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Laurie Bartlett, 4H Aide
Stacy Paradis, 4H Aide
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AROOSTOOK COUNTY NEWS 4-H NEWSLETTER June 2008 “to make the best better” Other Important Dates Coming Up: June 1st - OC Meeting - PI Ext. Office July 5-12 - Citizenship Wash. Focus June 7-8- June Jamboree July 20-23 - GIS Camp July 3-6 - Houlton Fair July 25 –Aug. 2 – North. Maine Fair CLUB AND MORE NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY… The Mane Eventers have been keeping themselves occupied by doing Community Service projects. During April vacation they took a day to do yard work at the local food kitchen. In May they participated at the Pine and Spurs annual clean up day! There was a great deal of shoveling going on and it didn’t all involve snow! Congratulations to our Graduates!!! Keith Langley Ashley Levesque Amanda McNeil Camille Pierce Kaitlin Russell Anthony Verville CONGRATULATIONS TO KAITLIN RUSSELL— At the annual Meeting of the Pine Tree State 4-h foundation, Aroostook’s own Kaitlin Russell of the 4-h wild Mustangs received one of the $1000 Post Secondary scholarships from the 4-h foundation. Kaitlin has been in 4-h for 10 years and many of you know her from her many achievements in the horse program or this year’s OC president. She’ll be headed off to the University of Vermont to study Nuclear Medicine. The Crafty Critters have been very busy working on several craft projects to put on display in the Exhibit Halls during the fairs this summer. The Mooers family led them in a Scrapbooking project. Club members used photos from their 4-H activities to create their books. The McNeil family recently hosted an Advanced Egg Art Clinic. Club members had a great time making miniature sheep and pigs. A special Congratulations to Crafty Critters 4-H Club member Amanda McNeil who will be graduating this month. Amanda has been accepted into the Nursing program at NMCC in Presque Isle. Your 4-H family is proud of you, Amanda! My Day as a Legislative Page By Emilie Newman On March 27 I had the honor of representing Aroostook County as a n Honorary Page at the Maine State Capital. I joined 24 members from 4H Clubs throughout the state who also served as Pages in the Legislature and Senate. Together, we represented 25 different voting districts. I had the privilege if meeting two of our local Legislators; The Honorable Henry L. Joy of Crystal, who represents my hometown of Ludlow; and the Honorable Richard C. Cleary of Houlton, where I attend school at Houlton Jr./Sr. High School. This was my first trip to Augusta and my first visit to our State Capital. My mother and I traveled to Augusta on March 26 and spent the night at the Senator Inn. We met the other Honorary Pages in the Hall of Flags at the State House at 8:30 a.m. the next day, were then escorted to the Clerk’s Office where we were handed our name tags. At this time we were brought onto the floor to get instructions on what we were supposed to do. Pages bring notes from one seat to another and bring papers to the Legislators. We were told to watch a panel on the front of the first line of desks which showed each Legislator’s seat number and location. When a Representative needed a note taken to the Speaker of the House or another Legislator, they pushed a button on their desk which made their seat number light up on the panel. There are 151 members in the House of Representatives, which keeps the Pages very busy. The Speaker of the House sounded a bell to let everyone know it was time to go to work. The House went into Session around 9 a.m., and was opened with a Prayer, the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterwards, Mr. Speaker (the person who stands in front of the House) announced the names of each Page and other guests (who sit in the Gallery, a balcony high above the Legislature) before beginning the business of the day. After a little while I caught on to how the Legislators get things done. The orders are read then Representatives have the opportunity to speak to urge their fellow Legislators to vote either for or against an item. When it is time to vote, Mr. Speaker sounds the bell and begins calling for absentees (Legislators who have left the room). At this time, huge boards on both sides of the Chamber (which lists the names of the Representatives in alphabetical order) light up to show which members have voted. There is a red light on one side of each Representative’s name for a no vote and a green light on the other side for a yes vote. Legislators are allowed to leave to attend hearings and meetings but have to be back to vote when the bell is sounded. Leaving from time to time is necessary because the House did not end their Session until all business was complete, which meant they did not stop for bathroom breaks, lunch, or dinner. It was really interesting to hear Representatives debate issues on healthcare and office closures and discuss how they would affect the State’s Budget and its residents. There were many different opinions in the House, but every Legislator had one common concern which was to make sure the people in the State of Maine did not have to suffer because of the decisions they made. In all, I spent seven hours at the Capital interacting with Representatives and learning how our State Government works. It was a long day, but I had fun being a Page for all of the Legislators. The next time you see one of your local Representatives don’t forget to thank them for being your District’s voice at the State House. I would like to thank Representatives Cleary and Joy for taking time out of their busy schedules to welcome me, and I would also like to thank the Houlton Town Office and the Houlton Chamber of Commerce for donating Town of Houlton pins to distribute to my fellow Pages in Augusta. We need to sell (lots of) Cow Chip Bingo Tickets!!! On Sunday, June 22nd, we will be selling tickets in two locations. There will be 4-H members selling at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle and at DOC’s on the North Road in Houlton from 1-4pm. We are looking for volunteers to help out with the Houlton site (we will be outside). We would like to have an adult and at least two 4-H members for each hour that we plan to be there. Let Laurie know if you can help out by June 13th and which hour you can be there. You can email her at lbartlett@umext.maine.edu or call 532-6548 NEWS FROM NATIONAL 4-H CONFERENCE…. In March, I went to the National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. Conference was an amazing experience as I had the opportunity to network and communicate with 4-H’ers from all around the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. We were given the chance to discuss our issues and ideas for the future of the 4-H program. From this, I discovered that the problems that we are experiencing in Aroostook County are problems that people everywhere are facing. Everyone’s major problem? Marketing. People who are not associated with 4-H often do not know what 4-H is and therefore this lowers our chances for potential members. Over and over again, I heard 4-H’ers complain of this problem. I proposed that we fix this problem with a multi-media marketing plan which would flood all media such as television, radio and newspapers on a national scale. This idea was submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture for consideration as in improvement to the current 4-H program. At the conference I was also given the opportunity to talk with our US Senators and Representatives about the 4-H program. We attended workshops and gained valuable skills. Of course, I also had a plenty of fun at a cruise dance and various other social activities! The National 4-H Conference was outstanding and I encourage anyone thinking of doing National 4-H Conference in the future to apply! I’m glad I did! Kellene O’Hara, Caribou Clovers
Maine 4-H Teen Conference on Wheels! July 14-17, 2008 4-H Members ages 13-18 Deadline to register is June 18th Travel to different locations to learn about community leadership, successful business strategies, environmental issues and citizen science. Registration forms are available on the web at: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/events Or contact your county Cooperative Extension. 4-H Day at the Skowhegan State Fair Somerset County 4-H Leaders Association invites any 4-H Club or 4-H Member to take part in the 6th Annual 4-H Day at the Skowhegan State Fair on Sunday, August 10th, 2008 at 11:30 am. If you would like to participate in the parade (may include floats, club members, led or ridden animals,) contact the Somerset County Extension Office to receive the necessary paperwork and contact information. 1-800-287-1495. There are still a couple of spaces left at the Northern Maine 4-H GIS Camp @ Greenland Pont Center in Princeton, ME, July 20-23 For Ages 12-15
Program aides
ages 16-18 2008 Northeast Regional Volunteer Forum Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH October 23-26, 2008 http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HVol/08NEVF.htm Due to SOARING Gas prices, the Leaders’ Association has decided to combine all of the June Jamboree events into one fun-filled day. It will run a bit longer, but you will only have to make one trip to the fairground! Note that the Horse showmanship Clinic will be in the morning! June Jamboree Schedule 8:30 am -12:30 pm Baby Beef Clinic—call Lauri Buck to sign up at 764-4552 10 am-11:30 _____ Horse Showmanship Clinic 1 pm-2:30 pm _____Dog Obedience Clinic _____ Dairy Clinic
2:30 pm-3:30 pm 4-H Team Survivor Challenge Teams will participate in 3 challenges—a GPS treasure hunt, a physical activity challenge , and a create a snack challenge 3:30-4:00 pm Snack time/ Preparation for Public Speaking Contest 4:00-5:00 pm Public Speaking Contest You can still use the form you received in the mail to sign up—just be aware that everything will be happening on Saturday. We will take sign-ups until Wed June 4. We must have a minimum of 15 people signed up to hold the event so please plan to come to at least part of the day! QUESTIONS?? Call Christy or Laurie 2009 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. sponsors an annual contest for 4-Hers, giving them an opportunity to win one of three cash prizes. The topic for the 2009 contest it “The Dance Language of Bees”. For a copy of the rules and more information, please contact the State 4-H Office at 1-800-287-0274. Making fair time easier... Assemble a binder with all the required paperwork for your animal For all animals include your embossed copy of your animal approval form For horses: A current Coggins, rabies, and verification of EVH-1 and Equine Influenza vaccination For dogs: Current rabies certificate For any registered livestock: copies of registration papers and any other health forms you might need for fairs outside Aroostook County Also remember that you will need to show proof of insurance at most fairs so include your proof of insurance documents… Which Brings Us To... Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors membership renewal information should be arriving in the mail. Please return payment ASAP so you will have your card in time for the Houlton Fair. Cards take about 3 weeks. If you have not been a member before, you can get an application form by calling the Houlton office or by going to http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/forms/webdocs/maleform.htm Getting Ready for Fair…. Fair season is coming up fast—Can you believe that Houlton Fair is just 4 weeks away? Now that we have some relatively good weather, make sure you are doing everything you can to get your animals ready for fair… One of the most important things you can do is to handle your animals every day. By this time of year, your animals should be used to being around you and ready to practice skills for the shows. Your animal should also be used to a halter and/or lead. Every day, take at least 15-30 minutes to practice walking, stopping, standing, and turning. After they can do this comfortably, get them used to being touched by the judge by having someone else touch them while you are holding them. Make sure they can see the person coming, that the touch is gentle ands that the person touching is careful to stand so they don’t get kicked or bitten if the animal startles. If you are having trouble getting your animal to lead, call on some of the more experienced members or leaders. They can give you some tips and they might even be able to pay a visit to help you out. This is also a good time to start thinking about assembling the things you’ll need to take to the fair. You may still have time to make a tack box or find a wooden box to keep everything together. Assemble the special things that showing your animals requires: halters, lead ropes, show combs and brushes, show sticks, clippers, canes/paddles, hog guide boards, collars, leashes, carding combs, hand shears, washing and grooming products such as shampoos, powders, q-tips, wipes, You will find that 4-H kids are great about sharing items such as electric shears. Now’s the time to ask questions, practice and plan ahead! 2008 Houlton Fair 4-H schedule July 3-6, 2008 Tuesday July 1 Exhibit Hall Set Up 3-7 pm Wed. July 2 Exhibit Hall Set Up 11 am - 4 pm Exhibit Hall Judging 4:30 pm Cow Chip Bingo tickets available daily at the 4-H Exhibit Hall Thursday July 3 - Kids Day/4-H day 4-H Horse Show Registration 8 am, Show starts at 9 am Market Hog Weigh In at 7:00 pm Friday July 4 4-H Rabbit Show at 1:30 pm 4-H Market Hog Show at 6 pm Saturday July 5 4-H Goat Show at 9 am 4-H Sheep Show at 10:30 am 4-H Beef Show at 1 pm 4-H Dairy show at 2:30 pm 4-H Cloverbud Show Ring Clinic at 4 pm 4-H Market Hog Auction at 7 pm Sunday July 8 4-H Dog Show at 10 am Cow Chip Bingo at 1 pm – Little League Field Obstacle course at 2 pm 2008 Northern Maine Fair Schedule There may still be additions and changes but for the most part this is what we plan…. All week – 4-H Food Booth open 7 am to 8 pm with daily specials! Wednesday July 23 Projects may be delivered to the Houlton Extension Office until noon 4 pm –7 pm Exhibits accepted at NMFair Exhibit Hall Thursday July 24 12-4 pm Exhibits accepted at NMFair Exhibit Hall 5 pm – Judging of Exhibits Friday July 25 8:00 am Registration for 4-H Horse Show 9 am Show begins 12 Noon 4-H/FFA Horse Judging- Saturday July 26 6 pm– 4-H Sign Contest Entries must be in place 6:00 pm Walking of Baby Beef Steers in 4-H show ring Sunday July 27 3:00 pm 4-H Dog Show in 4-H show ring 5: 00 pm Walking of Baby Beef Steers in 4-H show ring 7:30 pm –4-H/Livestock Family Ice Cream Party followed by a 4-H Family Dance (8-10) How Far Will We Walk?? Presque Isle to? Monday July 28 1:00 pm 4-H Goat Show in 4-H show ring 6:00 pm Weighing of Baby Beef with walking afterward 7:15 - 4-H Demonstration Skilathon- open to all kids and families- Tuesday July 29 4-H/FFA Day 2:15-5:00 pm Judging Contests (be at 4-H Grandstand at 2:00) 4-H Tractor Driving will follow FFA Tractor Driving (participants must view tractor safety video) 5:00 pm Walking of Baby Beef Steers in 4-H show ring Wednesday July 30 1:00 pm 4-H Beef Show 4-H Dairy Show begins at conclusion of the 4-H Beef Show 6:00 pm Aroostook Valley Baby Beef 4-H Club Show Thursday July 31 3:00 pm 4-H Swine Show 4:30 pm-7:00 pm Wild Mustangs 4-H Steak Dinner, Centennial Arena 6:00 pm 4-H Baby Beef Auction Friday August 1 1:00 pm 4-H Sheep Show 4:00 pm 4-H Costume Show—sign up in food booth 7:30 4-H Scavenger Hunt- 9 am 4-H Rabbit Show 11 am 4-H Animal Obstacle Course 4-H Livestock must remain on the fairgrounds until 5 unless released earlier by the Superintendent Sunday August 3 9-Noon—Pick Up Exhibits at the Exhibit Hall – Exhibits removed before this time will not receive premiums. 4-H Market Hog Auction!!! For information about purchasing an animal at the Auction, contact the Houlton Cooperative Extension Office at 532-6548. We will put you in touch with a 4-H member who can tell you about his or her animal and how to participate. Saturday, July 5 7pm HOULTON FAIR LIVESTOCK RING 2008 NM FAIR 4-H Food Booth Schedule We still need clubs to take days in the Food Booth! Please note the empty slots. We especially need to have a club cover Friday July 25 as the horse and beef people are tied up that day. We will also need clubs to help with the Leader’s Association Day which is the one day that actually brings proceeds back to the LA. ALL CLUBS ARE ASKED TO SIGN UP FOR 3 or 4 hours on that day. 4-H members 12 and up can take orders and serve food in the 4-H Food Booth. Members must be 16 to cook on the grill. Well-supervised younger members may clear tables and help with dishes. Plan on 3-4 adults working at all times. To volunteer, call Jean Sloat at 532-3567 or 532-0753 or Christy or Laurie at 532-6548 Friday July 25 ______________________ Saturday July 26—Caribou Clovers Sunday July 27—Leader’s Association Day 7-10—AV Baby Beef 10-1 ___________ 1-4 ____________ 4-8 ____________ Monday July 28 AV Dairy Tuesday July 29 Mane Eventers Wednesday July 30—Eastern States Equestrian Team Thursday July 31 Wild Mustangs (includes the steak barbeque) Friday August 1 ______________________ Saturday August 2 Wild Mustangs We will be having a clean up day on Sunday August 3 AFTER the Fair to clean good and put the Food Booth away for the winter. Each club should plan to send one or two people to help. More Fair Notes · We should be receiving the new blue Cloverbud Exhibit hall cards (for 5-7 year olds) in the next week or two. Please send Laurie an email telling her how many of these you need and we will send them as soon as they come. · You can also ask to have the green Exhibit Hall Judging Cards and Life Skill Wheel forms for 9-18 year olds sent to you. We will also be bringing these to the June 26 Leader’s Meeting… . Cooking, Crafts & Kids!!!
For those 4-H kids out there who did not make it to the EDGE conference (which was a huge success and you really missed out!!!) we have a little bit of EDGE for you! We have the very popular Healthy Lifestyles recipe for the snack that was served at the conference this year! Try it! Heart-Healthy, Tasty Maple Granola (courtesy of Vermont FEED - [Food Education Every Day] - check out their website at www.vtfeed.org) You will need: · 4 cups of rolled oats (see if you can find Maine grown oats at your local health food store!) · ½ cup raw sunflower seeds (not toasted or salted) · ½ cup maple syrup (find a local sugarhouse online - http://getrealmaine.com/visit/maine_maple_Sunday.html) · 4 Tbsp. canola oil · 1 tsp. vanilla extract Preheat your oven to 350º. Mix together the rolled oats and sunflower seeds. In a separate bowl mix the maple syrup, canola oil and vanilla extract. Combine the dry ingredients with the maple syrup mixture. Spread out evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Stir/turn the granola and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool. Pour into storage containers. Eat it as a snack, for breakfast or use it as a topping on dessert like frozen yogurt. JUNE JAMBOREE CHANGED TO A ONE DAY EVENT SATURDAY JUNE 7 SEE INSIDE CONGRATULATIONS GRADS! PLEASE HELP US SELL COW CHIP BINGO TICKETS TAKE A PACK TO SELL TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY IT WILL HELP US OUT AND THEY MIGHT WIN $1000!
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