October 2019 4-H Newsletter

October 11, 2019 4-H News

4-H Happenings

A monthly newsletter for Hancock County 4-H Members

Download the PDF

Upcoming Dates to Remember

October 9-20 – Paper Clover Campaign at Tractor Supply Company
October 12 – 10:00-1:00pm – 4-H Awareness Day – Tractor Supply Co. in Ellsowrth
October 14 – Indigenous People’s Day – Extension Office Closed
October 25 – 6:00pm – Cloverfest Annual Celebration Night – Surry Elementary School
November – Leaders’ Banquet – Time, Date, Location TBDc
November 25 – Re-enrollment forms are due in the Extension Office

County News

Zabet NeuCollins is the new Community Education Assistant at the Cooperative Extension Hancock County Office. She was introduced to the Cooperative Extension this past winter when she took a Master Gardener’s course and felt like it would be a really rewarding place to work! A graduate of the College of the Atlantic, Zabet has filled her post graduate years as a bread baker, an organic vegetable gardener, a garden educator, and a grant-writer. Although she was never was in a 4-H club growing up, she always dreamed of having her own goat. (Maybe a 4-Her can teach her how to care for one and her dream will become a reality.) In the meantime, she is really looking forward to working with the 4-H in Hancock County and is grateful for the opportunity to work closer with curious, passion-driven children and families.
Welcome Zabet to Hancock County 4-H!

Leaders’ Association 2019 – 2020 Officers:
President: Brenda Jordan Vice-President: Heather Linnehan
Treasurer: Terry Swazey Secretary : Lisa Carney
Board Members : Liz Duke, Dwight Sargent and Lee Sargent

Visit UMaine with 4-H Are you interested in visiting the University of Maine campus? Wondering what it’s like to be a college student? Thinking about applying to UMaine? Not sure if college is the place for you but curious to find out?
Hancock County 4-H is organizing a trip to campus for 4-H’ers in middle and high school this fall. Youth will ride a bus/van to campus with Carla and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the UMaine campus. Depending on how many youth are interested, we will cater the tour to your interests and visit fun places on campus. We will also eat lunch in the dining hall with current UMaine students and 4-H alumni! Fill out the online form or contact the Extension Office to indicate your interest and we will be in touch to figure out dates and details.

Re-enrollment 2019-2020 Reminder – Another 4-H year has begun! Re-enrollment packets are have been sent to all members. All paperwork must be returned to the Extension Office by Monday, November 25th in order to be processed before the state deadline on December 31. Absolutely no exceptions will be allowed after that date.

Reminder – Requirement for Clubs – The 4-H year has officially ended on September 28th. Please finalize your club treasurer’s report and submit it to the office via mail, email, or in person. These records are important for auditing purposes.
Thank you for complying with this mandate from the University of Maine.

New Background Check Policy for Volunteers – Our Maine 4-H program takes the safety of our program participants very seriously and has implemented an important policy change that will affect some Hancock County 4-H Volunteers this year. All Maine 4-H volunteers are now required to have a background check every three years. If you have not had a background check within the past three years, you will soon be receiving an email with instructions for how to submit your background check online. If you are a new volunteer within the past three years, you don’t have to do anything at this time!
If a volunteer does not pass a background check or refuses to follow through with this policy, then the volunteer will no longer be able to serve as a UMaine Cooperative Extension Volunteer. This re-screening will be done at no cost to the volunteer.
Our currently enrolled volunteers will have until December 31, 2019 to submit your background application online. Please notify the Extension Office once you have completed and submitted the form so we can complete the process. Further instructions are included in your re-enrollment packets.

4-H Awareness Day – Chairman, Heather Linnehan, has confirmed October 12th for 4-H Awareness Day, at the Tractor Supply Co., in Ellsworth during the Paper Clover campaign, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. We’re looking for Clubs to bring animals, food sales, games, crafts, and other activities. This will be a “Fun Day” and your opportunity to help make others aware of the neat things you do in 4-H! Call Heather at 667-9570 to sign up now!

Cloverfest Annual Celebration Night–Please join us for Cloverfest, the annual celebration for Hancock County 4-H’ers and their families, on Friday, October 25 at Surry Elementary School. We spend the evening celebrating the wonderful accomplishments of the year with dinner, entertainment, and awards. This year we are featuring Chewonki’s Traveling Natural History Program, “Owls of Maine”!

RSVP online.

The 2019 Leaders’ Banquet – date, time and place TBD. Calling all 4-H Volunteers! Please join us for this annual 4-H Volunteer Recognition Event which includes a meal and silent auction. Please bring any items you wish to auction in support of Hancock County 4-H. Volunteers will be recognized for their efforts throughout the year as well as for reaching milestones in years of volunteer service! Receiving recognition are:

First Year Volunteers
Christina Allen – Peninsula Explorers
Kristin Beauchamp – Spruced Up Homesteaders
Shannon Byers – Egg Business Project
Andrew Chung – Peninsula Explorers
Rebecca Conable – Peninsula Explorers
Jeanne Gifford – Rails N’ Trails
Lee Lee Leonard – Peninsula Explorers
Nada Lepper – Peninsula Explorers
Michele Levesque – Peninsula Explorers
Seth Murray – Independent
Katelyn Smith – Independent
Christine Spratt – Peninsula Explorers
Robert Sullivan – Peninsula Explorers
Mary Tobey – Independent

Five Year Volunteers
Elizabeth Duke – Independent
Sara Faull – Independent

Ten Year Volunteer
Katlyn Sargent – Rails N’ Trails

Thirty Year Volunteer
Norwood Ames – Lock, Stock & Barrel

Thirty-five Year Volunteers
Becky Ames – Lock Stock & Barrel
Judy Hellum – Jolly Juniors
Judy Nevells – Jolly Juniors
Peter Nevells – Jolly Juniors

Forty Year Volunteers
Chris Kravitt – Jolly Juniors & Lock, Stock & Barrel
Dwight Sargent – Independent
Gail Sargent – Independent

Congratulations to all!

Maine DOE Seeks Students to Serve on First-ever Student Cabinet

Please see the DOE announcement below. We would love to see a Hancock County 4-Her become a cabinet member!

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) today announced that it is launching its first-ever student cabinet, a group of students that will meet quarterly with Commissioner Pender Makin to discuss educational opportunities, improvements, and policy. The purpose of the Student Cabinet is to provide a forum for Maine students’ voices to be heard.
Cabinet meetings will allow students from different grade levels, backgrounds, and areas of Maine to share their opinions and offer advice about Maine’s education system with Maine’s Commissioner of Education and other leaders from the Maine Department of Education.
Students grades 4 – 12 and first year of college are invited to submit an application to be a member of the Student Cabinet. Members selected will serve for a term of 12 months starting on November 1, 2019.
Cabinet meetings will be held throughout the school year. Most meetings are expected to be held as video conferences which will require cabinet members to have access to a computer or device with an internet connection. There will be at least one in-person meeting, for which the Maine DOE will reimburse travel costs.
Student Cabinet members will be selected based on representation of Maine’s geography, with a goal of two students from each county in Maine, based on the pool of applications submitted, and inclusive of the diverse cultural and economic backgrounds of students throughout Maine.
Selected students will be expected to attend scheduled meetings, prepare for each meeting as needed, work in a collaborative manner with each other and with Department staff as needed; and express views and opinions openly, constructively, and respectfully.
By becoming a member on the Maine DOE Student Cabinet, students will benefit by: Having a direct role in improving education for students in Maine;

Gain important leadership, public speaking, decision making, and team building skills;
Develop a network of support and mentors through exposure to leaders across the state, and;
Have a great addition to their resume and applications for secondary opportunities.

Instructions for applying:
Students interested in serving on the Maine DOE Student Cabinet will need to submit the electronic application, with consent from a parent or guardian, by Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 5 pm. Applications can be submitted electronically at mainedoe.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1XniZPsuFlbEdY9
For more information contact Kelli Deveaux (207) 624-6747 or kelli.deveaux@maine.gov

Club News

Horse & Rider – Ian took part in the Blue Hill Fair Horse Show on Becca Wilder’s horse, Sandy. Together they made a great showing, coming home with several red and blue ribbons and a trophy for high point Walk/Trot Western Champion. He also received a trophy for the 2019 Hancock County 4-H Service Award.
We are all very proud of Ian and Sandy for such a great showing. Submitted by Sally Jordan, 4-H leader

Rails N’ Trails – Well for Rails N’ Trails 4-H horse club September was a pretty good month – full of firsts. We had two members of our club, Kacie S. and Alyssa S., get their first horse, “Cowboy”. They entered him into their first horse show at the Blue Hill Fair since he joined the family! They represented very well receiving many ribbons at the show which will be the first of many I am sure! Kiana R. also got a new horse, “Reece” that she showed at the Blue Hill Fair for the first time. This new combination did good as well. Lily T. got a first and best food project at the Blue Hill Fair with this cute yummy cake. Alex M. tried out for the first time with his horse “Blu” for the Maine state 4-H Equestrian Team which went and competed at the “Big E” Fair in Springfield, MA in September. Unfortunately Alex fell ill and was not able to go compete. He was truly missed by the rest of his teammates. Alex is already planning on trying out again next year. Zoe S. from our club also tried out for the Maine State Equestrian Team as a Teen leader. Speaking of firsts – Zoe represented our county, state and most importantly herself very well by receiving the highest marks amongst her states teammates on the knowledge test but even better than that Zoe scored the highest on her knowledge test against all the other teen leaders representing all the other New England states competing at ESE!! Congrats to all of you for a successful month!! You guys rock!! Submitted by Lee Sargent, club leader

Jolly Juniors – I have once again decided to have the 4-H kids help at the Eastbrook community meal on the first Thursday of the month. This time I had Abby & Lexus over to make toilet paper roll mummies and some foam pumpkin faces for the tables. This was their first time helping at the lunch they learned about helping the elderly with their plates and to serve the coffee and of course to clean up. But most of all interacting with the people and having fun. Submitted by Joanne Jodrey, leader
We went to the Blue Hill corn maze at Homewood Farm. We split up into teams. We had to collect letters to unscramble a word. We got it right and we each got a free pumpkin. they were little but good for painting. We also went on a hay ride and fed cows and pigs ears of corn. That was fun!After we left we got to hold little bunnies and they were so cute, very soft, and cuddly. We got to try fresh veggies. We washed them off and ate them right from the garden. They were good.It was cold outside but fun. Submitted by cloverbuds, Ella K. and Olivia D.
(Thank you to 4-H leader, Larry King, and wife, Jeanne, for the rabbit visit!)

Spruced Up Homesteaders – This month our club honored our first year together as a club by having a small awards ceremony, pot luck and movie viewing party! We reflected on photos from all we’ve explored together, presented our fair entries, shared food and smiles, and watched The Biggest Little Farm! I’d love to take this opportunity to thank our club parents for gifting us the opportunity to work and grow beside your children, and for coming together with us to make these experiences possible. Without you, there’d be no us! Submitted by Club Leader, Kristin Beauchamp

State News

1. 2020 Maine 4-H Intent to Sell a Market Beef Project at Fryeburg Fair – 4-Hers raising a steer for the 2020 market steer show at Fryeburg Fair need to send in an Intent to Participate Form by November 1, 2019. The intent form will advise the State 4-H Office which steers need to be tagged. Once we receive your intent form you will be contacted by a staff person from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to make an appointment for someone to come to your barn and tag your project animal.As always Fryeburg Market Steers must be owned and in possession by the 4-Her by January 1. But we understand that many of you will have your market steers before January 1st so we are hoping to tag more of the project animals before the winter travel becomes more difficult. We are grateful for the staff from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for helping us with the tagging and we are hoping the earlier intent form date will allow for safer travel during the winter months. You can also enroll or re-enroll as a 4-H member when you send your Intent to Participate form to your county office. We appreciate you completing this form as early as possible and are encouraging everyone to help spread the word about the new earlier date for the intent form. If you have specific questions please contact your local county Cooperative Extension Office.

Leaders Meeting Minutes

September 10, 2019 Meeting

Members Present- Lee Sargent, Liz Duke, Dwight Sargent, Gail Sargent, Terry Swazey, Lisa Carney, Brenda Jordan, Heather Linnehan (7) and Carla (office staff). Peggy was our special guest.

The flag was saluted and the 4-H pledge recited. Lisa agreed to take minutes.

A motion was made to accept the August minutes as written; seconded and passed. A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer’s report as read; passed.

Club reports: Not much since the last meeting. Many went to the BHF. Aquaculture project is over, but several want to come back and volunteer next year.

Old Business:

Blue Hill Fair
Food Booth – did well, don’t need butter. Bacon went well, might need to adjust pricing as many people use more than one slice.
Steer Tickets – 730 pounds dressed. 6263 tickets sold. The winner was Tristan McKinney from Waltham.
Exhibit Hall – Carla will make our own Hancock County judging cards for next year to be more “user friendly” for youth and judges.
Activity Tent – packed with successful aquaculture activities all weekend. Would like to see more variety next year.
Other – need to push more 4-H kids to enter the Beef Cook-Off contest.
Need to repair the outside storage shed doors; maybe get Rick to do them.
Horse show – Need a speaker system for the horse show; Carla says the old speaker system is at the office, we can try it and see if it is any better. Most of this year’s entries were 4-H kids.
Cloverfest
- Location? The bowling alley has the bar, and does not have much room for award ceremony.
- Date – October 18th is the Cave Hill fish fry. Saturday the 19th from 11-1 at the bowling alley? Carla will check and see if the bar will be a problem. Lisa will check with Surry for the 18th.
- Food – TBD; pizza if at the bowling alley.

Academic calendar discussion
- Joyce created a list with important dates. Can we have the photo contest entries due in August? Might have someone do a photography workshop. Entries look better on foam board.

New Business:

4-H Awareness Days at Tractor Supply
- Date & time: October 12th (Columbus day weekend) from 10-1. Petting zoo? Carla can ask Shannon with the Egg Business Project? Sell eggs? Spruced Up Homesteaders club goats? Heather can bring a goat, mini and bunny. Make slime? Touch tank? Purchase and paint a pumpkin/gourd? Pet costume show/parade? Put a banner on the round bale holder that Tractor Supply has out by the road? Need insurance if we offer pony rides; check into for next year. Put up handwashing signs.
Project records – Due Sept. 23rd
Re enrollment forms – Due November 25th.
Leaders Banquet – Brenda can ask the Franklin Vets what they could do for a meal. Have it on a Friday night.
Election of officers: the Secretary cast a ballot to elect the 2019/2020 slate of officers. Seconded and approved.

President- Brenda Jordan
Vice President- Heather Linnehan
Secretary- Lisa Carney
Treasurer- Terry Swazey
Board Members- Liz Duke, Dwight Sargent, Lee Sargent

We should choose a theme for the year! – future agenda item
Need to review committees and chairpersons.

Office Report–

Some horse magazines were donated to the office for use by whoever wants them.
State background checks are every three years; many leaders will be getting notified via email soon. Follow the online instructions and be sure to let us know when you have completed it.
Zabet NeuCollins is the new Community Education Assistant (CEA). She will be working 20 hours per week. Starts October 9th.

Motion to adjourn made at 8:13; seconded and passed.

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Carney, Secretary

Cooking with Kids

Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1⁄2 cup non-fat dry milk
1 1⁄4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1⁄2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
3⁄4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1⁄2 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs
1⁄2 cup water

Directions

Preheat oven to 400º F.
Spray two loaf pans or pans for 30 muffins with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix both flours, non-fat dry milk, sugar, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice.
In a second bowl, beat pumpkin, applesauce, oil, eggs, and water until blended.
Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture and stir with a spoon just until moistened. Do not over mix.
Pour batter into 2 loaf pans or muffin tins.
Bake loaves for 60-75 minutes, or muffins for 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Cool on a rack and remove from pans after 10 minutes.
If not eaten right away, wrap the loaves (or muffins) in foil or a plastic bag and store in the freezer.

Cooperative Extension in Hancock County