November 2025 4-H Newsletter

November 3, 2025 News

Table of Contents

Upcoming in Cumberland County 4-H

  • November 15: IRS 990 E-Postcards due
  • November 19: Fun with 4-H, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Windham Public Library
  • November 20: CC 4-H Leaders Meeting, 7:00-9:00 PM, Online & 80 Huston Road, Gorham, ME
  • November 24:  Maker Monday #1, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Extension Office in Falmouth
  • November 24: Teen Council, 6:30pm, 4-H Office, 75 Clearwater Drive, Falmouth, ME
  • November 28- December 14: Tractor Supply Company’s Fall Paper Clover Event
  • November 28- December 2: National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, Georgia
Visit the Cumberland County 4-H Calendar to View All Upcoming Events

Cumberland County Extension Office Hours

We are currently open Monday through Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm and Friday by appointment only.

It’s Time to Enroll for the New 4-H Year!

If you manage your family’s account via ZSuite, re-enrollment is just a few clicks away:

Login at 4h.zsuite.org

  • Click on the PRIMARY profile and enter your 4-character PIN. 
  • Click on the name of the youth member you wish to enroll. 
  • Click on ENROLL MEMBER NOW.
  • Review/update the requested member information. When you are done with that, click NEXT.
  • Here you will read and electronically sign the 4-H participation waiver(s), then click NEXT.
  • Here is where you will select your club or clubs and desired projects. There may be clubs and projects listed that carried over from your enrollment during the last program year.
  • To add clubs, select your county. This defaults to the county submitted when you created your account. You may need to select another county to find your desired club.
  • Select your Club from the drop-down menu. Select ADD CLUB.
  • To add projects for any of the clubs, select ADD PROJECT for the desired clubs. Select the desired project from the drop-down menu. Select ADD PROJECT and selection will be added to the club. Feel free to add additional clubs or projects. If you make a mistake or wish to remove a project, select the X and confirm you wish to delete the project.
  • When done making your selections, click Submit.

IRS 990 N E-Postcard Filing Reminder: Due November 15, 2025

All 4-H Clubs must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. If you have already applied for and received an EIN and had this number for the tax year July 2024 – June 2025 you must file a 990N E-Postcard. Detailed instructions are available online from the IRS and have been updated on the Additional Volunteer Policies B.1. page (under the heading, B.1.9 Tax-Exempt Status of 4-H Organizations) of the state 4-H website. If you need assistance with filing or would like the County 4-H Office to file for you, please email or call Allison, allison.pollock@maine.edu or 207-781-6099.

CC 4-H Leaders Association Meeting – November 20, 7:00PM

Join us on Thursday, November 20 at 7:00p.m. at the Gorham Public Works Building (80 Huston Road, Gorham) These meetings are a chance to meet other volunteers, and to offer input on 4-H programming in Cumberland County! All volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend! If you would like the Zoom link please email Allison at allison.pollock@maine.edu.

4-H STEAM Club

Dates: Thursday, November 6th, December 11th, January 8th

Time: 3:30-4:30 PM

Grades: K-5th

Location: Soldier Library, 85 Main St., Hiram,ME

Cost: Free

Registration is required for this free program; Register Here

FUN WITH 4-H

Dates: Wednesdays, November 19th, December 17th, January 21st, February 18th, March 18th, April 15th, May 20th, June 17th

Time: 1:30-2:30 PM

Grades: K-3rd

Location: Windham Public Library, 217 Windham Center Rd, Windham, ME

Cost: Free

No registration necessary to participate in this program

Have questions? Contact Allison Pollock by email allison.pollock@maine.edu or phone 207.781.6099.

MAKER MONDAY 2025-2026

Dates: Monday, November 24th, December 22nd, January 26th, February 23rd, March 23rd, April 27th, May 18th, June 22nd

Time: 4:30-5:30 PM

Grades: K-5th

Location: UMaine Cooperative Extension Office, 75 Clearwater Dr., Suite 104, Falmouth, ME

Cost: Free

Registration is required for this free program; Register Here

Have questions? Contact Allison Pollock by email allison.pollock@maine.edu or phone 207.781.6099.

Teen Council – November 24, 6:30PM at the 4-H Office in Falmouth

We are looking for members between the ages of 12-18 who are interested in gaining more leadership and event planning skills. This year the Teen Council will include meetings/events October-June and the opportunity to plan several county events. 

This will be an initial interest meeting to discuss projects, opportunities, and more. Come learn more about Teen Council! Pizza & Brownies will be provided. 

If you are interested in attending, please let Allison (allison.pollock@maine.edu) know so she can plan accordingly for pizza.

Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign Launches This Month

This season’s Paper Clover campaign will officially launch on Friday (November 28) and will run through December 14, showcasing 4-H during the busiest retail period of the year! Funds raised through the campaign are used to support 4-H Leadership activities and camp scholarships. Also limited edition, collectible 4-H holiday ornaments are also available in Tractor Supply stores nationwide.  Featuring three unique designs, 100% of the funds raised from ornament sales will
benefit 4-H.

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.

Club Happenings

Your 4-H Club Happenings could be featured here!

Your 4-H Club Happenings could be featured here! Just email Allison at allison.pollock@maine.edu by the 28th of each month with information about your club meetings, events, or fundraisers. Pictures are always a plus!

State 4-H News

Robotics Training for Educators

Friday, November 7, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm at the Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center in Orono. This workshop is designed to teach adults how to build and program with Lego® SPIKE Prime robot kits. We focus on using the skills learned from these workshops to teach robotics at schools and on robot teams. It is also great for anyone interested in learning something about robots, programming, or computers! We will be using the LEGO SPIKE robot controller, and programming it using the LEGO Education SPIKE App. 

Register online by November 4, and limited to 12 attendees.

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 & 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.

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.

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!

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.

Other UMaine Extension Cumberland County News

UMaine Extension Publications & Resources for Individuals and Organizations Impacted by the Government Shutdown/Lack of SNAP Benefits

Publications: 

Extension Websites

UMaine Extension Cumberland County offers many different workshops throughout the year. To learn more about our workshop offerings please visit the Cumberland County Calendar of Events.

The Cumberland County 4-H Newsletter is published monthly.

For questions or more information, contact Allison Pollock at allison.pollock@maine.edu.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Institutional Equity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).