KL 4-H Newsletter—January 2026
Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
January 6 Fryeburg Fair Beef Intent to Sell form due
January 8 Annual Meeting of Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association (KLLA), KL Extension office, 6 pm
January 9 Deadline to register for Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club
January 15 Eastern States Exposition Beef Intent to Participate form due
January 21 Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth (a Volunteer Connections online session), 6:30 – 8 pm
January 26 Last day to contact 4-H staff about participating in Maple Sugaring 101
January 31 Oxton Trust Applications due
February 12 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 6 pm, Zoom only
March 7 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Public Speaking Tournament, 1-4pm, Extension office, Waldoboro, snow date 3/14 (registration coming soon)
January Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Charlotte R., Levi B., and Mila S.!
Leaders Association Seeks Officer Nominations
The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association is seeking nominations for key officer roles, each for a term of one year. Any enrolled Knox-Lincoln 4-H volunteer may nominate themself or another enrolled KL 4-H volunteer. These roles can be filled by any 4-H volunteer enrolled in Knox and Lincoln Counties, be they independent, a club leader, or an assistant club leader.
Three of our current officers have self-nominated to continue their roles, while the role of President is currently open. Early nominations are as follows:
• President: no nominations yet
• Vice President: Charly Peaslee
• Treasurer: Carol Higley-Ramsdell
• Secretary: Joelle Albury
Nominations are being accepted for all officer positions through December 31, and we are particularly looking for someone to take on the role of president. In brief, the president’s job is mainly to run monthly meetings (mostly held on Zoom), set meeting agendas in conjunction with 4-H staff, and send out email reminders for those meetings. The president oversees the activities of the association and is occasionally consulted by 4-H staff on decision making pertaining to association relations. Officers will be voted in at KLLA’s Annual Meeting on January 8.
For information on any of these roles or to submit a nomination, please contact Linda Bonin mommybonin@gmail.com or Cindy Rogers cynthia.rogers@maine.edu.
4-H Volunteers Invited to KLLA Annual Meeting January 8
Save the date! All enrolled Knox-Lincoln 4-H Volunteers are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association on Thursday, January 8 at 6:00 pm at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Knox-Lincoln office in Waldoboro. Join other 4-H volunteers and staff for a time to socialize, share a meal, and recognize the work you all do for the 4-H program.
Oxton Trust Grant Applications Due January 31, 2026
Through the generosity and foresight of Robert Oxton, the Oxton Trust Fund was established to support 4-H youth development programs and activities in Knox and Lincoln Counties. The funds are available annually. Clubs, volunteers, and members should anticipate what funds they expect to request for the entire 2026 calendar year and apply for funds to the Oxton Trust Committee by January 31, 2026.
If a club, volunteer, or member discovers a need for funds later in 2026, a special meeting of the committee can be called, and an application considered at any time. Funds available for mid-year requests, however, will be more limited.
Grants may be awarded for 4-H youth development programs and projects falling into one of the following areas: leadership, youth development, and special programs. Applications can be submitted by 4-H staff, volunteers or members enrolled in the Knox and Lincoln Counties 4-H program. The Oxton Trust Application is available online or can be requested by contacting the Knox-Lincoln Extension office.
Save the Date! Speak Up Knox-Lincoln 4-H March 7
Speak Up, Knox-Lincoln 4-H! Public Speaking Showcase will be held on Saturday, March 7, 1–4 pm (snow date March 14). What are you passionate about? What are you learning about? This is a safe space to share your sparks with fellow 4-H’ers, leaders, family, and friends! Speak Up, Knox Lincoln 4-H! will be held on March 8 from 1–4 p.m. at the Knox-Lincoln Extension office (snow date March 15). Information and resources for helping you prepare a talk can be found on the Maine 4-H Public Speaking website.
Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club
Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (such as cows, goats, or sheep)? How do we care for them? How do you know what to feed them, how do you actually do regular health checks and have proper housing? Join the 4-H Animal Science SPIN club. We will have 3 virtual sessions focused on what livestock need to live a healthy life and one field day that provides hands-on experience. Set yourself up for success in your 4-H project by learning the basics of animal care. Participants do not need any prior animal experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner/introductory level program.
This is a free opportunity for youth ages 9 – 18. Virtual sessions will be Thursdays, January 22, 29th, February 5, 2026, 4:00 – 5:15 pm. February 12th will be an optional session for youth who intend to participate in a 4-H livestock project. The final session will be geared towards youth who are beginning their journey into raising livestock. Register for Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club before January 9, 2026.
Winter STEM Virtual Workshop Series
When: February 17, 18, 19, 20 from 10 am to 11:15 am
Where: This virtual series will meet on zoom
Cost: Free
This February, ignite a new appreciation for winter! Join our hands-on, curiosity-driven virtual science series designed for youth ages 10 and up. Through guided inquiry, investigation, and observation, we will explore all the wonders of the cold season. Get ready to transform your view of winter! Register for 4-H STEM Virtual Workshop Series by February 3, 2026 or contact emily.booth@maine.edu for more information.
4-H Public Speaking Updates
Save the Date! Speak Up Maine 4-H state public speaking showcase will be on Saturday, April 11 on the University of Maine Orono campus (snow date April 12)!
You asked, we’re excited! Performing Arts demonstrations will now be part of Speak Up, Maine 4-H the statewide Public Speaking Program. From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to express yourself and share your spark center stage.
Performing Arts demonstrations include:
• a spoken introduction
• your performance
• and a spoken conclusion
Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges’ support for all categories, will be available soon on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff. Stay tuned!
Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is now available online and must be submitted by January 15, 2025. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Beef Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September. Youth must be 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2025 and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin, kristen.grondin@maine.edu, 207-581-8193, or Cathy Bartlett Gray, cathy.gray@maine.edu, 207-743-6329 with any questions.
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.
2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales
Maple Sugaring 101 is a virtual program open to Maine youth ages 10+ who are interested in learning about the entire maple sugaring process and how to create a commercial grade syrup. Participants will learn about forest management, tapping trees, transporting sap, using an evaporator, grading and storing syrup, and operating a maple sugaring business. The program will be three one-hour sessions on Zoom, one session per week, during the afternoon. Exact dates will be released in January 2026.
Each week, participants will learn about the process and connect with other young maple sugar makers through online meetings led by University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts. This program will also prepare youth for a new Level 1 digital badge called 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise. Youth who complete the program will get free access to the learning modules to earn the digital badge.
Independent club members or youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register!
If you are interested in this program, please complete the Maine Sugaring 101 interest form so we can follow up with you about registration.
Club leaders who would like to have their club participate in this program, please contact your 4-H County staff or Andrew Hudacs by Monday, January 26, 2026: andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, 207.581.8204. For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage.
4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential
The University of Maine System (UMS) 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential is a learning pathway for teenage youth to learn the essential aspects of the maple industry. Students completing the program demonstrate the foundational knowledge and skills to work in a maple forest, sugarhouse, and produce commercial-grade maple syrup and value-added food products. Additionally, participants understand how skills and traits gained during work in the maple industry are transferable to other workplace situations.
Students ages 14+ may enroll in the micro-credential pathway and learn the material through an instructor-led class or by self-study. Students progressing along the micro-credential pathway will earn and receive a digital badge at each milestone they achieve. There are three digital badge levels of knowledge and skills on the pathway that must be completed before proceeding to the next level. All three levels cover learning topics for working in the woods, the sugarhouse, the kitchen, and operating a business. The three units for each digital badge and learning level are called “Woods Work”, “The Sugarhouse”, and “Kitchen and Business”.
The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge.
The Level 1 knowledge exam is the first of three parts required to earn the full micro-credential. There is no cost to enroll and take the Level 1 assessment. After passing this test, students can then demonstrate their skills with an approved instructor to complete Levels 2 and 3.
To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204.
ESE 4-H Dairy Team Intent Forms Due March 1, 2026
The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form is available online. To be eligible for participation on the Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States Team next fall, 4-H members must submit their completed intent form online or to the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office before March 1, 2026.
Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 with any questions.
4-H Volunteer Corner
Your corner for connection, tips and tricks for Positive Youth Development
Fuel the Spark!
Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers — we have shared information about “youth sparks” in our past three editions of the 4-H Volunteer Corner. Now it’s YOUR TURN — tell us how YOU are helping to support or fuel a youth spark! Fill out this short form to highlight one example of youth spark and the role you played, and 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 Huddle
Join us for a short “gather and learn session” to help you up your game. We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00 – 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!
January 2, 2026 — Navigating 4-H Curriculum Resources — Explore the wide range of 4-H curriculum materials and learn how to access and utilize guides, activity books, and resource toolkits tailored for youth programming.
February 6, 2026 — Igniting Youth Sparks: Hands-On Strategies for 4-H Volunteers — Discover how to identify and nurture the unique passions, interests, and talents — “sparks” — that inspire young people to thrive. Get hands-on activities and strategies for igniting and sustaining youth sparks in their 4-H clubs.
4-H Volunteer Connections
January 21, 2026 — Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Connect with 4-H volunteers from states in the North East region to hear inspiring 4-H volunteer stories including those recognized through the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Award. Come celebrate success, learn from peers, and strengthen your own impact. Free to attend, but registration is required! Register for 4-H Volunteer Connections!
4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar
Find our 4-H volunteer training opportunities on our 4-H Volunteer Calendar — scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!
Your Voice is Needed! Passionate about 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Projects?
Help shape the new 4-H poultry and rabbit tracks that will debut at Eastern States in 2026! We are forming planning committees for each species and are looking for knowledgeable, enthusiastic 4-H volunteers and interested youth to join us in developing high-quality, engaging opportunities for 4-H members across the region. Join one of our upcoming drop-in virtual information sessions to learn more. We’d love to have your experience, creativity, and passion at the table! Contact Sadee Mehuren, sadee.mehuren@maine.edu 207.342.5971
Info Session Dates: January 6, 2026, 6:00 pm, January 22, 2026, 6:00 pm
Resource Spotlight
4-H Club Leader Handbook is a resource designed to help new club leaders get off to a strong start, containing specific information for facilitating the 4-H club model. Check out this amazing resource online or contact your county office for a printed copy.
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