KL 4-H Newsletter—November 2025

Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu

Follow Knox-Lincoln 4-H on Facebook!

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

November 13 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association (KLLA) Meeting, 6 pm, online only

November 15 Deadline to apply for 4-H National Trips (ages14 – 18—enroll before this date to apply!)

November 15 Deadline to apply for Ignite by 4-H, Washington, D.C. (ages14 – 18—enroll before this date to apply!)

November 28 – Dec.14 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at Tractor Supply Co. Stores

December 11 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association (KLLA) Meeting, 6 pm, online only

December 30 4-H Re-enrollments due (see article about ZSuite below)

November Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Mariyah L. and Blake S.!

2025 4-H Year-End Celebration 

4-H members, volunteers, staff, and family members gathered at Beaver Lodge in Hope on October 19 for the 2025 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Year-End Celebration. It was wonderful to see everyone in person on a beautiful fall day to celebrate the accomplishments of Knox-Lincoln 4-H members for the past year!

Presentations were given by several members. Each of these experiences were funded in part by the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association and the Oxton Trust Fund. Members: If you are interested in participating in any of these opportunities (or others), don’t let finances be a barrier. Just ask county staff what funding is available for you to participate!

Jolly Farmers member Kyra B. told us about her experience at the Leadership 2 program at Tanglewood 4-H Camp. Charlotte Ramsdell, also of the Jolly Farmers, described her time at Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp. Hayden C. of the Aldermere Achievers was unable to attend, but he provided a display about the club’s experience at the Belted Galloway Junior National Show in Louisville, KY. Independent member Anna P. spoke about her time at Ignite by 4-H in Washington, D.C.. Sabrinnah D. of the Jolly Farmers spoke to us about her participation in 4-H National Conference in Washington, DC. this past spring.

A musical performance was provided by Mariyah L. of the Jolly Farmers. Mariyah played  several short selections on her cello. This was a wonderful treat for us all!

Two Cloverbuds were honored for their completion of their first year in 4-H: Helen G. of Byre Clan and Blake S. of Jolly Farmers. Two members who have aged out of the 4-H program were recognized for the achievement of completing eleven and thirteen years respectively as active 4-H members: Anna P. and Anthony D.

Leader- and staff-nominated awards included Team Player: Mariyah L., Personal Growth: Kyra B., Community Service: Sabrinnah D., Leadership: Hayden C., and Citizenship: Anthony D.

We received 21 Project Records and one Cloverbud Activity Record this year. Each Project Record submitted earned members a year pin, project pin, and a gift card to Tractor Supply Co. Stores, with values ranging from $20-$50 based on the quantity and quality of the record components submitted, with some members submitting multiple records. Cloverbuds received a year pin, ribbon, and a $20 gift card. Thank you to our judges, Kathleen Gross, Kat Newcombe, and Valerie Jackson. Congratulations, everyone!

1 Year
Harrison F.         Aldermere Achievers        Beef
Blake S.               Jolly Farmers                     Cloverbud

2 Years
Charlotte R.        Jolly Farmers                 Crafts, Art, Clothing/Textiles, Photography
Mila S.                 Jolly Farmers                  Sheep

3 Years
Lucy C.                Jolly Farmers                 Outdoor Education/Recreation, Music
Isabella L.           Jolly Farmers                 Crafts
Luke L.                Jolly Farmers                 Crafts

4 Years
Mariyah L.            Jolly Farmers                Rabbit, Photography, Music

6 Years
Carson D.            Independent                  Wood Science

8 Years
Kyra B.                 Jolly Farmers                  Leadership

11 Years
Sabrinnah D.        Jolly Farmers                 Community Service, Clothing/Textiles

12 Years
Paytyn D.             Independent                   Crafts

13 Years
Anthony D.          Jolly Farmers                  Technology/Engineering

Photography Contest Winners

25 photographs were entered into the 2025 KL 4-H Photography Contest. The entries with the top six scores in each age group (listed below) will have their turn as cover pic on the KL 4-H Facebook page in 2026! Those twelve photos will also be printed and hung in the 4-H Gallery in the lobby of the Knox-Lincoln Extension office! Thank you to our judges: Jim Dugan, owner of Jim Dugan Photography and Web Design, and Gretchen Gee, photographer and former educator with Maine Families. Congratulations to all!

   Young woman sitting in a chair in front of a barn stall containing a brown horse

Congratulations to the Maine Equine Team!

Congratulations to Anna P. (Knox-Lincoln) who was part of the Maine 4-H Equine Team at the Big E this fall! September 18 – 21, 2025, Maine sent eight 4-H youth delegates to the Big E on the equestrian team.  Each member had a chance to compete in riding classes like equitation, pleasure, discipline rail, and in-hand fitting and showmanship (and more!).  A favorite each year has been the costume class, as well as gaming classes, such as arena racing and barrel racing. Participants also compete in a general knowledge and horse judging contest. We are so proud of each rider and teen leader who represented Maine, and very competitively placed against the other New England State teams.  Congratulations to the whole team: Anna P (Knox/Lincoln), Madison E (Penobscot), Molly L (And/Sag), Ruby D (And/Sag), Liz B (And/Sag), Lola V (And/Sag), Dorothy J (And/Sag), Lucy B (Franklin). If you are interested in learning more about the Maine 4-H Equine Team, please reach out to Tara Marble at tara.marble@maine.edu for more information!

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.

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.

ZSuite Re-enrollment Time 

4-H families should log into their ZSuite account and complete their re-enrollment before December 30. If you enrolled yourself last 4-H year (2024-2025), you can simply visit ZSuite and use the password you set at that time. If you are new to ZSuite, click “Forgot Password?” and complete the prompts using the email address where you receive your 4-H communications.

Once you are in ZSuite, re-enrollment is just a few clicks away:

  • Click on the HOUSEHOLD profile and enter your 4-character PIN.
  • Click on the name of the youth member you wish to enroll.
  • Click on ENROLL MEMBER NOW.
  • Review/update the requested member information. When you are done with that, click NEXT
  • Here you will read and electronically sign the 4-H participation waiver(s), click NEXT
  • Here is where you will select your club or clubs and desired projects. There may be clubs and projects listed that carried over from your enrollment during the last program year.
  • To add clubs, select your county. This defaults to the county submitted when you created your account. You may need to select another county to find your desired club.
  • Select your Club from the drop-down menu. Select ADD CLUB.
  • To add projects for any of the clubs, select ADD PROJECT for the desired clubs. Select the desired project from the drop-down menu. Select ADD PROJECT and selection will be added to the club. Feel free to add additional clubs or projects. If you make a mistake or wish to remove a project, select the X and confirm you wish to delete the project.
  • When done making your selections, click Submit.Enrollment records need to be active/green status before engaging in 4-H activities and to register for events.

ZSuite has a help menu that offers step-by-step instructions in the system, as well as live chat for questions. You are also welcome to reach out to your county staff. Re-enrollments are due December 30.

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.

US capitol building
Photo by Andy Feliciotti on Unsplash

Apply by November 15 for 4-H National Trips

Applications are now open for the 2026 4-H National Trips, featuring 4-H Conference and 4-H Congress. These events offer incredible opportunities for leadership development and national networking. Any Maine 4-H Youth, ages 14 to 18 is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members at the time of application and the time of the actual trip.

– 4-H Conference: April 10 – 15, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
– 4-H Congress: November 27 – December 1, 2026 in Atlanta, GA

4-H National Trip Application and information can be found online. National Trip Application packets must be submitted online or postmarked to your county office by Sunday, November 15, 2025. 

logo for Ignite by 4-H youth summit

Apply by November 15: Ignite by 4-H 2026—Now Including a CWF Track!

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and eager to learn alongside 4-H youth from across the country? Ignite by 4-H 2026 is your chance to grow as a leader, deepen your knowledge in an area that excites you, and make your mark on the future of 4-H in Maine.

We’re seeking motivated Maine 4-H youth (ages 14–18) to represent our state at the Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. Delegates will:

  • Work in a focus area group
  • Participate in planning meetings
  • Attend the national summit
  • Collaborate to create a resource for younger Maine 4-H’ers

Track Options:

  • Agriscience
  • Animal Science
  • Community Activators
  • Healthy Living
  • STEM
  • Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Applications for the Ignite by 4-H Summit are due by November 15, 2025. Applicants must be enrolled in 4-H and between 14 – 18 years of age at the time of the trip.

UMaine Extension Publications and Resources

For Individuals, Organizations Impacted by the Government Shutdown/Lack of SNAP Benefits

Publications:

Bulletin #4304, A Food Pantry Wish List

Bulletin #4302, Food Safety for Food Pantry Donations

Bulletin #4306, Is This Can Safe to Use? 

Bulletin #4384, Freezing Vegetables 

Bulletin #4383, Freezing Fruits 

All Food Preservation Publications

All Food and Health Publications

Extension Websites:

Maine Harvest for Hunger Recipes and Resources page – resources about how to use, choose, and store Maine produce commonly donated to food pantries.

Mainly Dish Recipe page – Recipes that use low-cost and easily accessible ingredients that can be shared broadly

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.

4-H Fall Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge

The 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge invites youth to explore how artificial intelligence can solve real-world agricultural problems. Participants will identify a challenge within the agriculture industry and design an innovative AI-based solution. Students will showcase how technology can enhance the future of farming. This challenge empowers youth to think critically, apply STEM concepts, and imagine a better agricultural future powered by AI.

The challenge is currently open through November 15, 2025. Find out more and get started at https://events.projectboard.world/4HAIinAg.

 

4-H Volunteer Corner

Your corner for connection, tips and tricks for Positive Youth Development

Spotting Sparks in Action:

Does a young person light up when talking about animals, robotics, or art? Watch where they go “above and beyond.” Sparks often emerge where curiosity and excitement intersect. Here are FIVE TIPS to help you spot a youth spark:
Notice when a young person lights up/shows joy and positive energy towards something.
Talk to a young person about what excites them (What do they love to do in their spare time? Why? How does doing what you love make you feel?)
Listen carefully for ways to support a young person.
Help youth find ways to practice their spark.
Attend games, performances, public demonstrations, and animal shows.

4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar

We have SO many great 4-H volunteer opportunities available this year! Find our 4-H Volunteer Calendar of Events online, then scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!

4-H Volunteer Huddle

Come to the sideline for a quick “gather-learn-discuss” and then get back into the game of 4-H. A variety of topics will help you improve your strategy- you pick which ones interest you! 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!
Nov. 7- Getting Started with 4-H Market Animals
Dec. 5- Delegating/Asking parents and other adults to help

Join the 4-H Volunteer Huddle on Zoom from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.
Password: volunteer

Resource Spotlight

Podcast lover? Check out 4-H Volunteer Ventures! These 30-minute episodes examine the fun, but sometimes confusing role of the 4-H volunteer. To gain some tips and tricks to help you balance the many responsibilities in volunteer, personal, and work life, listen to this episode Balancing the Volunteer Life Podcast Recording. Special thanks to our 4-H friends at Rutgers University for sharing these episodes!

Working with 4-H youth and livestock? Check out our new Animal Health Hub! Brought to you by our UMaine Extension Livestock Team, it is a space to find livestock health bulletins, news/disease updates, and opportunities, such as special events that qualify participants for FREE disease testing at our Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.

 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.  The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).