May 2018 4-H Newsletter
State 4-H Public Speaking Tournament
The 4-H State Public Speaking Tournament was held on April 7th at the University of Maine Orono. This years event was highly attended by more participating youth than ever before! Youth who qualified at the county level were invited to compete at the state level. Presentations took place simultaneously in four different rooms, followed by social time, while attendees awaited the completion of judging. We closed the afternoon with an awards ceremony to recognize our talented presenters, dedicated leaders, parents, and volunteers.
Of the 55 youth presenting from around the state three were from Hancock County. Congratulations to Mckenzie E., Margaret R.G. and Zoe S. for their participation in this event and representing Hancock County. All three received blue ribbons! (Mikaila L. from Washington County is also pictured)
Upcoming Dates to Remember
May 8: 6:30 p.m., Leaders’ Meeting, Extension Office
May 10: 4:00 p.m., Style Revue Dress Rehearsal, Latter Day Saints Church, Ellsworth
May 11: 6:30 p.m., Style Revue at the Latter Day Saints Church, Ellsworth
May 12: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Maine’s 1st Annual State Contest of the Wildlife Habitat Education Program at Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Regional Headquarters in Gray
May 18-19: 2018 4H@UMaine
May 28: Memorial Day, Extension Office Closed
June 8-10: 4-H June Jamboree at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds, REGISTRATION OPEN!
June 12: 6:30 p.m., Leaders’ Meeting, Extension Office
June 30: Animal Approval Forms are Due in the Extension Office
July 20: Photos for 4-H County Photo Contest are due in the Extension Office
July 20-22: Maine 4-H Days at the Windsor Fairgrounds
4-H News
Leaders’ Meeting
This month’s Leaders’ Association meeting will be on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 6:30 pm. If you would like to come, but travel is too far, how about joining us by video. If you have a computer with a camera, we can get you set up! With our video technology at the Extension Office, up to 20 different folks can “beam in.” Call the office at 207.667.8212 ahead of time if you would like to participate from home. Please come and help make the discussion a lively one!
Style Revue
The Style Revue will be on Friday, May 11 at the Latter Day Saints Church in Ellsworth, at 6:30 p.m. Dress rehearsal will be on Thursday, May 10th at 4 pm. All projects are due in the Extension Office on Friday, May 4th. The theme this year is “What a Wonderful World.” Come see our 4-Hers modeling their sewing projects!
Photo Contest, NEW for 2018!
Check out our new category and guidelines! Details are also on our Hancock County 4-H page. Deadline to submit photos to the Extension Office is July 20th.
Welcome New VOLTed Volunteers
We are pleased to announce newly a VOLTed leader who has completed her training and paperwork in Hancock County.
- Amberosity Gott of Franklin: We’re sure many remember Amberosity (Davis) as a very active 4-Her in the early 2000’s.
Welcome back to the 4-H family!
Follow a Researcher
What do green crabs, ducks, and parasites have in common? How do scientists make sure the data they collect is accurate? What is an invasive species, and how can they be identified? Maine 4-H invites youth to explore the science of tracking invasive species with its Follow a Researcher® program. Follow UMaine graduate student Tyler Van Kirk and his research on green crabs, an invasive species found along the coast of Maine. Students and educators can follow his data collection trips in real-time with an online map and try an experiential learning activity that shows why data collection methods matter. Live updates will happen weekly via Twitter. You can follow along and sign up for updates/announcements on the Cooperative Extension’s Follow a Researcher page.
Paper Clover Campaign
Tractor Supply Co. and 4-H just completed another successful spring Paper Clover Campaign! There was just under $1 million raised nationwide, and just over $7 thousand raised in Maine. Great job everyone!
Aquaponics SPIN Club
We’re looking forward to staring an Aquaponics SPIN Club Pilot Program this summer. We’d like to know who is interested in this topic so we can find the dates, times, and locations that work for you! Contact the Extension Office if you are interested and share this with someone you think may be interested in a youth aquaponics SPIN Club. Details will follow.
Animal Approval Forms
If you plan to show an animal in any 4-H classes this year, including at the Blue Hill Fair, you must submit an animal approval form by June 30, 2018. Small pets and Poultry are the only exception; all other animals (Horse, Beef, Sheep, Goat, Swine, etc) are required to have an Approval Form for 4-H Animal Shows (PDF).
Registration for 2018 June Jamboree is Now Open!
2018 June Jamboree will be held on June 8, 9, and 10 at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds!
Start planning for a fun filled weekend full of exciting workshops and livestock activities. We have something for everyone! Some of the new and exciting workshops this year include Aquaculture: Farming Fish, Felted Animal Toys, Knots for Land and Sea, Pebble Art, Printmaking Fun, String Art, Summer Olympics, VermiCondos and more!
For a complete list of workshops visit the 4-H June Jamboree page.
Throughout the weekend animal project clinics include 4-H Beef, Dog, Goat, Horse and Sheep!
Be sure to drop by this “Anytime Science” or “Anytime Craft” table at any point throughout the day, between workshops or during your downtime. You can explore the science behind animal germs with staff from Maine CDC, check out seaweed samples collected from Penobscot Bay. Come and explore your creative side and make origami, decoupage bottles, painted oven mitts and more! You must Resister by May 16th!
Maine’s 1st Annual State Contest of the Wildlife Habitat Education Program
Maine’s 1st Annual State Contest of the Wildlife Habitat Education Program is being held at Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Regional Headquarters in Gray on Saturday, May 12th, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Students will compete in four areas: Wildlife Challenge, Wildlife Management Practices, Written Management Plan, and Oral Reasons. No pre-registration is required! For more information visit Maine Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) Facebook page or the National Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) website.
Club News
Horse of Course
The youth from the Horse of Course club are working on compiling a 4-H recipe cookbook, and learning about horse digestive systems. They were visited by a special guest this month, Sharon Longley, who showed them proper leading techniques using Mabel the donkey as the role model.
Free 2 Be
This group has been busy with goat kidding season! For the 4th year, Hancock County’s Free 2 Be 4-H Club will be sending goat kids to UMaine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Tanglewood this summer. At their April club meeting, they learned all about wethering goats to get them ready for their new owners.
Horse & Rider
Members went to Our Furry Kiddos Siberian Husky Rescue Kennels. Rema and Lewis Mitchell rescue Huskies and give them a loving home. They rely on volunteers and donations to care for their beautiful dogs. The members were introduced to all of the dogs and two puppies and were allowed to play with them as Rema explained how each was rescued. After, Rema showed us the different shed that they use when sled dog racing. Thank you Rema and Lewis for your kind hospitality. The members really enjoyed visiting with you and all of the dogs.
Submitted by Sally Jordan, 4-H leader
The third “H” in 4-H is for HANDS and represents the opportunity to value and practice service for others through GENEROSITY – an essential element of 4-H. This is a wonderful example of Hancock County 4-H’ers helping others through action by giving back to Last Stop Horse Rescue. Great Job Horse & Rider 4-H Club! The following was posted on the Last Stop Horse Rescue Facebook page by Joyce Pomeroy:
Sharing a heartwarming moment… At Christmas, I had given out as gifts several of the “Believe in Miracles” children’s books. One of the groups that received a book from me was the “Horse & Rider 4-H Club” in Ellsworth, Maine. Today I headed to the Post Office to pick up my mail and found a beautiful letter, a picture with a few members of this 4-H group holding the “Believe in Miracles” book, a sweet picture of two donkeys, Jelly Beans and Skittles and a $65 donation from this group. Our 4-H kids wanted to send you a donation for the horses. They donated bottles and cans, loose change and even one boy’s savings! With love, Heather Linnehan, Sally Jordan, and the Horse & Rider kids: Charity, Carsyn, Carrie, Mallory, Ian, Donnie, Olivia, Payton, Mckenzie and Grace.
As I sat in the parking lot of the Post Office looking at the picture of these young adults, I really felt that even though there are many sad and disappointing things happening in this world, there are still many beautiful good people that truly want to do what they can to make a difference. For months this group was working hard to help with the horses and I had no idea they were even doing this. I pictured this group planning a way to help and then putting this plan into action. I have to say this was a very emotional moment. . . I just love these kids! I love their hearts and their need to be a part of something good in this world. Believe in our youth and know that with our leadership and guidance, they can and will make a difference!
State News
Register Starting June 1st for 2018 Maine 4-H Days
Maine 4-H Days will take place July 20 – 22, 2018 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. If you do not have online access, please contact your local county office for paper copies of the forms. Find information and registration materials on the Maine 4-H Days page.
Registration opens on June 1st. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, please contact Sarah Sparks at sarah.sparks@maine.edu or 207.353.5550.
Oxford County 4-H June Jamboree
Oxford County 4-H June Jamboree Livestock Clinic, Working Steer, and Horse Clinic is being held June 8th through June 10th at the Fryeburg Fair Grounds, 1154 Main Street, Fryeburg Maine. Workshops are designed for youth completing project work in the areas of sheep, swine, working steer and horse. Horseless riders are also welcome. Rabies vaccines will be available. A Big E Try Out for Working Steer is being held Sunday Morning.
Workshops will include washing, clipping, showmanship, animal handling and learning activities around zoonotic disease.
There is a $20.00 registration fee for everyone attending. Camper space is available and meals will be provided starting with breakfast Saturday morning through lunch on Sunday. Check-in begins Friday evening after 5:00 p.m. For more information about Oxford County June Jamboree please email maisy.cyr@maine.eduor rebecca.mosley@maine.edu. This event is open to 4-H Families from all counties. Adults and youth must preregister online due to insurance regulations and help with meal and activity planning.
Check with your county office for the online registration link which will be available soon. Registration deadline is May 25th.
4-H Summer Camp Programs – Register Now!
Registration is open for summer programs at the UMaine 4-H Centers at Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond, and Tanglewood for youth ages 8-17. Camps start up June 24 and run through August 18 with week-long, two-week, and mini-camp sessions to fit your needs. Campers shape their experience through activity choice (STEM, swimming, archery, gardening, watershed and marine ecology, creative arts, boating, drama, group challenge and primitive skills), on adventures and trips, eating delicious home-cooked meals, and in wicked evening programs. Teen Leadership Programs build conscious young adults, through teamwork and community stewardship, and teach canoeing/backpacking skills while exploring Maine’s beautiful woods and waterways. Special scholarships for 4-H youth from the Maine 4-H Foundation and some scholarships for Conservation Education camps through Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at Tanglewood and Bryant Pond. To learn more, visit the 4-H Camps and Learning Centers page or contact your local office.
Agricultural Labor Field Day
In collaboration, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Labor (DOL) and Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) invites you to participate in the Agricultural Labor Field Day, Thursday, May 3rd, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at KVCC’s Alfond Recreational Center located on KVCC’s Hinckley Campus in Hinckley, Maine.
The Agricultural Labor Field Day aims to connect young adults interested in professional and academic agricultural careers with local jobs in a variety of agriculture fields and/or undergraduate programming in Sustainable Agriculture, Culinary Arts, and Business Administration at KVCC.
This is also an opportunity to meet with workforce training and professional development staff from KVCC and DOL to review your resumes and get job search advice. In addition, KVCC will also provide tours of their farm during the event.
Schedule of events:
- 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Doors open to the public. Open fair format for participants to visit exhibits and for exhibitors to host interviews
- 10:00-10:30 a.m. First KVCC Farm Tour leaving the Alfond Rec Center
- 12:00-12:30 p.m. Last KVCC Farm Tour leaving the Alfond Rec Center.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information about this event and other agricultural opportunities please visit the Farm Labor Link Network page. We look forward to seeing you at our Agricultural Labor Field Day 2018. If you have any questions, please contact Yvette Meunier at 207.592.0640 or yvette.meunier@maine.gov.
2018 American Goat Federation Youth Scholarship Program
To encourage education and development of youth involved in the goat industry, AGF will accept scholarship applications from qualifying youth who enter and complete all requirements of the program. Projects must be received at the AGF office by August 20, 2018, and the Scholarship Application accompanied by a short biography must be received at the office No Later than 30 days prior to August 20, 2018. Entries will be judged by an independent panel and winners will be announced September 2018.
Applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 20, and under the age of 21 as of September 30, 2017. Applicants must be a member of the American Goat Federation, the child, grandchild, great-grandchild or stepchild, step grandchild or step great grandchild of a member of the American Goat Federation, or of any of the following member organizations of the American Goat Federation.
- The American Boer Goat Association (including Jr Association)
- The American Dairy Goat Association
- Alabama Meat Goat and Sheep Producers Association
- Cashmere Goat Association
- Texas Sheep and Goat Breeders Association
For more information visit The American Goat Federation website.
Maine 4-H Project Records, Reflection Tools and Digital Badges!
Maine 4-H is excited to roll out new 4-H project records, reflection tools and opportunities for digital badges. A team has been working to design the new records aligned with research and connections to Maine’s commitment to proficiency-based education in mind. We know that these won’t be perfect and are anxious to have YOU help us try them out and be part of the process. The new records are now posted online and can be found on the state 4-H website. We are also planning a few ways for you to be part of the team to ask questions and give feedback.
- Join our Google classroom community. This will be a place where volunteers and youth members are able to share real-time feedback about these tools.
- To join: Sign in at Classroom
- On the homepage, click Add – Join class
- Enter the code d9jmty and click Join.
- Participate in our live feedback sessions. Please save the date for feedback sessions. These will be conducted using Zoom. Register for these sessions with KymNoelle Hopson at 207.353.5550 or kymnoelle.hopson@maine.edu
- September 11, 2018 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
We are looking forward to having YOU as part of our team. If you have any questions please contact Kristy Ouellette, kristy.ouellette@maine.edu or 207.353.5550, extension 12.
Hancock County 4-H Leaders’ Association
April 10, 2018
Members Present: Dwight Sargent, Carla Scocchi, Rosie Evans, Terry Swazey, Don Evans Sr, Lisa Carney, Heather Linnehan, Bill Carney on the phone (N=5)
February Minutes: motion to accept as printed was made and passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Terry purchased a cash register for $40 for the food booth. Otherwise, expenses are good; motion to accept the report as read by Terry was made and passed.
Club Reports
Heather’s club will be going to the Furry Kids Husky rescue this weekend, they sent a cash donation to Last Stop Horse Rescue, and Downeast Animal Rescue will be the recipient of pet food. They are working on the Horse of My Own project.
Horse of Course: Meeting once a month, those that show up are very academically inclined. They are reading about the digestive system and quizzing each other.
Old Business
Public speaking: Had eight for the county, three went on to states. There was 53 kids total at states. We might want to send more volunteers next year. Donnie and Alia were pressed into service as timer/tabulators.
Project Records: Are the videos online yet? Carla is willing to visit clubs and go over them.
New Business
Jamboree: The committee met earlier in the evening.
Food Booth: Terry thought we might want to metal side/roof the booth. Get a quote to do it? Put some mouse bait down after the fair. Blue Hill now has a “No styrofoam” ordinance, can’t use it in the booth. No plastic bags. Dwight gave us the ordinances. Need a bin to recycle plastic silverware. We can have wrapped baked goods as long as they are wrapped beforehand. No more horse races at BHF 🙁
Style Review: Sev kids to be judged, 15-20 participants. Requesting $175 from the Leaders. May 11th at 6:00 p.m.
4H@UMaine: Not sure who if any are going from Hancock County. Grades 6-10, teen leaders grades 9-12. Carla will find out.
No CWF kids this year. Terry will roll over the funds to next year. Motion made and approved.
Office: Many donations to Tyler Baez. Maybe the leaders would like to contribute towards an office gift? Yes, $50. Need to send thank yous. CWF might be an appropriate place to apply for the funding? Picked up a theme for the BHF, “Geared for Success!” Need to send a check to the office to cover office costs; Terry wrote one for $1,000.
Paper clovers at Tractor Supply have started! If a club sets up a display, they will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Chances of winning are very good. Get in touch with the Extension Office and TC people. Tressa is the manager, Mike is the assistant manager at Ellsworth.
Add Carla to the minutes google doc list.
Meeting Adjourned 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Lisa Carney, Secretary
Cooking With The Kids
Yogurt Ice Pops
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces of non- or low-fat yogurt – 2 cups
- 16-ounce package of frozen fruit, the flavor of your choice
- 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin
- Sticks or plastic silverware
Directions: Drain liquid from defrosted frozen fruit. Put the fruit in a saucepan. Add gelatin. Heat slowly, stirring until the gelatin dissolves. Place this in a blender with the yogurt. Blend together. Pour into paper cups. Insert plastic spoons as handles. Cover with foil to keep handles in place. Freeze, Enjoy!
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Eat Well Program