KL 4-H Newsletter—November 2024

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Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu

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Upcoming Events and Important Dates

November 12 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association (KLLA) Meeting, 6 pm, online only

November 12, 19 “Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey,” 6 – 7 pm, online

November 29 Deadline to register for Youth Have a Voice Teen Leadership Civic Engagement Program

November 29–Dec.15 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at Tractor Supply Co. Stores

December 12 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association (KLLA) Meeting, 6 pm, online only

December 15 4-H Re-enrollments due (see article about ZSuite below)

December 23 Applications due for Ignite by 4-H, Washington, D.C. (age 14-18)

November Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Violett A. and Mariyah L.!

2024 4-H Year-End Celebration

4-H members, volunteers, staff, and family members gathered at Beaver Lodge in Hope on October 20 for the 2024 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. Jolly Farmers member Kyra B. told us about her experience at Leadership Camp at Tanglewood 4-H Camp. Independent member Anna P. spoke about her time at Hurricane Island Advanced Marine Science program, as well as Ignite by 4-H in Washington, D.C.. Anthony D. described his experience at 4-H National Congress in Atlanta, GA.. Together, Anthony D., Sabrinnah D., and Kyra B. presented on the 4-H Communication Science Team’s trip with New Hampshire 4-H to the Big E in Springfield, MA.

We heard from Hayden C. and Adam E. of the Aldermere Achievers about their success at the first-ever Junior National Belted Galloway Show in Medina, OH. Finally, members of the Jolly Farmers and Jolly Juniors 4-H Clubs told us about their club’s community service focus and the event they were able to have at an escape room as a reward for their efforts in 2023.

We honored two adult volunteers for their milestone years of service. Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association president Linda Bonin received a Diamond Clover in recognition of her 20 years of volunteer service to 4-H. Rita Glaude was awarded a Ruby Clover in honor of her 30 years as a 4-H volunteer in our counties. We thank both of them for their commitment to 4-H!

Five Cloverbuds graduated to regular member status at the event: Calvin C., Rocklan M., Caroline P., Vincent C., and Cora W. Two members who have aged out of the 4-H program were recognized for the achievement of completing nine and ten years respectively as active 4-H members: Sadie O. and Adam E.

Special awards included Leadership: Natalie C., Team Player: Hayden C., Personal Growth: Luke L. (Honorable Mention Nora N.), Community Service: Isabella Lagassee. The 4-H Character Award went to Sabrinnah D.

We received 25 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. Cloverbuds received a year pin, ribbon, and a $20 gift card. Thank you to our judges, Linda Bonin, Joelle Albury, Valerie Jackson, and Anna Blank. Congratulations, everyone!

1 Year
Natalie E.             Byre Clan                       Veterinary Science
Ryan F.                Byre Clan                       Sheep
Lexi L.                 Byre Clan                       Sheep
Rocklan M.          Byre Clan                       Cloverbud
Nora N.                Byre Clan                       Beef
Charlotte R.         Byre Clan                       Crafts

2 Years
Lucy C.                Jolly Farmers                 Outdoor Education, Recreation
Isabella L.            Jolly Farmers                 Poultry
Luke L.                Jolly Farmers                 Poultry

3 Years
Mariyah L            Jolly Farmers                 Rabbit

5 Years
Hayden C.            Aldermere Achievers     Beef
Natalie C.            Aldermere Achievers     Beef
Carson D.            Independent                   Food Science

7 Years
Kyra B.                Jolly Farmers                 Leadership

9 Years
Sadie O.               Independent                   Beef

10 Years
Sabrinnah D.        Jolly Farmers                 Community Service, Entomology, Goat, Photography, Poultry
Paytyn D.             Independent                   Communication Arts
Adam E.              Aldermere Achievers     Beef, Sheep
Anna P.                Independent                   Waterfowl

12 Years
Anthony D.          Jolly Farmers                 Rabbit

Photography Contest Winners

24 photographs were entered into the 2024 KL 4-H Photography Contest. The entries with the top four scores in each age group (listed below) will have their turn as cover pic on the KL 4-H Facebook page in 2025! 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 Tori Jackson, Extension Program Administrator of Agriculture and Natural Resources and owner of Tori Lee Jackson Photography. Congratulations to all!

Re-enrollment Time—Families Can Do This Online!

ZSuite is the 4-H enrollment option available for families for the new 4-H Year. Current families can log into their ZSuite account and complete their re-enrollment, as well as all required forms, online. If you enrolled yourself last 4-H year (2023-2024), you can simply visit ZSuite and use the password you set at that time. If you DID NOT use ZSuite to enroll in 2023-24, visit 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 PRIMARY 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 15.

Oxton Trust Applications Due January 30 for All of 2025

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 2025 calendar year and apply for funds to the Oxton Trust Committee by January 30, 2025.

If a club, volunteer, or member discovers a need for funds later in 2025, 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. Apply for an Oxton Trust grant online or request a paper application by contacting the Knox-Lincoln Extension office.

Explore Maine’s Aquaculture Industry with Virtual Field Trips from 4-H

Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) are an innovative way for youth to explore and learn about places and people that would otherwise be infeasible! These immersive, online experiences bring Maine’s thriving aquaculture industry to life—no travel required.

Accessible at no cost, the Virtual Field Trips are designed to break down geographical and financial barriers, making high-quality, hands-on learning available to all. Register online to receive a link to the VFTs. Each field trip also comes with complementary 4-H activity guides and lesson plans to help facilitate meaningful engagement with youth.

The first VFT currently available features the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR), a large-scale, land-based aquaculture facility in Franklin, Maine. Additional virtual field trips are in development and will be rolled out throughout 2025 and 2026. These experiences offer insight into seafood production, workforce development, career exploration, and STEM concepts related to aquaculture technologies.

Register for a virtual Aquaculture field trip. For more information: contact Carla Scocchi, 4-H Youth Development Professional, carla.scocchi@maine.edu.

4^th Annual Maine STEM Film Challenge

Join us for our 4^th annual Maine STEM Film Challenge! Hosted by the STEM Outreach program at the University of Southern Maine, the Maine STEM Film Challenge is a fantastic fall semester opportunity open to students of any level. This challenge is self-paced and very easy to get started with.

Divisions Include:
-K-3 grades
– 4-5 grades
– 6-8 grades
– 9-12 grades
– Any college grade

Teams of 1 to 10 students storyboard, design, edit, and produce a 3 to 10 minute informational, multimedia video about any STEM topic of their choice. Films are evaluated on content, production quality, artistic merit, and accessibility. Groups of any kind are welcome to participate, including schools, community groups, and families.

Full challenge description, rules, rubrics, and past winning videos are available on the Maine STEM Film Challenge Website. If you’d like to be kept in the loop during the challenge season, click on the “Pre-Registration” link to get started! For more information, email msfc@maine.edu.

Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey Training

Thinking about becoming a 4-H volunteer? We are looking for people to help youth find their spark and thrive! We offer lots of ways to be involved depending on your time and interests. Join us for two one-hour virtual sessions to help you with your decision. By the end of the two-part series, you will have completed four short e-Learning modules to introduce you to the 4-H program, participate in an experiential learning activity, learn about the key aspects of positive youth development, and be introduced to ages and stages of youth. This core training will wrap up with an outline of next steps and an introduction to your county staff contact so you can begin the application process if you choose. No pressure to commit, no cost, and no reason to not attend! Please note, these sessions are for individuals who are not currently enrolled 4-H volunteers.

– Tuesdays, November 12 & 19,  2024 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Register to Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey

Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign Launches This Month

This season’s Paper Clover campaign will officially launch on Friday, November 29, and will run through December 15, showcasing 4-H during the busiest retail period of the year! Funds raised through the campaign are used to support 4-H Leadership activities and camp scholarships. Also limited edition, collectible 4-H holiday ornaments are also available in Tractor Supply stores nationwide. Featuring three unique designs, 100% of the funds raised from ornament sales will benefit 4-H.

Register for 4-H Teen Leadership Civic Engagement Program: Youth Have a Voice

Youth have a Voice is a program for teens and recent high school graduates who are interested in taking a more active role in serving their local communities, the state, or the country.  Youth will learn leadership skills and ways to participate in civic action by completing a service project in a topic of their interest.

Youth projects will be in one of the three categories:
– Public Service Leader: Carry out a community service project of their choosing.
– Youth Board Member: Join a board or advisory council as a youth representative.
– Policy Leader: Provide input to a policy or rule being developed.

The program is open for teens ages 14+ years old or entered high school in the fall of 2024. Teens are matched with adult mentors and 4-H staff advisors to provide guidance on their projects, assist their learning of civic processes and plan ways to meet project goals. The total time commitment may vary from 30 to 80 hours depending on the type of project. Monthly statewide program meetings will be online via Zoom and occasional in-person gatherings will be scheduled for participant availability at central locations.

The program will admit new members in fall/early winter 2024 as resources become available. Interested teens will need the following items to register for the program:
– Fill out the Youth Have a Voice application form.
– Two letters of recommendation from adults who are not related to the applicant.
– Brief description (100 to 500 words) about why you are interested in this program.
– A signed Program Requirement Summary Form.

Registration is open through Saturday, November 23, 2024.  To register or learn more, visit the Youth Have a Voice website. Individuals with questions or who need to request an accommodation, please contact Andrew Hudacs, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, 207.581.8204.

Congratulations to the 4-H Sheep Team

Seven Maine 4-H Members and fifteen of their Sheep proudly represented Maine at the Eastern States Exhibition this year.  Members took home some impressive awards including Champion Showmanship, Clara D.; Champion Lead Line, Laney K.; Champion Bred & Owed Ewe, Thomas F., First Place, Educational Display; as well as numerous ribbons in breed classes, skill-a-thon, and the lamb cook off.  Above all the members were able to connect with youth from other states and enjoy their time at the Big E.

Highlights included riding on the 4-H float during the parade and taking a spin on the Sky High Super Wheel with fellow members from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Ignite by 4-H

Who is eligible: All 4-H enrolled youth of high school age (14-18)
When is the event: March 12-16, 2025
Where: Washington DC metro area at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
Timeline: Applications need to be completed by December 23

Cost: The Maine 4-H Foundation has graciously funded the majority of the registration and travel costs for youth.  Youth will be responsible for $300 towards the cost of the trip. We encourage youth to reach out to the County offices and programs to seek out additional funding support. If youth need help or assistance please have them contact tara.marble@maine.edu.

Spark your imagination and passion! Join us from across the U.S. in Washington, D.C. for Ignite by 4-H! The four-day interactive summit helps teens find their spark through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration, and connecting with peers as an inclusive teen event in March 2025.

Ignite is a step forward in the journey of becoming beyond ready. At Ignite, teens collaborate, create and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world—becoming resilient and READY for everything life has to offer. The possibilities are endless at Ignite by 4-H. Ignite will include:

• High impact programming featuring immersive workshops and experiences, renowned speakers and industry leaders
• Career exploration and work readiness opportunities
• Networking and connection with like-minded peers
• Skills to drive community impact
• D.C. area experiences and activities

Apply to participate in Ignite by 4-H . For more information, questions, or concerns visit Ignite by 4-H website or contact tara.marble@maine.edu.

 

 

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