In Person and On Demand Events <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Happening in Waldo County<\/b><\/p>\n Every Monday – 4-H Maker Mondays<\/span><\/p>\n 2nd Tuesday of Month – Waldo County Executive Committee Meeting<\/span><\/p>\n In this issue\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n WCEA<\/b><\/p>\n Maine Families<\/b><\/p>\n Home Horticulture<\/b><\/p>\n 4-H Happenings<\/b><\/p>\n Commercial Agriculture<\/b><\/p>\n The Waldo County Executive Committee (WCEA) hosted Mel Torres and Jessica Decke – two exciting youth development projects underway in Waldo County<\/b><\/p>\n <\/a>The Northstar 4-H Youth Mentoring Program, coordinated by Torres, is working with students in grades 6-8 to provide hands-on activities and mentoring to help them develop skills in goal setting, healthy relationship building, positive attitudes toward learning, as well workforce skills and aspirations for higher education. Although administered by 4-H staff, the program relies on\u00a0 Americorps and community volunteers for support. Each cohort of students has two volunteer mentors who commit to follow the group through graduation, attend monthly meetings and attend field trips. In addition, the program is always looking for community members willing to share their expertise with the group. The program, now in its second year, is currently funded by a three-year grant from the USDA. During this pilot phase Torres and others will be ascertaining the ongoing costs of the program in order to garner that support from local sources. For more information, email:<\/span> melissa.tracytorres@maine.edu<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Torres and Decke also outlined the goals of the Waldo Alliance for Mentorship (WAM), a coalition of local non-profits and organizations working to provide meaningful mentorship for teens. This program, funded for three years by a Transformative Impact Grant from Heart of Maine United Way, strives to create a community practice of supporting common goals for youth, a directory of local volunteers willing to work with youth on projects, a positive place for teens to gather, and a transportation system that gets them where they need to go. The alliance is collaboratively run by members from the following organizations:, RSU 71, Dory Learning Center, the Rural Youth Institute, Torchlight and 4-H, among other community partners.\u00a0<\/span>For more information, email: waldomentorship@gmail.com<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a>Happy New Year!<\/b><\/p>\n As we welcome January and a new year, it\u2019s a perfect time for reflection and setting intentions for the months ahead. This month focuses on fresh starts for families and practical tips to kick off the year with positivity and purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n The start of a new year is an opportunity for families to set goals, reflect on achievements, and make plans for growth. Here are some ideas to help your family embrace this season of renewal:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a>Tips for Winter Wellness<\/b> With winter in full swing, it\u2019s important to prioritize health and well-being. Here are some strategies to keep your family healthy and happy:<\/span><\/p>\n Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling January!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From newborn care to toddler transitions, parenting comes with its highs and lows. Wherever you are this season\u2014whether you’re juggling routines, preparing for a new baby, or celebrating milestones\u2014we\u2019re just a visit, call, or message away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you have questions about Maine Families Home Visiting in Waldo County or want to learn more about our upcoming Group Connections, please call us at 207.322.2879 or email <\/span>melanie.l.bryan@maine.edu<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a>Rain Gardens<\/b> Registration is required. The program fee is offered on a sliding scale ($0-$10) and is free to enrolled Maine Master Gardener Volunteers. This webinar will be recorded and shared with registered participants within a week after the webinar takes place. <\/span>Register here for Rain Gardens presentation<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a>Beginner Beekeeping York County – January 2026<\/b> Beginning Beekeeping instruction, 5-week course to be taught once a week for 2.5 hours. The York County Beginner Beekeeping Course will teach the basics of honey bee biology and beekeeping. The course is designed for those considering buying their first hives and those with a couple of years of experience who want to enhance their skills and knowledge. Learn evidence-based approaches to beekeeping from Master Beekeeper Larry Peiffer<\/span><\/p>\n The $125 fee for one registrant; or $220 for two registrants (1 Book) includes the cost of one textbook and (1 Membership) to the York County Beekeepers Association.<\/span><\/p>\n Where: University of Maine York County Extension Office, York County Court House, <\/span>45 Kennebunk Rd, Alfred, ME 04002. Register <\/span>here for Beginner Beekeeping York County<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a>Flowering in the North Conference 2026<\/b> <\/a>Floral Design Workshop at the Flowering in the North Conference Taking place on <\/span>Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 8:30 AM<\/b>, the workshop will be led by Rebecca Maillet, Founder and Creative Director of Many Graces Farm & Design. Participants will learn foundational and advanced techniques for creating striking, foam-free compote centerpieces, while also exploring how to develop a holistic and personal design philosophy. Through guided instruction, discussion, and individual feedback, attendees will examine essential design elements that support sculptural, contemporary, and show-stopping floral work.<\/span><\/p>\n This workshop is well-suited for beginners, emerging floral designers, and experienced growers or creatives who are eager to learn something new in a supportive, hands-on setting. The extended format allows ample time for instruction, practice, and reflection, making it a meaningful complement to the FITN conference experience. For more information or to register, <\/span>click here to register for the Floral Design Workshop<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nWaldo County Extension Association (WCEA)<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\nMaine Families <\/b>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n
\n<\/a>Embracing New Beginnings<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n
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\n<\/a>We\u2019re Here for You<\/b><\/span>
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\nHome Horticulture<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Thursday, January 15, 2026 5:00 PM Join Master Gardener Volunteer,\u00a0 Kristen Bshara, for a presentation on rain gardens! Stormwater runoff can significantly impact our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. This presentation explains how rain gardens help reduce runoff and protect water bodies. Attendees will gain practical guidance on rain garden design and installation and hear lessons learned from the Portland Water District\u2019s rain garden project.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n<\/span>Wednesdays, January 21 \u2013 February 18, 2026 (Snow Date February 25, 2026) <\/span>
\n<\/span>Time: 6:00 p.m. \u2013 8:30 p.m<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n<\/b>Join us on January 27, 28, and 29 as we bring together flower growers from across the North for an exciting three-day conference to learn and share fresh ideas, strategies, tips, and resources for growing in colder climates. The Flowering In The North (FITN) conference will be geared towards all flower growers. Whether you\u2019re an experienced farmer or just starting, whether you\u2019re a sole operator of a small farm or part of a large-scale operation, you will take away valuable information to help you grow. This is an excellent opportunity to network and explore Portland, Maine’s vibrant city. Let\u2019s build and strengthen our grower community because together we can continue to raise the profile of locally grown flowers. Location: Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland, Maine 04101. <\/span>For more information on Fowering in the North Conference, click here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
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\n<\/b>As part of the Flowering in the North (FITN) Conference, this immersive floral design workshop offers participants the opportunity to deepen their hands-on skills while engaging with contemporary approaches to floral artistry. Designed to complement the broader conference programming, this workshop provides an extended, experiential learning environment for attendees who wish to explore floral design in greater depth.<\/span><\/p>\n
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