November 2025 4-H Newsletter
4-H Happenings
A monthly newsletter for Hancock County 4-H Members
Table of Contents
Upcoming Dates| County News | Club News | State News | Volunteer News| Leaders’ Meeting Minutes
Upcoming Dates to Remember
November 11 – Veterans Day Observed – Extension Office Closed
November 12 to 13 – All Organization Conference – Extension Office Closed
November 14 – Ahoy Young Sailors at the Ellsworth Public Library, 3:00
November 15 – Pine Tree Pioneers Club at the Young Entrepreneur Market at the Brooklin Public Library, 11:00 – 1:00 pm
November 20 – Leaders’ Banquet
November 21 – County Re-enrollment Deadline
November 27 to 28 – Thanksgiving – Extension Office Closed
November 29 to December 15 – Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign
December 3 – Insect Olympics at the Blue Hill Public Library, 3:30
December 12 – Arctic Explorations at the Ellsworth Public Library, 3:00
December 18 – 4-H Game Night at the Extension Office, 4:30 pm
County News
Fall into 4-H: Cloverfest Recognition Celebration
We gathered on Friday, October 24, to celebrate our 4-H year. We celebrated our youth and volunteers, and enjoyed spending an evening together.
Our Appreciation Station got an overhaul, and our 4-H community filled that little basket with amazing gratitude. A slideshow was made of the last year’s events, which you can access here. Be sure to click on the arrows at the bottom so you can control the speed.
Our fantastic volunteers served up walking tacos, led fun fall workshops created and prepped by Leah, and clean up was a breeze thanks to other adults and youth pitching in as well. We celebrated a top steer ticket seller, thanked a family for raising the steer, celebrated the Razor Crosman winner (who traveled all the way from Oxford County to celebrate with us!), honored Chris Kravitt, a volunteer who reached his 45th year of volunteering with 4-H, and reflected on the fun events that happen all year with 4-H by sorting ourselves into categories given by Ms. Leah. It was fun to connect and see who we had similarities with.
As we sit and read the notes written by our 4-H community, I want to share a few here…
…”I’m thankful to the Leaders’ Association for helping me with the Tanglewood Camp Scholarship so I could go to camp this summer.” -Arabella
…”I really like that there is so much I can do and so many options. I like it because there are so many activities and it’s really fun.” -Isaac
…”I am thankful for Mrs. Jordan” -Love, Coryann
…”I love 4-H because I get to make friends and go to my club. Thank you, Leah, for all you do for the Service Squad!” -Annabelle
…What I like about 4-H is sewing and cooking and woodworkin.” -Adalyn
…”I’m thankful for the ones who appear whenever we go to 4-H (Leah & Andrea)” -Tala
…”I just wanted to thank Leah for all she does for everyone around her…I also realize that I’m writing this like it’s not Leah reading this, so hiii!!! You are so sweet and caring despite all of the bad things going on in the world….- Lexi
…”I loved the nacho bowls.” -Kowen
Annette Valenoti Leadership In Action Volunteer Award
If the 4-H program were a magic show, the staff and club leaders would be the magicians – the ones you see, dazzling the crowd. But no magic show can happen without the people working tirelessly behind the scenes, pulling the strings, setting the stage, and making sure everything runs smoothly. We have a few occasions throughout the year where we get to honor these amazing volunteers, and this year, the Hancock County Extension Association has honored 4-H Volunteer Lisa Carney by awarding her the Annette Valenoti Leadership In Action Award.
Lisa is, without a doubt, one of the most magical sets of hands behind the curtain in Hancock County 4-H. You can always find her at our 4-H events: from the check-in table at June Jamboree, to the organizer/prep-cook/grill master extraordinaire at the Blue Hill Fair food booth (the largest fundraiser of the year). She is the heart and soul of so many 4-H programs, and we are so happy to share our appreciation with her. Thank you, and congratulations, Lisa C!
Local 4-H Workshops and Events
Ahoy Young Sailors – November 14, 2025 (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Join Leah at the Ellsworth Public Library on November 14th from 3:00 – 4:00 for a chance to design and engineer your very own mini Mayflower vessels. Youth will put their boats to the test and learn what makes a sailboat sturdy. We can’t wait to see how these deck hands combine creativity, history, and a splash of science!”
Insect Olympics – December 3, 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 December 3, from 3:30 – 4:30 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.
Arctic Explorations – December 12, 2025 (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Do you know how our polar friends stay warm on chilly days? On December 12th from 3:00 – 4:00, youth will get to experience the magic of Arctic animal adaptations through an interactive icy experiment at the Ellsworth Public Library. We’ll get creative and discover how our blubbery friends protect themselves from the cold, and how some animals can waterproof themselves!
4-H Game Night – December 18, 2025 (4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
The 4-H Service Squad is excited to invite you to the Extension Office for a cozy night of games and good company! Join us on December 18th from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm for a fun evening of connection and laughter.
We’ll have all kinds of games – from big group favorites to chill two-player options – so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring a friend (or a few!), but don’t forget to RSVP! We’ll also have some seasonal snacks and refreshment options, but feel free to bring along your own treats to enjoy! See you all there!
Re-enrollment
It’s time to re–enroll for the new 4–H Year! Our county deadline is November 21. 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), click NEXT
- Here, you will select your club or clubs and the 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.
- 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 the 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.Enrollment records need to be active/green status before engaging in 4–H activities and to register for events.
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.
Volunteers are required to complete a background check every three years. If you are due for one, Andrea will contact you soon with the necessary steps. Your ZSuite approval is contingent on a completed background check.
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!
Club News
Horse of Course: This month our club made a fleece tie blanket that will be raffled off at upcoming holiday craft fairs that Elaine participates in to raise money for the Bagaduce River Equine Rescue. Our club meetings now will be held on Thursday evenings.
Pine Tree Pioneers: The Pine Tree Pioneers 4-H Club’s October meeting was for the birds – in the best way! Members collected data on local bird activity, made bird seed feeders, and crafted beautiful bird ornaments. Their creations will be available for purchase at the Kids Makers Market on November 15 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Brooklin Public Library. Come support our club and celebrate young entrepreneurs from across Hancock County!
Jolly Juniors: Our club provided refreshments at the annual turkey shoots held in Waltham. This event is sponsored by the Waltham Eastbrook Youth Association and raises funds to help support youth in our two towns to go to summer camps, help with educational trips, college, and so much more. Families volunteer to bring food and drinks to sell by donation each Sunday in October.
Service Squad: At our October meetings, the Service Squad gathered to re-establish their club norms after a very busy summer. We decided to start our meetings by recapping what we covered at the last meeting for any friends who weren’t able to make it. We will also move away from our officer roles and try out a rotating task model so everyone can try out different responsibilities. With our new guidelines established, club members moved on to planning a short presentation the the Extension Association Annual Meeting at the end of the month. The Executive Committee wanted to learn more about what the Service Squad does, so we put together and filmed a slideshow of what we’ve been up to! As always, we were sure to get in some group bonding time by playing games and eating snacks while catching up with each other.
State News
UMaine Extension Publications & Resources for Individuals and Organizations Impacted by the Government Shutdown/Lack of SNAP Benefits
Publications:
- Bulletin #4304, A Food Pantry Wish List
- Bulletin #4302, Food Safety for Food Pantry Donations
- Bulletin #4306, Is This Can Safe to Use?
- Bulletin #4384, Freezing Vegetables
- Bulletin #4383, Freezing Fruits
- All Food Preservation Publications
- All Food and Health Publications
Extension Websites
- Maine Harvest for Hunger Recipes and Resources page – resources about how to use, choose, and store Maine produce commonly donated to food pantries.
- Mainly Dish Recipe page – Recipes that use low-cost and easily accessible ingredients that can be shared broadly
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. Applications are due by November 15, 2025. Applicants must be enrolled in 4-H and between 14 and 18 years old at the time of the trip.
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)
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
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.
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 events.projectboard.world/4HAIinAg.
Volunteer News
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 to 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. Visit extension.umaine.edu/livestock/animal-health-hub/ for more information.
Leaders’ Meeting Minutes
4-H Leaders Association Meeting on October 15, 2025
Via Zoom
Attendees: Lisa Carney, Leah McCluskey, Lee Sargent, Terry Swazey, Andrea Mahoney, Dawn Roberto, and Joanne Jodrey.
The Treasurer’s report was accepted as read by Terry.
September minutes were accepted as written in the newsletter.
Club Reports:
- Horse of Course only has two youths currently. They would like to go on some field trips.
- Pine Tree Pioneers are doing a bird migration workshop and making outdoor ornaments.
- Service squad- met on a Saturday and a Wednesday, tried a hybrid modality. Prepping to give a presentation to the Executive Committee banquet next week.
- Jolly Juniors- will be doing the concessions for the Turkey Shoot. Had a planning meeting to organize winter projects.
Old Business:
- Blue Hill Food Booth and Exhibit Hall insurance: we had to find a new company, and it looks like the price will be going up substantially.
- Who does the BHF use for insurance?
- Maybe we should all meet with the agent.
- Replacement value was quoted at $90,000.
- What would a $30,000 policy cost?
- Photo contest:
- Elaine found a photographer to judge the contest!
- Brenda also might have a backup judge.
- No submissions yet, they are due the 31st.
- Cloverfest- next Friday October 24th @ Cave Hill
- Two options- baked potato bar or walking tacos. We still have plenty of chips from the fair, can make ground beef ahead of time.
- Would the Cave Hill chefs be willing to prep food?
- Lisa will cook taco meat and bring veggies, need a head count.
- Lee, Terry, Brenda, Lisa. We need some workshop ideas/presenters.
- Brenda will have the bounce house there.
- Pumpkin painting, beaded corn or pumpkins, mini pumpkin catapults,
- The Razor Crosman award winner may not be at Cloverfest, could we Zoom in?
New Business
- Leadersgiving- November 20th 6-8pm @ the extension office. Bring a dish and an item to auction!
Office News
- Remember to re-enroll, and complete your background check. Don’t forget to tell Andrea when you do.
- Leah is considering different volunteer pathways to break down the volunteer re-enrollment problems – for example, club leaders, SPIN club leaders, helpers. Might create a Volunteer Emeritus role. Won’t need a background check, might have different duties. Might need to help with one event a year.
Motion to adjourn at 7:38 pm, seconded and approved.
Respectfully submitted by Lisa Carney, Secretary