4-H News in Washington County - November 2022 - Cooperative Extension in Washington County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension

4-H News in Washington County – November 2022

November 10, 2022 4-H News, News

Dates to Remember

November 11 – Veteran’s Day – Extension Office Closed
November 15 – 4-H Volunteer Training- Your Relationships Matter
November 21 – Re-enrollment Due Online or in the Extension Office
November 24-25 – Thanksgiving – Extension Office Closed
December 26 – Extension Office Closed
December 31 – State Deadline for Re-enrollment – No Exceptions

Welcome New 4-H Youth Development Professional for Washington County- Gabrielle Brodek

Gabby Brodek is moving from a statewide 4-H Science Professional role to be the new 4-H Youth Development Professional in Washington County!

Gabby writes, “I am very excited to help serve the county in this new role. I am looking forward to organizing more youth programming opportunities, connecting with volunteers in the community, and making the most out of the connections with Greenland Point 4-H Camp and Learning Center and the University of Maine at Machias.

One of the things I enjoy about working for 4-H is that almost everyone has a story or experience to share about their own involvement with 4-H. I hope to continue to build and foster these positive experiences, relationships, and senses of belonging. I’m especially looking forward to learning alongside youth and supporting their interests.”

Please feel free to reach out to welcome Gabby and discuss 4-H in Washington County. You may reach her by calling 207.255.3345 or by emailing gabrielle.brodek@maine.edu.

Gabby helps youth at the Washington County Fair create a grass head.

Rose M Gaffney uses Fish Prints STEM Kit

Downeast Fisheries Partnership (DFP) Coordinator and 4-H Volunteer, Brittany Foster, met with 5th grade at RMG last month to discuss fish adaptations and the importance of fisheries in our community. Students created fish prints for the Downeast Fisheries Partnership, a collaboration of community partners working towards strengthening Downeast Maine communities by restoring a strong and resilient ecosystem and our regional fisheries economy.

The Downeast Fisheries Partnership is a collaboration among the following community organizations, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Maine Sea Grant, Downeast Salmon Federation, Manomet, Downeast Institute, College of the Atlantic, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, and Sunrise County Economic Council.

Please contact the office at 207.255.3345 to see what STEM kits are available for you to borrow.

4-H Re-enrollment

Please remember the 4-H re-enrollment deadline is Monday, November 21st. You may contact Tara Wood at 207.255.3345 if you need assistance with the new online process using ZSuite.

4-H Volunteer Training: Your Relationships Matter

Here is a training opportunity for our 4-H volunteers! Explore why your relationships with youth in 4-H matter and the impact that you have in your community by building crucial developmental relationships that youth need to thrive. This is session two of the Northeast Region Volunteer Connections.

News from the State

2022-2023 Re-Enrollment Process
There is a new option available for families for the new 4-H Year. Starting October 1^st, families will have the ability to log into their account and complete their re-enrollment, as well as all required forms, online. If you were enrolled for the 2021-2022 year, you can simply visit: https://4h.zsuite.org/ – click “Forgot Password?” and complete the prompts using the email address you receive your 4-H communications to. There is a help menu that offers step-by-step instructions in the system, as well as live chat for questions. You are also welcome to reach out to your county staff or to the State Office at 4-H@maine.edu. If you would prefer to continue to complete paper forms, they can be found online at: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/volunteers/forms/ or by reaching out to your county office.

Independent Member Clubs!
This fall county offices are piloting a new club specifically for independent 4-H members. This is a space for youth to come together and build relationships with their peers. We will share interests, projects, goals, and plans for the year and then reflect on our learning throughout and at the end of the year. This is also a great place to start if you are a new or recently enrolled independent member. We will meet 3 times throughout the year as a group with county staff. This will be a space for youth to foster friendships with peers and possibly come together to work on projects of similar interests. We are even hoping to get the group to brainstorm common interests and work together on a community service project! Register here! Meetings can be attended either in person or virtually and will be open to all ages. Dates based on county/region.

2022/2023 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities
As we get ready for the new 4-H year, we are looking forward to offering a variety of learning experiences (both in person and virtual) for our 4-H volunteers. Sessions are free of charge, but require registration. Some sessions have limited space. Visit the 4-H Volunteer Calendar of Training Opportunities to learn more and register!

Androscoggin/Sagadahoc 4-H Monthly Workshops – Open to All Maine 4-Hers!
Come join the Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties 4-H program at their monthly workshops – the Third Friday of every month (unless otherwise noted) from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Lisbon Extension Office at 24 Main Street. Anyone interested can contact Melissa Freeman or Cathy Gray to find out more information.Currently Scheduled Topics:
– November 18, 2022 – Card Making
– December 16, 2022 – Game Night
– January 20, 2023 – “Getting the Word Out” Digital Marketing
– February 17, 2023 – Short Film Making
– March 10, 2023 – Spa & Relaxation Science
– April 21, 2023 – Movie Premier Night
– May 19, 2023 – Wool Spinning Workshop

EFNEP Recipes: Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us! While there are many ways we celebrate this time of year, there is one constant theme: food. Whether it’s creating it, sharing it, or giving it, food brings us all together. I have gathered a few special fall and Thanksgiving themed recipes below to share with your friends and family this holiday season:

Butternut Squash Bisque

Turkey Gravy (Gluten Free Gravy)

Baked Apple Crisp

For more delicious recipes, check out our UMaine EFNEP Mainely Dish Video Series. By Debbie Barnett (EFNEP CEA in Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo counties – deborah.barnett@maine.edu).

Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) offers FREE nutrition education classes to income-eligible adults with children, or young adults 19-25 years old, and if you are eligible for programs such as SNAP, WIC, or Head Start. Find out more online.