April 2022
4-H Newsletter
May your "Spark" put a little spring in your step!
Check out what's coming up! 
Arbor Day
Be creative in sharing your love of trees!
Free trees! Available at several local locations.
4th of July Parade

If your 4-H Club is interested in marching in the 4th of July Parade in Irondequoit, or creating a float, please contact Susan by April 15th to save a space.
Animal Crackers

Contact Susan to Register!
The ARTist in Me
Queer Youth Advocacy Retreat

This year's Queer Youth Advocacy Retreat (formerly the QSA Retreat), will be held at Camp Unirondack from June 3-5. This retreat is free for high-school-aged youth thanks to sponsorship from GLSEN Upstate.

Across the country, youth are working to create more inclusive and affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ young people. School clubs and youth-led initiatives that focus on LGBTQIA+ advocacy have been a driving force in improving school environments and influencing social change within communities. The Queer Youth Advocacy Retreat is a weekend designed to bring together young Queer and Trans leaders, advocates, activists, organizers, school club members, and aspiring allies. The weekend offers a place for young people to connect with one another, exchange ideas, build knowledge and skills, think critically, and work together toward LGBTQIA+ justice.

Please direct questions to [email protected].
Bird of Prey Days
It's just 4 weeks until the Bird of Prey Days Fest begins! This year's Fest is April 22-24.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Mental Health First Aid Training

Monroe County 4-H is now offering Youth Mental Health First Aid training! The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. In partnership with youth serving organizations throughout Monroe County, we hope to aid in supporting youth facing mental health challenges and #reducethestigma. If your organization is interested in this training, contact Destiny at [email protected].
How Food Impacts Your Mental Health
 
While National Nutrition Month has passed, eating healthy should be a yearlong commitment. Did you know the food you eat can impact your mental health? Your brain is intimately connected with your body’s digestive system (Selhub, 2020) This is because of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate sleep and moods. The body’s digestive system and your brain both have serotonin, so the food you eat can impact production of this hormone. Foods that are high in omega-3, magnesium, and zinc can help reduce the odds of developing depression (LaChance & Ramsey, 2018). In cultures where more fish, vegetables, and whole grains are consumed, civilians are far less likely to report depression (Selhub, 2020). It can even help improve the moods of teens (LaMotte, 2019)
 
You should look for recipes that include leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard. Fruits are also a good choice, such as blueberries, strawberries, or grapefruit. Seafood is also important. A good exercise to try is to slowly stop eating processed foods and foods high in sugar for a week, and then recording your mood. As you reintroduce these foods, record again how you feel. You may be surprised at the difference! The 4-H website includes various recipes you can make at home with your family. Also linked is the ROC Mutual Aid Cookbook, which includes cheap but healthy meals you can make for a family.
 
 
 
Citations
 
LaChance, L. R., & Ramsey, D. (2018). Antidepressant foods: An evidence-based nutrient profiling system for depression. World Journal of Psychiatry, 8(3), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v8.i3.97 
 
LaMotte, S. (2019, October 9). Healthy diet improves depression in young adults, study says. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/09/health/healthy-diet-improves-depression-wellness/index.html 
 
Selhub, E. (2020, March 26). Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626.
A Spring Activity
Have you seen some of our latest 4-H News and Activities?
Horse Bowl
Congratulations to Rose, Addie, Lexie, McKenzie, and Claire on their participation in Regional Horse Bowl! Good luck to Rose and Lexie as they spend time at Cornell University on April 9th at the NYS 4-H Horse Bowl event learning new things and spending time with like minded youth from across the state!

Leadership Academy
Students at Leadership Academy have embarked on a hands-on horticulture series. They have made gardens in a glove and pine cone bird feeders to explore seeds and seed germination.
Ag Literacy Month
Perhaps you have heard about the wonderful experiences with worms that have been traversing Monroe County? Farmer Will Allen and the vermicomposting lesson have been a hit!
Conifer Clamber
The rain tried to dampen spirits but the 4-H participants told it to go away! They learned lots about fir, spruce, and pine trees!
SAVE the DATES!!!
  • April 1 Save the Snowpeople entries due
  • April 3 Monroe County Public Presentations
  • April 3 Regional Horse Communications
  • April 9 NYS Horse Bowl at Cornell
  • April 15 Arbor Day Art and Writing Contest Entries due
  • April 29 Arbor Day Ceremony
  • April 30 "Phone"tography Workshop
  • May 7 Animal Crackers
  • May 14 Horse Communications at Cornell
  • June 11th District Public Presentations
  • August 28 Horse Judging and Hippology at State Fair
  • September 24-26 Outdoor Adventure Weekend