Aroostook County 4-H Newsletter: May-June 2018 — Fair Edition
Dates to Remember
- June 29: Livestock Approval Forms due
- June 29: Northern Maine Fair Show Entry Forms due
- June 29 – July 1: 4-H Horse Clinic and Show
- July 4: Parade in Houlton
- July 18: NMF Food Booth clean up day, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- July 20-22: Maine 4-H Days Windsor Fairground
- July 27-August 4: Northern Maine Fair
- August 5: Clean up and take down after NMF, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
State Events
- July 20-22: “Maine 4-H Days” in Windsor
Happy Birthday to all 4-Hers born in May!
Jackie R
Alyssa S
Daniel R
Patrick B
Shannel B
Sidney S
Happy Birthday to all 4-Hers born in June!
Clinton G
Elizabeth W
Ellie G
Hannah C
Izabelle H
Lucius F
Michael S
Sarah G
Wayne S
Club News
Paca Pals have been enjoying the warmer weather, and practicing with the alpacas to get ready for the fair.
We have also held our second Fundraiser at Tractor Supply. We had our meeting and then greeted customers and sold our baked goods. This is such a good way for the public to meet our members.
We brought along one of our Great Pyrenees (Tank), who loves to greet people and their dogs.
Congratulations to all of our 2018 Graduating Seniors!
You have worked hard to reach your goals. This is a very exciting time in your lives where you will step out into the world and make a huge impact. Best wishes in the next chapter of your lives.
Congratulations to Laura McKenna for winning a book award from 4-H Scholarship at the 2018 State 4-H Foundation Scholarship awards banquet.
Congratulations to Laura McKenna for also winning the Wilma Winslow Post Secondary Leaders Association Scholarship.
VOLT Training
Leisa will be holding a VOLT (volunteer Ongoing Leadership Training) on Wednesday, June 20, from 5:30-8:30 PM. Anyone interested in attending please call Leisa at 207.561.8108.
Mapleton Parade
Leisa would love to do a float for the Mapleton Days Parade on Saturday, June 23, if anyone is interested in participating. Please let Leisa know.
July 4th Parade
4-H has taken part in the 4th of July parade in Houlton for five years. Leisa would love to take part again this year. Please be thinking about what you want the float to look like. Our theme is “4-H Lights the way to a Brighter Future.” Leaders please discuss this with your clubs and bring all suggestions to the June Leaders meeting.
Fairs!
This year’s fair theme is “4-H Lights the Way to a Brighter Future.”
Fair Season is almost upon us! Be sure to read the new updated Exhibit Hall Guidelines (PDF), 4-H Livestock Exhibitors Handbook 2018 (PDF), and the Premium Book for any date changes.
Show Entry Forms
Show Entry forms are due by June 29. Please get these into us as soon as possible. These forms will be available on the Aroostook County 4-H website.
4-H Horse Clinic and Show
The Mane Eventers 4-H club will be hosting a 4-H, possibly open, horse show at the Northern Maine Fair Grounds the weekend of June 30 -July 1. Horses will be brought in Friday, June 30, with a possible quiz bowl that night, 4-H Horse Clinic will be Saturday, June 31 as well as the horse gaming show, and the 4-H show will be Sunday, July 1. If you are interested in participating, please contact Laura Bagley at laurak.moreau@gmail.com.
4-H Membership Cards
Leisa is working on the fair passes. If you are staying on the fairgrounds, please send in a headshot of yourself for a personalized NMF pass. These are your passes to get into the fairs. Each member’s card will allow the accompaniment of one parent. This is the policy at the Northern Maine Fair. YOUR PASSES WILL NOT GET YOU INTO THE HOULTON FAIR! Please hold on to your card because we will not be replacing any lost cards this year.
All members wishing to use their 4-H card to enter the Northern Maine Fair must enter through the livestock gate on State Street. You will be redirected if you attempt to enter through another entrance.
4-H Exhibit Hall
4-H Exhibits entered at the Exhibit Hall should reflect on-going work done by the member in their project area during the current 4-H year. Life Skills Wheels/judging cards must accompany each project. Cloverbuds have a special form and use of the Life Skills Wheel is optional. Although project records are not required at fairs, they are strongly encouraged. They help to give the judges a clearer understanding of the project and your work and will also earn each member $1 for every exhibit that includes an on-going or completed project record. 4-H members from any county in Maine may enter exhibits, but should check with the UMaine Extension Aroostook County — Houlton office for rules that may differ from those in their county.
Entry Deadlines for Northern Maine Fair (NMF) Exhibit Hall
Projects should be delivered to the 4-H Exhibit Hall on Wednesday, July 25, 4:00-6:00 PM or Thursday, July 26, 12:00-2:00 PM.
Each club will be responsible for setting up their members’ entries. Judging will take place at 5:00 PM, Thursday, July 27. 4-H members, parents, and volunteers may not be present during the judging.
All displays must be picked up between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 5. Projects removed before this time will not receive premiums.
The Northern Maine Fairs Premium Book, The Exhibit Hall Guidelines (PDF), 2018 4-H Livestock Exhibitors Handbook (PDF), and 2018 Northern Maine Fair Schedule (PDF) are available on our website.
Exhibit Hall Cards
Filling out your 4-H Exhibit Hall cards correctly is very important because you want the judges to be able to clearly read and understand your information! BE NEAT!
General Information: Fill in your own card! If you aren’t old enough to write, write your name and someone else can write what you tell them to write in the rest of it. Remember to ask them to BE NEAT!
- Name: Fill in your name
- Club/Unit: Put the name of your Club or write Independent
- Age: Your 4-H age as of January 1, 2018
- Division # and Name, Class # and Name: The Exhibit Hall Guide and Fair Books have this information. If you don’t know the information, the information will be available when you drop off your work.
- Item Description: Here’s where you describe exactly what your item is. Above, you may have noted Crafts – Baskets. On this line, you would put “Bread Basket”
- Project Skills: These are skills you learned in this specific project. Perhaps you learned how to paint, weave, take a picture or show an animal,
- What I learned in this Project?: This section is related to your life skills. For example, you may have learned how to follow directions and measure carefully so you wouldn’t waste materials in your project. You may have learned about being responsible every day in your animal project. Again, if you need more room, use the back. Just remember to make a note that says over.
- Life Skills Wheel: Highlight the skills you used in the project.
Remember to save your Exhibit Card after Fair to use as you complete your project records. Please turn in the card with your project record for the project!
In Maine 4-H, ribbons traditionally awarded by the Danish System are:
- Blue: for excellence, exceeding the expected standard
- Red: for good work that meets the expected standard
- White: for work that falls below the expected standard
4-H Food Booth at NMF
The 4-H Food Booth is a fabulous way for all Aroostook County Clubs to make a LOT of money in just one day! If you have younger members maybe you could consider joining forces with another club or only taking 1/2 a day. Youth must be 16 or older to work on the fryolater and grill, but kids 12-15 can make sandwiches, etc., and wait on tables. Youth 12 and under can roll silverware, set and clear tables, serve bottled soda, etc. So, you see there is something for everyone!
The Wild Mustangs made an instructional video to share with all clubs. These will allow access to necessary information about working with equipment, maintaining consistent portions and providing the best service we can in the Food Booth throughout the fair, and to help create a reputation with fairgoers that will keep them coming back! If you have not yet seen the video, please contact Leisa at the 561.8108.
Clubs that take a day are welcome to create a Daily Special from the list provided by Pam Hickey. Any food served at the Food Booth must be made there. Please let FB manager Pam Hickey (764.3361) know what you need for ingredients; she can pick them up for you before your scheduled day and you can prepare them first thing. It’s good if you can try to make some potato-based specials as we often have donated potatoes.
It’s important to remember Dress Code when working in the Food Booth. You are serving people food — they do NOT want to see tight or torn clothing, spaghetti straps, low pants, etc. It is illegal to wear open-toed shoes, sandals or flip-flops when serving or working with food. If you think what you are planning to wear is questionable, it could be, and you should bring an extra outfit in case you are asked to change.
Also remember to wear your Club 4-H t-shirts or any other 4-H clothing you have while working in the 4-H Food Booth! If your club hasn’t signed up yet, there are five days available.
2018 Food Booth Schedule
- Friday, July 28: AV Baby Beef
- Saturday, July 29: AV Dairy
- Sunday, July 30: Family PACT
- Monday, July 31: ____________
- Tuesday, August 1: The Mane Eventers
- Wednesday, August 2: _____________
- Thursday, August 3: The Mane Eventers
- Friday, August 4: Paca Pals
- Saturday, August 5: _______________
Don’t forget to enter the Bartlett sign contest!
The purpose of the sign contest is to educate the public about your animal, in a fun and creative way. For complete rules, give us a call or check out the rules (PDF). Please let Leisa know you are participating in this contest so your sign can be judged.
Bringing your animal to the Fair?
All animals except Baby Beef must be on the fairgrounds by 3:00 PM, Friday, July 27. Baby Beef must be on the grounds by 5:00 PM, Friday, July 2. 4-H staff must clear any exceptions. Your 4-H membership card will admit you with 1 adult.
Exhibiting Livestock?
You will be required to show proof of insurance liability to 4-H staff upon entering the fairgrounds. Check with your insurance company to make sure you have this coverage. IF POSSIBLE SEND A COPY OF YOUR INSURANCE AHEAD OF TIME TO MAKE CHECK IN QUICKER. Or join the Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors to get these benefits:
- Adequate liability insurance while exhibiting at the events.
- M.A.L.E.’s membership year is from July 1 of the current year to June 30 of the following year.
- Dues: Family — $40; Individual — $25 (Allow 3-4 weeks for processing time.)
You MUST have some kind of insurance if you are showing at Maine Agricultural Fairs. This is a low cost way to get coverage if you do not have a farm package. If you plan to show this summer, join M.A.L.E. right away. For information and an application form go to Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors.
Northern Maine Fair Schedule
Thursday, July 26
7:00 PM: 4-H Horse meeting at George Allen Arena
Friday July 27
9:00 AM: 4-H Horse Show — George Allen Arena-
3:00 PM: 4-H & FFA Horse Judging — George Allen Arena
6:00 PM: Walking of the Baby Beef — Livestock Show Ring
Saturday July 28
10:00 AM: 4-H Alpaca Show — Livestock Show Ring (Showmanship and Communications)
1:00 PM: 4-H Alpaca Show — Livestock Show Ring (Obstacle and Costume)
6:00 PM: Walking of the Baby Beef — Livestock Show Ring
7:15 PM: 4-H Public Speaking/Demonstrations Contest — Agriculture Exhibition Building
Sunday July 29
6:00 PM: Walking of the Baby Beef — Livestock Show Ring
Monday July 30
12:00 PM: 4-H Sheep Show — Livestock Show Ring
5:30 PM: Weighing of the Baby Beef — Under the green tent
6:00 PM: Walking of the Baby Beef — Livestock Show Ring
Tuesday July 31
9:30 AM: Opening Ceremonies for 4-H and FFA — 4-H Livestock Area
9:45 AM: 4-H & FFA Judging Events
12:30 PM: AG Olympics — Grand Stands in the 4-H Livestock Area
1:30 PM: Closing Ceremonies and Ice Cream Social — 4-H Food Booth Deck
6:30 PM: Walking of the Baby Beef — Livestock Show Ring
Wednesday August 1
12:00 PM: 4-H Beef/Dairy Show — Livestock Show Ring
5:30 PM: 4-H Baby Beef Show — Livestock Show Ring
6:30 PM: Walking of the Baby Beef — Livestock Show Ring
Thursday August 2
6:00 PM: 4-H Baby Beef Auction — Livestock Show Ring
Friday August 3
12:00 PM: 4-H Obstacle Course — Livestock Show Ring
1:00 PM: Animal Costume Show — Livestock Show Ring
4:00 PM: 4-H Goat Showmanship Show — Livestock Show Ring
6:00 PM: 4-H Swine Show — at the Hog Barn
Saturday August 4
12:00 PM: Open Highlander Show
2:00 PM: Open Children’s Livestock Contest
Maine 4-H Horse Program Helmet Rule
- Effective January 1,2002 all youth under 19, participating in any 4-H equestrian activities, regardless of riding seat, shall wear a properly fitted equestrian helmet which carries a current ASTM/SEI approval with secured chin harness properly fastened at all times when mounted on an equine or in a vehicle being pulled by one or more equines.
- It is the responsibility of the rider or the parent or guardian of the minor rider, to see to it that the headgear worn complies with such approved standards and carries the proper seals, and is properly fitted and in good condition. Due to degeneration concerns, equestrian and sport manufacturers recommend replacement every five years. The University of Maine system, organizing committees, and licensed officials or leaders are not responsible for checking headgear worn for such compliance. The University of Maine or said committees and officials and leaders make no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, about such headgear and cautions riders that serious injury may result despite wearing headgear, as no helmet can protect against all foreseeable injuries in equestrian activities.
- At any 4-H equestrian activity, the official activity manager (e.g. show manager, clinic organizer, club leader) may, at his/her discretion, check a participant’s equestrian helmet for proper standards. If the participant is found to be wearing an unapproved, defective or improperly fitted helmet, he/she will NOT be permitted to participate in any mounted or driving activities until proper headgear is acquired.
- The approved helmet requirement supersedes all hat and helmet requirements as stated under appointments in the current set of rules and regulations.
State 4-H News
Maine 4-H Days
Maine 4-H Days will take place July 20 – 22, 2018 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. If you do not have online access, please contact your local county office for paper copies of the forms. Find information and registration materials at Maine 4-H Days. Registration opens on June 1. For more information or with any questions, please contact Sarah Sparks at sarah.sparks@maine.edu or 207.353.5550.
4-H Summer Camp Programs — Register Now!
Registration is open for summer programs at the UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond, and Tanglewood for youth ages 8-17. Camps start June 24 and run through August 18 with week-long, two-week, and mini-camp sessions to fit your needs. Campers shape their experience through activity choice (STEM, swimming, archery, gardening, watershed and marine ecology, creative arts, boating, drama, group challenge, and primitive skills), on adventures and trips, eating delicious home-cooked meals, and in wicked evening programs. Teen Leadership Programs build conscious young adults, through teamwork and community stewardship, and teach canoeing/backpacking skills while exploring Maine’s beautiful woods and waterways. Special scholarships for 4-H youth from the Maine 4-H Foundation and some scholarships for Conservation Education camps through Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at Tanglewood and Bryant Pond. To learn more visit UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers or contact your local UMaine Extension county office.
2018 American Goat Federation Youth Scholarship Program
To encourage education and development of youth involved in the goat industry, AGF will accept scholarship applications from qualifying youth who enter and complete all requirements of the program. Projects must be received at the AGF office by August 20, 2018 and the Scholarship Application accompanied by a short biography must be received at the office No Later than 30 days prior to August 20, 2018. Entries will be judged by an independent panel and winners will be announced September, 2018.
Applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 20, and under the age of 21 as of September 30, 2017. Applicants must be a member of the American Goat Federation, the child, grandchild, great grandchild or step child, step grandchild or step great grandchild of a member of the American Goat Federation, or of any of the following member organizations of the American Goat Federation:
- The American Boer Goat Association (including Jr Association)
- The American Dairy Goat Association
- Alabama Meat Goat and Sheep Producers Association
- Cashmere Goat Association
- Texas Sheep and Goat Breeders Association
For more information visit The American Goat Federation.
Oxford County 4-H June Jamboree Livestock Clinic, Working Steer, and Horse Clinic
Oxford County 4-H June Jamboree Livestock Clinic, Working Steer and Horse Clinic is being held June 8th through June 10th at the Fryeburg Fair Grounds, 1154 Main Street, Fryeburg Maine. Workshops are designed for youth completing project work in the areas of sheep, swine, working steer and horse. Horseless riders are also welcome. Rabies vaccines will be available. A Big E Try Out for Working Steer is being held Sunday Morning.
Workshops will include washing, clipping, showmanship, animal handling, and learning activities around zoonotic diseases.
There is a $20.00 registration fee for everyone attending. Camper space is available and meals will be provided starting with breakfast Saturday morning through lunch on Sunday. Check in begins Friday evening after 5:00 PM.
For more information about Oxford County June Jamboree, please email maisy.cyr@maine.edu or rebecca.mosley@maine.edu. This event is open to 4-H Families from all counties. Adults and youth must pre-register online due to insurance regulations and to help with meal and activity planning. Register at 4-H June Jamboree. Registration deadline is May 25.
Photo Contest!
From Susan Jennings, Maine 4-H Foundation
We know we make a huge difference in the lives of Maine youth through 4-H. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication our 4-H staff make across Maine. The Maine 4-H Foundation had a great year in 2017 raising over $748,000 in donations and investment income! A great deal of this funding was restricted to your programs! Good job! Our goal for 2018 is to continue to increase our support to 4-H programs across Maine. To make this happen the Maine 4-H Foundation needs to hear about your great programs and see youth in action! Becky Mosley suggested a statewide photo contest and the Foundation Board agreed! Photos make all of the difference! The Maine 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce a new youth, volunteer and staff photo contest. To win, submit as many photos (with photo releases) as you like to Susan Jennings by September 1, 2018. Photos need to be originals, have a photo release (for people in the photo) and include the copyright release from the photographer. They need to be digitally submitted to susan.jennings@maine.edu. Please add your name, email contact, age, and photo release information.
Youth and volunteer Prize(s):
- Grand prize for the best overall photo: Something 4-H Awesome!
- Prizes given in all divisions (Youth age up to 8, 9-12, 13 and up, volunteers)
- 1st Prize $100 gift card
- 2nd Prize $75 gift card
- 3rd Prize $50 gift card
- Staff Prize: $500 on account at the Maine 4-H Foundation that you can use for a special 4-H program, event, workshop, conference or donor challenge.
Questions? Call Susan Jennings at 207.615.7300
University of Maine 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training
The 4-H Shooting Sports program has been steadily growing and the demand for new instructors is growing quickly. This training is for anyone that would like to create a 4-H club that offers archery, rifle, or other disciplines. It is also for folks that simply want to be able to offer shooting activities at outreach events, rod and gun clubs, etc.
Instructors than have access to the equipment held by the Maine 4-H Shooting Sports program to support these activities. The training is a Saturday-Sunday program and includes meals and lodging at UMaine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Bryant. We are offering instruction in Archery, Rifle, Shotgun, or Pistol. You can find more information at Instructor Training or you can call 207.665.2068.
4-H National Trip (Congress and Conference) and Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) Winners
We recently held interviews for National Trips in Lisbon and Orono. Please join us in congratulating the following winners for this year’s National Trips, and also the delegates selected for the Citizenship Washington Focus trip in July. We are proud to have you represent Maine 4-H!
Winners for the National 4-H Congress will be traveling to Atlanta, Georgia in November are: Faith D. from Franklin County, Sophie P. and Amelia S. from Cumberland County, Mackensie S. from Waldo County, and the alternate if someone cannot make the trip, will be Gabrielle H. from Piscataquis County.
Winners for the National 4-H Conference will be traveling to Washington DC in April 2019 are: Janie B. from Kennebec County, Andrew D. from Franklin County, Jessica F. from Cumberland County, Mackenzy L. from Kennebec County and the alternate if someone cannot make the trip will be Devyn H. from Cumberland County.
Delegates to Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) that will be traveling to Washington DC, the week of the 4th of July are: Samuel P. from Washington County, Savannah and Nathan D. from Knox Lincoln County, Marcus V., Ana S., Abbie K., and Ryan I., from Waldo County, Eugene L. from Kennebec County, Bradley S., Noah and Caleb M., Allison B. from Franklin County, Don S., Natalie D, Matthew D., Lauren P. from Cumberland County, Josiah D from Penobscot County, Gretchen G., Richard H. from Somerset County, Jacob M. from Oxford County.
Maine 4-H Project Records, Reflection Tools and Digital Badges!
Maine 4-H is excited to roll out new 4-H project records, reflection tools and opportunities for digital badges. A team has been working to design the new records aligned with research and connections to Maine’s commitment to proficiency based education in mind. We know that these won’t be perfect and are anxious to have YOU help us try them out and be part of the process. The new records are now posted online and can be found on the state 4-H website. Direct links are available here.
- Project Record – Advanced (Word | PDF)
- Project Record – Beginner (Word | PDF)
- Project Record – Cloverbud (Word | PDF)
- Project Record – Intermediate (Word | PDF)
- Portfolio (Word | PDF)
We are also planning a few ways for you to be part of the team to ask questions and give feedback.
Join our Google classroom community. This will be a place where volunteers and youth members are able to share real time feedback about these tools. To join:
- Sign in to Classroom at classroom.google.com.
- On the homepage, click Add Join class.
- Enter the code d9jmty and click Join.
Participate in our live feedback sessions. Please save the date for feedback sessions. These will be conducted using Zoom. Register for these sessions with KymNoelle Hopson at 207.353.5550 or kymnoelle.hopson@maine.edu. Our final feedback session will be held 9/11/18 from 6:00-8:00 PM.
We are looking forward to having YOU as part of our team. If you have any questions please contact Kristy Ouellette, kristy.ouellette@maine.edu or207.353.5550, extension 12.