Greetings Anne Arundel 4-H Community!
I am Arnelle N. Quashie (pronounced Kwa- Shee). I am excited to join the Anne Arundel 4-H Community as the new 4-H Educator beginning May 20th. For a year and a half, I was the Educator for Montgomery County 4-H and am transferring from there.
Here is a bit about me, I am a very proud first-generation Haitian-American who grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. As a teen, I had my first outdoor education experience with Outward Bound, which has and continues to shape me.
Several years after graduating from McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College), I moved from my hometown of Boston, Massachusetts- by way of Vermont- to Maryland in 2017. I have built family (friends that are family) and community in West Baltimore, where Arnelle is very active.
I found joy in gardening and have been a Baltimore City Master Gardener for a year. Additionally, I enjoy the outdoors and being active- a strong presence in the Baltimore City running community. When I’m not working, I enjoy being a volunteer with my local run group Back on My Feet. I am always up for an adventure, hiking, camping, and sporadic road trips are always a great idea!
Some fun facts about Arnelle: love gourmet donuts, my favorite color is purple, and love goats.
I look forward to learning and working with you all!
Warmly,
Arnelle N. Quashie (They/Them)
Ruby Schwinn
On 4/15/24, 4-H lost a dedicated and steadfast advocate, Ruby Schwinn.
Ruby was instrumental in the development, and served as the first club leader, of the Anne Arundel Dairy Leasing Club. This was the first time in 4-H history that members leased dairy animals from a private herd (then the United States Naval Academy Dairy Farm), worked with them, and showed them as their own. Ruby was very involved in initiating this club and leading youth through this new venture, along with many other unique experiences offered at the Dairy Farm. One volunteer said it was two years before she ever saw Ruby NOT behind a table volunteering!
Although Ruby’s 4-H title was Program Assistant, there were many years when she ran the County 4-H program, simply because there was no one else to do it. She did her best to see that everything ran according to plan and volunteers were always at hand and willing to assist her in any way they could.
Ruby worked tirelessly for 4-H, at both the Maryland State Fair and our own Anne Arundel County Fair. How many remember Animal World at the State Fair? Ruby would help gather a variety of animals from all over the state so that Marylanders could get a first hand look at livestock. For many youngsters, this was their first encounter with farm animals. She stayed at the fairgrounds day and night, overseeing the animals and the teens who cared for them. At our County Fair, Ruby was usually running the 4-H Department, even when there was no 4-H Educator, and was always a staple of the Indoor Building! She loved to see the kids with their projects and always expressed interest in what they were doing.
Ruby was true testament to the spirit of 4-H. She will be missed in our community! There will be a Celebration of Life for Ruby Schwinn on 5/19/24 from 1 - 4pm at the AAC Fairgrounds.
AAC at TSC Paper Clover Campaign
The fundraiser has been extended until 5/12/24!
This is a unique fundraiser to support 4-H and a great opportunity for clubs to conduct a fundraiser and increase membership. Anyone may sign-up, but please make sure there are 2 approved volunteers per 10 youth age 8-18yo (but a parent/child may go by themselves).
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AAC 4-H Program would like to thank Mary Thomas for taking time out of her busy schedule to set up a display at the TSC Glen Burnie. She spent several hours over 2 weekends promoting 4-H, AAC camping, and the Trail Blazers 4-H Club - even raised some money through table donations!!!
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Mark your calendars now for their Fall promotion: 10/2 - 10/12.
Watch for incentives and let's get 4-H representation on all THREE (new one opening in South County in September) Anne Arundel TSC's this Fall!
AAC 4-H Residental Summer Camp
Join us July 21 – July 26, 2024, in the spectacular vistas of the Western Maryland 4-H Center in Garrett County, Maryland for the Anne Arundel County 4-H Camp. All youth ages 8-15 are welcome to make new friends, learn new skills, experience the great outdoors, and have fun! Your child does not have to be a member of 4-H, or live in Anne Arundel County to attend our 4-H Camp! Our residential camp is:
• Staffed by camp professionals and capable, well-trained volunteers & teen leaders.
• Maintails a health center and 24-hour medical staff
• Accredited by the American Camp Association
• Offering both paper or online registration on a first come, first serve basis... so get your application and deposit in early.
2024 AAC Fair Preparations
Anne Arundel County Fair is September 11 - 15, 2024. Start collecting your indoor entries. School projects, art, hobby projects, planting, practice cooking... can all help you be more prepared for entry day. Plan now to save time later.
Livestock Registration
2024 Maryland 4-H Online Livestock Registration Form to register MARKET sheep, goats and swine is now open. Please complete by May 10. All forms and links are on our website. You may wish to print and keep a hard copy for for records.
Per the "AAC 4-H LAC Checklist", each participant in the 2024 AACO Livestock Auction WAS required to submit 2 new buyers addresses by May 1st to participate in the auction (new form for each buyer). It will be checked against the LAC Master List and you will receive a reply confirming that the person/business is new. Once you receive confirmation that your addresses are new, please start writing your buyers letters. Do not send your buyers letters until they have been proof read by the LAC. Letters are Due May 15th at the Market Livestock Weigh-In.
All other animal project registrations that are not handed in at a weigh-in are due to the county no later than June 1. This includes: dog, horse and pony, livestock, poultry, rabbit, and cavy, breeding animal lease papers, performance animal lease papers, animal lease release. For forms & info, go to our county webpage.
2024 MD Dept of Ag, Animal Health Pgm 'Fair and Show Requirements'
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has released the 2024 Maryland Animal Health Fair and Show Requirements. The requirements are posted on the Maryland Department of Agriculture website on the Animal Health Program page at https://mda.maryland.gov/AnimalHealth/Pages/default.aspx. Please share with other members and volunteers.
AACLC is Moovin'!
Cows are back at the Dairy Farm. The heifers were released into the pastures yesterday! Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it's no secret why - with ample space to roam and plenty of nutritious grass to feast on, their future looks bright. It's heartening to see 4-H dairy in back in AA county!
AAC 4-H is *so proud* of all the work AADLC 4-H (well, all our amazing clubs) are doing to keep 4-H Triving. Looking forward to seeing more youth on the farm and watching these little ladies zooooom!
Linthicum 4-H Hi-Riders Horse Show Series
Registration is now OPEN for our May 19th show!!
Please share! We can't wait to see everyone there! https://form.jotform.com/240814070375048
Bowie Baysox rescheduled
Well,the weather made us cancel, again 😑 Please stay tuned for a rescheduled date!
The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation would like to invite you (all AAC 4-H members) to join us for a fun day at the ballpark. This is a 'Family Fun Day' - 'Come early and play catch in the outfield grass, get autographs from Boaysox players. plus all fans run the bases post-game. Ticket information to be released soon - watch your emails and Facebook for further information.
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The Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation Inc. supports the county 4-H program by providing scholarships to county 4-H members and volunteers, as well as hosting county-wide social events (like the 4-H Cookout and 4-H Ice Cream Social at the Anne Arundel County Fair). For further information, check out our AAC 4-H Foundation webpage. Questions: aacounty4hfoundation@gmail.com.
2024 County Fair 4-H T-shirt Design Contest
Have you ever thought of a great design for the County Fair 4-H T-shirt? The AAC 4-H Foundation is accepting designs for the 2024 County Fair 4-H T-shirt Design Contest. The winning design will be featured on the back of the 2024 4-H T-shirt that each 4-H participant at the county fair receives compliments of the 4-H Foundation. The contest is open to all enrolled county 4-H members.
A complete design incorporating both graphics and text should reflect the general overall spirit of 4-H at the County Fair and be meaningful to most 4-H members. The theme must be tasteful and 4-H appropriate. The deadline for entries is Friday, July 12th.
The entry form, contest flyer, previous years' winning designs as examples, and an excerpt on the proper use of the 4-H Name and emblem are provided in our AAC 4-H Foundation 'T-Shirt Design Contest' Folder.
2024 Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award
The Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award was established in memory of Mrs. Terry Cooper, a dedicated 4-H Volunteer who worked quietly behind the scenes doing whatever was needed to support the 4-H program. This award may be given to one adult and one youth who have made a significant contribution to the 4-H program, but who have received little or no recognition for their efforts. Anyone can submit a nomination, so please nominate a deserving adult or youth.
Deadline for nominations is Friday, July 12th.
The nomination form and flyer are provided in our AAC 4-H Foundation 'Terry Cooper Unsung Hero Award' Folder.
Animal Husbandry and Quality Assurance is OPEN!
AH&QA is open and closes July 31. All 4-H members enrolled in alpacas, beef, dairy, goats, horse and pony, llamas, poultry, sheep, swine and rabbits must complete the training to be eligible to exhibit their project animals annually in Maryland 4-H County and State Shows. Members may access the AH&QA program at: https://ahqa.umd.edu/. Junior 4-Hers must complete one session. Intermediate/Senior Level 4-Hers must complete two sessions:
- Part 1 is general animal information.
- Part 2 contains specific information for each animal species. Members will need to complete Part 2 of the program for each different species project they are enrolled in/wish to exhibit.
Maryland 4-H Rabbit Advisory Webinar Meeting - Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 7:00 pm
The next Maryland 4-H Rabbit Advisory Webinar Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m via Zoom. This meeting will be a follow-up to the February 12th meeting. We will discuss plans and resources for the Maryland 4-H Rabbit Judging contest to be held during the 2024 Maryland State Fair. Individuals wishing to join the advisory/planning session should email Chris Anderson at canders2@umd.edu or Anna Glenn at amglenn@umd.edu to request connecting information.
Southern Maryland Spring Rabbit Show
Southern Maryland Spring Rabbit Show will be on June 1, 2024 at 1pm at the Charles County Fairgrounds in LaPlata, MD. $10 entry fee. 4-hers interested in exhibiting, please email Joy, jsim1@umd.edu by May 21st.
Eastern Shore Spring 4-H Show
The show will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Queen Anne's County 4-H Park in Centerville. 4-H/FFA youth from all shore counties plus Anne Arundel, Harford, and surrounding counties are welcome and encouraged to participate to exhibit their beef, dairy, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy goats, rabbits, cavies, and dogs.
All entries must be submitted online this year using specific links. Entry fees (checks made payable to ESSS, or cash) must be turned into county extension offices to complete the entry process. Online entries and fees were due to county extension offices April 19th. For more information, please reach out to Joy Sim directly: jsim1@umd.edu.
Horse Judging and Hippology Contest
● Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024; Check-In from 8:00-8:30 AM
● Location: Howard County Fairgrounds
● Entry Fee: $7.00 per contest
Registration is open for the 2024 Maryland 4-H Horse Judging Contest and the 2024 Maryland 4-H Hippology Contest. Deadline is May 13, 2024. These two events are held on the same day and portions of the contests occur simultaneously, but the events require separate registration.Registration for this event is through 4-H Online. Regulations are on the Maryland 4-H Animal Science Webpage under their respective contest name.
2024 Maryland 4-H Forestry Exploration Series
Registration is now OPEN for the 2024 Maryland 4-H Forestry Exploration Series!
Explore the state’s forests and discover the wonders of these natural resources. This statewide program will meet virtually and in person to provide hands-on experiences for participants, ages 8-13, to explore the forest and its inhabitants. A Maryland 4-H Forestry showcase will be held on June 22, 2024, for youth to display their knowledge and skills.
● Virtual meetings: State-wide meetings will take place online via Zoom from 4:00 –
5:30 pm:
● June 3, 2024
● June 10, 2024
● June 17, 2024
● Monthly regional forest field days will be determined by the region leader/volunteer.
● State Showcase: June 22, 2024, at Queen Anne's County 4-H Park
● Registration closes on May 27, 2024. Register early for full access to all meetings
and events.
● Fee: $40.00 registration fee covers materials and supplies.
● Youth members ages 8-13 who are enrolled for 2024.
Registration for this event is through 4-H Online. To access the registration, log in to your 4-H
Online family profile and click on the Events tab. You can find an Event Registration “how to”
guide on the Maryland 4-H website. All event registrations must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday, May 27, 2024.
Maryland 4-H Robotics Workshops
The 2024 Maryland 4-H Robotics Workshops are intended for 4-H youth, and volunteer leaders/coaches who are considering or planning to participate in the annual Maryland 4-H Robotics Challenge at the 2024 Maryland State Fair. More information about the annual 4-H Robotics Challenges, including the 2024 manuals and build guides, can be found on the Maryland 4-H STEM website.
This event will be held in two locations, with the same program delivered at both locations. Some workshop elements may be delivered virtually; and most elements will be delivered in-person.
Event Details
- Date/Location:
- Session 2 - June 22, 2024, 1:00 - 5:00 pm - Frederick County 4-H Campgrounds, Frederick MD
- Cost: $10.00 registration fee for youth participants. No fee for adult Volunteer participants.
- Capacity: Each Session is limited to 30 4-H youth registrations. There is no limit on the number of 4-H Volunteers at each session.
- Registration Date: Session 2 - Register by June 19, 2024
Eligibility
- Youth ages 8-18 as of January 1, 2024 who have an approved 4-H enrollment for 2024 may register.
- Adult Volunteers who will serve as coaches or leaders for a 4-H robotics club or team and have an approved 4-H enrollment for 2024 may register.
How to Register
Registration for this event is through 4-H Online. To access the registration, log in to your 4-H Online family profile and click on the Events tab. You can find an Event Registration “how to” guide on the Maryland 4-H website. All event registrations for Session 1 must be submitted by 11:59 pm on May 1, 2024. Registrations for Session 2 must be submitted by 11:59 pm on June 19, 2024.
Maryland 4-H Youth Power: Climate Change and the Effect on Environment and People
Become a change maker in tackling global issues:
Climate Change.
*** The AAC 4-H Foundation is offering scholarships to our county 4-H members who attend. ***
About Youth Power (formerly the "Issue Forum")
Maryland 4-H Youth Power is a dynamic platform empowering youth to address pressing global issues within local communities. Join us to partake with other youth to deliberate, learn, and take action on crucial matters affecting our world today.
Event Highlight
Interactive Workshops: Engage in stimulating discussions led by issue experts on climate change, environmental science, food security, and social justice.
Hands-on Activity: Dive deep into STEM and environmental science through immersive experiences.
Educational Tours: Explore real-world examples of climate change both historically and in the present and its impact on our environment and local communities through exciting field trips.
Action Planning: Collaborate with peers to develop actionable plans to raise awareness and address climate change issues in the local communities.
Why Attend?
Be empowered: Gain the knowledge and tools to make a difference in your community and beyond.
Connect Network with like-minded peers and experts passionate about creating positive change.
Inspire Action: Take the first step towards becoming a leader in advocating for issues that affect our world.
Event Detail
Date: Monday, June 17 to Tuesday, June 18
Location: Horn Point Laboratory (Dorchester County, MD)
Registration: Registration is open now! Registration closes June 7 at 11:59 pm
Registration link: https://2024-md-youthpower.4honline.com
Cost: $75 9room, food, supplies and transportation)
For more information, please contact Joseph Y. Cho at jcho8@umd.edu or 301-405-0850
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a change maker group. Join us at 2024 Maryland 4-H Youth Power and unleash your potential to shape a better tomorrow!
Inbound Program
From July 25 - August 17
16 Japanese delegates (ages 13-17) and 2 chaperones
If your family wants to host a Japanese delegate this summer, apply to host at https://www.states4hexchange.org/apply/host and experience the world from the comfort of your own home. For more information, contact Joseph Cho at jcho8@umd.edu
2024 Maryland State Fair Scholarships
Calling for Scholarship Applicants for the 2024 Maryland State Fair Scholarships in memory of F. Grove Miller and in memory of Marlin K. Hoff. Check out the application details and deadlines for the 5 - $2000 scholarships at https://marylandstatefair.com/scholarships/
4-H All Stars of Anne Arundel County Scholarships
Two (2) $500 scholarships will be awarded to current or former Anne Arundel County 4-H members enrolled at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university to obtain an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree or enrolled at a post-secondary technical training program for the academic year 2023-2024. Application deadline is 6/1/23.
For more information about the AAC All Stars, please check out their page on our website. For more information about this scholarship, please follow this link.
Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau
2024 Ambassador
The purpose of the Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau Ambassador contest is to identify young women and men with agricultural backgrounds to serve as leaders to promote agriculture and the Farm Bureau throughout the year and in the future.
The winner of the Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau Ambassador contest will represent Anne Arundel County in the Maryland Farm Bureau Ambassador contest at the Maryland Farm Bureau Convention in December and attend at least 3 other events listed on the application. A cash award accompanies this opportunity - please take a look at the application for details.
If you are between 17 and 21 years old or know someone who is and is interested in agriculture, please consider applying for our ambassador program. The application can be found on our page https://mdfarmbureau.com/anne-arundel/ Deadline to apply May 15, 2024.
AACFB Scholarship
Our 2024 Scholarship application is open! We are accepting applications through May 1st, 2024. Check out the application below for more information.
Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau Scholarship Application
Learn about our scholarship programs.
AACFB Student Livestock Assistance Grant
Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau’s Student Livestock Assistance Grant is now open! The purpose of this grant is to help local 4-H, FFA, or other students be able to raise and show livestock at the local and state levels. For more information, check out the application below.
Student Livestock Assistance Grant
AACFB Grant Program
Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau’s (AACFB) grant program is designed to assist with projects that positively impact agriculture within the county.
Applications are due by Jan. 15th, April 15th, July 15th, or Oct. 15th.
Maryland State 4-H Foundation Scholarships
The Maryland 4-H Foundation is proud to offer the opportunity for academic scholarships to Maryland 4-H members and Maryland 4-H alum pursuing post-secondary education at a college, university or post-secondary technical training program. The Maryland 4-H Foundation awards an average of $50,000 in scholarships annually.
The Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarship Application for the academic year 2024-2025 is open.
The deadline to apply is June 15, 2024 by 11:59pm!
Applicants must be a currently enrolled Maryland 4-H member or a Maryland 4-H Alumni in good standing who has completed at least two (2) years of membership in Maryland 4-H. They must be planning to enroll in an accredited college, university or post-secondary technical training program for both the fall and spring semesters of the 2024-2025 academic year.
*Students completing their post-secondary education in December of 2024 are ineligible to apply.
For more information including a complete list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, the application and instructions, visit https://www.mymaryland4hfoundation.com/how-we-give/scholarships. Questions? Contact Lauren Mohler, Executive Director, Maryland 4-H Foundation
$4 for 4-H Fundraiser Results
The results are in! We EXCEEDED our goal of $500
and generated ⭐ $979 ⭐ for our county!
This is a 150% increase over last year in donations AND number of donors! AAC will receive 50% of our county's total $1958 in donations (remaining goes to National and State 4-H)!
You all are amazing! Thank you for all you do!
MD 4-H Foundation Annual Golf Tournament
The Maryland 4-H Foundation is thrilled to be hosting our 40th annual golf tournament in memory of Marlin K. Hoff, dairy farmer and longtime director of the Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society. This year’s tournament will be held on Friday, June 7th at Musket Ridge Golf Course in Myersville.
The Maryland 4-H Foundation remains committed to its fundraising efforts to provide the important financial support that enables the Maryland 4-H Program to continue to offer opportunities that inspire youth! Funds raised by this year’s tournament will support 4-H’ers representing Maryland at national competitions and conferences as members of state project-based teams and leadership delegations. For many youth, these trips are their only opportunity to travel outside the state and experience different parts of the country while enhancing life skills such as communication, critical thinking, citizenship and leadership.
We invite you to show your support of the Maryland 4-H Foundation, and the over 69,000 young people by registering yourself or a team to play in the tournament or by sponsoring a tee sign. For more information, to register or sponsor, see the attached flyer or visit: https://go.umd.edu/4hgolf2024.
Please help us share this wonderful opportunity for fellowship and fun in support of Maryland 4-H youth!
From The University of Maryland Extension - 4-H Anne Arundel County
Have questions, ideas or news to share? Please email Joy Sim, jsim1@umd.edu, to be included in our UME - AAC 4-H monthly newsletter.
Website: https://extension.umd.edu/locations/anne-arundel-county/4-h-youth-development
Location: 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACO4H
Phone:
- Arnelle Quashie: 301-226-7477, aquashi1@umd.edu
- Joy direct: 301-226-7478, jsim1@umd.edu
- Main number: 301-226-7470
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.