March 2020

Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu

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

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

March 11 Deadline to register for Winter Fun Day (3/14)

March 12 KLLA Meeting, 6pm, Extension office

March 14 NEW TIME Winter Fun Day, 9am-12pm, Extension office-register by 3/11

March 20 Applications for 4-H National Conference 2021 and National Congress 2020 due at KL Extension office (age 14-18)

March 28-April 2 4-H National Conference, Washington, D.C. (age 14-18)

April 1 ESE Horse Animal Approval form due

April 1 KLLA Camp/Program Scholarship applications due

April 4 State 4-H Public Speaking Tournament, University of Maine, Orono (snow date 4/5)

April 8-May 2 Tractor Safety Course, Union Farm Equipment, Union

April 9 KLLA Meeting 6pm, KL UMaine Extension

April 29-May 10 4-H Paper Clover Campaign, Tractor Supply Co. Stores

May 1 4-H Working Steer Animal Approval forms due

May 1 ESE Dairy Animal Approval forms due

May 1 Fryeburg Market Lamb Intent to Sell forms due

March Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Charlotte D., Faith M., Krista S., Luke B., Noora H., and Alyssa P.!

Seeking Oxton Trust Committee Members

The Oxton Trust Fund Committee is seeking new members. The committee meets one time per year (usually February). Occasionally the group is asked to meet one or two additional times if the need arises. Members can be from the Knox-Lincoln Counties Extension Association, Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association, 4-H Foundation, UMaine staff, or the communities of Knox and Lincoln Counties. Committee responsibilities:
-Decide when, where and how the committee will function
-Read and evaluate applications submitted to the Fund
-Award funds and track how the money is spent by the applicants
-Track the money in the Fund

For more information, contact Kathryn Jensen: kathryn.a.jensen@maine.edu, 207.832.0343.

Winter Fun Day March 14

Sign up for 4-H Winter Fun Day, 9am-12pm on Saturday, March 14. Come enjoy outdoor fun! We plan to walk the nature trail at Medomak Valley High School as we learn to identify different tree species, and animal tracks (snow/mud dependent). Then come back and plant seeds for spring! Make and share a favorite beginning-of-spring recipe for a potluck lunch. Bring along a copy of the recipe and be prepared to tell the story of your dish (if you want). Register by March 11 by contacting Pamela Doherty pamela.doherty@maine.edu, 207.832.0343.

KL 4-H Public Speaking Tournament

At this year’s event at the Jefferson Village School on March 1, one cloverbud, five juniors, and seven seniors presented illustrated talks or demonstrations. The judges were very impressed with the quality and wide range of subject matter exhibited by our 4-H youth. Congratulations to everyone who participated! This event was even covered by the Kennebec Journal! See more photos from the event, as well as the KJ article on the 4-H of Knox-Lincoln Counties Facebook page.

Cloverbud
Zoe Baker, Aldermere Achievers, D-How to Make Glittery, Fluffy Slime

Juniors
Isabelle Baker, Aldermere Achievers, IT-Stressful Situations, BLUE
Kyra Belcher, Jolly Farmers, IT-The Nether, WHITE
Anthony Dube, Jolly Farmers, IT-The Standard Rex, BLUE, TOP JUNIOR IT
Sabrinnah Dube, Jolly Juniors, D-Growing Fodder, RED, TOP JUNIOR D
Hayden Clark, Aldermere Achievers, D-How to Make a Lava Lamp, RED

Seniors
Nathan Dube, Jolly Farmers, IT-Lombard: Making Tracks in Time, BLUE, TOP SENIOR IT
Jeremy Dube, Jolly Farmers, IT-International Harvester Company, RED
Elizabeth Eaton, Aldermere Achievers, IT-What 4-H Has Taught Me, BLUE
Adam Eaton, Aldermere Achievers, IT-Belted Galloways, BLUE
Julia Benson, Aldermere Achievers, IT-Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, Stroke, BLUE
Anthony Benson, Aldermere Achievers, IT-What Is Anthropology? BLUE
Britney Jackson, Aldermere Achievers, IT-Frostine, RED

Thank you to our judges, Kathleen Gross, Rita Glaude, Robert Glaude and Cathy Gray, and our timer/tabulators, Kat Newcombe and Maddie G.

Nine members age 9 and older who participated at the County tournament qualified to go on to the 4-H State Public Speaking Tournament in Orono on April 4! Plan to support our county youth at this statewide tournament! Get all the details, including tips for honing your presentation and registration for the 2020 State tournament at State 4-H Public Speaking page.

National 4-H Trips (Conference and Congress)

National 4-H Trip applications are due at your county Extension office by March 20, 2020. This competitive application process for National 4-H Trips is open to members age 14-18. Both trips are excellent opportunities to meet 4-H members from across the nation. Participants learn about many career options and attend educational workshops at 4-H National Congress in Atlanta, GA. Youth become a part of a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at 4-H National Conference in Washington, D.C. For specific questions, contact Heidi Palmer, State Activities Coordinator heidi.thuotte@maine.edu.

Scholarships Offered for Camps and Programs

KLLA is offering scholarships to Knox-Lincoln 4-H members to be used to attend educational camps and programs in the coming year, including, but not exclusive to: 4-H National Trips (CWF, 4-H National Congress and National Conference), summer camps (including Tanglewood, Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond, and Greenland Point 4-H Camps), science camps, animal camps, exchange programs, and school programs. Preference will be given to applicants attending 4-H-sponsored programs and camps. Applications are due April 1. The amount of the scholarships will be determined by the funds available and the number of qualified applicants. Note: Additional funds are available for 4-H camps from the Maine 4-H Foundation. See article in the State Core Newsletter below.

Tractor Safety Course begins April 8 in Union

A tractor safety course will be held on Wednesdays, starting April 8, from 6-8 pm at Union Farm Equipment, 1893 Heald Highway/Route 17, Union. Classes will continue on successive Wednesdays through April 29. A written exam and tractor-driving test will be held Saturday, May 2 at 9 am. The classes are designed for adults and youth at least 14 years of age, and are required for 14- and 15-year-olds who plan to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own. Those who successfully complete the written and road tests will be issued a Federal Certificate of Training. The fee is $20 per person; financial assistance available for students 18 and under according to need. Register online by March 25. For information contact Pamela Doherty, 800.244.2104; pamela.doherty@maine.edu. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Mark Hutchinson, 800.244.2104; mhutch@maine.edu. The course is offered by University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Knox-Lincoln Farm Bureau, Union Farm Equipment and Farm Family Insurance.

Raise Funds for Your Club and County at Tractor Supply Event!

The Spring 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at Tractor Supply Co. Stores will take place April 29-May 10. During this time, TSC customers can purchase paper clovers at the register for $1 each to support 4-H nationally and in our counties. Funds awarded are not store-specific, so you may participate at any Tractor Supply Co. store in Maine to benefit your state and county program! We encourage clubs and independents to participate in this event. It’s been proven that in-store participation with 4-Hers increases donations! Hold a bake sale, do an animal or science demonstration, or provide a carry-out service for customers any time during this campaign. Use your creativity! Learn how to connect with your local TSC store to participate in this event on the Fundraising Connections page. Contact Cindy Rogers if you are planning to participate.

State 4-H Office Core Newsletter

Come to Orono for the 2020 4H@UMaine May 29-30

Planning has started and the wheels are in motion thanks to the efforts of a tremendous team! We are always looking for individuals interested in helping with pre-event planning or attending the event itself! Stay tuned for details. For more information about 4-H@UMaine, contact Greg Kranich at gregory.kranich@maine.edu or 207.581.3292.

4-H@UMaine 2020 Teen Leader Team

Teen Leaders support 4-H@UMaine by helping to plan the weekend, creating the event’s theme, supporting younger participants, and helping to create an engaging and welcoming environment for all attendees. All this while building leadership skills and having FUN!

NEW! This year the required in-person training will be offered in two locations simultaneously. Teens will be able to attend at the Androscoggin/Sagadahoc (Lisbon Falls) or Penobscot/Piscataquis (Bangor) Cooperative Extension office. The two groups will video conference for portions of the training to help build a cohesive group while hopefully eliminating some transportation barriers. Applications must be submitted by April 3.

Save the Date for 2020 Maine 4-H Days

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 16-19, 2020 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. If you are interested in helping to plan this year’s event, contact Jessy Brainerd jessica.brainerd@maine.edu, 207.581.3877.

Maine 4-H Days Planning Committee

July will be here before you know it, and we are looking for a few good volunteers to join the fantastic current Maine 4-H Days Planning Committee. Joining this committee gives you the chance to help come up with ideas and plans for one of our biggest statewide events! If you are interested in joining the Maine 4-H Days Planning Committee or have general questions/comments/recommendations about the event, please email jessica.brainerd@maine.edu, or call 207.581.3877.

UMaine 4-H Unconference – Not Your Average Volunteer Forum!

UMaine 4-H Unconference—a volunteer forum led by 4-H volunteers for 4-H volunteers. UMaine 4-H Unconference will be an organized forum for 4-H volunteers, club leaders, afterschool providers, teachers, parents and teens leaders to gather. UMaine 4-H Unconference is intentionally designed to have YOU teach and learn from each other. There is no agenda—you come with 4-H ideas and topics you want to talk about or learn more about, and we’ll guide the process to get folks into groups where YOU are the experts. All experience levels are welcome and no one person has all the answers. Door prizes will be given at the end of the day. Register online.

Join us for one or both of these awesome dates! Registration begins at 8:30am and door prizes will be drawn by 3:00pm:

Ellsworth (Ellsworth High School 24 Lejok St. Ellsworth, ME), Saturday, April 25
Lewiston (USM Lewiston Auburn Campus – 51 Westminster St. Lewiston, ME) Saturday, March 14

What is Aquaculture Science Saturday?

Save the date for the first 4-H Science Saturday of 2020! On April 25, youth will have a chance to learn about Aquaculture at the Aquaculture Research Center at UMaine in Orono. This event will run from 10:00am-2:00pm, cost is $10.00, and lunch will be provided. Online registration will be available in early March.

#EmpoweringMEandYou— Stress Less Online Workshop for Teens

April 16, 6:00-7:00pm The National 4-H Healthy Living Summit Team from Maine will be presenting their Stress Less lesson plan developed at the 2019 Summit and presented at the 2020 Summit. Any youth ages 13-18 are welcome and encouraged to attend. 4-H participation is not required! This hour-long lesson was designed by and for teens to educate others on the effects of stress and how they can combat and cope with stress in their daily lives, and the lives of others. Youth will start by identifying what the effects of stress are, and then have the opportunity to practice a variety of coping strategies that can help to reduce these effects on the body. Youth will also learn and practice how to reframe their own negative self-talk and redirect that of others as it relates to stress. If you are interested in attending this workshop please RSVP by Monday, April 13 to receive a reminder email and the Zoom link. For questions or information on offering this to your county or club, please email or call Sara Conant, sara.conant@maine.edu, 207.781.6099.

Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl Contest Results

On February 15 the Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl contest was held in Augusta, Maine. 4-H members from all corners of Maine came to the state’s capital to test their dairy knowledge. Youth began the contest by taking a written dairy knowledge exam which was followed by a series of questions on the buzzers. Eleven youth competed in the Sr. division with the high score going to Ali L. of Cumberland County. The 2020 Maine 4-H Dairy Quizbowl team will be comprised of the top four individuals in the Sr. division: Ali L., Owen B., Mariah J., and Jillian S. with Hannah M. serving as an alternate. The team that will compete at Eastern States Exposition in September. In the Jr. division, the high score went to Kat L. of Cumberland Count. Congratulations to all who participated!

Maine Junior Solar Sprint: Season 26

What’s it about? Engineering, photovoltaics & collaborative learning. Working in teams, middle school students design, build and race model vehicles that run (20 meters) with the sun.

Cost? There’s a free mentor workshop and (thanks to the Maine 4-H Foundation) a $150 materials stipend for mentors. (There is a cost if you would like an organized qualifying race at your school. Top teams go on to the State Finals on Saturday, June 6, site TBD.)

I’m interested—what now? Contact the dude below. He’ll start the wheels turning! Peter Zack, Sacopee Energy & Climate Activities, peter@secanews.org, 207.625.7833.

First-Ever Maine 4-H Teen Dance

April 4 from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Old Town YMCA— join us for the first-ever Maine 4-H Teen Dance (organized by teen 4-Hers for YOU!). Register online today!

Camp Scholarships Available

The Maine 4-H Foundation has camp scholarships ranging from $100-$200 available for 4-H members to any one week of 4-H camp. Try one of our University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Centers at Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond, Greenland Point, and Tanglewood. Call the camps to ask for a scholarship. Scholarships are based on need and first-come-first-serve.

National 4-H Dairy Conference

The 66th National 4-H Dairy Conference will be held September 27-30, 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin. It will be held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo, which attendees will have the chance to visit. The conference will offer opportunities to learn about careers in agriculture, attend seminars on dairy topics, and interact with dairy 4-H members from across the country. Check back for updates as they happen!

The Maine 4H Animal Science Dairy Committee would love to send/support a team of motivated kids involved in the Dairy Goat, or Dairy Cattle Project Areas for this very unique and meaningful opportunity. The National 4H Dairy Conference requires that 4-H team members have spent at least 3 years in those project areas, and be 15-18 years old (4-H age).

We are looking for potential VOLT Chaperones who might like to help organize and facilitate this trip. Interested parties can contact Tara Marble: tara.marble@maine.edu, 207.778.4650.

4-H Dairy Team Dates

The summer show season is fast approaching and it is time to start preparing for the 2020 Eastern States Exposition. Please save the dates below for Eastern States 4-H Dairy team tryouts and events. Learn about the ESE 4-H dairy team and how to get involved in a 4-H Dairy Project. Contact Tara Marble tara.marble@maine.edu or Sadee Mehuren sadee.mehuren@maine.edu with any questions.

Note: In order to be eligible for participation on the 2020 ESE 4-H Dairy Team youth must:
–Be enrolled in a 4-H dairy project for at least one year
–Be 12 years old or older by December 31 of the current 4-H year
-Submit an ESE dairy team intent to participate form by February 1
–Participate in at least one state tryout event
–Submit their animal approval form to their county office by May 1 (if they intend to bring an animal)
–Participate in the Maine State 4-H Dairy show in July

Maine 4-H Dairy Team Dates:
-ESE Animal Approval and Lease Form due May 1 in your local County Extension Office
–4-H Dairy Judging Team Tryouts May 2, time and location TBD
–Animal Approval and Lease Form due (non-ESE) June 30 in your local County Extension Office
–Maine 4-H Dairy Show July 18-19 at Windsor Fairgrounds