June 2021 4-H Newsletter
4-H Happenings
A monthly newsletter for Hancock County 4-H Members
Download the PDF
Table of Contents
Upcoming Dates| County News | Club News | State News | Leaders Meeting Minutes |
Upcoming Dates to Remember
June 5-July 11 – June Jamboree
June 8 – 4:30 pm – Leaders’ Meeting via Zoom
June 12 – 8:30 am – noon – 4-H Dog Clinic – Old Town – See State News
June 14-August 20 – 4-H Summer Learning Series – See State News
June 30 – Animal Approval Forms Due in the Extension Office
July 2-5 – Extension Office Closed – Observing Independence Day
July 13 – 4:30 pm – Leaders’ Meeting via Zoom
July 23 – 2:00-5:00 pm – Maine State 4-H Horse Clinic – Skowhegan – See State News
July 24 – 9:00 am – Maine State 4-H Fun Show – Skowhegan – See State News
County News
Birdhouse Workshop
Community Education Assistant, Zabet NeuCollins, and volunteer, Aaron Dvorkin, recently taught the 2nd graders at Trenton Elementary School how to build a birdhouse for small birds such as titmice, chickadees, and more. The students used real tools, such as hammers and clamps, to create their birdhouses. This lesson complemented Ms. Schlaug’s spring curriculum, as the students were learning about birds and were counting birds for a community science project. Aaron is a finish-carpenter in Steuben.
Leaders’ Meeting – The next Leaders’ Association meeting will be by Zoom on June 8, at 4:30 pm. Email carla.scocchi@maine.edu for the private link.
New 4-H Meeting Guidelines – We are starting to see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel! Your 4-H Club Leaders will now be operating under some new guidelines for in-person meetings. Please view the4-H Meeting Checklist for a complete list of all guidelines, but here are some important updates:
– Meetings can be held indoors or outdoors
– Masks are required for all indoor meetings – regardless of vaccination status – for both youth and adults
– Masks are not required for outdoor meetings
– Social distance of THREE feet (not six) must be maintained between participants for all indoor meetings. This distance must be six feet between participants when anyone is eating or drinking.
Photo Contest Scavenger Hunt – Are you an avid photographer? New to the hobby? No matter what skill level, we encourage you to get out and practice your photography skills. Feeling stumped? Not sure what to photograph? No worries — we’ve created a scavenger hunt just for you. To see the scavenger hunt categories, visit: extension.umaine.edu/hancock/4h/2021-photo-scavenger-hunt/
Here’s the exciting part: all scavenger hunt participants will receive a ribbon AND a little “door-prize.” If you take a photo of one item in each category, you’ll be submitted into a raffle to win a larger prize. And if you choose to, you can submit any (or all!) of these photos to the 2021 Photo Contest. Entries submitted to the 2021 photo contest will be judged and the highest scorers will get a cash prize.
The 2021 Photo Contest deadline is July 31st, 2021. For more information and to see past entries, visit extension.umaine.edu/hancock/4h/photo-contest/. The scavenger hunt will end at the same time.
4-H at the Fair – We are excited to announce that 4-H events at the Blue Hill Fair will resume this summer! There are a few slight modifications, but for the most part, 4-H shows and events will carry on as usual. One of the most important modifications is that all projects being entered into the 4-H Exhibit Hall will be brought to the Hancock County Extension Office in Ellsworth instead of directly to the fairgrounds. 4-H Staff will set up all of the projects in the exhibit hall to be on display for the entirety of the Blue Hill Fair. The same will be true after the fair – you can pick up your project at the Extension Office at your convenience after the fair. This is to reduce the number of people coming on and off the fairgrounds and give youth and families more flexibility for dropping off and picking up their projects. Speaking of projects – don’t forget to enter one into this year’s 4-H Exhibit Hall! We will be updating our Blue Hill Fair 4-H webpage and the Blue Hill Fair Book over the coming weeks – so stay tuned for updates as they are announced. We look forward to seeing you at the fair again!
Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors (MALE) – Don’t forget, now is the time to get your application in to the Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors. Member ship in this organization covers families with liability insurance. This insurance is a requirement at all fairs in the state of Maine. You can now renew or join on line at: www.mainelivestockexhibitors.org/. Doing it on-line means getting your membership cards quicker, but don’t delay. You must show proof of this membership before you will be able to show.
June Jamboree – Thanks to everyone who signed up for the 2021 June Jamboree celebrations. We have compiled more than 12 activities for youth to do at their homes and four in-person workshops spread out across the county. Activities range from backyard camping, to geocaching, to birding, to more! We are looking forward to sharing these outdoor experiences with 4-H youth, friends and family members. A big thank you to the 4-H Leaders Association who made this event possible, and for community partners who helped create activities or who are offering a workshop: Ellsworth Public Library, ArtWaves, Blue Hill Heritage Trust, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, Lone
Spruce Farm, and Tim Parson, Orienteer.
Style Revue – Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2021 Style Revue! We want to especially thank 4-H Independent, Sherry, who sewed twelve pillowcases for the organization “Ryan’s Cases for Smiles.” Ryan’s Cases for Smiles is a national non-profit organization that collects home-made whimsical pillowcases for pediatric patients.
Thank you Sherry! Your pillowcases have helped twelve children and their families cope with the trauma of illness and of hospital visits. Also, Sherry was the winner of the $25 gift certificate to Mardens.
Congratulations to our Seniors – Congratulations to our seniors! Your 4-H family would like to extend their congratulations to the following 2021 high school seniors:
- Carsyn Dupuis, Horse & Rider – Home School
- Hannah Dyer, Horse of Course – George Stevens Academy
- Charity Garland, Horse & Rider – Home School
- Payton Hicks, Horse & Rider – Home School
- Kacie Sealy, Rails N’ Trails – Bucksport High School
Maine 4-H Foundation 2021 Scholarship Awards – Congratulations to Hannah Dyer, Horse of Course, for receiving the Nancy Arms, Chadwick and Barbara Arms Scholarship. To view the Maine 4-H Foundation 2021 Scholarships Presentation visit extension.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/2021-scholarships/.
Club News
Aquarium Club – The Aquarium Club is looking to expand its membership! Join us on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30pm via zoom. This is a laid-back group of kids who love talking about and learning about fish! This month we’ll be talking about how to take care of your fish when they get sick. For more info and to register
Peninsula Explorers 4-H Club –We wrapped up our Native Bees club this weekend with the
construction of wooden bee houses and planting a pollinator garden at the BHHT office. This was a wonderful session and we are so grateful to George Stevens Academy student and local Girl Scout Nora Spratt for running such an educational and fun filled program! Submitted by Club Leader Chrissy Allen
Horse & Rider – On May 8th, Horse & Rider club held a graduation party/awards ceremony for our three high school seniors, who graduated on May 15th. The three girls have been members of Horse & Rider since they were nine years old. Carsyn Dupuis, Charity Garland and Payton Hicks all joined the club at about the same time. We are really going to miss their sweet spirits and their helpful attitudes. All three girls completed the requirements for Level II Horsemanship and were awarded 4-H medallions. In addition, they received their 4-H belt buckles, engraved with their names.
Additionally, two other club members were awarded their Basic Horsemanship medallions. They have now moved on to Level I Horsemanship. Mallory Dupuis and Aliza Litchfield are the two recipients.
We are all looking forward to warm weather and outside activities n the next few months! Submitted by club leader, Heather Linnehan
State News
- 4-H Summer Learning Series – Register now!
Maine 4-H will offer its hands-on virtual summer learning series June 14–Aug. 20 with over 50 workshops open to all youth ages 5–18.
The 4-H Summer Learning Series includes learning tracks in arts and crafts, food and nutrition, STEM, marine science and aquaculture, animal science and agriculture, and teen leadership. The series opens with a magic show featuring 4-H alumnus and family-friendly entertainer Conrad Cologne!
In addition, this year’s ‘4-H@UMaine’ experience for teens will now be offered as one of the learning tracks. These online workshops will highlight University of Maine programs and opportunities and will be provided by UMaine faculty, staff, and students.
The series is free; registration is required. Early bird registration for enrolled 4-H’ers opens May 27 for part one and July 1 for part two. Offline projects that can be completed at home are also available. Register and find more information on the 4-H Summer Learning Series webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jessy Brainerd, 207.581.3877; brainerd@maine.edu. - Get Ready for the 2021 Virtual Exhibit Hall!
Start planning now to showcase your 4-H projects in the 2021 Virtual Exhibit Hall. There will be a couple of new categories to feature a broader view of your work! For now, you can check out the judging criteria, tips on photographing your projects, and the 2020 Virtual Exhibit Hall on the UMaine Extension website. Be on the lookout very soon for email announcements and updates to the website. - Save the Dates for 4-H Horse Events!
Maine State 4-H Horse Clinic for Advanced riders (12+). Friday July 23 from 2pm-5pmSkowhegan Fairgrounds. $30.00 per rider. Limited to 20
Maine State 4-H Fun Show! Saturday July 24 starting at 9am. Registration will open at 8am. Lead line classes, Alumni classes, showmanship, equitation and games! Fun for all 4-H horse members ages 5 and up. We will also have horseless activities and demonstrations too.
Families can choose to camp at Skowhegan Fairgrounds for a $25.00 per night fee. There will be stalls available. If your horse is staying on the grounds you must stay on the grounds. Animal Approval forms and appropriate vaccinations of horses will be required.
Registration for clinic and horse show will be available June 15th. FMI please visit https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/animal-science-resources/horse/We are still looking for class ideas and volunteers for the event. Please contact kristy.ouellette@maine.edu or erin.mcdonald1@maine.edu. - Spring 2021 4-H Dog Clinic
The Spring 2021 4-H Dog Clinic will be held June 12at UMaine Witter Farm, Farm Road, Old Town, ME, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The clinic is open to youth ages 9-18. You do not need to own a dog to participate. For more information and to register, visit the 4-H Dog Clinic webpage or contact Sheila Norman at norman@maine.edu or 942-7396. Be sure to register soon as the last day to sign up is June 3rd! - UMaine Offers Summer Camps and Academic Programs!
The Early College Program allows students to take college courses while they are still in high school. Students can take these courses either tuition-free or at a reduced early college rate. If you are a high school student interested in taking some college courses this summer, visit the Early CollegeFor a listing of Youth summer camps affiliated with the University of Maine, visit the Youth Summer Camps website. - Maine 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafe Survey
We are looking for feedback from youth in grades 7-12 as we plan the Fall season of Maine 4-H Virtual Teen Science Cafes! If you know a youth who has previously participated or who might like to participate, please send them our survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWCt33P8YfPrI4c4iB8SpeiX6N1qWKurWvnKwxE2UNN_ICAA/viewform - July ESE 4-H Event
If you are considering participating in the July ESE 4-H event please go to this website for information: https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/4-h/packets.We encourage everyone to check this site frequently for updated packets and we will do our best to pass along updates as we find out about them. It appears that most commodities are using the same on-line registration system that they have used in the past. Please work with your local county staff for staff signatures as needed. - 4-H Fridays on the Farm
University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program is offering a new Summer series, 4-H Fridays on the Farm, to get teens ages 12-18 engaged in Maine agriculture. Current 4-H enrollment is not necessary for participation. Program materials and instruction are FREE.The goal of 4-H Fridays on the Farm is to expose teens ages 12-18 to Maine agriculture and create workforce development skills through a variety of different hands-on, farm visits throughout the state. Teens may join for one session or all four to experience what different farms across the state have to offer. Each session will include an opportunity for teens to take a tour of operations, gain hands-on experience, and consider their role in the Maine Food System.4-H Fridays on the Farm is the first educational offering in a series developed by the Maine 4-H Agricultural Leadership Team. For more information on future activities please visit: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/youth/ag-leadership/.- Mulberry Farms, Raymond, ME —July 16, 2021, 9:00AM-12:00PM: Mulberry Farms in Raymond, Maine is run by the Pecoraro Family. Mulberry Farms specializes in organic fruits and vegetables.
- Rustic Roots Farm, Farmington, ME — July 23, 2021, 9:00AM-12:00PM: Rustic Roots Farm is a small-scale farm in Farmington, Maine producing sustainably-grown mixed vegetables. They offer weekly farm shares, and sell locally to restaurants and the public at Farmers markets.
- Seed Pro Inc, Island Falls, ME — July 30, 2021, 9:00AM-12:00PM: Seed Pro Inc, along with the family farm, Daniel J. Corey Farm based in Monticello, centers around the development, production and harvesting of potatoes. At their Island Falls facility, which includes a research laboratory and greenhouse, they develop seed for distribution throughout the entire East Coast.
- Brigeen Farms, Turner, ME —August 6, 2021 9:00AM-12:00PM: Brigeen Farms is a tenth generation family-owned and operated dairy farm Since 1777, they have cared for dairy cows and produced fresh, high-quality milk as part of Maine’s strong dairy industry
For more information or to register please visit: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/4-h-summer-learning/fridays-on-the-farm-registration/
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call Sara Conant at 207.781.6099 or 800.287.1471 (in Maine) to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however all requests will be considered. For more information call 207-781-6099 or email sara.conant@maine.edu.
Leaders Meeting Minutes
HANCOCK COUNTY 4-H LEADERS’ ASSOCIATION
May 11th, 2021
–Zoom meeting due to COVID-19–
Present- Lisa Carney, Lee Sargent, Heather Linnehan, Terry Swazey and office staff Carla Scocchi and Zabet NeuCollins (6).
Terry read the treasurer’s report.
Old Business:
- Updated COVID19 guidelines – Last week UMaine released some new guidelines. Outdoor programs can now run at 100% capacity, as long as there is 6 feet of space per person. This includes the Blue Hill Fair. Meetings can now include more people. Also masks are now recommended, not required, when outdoors and socially distanced. We can meet indoors at 75% capacity with the 6’ limit, masks are required. No meetings at the extension office until the fall. The University system wants to be back to normal by September.
- Jamboree update (Zabet) – registration is now open, everything is running as expected. The workshops are confirmed. Participants are limited to 10 per workshop, with exceptions so family can attend together.
New Business:
- Steer Ticket Raffle – We should be able to sell tickets this summer and at the fair. A motion was made to sell steer tickets this year. Seconded and passed. Jason’s Butcher Shop in Albion may be a good alternative butcher if needed. We have been getting 6000 tickets per year; should we get the same? More or less? Online Paypal account?
- Exhibit Hall – collect projects at the extension office and bring them over to the fair. Probably not going to have as many as in previous years. Need to think of a theme for the year, need for the fair book by June 1st. There will also be a virtual exhibit hall this year, we can have a screen in the hall to show them.
- No activity tent this year.
Meeting adjourned at 5:30.
Respectfully submitted by Lisa Carney, Secretary