4-H News in Washington County – June 2021

Dates to Remember

June 14: Washington County 4-H Camp in a Box Registration Opens

June 14 – August 20: Virtual 4-H Summer Learning Series

June 12: In-person Spring 2021 Maine 4-H Dog Clinic, UMaine’s Witter Farm, Old Town

June 30: Animal Approval Forms Due

July 11-August 6: 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Greenland Point Programs

July 16-August 6: 4-H Fridays on the Farm

July 23: Maine State 4-H Horse Clinic for Advanced Riders (12+), Skowhegan Fairgrounds

July 24: Maine State 4-H Fun Horse Show, Skowhegan Fairgrounds

July 30: Washington County 4-H Photo Contest Submission Deadline

 

4-H Senior Spotlights

Congratulations to our Senior 4-H Tech Changemakers!  Get to know a little more about their future plans and their 4-H experience…

4-H Senior Spotlight, Paige

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Paige is planning on taking a gap year. She will be attending the Sea Semester Atlantic Odyssey Program. This is an alternative experiential educational sailing expedition. After returning from the sailing expedition, she will continue to work on her family’s organic farm, assuming more management responsibilities and working to make local organic food more available and accessible for the local community.
Paige says,
“The most valuable thing I’ve learned in 4 H is the importance of community.
My favorite moment in 4 H was harvesting the fresh vegetables we grew in the school garden, washing and packing them. I loved creating the small, fun colorful labels for each produce and distributing them to the local food pantry!
Other people should join 4-H to work as a team to reach the same goal, and to uphold the the four H’s. Head, hands, health, and heart for our community, country, and our world. 4-H expands on leadership and public speaking skills as well.”
 

4-H Senior Spotlight, Inez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Inez will be attending the Earthwalk School of Herbal Traditions and continuing to learn the art of cheesemaking from her mother.
Inez had this to say about her 4-H experience,
“The most important thing I learned during my 4-H experience is the impact that a community can have. It was amazing to see what my community was able to accomplish and learn when we worked together.
One of my favorite memories in my 4-H experience was when we started working with kids in our garden. It was so motivating and inspiring to see their excitement and willingness to learn and engage.
People should join 4-H if they are looking to get more involved in their com

 

4-H Senior Spotlight, Forrest

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Forrest will attend the University of Maine at Orono to study Athletic Training.  Forrest is the recipient of the Frederick E. Hutchinson and Wayne S. Rich 4-H Scholarship.  Congrats Forrest!
Forrest writes,
“Throughout my time with 4-H, I learned how important it was to network and communicate with people. The smallest encounter could become your biggest connection!
Although it is hard to pick my favorite 4-H moment, it was definitely the CWF trip to Washington DC because I learned so much about our country but most importantly I had the opportunity to expand my horizons and meet amazing people from all over the country and share their experiences.
4-H is an amazing program that I recommend everyone try because it can help anyone shape their interests and develop themselves as a person, and it is an amazing opportunity to build an impressive resume for work and school!”

 

4-H Senior Spotlight, Sam

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sam, plans to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia this fall to study biomedical sciences with the career goal of becoming an optometrist.  Sam is the recipient of the Jeremy Strater 4-H Scholarship!  Congrats Sam!
Sam shares,
“The most important thing I learned during my time in 4-H was how to become a better leader.
One of my favorite moments in 4-H was adding up the total amount of food that we donated to the food pantry at the end of the year. It was great to finally get to see the fruits of our labor and see what we accomplished. It was a very rewarding experience.
I think others should join 4-H so they too can also experience the feeling of getting to help others and those in need.”

 

Washington County 4-H Photo Contest

Now is the time to take photos for the 2021 Washington County 4-H Photo Contest!  Your photos could win cash prizes in the junior and senior divisions!  For contest details, visit the Washington County 4-H Photo Contest website. Deadline to submit photos is Friday, July 30th.

A Beautiful Day at the Lake
Beautiful Day at the Lake by Nellie B.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washington County 4-H Camp in a Box

Backyard Birding Kit

We are excited to offer our 4-H Camp in a Box to Washington County youth for the 2021 Summer Season. 4-H Camp in a Box are hands on learning kits that can be checked out for one week at a time with your choice of a theme.  Themes include: Family Fishing, Backyard Birding, All About Water, and Tracking Wildlife,

Registration will open Monday, June 14th. To find out more and to register, visit the website.

 

 

 

Animal Approval Form

Some of the fairs in Maine are on track for hosting 4-H shows in 2021!  We encourage you to check fair websites to get more information about what is being offered.  Please submit an animal approval form by June 30th, if you plan to show an animal.  Please send to Tara Wood, 28 Center Street, Machias, ME 04654 or email to tara.a.wood@maine.edu.

 

Join Us in Celebrating 4-H at the Washington County Extension Association Annual Meeting

The Washington County Extension Association will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, June 22, beginning at 6:00 p.m. virtually using ZOOM technology.  Participants must register on the WCEA Annual Meeting Registration link by June 17th to receive the connection link and password and be signed up for the door prize drawing of a Helen’s Restaurant gift card.

Forrest P. will be recognized as the recipient of the Frederick E. Hutchinson and Wayne S. Rich 4-H Scholarship. Samuel P. will be acknowledged as the recipient of the Jeremy Strater 4-H Scholarship!  4-H Camp and Learning Center at Greenland Point will give a presentation about their programs, facilities and upcoming camp season.  The evening will also feature a video highlighting some of 2020 4-H programming.

Joe Piscadlo will receive the Norman W. Duzen Community Service Award for his volunteer efforts with the Lubec Community Outreach Center Food Pantry.  This award is presented annually to individuals who have contributed as a volunteer to the lives of Washington County citizens. The award’s namesake, Norman Duzen, was a dedicated civic and religious leader for over fifty years and had a great love for the people of Down East Maine.

The meeting is open to the public. For more information, contact the Extension office, 207.255.3345 or 800.287.1542 (toll-free in Maine).

 

Mainely Dish: Berry Good Pops

The days are warming up and summer is right around the corner. Try these nutritious homemade berry popsicles that are only 3 ingredients!

 

4-H News from the State

  1. 4-H Summer Learning Series – Register now!
    Maine 4-H will offer its hands-on virtual summer learning series June 14–Aug. 20 with over 50 workshops open to all youth ages 5–18.The 4-H Summer Learning Series includes learning tracks in arts and crafts, food and nutrition, STEM, marine science and aquaculture, animal science and agriculture, and teen leadership. The series opens with a magic show featuring 4-H alumnus and family-friendly entertainer Conrad Cologne!In addition, this year’s ‘4-H@UMaine’ experience for teens will now be offered as one of the learning tracks. These online workshops will highlight University of Maine programs and opportunities and will be provided by UMaine faculty, staff, and students.The series is free; registration is required. Early bird registration for enrolled 4-H’ers opens May 27 for part one and July 1 for part two. Offline projects that can be completed at home are also available. Register and find more information on the 4-H Summer Learning Series webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jessy Brainerd, 207.581.3877; brainerd@maine.edu.
  2. Get Ready for the 2021 Virtual Exhibit Hall!
    Start planning now to showcase your 4-H projects in the 2021 Virtual Exhibit Hall. There will be a couple of new categories to feature a broader view of your work! For now, you can check out the judging criteria, tips on photographing your projects, and the 2020 Virtual Exhibit Hall on the UMaine Extension website. Be on the lookout very soon for email announcements and updates to the website.
  3. Save the Dates for 4-H Horse Events!
    Maine State 4-H Horse Clinic for Advanced Riders (12+). Friday July 23 from 2pm-5pm Skowhegan Fairgrounds. $30.00 per rider. Limited to 20 Maine State 4-H Fun Show! Saturday July 24 starting at 9am. Registration will open at 8am.  Lead line classes, Alumni classes, showmanship, equitation and games!  Fun for all 4-H horse members ages 5 and up. We will also have horseless activities and demonstrations too.Families can choose to camp at Skowhegan Fairgrounds for a $25.00 per night fee. There will be stalls available. If your horse is staying on the grounds you must stay on the grounds. Animal Approval forms and appropriate vaccinations of horses will be required.Registration for clinic and horse show will be available June 15th.  FMI please visit https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/animal-science-resources/horse/We are still looking for class ideas and volunteers for the event. Please contact kristy.ouellette@maine.edu or erin.mcdonald1@maine.edu.
  4. Spring 2021 4-H Dog Clinic
    The Spring 2021 4-H Dog Clinic will be held June 12 at UMaine Witter Farm, Farm Road, Old Town, ME, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  The clinic is open to youth ages 9-18. You do not need to own a dog to participate. For more information and to register, visit the 4-H Dog Clinic webpage  or contact Sheila Norman at norman@maine.edu or 942-7396. Be sure to register soon as the last day to sign up is June 3rd!
  5. UMaine Offers Summer Camps and Academic Programs!
    The Early College Program allows students to take college courses while they are still in high school. Students can take these courses either tuition-free or at a reduced early college rate.  If you are a high school student interested in taking some college courses this summer, visit the Early College.  For a listing of Youth summer camps affiliated with the University of Maine, visit the Youth Summer Camps website.
  6. Maine 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafe Survey
    We are looking for feedback from youth in grades 7-12 as we plan the Fall season of Maine 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafes! If you know a youth who has previously participated or who might like to participate, please send them our survey.
  7. July ESE 4-H Event
    If you are considering participating in the July ESE 4-H event please go to this website for information.  We encourage everyone to check this site frequently for updated packets and we will do our best to pass along updates as we find out about them. It appears that most commodities are using the same on-line registration system that they have used in the past. Please work with your local county staff for staff signatures as needed.
  8. 4-H Fridays on the Farm
    University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program is offering a new Summer series, 4-H Fridays on the Farm, to get teens ages 12-18 engaged in Maine agriculture. Current 4-H enrollment is not necessary for participation. Program materials and instruction are FREE.The goal of 4-H Fridays on the Farm is to expose teens ages 12-18 to Maine agriculture and create workforce development skills through a variety of different hands-on, farm visits throughout the state. Teens may join for one session or all four to experience what different farms across the state have to offer. Each session will include an opportunity for teens to take a tour of operations, gain hands-on experience, and consider their role in the Maine Food System.4-H Fridays on the Farm is the first educational offering in a series developed by the Maine 4-H Agricultural Leadership Team. For more information on future activities please visit, Maine 4-H Agricultural Leadership Ambassador Program.

    • Mulberry Farms, Raymond, ME —July 16, 2021, 9:00AM-12:00PM: Mulberry Farms in Raymond, Maine is run by the Pecoraro Family. Mulberry Farms specializes in organic fruits and vegetables.
    • Rustic Roots Farm, Farmington, ME — July 23, 2021, 9:00AM-12:00PM: Rustic Roots Farm is a small-scale farm in Farmington, Maine producing sustainably-grown mixed vegetables. They offer weekly farm shares, and sell locally to restaurants and the public at Farmers markets.
    • Seed Pro Inc, Island Falls, ME — July 30, 2021, 9:00AM-12:00PM: Seed Pro Inc, along with the family farm, Daniel J. Corey Farm based in Monticello, centers around the development, production and harvesting of potatoes. At their Island Falls facility, which includes a research laboratory and greenhouse, they develop seed for distribution throughout the entire East Coast.
    • Brigeen Farms, Turner, ME —August 6, 2021 9:00AM-12:00PM: Brigeen Farms is a tenth generation family-owned and operated dairy farm Since 1777, they have cared for dairy cows and produced fresh, high-quality milk as part of Maine’s strong dairy industry

For more information or to register please visit: 4-H Fridays on the Farm  

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call Sara Conant at 207.781.6099 or 800.287.1471 (in Maine) to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however all requests will be considered. For more information call 207-781-6099 or email sara.conant@maine.edu.