September 4-H 4-U
Table of Contents
- Important Dates to Remember
- County 4-H News
- Club News
- State 4-H News
- Penobscot County 4-H Leaders Association
Important Dates to Remember
- September 6: Field Day & Fun Run
- September 12: Millinocket Memorial Library Homeschool Meeting
- September 18: Volunteer Voices
- September 30: Tri-County 4-H Sampler – Animal Science
- October 1: ZSuite 4-H Reenrollment, Deadline: December 31
County 4-H News
Field Day & Fun Run
The annual Field Day and the Harvest Fun Run at Rogers Farm Demonstration Garden, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This seasonal celebration will feature informational tables, tastings and art in the garden. Visitors can explore over 30 themed gardens, including our expanded Harvest for Hunger gardens and the well-established native plant collection. Staff and volunteers will provide insights on soil testing, season extension and pollinator-friendly gardening.
Children up to 12-years-old can participate in a ½ mile Harvest Fun Run through farm fields adjacent to the demonstration garden. Register for the Fun Run online or with paper forms at the event.
The event will also feature the Great Veggie Race, where competitors of all ages can create and decorate wheeled vegetable vehicles. Participants can bring their own vegetable (under 3 lbs., please) or select one upon arrival. No registration required for the veggie race.
The event is free and open to all. In case of inclement weather, please check this website for updates.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kate Garland, katherine.garland@maine.edu; 207.942.7396.
Millinocket Homeschoolers
Penobscot Valley Homeschool Adventurers 4-H Club Open House
Curious about what PVHA is all about? Join us for our Open House on Thursday, September 18, from 1–3 pm at Lafayette and Rawcliffe 4-H Science and Engineering Learning Center, 491 College Ave, Orono, ME!
Enjoy light refreshments, try out fun hands-on activities, and learn more about how you or your family can get involved. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or brand new to PVHA, this is a great chance to connect, explore, and discover what makes our club special.
This event is free and open to all—we’d love to see you there!
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Emily Pigeon at emily.pigeon@maine.edu.
Volunteer Voices
We want to know what is important to YOU as a Maine 4-H volunteer! Join us for an evening of connection, brainstorming, and sharing with other 4-H volunteers from your county. Dinner will be provided. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Penobscot County Office – 307 Maine Ave, Bangor, ME
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jen Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu.
Tri-County 4-H Sampler
Do you know someone who may be interested in 4-H? Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset County staff are hosting workshops on the last Tuesday of each month from April to September. There will be different workshops for youth to attend each month; this month, it will be the Animal Science Workshop. Guardians will have a chance to talk to 4-H staff about youth enrollment and volunteer opportunities.
This is a free event. Please Pre-Register: https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/38371
Registration Close: 9/30/2025 12:00 PM
Location: Jonathan Bowman Center for Enrichment, 129 Hartland Rd, St. Albans
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Danielle Savoy at danielle.savoy@maine.edu.
2025 Bangor State Fair
Congratulations to all of our 4-H members who showcased their hard work and talents at the Bangor State Fair! Penobscot County youth participated in arts and crafts, club displays, educational displays, and animal shows. Great job to all our 4-H’ers for representing their clubs and community with such dedication and pride!
Below you will find awards, placements and rankings for Penobscot 4-H youth and County 4-H club members.
Individual Exhibits
Cloverbud Participation – Avery L – Fox Drawing and Foil Embossing
Cloverbud Participation – Kingslee L – Smurfette Drawing and 3D Lion Art
Club Exhibits
1st Place – PVHA
2nd Place – Penobscot Livestock
3rd Place – Clever Caprines
4th Place – Shoes N’ Shears
Individual Educational Displays
2nd Place – Lanie H – Breadmaking 101
3rd Place – Braden R – Genetic Defects in Cattle
5th Place – Chase S – Ayrshire vs. Holsteins
8th Place – Kaylee K – What is the National 4-H Conference?
9th Place – Rylee W – The Jersey Breed
10th Place – Savannah B – True or False
11th Place – Sophia C – What Do Ewe Eat?
13th Place – Liam C – The 5 Senses
Club Educational Displays
1st Place – Penobscot Livestock – Sensory Differences of Grass and Grain-Finished Beef
2nd Place – Clever Caprines – Breeds of Dairy Goat
Special Donor Awards:
We are deeply grateful to the generous donors who make our 4-H awards possible each year. Your support not only recognizes the hard work and dedication of our youth but also encourages them to continue growing as leaders, learners, and community members. The following awards were made possible through your generosity:
Bangor Breakfast Kiwanis Club Beef Award – Adam B
Bangor Breakfast Kiwanis Club Dairy Award – Mariah J and Gage Y
Bangor Breakfast Kiwanis Club Goat Award – Kaylee K
Bangor Breakfast Kiwanis Club Sheep Award – Jace B
Donald Dorr Award – Aubrey W and Brody M
Merton E. Libby Beef Award – Abby C
Perkco Beef Herdsman Award – Isabella M and Olivia M
4-H Market Lamb results:
Grand Champion – Abby C
Reserve Champion – Josie B
3rd Overall – Jace B
5th Overall – Lanie H
Grand Champion Senior Showmanship & Fitting – Abby C
Reserve Champion Senior Showmanship & Fitting – Shelby G
Grand Champion Intermediate Showmanship & Fitting – Jace B
Reserve Champion Intermediate Showmanship & Fitting – Adam B
Grand Champion Junior Showmanship – Lanie H
Reserve Champion Junior Showmanship – Josie B
Grand Champion Junior Fitting – Josie B
4-H Market Steer results:
Grand Champion – Aubrey W
Reserve Champion – Abby C
3rd Overall – Braden R
4th Overall – Brody M
5th Overall – Adam B
Grand Champion Senior Showmanship & Fitting – Abby C
Grand Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Braden R
Reserve Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Brody M
Grand Champion Intermediate Fitting – Brody M
Reserve Champion Intermediate Fitting – Braden R
Grand Champion Junior Showmanship – Kamryn R
Reserve Champion Junior Showmanship – Aubrey W
Grand Champion Junior Fitting – Aubrey W
Reserve Champion Junior Fitting – Kamryn R
4-H Goat results (Nigerian Dwarf)
1st and 2nd place, Sr. Kids 4 months and under 11 months of age – Kaylee K
1st place, Dry Yearling- Kaylee K
1st place, Milkers under 2 years of age – Kaylee K
1st place, Milkers 2 years and under 3 years of age – Kaylee K
1st and 2nd place, Milkers 3 years and under 5 years of age – Kaylee K
Junior Champion Nigerian – Kaylee K
Junior Reserve Champion Nigerian – Kaylee K
1st place, 5 year and older Nigerian – Kaylee K
Senior Champion Nigerian – Kaylee K
Senior Reserve Champion Nigerian – Kaylee K
4-H Goat results (All Other Purebreds)
2nd place, Dry Yearling- Kaylee K
2nd place, Dry Yearlings Junior – Kaylee K
3rd place, Best Herd in Show – Kaylee K
10th place, Dam & Daughter – Kaylee K
1st place, Goat Senior Showmanship – Kaylee K
3rd place, Goat Senior Fitting – Kaylee K
Club News
Welcome To Our New Volunteer Leader!
We’re excited to welcome Erin as our newest volunteer leader! She will soon be launching a new club in the community, bringing fresh energy, passion, and leadership to local youth and families. We’re thrilled to have her join our team. Keep an eye out for more details about the club’s kickoff—coming soon!
Please join us in giving Erin a warm welcome!
State 4-H News
State Youth Council
The Maine 4-H State Youth Council nomination form is now open!
The Maine 4-H Youth Council is a chance to step up, speak out, and represent 4-H across our state. As part of this leadership group you’ll connect local and state programs, amplify youth voice in 4-H, and promote 4-H events from Maine to the national stage.
Nominees must be between the ages of 16-24 years of age and must have participated in 4-H for at least 2 years (club, independent, after school, school-based, mentoring or camp program). Nominations are now accepted from 4-H staff and directly from members.
If selected, the requirements of the Youth Council are that members be an active participant (participate in 80% of meetings) and participate in the youth council project chosen for the year. The council meets a total of 6 times per year, 4 on zoom and 2 in person.
Nominations from Extension staff and self-nominations will be accepted.
We are currently looking for youth representation from all counties plus 4-H Camps and Learning Centers and CYFAR/Northstar/OhYea programs.
Nominations are due October 15th. Nomination Google Form.
Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey: A Path to Making a Difference
Do you know someone passionate about youth development and community involvement? Share this opportunity to learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer through Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey! 4-H volunteers play a crucial role in the program’s success, whether it’s by starting a club, sharing their skills through short-term programs, or helping with local 4-H events.
If you or someone you know is thinking about becoming a 4-H volunteer, now’s the perfect time to learn more! We’re offering free one-hour virtual sessions to guide potential volunteers on their journey. You can choose from the following sessions:
October 15th from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
October 16th from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Additional session dates and times are available on the program webpage. The informational sessions are free, but registration is required. Be sure to sign up online today! For more information or if you need a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Jennifer Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu or call 207.255.3345.
Help spread the word and encourage others to become part of the 4-H volunteer family!
Join the 4-H Volunteer Huddle!
4-H volunteers are invited to participate in the new monthly training series: the 4-H Volunteer Huddle! These quick, engaging sessions take place virtually via Zoom on the first Friday of each month from 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Step onto the sideline for a fast-paced “gather–learn–discuss” session and then jump right back into the game of 4-H! Each month will feature a different topic designed to boost your skills and strengthen your strategy—you choose the sessions that interest you most.
The kickoff session will take place on October 3 and is titled, “Goal Setting and Planning for the Year”. Start your 4-H year with confidence! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn simple strategies for setting goals, staying organized, and making the most of your 4-H experience.
Details:
When: First Friday of each month
Time: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free
Registration Required:
Login to ZSuite and go to Events, or click here to register (must be logged in to ZSuite).
For more information, to register by telephone or email, or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact: Tara Wood tara.a.wood@maine.edu, 207.255.3345.
Smithsonian 4-History Project Registration Deadline
The deadline to register for the Smithsonian 4-History Project is September 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. In this project, 4-H’ers will conduct research and interviews to learn more about their community and share their findings through a 5-10 minute video project with support from 4-H leaders and the Smithsonian team. The project will last from September 12, 2025, to March 2026. Youth can work on their project solo or with others (either way can work well). All participants will receive workbooks and staff guidance to support their project. We will have regular meetings as a statewide Maine 4-H club to support your progress through your project See the attached flyer for more information! To register for this program, email Andrew Hudacs (andrew.hudacs@maine.edu) to let him know you are interested, and he will walk you through the process of getting enrolled.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Andrew Hudacs, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 207.581.8204, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu.
Penobscot County 4-H Leaders’ Association
August 21, 2025
Attendance: Donna Gangitano, Emily Pigeon (staff), Lucia Brown (Sec./Treas.), Corinna Caron (VP), Grace Coffee, Amanda Smith, Scott Leeman (Pres.), Erin Percival Carter
The meeting was called to order at 6:06.
Secretary’s Report: Corinna motions to accept the minutes as written, Beth and Donna G. second. All in favor.
Campership checks to Grace Coffe and Abby Caron were sent after 6/30. Not on the July statement. Fedco check is $337.60.
Corinna motioned to accept the Treasurer’s report and Grace seconded the motion. All in favor.
Emily needs to reschedule October’s meeting – Moved to 10/23.
Staff Reports:
Many of you have already heard but CWF is now a part of Ignite. Ignite will still have tracks like AgriScience, Community Accelerators, Healthy Living, STEM but this coming year will add Animal Science and Citizenship Washington Focus (Civic Engagement).
Deadlines
September 1: Project Record Books
September 12: Volunteer Voices registration
Upcoming Events
August 26: Tri-County Wilderness Skills @ Palmyra Community Center
September 12: Homeschool Inquiry Meeting – Millinocket Memorial Library
September 18: Volunteer Voices Register by 9/12
September 30: Tri-County Animal Commodities @Jonathan Bowman Center for Enrichment
October 1: ZSuite Reenrollment
November 28 – December 14 – Tractor Supply Paper Clover Promotion
TSC fall paper clover days will be: 11/28-12/14 – Any club attendance would be appreciated.
TSC brought $750 to every county during the last round of fundraising.
Awards night – when in October would we like to have it? Day, time? Thoughts? Emily would like to have a night to recognize youth and volunteers for their efforts all year round. She welcomes comments to make it special and nice for everyone.
Send Wendy photos from the fair and send her some text on what is going on in the photo. She’s preparing September’s newletter.
9/30 – Animal commodities; Amanda and Logan Smith will be attending on behalf of animal commodities in the County.
Camperships – None.
Commodity/Event Grants
Goat – Request for $500 for the 4-H Youth show held at Cumberland Fairgrounds; funds will help to pay for judge and supplies. Benefits 4-H within and outside our counties, also non-4-H youth, and 4-H leaders.
Lucia motions approval, Corinna seconds. All in favor.
Fundraising
Potential fundraiser – sock fundraiser – they are tall, nice quality socks. It has the 4-H clover on them. Emily brought socks to the meeting. The fundraiser is open on the website for orders – if no special design, then there is no bulk order. Emily will send out links after the meeting. If we like the fundraiser, could we sell them at TSC? Emily will look into that.
Old Business – were bottle drive accounts set up at Damon’s in Bangor or Skeeters in Old Town? Donna talked to Damon’s – they can set up a bottle drive for us, they give us 20% but they have one machine set aside and one of us as a volunteer feeds the cans in the machine. We get all the deposits plus 20%. She’s still working on this. They also do a drop off and that is set up as a bottle drive. They designate one machine for a specific period of time and we have volunteers feed the bottle into the machine. Donna wants to check with a few other places. Can youth be in the facility? There is a redemption center in Newport that can take them. Would need to know the expectations of the center. Donna did look into Clynk too. Donna wondered about a January timeline since things are slower.
BSF
Emily is working on a google form to get feedback regarding the fair. That will likely come out next week.
Application Requirements – Prior to September’s meeting, Emily will scan and send both forms for review (old and current). The form was modified after COVID and we want to re-examine the requirements.
Next Meeting: September 18 – 6:00 pm
Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Staff Reports
Awards Night
Camperships
Commodity Grants
Fundraising
Bangor State Fair
Application Requirements – September
Scott makes a motion to adjourn at 6:34, seconded by Lucia. All in favor.
Discuss fundraising opportunities in September/October. Put on the agenda in that month.
September/October – Discuss campership form amendments (last 12 mo. fundraising, participation in the past and current year; project record could be submitted for past year participation).
Discuss application requirements in Aug./Sept.
Budget needs to go on the agenda in October.
Add to November Agenda, reminder that Club Audits not submitted timely (November) are due no later than January.
Track attendance from January – November
Nominations in October, vote in November, no meeting in December.
Contact: Wendy Robertson, Administrative Specialist, by email at wendy.robertson@maine.edu or by phone at 942.7396 or contact Emily Pigeon, Community Education Assistant, email emily.pigeon@maine.edu
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