November 4-H Newsletter
Upcoming Dates
Re-Enrollment Open: October 1st – December 31st, returning members must re-enroll on zsuite.
Edible Experiments SpIn Club with Homestead F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Club Begins: November 11th
County Cookie Dough Fundraiser: Nov 10 – Nov 30th
National Trip Applications: November 15th
Bridgewater 4-H Club Mtg: November 18th
Paint! Sip! Share!: November 22
Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign: November 29th – December 15th
Volunteer Huddle: December 31st
Aroostook Leaders’ Assoc. Mtg: January 5th
Check the Aroostook 4-H Calendar for the most up to date event information.
COUNTY NEWS
Hide & Seek
Introducing mini Ms. Megan! I will be hiding in each edition of our Monthly 4-H Newsletter. If you find me, send an email to emily.dow@maine.edu with a screenshot or description of my location to be entered in a monthly drawing for a piece of 4-H swag. The winner of the drawing will be announced in the following edition of the newsletter. Happy Hunting!
Aroostook Achievement Celebration
On October 11th, members, families, and volunteers from around Aroostook County came together at UMPI to celebrate the Achievements of our 4-H’ers over the past year. We started our celebration in Weiden Hall with an awards presentation for projects, pins, and activities.
We continued the celebration with ice cream, swimming and rock wall climbing. Any members who were not able to attend can collect their project and/or year pins from the office.
Fundraiser Opportunity!
The Aroostook Leader’s Association in partnership with Aroostook 4-H Clubs will be holding a cookie dough sale fundraiser. Profits from cookie dough sales will be split between the members/clubs, and the ALA. This is a great way for members & clubs to fund projects for this year.
The Leader’s Association will handle the back end of the fundraising and pick up the cookie dough and transport it to Aroostook County. 30% of the profit will remain with the Association to help fund scholarships, and county wide activities such as Annual Achievement Celebration. The members and clubs will retain the remaining 70% to fund club activities or individual projects.
The fundraiser will run November 10 – November 30th Please reach out to Ms. Megan at megan.cook@maine.edu or Taylor & Mandy Putnam at treystarfarm@gmail.com for more information or to sign up.
IMPORTANT Fundraiser INFORMATION:
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- All orders and money due to the office by November 30th. No late orders will be accepted.
- Orders will arrive FROZEN on December 11th and MUST be picked up and delivered that day to ensure they remain cold.
- Members or clubs are responsible for customer delivery.
- Entire clubs or individual members can choose to participate.
- Club Participation: Money to support club activities or projects.
- Individual Member: Money to support project work and 4-H related activities.
- Option for Independent Members or Club Members whose club is not participating.
- Must indicate how money was used on their project record.
- Possible uses: materials, feed, equipment, registrations, travel costs, etc.
- Club & Member Benefit : Clubs may choose to retain a portion of the 70% for club work and award the remainder to members for individual projects as stated above.
Aroostook 4-H is On Target
We are pleased to announce that Aroostook 4-H now has THREE certified shooting sports volunteers. Congratulations, and thank you to our volunteers.
- Bernadette Flemming, Homestead F.R.I.E.N.D.S of Aroostook Club: 4-H Archery Certification
- Willie Winslow, Aroostook Valley Dairy Club: 4-H Rifle Certification
- Taylor Putnam, Treystar Pathfinders Club: 4-H Archery & Rifle Certification
Any youth interested in exploring shooting sports can reach out to the office and we will put you in contact with one of the volunteers.
Stay tuned for more updates about shooting sports opportunities!
Paint! Sip! Share!
Last year Aroostook 4-H’ers came together for the Grateful Cookie Swap and expressed their gratitude for members of the community through sharing baked goods! This year the Grateful Cookie swap will continue with a new, fun twist!
The Treystar Pathfinders Club will be hosting a Paint & Sip 
and would like to extend an invitation to all Aroostook members to drop off a tray of baked treats and then stay to participate in a fun painting activity! During the event we will divide up the treats and assemble large trays to be shared. Each family will be responsible for delivering a tray of the baked goods to a community organization or member they are grateful for.
The event will be held November 22nd, 1:00 pm at the Presque Isle Extension Office (57 Houlton Rd, Presque Isle 04769)
Please RSVP by November 26 to ensure we have enough supplies.
Cost: $5.00, youth will be sent home with the brushes for future artwork.
If any club or member wishes to donate baked goods, but can’t attend please drop them off at the Houlton or Presque Isle office on November 21st and we will add them to the trays.
Club & Member News
The Evergreens 4-H club
Recently collaborated with Tractor Supply on Hometown Hero Day for some community outreach.
The kids showed off projects and rabbits, discussed what 4-H is, and
current open enrollment with several kids and their families.
Homestead F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of Aroostook Club
Get ready to turn your kitchen into a cutting-edge laboratory where everything is hands-on, highly engaging, and totally delicious! Edible Experiments is a captivating 6-week lesson series that proves science isn’t just for textbooks—it’s for your taste buds! We blend fundamental scientific concepts with creative culinary chemistry, allowing students to explore complex principles using everyday edible materials. From making sweet sherbet fizz to crafting edible gems, learners won’t just memorize concepts—they’ll taste them. Join the Homestead F.R.I.E.N.D.S of Aroostook as we kick off this adventure on November 11th. We will be meeting every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:00 until December 16th in Houlton, Village Center at 15 Hayes St. This is open to all 4-H members. Please contact Bernadette and Carrie at Homesteadfriendsofaroostook@gmail.com for more information!
Easton 4-H Club
Super Sitters was amazing! Megan Cook of UMaine Cooperative Extension 4-H Aroostook County brought hands-on learning and real life scenarios to these eager to learn future sitters!
Bridgewater 4-H Club
The first meeting of the newly formed Bridgewater 4-H Club was FIRE, or at least about fire. We were joined by members of the Bridgewater Fire Dept who shared information with our members about preventing and reacting to fires as part of National Fire Safety Month. We also started learning the 4-H Pledge, and discussed plans for activities and projects in the coming year.
Blue & Gold Meets Green & White
Easton 4-H’er Peyton H. was super excited to spot the 4-H Clover at the National FFA Convention in October! Peyton was attending the convention to compete in Public Speaking, which is also one of her major 4-H Project areas, and the SPARK she first explored as a 4-H’er. She was able to share with the 4-H Representatives how the support and experiences she’s had in 4-H her have likely not participated in FFA and how the educational opportunities provided by 4-H have supported her FFA activities.
Aroostook 4-H’er Featured in Year of Youth in Agriculture Spotlight
Aroostook Valley Baby Beef Club Member, Julia P. was featured in a recent Real Maine, Year of Youth in Agriculture Spotlight Article. Read about her agriculture journey HERE.
State 4-H News
November, 2025
UMaine Extension Publications and resources for Individuals and Organizations Impacted by the Government Shutdown/Lack of SNAP Benefits
Publications:
Bulletin #4304, A Food Pantry Wish List
Bulletin #4302, Food Safety for Food Pantry Donations
Bulletin #4306, Is This Can Safe to Use?
Bulletin #4384, Freezing Vegetables
Bulletin #4383, Freezing Fruits
All Food Preservation Publications
All Food and Health Publications
Extension Websites
Maine Harvest for Hunger Recipes and Resources page – resources about how to use, choose, and store Maine produce commonly donated to food pantries.
Mainly Dish Recipe page – Recipes that use low-cost and easily accessible ingredients that can be shared broadly
Congratulations to the Maine Equine Team!
September 18th-21st, 2025, Maine sent eight 4-H youth delegates to the Big E on the equestrian team. Each member had a chance to compete in riding classes like equitation, pleasure, discipline rail, and in-hand fitting and showmanship (and more!). A favorite each year has been the costume class, as well as gaming classes, such as arena racing and barrel racing. Participants also compete in a general knowledge and horse judging contest. We are so proud of each rider and teen leader who represented Maine, and very competitively placed against the other New England State teams. Congratulations to Anna P (Knox/Lincoln), Madison E (Penobscot), Molly L (And/Sag), Ruby D (And/Sag), Liz B (And/Sag), Lola V (And/Sag), Dorothy J (And/Sag), Lucy B (Franklin). If you are interested in learning more about the Maine 4-H Equine Team, please reach out to Tara Marble- tara.marble@maine.edu for more information!
Apply Now: Ignite by 4-H 2026
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and eager to learn alongside 4-H youth from across the country? Ignite by 4-H 2026 is your chance to grow as a leader, deepen your knowledge in an area that excites you, and make your mark on the future of 4-H in Maine.
We’re seeking motivated Maine 4-H youth (ages 14–18) to represent our state at the Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. Delegates will:
- Work in a focus area group
- Participate in planning meetings
- Attend the national summit
- Collaborate to create a resource for younger Maine 4-Hers
Track Options and Positions Available (apply for one track; rank your top two choices)
- Agriscience
- Animal Science
- Community Activators
- Healthy Living
- STEM
- Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)
Applications are due by November 15, 2025. Apply Online.
Applicants must be enrolled in 4-H and between 14–18 at the time of the trip.
4-H National Trip Applications are Open
Exciting news! Applications are now open for the 2026 4-H National Trips, featuring 4-H Conference and 4-H Congress. These events offer incredible opportunities for leadership development and national networking. Any Maine 4-H Youth, ages 14 to 18 is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members at the time of application and the time of the actual trip.
- 4-H Conference: April 10 – 15, 2026 in Washington DC
- 4-H Congress: November 27 – December 1, 2026 in Georgia
Find out more and apply online by November 15, 2025.
Market Beef at Fryeburg Fair
The 2026 Maine 4-H Intent to Sell a Market Beef Project at Fryeburg Fair is now available for eligible youth. The animal must be owned and in the youth’s possession, and the youth must be enrolled in their county by December 31, 2025. More information and the form are available on the Maine 4-H Beef page . Online forms must be submitted, and paper copies must be postmarked by January 6, 2026.
4-H Fall Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge
The 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge invites youth to explore how artificial intelligence can solve real-world agricultural problems. Participants will identify a challenge within the agriculture industry and design an innovative AI-based solution. Students will showcase how technology can enhance the future of farming. This challenge empowers youth to think critically, apply STEM concepts, and imagine a better agricultural future powered by AI.
The challenge is currently open through November 15, 2025. Find out more and get started at https://events.projectboard.world/4HAIinAg.
4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips and tricks
Spotting Sparks in Action:
Does a young person light up when talking about animals, robotics, or art? Watch where they go “above and beyond.” Sparks often emerge where curiosity and excitement intersect. Here are FIVE TIPS to help you spot a youth spark:
Notice when a young person lights up/shows joy and positive energy towards something.
Talk to a young person about what excites them (What do they love to do in their spare time? Why? How does doing what you love make you feel?)
Listen carefully for ways to support a young person.
Help youth find ways to practice their spark.
Attend games, performances, public demonstrations, and animal shows.
4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar:
We have SO many great 4-H volunteer opportunities available this year! You can find our calendar of events here – scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!
4-H Volunteer Huddle:
Come to the sideline for a quick “gather-learn-discuss” and then get back into the game of 4-H. A variety of topics will help you improve your strategy- you pick which ones interest you! We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00-12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. We’d love to see you there! No registration required!
Nov. 7- Getting Started with 4-H Market Animals
Dec. 5- Delegating/Asking parents and other adults to help
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: maine.zoom.us/j/82015703524?pwd=QkT05bDbaaDIeYAQ8aGUd4eco5c6Rd.1
Password: volunteer
Resource Spotlight
Podcast lover? Check out 4-H Volunteer Ventures! These 30-minute episodes examine the fun, but sometimes confusing role of the 4-H volunteer. To gain some tips and tricks to help you balance the many responsibilities in volunteer, personal, and work life, listen to this episode Balancing the Volunteer Life Special thanks to our 4-H friends at Rutgers University for sharing these episodes!
Working with 4-H youth and livestock? Check out our new Animal Health Hub! Brought to you by our UMaine Extension Livestock Team, it is a space to find livestock health bulletins, news/disease updates, and opportunities, such as special events that qualify participants for FREE disease testing at our Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Go here https://extension.umaine.edu/livestock/animal-health-hub/ for more information.