Items on display in the exhibit hall on green bleachers. Items include woven baskets, painted items, a Lego sculpture, weaving projects, origami, bootjacks, glasswork, and jewelry.
Blue Hill Fair 2026-Photo Credit: Staff, Andrea M

September 2026 4-H Newsletter

September 11, 2026 4-H News

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

September 1 – Last chance to drop off exhibits to Blue Hill Fairgrounds 4-H Exhibit Hall at 12 pm
September 1 – Woodlawn Homeschool Fair at 1:00
September 3 to September 7– Blue Hill Fair
September 7 – Office Closed for Labor Day
September 17 – 4-H Leaders Association Meeting 6:30pm
September 30 – Lock, Stock, and Barrel Informational Meeting and Potluck, 6:00 pm
October 1 – 4-H Re-enrollment Begins
October 9 – Project Records Due
October 4-10 – National 4-H Week
October 12 – Office Closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 17 – Cloverfest Celebration at 10 a.m.- Register Now!
November 20 – County Re-enrollment Deadline

County News

4-H at the Blue Hill Fair

A huge thank you to all the 4-H’ers who submitted exhibits this year! Seeing what our youth create when given the space to learn new skills, experiment, and express themselves is endlessly inspiring. We love watching our youth excitedly share their projects with us during drop-off.

Our 10 incredible judges generously volunteered their time to give thoughtful, encouraging feedback on every single project. Thank you, judges, for showing how easy it is to love 4-H. Beyond the judging tables, a massive thank you goes to the families and volunteers who helped pitch in, set up, and decorate the 4-H Exhibit Hall. We truly couldn’t do this without you.

Finally, the Blue Hill Fair wouldn’t be complete without the 4-H Food Booth. Powered by an extraordinary wave of volunteer support, this year was another resounding success. Running the booth is a herculean community effort, and every dollar raised goes straight toward supporting Hancock County 4-H programming all year long.

Thank you for making this year unforgettable!

The Exhibit Hall

We had 46 exhibitors enter 149 exhibits and receive $1590 in premiums. We also had three clubs put in club projects. Way to go, Pine Tree Pioneers, Clever Caprines, and Shoes n Shears for their club projects! We are so proud of everyone for contributing their unique creations to the 4-H Exhibit Hall!

Best Projects:

Crafts – Annabelle S, Service Squad
Crafts-Textiles – Annie S, Horse of Course
Garden – Elara M, Pine Tree Pioneers
Flowers– Lila D, Independent
Creativity Unlimited – Lila D, Independent
Crafts-Metalwork – Nayeli M, Independent
Photography – Olivia C, Service Squad
Sculpture – Owen C, Independent
Food– Ruby B, Independent
Engineering – Wyatt B, Independent

Lynne Clement Award – Elara M, Pine Tree Pioneers
Best in Show – Lila D, Independent
Razor Crosman – Joey D, Somerset County, Independent

Steer Ticket Results!

Thank you to everyone who participated or donated to the steer raffle.  This year’s top seller was Coryann S from the Jolly Juniors! The steer was graciously raised by Roger Gray in Waltham. Our winner this year was Jerry Miller from Somerville. Congratulations Jerry, and thank you for supporting 4-H!

Cloverfest Recognition Celebration

Hancock County 4-H members, families, and volunteers are invited to join us for the annual Cloverfest Recognition Celebration on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Hancock County Extension Office in Ellsworth!

This afternoon will celebrate the accomplishments of Hancock County 4-H members and recognize the dedicated volunteers who make local 4-H programs possible. Attendees can enjoy hands-on 4-H workshop stations, celebrate the year’s successes, and take time to show appreciation for our amazing volunteers.

Snacks will be provided courtesy of the Hancock County Leaders’ Association. We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of fun, celebration, and 4-H spirit!

Date: October 17th
Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Where: Hancock County Cooperative Extension Office
Theme: Wildlife
Register for Cloverfest

Registration is required by October 12, 2026.

Local 4-H Workshops and Events

Blue Hill Public Library

Salted Watercolor Waves – September 16, 2026 (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
Embrace a little chaos in your art! Join Leah from Maine 4-H at the Blue Hill Public Library on September 16, 2026, from 3:30 – 4:30 pm for a watercolor beach scene tutorial. The catch is that we’ll add a special ingredient to the mix, so our watercolors will bloom beautifully, mimicking nature. Watch in amazement as salt crystals transform your work before your eyes. Your waves will go from dull to dashing in a second!

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 are due to the office on October 9, 2026, so if you haven’t already, start by visiting our project records webpage. As always, contact the office with any questions!

Re-enrollment

Another 4-H year begins on October 1! Re-enrollment instructions will be included in the October newsletter, so be sure to review it carefully upon arrival. All volunteers and members must complete re-enrollment by November 20. 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.

Club News

Fishing Club

The Fishing Club had one regular meeting this month. We went back to basics, discussed what we do as a club, and youth practiced their Palomar knot tying.  Parents were able to help support and learn something new as well. Club members participated in the 4-H Downeast Fly Fishing Day at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery, presented by Down East Trout Unlimited President Al West and several volunteers.  Twelve youth and their parents enjoyed three presentations, lunch, and two hands-on workshops.  Topics included the history and evolution of Fly Fishing, Species Identification of Maine’s most important recreational fishes, and the importance of conservation and DETU’s role in that effort.  In the afternoon, the youth went outside for casting instruction on fly rods and spin rods, with an opportunity to learn Fly Tying.

Volunteer leaning around youth to help her tie a fly using vice grips and thread.
DETU volunteer Bob helps Pearl tie a fly, as Isaac focuses on creating his fly.
2 volunteers from the Downeast Trout Unlimited (DETU) instructing 3 youth with casting in a grassy field.
Downeast Trout Unlimited (DETU) volunteers Al and Rob teach youth how to cast.
Downeast Trout Unlimited volunteer, Bob, teaching youth, Eliza, to tie a fly.
-Photo Credit: Volunteer, Dawn RDowneast Trout Unlimited (DETU) volunteer, Bob, teaching Eliza how to tie a fly.

Lock, Stock, and Barrel

There will be an informational meeting on signing up for the Lock, Stock, and Barrel 4-H club on Wednesday, September 30th at 6 pm at the Blue Hill Rifle and Pistol Club on Range Rd in Blue Hill. There will be an ice cream social first, followed by the information meeting. The Lock, Stock, and Barrel 4-H club is a youth club for children ages 9 to 18. The Club is a shooting sports program that offers a number of different disciplines: rifle, shotgun, archery, wildlife, and black powder. The club meets once a week on Wednesday at 6 pm.  Rifle Course starts October 7th. If youth are interested in learning more about our program or to enroll, please contact Norwood and Becky Ames, club coordinators. Call 567-3066 and leave a message. Please leave your name and phone number clearly stated, or call the Hancock County Extension Office at 207-667-8212.

State News

Extension Tractor Safety for Beginners:  Behind the Wheel with Confidence
Monday, September 28, 2026 from 2:30 – 6:00 p.m.

UMaine Rogers Farm, 941 Bennoch Road, Old Town, Maine 04468

Workshop Description:  Join UMaine Extension’s Farm and Tractor Safety Team at the UMaine Rogers Farm in Old Town for a hands-on tractor workshop in a supportive, low-pressure environment to build real confidence behind the wheel.  We will practice key safety protocols, equipment basics, starting, stopping, steering, and operating a tractor around obstacles, plus interactive activities to reinforce safety concepts and equipment hitching methods.  Our goal is to remove the intimidation factor from tractor operation. Guided by patient instructors, you’ll practice core skills at a comfortable pace alongside peers who are also starting fresh. You will leave with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to tackle farm tasks safely and independently.  Light refreshments will be provided.

Audience: This program is designed specifically for new, hesitant, or aspiring operators.  Participants must be 14 years old or older to drive the tractor. Participants or a guardian must complete an assumption of risk document before participating.

This work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Link for more information and to register.

Save the Date: Maine 4-H Day at UMaine Football
Join Maine 4-H at the University of Maine on Saturday, October 17, as the Black Bears take on Bryant University! The game begins at 1:00 p.m. Come early to connect with other 4-H members and families, learn about upcoming 4-H opportunities, and enjoy time together before cheering on the UMaine football team.

Tickets will be $15 per person. You can purchase your tickets on the 4-H Football Experience page. We hope you can join us!

4-H Super Sitters Virtual Series
Learn the basics of babysitting through our introductory 4-H Super Sitters Virtual Series! 4-H
staff will introduce interested teens to the basics of babysitting – what questions to ask
families, how to hold a baby and change a diaper, and the development stages of children.
This workshop is targeted for youth ages 11-18, with a maximum of 12 youth participants.
The last session, December 1, will be a hybrid model, in-person location(s) to be determined.
Register by September 30, 2026.
Who: Ages 11 – 18
When: Tuesdays, October 27 – December 1, 2026, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Where: Virtual – connect from home, we will mail key materials
How: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub, registration information is posted under
Healthy Living

4-H Volunteer Storytellers
What makes someone choose to volunteer? What inspires them to keep showing up and
making a difference? In this virtual 4-H SPIN club, teens will become Volunteer Storytellers,
learning how to uncover and share the stories behind the people who give their time to help
others. Together they will explore why volunteering matters and why recognizing volunteers
is important. They’ll learn about developing thoughtful interview questions, practice
interviewing skills, and conduct an interview with a real volunteer. Then use what they learn
to create an engaging social media post that celebrates the volunteer and shares their story
with the community.
Cost: Free
Who: Ages 14+
When: Tuesdays, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Where: Virtual – on Zoom
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2026
How: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub, registration information is posted under
Healthy Living

Power Protectors: 4-H STEM Challenge
How much energy do we use and how can we power our world with sun, wind, and other renewable energy? Step into the role of an engineer in this hands-on challenge! We will explore basic energy concepts, figure out how much energy we use, and experiment with alternative energy.  We will apply problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration skills to design challenges.
Who: Ages 9 – 12

When: Mondays, September 19, 26 & October 5th 4:00-5:00 pm

Where: Virtual – connect from home; we will mail key materials

How: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub, registration information will be posted under STEAM

Apply for the 2027 Ignite by 4-H Maine Team
Applications are now open for the 2027 Ignite by 4-H Maine Team. All Maine youth ages 14–18 are eligible to apply.

Ignite by 4-H will take place March 17–21, 2027, in Washington, D.C. Youth applying for the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) track should plan to attend March 16–21, 2027. Applications are due September 15, 2026. 2027 Ignite by 4-H Youth Application.

Volunteer News

September 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!

September Volunteer Self-Check – Tell us How You Did!
Over the past couple of months, we have shared information about developmental relationships.
When you show an interest, create connections, and offer encouragement, you are helping to
build a strong relationship with youth. Take a little time this month to reflect on your
developmental relationships with 4-H youth. Small actions create lasting impact. Ask yourself
the following questions:

How did I show a young person I care?
How did I challenge them to grow?
How did I support their goals?

Fill out this short form to answer any of the three questions by Friday, September 25th. Your
name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! You make a difference! Tell us
how you do it!

4-H Volunteer Summit

Saturday, November 7, 2026

This event is going to be so much fun! Along with interactive workshops and a 4-H Discovery Zone, there will be a delicious lunch and door prizes! Save the date, check out the 4-H Volunteer Summit webpage and look for registration to open soon!

Resource Corner

Resource Spotlight
As a 4-H volunteer, protecting your own well-being is essential to prevent burnout and
sustainably guide youth. Set clear boundaries on your time, share responsibilities with co-
leaders or parents, take regular breaks during busy project seasons, and remember that it is
okay to say no to extra tasks. For more information, take a look at this self-care resource from
Mississippi State University Extension.

Leaders’ Meeting Minutes

Via Zoom. Attendees: Lisa Carney, Leah McCluskey, Terry Swazey, Joannie Jodrey, Andrea Mahoney, Sarah Swazey, Elaine Gokey and Lee Sargent

The Treasurer’s reports for May, June, and July were reviewed and accepted as read by Terry. All of the Jamboree bills have been paid, and Dawn received the funds for Downeast Trout Unlimited. Terry has signed all the paperwork for the new insurance.

The July Leaders Association Meeting minutes were accepted as written in the newsletter.

Club Reports:

  • 4-H Fishing Club- Had a great day with Downeast Trout Unlimited; ~12 youth attended.
  • Lock, Stock & Barrel- A donor has offered to help upgrade the rifle range!
  • Service squad- met the last three weeks in a row. Picked out fabric to make more dog bandanas. They will be on sale at Shaw’s on the 28th to support the SPCA, and at the Blue Hill Fair as well. 
  • Pine Tree Pioneers- do not meet in the summer, but will be meeting next week to organize Fair submissions.

New Business:

  • Fair Passes- Lisa needs two, Lee needs 3, Terry needs 1. Plus some for the food booth.
  • Cloverfest- where and when? Saturdays (17th or 24th of Oct)  and Fridays work well. 
    • Do it the 17th with a rain date of the 24th. 
    • Could be a group service project (pack goodie bags?)
    • 10-12 at the office.
    • Still need a theme!

Old Business:

  • Food Booth- time to sign up for a shift at the food booth!
  • Insurance- new policy starts August 18th. Gina Boudreau of Rousseau insurance out of Biddeford. 

Office Business:

  • Leah met with Karen who will be replacing Susan Jennings as the new director of the 4H Foundation. Was a 4H professional in New Hampshire and will continue to work from there. Should be good help writing grants. Would like to attend a Leaders Meeting. She plans to be very hands on and plans to work one day a week from a different county office.

Motion to adjourn at 7:32 pm

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Carney, Secretary