April 2019


Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu

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

Click here to follow Knox-Lincoln 4-H on Facebook!


Upcoming Events and Important Dates

through April 30 Clovers for Kids Campaign, JOANN Fabric Stores

through April 7 4-H Paper Clover Campaign, Tractor Supply Co. Stores

April 6  4-H State Public Speaking Tournament, noon-4pm, UMaine Orono campus

April 10  4-H Farm-to-Fair setup for IAFE tour, 4-6pm, Union Fairgrounds

April 13 4-H Farm-to-Fair Exhibit open for IAFE tour, 2-4pm, Union Fairgrounds

April 16  KLLA Meeting 6pm, KL UMaine Extension

April 27  Project Record Workshop, 9-11am, KL UMaine Extension

May 1  4-H Working Steer Animal Approval forms due

May 1  ESE Dairy Animal Approval forms due

May 2  Fryeburg Market Lamb Intent to Sell forms due

May 17-19  New England Livestock Exposition (NELE), Windsor Fairgrounds

May 21  KLLA Meeting 6pm, KL UMaine Extension

May 31  4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper applications due

May 31-June 1  4-H@UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus, University of Maine, Orono

April Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Jack Brodis, Ariel Castner, Maddison Leavitt, Jeremy Dube, and Anthony Benson!

State 4-H Public Speaking Tournament

Plan to attend the State 4-H Public Speaking Tournament at DP Corbett Hall on the Orono campus of the University of Maine on Saturday, April 6, noon to 4pm. Forty-six 4-H members from around the state are registered to participate, including nine from Knox and Lincoln Counties. Bets of luck to Isabelle Baker, Julia Benson, Anthony Dube, Jeremy Dube, Nathan Dube, Sabrinnah Dube, Adam Eaton, Elizabeth Eaton and Sadie Olmsted! For more information about the tournament, visit https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/event/2019-maine-4-h-state-public-speaking-tournament/ .

International Assoc. of Fairs to Tour Union Fairgrounds, Farm-to-Fair

Zone 1 of The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), a voluntary, not-for-profit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions, will be holding its 2019 meeting April 11-13 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. IAFE Zone 1 includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

On Saturday, April 13, the Union Fair trustees plan to open the fairgrounds to this group for a tour. 4-H has been asked to participate by opening the 4-H Farm-to-Fair exhibit to the group. This will be an excellent chance for 4-H to showcase the exhibit and to strengthen our relationship with Union Fair by supporting their efforts.

Youth and adult volunteers are needed to set up the four themed barns on Wednesday, April 10, 4-6pm. Hearty snacks and water will be provided. Please bring a refillable water bottle. NOTE: There will be no bathroom available on set up day on Wednesday. (Portable restrooms will be available for the Saturday event.) If you are available to help please contact Kathryn kathryn.a.jensen@maine.edu or Cindy cynthia.rogers@maine.edu, 207.832.0343. Thank you!

Project Record Workshop for Youth and Adults

Did you submit a project record in 2018 using the newly designed record and reflection tools? How did it go? If you had difficulty navigating the new format, or you just want to feel more confident in using the records, this workshop is for you! Sarah Sparks, one of the 4-H Professionals who helped develop the new tools will be joining us on Saturday, April 27, 9-11am at the Knox-Lincoln Extension office. We hope that youth members and the parents and leaders who assist them will find it helpful. Volunteer judges are welcome as well. You can bring your completed 2018 record or your 2019 record in process if you want, but it is not required. Come with your questions, too! Contact Pamela Doherty to sign up at 207.832.0343, pamela.doherty@maine.edu.

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

The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association is seeking two teen 4-H members, plus one alternate, to assist 4-H staff at the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at Union Fair (August 17-24, 2019). Scholarship funds will be awarded to the assistants based on number of hours contributed. These funds may be used by the youth to attend Citizenship Washington Focus, 4-H National Congress, 4-H National Conference, Leadership Development Programs at Tanglewood, Blueberry Cove or Bryant Pond 4-H Camps, or other Extension staff-approved leadership program.

The Youth Helper position carries more commitment and responsibility than simply volunteering to help. Youth chosen for this position will assist staff and adult volunteers in overseeing the operation of the exhibit. This includes (but not limited to) 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, supporting volunteers and filling in when they need a break. 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 (3 ½ 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 6 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 they are recommended by a 4-H leader or 4-H staff member. Applications due May 31, 2019.

For details and an application, visit https://extension.umaine.edu/knox-lincoln/4h/farm-to-fair/ or contact Kathryn or Cindy at 207.832.0343, Kathryn.a.jensen@maine.edu, cynthia.rogers@maine.edu.

Jo-Ann Fabric’s Clovers for Kids Supports Maine 4-H Youth

University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H is partnering with JOANN fabric and craft stores March 1-April 30, 2019 as part of a nationwide fundraiser benefitting state and local 4‑H programming. In Maine, the first $100.00 raised in each county that has a store will be donated to that county. Any funds raised beyond that amount will support youth statewide to attend the various program summits offered by National 4-H.

Between March 1-April 30, 2019, visit your local JOANN store and purchase a clover tear away at the register for either $1 or $4. Current & Lifetime members, parents of members, volunteers and 4-H staff can also save 15% off total in-store and online purchases every day with a 4-H Rewards card or app. JOANN will give a minimum of 2.5% of every eligible transaction to support the 4-H programming! To learn more about the national partnership, visit www.4-h.org/JOANN.

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 Kathryn or Cindy Kathryn.a.jensen@maine.edu,  cynthia.rogers@maine.edu, 207.832.0343.

State 4-H Office Core Newsletter

Save the Date for 2019 Maine 4-H Days: Maine 4-H Days will take place July 19-21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. If you are interested in helping to plan next year’s event, please contact Jessy Brainerd at jessica.brainerd@maine.edu or 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.

Come to Orono for the 2019 4H@UMaine May 31 – June 1! 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.