{"id":17712,"date":"2025-12-03T12:13:28","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T17:13:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/?p=17712"},"modified":"2026-04-13T16:51:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T20:51:32","slug":"december-2025-4-h-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/2025\/12\/03\/december-2025-4-h-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"December 2025 4-H Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

4-H Happenings<\/h3>\n

A monthly newsletter for Hancock County 4-H Members<\/em><\/h4>\n
\n

Table of Contents<\/h3>\n

Upcoming Dates<\/a>| County News<\/a> | Club News<\/a> | State News<\/a> | Volunteer News<\/a>| Leaders’ Meeting Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

<\/a>Upcoming Dates to Remember<\/h3>\n

November 29 to December 15 –<\/strong> Tractor Supply Paper Clover<\/span> Campaign
\nDecember 3 –<\/strong> Insect Olympics at the Blue Hill Public Library, 3:30 pm
\nDecember 12 –<\/strong> Arctic Explorations at the Ellsworth Public Library, 3:00 pm
\nDecember 18 –<\/strong> 4-H Game Night at the Extension Office, 4:30 pm
\nDecember 24 – 25<\/strong> Office Closed for Holiday
\nDecember 30 – <\/strong>State Deadline for Re-enrollment – No Exceptions
\nJanuary 1<\/strong> – <\/strong>Office Closed for Holiday
\nJanuary 6 –<\/strong> Intent to Sell Beef Project at Fryeburg Fair Form Due (see state news)
\nJanuary 11 –<\/strong> Speak Up Workshop (2:00 – 4:30 pm)<\/p>\n

\n

<\/a>County News<\/h3>\n

Local 4-H Workshops and Events<\/h4>\n

Insect Olympics <\/strong>\u2013\u00a0December 3, 2025 (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
\nDo 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.<\/p>\n

Arctic Explorations<\/strong> \u2013 December 12, 2025 (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
\nDo 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!<\/p>\n

4-H Game Night<\/strong> \u2013 December 18, 2025 (4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
\nThe 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll have all kinds of games – from big group favorites to chill two-player options – so there\u2019s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring a friend (or a few!), but don\u2019t forget to RSVP<\/a>! <\/span>We\u2019ll also have some seasonal snacks and refreshment options, but feel free to bring along your own treats to enjoy! See you all there!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"4
4-H Staff - Leah M<\/span>“Cloverbuds getting ready to SPEAK UP!” Photo Credit: Staff, Leah M<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Speak Up, Maine 4-H! Public Speaking Workshop<\/strong> \u2013 January 11, 2025 (2:00 pm – 4:30 pm)<\/p>\n

Hancock County will be hosting a public speaking workshop on Sunday, January 11th, from 2:00 – 4:30 pm. By attending this workshop, youth will begin to learn what it takes to give a good presentation and get the chance to practice the skills they learn in small groups! Small snacks and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so sign up today on the Hancock County Public Speaking website<\/a>\u00a0to reserve your place or contact the Extension Office at 207.667.8212.<\/p>\n

Public Speaking!<\/h4>\n

Attention Hancock County! Do you have youth who LOVE to talk? Or maybe some kids who want to step out of their comfort zone?<\/p>\n

Save the Date<\/strong>: All of our 4-H youth are invited to prepare for this year\u2019s Hancock County 4-H Public Speaking Tournament, which will be held on Saturday, March 14, time and location TBD. <\/span>The state Public Speaking event will be held on Saturday, April 11th at the University of Maine in Orono. The snow date is Sunday, April 12. Stay tuned for events and details on our <\/span>website<\/span><\/a> soon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Re-enrollment<\/h4>\n

Another 4-H year has begun! Andrea has sent out ZSuite instructions, so take a look through your inbox for help! All volunteers and members must complete re-enrollment by December 30 per state standards. If you haven’t already, a staff member will be reaching out to see how we can help you through the process. If you are experiencing issues using the online portal, ZSuite<\/a>, please contact Andrea at andrea.mahoney@maine.edu<\/a> or 207-667-8212 so we can help you through the process. You can also visit 4h.zsuite.org to get started!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Leaders’ Banquet<\/h4>\n

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped create such a special night! Hosted at the Hancock County Extension Office on November 20, 2025, 19 leaders from all over Hancock County (and state!) came out to celebrate their commitment to 4-H. Between a delightful dinner, fun-filled raffle, and great conversation, we couldn’t have hoped for a better night. This community means so much, and we can’t wait to see it continue to grow!<\/p>\n

Volunteer Milestones:<\/strong> Thank you again to all of our 4-H volunteers! Whether you support our youth personally or behind the scenes at our events, know your time is appreciated. Leaders who have reached significant milestones this year through their volunteer service with 4-H are listed below.<\/p>\n

First Year: <\/b>Dianna Donahue – Grindle and Erin Kinney
\nFive Years:<\/strong> Melissa Malmstedt
\nForty-Five Years<\/strong>: Chris Kravitt
\nFifty-Five Years:<\/strong> Ken Silsby<\/p>\n

Photo Contest<\/h4>\n

Good news! After much deliberation, our photo contest judges say that Hancock County 4-H is full of wonderful photographers! Your ribbons and feedback will be mailed to you, so be on the lookout.<\/p>\n

Thank you to all of the participants in this year\u2019s photo contest:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Finn M, Independent<\/li>\n
  • Sadie M, Independent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t