May 2018


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Be sure to scroll down to see State 4-H Office Core Newsletter, too!

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Upcoming Events and Important Dates

May 15: KLLA Meeting 6 p.m., Knox-Lincoln UMaine Extension

May 15: Oxton Trust applications due

May 18-19: 4-H@UMaine, University of Maine, Orono

May 18-20: Northeast Livestock Exposition, Windsor Fairgrounds

June 1: Deadline to register for KL 4-H Photography Workshop (June 9)

June 1: Registration opens for Maine 4-H Days (July 20-22)

June 9: Knox-Lincoln 4-H Photography Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., UMaine Extension

June 19: KLLA Meeting 6 p.m., 4-H Yurt, Union Fairgrounds

June 30: 4-H Animal Approval and Lease forms due (some commodity exceptions; refer to the 4-H Projects – Animal Science Resources page.

July 1: Apply for Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors (MALE) membership/insurance

May Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Xavier C., Kyra B., Ashley K., Eliana M., Paytyn D., Anthony D., Kylee H., Anna P., John S., Margaret G., Arianna C., Aspen D., and Emily H.!

Oxton Trust Applications Due for Summer/Fall

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, with application deadlines of May 15 (for funds to be used June-November), and October 15 (for funds to be used December-May), although applications will also be considered at other times throughout the year. 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 application form is available on the 4-H – Oxton Trust page and at the Extension office in Waldoboro. Deadline to apply is May 15.

Help Wanted: 4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helpers

photo of 4-H Farm-to-Fair exhibit barns

The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association is seeking two or more teen 4-H members to assist 4-H staff at the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at Union Fair 2018. Scholarship funds will be awarded to the assistants based on the number of hours contributed. These funds may be used for the youth to attend Citizenship Washington Focus, 4-H National Congress or 4-H National Conference, or other Extension staff-approved leadership program.

Anyone is welcome to volunteer at 4-H Farm-to-Fair! This position carries more commitment and responsibility. Youth chosen for this position will assist staff and adult volunteers in overseeing the operation of the exhibit. This includes getting the exhibit ready to open or close for the day (depending on shift), making sure barns are stocked with “products” while the exhibit is open, checking on volunteers and filling in when they need a break, and assisting as needed in the farm store. Successful candidates will be comfortable speaking to the public, answering questions, and assisting staff in training and leading volunteers.

Each youth chosen must commit to one shift (3½ hours) each day that they are scheduled to help during Union Fair. The number of shifts and days required will be worked out with members and families as youth are chosen, but at least 4 shifts are expected during the run of the fair. Successful candidates must be 13 years or older. A mature 12-year-old may be considered if he or she is recommended by a 4-H leader or 4-H staff member.

Application and resume due by July 15. For details and an application, visit the 4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper page or contact Kathryn or Cindy at 207.832.0343, Kathryn.a.jensen@maine.edu, cynthia.rogers@maine.edu.

Community Groups Sought as 4-H Farm-to-Fair Volunteers

Do you know any community groups, civic organizations or businesses that might offer volunteer groups for our 4-H Farm-to-Fair exhibit at Union Fair in August? Does your club want to take a shift? Please contact cynthia.rogers@maine.edu, 207.832.0343.

4-H Photography Workshop to Focus on Editing

closeup photo of a woven plastic bag
Photo by Gabriel S.

There will be a 4-H Photography Workshop for Knox-Lincoln 4-H members on Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension office in Waldoboro. We will be focusing on digitally enhancing your photos to make them even better! Basic editing techniques will be taught and everyone will get to use a Chromebook and editing app to work on their own photos. Bring a camera and a bagged lunch. Drinking water and a light snack will be provided. If you need a camera, we have a few to lend for the day. Wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear for walking outside. Socks and long pants and sleeves help fend off ticks and other insects. An insect repellant containing DEET can help as well. Register by June 1 by contacting Cindy Rogers at 832.0343, cynthia.rogers@maine.edu

Tips for Filling Out the 4-H Animal Approval Form

Any youth age 9-18 who plans to participate in 4-H livestock shows in 2018 must complete and submit an Approval Form for 4-H Animal Show. If a member is leasing an animal to show, a Maine 4-H Contract for Rental/Lease of All Animals is also required. Animal Approval forms are not required for showing rabbits, poultry or small domestic pets (except dogs). Both of these forms can be downloaded from the General Volunteer Resources – Forms page and are due June 30 for MOST commodities. Please refer to the 4-H Animal Science Resources page for information specific to your commodity.

When filling out your Animal Approval Form, please keep the following in mind:

  • When downloading, be sure to select “shrink to fit page” so that information is not cut off the edges.
  • Print form 2-sided.
  • Your club leader (or advisor for independent member) must sign on the line immediately after last entry in the list of animals. Be sure to leave time for this before the due date.
  • Two-sided, signed ORIGINAL forms must be received at your county Extension office no later than the due date. 4-H staff will keep original for office records and return an official, embossed photocopy to you. This embossed copy is what you will need to have with you each time you participate in a 4-H livestock show.
  • If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your club leader or 4-H staff.

Local Events

Central Lincoln County YMCA STEM Afterschool: 4-5 p.m. at Great Salt Bay School: Wednesday, May 16; Wednesday, May 23; Wednesday, May 30. Visit the Central Lincoln County YMCA Afterschool page.

Herb Talk: Thursday, May 31, 7-8 p.m. at Vose Library. Kathryn Jensen will give a talk about easy herbs to grow in Maine and some basic uses.

State 4-H Office Core Newsletter

Register Starting June 1 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. 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 Livestock Clinic: June 8-10 at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds. 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 tryout for Working Steer is being held Sunday Morning. Workshops will include washing, clipping, showmanship, animal handling and learning activities around zoonotic disease. $20.00 registration, 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.

Email maisy.cyr@maine.edu or 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. Register by May 25 on the Oxford County 4-H June Jamboree Livestock Clinic, Working Steer and Horse Clinic event page.

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.

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, or Texas Sheep and Goat Breeders Association.

For more information visit the American Goat Federation (AGF) Youth Scholarship page.

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 to Classroom at classroom.google.com.
  • 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 from 6 – 8 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.