New Executive Director Will Set Course for UMaine’s Tanglewood 4­‑H Camp

LINCOLNVILLE, MAINE (August 22, 2006) – Tanglewood 4‑H Camp and Learning Center, which is part of University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s youth development program, has a new Executive Director, Brian Robinson.

“Brian’s professional background and experience will serve Tanglewood well as it expands its programs and presence in Maine as a statewide 4‑H environmental education program of Cooperative Extension,” remarked Lavon Bartel, Dean of UMaine Cooperative Extension, who recently welcomed Robinson to Tanglewood.

As the former Executive Director of a foundation in New York City, Robinson and colleagues developed challenging natural science, leadership and wilderness programs for city youth. Prior to his administrative role overseeing all aspects of program management, fundraising and marketing, Robinson worked in Massachusetts and New Hampshire in wilderness/outdoor skills and expedition programs focusing on youth development.

“I look forward to building upon the success that Tanglewood has achieved over the last twenty-five years, and to helping the organization further its mission,” said Robinson. “My family and I are really happy to be in the midcoast area.”

The staff and Board of Directors at Tanglewood created Brian’s new administrative position in recognition of the growth and development of the organization. The Executive Director will augment the existing roles of Extension Professor Les Hyde, Summer Camp Directors Jim and Cindy Dunham and the other staff members by managing the details of running the organization.

Robinson recently purchased a house in Camden where his wife, Claudia Williamson, and their two children will take up residence.

Visit www.tanglewood4h.org or call (207) 789-5868 for more information on programs.

Contact: Lawrence Hollins, (207) 789-5862

Maine 4-H Delegation Attends Citizenship Washington Focus

ORONO, ME –During the week of July 9-15, twenty Maine youth delegates attended the National 4 H Program Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), in Washington D.C. The motto of the program, "Better Citizens Today, Better Leaders Tomorrow" is reflected in the CWF itinerary, which includes visits to memorials, educational tours, leadership workshops, and motivational speakers.

CWF provides many youths with their first trip to our nation’s capitol; therefore, National 4 H provides each group with a Program Assistant (PA) to lead them through the city. PAs are college students and most are former 4 H'ers; they undertake extensive training to become licensed tour guides so they can educate the different groups. The twenty Maine delegates, their PA, and three chaperones participated in a busy week of activities, in which most days were non-stop from eight a.m. until eleven p.m.

The Maine delegation visited places such as Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Ford’s Theatre, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Washington Monument. They also took a night tour of the city, viewing the Roosevelt Memorial, the WWII Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. At each stop, the group’s PA explained the history and significance of these landmarks.

On Wednesday, youths from every attending state flooded Capitol Hill to meet their senators and representatives. The Maine Delegation was able to speak with and ask questions of each of their Senators, and with Rep. Tom Allen, who remarked that “It was an honor to meet with a group of young people who take such an active interest in government, citizenship, and public service. Students like these are the leaders of tomorrow…” Two interns in Rep. Allen’s office were also kind enough to give the delegation a tour of Capitol Hill, where they watched a portion of a Legislative Session.

The delegates thoroughly enjoyed meeting and speaking with the political leaders, and sentiments were mutual. “I was pleased to meet with such a wonderful group of young people and to hear them tell me about their experiences in 4 H,” said Senator Susan Collins. “It is clear that 4 H is helping these students develop into our leaders of tomorrow by teaching them priceless life-long skills centered around teamwork, citizenship, and the benefits of community service.”

In addition to touring Capitol Hill and meeting with politicians, the delegation also experienced the thrill of government. At the start of the week, every delegate signed up to participate in different committees that included "communications," "government," "citizenship," and "youth in governance." Youth participated in mock senate sessions, created and debated bills, and even planned a presidential election. Individual candidates determined their stance on a variety of issues and then defended their opinions before all CWF participants. At the end of the week, delegates voted for their favorite candidate. All this activity was reported on by the communications committee.

One of the delegates, Behn Brooks of Standish, said, “It [CWF] was a great experience both educationally and socially, enriching me in more ways than one.” CWF teaches young people to appreciate their role as U.S. citizens, better understand their government, and learn to be leaders in their communities.

The twenty participating youth were from the following Maine communities: Bridgton, East Dixfield, Farmington, Frenchville, Fryeburg, Gray, Jay, Linneus, Morrill, Richmond, Standish, Thorndike, Union, Waterford, Winthrop, and Wiscasset.

The Maine 4 H program grew out of early 20th-century boys and girls clubs, which were folded into University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s work in 1914. Since that date, 4 H has continued to set the standard in youth development, helping Maine’s young people acquire the knowledge, life skills, leadership abilities, and attitudes necessary for lifetime success. Young people can become involved in 4 H through school enrichment programs, 4 H camps, and county UMaine Extension offices. You may visit www.umext.maine.edu for more information.

4 H is University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s youth development program. The Pine Tree State 4 H Foundation is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization that provides financial and organizational support to 4 H clubs throughout Maine.



Photo: Delegates Morgan Gavett from Bridgton visiting the Vietnam Memorial. Behn Brooks also of Standish can be seen in the background.

Contact: Mary Dinsmore, Pine Tree State 4 H Foundation,
Phone 207-581-3327, Fax 207-581-1387, mdinsmore@umext.maine.edu

National 4‑H Leadership Conference Allows Youth to Explore Science, Technology

LINCOLN, NE–Over 200 youth from across the nation attended the 2006 National 4‑H Leadership Conference held July 24-27 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “Science, Engineering and Technology for the 21st Century” gave students, ages 14-18, from across the nation the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technology and take it back to use in their communities," said Brad Barker, 4‑H science and technology specialist.

Maine 4‑H sent a group of eight to attend the event. University of Maine Cooperative Extension educators Lisa Phelps, Ray Corey, and Christy Fitzpatrick acted as chaperones and 4‑H youth participants were Sky Critchfield from South Casco, Zach Porter from Scarborough, Ashley Dwinal from Carthage, Daniel Reinemann from Union, and Gordon Sloat from Hodgdon. "We know the importance of science and technology is growing," said Kathleen Lodl, 4‑H youth development specialist. "So we are going to equip these students with the skills they need to enter the 21st-century workplace."

Participants chose one of eight focus areas to pursue during the conference. These hands-on learning workshops covered technology incorporated with remote sensors, emergency readiness, movie-making, food engineering, sports science, Flash animation, robotics, and engineering. Zach Porter, 4‑H member from Scarborough, chose to participate in sports science. “I have always enjoyed playing sports like soccer, baseball, and tennis, but had never really thought about the work that goes into designing sports equipment to be safe and comfortable,” he said. “People in the field of sports science technology are always collecting information about injuries so they can make equipment even better and prevent more injuries.”
Mentors worked with delegates to learn life skills related to technology and science, discuss ethical issues, identify career opportunities, and explore applications in daily life.
"When technology was new to 4‑H, it stood on its own," Barker said. "Now we want to integrate it into the 4‑H program."

"The conference was not designed to teach technology for technology's sake," Lodl said. Instead, students were encouraged to apply technology to their existing 4‑H projects and areas of interest. Sky Critchfield from South Casco said, “My focus was Lego® Mindstorms®/robotics. I learned how to program, build, and get started with robotics and engineering, which are interests of mine. I hope to use what I learned to do some volunteer work at a program in Portland.”

Participants also engaged in a service learning project refurbishing 160 old computers that were distributed to needy families in Nebraska, Barker said.

Delegates were given the opportunity to interact with participants from other states during State Night Out. The Maine delegation socialized and shared ideas with Connecticut and Hawaii at a local Lincoln, Nebraska restaurant. A number of other activities, including a Career/Share Fair, skill-a-thon, and a dance gave participants the opportunity to interact with youth from other states who share an interest in science and technology.

Chaperone and UMaine Cooperative Extension educator Lisa Phelps stated, “Holding the conference on a university campus was key. It gave youth an opportunity to have a concentrated learning experience and to meet other youth from around the country."

Many Maine 4‑H youth remarked that the conference was their best 4‑H experience yet. Daniel Reinemann of Union remarked, "The conference was very enjoyable. It was a great traveling and learning experience. I would definitely take the trip again in a heartbeat."

The Maine 4‑H program grew out of early 20th-century boys and girls clubs, which were folded into the University of Maine’s Extension work in 1914. Since that date, 4‑H has continued to set the standard in youth development, helping Maine’s young people acquire the knowledge, life skills, leadership abilities, and attitudes necessary for lifetime success. Young people can become involved in 4‑H through school enrichment programs, 4‑H camps, and county UMaine Extension offices. To find out more information please visit www.umext.maine.edu.

4‑H is University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s youth development program. The Pine Tree State 4‑H Foundation is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization that provides financial and organizational support to 4‑H clubs throughout Maine.

Contact: Mary Dinsmore, Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation, 207-581-3327 or Ray Corey, Extension Educator, Phone 207-778-4650, Fax 1-800-287-1478

UMaine Cooperative Extension Faculty Win National Recognition

CINCINNATI, OHIO—Two University of Maine Cooperative Extension faculty members were recently recognized by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) for their exemplary Extension work. They were honored at the 2006 NACAA annual meeting and professional improvement conference in Cincinnati in late July. Extension Professor Rick Kersbergen of Burnham received NACAA’s Distinguished Service Award, and Associate Extension Professor Mark Hutchinson of South China received NACAA’s Achievement Award. UMaine Extension Professor Richard Brzozowski, a colleague of Kersbergen and Hutchinson, commented, “Both of these awards are really big deals. This national recognition is quite an accomplishment for these two Extension educators.”

The Distinguished Service Award is granted for at least ten years of exceptional service to Cooperative Extension. Winners must have implemented an effective Extension program which includes carrying to completion constructive and outstanding work. With 19 years of service, Kersbergen has had a huge impact on agriculture in Maine. His research has been instrumental in developing the organic dairy industry, with 20 percent of Maine dairies now certified organic. He developed the training manual for the Maine nutrient management program and served as professional development coordinator for the USDA-funded Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education program (SARE). With a background in ruminant nutrition and agronomy, Kersbergen conducts applied research in forage crops that is essential to the success of Maine’s livestock and dairy farmers.

The Achievement Award recognizes excellence in the field of professional Extension work for nominees with less than ten years of service to Cooperative Extension. Hutchinson has responsibilities in agriculture and consumer horticulture. He coordinates the Maine Vegetable School and has led programming in nutrient management for area dairy/livestock operations. As one of the directors of the Maine Compost School, Hutchinson’s work is critical to this internationally acclaimed medium- and large-scale composting training for farmers and municipalities. He also developed Seeds of Change, an educational gardening program at the state prison. The Knox-Lincoln Counties Master Gardener Program has flourished under Mark’s leadership.

Cooperative Extension is the largest outreach unit of the University of Maine, and fulfills UMaine’s land-grant mission by conducting Extension programs in every Maine county.

Contact: Extension Educator Richard Brzozowski, 207 780-4205

From Perennials to Peppers: Horticultural Workshops at UMaine's Rogers Farm

STILLWATER, ME---This year's Garden Gathering, a day of horticultural workshops, activities, and educational displays, will take place on Saturday, August 19 at Rogers Farm, the University of Maine’s research farm in Stillwater. In its fifth year, Garden Gathering is held each August by the UMaine Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners who volunteer at the farm.

UMaine Extension Educator Gleason Gray stated that this year’s workshops are “probably the best, most diverse group we’ve ever had at the Garden Gatherings. This is intended as a family day—hopefully, one that introduces first-time gardeners to the enjoyment and satisfaction of gardening, and adds to the skill and knowledge of more experienced ones. The demonstration gardens are especially imaginative this year and should be at their peak on August 19.”

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. with an informal question-and-answer session called “What’s Your (Garden) Problem?” Panelists include UMaine Cooperative Extension staff Jim Dill, Pest Management Specialist; David Handley, Small Fruit Specialist; Lois Stack, Ornamental Horticulture Specialist; and Bruce Watt, Plant Pathologist. Bruce Hoskins, UMaine Soil Test Lab Director, will also be there to answer questions about soil condition and treatment. Gardeners are encouraged to bring samples of garden pests.

Other workshops include “Meet the Beetles” with Research Entomologist Phil Stack, "Ethnic Herbs" with Master Gardener Pru Betterly, “Propagating Perennials” with Assistant Professor of Horticulture Stephanie Burnette, “Bee Keeping” with Master Gardener Bill Dorrity, “A Garden Classroom” with Master Gardener Sara Speidel, and “Alpine Gardens” with Master Gardener Lydia Mussulman.

There will also be tours and opportunities to talk with Master Gardeners about the demonstration garden plots they plan and care for. Plots range from the night-blooming moon garden to the spicy pepper garden, which is the creation of 14-year-old Matthew Beck, who took the Master Gardener training as part of his home-school curriculum.

Supervised, garden-themed activities will be available for younger children. Lunch will be available on the grounds as well as at nearby eateries. Other activities include the new Garden Bazaar, a tent which will feature garden-related items such as wind chimes, pots, decorative items, books, magazines, and tools. Once again a backyard greenhouse, valued at $200, will be raffled off, along with a handmade potting bench valued at over $250; both items were made by UMaine Extension Master Gardeners. The greenhouse will be constructed at the raffle winner's location of choice.

Tickets are $3 for individuals and $5 per family; children under 12 will be admitted free. “This isn’t a fundraising event,” said Gray. “We just need to cover expenses because, regrettably, the costs of the program and maintaining the gardens have increased dramatically this year.”

The UMaine Extension Master Gardener program provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the art and science of horticulture. In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise for community programs and activities.

For a brochure or complete list of Garden Gathering activities, contact the Penobscot County office of UMaine Cooperative Extension at 307 Maine Ave. in Bangor, 207-942-7396.

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