June 2018

Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu

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

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Upcoming Events and Important Dates

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

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

June 23: 4-H Leader Retreat, Swan Island, Richmond, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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

July 6-8: ESE Horse Tryouts, Skowhegan Fairgrounds

July 15: Last day to sign up with Extension office for Union Fair 4-H Club Exhibit space

July 15: 4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper applications/resumes due

July 17: KLLA Meeting, 6 p.m., 4-H Yurt, Union Fairgrounds

July 20-22: Maine 4-H Days, Windsor Fairgrounds

July 30: Deadline to submit your club’s Gift Basket theme (contact Cindy Rogers)

July 30: Union Fair 4-H Livestock Show (Horse, Rabbit, Small Domestic Pet, Working Steer) entry forms due at the Cooperative Extension office

July 30 Union Fair 4-H Individual Exhibition Yurt entry forms due at the Extension office

June Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Hudson U., Cole C., Zoe B., Kayley M., Sophia L., Elizabeth E., and Olivia R.!

Congratulations Graduates!

The 4-H Program of Knox and Lincoln Counties would like to congratulate five 4-H members who have graduated from High School in 2018: Emma A., Madison A., Savannah D., Olivia R. and Selam H.. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

4-H Scholarship Recipient Named

A Knox-Lincoln 4-H member was presented with a post-secondary scholarship at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Maine 4-H Foundation at the University of Maine in Orono. Congratulations to Selam H. of the Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club, who was the recipient of the Oxton Trust 4-H Scholarship, awarded annually to a 4-H member from Knox or Lincoln County by the KL 4-H Leaders’ Association. Selam plans to attend Kennebec Valley Community College to study Physical Therapy. Best of luck, Selam!

Two Knox-Lincoln Delegates Chosen for CWF Trip

Congratulations to Savannah D. and Nathan D. of the Jolly Farmers 4-H for being accepted as delegates to participate in Citizenship Washington Focus in July! Savannah and Nathan are among 20 members from across Maine who will be traveling to our nation’s capital, traveling with several members from Vermont. Through the exchange of ideas and social interaction with youth from around the country, 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus participants learn the importance of civic and social responsibility in order to become more engaged, proactive citizens and leaders. We look forward to hearing about your experiences when you return!

4-H Photography Workshop Focused on Editing

photo of a lady slipper flower photo of a fern with photo workshop participants in the backgroundEleven members participated in the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Photography Workshop on June 9. A walk on the Neil Lash Nature Trail at Medomak Valley High School yielded a variety of great photos by participants. Basic editing techniques were discussed and everyone got to use a Chromebook and editing app to work on their own photos. Thank you all for participating! A big thank you to Kristin Flynn of Kristin Flynn Photography, who co-lead this workshop with 4-H Staff Member, Cindy Rogers. A lot of growth was seen in the members who have participated in these workshops in years past.

2018 Union Fair Important Information

The 2018 4-H Union Fair Information Booklet is now available on the Knox-Lincoln UMaine Extension website. Click here to view and download on the 2018 Union Fair 4-H Information Booklet page. This is where you will find information, guidelines and entry forms you will need for entering 4-H Exhibits and Livestock Shows at Union Fair. The same information will also be included in Union Fair’s Premium Book.

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.

Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors Membership Requirement

Nobody may show livestock without this important document of protection. Apply for 2018-2019 MALE membership at http://mainelivestockexhibitors.org/memberships. Be sure to apply for membership by July 1 so you will receive your membership card in time for Union Fair.

Plan Your 4-H Club Exhibit—Independents, too!

4-H Club Exhibits at Union Fair may be submitted by 4-H clubs and pairs or groups of independent members enrolled in Knox or Lincoln Counties. Any club or sub-group within a Knox-Lincoln club can enter a club exhibit. Independent members can work together with other independents on one exhibit. The guidelines for these exhibits have recently been updated, so be sure to check the 2018 Union Fair Information Booklet page for the most current guidelines. To reserve exhibit space, please contact Cindy Rogers at 207-832-0343 or cynthia.rogers@maine.edu by July 15, 2018.

Gift Basket Fundraiser for KLLA at Union Fair

This year’s fundraiser raffle at Union Fair to benefit Knox-Lincoln 4-H will once again feature themed gift baskets filled with quality items donated or made by KL 4-H clubs. Each club is asked to come up with and notify Cindy Rogers (207.832.0343, cynthia.rogers@maine.edu) of a theme for their basket by July 30. Then the club should fill a large basket or another container with items relating to the theme as a prize for the raffle. We ask that these items be new and high-quality or handmade by 4-H club members, with a total basket value of at least $50.

Ideas for a theme basket might be a pet care basket, a craft basket, a scrapbooking basket, a spa basket, etc. Remember that the basket should appeal to a broad public audience, not necessarily matching your club’s focus. Think about what will sell lots of tickets!

Independent members and volunteers: please contribute to a Lasagna Basket, which will be located at the Knox-Lincoln UMaine Extension office. This can include non-perishable food items (garlic, pasta, sauce, dry herbs), cooking utensils, kitchen towels, an apron, lasagna recipes, etc. Extension staff has already started the basket with a lasagna pan with a cover for leftovers. Thanks!

Statewide 4-H Photo Contest-Youth and Volunteers

The Maine 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce a new youth and volunteer photo contest. Submit as many photos as you like by September 1, 2018. Each photo submitted must be an original photo taken by a 4-H member or volunteer, be accompanied by a photo release (for people in the photo), and a copyright release from the photographer. They must be digitally submitted to susan.jennings@maine.edu.

In your email, please include your:

  • Name
  • Email
  • Age

Attach to your email for EACH PHOTO:

Grand Prize for the Best Overall Photo: Something 4-H Awesome!

Additional Prizes Given in All Divisions (Youth age up to 8, 9-12, 13 and up, volunteers):

  • 1st Prize: $100 gift card
  • 2nd Prize: $75 gift card
  • 3rd Prize: $50 gift card

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

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.

State 4-H Office Core Newsletter

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.

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 Federation:

  • The American Boer Goat Association (including Jr. Association)
  • The American Dairy Goat Association
  • Alabama Meat Goat and Sheep Producers Association
  • Cashmere Goat Association
  • Texas Sheep and Goat Breeders Association

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

4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training: The 4-H Shooting Sports program has been steadily growing and the demand for new instructors is growing quickly. This training is for anyone that would like to create a 4-H club that offers archery, rifle, or other disciplines. It is also for folks that simply want to be able to offer shooting activities at outreach events, rod and gun clubs, etc.

Instructors than have access to the equipment held by the Maine 4-H Shooting Sports program to support these activities. The training is a Saturday-Sunday program and includes meals and lodging right here at Bryant Pond 4-H. We are offering instruction in Archery, Rifle, Shotgun, or Pistol. You can find more information on the 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training Workshops (Level I) page or you can call 207-665-2068.

4-H National Trip (Congress and Conference) and Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) Winners: We recently held interviews for National Trips in Lisbon and Orono.  Please join us in congratulating the following winners for this year’s National Trips, and also the delegates selected for the Citizenship Washington Focus trip in July.  We are proud to have you represent Maine 4-H!

Winners for the National 4-H Congress will be traveling to Atlanta, Georgia in November are Faith D. from Franklin County, Sophie P. and Amelia S. from Cumberland County, Mackensie S. from Waldo County, and the alternate if someone cannot make the trip, will be Gabrielle H. from Piscataquis County.

Winners for the National 4-H Conference will be traveling to Washington DC in April 2019 are Janie B. from Kennebec County, Andrew D. from Franklin County, Jessica F. from Cumberland County, Mackenzy L. from Kennebec County and the alternate if someone cannot make the trip will be Devyn H. from Cumberland County.

Delegates to Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) that will be traveling to Washington DC, the week of the 4th of July are:  Samuel P. from Washington County, Savannah and Nathan D. from Knox Lincoln County, Marcus V., Ana S., Abbie K., and Ryan I., from Waldo County, Eugene L. from Kennebec County, Bradley S., Noah and Caleb M., Allison B. from Franklin County, Don S., Natalie D, Matthew D., Lauren P. from Cumberland County, Josiah D. from Penobscot County, Gretchen G., Richard H. from Somerset County, Jacob M. from Oxford County.

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.