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4-H Connections
A Newsletter for 4-H Volunteers and Families 4-H logo. May, 2005

YORK COUNTY 4-H NEWS

Acton Fair Clean-up And Camp over Weekend!

It’s time for the annual 4-H weekend at Acton fairgrounds.  This year’s clean-up and camp-over (optional) weekend will be May 21-22.  It will be a great chance to spend time with your 4-H friends, so plan on coming!

We have several service projects planned including painting, simple construction and building repair and general clean-up around the grounds.  The weekend will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday and end Sunday at noon.  You should bring your own lunch on Saturday.  We’ll provide dinner on Saturday    (hot dogs, hamburgers, beans and drinks), and breakfast Sunday morning.

Clubs are invited to spend the night and make a camping trip out of this.  Otherwise you may go home and return Sunday morning.  All youth must be accompanied by a parent or under supervision of a 4-H Leader.  See you there!  Please help us plan meals.  Club members – Let your leader know if you’re coming.   Leaders – please let the Extension office know your attendance plans!
 

Acton and Ossipee Fairs

It's not too early to be working on your fair project exhibits and signing up for Acton Fair food booth!  To sign up for the food booth contact Diane Qualey, 793-4843.  We are still seeking volunteers to replace Diane.  The Food Booth offers a tremendous opportunity for our 4-H youth to learn - important life skills, to interact with other 4-H members and adults, and to raise funds to support our 4-H youth in York County.  Will you consider helping out?
 

Twenty-one Youth Enjoy Art Saturday Program

We had 21 youth attend one or more of our Saturday art programs.  They made “The Story of Me” collages, learned recycled arts, made healing cards, and Mother’s Day gifts.  It was a wonderful way to spend one or more Saturdays in April and early May.

For more information on our 4-H Discovery Arts program see related articles in this newsletter, contact the Extension office or visit our website: http://www.umaine.edu/umext/york/
 

Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation Awards Grant
to York County 4-H Discovery Arts program!

The Foundation awarded $1000 to support our new 4-H Arts program in York County.    4-H Discovery Arts uses experiential arts to teach youth about themselves, nature, their communities, and the world. 

Research has shown that the arts can help youth develop valuable life skills including self-esteem, self-expression, cooperation, and critical thinking. 

Developed by Jon Prichard, this program will help youth “discover the art of life”.  The program is being piloted in York County for replication nationally.

The “Art Saturday” program that concludes May 7 was the first 4-H Discovery Arts program.


Art in Nature: discover the art of nature!

You should have received a brochure announcing our new Art in Nature program.  We’re excited about this program and hopeful that it will build on the positive energy and success of Art Saturday!

Classes are Mon-Fri, July 18-22, 9 am – 2 pm. The workshop is limited to 14 children, ages 9-17.  The registration fee is $50, which includes all supplies, snacks and healthy lunches.

All programs will take place at the Extension office in Sanford and will use the beautiful gardens and outdoors as our “studio” for the week.  Community artist Laura Jaquays will provide creative, educational and fun arts.  These are great projects “just for fun”, or for public display such as Acton Fair. 

·         Art-in-nature journal

·         Print making with plants

·         Fairy houses and animal totems

·         Rainbow painting and color wheel

·         Garden still life painting

·         Flora and fauna art

·         Primitive mud painting

·         Painting sky and clouds

Nature Arts is part of York County 4-H Discovery Arts Program, which uses the expressive arts to help youth to “discover the art of life, nature and community”.

For more information call Jon at the Extension office.
 

Save the date…Maine 4-H Days July 22-24, 2005

This year Maine 4-H Days will be held once again on the Fryeburg Fair Grounds.  Our programs will include a recreational canoe trip, 4-H Olympics, Fear Factor 4-H Style, Rocketry, GIS/GPS work, and many Science, Arts, and Animal Livestock Tracks.

We host a banquet and craft night for everyone interested. Camping space is available at no cost and some dorm space on a first come, first serve basis. Come and have a great time at Maine 4-H Days.
 

Leaders Association Meeting - May 11
Attend our Leaders Association meetings!

They’re informative, fun, and a great place to network and learn from one another.  May 11 our training focus will be Risk Management and 4-H. All meetings also include business and events planning for county activities.  Hope to see you there!


Save the date… Maine to Host New England Teen Conference

The 10th Annual New England 4-H Teen Conference will be held August 7 - 9, 2005 at the University of Maine. Information packets would be going out soon so stay tuned!
 

Clarifying 4-H Raffle Ticket Sales

We have received word from the State that we must clarify the laws governing raffle tickets and 4-H members and volunteers.  According to Maine State Police, Division of Gaming and Weapons, adults and youth 16 and older can sell tickets and purchase tickets. 

Youth under the age of 16 cannot sell or buy raffle tickets in Maine.  The exception to this is a certified school.  A certified (licensed school) can carry out a raffle where student sell tickets, however, 4-H does not fall under this exception. The Inspector from the State Police was clear to say that 4-H doesn't qualify for the exception. 
 

Leaders, Parents and 4-H Members:

Important Information about Animal Approval Forms for 2005

New for this year all copies of animal approval forms will need to be embossed with the stamp we have at the county office.  Leaders, I know many of you like to have copies of the animal approval forms for the youth in your club and that is fine but please let us know that in the office and we will send you the embossed copies.

Please know that a photocopy without the emblem will no longer work and that the fairs will be looking for the embossed emblem, and the embossed emblem is protected by copyright.  Fair officials will be receiving notification about the embossed forms shortly but wanted to remind you about this new change for 2005.  If you have questions about this please contact Donna Flint at the York County Extension office.
 

Host Families for Japanese Exchange

There are 7 month-long delegates that still need host families for this summer.

Three boys:

T.I. is 13 years old, he likes soccer, swimming, playing with friends, computer games, sports, and watching TV.  He hopes to take care of some animals and eat a big hamburger while learning many things about American life.  He enjoys reading science-fiction, non-fiction and comic books.

H. K. is 12 years old he likes listening to music and soccer; he hopes to ride a horse, make many friends and be an American family member.  He enjoys reading novels and comic books.  He lives with his mom, dad, grandmother and a younger sister. 

K.N. is 12 years old, he likes swimming very much, and he wants to play sports.  He plays computer games, watches TV, and goes to the movies in his spare time.  He and his family have visited many countries, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Italy, China, Russia and have hosted visitors to Japan from France, Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, and the USA. 

Four Girls:

S.S. is 12 years old, she likes shopping, skiing, singing, listening to songs and talking with friends.  She is allergic to pollen and dust, which make her nose run and eyes itch.  She plays the flute, reads novels and comic books, likes swimming, basketball, table tennis, arts and crafts, and cooking.  She lives with her parents and a 16 year old sister.

M.A. is 12 years old; she likes music, basketball and computer.  She wants to be an American family member; she likes animals (she has a dog in Japan) and hopes to ride a horse.  She went to Russia for 2 weeks as an exchange student when she was 10 years old and had a wonderful time.  She likes watching TV, going to movies, arts and crafts, writing letters, shopping, sports and eating.

R.T. is 12 years old and likes cooking, hand crafts, tennis, and swimming.  She wants to learn about American cooking while she is here and her favorite foods are curry, fruits, and hamburger steak.  She says she wants to make many friends and try everything.  She hopes to be part of a family with boys and girls.  She has a dachshund in Japan-- along with 2 younger brothers.

A.M. is 12 years old and her hobbies are singing, reading books, and playing the piano.  She lived in Belgium for 3 years with her parents, and younger sister.  She likes swimming, volleyball and table tennis.  She reads mysteries, classics and comic books.  She wants to listen to American music and sing with her host sibling.  She describes her personality traits as friendly, pretty serious, neat, and talkative. 

Kids will meet host families on July 24 and depart on August 19, 2005. For more info contact: Maine 4-H International Exchange Program, Jill Coffren, state coordinator, 126 Plaisted Rd, Jay, ME 04239;             207-645-3248.


Lucky Shepherds Market Lamb Clinic

The Lucky Shepherds 4-H Sheep Club is hosting a Market Lamb Clinic on Saturday June 25, 2005 at the Union Fair Grounds from 8 AM to Noon.  This will be a hand’s on clinic, taught by area experts, where you will learn how to feed, prepare and show your lamb. 

There will be classes on properly feeding your lamb and general sheep nutrition, slick shearing basics, halter making, and proper technique for showing your lamb. 

The day will end with a mock show where you will have a chance to practice what you have learned and a potluck picnic.  The clinic is open to any 4-H’er in the state of Maine who is eligible to show a market lamb, although space may be limited.  The deadline for registration is Friday June 17, 2005.  If you have any questions or wish to sign up, contact Wendy Reinemann at 207-785-2978.

Announcing... The 2005 National Youth Summit
"Youth in Action - Making a Difference"

July 28-30, 2005
Marriott Woodley Park Hotel
Washington, DC

Visit www.ncfy.com for registration and information.

GET ACTIVE!

The 2005 Summit is all about Youth In Action - Making a Difference. You'll take home step-by-step ACTION PLANS from every workshop to help you MAKE A DIFFERENCE in your community. You'll also hear exciting speakers, meet inspiring young people, and have plenty of opportunities to discuss what is important to you.

Youth and Public Policy - Learn how to impact the power structures in your community. Hear from youth who have radically changed their communities and find out how to do the same in yours.

Youth and the Economy - Learn how to become an entrepreneur, whether it's creating a micro-enterprise or raising money to revitalize a park. Become financially literate and develop the skills to plan and manage your financial life.

Youth and Community Service - Learn how to become a powerful leader while serving your community. Understand the keys to being a change agent - make sure you have what it takes.

Youth and Creativity - Express yourself through poetry slams, music, dance, movement, and more. Become "media literate" and learn to understand what you are really watching or listening to.

The National Youth Summit is not just for youth. Adults will have chances for dis-cussion, networking, and participation in workshops designed for them, with guidance in how to:

·         Mentor youth and young adults

·         Work effectively with diverse youth

·         Utilize the latest research on positive youth development

·         Create programs that spark the entrepreneurial spirit of youth

The National Youth Summit, preeminent in the field of youth development, is an annual event that brings together youth and adults from across the country to celebrate the strengths and accomplishments of our Nation's young people.

The 2005 Youth Council is playing a major role in the planning of the Summit, so you can be sure the program will be youth-driven.

What's Happening At The 2005 Summit?

Engaging and Energizing Speakers: The National Youth Summit will feature some of the best keynote speakers anywhere. Big names you'll recognize-like Alma Powell, Chair of America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth-and others you'll never forget. Check www.ncfy.com for updates.

NYS Cares & Shares: Bring quarters for the NYS Cares & Shares coin drive, and your vote will decide the organization that receives all of the coins collected.

The President's Volunteer Service Awards: USA Freedom Corps will recognize young people who have made a difference in the lives of others through their dedication to volunteer service.  You can log on at the Summit to create a new Record of Service, or continue tracking your volunteer time and experiences.

Networking Opportunities: Participants will be given Summit business cards to keep track of new friends and connections.

Youth Entertainment: Karaoke; a DJ; movies; poetry café; Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra; Eric Anderson, illusionist and motivational speaker; singers from the Dallas Showcase Singers Association; Youth Jazz Ensemble; and more.

All-Youth Art Project: This huge, one-of-a-kind activity allows youth from all over the country to get to know one another while they create Summit artwork!

A Great Location in Washington, DC:

The 2005 National Youth Summit will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel located in the vibrant Woodley Park neighborhood. Only eight miles from Reagan National Airport and easily accessible by Metro, the hotel is minutes from the National Zoo and the National Cathedral, as well as dozens of restaurants. The Woodley Park Metro is less than a block from the hotel and puts all the attractions of Washington, DC within easy reach.

For Registration and Information log on to www.ncfy.com or phone 301-608-8098

 


STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS

  Calendar
Apr 2 - 30

Exploring the Arts! 4-H Program

Apr 13 4-H Leaders Meeting, Sanford
May 11 4-H Leaders Meeting, Sanford
Jun 27-Aug 12  Vaughn Island 4-H Camp
Jul 18-22 4-H Discovery Arts – Outdoor Arts Program
Jul 18-21  Southern Maine 4-H Horse Camp
Jul 16-19 Maine 4-H Days
Jul 18-22 

Exploring the Arts! in Nature 4-H   Program

Jul 9-16 Citizenship Washington Focus,   Washington, DC

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