April 2023 4-H Newsletter
Cumberland County 4-H News
4-H Calendar
4-H Club Happenings
State 4-H News
Other UMaine Extension Cumberland County News
April 1: Enrollment due for new 4-H members
ESE Sheep Intent Form due
April 7: Cumberland County Scholarships and Camperships due to County Office
April 8: Statewide Public Speaking Tournament, UMaine Orono Campus
April 14-19: National 4-H Conference, Arlington, Virginia
April 20-21: 4-H Agriculture Symposium, UMaine Orono Campus, ages 14-18
April 26: Maker Series #2: May Day Baskets, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
April 26 – May 7 : Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign, 100% of every $1 in clover sales benefits 4-H
May 1: ESE Dairy, Working Steer, Horse Animal Approval Forms due
Campership Applications Now Available
Campership applications will be due on Friday, April 07, 2023 by 4:30PM. Camperships are scholarships for youth to attend a summer camp of their choice. Applications are now available on the 4-H Camperships page. Please email completed applications to allison.pollock@maine.edu.
4-H Scholarship Applications Now Available
Cumberland County 4-H Scholarship applications are due Friday, April 7, 2023 at 4:30PM. If you need help applying for any of these scholarships or have questions, please call or email Allison at 207.781.6099, allison.pollock@maine.edu. Please note that the application for the 4-H Leader’s Association, Linda Clark/Margy Justice Memorial, and Susan P. Grover Memorial Scholarships are all the same, but the
requirements for each are different. The Extension Homemaker’s Scholarship has a different application form. All applications should be emailed to allison.pollock@maine.edu
For more information and applications please visit the 4-H Scholarships page.
Maker Series- April- May Day Baskets
One Wednesday afternoon each month March – May, we will offer a themed-activity for youth ages 5-10. 5-8 year-olds must have an adult present for assistance and some projects encourage adult assistance for all ages. Current 4-H enrollment is not necessary for participation in the Maker Series program. You can choose to join us for one project or all three. Registration ends one week prior to each class or when full (Maximum of 12).
- Dates: Wednesdays, March 22, April 26, May 24
- Time: 5:00-6:00 PM
- Location: UMaine Extension Cumberland Office, 75 Clearwater Dr, Falmouth
- Cost: FREE
For more information & to register: https://extension.umaine.edu/cumberland/4h/mmspring/
Paul Merrill Memorial Fund
Paul E. Merrill 4-H Memorial Fund was established as a memorial to Paul E. Merrill who died in April 1982. Mr. Merrill firmly believed in the merits of the 4-H program and in the character-building qualities of learning to care for and raise livestock. This fund is a splendid way to carry on the beliefs of Mr. Merrill and in doing so, encourage youth to grow in character and ability as Mr. Merrill had done. It is designed to provide financial aid for projects from the interest of the account to 4-H livestock clubs or 4-H members with livestock projects. The application deadline is May 1, 2023.
For more information and an application, please visit the Paul Merrill Memorial Fund page.
2023 4-H Member Cards Must Be Requested
4-H Member Cards will only be printed by request on an as needed basis due to limited staffing. Please note that while the Cumberland Fair does not accept Member Cards, some fairs (if held) do still use member cards for entrance passes, so please check with any fairs you will be planning to attend this year to see what their entrance requirements are.
If you or your club would like member and leader cards please email or call Allison, allison.pollock@maine.edu, 207.781.6099 by May 1 to be on the list for a printed 4-H Member Card. If you do not sign up you will not receive a member card but will still receive a Cumberland Fair pass if you plan to exhibit.
SAVE THE DATE! CAREER DAY!
Career Day is being planned for May 13th, 2023 from 10am-12pm at Falmouth Memorial Library. It will be geared towards 12-18 year olds. Teen Council is finalizing the schedule and will be sending out more information soon.
Teen Teacher Applications
Do you have a passion to help others learn? Do you like to know how things work? Do you want to make a difference in your community this summer?
4-H Teen Teachers is a summer internship for teens ages 14-19 which will give you 21st Century Skills for your future while earning a stipend for helping out. The internship is only a few hours per week during June and July so you can combine this awesome opportunity with another summer job or internship if you choose. If you take this challenge you will learn communication, leadership, perseverance, teamwork, science, teaching skills and meet a lot of new friends.
For more information or to apply, go to: https://extension.umaine.edu/cumberland/4h/summer-of-science/
New Project Records are HERE!
Co-designed with Maine 4-H volunteers, youth and staff; these project records have been designed to best serve the needs of Maine youth. Please visit our newly designed project record website https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/volunteers/project-records/. Project records are required for all Maine 4-H Youth. Stay tuned for upcoming trainings. Please contact your 4-H Leader for specific pages that will be required for your project.
Tractor Supply Paper Clover Fundraiser
April 26th-May 7th, 2023
Purchase a paper clover at your local Tractor Supply store and support 4-H! This campaign directly benefits youth in Cumberland County, with 90% of donated funds staying in the state of Maine and 10% going to national 4-H programming.
2023 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities
As we get ready for the new 4-H year, we are looking forward to offering a variety of learning experiences (both in person and virtual) for our 4-H volunteers. Sessions are free of charge, but require registration. Some sessions have limited space. Visit the 4-H Volunteer Calendar of Training Opportunities to learn more and register!
Club Happenings
IGNITE SUMMIT
By Dana Dotson
4-H Community Central club members from Deering High School attended this year’s national 4-H Ignite Summit in Washington D.C. from March 9th – 12th. Seven upperclassmen were chosen to represent their school and each student was selected for one of the three Summit tracks; Healthy Living, Agricultural Science, or STEM. Students participated in many interactive workshops, career panels, toured national monuments, visited several of the Smithsonian Museums, collaborated with students from other states, planned community action plans with their delegations and presented them to peers and club leaders at the closing share fair.
Page Day
By Dana Dotson
On Thursday, March 23’rd, Three senior 4-H’ers from Deering High School served as honorary pages for UMaine Day at the Legislature. Youth deepened their understanding of democratic processes that affect their daily lives through visiting legislative offices, running communication and documents directly from legislator to legislator, and visiting the First Amendment Museum for an interactive program on the Supreme Court. Students were assigned to either the House or the Senate. One highlight a student shared was getting to meet Jill Duson, American lawyer, lobbyist, and current Member of the Maine Senate.
4-H Rabbiteers Club
By Jonathan Morrison
The Rabbiteers are making strides by becoming a Chartered Youth Club with the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). This charter will not only allow the Rabbiteers to host shows but our club members will be able to expound on their knowledge and be more prepared to compete at the ARBA Convention!
The saying “You are what you eat” reminds us that it is important to eat good foods to stay healthy. The same applies to rabbits whether they are your pet or for show. Aimee Nichols of Kent and Blue Seal Feeds talked to Rabbiteer members on Saturday, February 11 about the rabbit digestive process, what to look for in feed and how Blue Seal’s products meet the nutritional needs of our rabbits.
Your 4-H Club Happenings could be featured here! Just email 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 April 2023
Apply Now for National 4-H Trips
National 4-H Trips are excellent opportunities to meet 4-H members from across the nation. Participants learn about many career options, and learn through educational workshops at Congress or become a part of a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at Conference. To learn more about these trips, visit: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/national-trips/.
New for 2023: Complete and submit your application and supplemental materials online!
Any Maine 4-H Youth, ages 14 to 18, is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members both at the time of application and the time of the actual trip. Application packets must be submitted online, or sent to your county office and postmarked by April 25, 2023. Interview dates will be the second week of May, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Palmer at 207.310.4235 or heidi.thuotte@maine.edu.
2023 National 4-H Congress is November 24 – 30, 2023 in Atlanta GA with an orientation for the trip on October 21, 2023. 2024 National 4-H Conference has not yet been announced, but will likely take place in April of 2024 in Washington, DC., orientation for that trip will be announced to those selected. Leaders and office staff, if you have senior members in your clubs, please encourage them to participate. They are amazing trips!
State Public Speaking Tournament – Save the Date!
Our state public speaking tournament will be held on April 8, 2023 at DP Corbett Hall on the University of Maine campus. Youth must qualify for this event by achieving a score of 78 or higher at their county or regional tournament. Check the website or with your county 4-H staff to find out when your county tournament will be held.
Maine 4-H Youth Council Annual Conference – May 13 – 14, 2023
SAVE THE DATE!
May 13-14, Maine 4-H Youth Council Annual Conference. An annual conference for youth ages 15-22. This year’s event will be held at the Windsor Fairgrounds. More information to come.
Workshops Needed!
The Maine 4-H Youth Council is holding a conference for youth ages 15-22. The conference will be an overnight event and held at the Windsor Fairgrounds May 13th and 14th. We would like to invite you to submit a proposal to present a workshop.
The Council is specifically looking for 45-minute-long workshops focused on mental health, stress management, communication, creativity, time management, leadership and conflict management. To submit a workshop please visit: https://forms.gle/3z2FN4F6roVeGLX69.
2023 ESE Horse Intent Form
The 2023 ESE Horse Intent form is now live. The form is due by May 1, 2023.
The form indicates your intent to participate in the 2023 4-H Eastern States Horse tryout process. By completing this form, you are verifying that you are currently enrolled in a Maine 4-H Horse project and are a 4-H member of good standing in your county. 4-H enrollment requirements will be verified by 4-H staff.
We hope to send out more information about the upcoming season and an updated packet as soon as possible. We will have a new layout this year with multiple opportunities for youth to participate and qualify.
This form is a requirement for trying out for the Maine 4-H ESE Equestrian Team. You will not be eligible to join the ESE Horse Team if this form is not completed by May 1, 2023.
If you have questions or need a hard copy of the form please email tara.marble@maine.edu.
Join us for the Maine 4-H Agriculture Symposium!
You are invited to the Maine 4-H Agriculture Symposium, an overnight event for youth ages 14-18. Participants will take part in hands-on learning opportunities, engage with industry professionals on the UMaine Orono campus, develop leadership skills, and make friendships with teens from around the state April 20 – 21, 2023.
Symposium attendees will test recipes at the state of the art Food Innovations Lab, participate in hands-on learning experiences at the UMaine Witter Farm, investigate permaculture methods at the Terrell House and more! 4-H membership is not required for participation in the symposium and there is no cost for the event. Transportation assistance is available upon request.
For more information visit extension.umaine.edu/4h/youth/ag-leadership/4-h-agriculture-symposium or contact Alisha Targonski at 207.622.7546; extension.4hagleadership@maine.edu.
4-H Shark SPIN Club
One of the most requested topics of all times: SHARKS! Have you wondered how sharks find their food? How do they exist in the ocean with other creatures? Interested in learning about their patterns and habits as they swim along the Maine coast? Participants will explore shark behavior, food chains, types of sharks and more with shark scientist, Kyle Oliveira. Participants will receive a packet of materials to engage in hands-on activities that help us explore these questions, as we learn about the exciting water world of sharks. This workshop is supported by Maine EPSCoR at the University of Maine. Register by April 25th, so supplies can be mailed to attendees’ homes. Limited to 10 participants.
Who: Youth ages 9 – 18
When: Tuesdays, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, May 16 – June 6, 2023
Where: Join via zoom
How: Register by April 25, 2023 at https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/virtual-learning-hub/open-registrations/
Help Project ITCH to Better Understand Tick Control
The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC) is seeking your help in better understanding residential tick control. NEWVEC began as a partnership of university research teams from each of the six New England states joining with state and local health departments and agricultural extension programs to discover, evaluate, and promote practices that reduce the burden of tick- and mosquito-borne disease.
NEWVEC’s inaugural undertaking is Project ITCH, our acronym for “Is Tick Control Helping.” Project ITCH will be carried out in two phases starting Spring 2023. In Phase 1 – NEWVEC is asking for your participation to tell us about what you are doing at your home to reduce the incidence of ticks and tick bites. In Phase 2 – NEWVEC will gather the information you share and through a lottery process select residential properties to participate in a research study to test what’s working.
It all starts with you taking a few moments to answer a few survey questions. To complete the survey, please visit the web page at www.NEWVEC.org/itch. Participants in this survey will be eligible for consideration for Phase 2 enrollment in the future. To learn more about NEWVEC and Project ITCH, bookmark the web page and/or sign-up to receive updates on NEWVEC projects.
Save the Date for 4-H Dairy Judging and State Show!
The Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will take place on May 6th, 2023 at Hardy Farm in Farmington, ME and Silver Valley Farm in New Sharon, ME. The contest is open to all enrolled dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Team.
The Maine State 4-H Dairy Show will take place on July 22nd and 23rd at the Windsor Fairgrounds in Windsor, ME. The contest is open to all 4-H members who want to participate and will include educational workshops, a fitting contest, a grilled cheese contest, and more!
For more information on upcoming 4-H dairy events visit extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy or contact sadee.mehuren@maine.edu; 207.342.5971
Maine 4-H Days: Save the Date! July 21 – 22, 2023
We’re back for fun times, workshops, overnight camping and more at the Windsor Fairgrounds in Kennebec County! More information to come, so save the dates!
Cooking for Crowds – Food Safety Training for Volunteers
There’s a lot to learn about safe food preparation and handling. Unsafe food can “spoil” your group’s reputation — and its finances. Don’t take a chance. Sign up for the “Cooking for Crowds” workshop.
Learn up-to-date methods for safely preparing, handling, and serving food for large group functions such as a 4-H food booth, a club event or community fundraiser.
Participants receive Cooking for Crowds – a manual specifically designed for volunteer cooks, a certificate of attendance, and an instant read thermometer.
Sessions take place March 28-April 25. Materials fee is $15 and registration is required. Visit the Cooking for Crowds website to register for a session near you or a virtual workshop.
Other UMaine Extension Cumberland County News
UMaine Extension Cumberland County offers many different workshops throughout the year. To learn more about our workshop offerings please visit https://extension.umaine.edu/cumberland/upcoming-events/