A NEWSLETTER FOR
4-H VOLUNTEERS AND FAMILIES ¡
MARCH, 2007
Leader Meeting
Our
next Leader meeting will be on Tuesday, March 20 at 7:00 Pm at the Extension
Office in Sanford.
Hope to see you there!
Leader
Appreciation Dinner
On February 21, the York
County 4-H leaders met and had a wonderful dinner at the Notre Dame Spiritual
Center in Alfred. Fellow 4-H leader, Jodie Dyer and her staff prepared a
wonderful meal.
Amelia Chamberlain from
Willbrook Museum Village prepared a fantastic presentation. Amelia is the
director of Willowbrook and brought along some tools used during the early 19th
century. The leaders attempted to guess what purpose each tool held before
Amelia revealed their real function.
It was a wonderful time for the leaders. Jon Prichard presented
the leaders with appreciation certificates.
Thank you to Jodie and Amelia, as well as the leaders Association
for preparing this wonderful event.
March Birthdays
Nicole Bellottie
Jessica Blier
Dan Brooks
Ashley Cunningham
Megan Hall
Matthew Johnson
Garrett Palmer
Micah Peverill
Jordan Sedlis
Sarah Williams
Happy Birthday!
Splash Art” Public Mural Project
Date:
April 18-19, 9 am - 12:00 pm
Location:
York County Extension Office, Springvale
For youth ages 9 - 17
Space is limited.
Pre-registration required
There is a $25 fee that
covers materials and snacks.
Call the Extension Office for brochure and registration materials.
There is a huge wall in
the halls of Anderson Learning Center where Cooperative Extension is housed.
During these two days our young artists will create individual panels of
expressive art. These panels will be a reflection of individual and collective
expression and will held collectively on permanent display at the Anderson
Learning Center.
This workshop will led by a professional local artist. Add some
color, creative learning, community service, and fun to April vacation!
A Youth Weekend at UMaine
EDGE: Engagement, Direction and Goals in
Education
Date:
May 19-20
Location:
University of Maine, Orono
For youth ages 11-15 (and
parents)
Pre-registration required
Call the Extension Office
for brochure and registration materials
Let 4-H give your
children the edge when it comes to planning for their future! If your child is
between the ages of 11 and 15, we are inviting them (and parents) to come to
campus May 19 and 20 for the 2007 4-H EDGE Weekend at the University of Maine!
EDGE will offer hands-on
workshops to ENGAGE youth with some of the great things they can study at the
university and with faculty who teach them. We will help them to understand the
DIRECTION they want to take after school and will help them to set GOALS for
future success. They will participate in workshops all around campus, sleep in a
residence hall, eat in Memorial Union, and take part in an evening of fun,
challenging and relaxing activities. Sunday morning we’ll do an on-campus
community service project.
Maine 4-H
Day at the Legislature
April 10th, Maine 4-H
Day at the Legislature is quickly approaching. Once again we have reserved 23
spots for pages. Last year one of the most asked question to me by legislators,
was do you have any 4-H members from my district. In an
attempt to diversity the
group we will first try to have all 23 pages from a different part of the
state. I don't expect that we will get enough youth to fill all 23 slots this
way. I will take the rest of the applications and try to evenly disperse the
group. Our goal is to have 23 4-H youth participants who are represented by 23
different state senators and representatives.
A minimum age of 13 is
the recommended age for this event. Please contact the office 324-2814 if you
are interested
Calves
for Kids
In collaboration with the
New England Livestock Expo (NELE) we are beginning a program that donates
heifers to children in the State of Maine. They will apply for a heifer. When
they receive the heifer they will take ownership, raise, and show it in at least
one fair this season. They will then be asked to breed the heifer and the first
heifer calf will then be donated back to the program. This is a great way to get
Maine youth hands-on experience on agriculture.
We are looking for farms
that are able to donate a heifer to begin the program. The heifer should have
been born in 2006. If interested in donating a heifer we can put you in contact
with the right person.
If you know any children
who are interested in applying for a heifer through Calves for Kids they should
check the NELE website at northeastlivestockexpo.com where we will be posting
the application and information or contact the office. The children will receive
their animal at the Expo in May.
2007
Farm Tractor Safety Course
Revised Course:
This course has been revised. Participants will be using a tractor safety
manual recently published by Pennsylvania State University.
Sponsored by:
University of Maine Cooperative Extension; Hall Implement; Wescott & Sons; RC
Hazelton; Chad Little Outdoor Power; Beauregard Equipment Inc. and the Maine
Farm Bureau (Cumberland County Chapter).
Location for Most
Sessions: Maine Forest Service,
Route 26 (Shaker Road) in Gray
Time:
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings
Instructor:
Richard J. Brzozowski (Bro-zow-ski),
Cost/student:
$10.00
Email or call the office
for Registration information.
4-H Shooting Sports Training
April 27, 28, and 29th
Registration cost is $10
which is a commitment fee, which the participant gets back.
We are finalizing the
site, but it will be in Cumberland County in the Cumberland, Maine area.
The disciplines to be taught are:
Rifle,
pistol, shotgun,
muzzleloader, and archery.
This training is for
adult volunteer leaders only!
4-H Shooting Sports
leaders must be certified to lead/teach 4-H shooting sports participants.
This is a 4-H Shooting
Sports training, not an NRA youth training. NRA youth trained volunteers are not
recognized by 4-H as being 4-H certified.
Looking for an
exciting 4-H opportunity?
The Maine 4-H International
Exchange Program has Japanese exchange delegates coming to Maine this summer
that have a desire to learn about life in America and build on English skills.
They bring their own spending money and insurance. You do not need to be
involved with 4-H to host. You just need a willingness to share your lives and
your friendship with a young person from Japan.
Experience another culture, without traveling, in your own home.
These young people look forward to doing family chores, learning new games,
shopping, trying new foods and sharing their own Japanese culture with their
host family. Youth participants range in age from 12 to 18 years old. There
are month-long and academic year-long exchanges.
The month-long program is open to families with same gender
children close in age to the Japanese students.
The Year-long students are available to families that are able to
connect them to other youth of similar age. Host families and students are
matched based on similar interests.
The Japanese youth are happy to share a room with their host
sister or brother. This program stresses the experience of everyday American
life.
Participants often comment that being a part of the family is the
best part of their homestay. This is a real exchange; there is an opportunity
for host siblings to travel to Japan for a month. If you are able to host or
recruit host families, it will be a great help to our program. Contact your
local Cooperative Extension Office or call
Jill Coffren, state coordinator, directly at 207-645-3248 or email
jcoffren@umext.maine.edu for
application or more info. Application deadline is April 1, 2007.
Host family applications include a background check and are
visited by a representative in their home before approval.
The Maine 4-H International Exchange Program is
a youth development program of The University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Service. Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development is granted full listing
with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel for 2006-07.
4-H Youth in Governance Team
The new 4-H leadership structure is
very exciting for the Youth in Governance Team. Our team brings together 4-H
members, volunteers and staff to discuss and make decisions on supporting teen
leadership, service learning and “Youth Voices” in the 4-H program across the
state.
The team is working to provide training and meaningful opportunities for youth
to take “ownership” in community change and become vested in life long service.
We are recruiting new members, seeking funding to support teams, creating new
resources, purchasing curriculum guides for counties to use, and supporting
statewide efforts.
The Youth in Governance Team meets by phone conference calls, the UNET video
system, and occasionally in person. We certainly welcome all to join our
efforts. To find our more about the YIG Team please contact Barbara Baker at
1-800-287-1485 or Susan Jennings at 1-800-287-1482 or 207-743-6329.
Vaughn Island 4-H Camp
For 32 years Maine 4-H has
offered a unique outdoor learning adventure program for Maine youth. From the
minute you set foot on Vaughn Island 'til the moment you leave, you're part of
an exciting learning adventure! Our unique program offers three and four day
tenting experiences where youth discover -- through their own natural curiosity
and imagination -- the sights, sounds, smell and feel of Maine's rocky coast.
Designed with the whole child in mind, Vaughn Island 4-H Camp brings lasting
memories. Living, working and playing together, campers make new friends and
develop a sense of trust and responsibility for the whole group. An emphasis is
placed on no-trace camping skills, cooperation, discovery of the island's plant
and animal life, coastal heritage, and marine ecology. Vaughn Island 4-H Camp
is affiliated with Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center. New in 2007: Use of
global positioning system (GPS) technology in outdoor experiences.
He who dares to teach
must never cease to learn."
—
Unknown
The program is suitable
for 9-14 year olds, program fees range from $140-$180, and scholarships are
available. The program occurs in Kennebunkport. Visit
http://www.umaine.edu/umext/york/ or
call 324-2814 to request registration materials.
Statewide Teen Leadership
Conference
Hold the dates!
When? June 21-23
What?- Statewide Teen Leadership Conference
Where? - Bangor, ME
Who? - Calling all Teens!
Why? - Learn leadership basics and experience a totally teen-unique conference!
How? - Registration due May 18 - Registration procedures to be announced in next
newsletter How much? - Total cost - $30 per person - Can you believe it!
Rabies Vaccination for Maine 4-H
Days
All cattle, sheep, horses,
and dogs brought to Maine 4-H Days must be vaccinated for rabies if the
animal is 3 months of age or older on or before June 1, 2007. The vaccination
must have been administered on or before June 1, 2007 and be current for that
species.
All 4-H members bringing animals to Maine 4-H Days must show
Veterinarian Certification that their animals have received a rabies
vaccination. Certification must be in writing, must be signed by the
veterinarian, and must clearly identify the animal or animals in question.
Exhibitors showing animals without an approved rabies vaccine (goats for
example) are strongly encouraged to have their animals vaccinated.
Rabies cases in Maine more than doubled in 2006 over the previous year (127
cases in 2006 vs. 61 in 2005). The disease has demonstrated its
unpredictability over the years so it’s impossible to foresee what may happen
during 2007. If you have animals other than cattle, sheep, horses, and dogs, it
is a good idea to discuss your need for rabies vaccine with you local
veterinarian who understands the risk of rabies in your area.
National 4-H
Trips
It is time to apply for the
National 4-H Trips, Conference and Congress. To apply all you have to do is
submit your 4-H Story and your Resume. Guidelines for writing your 4-H story can
be found at
www.maine4h.umaine.edu and click on
Members. Scroll down to see National 4-H Trips application. You may also pick up
an application at your local County Extensions office. Next year Congress will
be held in November in Atlanta and Nat’l 4-H Conference will be held in
Washington DC in March.
Maine
4-H Days
Mark you calendars now for Maine 4-H
Days this summer at Windsor Fairgrounds, July 6, 7, 8, & 9. It will be a
weekend full of personal enrichment workshops as well as livestock events.
Camping is encouraged and entire families are welcome.
The University of Maine
Cooperative Extension and
Maine Alternative Poultry Association
Turkey Production Short Course
5:30-8:30 PM, Friday,
March 16, 2007
University of Maine Fruit
& Vegetable Research Station,Highmoor Farm, Route 202, Monmouth, Maine
with Dr. Mike Darre, Poultry Specialist, University of Connecticut
Cost
per person $10.00 (includes refreshments and reference book)
MAPA members $7.00 /
person
Limit 60 participants
Email or call the office
for registration.
Miscellaneous
Grant Information
Grant:
For children- and youth-led projects that promote understanding of environmental
issues.
Funder: The Captain Planet Foundation.
Eligibility: Schools and nonprofits.
Deadline: March 31, June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 31.
Amount: $250 to $2,500.
Contact: www.captainplanetfdn.org/grants.html
Harvest Fund Grants Available
For Food
and Agriculture Projects
Do you have a solution
to hunger? Do you have a project that advances sustainable agriculture in Maine?
Are you working to preserve small farms, promote organic growing, or teach your
neighbors the advantages of buying locally grown produce?
The Harvest Fund just
might have money for you.
The Harvest Fund at Maine
Initiatives, a small grant program for sustainable agriculture and healthy food
for all, is now accepting grant applications. The deadline is Wednesday, April
4.
Maine Initiatives is a
statewide fund that supports organizations dedicated to social, economic, and
environmental justice.
If you’d like to apply
for a Harvest Fund grant or learn more about the program, visit
www.maineinitiatives.org
Maine 4-H
GIS Camp
Been
hearing a lot about GPS and GIS technology and how 4-H members are learning to
use technology to do cool service projects? Maybe thinking how much fun it
would be to meet other kids from around the state who share your interest?
Wish you could get involved? Here’s your chance—an in-depth 3 1/2
day experience where you will learn the basics you need to propose, plan, and
present new trails and other geospatial activities that will become part of
Vaughn Island 4-H Camp using GPS, GIS software, and other technology.
Not only will you learn technology skills and work with a team to
contribute to the camp, you will get to spend time in one of Maine’s most
beautiful coastal island summer camps doing some traditional camp activities
like making new friends, exploring the islands and seashore, sleeping in tents,
canoeing, cooking and sharing around a campfire, and taking part in games and
challenges!
Open
to Maine 4-H members ages 12-15
Limited of
15 campers (so apply early!)
June 27-30,
2007
Cost: $60.00
For
more information & registration materials, contact
Jon Prichard
Registration
Deadline:
June 1, 2007
National
Agriculture Day
National Agriculture Day
occurs every year on the first day of spring. Join us this year on, or around,
March 21st.
Visit
www.agday.org to learn more
Maine
Maple Sunday
March 25, 2007
Join Maine's maple
producers each spring as they celebrate Maine Maple Sunday - the day when
sugar makers around the State open the doors of their sugarhouses for the public
to join them in their rites of spring - making maple syrup. Here's your chance
to see first hand how 40 gallons of maple sap is turned into just one gallon of
that golden delight you pour over hot pancakes...or ice cream.
Check out:
www.getrealmaine.com/visit/maine_maple_sunday
For a farm near you!!
Daytripping,
Anyone?
If
you'd like to open your farm or garden to the public for a tour or tours this
summer, you can be listed in the "Daytripping" section in the June-August issue
of The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener. Just email the information to
Jean English
(jenglish@midcoast.com) by April
15th. We'll publish the list, and the rest is up to you and your visitors. You
may get one or even no visitors; or you may get dozens. We suggest setting one
or two particular times for your tour so that your entire day isn't tied up.
Many
growers use our "Daytripping list as a place to publicize that their farms are
open on Maine's Open Farm Day. Information needed: Farm name; Owners' names;
Farm or garden features (briefly); Date and time when visitors are welcome;
Directions; Physical address; Phone number; Email address; County. Thanks!
Rabbit Free to a Good Home.
1 year old, full grown 4
pound male Lion Head Rabbit. Chinchilla colored, paper trained, free range.
Free, with a cage, $10.00. Very nice Rabbit, good with dogs and cats. Call
Annette Austin 324-0331.
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