November 2024 4-H Newsletter
4-H Calendar
4-H Club Happenings
State 4-H News
Other UMaine Extension Cumberland County News
November 15: IRS 990 E-Postcards due
November 17: 4-H at Maine Mariners Hockey, 3:00 PM
November 21: CC 4-H Leaders Meeting, 7:00-9:00 PM, Online & 80 Huston Road, Gorham, ME
November 21: Fun with 4-H, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Windham Public Library
November 25: Maker Monday #2, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Extension Office in Falmouth
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, 2024
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 2023 – June 2024 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.
4-H At Maine Mariners Hockey Game
Join the Cumberland County 4-H for a riveting evening of sportsmanship on November 17th at 3 PM at the Maine Mariners’ game. Feel the adrenaline rush as the Mariners take the ice in a thrilling sports spectacle. Take advantage of our special discounted tickets offer through the provided link. This is not only an opportunity to witness a high-octane game but also a chance to support and cheer for your favorite team alongside your community. Tickets are $17 each, with $2 from every ticket going directly to Cumberland County 4-H. Please wear something representing 4-H, so they know who we are!
Here is the link to purchase tickets:
https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/CumberlandCounty4H
CC 4-H Leaders Association Meeting – November 21, 7:00PM
The Leaders Association is holding elections at the November meeting.
The new slate of Officers is:
- President, Pat Stack
- Vice President, Connie Wood
- Secretary, Nicole Foster
- Treasurer, Stanley Moreau
The Leaders Association meeting to vote on these Officers will be held November 21, at Gorham Public Works, 80 Huston Road, Gorham, 7:00 – 9:00 PM. All volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Volunteer Voices for Cumberland County-November 21, 7:00PM
We want to know what is important to YOU as a Maine 4-H volunteer! Join us for an evening of connection, brainstorming and sharing with other 4-H volunteers from your county. Dinner will be provided. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Visit the website for more information and to register:
https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/4-h-volunteer-voices/.
MAKER MONDAY 2024-2025
Dates: The 4th Monday of the Month (Nov. 25, Dec. 23, Jan. 27, Feb. 24, Mar. 24, Apr. 28)
Time: 4:30-5:30 PM
Ages: 5-10 year olds
Location: UMaine Extension Cumberland Office, 75 Clearwater Dr, Falmouth
Cost: FREE, Registration is required
Register for Maker Mondays
Have questions? Contact Allison Pollock by email allison.pollock@maine.edu or phone 207.781.6099.
FUN WITH 4-H
Dates: Thursdays, Nov. 21, Dec. 19
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM
Grades: K-6th
Location: Windham Public Library, 217 Windham Center Rd, Windham
Cost: Free drop-in program; no registrations are needed for these sessions.
Have questions? Contact Allison Pollock by email allison.pollock@maine.edu or phone 207.781.6099.
Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign Launches This Month
This season’s Paper Clover campaign will officially launch on Friday (November 29) and will run through December 15, 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.
Club Happenings
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 November 2024
Registration is Open for 4-H Teen Leadership Civic Engagement Program: Youth Have a Voice
Youth have a Voice is a program for teens and recent high school graduates who are interested in taking a more active role in serving their local communities, the state, or the country. Youth will learn leadership skills and ways to participate in civic action by completing a service project in a topic of their interest.
Youth projects will be in one of the three categories:
– Public Service Leader: Carry out a community service project of their choosing.
– Youth Board Member: Join a board or advisory council as a youth representative.
– Policy Leader: Provide input to a policy or rule being developed.
The program is open for teens ages 14+ years old or entered high school in the fall of 2024. Teens are matched with adult mentors and 4-H staff advisors to provide guidance on their projects, assist their learning of civic processes and plan ways to meet project goals. The total time commitment may vary from 30 to 80 hours depending on the type of project. Monthly statewide program meetings will be online via Zoom and occasional in-person gatherings will be scheduled for participant availability at central locations.
The program will admit new members in fall/early winter 2024 as resources become available. Interested teens will need the following items to register for the program:
– Fill out the application form.
– Two letters of recommendation from adults who are not related to the applicant.
– Brief description (100 to 500 words) about why you are interested in this program.
– A signed Program Requirement Summary Form.
Registration is open through Saturday, November 23, 2024. To register or learn more, visit our website. Individuals with questions or who need to request an accommodation, please contact Andrew Hudacs, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, 207.581.8204.
Congratulations to the 4-H Sheep Team
Seven Maine 4-H Members and fifteen of their Sheep proudly represented Maine at the Eastern States Exhibition this year. Members took home some impressive awards including Champion Showmanship, Clara D.; Champion Lead Line, Laney K.; Champion Bred & Owed Ewe, Thomas F., First Place, Educational Display; as well as numerous ribbons in breed classes, skill-a-thon, and the lamb cook off. Above all the members were able to connect with youth from other states and enjoy their time at the Big E.
Highlights included riding on the 4-H float during the parade and taking a spin on the Sky High Super Wheel with fellow members from Massachusetts, Connecticut & Rhode Island.
Ignite by 4-H
Who is eligible: All 4-H enrolled youth of high school age (14-18)
When is the event: March 12-16, 2025
Where: Washington DC metro area at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
Timeline: Applications need to be completed by Dec 23rd
Cost: The Maine 4-H Foundation has graciously funded the majority of the registration and travel costs for youth. Youth will be responsible for $300 towards the cost of the trip. We encourage
youth to reach out to the County offices and programs to seek out additional funding support. If youth need help or assistance please have them contact tara.marble@maine.edu.
Spark your imagination and passion! Join us from across the U.S. in Washington, D.C. for Ignite by 4-H! The four-day interactive summit helps teens find their spark through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration, and connecting with peers as an inclusive teen event in March 2025.
Ignite is a step forward in the journey of becoming beyond ready. At Ignite, teens collaborate, create and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world—becoming resilient and READY for everything life has to offer. The possibilities are endless at Ignite by 4-H. Ignite will include:
- High impact programming featuring immersive workshops and experiences, renowned speakers and industry leaders
- Career exploration and work readiness opportunities
- Networking and connection with like-minded peers
- Skills to drive community impact
- D.C. area experiences and activities
Other info can be seen on the official website here: https://4-h.org/events/ignite-by-4-h/
Applications are on a Google Form here or cut and paste this URL:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ0fe430u0YW_ngp4OwYSLMrCSv-EC8T6tUhejg1ZUQOJ-eQ/viewform?usp=sf_link.
If there are any questions or concerns please contact tara.marble@maine.edu.
Explore Maine’s Aquaculture Industry with Virtual Field Trips from 4-H
Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) are an innovative way for youth to explore and learn about places and people that would otherwise be infeasible! These immersive, online experiences bring Maine’s thriving aquaculture industry to life—no travel required.
Accessible at no cost, the Virtual Field Trips are designed to break down geographical and financial barriers, making high-quality, hands-on learning available to all. Register online to receive a link to the VFTs. Each field trip also comes with complementary 4-H activity guides and lesson plans to help facilitate meaningful engagement with youth.
The first VFT currently available features the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR), a large-scale, land-based aquaculture facility in Franklin, Maine. Additional virtual field trips are in development and will be rolled out throughout 2025 and 2026. These experiences offer insight into seafood production, workforce development, career exploration, and STEM concepts related to aquaculture technologies.
To register for a virtual field trip, visit extension.umaine.edu/hancock/aquaculture/vft.
For more information: contact Carla Scocchi, 4-H Youth Development Professional, carla.scocchi@maine.edu.
Know someone who is interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer? Tell them about Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey!
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a two-part online informational session for adults interested in becoming Maine 4-H volunteers on November 12 & 19 from 6 – 7 p.m. “Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey” will provide participants with information about the UMaine Extension 4-H youth development program through four short e-Learning modules. Attendees will also participate in an experimental learning activity, learn about the key aspects of positive youth development, and be introduced to ages and stages of youth. The two one-hour virtual sessions will wrap up with an outline of next steps and an introduction to a county staff contact to help with the application process if desired.
Registration is required. The sessions are free. To register, visit our website.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jennifer Lobley, jennifer.lobley@maine.edu, 207.255.3345.
4th Annual Maine STEM Film Challenge
Join us for our 4th annual Maine STEM Film Challenge! Hosted by the STEM Outreach program at the University of Southern Maine, the Maine STEM Film Challenge is a fantastic fall semester opportunity open to students of any level. This challenge is self-paced and very easy to get started with.
Divisions Include:
– K-3 grades
– 4-5 grades
– 6-8 grades
– 9-12 grades
– Any college grade
Teams of 1 to 10 students storyboard, design, edit, and produce a 3 to 10 minute informational, multimedia video about any STEM topic of their choice. Films are evaluated on content, production quality, artistic merit, and accessibility. Groups of any kind are welcome to participate, including schools, community groups, and families.
Full challenge description, rules, rubrics, and past winning videos are available on the Maine STEM Film Challenge website: MSFC Website. If you’d like to be kept in the loop during the challenge season, click on the “Pre-Registration” link to get started! For more information, email msfc@maine.edu. Registration deadline is November 11, 2024.
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/