Waldo County 4-H Newsletter – April 2021

April 6, 2021 Waldo County 4-H Newsletter

Upcoming Dates

4/6: Teen Science Café- Let’s Talk About Sharks
4/13: Teen Science Café- Bogged Down
4/16:18: State 4-H Public Speaking Tournament
4/18: Maine 4-H Public Speaking Awards Ceremony
4/24: Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Tryouts
4/27: Teen Science Café- Ocean Acidification
5/17: Fryeburg Fair Market Lamb Intent Form Deadline

County News

Waldo County 4-H Leaders’ Association

The Waldo County 4-H Leader’s Association monthly meeting will be May 6th 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!

4-H Lending Library

Did you know that Waldo County 4-H has a lending library? Housed in the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office is a 4-H lending library that is available to the Waldo County 4-H community. These resources include a variety of 4-H curriculum, educational tools, and technology. If there is something you need to complete your 4-H project, whether it is an iPad or knitting needles, do not hesitate to reach out. The resources in the lending library are available even during the current Covid situation. To access resources in the library, contact the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office at 207.342.5971.

Joyce Weaver CWF Scholarship

In honor of Joyce Weaver, a dedicated 4-H staff member, a scholarship fund will be created Waldo County youth to attend 4-H’s teen leadership conference, Citizenship Washington Focus. Throughout her 20-year career in 4-H, Joyce worked tirelessly to make sure that Waldo County youth had the opportunity to attend National 4-H trips and develop their leadership skills. The Joyce M. Weaver CWF Scholarship fund will ensure this opportunity for Waldo County youth for years to come.

Contributions to the scholarship fund may be mailed directly to The Maine 4-H Foundation, York Complex #1, Orono, Maine 04469 or given online at our.umaine.edu/weaver.

Please specify the Joyce M. Weaver Scholarship fund on all donations.

State News

Upcoming Maine 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafés

Maine 4-H Virtual Teen Science cafes will take place on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 4:45 pm. Preregistration is required, and registration links are online at extension.umaine.edu/4h/learn-athome/teen-virtual-science-cafes.

April 6 – Let’s Talk About Sharks – join Dr. Scarlett Tudor for a fascinating talk about shark feeding and social behaviors.

April 13 – Bogged Down with Dr. Erin McDonald – From wooden trackways to human remains (including hair and nails!), rare archaeological artifacts are often found preserved in the dark, wet bogs of Ireland. Come learn about the preservation powers of Ireland’s peatlands and the stories of the bog bodies found within them.

April 27 – Learn about Ocean Acidification’s Impact on Lobster with Dr. Heather Hamlin.

2021 4-H Public Speaking Tournament

The 2021 4-H Public Speaking Tournament will take place virtually over the weekend of April 17–18, 2021. 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.

Family, friends, and the general public who wish to support youth can join us for the Awards Ceremony! The Awards Ceremony will be streamed live via Facebook Live, YouTube, and Zoom on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 4:00pm. We encourage you to invite anyone you’d like — there is no limit on attendees!

Questions about the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Program? Contact Sheila Norman, 207.942.7396.

Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Tryouts

The Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl tryouts will be held virtually on April 24th at 11:00 am. This event will serve as the official tryout for the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Team. We do not know what the summer and fall look like for events and practice sessions, but 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 age 9-18. Youth will be divided into two age categories, Jr. ages 9–11 and Sr. ages 12–18. Registration is required for the event. All youth are required to register prior to April 17th. Practice sessions will be required for youth to learn the event software and test their internet connection. Register online.

More information on the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl tryout process and other 4-H dairy activities can be found online at extension.umaine.edu/4h/2021-maine-4-h-dairy-quizbowl. Questions about the event can be directed to Tara Marble or Sadee Mehuren.

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 Saturdays April 24th Lebanon, May 8th Armenia, May 22nd Slovakia, from 9:30-10:30 AM and Thursdays, April 29th Moldova, May 13th Romania and 27th Czech Republic from 4:00-5:00 PM register online at extension.umaine.edu/4h/4-h-passport-around-the-world-spin-club.

4-H Citizen Science Club

University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H will offer a citizen science club for grades 4–8 meeting weekly 3:30–4:30 p.m. from May 5–June 9.

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. Youth will need online access and the ability to take and share photos.

The club is free to join; enrollment is limited to 15 members. Register on the 4-H club webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.581.8206 or sarah.sparks@maine.edu.

4-H Market Lamb Intent for Fryeburg Fair

Youth planning to participate in the Market Lamb program at Fryeburg Fair need to submit the 2021 Fryeburg Fair Market Lamb Intent form by May 17th. An online form is available, otherwise youth can print and mail a copy downloaded from the website extension.umaine.edu/4h/animal-scienceresources/sheep.

Maine 4-H Days Update

The in-person event: Maine 4-H Days has been canceled for 2021. Information will be shared later in the spring about upcoming 4-H activities for the summer.

Tractor Safety Offering

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer farm tractor safety classes in two locations, starting Wednesday, April 14th.

This year’s classes will be hybrid online and in-person training. The training will include self-paced computer work, live classes via Zoom and in-person tractor driving time. The in-person training will take place on two Saturdays in May, at Gorham Public Works and Kennebec Valley Community College, Hinckley.

The multi-session classes are designed for adults and youth at least 14 years of age and are required for 14- and 15-year-olds who plan to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own family’s farm. Participants will learn how to safely handle tractors and equipment and how to avoid hazards and minimize chances of accidents. Each participant will learn to develop a good safety attitude. Certification will be issued after successful completion of the course, including a written test and a driving test.

The fee is $20 per person, limited financial assistance available. The nominal fee covers the study guide and other materials. Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with audio and video capabilities is required. Due to limited space, priority will be given to 14- and 15-year-olds. However, anyone 14 years old and older who is interested in learning to safely operate a farm tractor should apply. Apply and learn more online at extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/tractor-safety.

For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jason Lilley, 207.781.6099; jason.lilley@maine.edu.

 

 

EFNEP Recipe of the Month

Eggs are an amazing source of protein and can be used in many ways. Our Brunching Burrito combines eggs, veggies, and cheese to make a delicious meal. Change the additions to create a breakfast, lunch, snack, or even supper that is all yours! Check out the video for this and other great recipes at extension.umaine.edu/food-health/efnep/recipe-video-series.

Brunching Burrito

Serves: 1 | Serving size: 1 burrito

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons cheese, shredded (cheddar or American)
  • 2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons onion, chopped
  • 1 flour tortilla
  • Salsa (optional)

Directions:

  1. Crack egg into a small bowl.
  2. Add milk and mix with a fork.
  3. Melt butter in a small frying pan.
  4. Add egg mixture, and cook over medium heat.
  5. When egg mixture begins to thicken, add pepper and onion.
  6. Stir and cook 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Top with cheese. Place the tortilla on a plate. Put cooked egg mixture on the tortilla and wrap. If desired, top burrito with salsa.