AROOSTOOK COUNTY NEWS 4-H NEWSLETTER

March 2009 Edition

“to make the best better”

Upcoming Events!!!

March Sliding and Tubing Party Cancelled

March 6 - Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation Scholarship applications due in the Houlton office. (info inside)

March 13 - Applications due for Congress and Conference

March 23 - Eastern States Horse Intent Forms due at the Houlton Office!!!

April 1st - Animal Approval Forms for Horses due in the Houlton Office!!!

May 15-16 - 4-H EDGE Weekend:  Connecting Kids to Campus - Orono

Clover Country CD’s $15.00  (we have 3 left!)

 COUNTY & CLUB NEWS… 

     The Haybalers have been really busy this year with goats, dogs, and alpacas.  We had our winter party at Jarvy’s (Shiretown Pool).  All the goats were born and the goat members went out and saw  and picked out their goats they will use for the fair.  The dog members have had two meetings so far, one with dogs and one without.  They worked on sit, stays, heeling and going to mats.  Alpaca members have been hard at work walking their alpacas and getting them used to walking over boards.

 *submitted by Lauren Eastham

 Also from the Haybalers… submitted by Sarah Jones.

      Our alpaca group has been meeting regularly (every other week) and working on individual events that they will demonstrate and be judged on at the July Houlton Fair.  The public will see alpaca showmanship, handling, an obstacle course, and dress up competition.  In addition, our participants will share with the public what they have learned about this wonderful animal as they show off their journals and scrapbooks.

     The Caribou Clovers created Butterfly tray favors for the residents of the Caribou Veterans Home for Valentine’s Day.  All of the residents appreciated the Butterfly cards and really liked them.  Many of the residents smiled and thanked the members handing out the cards as this small gift really brightened up their day.

In February the AV Dairy Club visited the Andrew King Farm in Easton.  We learned about raising dairy calves and the process of automatic milking.

Members of the Crafty Critters 4-H Club met at the Linneus Snow Sports Clubhouse for an afternoon of  skiing and show shoeing last month, but decided to stay inside after the meeting to enjoy playing games and the warm fire due to the wind chill outside!

SLIDING AND TUBING PARTY CANCELLED FOR THIS YEAR!

Due to busy schedules and high costs we have decided to cancel the event for this year!

Watch for Spring events!

 Alumni Search

Aroostook County is going to start a 4-H Alumni group!

First we need to find the names and contact information for any and all former 4-H members.

Then we will work with them to create lots of fun ways to get them together and to get their support for our current 4-H members.

Next month we will start a formal effort to collect names and we will be asking clubs to try to find their former members. Start asking around now.

 How fun would it be to have an alumni event at the Fair???

 FAIR TIME…….

 Hard to believe its time to be talking about fair already, but it will be here before we know it…

DATES

Houlton Fair      July 2-5, 2009

            Horse Show will be Thursday July 2

Northern Maine Fair      July 31-August 8, 2009

FAIR THEME FOR 2009

            (2009 is the International Year of Astronomy)

FUTURE STARS SHINING IN THE COMMUNITY 

COW CHIP BINGO TICKET SALES WILL START AT THE AG TRADE SHOW

Exhibit Hall Guides will be out soon.  Please send any suggestions for changes or additions to Laurie before March 25!

STATE & NATIONAL NEWS… 

National 4-H Congress and Conference Applications

Applications are now being accepted for the chance to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta in 2009 and the National 4-H Conference in Washington in 2010.  Congress is a five day leadership development conference held in Atlanta where youth meet other 4-Hers from all over the country, learn new skills, participate in community service and enjoy special events.  The National 4-H Conference is held at the National 4-H Conference Center just outside of Washington, DC in March where 4-H delegations from every state meet to share ideas and make recommendations for the future of 4-H.  Delegates participate in activities that emphasize civic engagement, youth-adult partnerships, and professional development.

 If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 and would like to attend Congress in November 2009 or Conference in March 2010, you can apply now.  Deadline for your application is March 13, 2009 and more details can be found at www.umext.maine.edu/4h/events/natltripsletter.htm or contact Christy at the Houlton Extension Office by calling 532-6548 or 1-800-287-1469 or email at cfitz@umext.maine.edu.

 4-H GPS/GIS TEK* Trek

*Technology and Environment for Kids

AKA Naturalist Camp

July 5-10, 2009

Greenland Point Center and the University of Maine at Machias

Princeton and Machias, Maine

Ages 12-15

4H GPS/GIS campers will "Get Outdoors" to learn about wildlife and their surroundings including woods, water. land and air.  Participants will learn to collect GPS data and carry out a service mapping project for the Center and will also spend 1-1/2 days at UM Machias using the computer labs and exploring the campus.  ATV and Boater Safety certifications course will be available. Bring cameras for tips on photography!

Special cost to 4-H members $150.00 for the entire week

 Non 4-H cost is $250.00

To register, go to www.greenlandpoint.com

Under Skills Camp, find Naturalist Camp - 4H GPS/GIS

At bottom of list, go to Click Here for Application

Apply early! Camp is limited to 15 participants!

4-H EDGE Weekend 2009: Connecting Kids to Campus

Friday & Saturday, May 15 & 16, 2009 at the University of Maine in Orono!

It’s going to be the best EDGE yet! 

Team building and recreational opportunities on Friday! 

Super workshop sessions on Saturday!  Things like Marine Botany, Animation, Veterinary Science, and dozens more!

 Watch for coming information on Parent Workshops like Planning for College in Challenging times and Supporting Career Aspirations. 

There’s a great panel planned for Saturday lunch that both youth and adults will enjoy!

 We’re still investigating overnight arrangements for parents - dorms turned out to be VERY expensive so we are looking for other alternatives!

 Cost is $55.00 per 4-H member and $40 for additional family members.  Non 4-H members may also attend at a fee of $75.00 per person.  Registration starts in late March - forms will be on the website.

Check the EDGE 2009 site on the Maine 4-H website—we’ll be adding new information about workshops and activities!  Save the dates… It is going to be the best EDGE yet!  Don’t miss it!!!

 VOLUNTEER FORUM VIDEOS

 Three sessions were video recorded at the Volunteer Forum held on November 1, 2008 at Maple Hill Conference Center in Hallowell in conjunction with the Animal Science Committee meeting.  Those recordings are now available on a set of two DVD’s to borrow from your county extension office.  The sessions that were recorded were Cloverbud Corner, Life Skills Wheel, and Healthy ME, Healthy You.  Call your county extension office for more information.

 SENIORS PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!!

It is Scholarship Season!!!  As 4-H members you are eligible for the Post Secondary Scholarships offered by the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation!

Application forms can be downloaded at www.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/funding.htm.

Ten $1,000.00 scholarships are given out each year and you could receive one of them!  Just ask Kaitlin Russell - she received one last year!

Applications must be in the Houlton Office no later than March 6, 2009!

University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond!

We have a few of the Summer Camp 2009 Program Guides (Brochures) in the Houlton office if anyone is interested

There are several interesting camps throughout the summer for all different age groups. 

Give us a call if you are interested. 

532-6548 or 1-800-287-1469

 Robotics Expo

March 21 in Machias

Ever wondered if a Robotics Project might be for you or your club?

We are invited to attend the Robotics Expo and competition in Machias so we can see what it would be like to have a robotics program here. In addition to a sort of “Robotics Fair”, there will be activities in the afternoon that we can participate in .

If your club is interested or if a couple of kids/leaders want to go, let Christy know ASAP at 532-6548 or cfitz@umext.maine.edu.  We will arrange carpools.  AND... if we decide to start something here, we may be able to get some funding!

YOUTH FARM LOAN PROGRAM FROM  FSA

The USDA Farm Service Agency has small loans (up to $5000) for youth ages 10-20 to do small scale, educational, agriculture related projects.  These loans are available to youth in 4-H, FFA, or similar programs and must be carried out with the assistance of an organizational advisor.  The project must generate enough income to repay the loan and help you learn something about an agriculture related business. 

In the past several Aroostook 4-H members have taken advantage of this program.  Some of the projects were purchasing equipment for a small hay cutting business, purchasing a horse for a riding lesson business, and purchasing a small herd to start a beef business.

If you’d like to talk over your project, come see Christy and we’ll get you in touch with FSA!

 ANIMAL SCIENCE NEWS…

 ANIMAL APPROVAL FORMS FOR ALL HORSE PEOPLE PLANNING ON SHOWING IN THE FAIRS DUE IN THE HOULTON OFFICE NO LATER THAN APRIL 1st!!!

4-H Horse Members!!! 

Study sessions will be one Tuesday night of each month until May from 6-8pm. 

8 Locations:   Hampden Academy, Lewiston HS, Sanford HS, Oxford Hills HS, Houlton HS, Nokomis HS in Newport and Hall-Dale HS in Farmingdale.

The remaining dates are: Mar. 17, Apr. 14 and May 19.

 Anyone who would like to learn more about horses or might be interested in the Eastern States Equestrian Team, the Communications Team, the Hippology Team, Horse Judging Team or the Horse Quiz Bowl Team.  These will be interactive study sessions with other 4-Hers from all over the state.  Updates and cancellations will be on the website at www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/horse/study.htm or you can contact Kate Slattery at slatterk@sad44.org or call 836-3217 for more information.

 4-H Horse Vaccination Requirements for 2009

“4-Hers attending 4-H horse events in 2009 must provide proof of current, annual vaccination for rabies as well as a current Coggins test done by a veterinarian. EVH-1 and Equine Influenza are also required, horse owners may, however, administer their own EVH-1 and Equine Influenza inoculations and a sales receipt will be sufficient evidence for proof of vaccination.” EVH-1 and Equine Influenza are considered effective for six months. Plan the timing of your inoculations with your last event in mind.

These are the same as last year.

2009 Massachusetts All Breeds Blue Ribbon Calf Sale

 March 28, 2009, 12:00 pm at the Eastern States Exposition Mallary Complex, in West Springfield, MA.  Youth programs start at 10:00 am: clinics include:  “Vaccinations and Inoculations for the Show Calf”, “Show Calf Nutrition”, Calf Selection”, and “Hoof Trimming Demonstration”

No pre-registration is required for the youth programs and clinics are open to any interested 4H youth or anyone else with interest in learning more about these topics.  For directions and more information go to: 

http://www.blueribboncalfsale.com/.

 New England 4-H Dog Clinic

Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Tolland Agricultural Center, Route 30, Vernon, CT, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

The dog clinic is open to all registered 4-H Dog Project members 9-18 years of age and their registered 4-H project dog.  Information and registration materials can be found on the Maine 4-H Website’s dog page at:  www.umext.maine,edu/4h/resources/dog.htm

 State Dairy Show and ESE Tryouts

Save the Date!  The 2009 Maine State 4-H Dairy Show will take place on July 18-19, 2009 at the Windsor Fairgrounds.  More information can be found on the Maine 4-H website’s Dairy page at www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/dairy.htm

Dairy Judging

     Tryouts for the 4-H Dairy Judging Team will be held on Saturday April 18 in Penobscot County.  The top four qualified youth will be selected to compete on the Eastern States 4-H Dairy Judging Team.  Judging will begin at 10:00 am at the Ronnie Simpson farm, 189 Corinna Court Road, Corinna.  Simpson’s will serve dinner at noon.  Judging will continue in the afternoon at the Louis Nuite farm, 126 Dyer Road, Atkinson, ME  04426.  Bring a clipboard and a pencil and be ready to judge. 

For more information, contact Dave Marcinkowski, State Dairy Specialist at 1-800-287-7170.

MAKE IT WITH WOOL CONTEST!!! 

4-Hers in Maine are invited to enter the Make It With Wool Contest, a national competition sponsored by the American Sheep Industry Association.  The state-level contest will be held on October 10, 2009 at the Page Farm Museum at the University of Maine in Orono.  Contestants may enter garments made with wool that are sewn, knit, crocheted or felted.  More information and rules for the contest are on our website at:

www.umext.maine.edu/4h/events/other/wool.htm

or you can contact Michaele Bailey at 1-800-287-0274 for more information.

 And to get that wool, you need to shear….

And here’s your chance to learn how, right here in The County!....

Anorthern Maine sheep shearing school is planned for Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Lana McCurry farm in Presque Isle, The cost of the school is $25.00 per person and includesinstruction, a shearing informational packetlunch. Shearing equipment will be provided.The school is co-sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Sheep Breeders Association.The practical school will be taught by Extension Educator, Richard Brzozowski and sheep shearer, Jeff Burchstead.

For more informationto register, contact UMaine Extension at 1-800-287-1471

or email choyt@umext.maine.edu.

Space limits the number of participants to 14.

 Northeast Livestock Expo 

The Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE) will be held May 15-17, 2009 at the Windsor Fairgrounds.  If you are a beef, sheep, goat or horse enthusiast of any age, mark your calendars and plan to attend this event.  NELE is a multi-species event that includes shows, sales, youth activities and a cook-off for beef, goat and, of course, lamb dishes. 

New this year will be horse events.

The activities include:

-American Lamb Board Cook-Off

-Purebred, Feeder Lamb and 4-H Market Lamb       

Show and Sale Youth Show and Activities

-Horse shows & clinics.

For more information on horse events, contact Cathy Thomas at hippology@myfairpoint.net

or call 458-1402. 

For more information or to receive entry forms for NELE, please contact Wendy Reinemann at (207) 785-2978, or by email at guiniridge@gmail.com.

You can visit the NELE website at www.northeastlivestockexpo.com

What’s Happening in Science, Engineering and Technology….

Aroostook Girls in Engineering Day

On Monday February 16, seven girls from the Hip Hoppers and AJEPS 4-H Clubs had a chance to travel to the University of Maine to be the guests of the College of Engineering.  During the visit, the girls learned about the many benefits of a career in engineering and many of the interesting things they could do as engineers.  They also got to do hands on activities in civil engineering, the forest bio-products lab and the medical robotics lab.  They also became the first members of a new on-line engineering club.

While at the event, the girls and their chaperone Penny Kern from AJEPS were interviewed by Maine Public Broadcasting and a story about their day was featured on Maine Things Considered!

As a result of the trip, several girls said they were now thinking seriously about exploring a career in engineering!

GLOBE AT NIGHT

March 16-28    7-10 pm

Once again, the GLOBE community is invited to participate in the annual global sky observation known as GLOBE at Night. GLOBE at Night brings people outside to observe the constellation Orion from 16-28 March 2009. Participants simply choose a clear night on which stars are visible, take measurements of stars in this portion of the sky using GLOBE's Magnitude Charts, and enter observations into the GLOBE at Night Web site. Students — alongside teachers, parents and community members-- amass a data set from which they can begin to explore the concept of light pollution and to research the patterns of light pollution across the globe.

Five Easy Star-Hunting Steps:

1) Find your latitude and longitude.(it's a great way for 4-Hers to practice their GPS skills)
2) Find Orion by going outside an hour after sunset
(about 7-10pm local time).
3) Match your nighttime sky to one of our magnitude charts.
4) Report your observation.
5) Compare your observation to thousands around the world.

OC Minutes February 22, 2009

1.      Pledges

2.      Minutes -Jacob motioned. -Kellene seconded, as there were only two members.

3.      Officers -We'll having "rotating officers" meaning that each meeting a different member will have a different role (president, vice-president, etc.) -We'll have a "permanent" and treasurer (so for that year secretary and treasurer will remain the same) -At the end of each meeting, we'll construct an agenda for the next. At the beginning of the meeting, the president can add to the constructed agenda.

4.      Skiing and Tubing -Sarah and Laurie have tried very hard, but have been unable to contact the man in charge. -Unfortunately, only this one person can give permission so we really need to contact him. -We will not have the/tubing next week as this is too little time for people to prepare. -We will postpone until we are able to contact. -We can try e-mailing him.

5.      School Visits -We will show things to grades 3 + 4. -Jacob can go to Houlton, Marie to Caribou. –Brochures something else would be a good idea for the kids to take home. -For now, we'll start with Houlton and Caribou schools. After that, we can expand to other towns there are 4-H clubs.

6.      Contests Planet planting: -March newsletter will hold the information about the contest. -The contest will be done by clubs. -We need to have specific rules and know what types of plants will be used. -Marie can ask about getting four leaf clovers. -The deadline will be May 1st. -The prize could be a 4-H hat or t-shirt. Photo contest: -Possible are: animals, sports, this is 4-H (a pictorial representation of 4-H), nature, black and white -It will be done during the Northern Maine Fair to give people the summer. -As for rules, we can look on the national site for their photo rules. Public speaking: -At the Northern Maine Fair, the middle of the exhibit hall will be area used for the speaking event. -There will be significant prizes like money or a savings bond.

7.      4-H Story/Resume -If there were more people, we would have worked on how to complete the 4-H story and resume and assisted those with questions. 8

8.      Humane Society Fundraiser -Kellene will e-mail Sarah to see what's going on. -We could get clubs involved by asking each club to have a store in their town kept a box for people to place things in. That club would be responsible for asking permission, setting up the box and collecting the items.

9.      Getting More OC Involvement -Games were suggested -We could go swimming/rock climbing afterwards. -Another idea is to have IM sessions online. -Kellene will write something for the newsletter about this topic.

10.  Next Meeting -March 8, 2009 at 2 PM

11.  Agenda for next meeting -Skiing + tubing -School visit -Humane society -Spring event (in years past we have done public speaking, GIS, etc.)

12.  Adjournment of meeting -Jacob motioned. -Kellene seconded. Kellene O'Hara OC Secretary

NEXT OC MEETING THIS SUNDAY MARCH 8 AT 2 PM

PRESQUE ISLE OFFICE

Note: Meetings are regularly on the second Sunday of each month

Carpool from Houlton leaves at 12:50 from USDA Building on the North Road

The Officers Council (OC) is a youth organization that is working to help make 4-H fun for the 4-H’ers of Aroostook County. Lately, we’ve been lacking in youth involvement in the OC. Without the input of 4-H’ers, how can we make 4-H an awesome experience? We would like to have at least one officer or member from each club to attend to represent that club. We need youth to get involved with the OC, so we’re asking you for help. We’ve discussed having possible IM sessions online so meetings could be held in the convenience of your own home. What else can we do? Do you have any ideas? Suggestions and ideas on how to increase participation in the Officers Council are warmly welcomed. Please contact Christy if you have any ideas!

                                                                                                                                                Kellene O'Hara

Planet Planting Contest

4-H Has been asked several times if we would create a planting around the site of planet Uranus located  in Littleton.  In order to get this done and make it fun, the OC has come up with a landscape design contest.  Each club may enter 1 or 2 designs.  The minimum size is about 6’ by  6’.  It can be bigger and can be any shape.  The design must specify what kinds of annuals and perennials will be used, what kinds of border and fill materials, and must include a sign that advertises 4-H.  Other items may be included.

The winning team will receive 4-H hats or t-shirts for all members who helped with the design.

Deadline is May 1.