September 2025 4-H Newsletter

4-H Happenings

A monthly newsletter for Hancock County 4-H Members

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Table of Contents

Upcoming Dates| County News | Club News | State News | Leaders’ Meeting Minutes

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Upcoming Dates to Remember

September 10 – Kelp Farming for the Future Workshop at the Blue Hill Library, 3:30 pm
September 17 – 4-H Leaders Meeting, 6:30 pm (*New date!* We’re now meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of the month)
September 24 – Lock Stock and Barrel Informational Meeting & Potluck, 6:00 pm
September 27 – Autumn Gold Festival at Knowlton Park, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
October 1 – Insect Olympics at the Blue Hill Library, 3:30 pm
October 1 – Re-enrollment Begins
October 3 – Leaf ID with YOU and ME at the Ellsworth Public Library, 2:00 pm
October 5 to 11 – National 4-H Week
October 10 – Project Records Due
October 13 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Office Closed)
October 24 – Save the Evening!  Cloverfest Celebration! More details coming soon
October 31 – Photo Contest Due
November 21 – County Re-enrollment Deadline

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County News

4-H at the Blue Hill Fair

We want to share a massive thank you to all the 4-H’ers who submitted exhibits this year. It is so inspiring to see what youth can create when they take the time to express themselves and learn new skills. We even had a submission to our new category, science and data!

We had six amazing judges this year who shared their time to provide great feedback on every project. Thank you, judges, for showing us how easy it is to love 4-H. Hand in hand with our judges, thank you to all the families and volunteers who helped us set up and decorate the fairgrounds this year. We could not have done it without all of you!

It wouldn’t be the Blue Hill Fair without the 4-H Food Booth, which would not be possible without the incredible outpouring of support from 4-H Volunteers! The food booth is truly a herculean, volunteer-driven effort, and we had another very successful year. All proceeds from the food booth support 4-H programming in Hancock County throughout the year.

Steer Ticket Results!

Thank you to everyone who participated or donated to the steer raffle. We did great work this year and were able to sell 3,764 steer tickets for our 4-H youth programs! This year’s top seller was Maesen from the Jolly Juniors 4-H Club! The steer was graciously raised by Emma & Amelia, two of our Independent 4-H members, and their family. Our winner this year was Cory from Waltham. Congratulations Cory!

The Exhibit Hall

We had 55 exhibitors putting in 157 exhibits and receiving $1,670 in premiums. We also had three clubs put in club projects. Way to go, Lock, Stock, & Barrel, Pine Tree Pioneers, and Service Squad for their club projects! We are so proud of everyone for contributing their unique creations to the 4-H Exhibit Hall!

Best Projects:

Animal – Lila D.G., Home Sweet Farm
Art – Owen C, Aquarium Club
Crafts – Coryann S, Jolly Juniors
Clothing/Sewing – Lexi M, Service Squad
Crafts-Textiles – Annabelle S, Service Squad
Indoor Gardening- Wyatt C, Independent
Nature Collections- Lucas W, Orrington Community 4-H
Photography – Abigail D, Jolly Juniors
Sculpture – Owen C, Aquarium Club
Writing Sampler – Owen C, Aquarium Club
Lynne Clement Award – Liam G, Egg Business Project
Best in Show – Coryann S, Jolly Juniors
Razor Crosman – Tucker H, Oxford County

Dwight Sargent 4-H Citizenship Award:

This year, the Dwight Sargent 4-H Citizenship Award didn’t have a winner, but we want to honor the legacy of this longtime volunteer and the values he championed. The award recognizes 4-H members who go above and beyond, helping at the Leaders’ Food Booth, assisting with Steer Ticket Sales, volunteering in the 4-H Exhibit Hall, and contributing to the Activity Tent or wherever they see a need, with a generous 4-H heart.

These are the core values of 4-H: service, leadership, and a commitment to helping others. We challenge every member to embrace this spirit of citizenship and we look forward to seeing who will rise to the occasion and earn this award at next year’s Blue Hill Fair.

Livestock Awards:

4-H Workshops

Blue Hill Public Library

Kelp Farming for the Future! – September 10, 2025 (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
Kelp! We need your engineering expertise in building a kelp farm. Join Tess from the University of Maine 4-H in this interactive workshop where youth will learn amazing facts about how we grow and use kelp in our daily lives.

Insect Olympics – October 1, 2025 (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
Do you have what it takes to compete against some of nature’s most agile athletes? Join 4-H at the Blue Hill Public Library on October 1, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, for a chance to find out! Youth can compete in several events where they can show off their skills and learn about what adaptations insects have that help them excel in their environments. Show us your powerful legs like a grasshopper in the long jump, or your fluttering, fast wings like a butterfly in the arm flap event.

Ellsworth Public Library

Leaf ID with YOU and ME – October 3, 2025 (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
Join Leah at the Ellsworth Public Library on October 3, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for a crafty way to embrace the fall foliage! Youth will learn how to make their own tree ID fact sheets by etching the leaves of common tree species in Maine.

Project Records

Tell us all about your 4-H year through a project record! We want to know what skills you worked on, what goals you set, and your thoughts about 4-H. Project records will be due to the office on October 10, 2025, so if you haven’t already, get started by visiting our project records webpage. As always, contact the office with any questions you may have!

Re-enrollment

Another 4-H year begins on October 1! Re-enrollment instructions will be sent out soon, so keep an eye out for them in your inbox! All volunteers and members must complete re-enrollment by November 21. If you are experiencing issues using the online portal, ZSuite, please contact Andrea at andrea.mahoney@maine.edu or 207-667-8212 so we can help you through the process.

Photo Contest

It’s time for our annual 4-H Photo Contest! The due date for photo submission is October 31st, but the portal to submit your photos will open September 1st! Check out our webpage to learn more about guidelines and how to submit.

Hancock County 4-H Seasonal Compass

Discover the wonders of Maine’s changing seasons with the “Hancock County 4-H Seasonal Compass.”

Each month, we’ll focus on a different aspect of Maine’s seasonal cycle, engaging in activities that promote Head (learning and thinking), Heart (caring and relating), Hands (giving and working), and Health (living and being). From exploring winter wildlife to harvesting fall crops, there’s something for everyone!

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Club News

Lock, Stock, & Barrel: The Lock Stock and Barrel 4-H club will have a potluck and informational meeting on Wednesday, September 24, at 6:00 pm at the Blue Hill Rifle and Pistol Club on the Range Rd in Blue Hill. This is for youth 4-H age 9 to 18 (9 as of December 31, 2025). Disciplines that will be taught through the fall and winter are basic rifle safety and shooting skills, archery, wildlife, and black powder. For more information, call club leaders Norwood and Becky Ames, 207.567.3066

Pine Tree Pioneers: Summer is in full swing, and so are the Pine Tree Pioneers! We recently had the ultimate summer club meeting, spending a whole day tackling projects for the fair, getting our hands dirty in the garden, and sparking creativity with some fun crafting. When the heat of the afternoon hit, we dove into the cool pond for a well-deserved swim.

A huge thank you to 4-H staff, Tess, for joining us and making the day even better. We’ve been working hard and are so excited to show it off! Come see our incredible club exhibit at the Blue Hill Fair.

Service Squad: The Service Squad worked to finish their club project for the Blue Hill Fair-just in time. We hope you were able to stop by and see our exhibit. We also enjoyed a pizza party together, but ran out of time for our ice cream sundaes, so that will have to carry over to our next meeting! Soon, we’ll have to decide on our next service focus and what we want to work towards.

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State News

State Youth Council: The Maine 4-H State Youth Council nomination form is now open! The Maine 4-H Youth Council is a chance to step up, speak out, and represent 4-H across our state. As part of this leadership group, you’ll connect local and state programs, amplify youth voice in 4-H, and promote 4-H events from Maine to the national stage.

Nominees must be between the ages of 16-24 years of age and must have participated in 4-H for at least 2 years (club, independent, after school, school-based, mentoring or camp program). Nominations are now accepted from 4-H staff and directly from members. If selected, the requirements of the Youth Council are that members be an active participant (participate in 80% of meetings) and participate in the youth council project chosen for the year.

The council meets a total of 6 times per year, 4 on zoom and 2 in person. Nominations from Extension staff and self-nominations will be accepted.
We are currently looking for youth representation from all counties plus 4-H Camps and Learning Centers and CYFAR/Northstar/OhYea programs.
Nominations are due October 15th.  Nomination Google Form: forms.gle/aVrdVavUU6JJVCCL7

Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey: A Path to Making a Difference: Do you know someone passionate about youth development and community involvement? Share this opportunity to learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer through Start Your 4- H Volunteer Journey! 4-H volunteers play a crucial role in the program’s success, whether it’s by starting a club, sharing their skills through short-term programs, or helping with local 4-H events.

If you or someone you know is thinking about becoming a 4-H volunteer, now’s the perfect time to learn more! We’re offering free one-hour virtual sessions to guide potential volunteers on their journey. You can choose from the following sessions:

• October 15th from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• October 16th from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Additional session dates and times are available on the program webpage. The informational sessions are free, but registration is required. Be sure to sign up online today! For more information or if you need a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Jennifer Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu or call 207.255.3345. Help spread the word and encourage others to become part of the 4-H volunteer family!

Join the 4-H Volunteer Huddle: 4-H volunteers are invited to participate in the new monthly training series: the 4-H Volunteer Huddle! These quick, engaging sessions take place virtually via Zoom on the first Friday of each month from 12:00–12:30 p.m.

Step onto the sideline for a fast-paced “gather–learn–discuss” session and then jump right back into the game of 4-H! Each month will feature a different topic designed to boost your skills and strengthen your strategy—you choose the sessions that interest you most.

The kickoff session will take place on October 3 and is titled  “Goal Setting and Planning for the Year.” Start your 4-H year with confidence! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn simple strategies for setting goals, staying organized, and making the most of your 4-H experience.

Details:
When: First Friday of each month
Time: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free
Registration Required: Login to ZSuite and go to Events, or click here to register (must be logged in to ZSuite).
For more information, to register by telephone or email, or to request a reasonable
accommodation, please contact: Tara Wood tara.a.wood@maine.edu, 207.255.3345.

Smithsonian 4-History Project Registration Deadline: The deadline to register for the Smithsonian 4-History Project is September 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. In this project, 4-H’ers will conduct research and interviews to learn more about their community and share their findings through a 5-10 minute video project with support from 4-H leaders and the Smithsonian team. The project will last from September 12, 2025, to March 2026. Youth can work on their project solo or with others (either way can work well). All participants will receive workbooks and staff guidance to support their project. We will have regular meetings as a statewide Maine 4-H club to support your progress through your project See the attached flyer for more information! To register for this program, email Andrew Hudacs (andrew.hudacs@maine.edu) to let him know you are interested, and he will walk you through the process of getting enrolled.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Andrew Hudacs, University of Maine
Cooperative Extension, 207.581.8204, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu.

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Leaders’ Meeting Minutes

4-H Leaders Association Meeting on August 12, 2025

Attendees: Lisa Carney, Terry Swazey, Leah McCluskey, Lee Sargent, Elaine, Andrea Mahoney, Dawn Roberto, Lisa Reilich

Treasurers report was accepted as read by Terry
No minutes from July, there was just an informal meeting.

Club Reports:

• The Service Squad – welcomed a new member, want longer meetings and more members, dog bandana fundraiser at Tractor Supply.
• Pine Tree Pioneers – difficult to meet in summer, but are meeting tomorrow to work on fair projects and go swimming.
• Jolly Juniors – finishing up projects and fair cards, basket weaving project, have been swimming at the camp.

Old Business:

• Fair schedules for the exhibit hall staffing are set.
• Food booth needs help most days, please sign up for a shift!
• Scott can supply a breakfast crew on Friday and Saturday.
• Could we compensate clubs for working at the booth? Maybe $50 per club per shift?

New Business

• Fixed the back door of the exhibit hall and installed a window.
• Four members attended Tanglewood this summer, and two members attended Greenland Point this summer.
• Leah has passes for the Exhibit Hall and the Food Booth.
• Friends and Family will be supplying the booth again this year!
• Lisa will ask Kenny for blueberries.
• Cloverfest date: October 24th (Friday). Do we want pizza and/or ice cream? Baked potato bar?  Bring ideas to the next meeting, need theme and workshop ideas.
• Do we want to change the meeting night? The third Wednesday of the month works for most. Seconded and passed. The next meeting will be Wednesday, September 17th.

Motion to adjourn at 7:51pm, seconded and approved.
Respectfully submitted by Lisa Carney, Secretary