follow the leader board and see who the weekly prize winners are.
Virtual National Youth Agri-Science and Healthy Living Summit Applications for 2021 are Available Now!
The National Youth Summits on Agri-Science and Healthy Living will be held virtually this year allowing us to add more youth to our teams. Attendees will learn more about their area of interest by attending interactive workshops, and pitching their own action plan ideas. The Summits were created to empower youth to be well-informed citizens, expand engineering and agriculture experience, and increase connections to living a healthy lifestyle, all while being actively engaged in their communities.
Healthy Living: February 11 – 14, 2021
Agri-Science: March 4 – 7, 2021
Eligibility: Youth ages 14-18, enrolled in 4-H by December 31, 2020 – this year youth may enroll in Maine 4-H solely in order to attend the Summits and participate on the team.
Cost: $75.00 – we are currently working on funding sources and expect the participant cost to be closer to $25.00 per youth.
Application: https://forms.gle/4wuEj2mzr4ZZWoXN9 – This is a combined application for both the Agri-Science and Healthy Living Summits. Please note that references are not required this year.
For more information about the National Youth Summits please visit: https://4hcenter.org/tours-programs/national-youth-summits/ or check out the application for more details. Email or call Sara, sara.conant@maine.edu, 207-781-6099, with any questions. Applications are due by December 11, 2020.
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/.
New to our Newsletter! Mainely Dish Recipe of the Month
Fall is a wonderful time for families to get kids inspired to cook. Cooking as a family is a great way for families to discover new recipes and learn how to make nutritional meals. Each month our county 4-H newsletter will feature a recipe from Mainely Dish Recipes created by UMaine Extension EFNEP staff.
The Mainely Dish Recipe this month is baked apple crisp. To view the instructional video of the recipe, visit https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/efnep/recipe-video-series/.
Recipe of the month
Butternut Squash Bisque
Makes 6 servings | Serving size: 1 cup
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 large butternut squash or 1 (20 oz.) bag frozen butternut squash
- ½ cup scallions, chopped
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 5 oz. fat-free evaporated milk
Directions:
- Wash, peel, seed, and coarsely chop the squash. Disregard this step if using frozen squash.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, combine scallions, squash, broth, carrots, apples, potatoes, onions, parsley, garlic, oregano and rosemary. Cover and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 30-minutes.
- Puree soup in a blender or use an immersion blender, working in batches.
- Stir in the milk, adding more if the bisque is too thick.