Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter, September 2025

September 5, 2025 News

Table of Contents

Piscataquis County 4-H Calendar

  • September 8: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Piscataquis County Executive Meeting at the Extension Office
  • September 13: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Joy Truck Clothing Swap, Clean Out, and Railyard Runway Fashion Show
  • September 19: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., Youth Meet Up at Common Ground Fair. Please RSVP by September 10  to alisha.r.targonski@maine.edu
  • September 30: 5:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tri-County Sampler: Animal Science, Jonathan Bowman Center for Enrichment, 129 Hartland Road, St. Albans
  • October 24: 5:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Piscataquis County Extension Association Annual Meeting and 4-H Year-End Celebration, Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church chapel

Welcome to the Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter

Welcome to the Piscataquis County 4-H online newsletter, where we’ll keep folks updated on what’s happening in 4-H around the county, state, and nation! We’ll promote nearby in-person events and online opportunities for youth and families offered through UMaine Extension and other trusted community partners.

County 4-H News

Piscataquis County Extension Association 4-H Camp Fund

The Executive Committee of the Piscataquis County Extension Association works in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Piscataquis County Commissioners to ensure UMaine Cooperative Extension maintains a presence in our county. These volunteers also support our programs in more direct ways by judging at events, connecting staff and community, and raising funds. The Executive Committee has committed to making the 4-H camp experience cost-free for Piscataquis 4-H families. There are four Maine 4-H camps around the state, each offering a variety of programs for youth. Funding streams specifically for Maine 4-H camps and campers reduce the financial burden on families, and our Executive Committee is working to eliminate it.

This summer, Piscataquis County youth are planning to attend Maine Sports Afield at Bryant Pond and a two-week immersive experience at Blueberry Cove. Maine Sports Afield introduces teen campers to a wide variety of hunting and fishing opportunities to expose them to proven tactics and tips for greater success in the field or on the water. Blueberry Cove’s program focuses on building a connection to the natural world through community building, outdoor living skills, watercraft, farm and food systems, and the arts. 

Contributions to the Piscataquis 4-H Camp Fund may be mailed or dropped off at the Piscataquis County Extension Office, 165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 04426.

Nightwings 4-H Archery Club

There are just four more meetings of The Nightwings for this 4-H year. This summer was brutal for afternoon activities, but September should be nice. 

Levi and Joel are making plans for using Rick and Jody Cabot’s horse arena in Sangerville to allow for year-round target practice. We are applying (along with Aroostook, Waldo, and Washington Counties) for grant funds from the Maine 4-H Foundation to get more and better equipment. Because the club will be meeting year-round, there will be some changes. An informational session for everyone interested in 4-H Archery will be held after Joel returns from competing on Survival Games TV.

We are fortunate to have such dedicated and talented volunteers leading this program! Integrating woodscraft and archery instruction is something most kids won’t get outside a summer camp. Piscataquis County is a great classroom, and we’ve got some great teachers!

Piscataquis Valley Fair

We had a great crew of Nightwings helping to set up the Bell Building for the Piscataquis Valley Fair. John and Darius moved 4 new-to-us display cabinets in, and the younger kids moved benches and tables into place. The weekend went well, and the weather was beautiful.

Visitors to the Bell Building were very impressed by the exhibits and the amount of work they represent. They also commented on the wide range of projects. Lots of folks talked about their own days in 4-H and were happy to see that youth are still involved. Nobody ever regrets their time in 4-H! 

The Joy Truck Project 4-H Collaborative

On August 16, a warm summer evening at the Milo Town Hall, families from Brownville Junction, along with 4-H and friends of the Joy Truck, gathered to celebrate art created at the Joy Truck over this past summer. The second Annual Kids Only Art Show included 2D works: a collection of finger painting, drawings and puppets from the 2024 Brownville Junction puppet show alongside 3D “squishies;” hand-drawn replicas of loved snacks filled with old stuffed animal stuffing, as well as hand-crafted jewelry for purchase. The exhibit was accompanied by a potluck-style dinner and an evening entertainment of a karaoke concert led by the youth.

Grateful thanks to the Milo Town Hall for sharing the space, McGhlaughlins restaurant for their donation of mac n’ cheese and the New England Grassroots Environment Fund for financially supporting the potluck-style meal through the purchase of Tradewinds grocery gift cards and Irving Gas cards. 

To wrap up the 2025 Joy Truck season, we invite friends, families and neighbors to join in our clothing clear out and first-ever Railyard Runway Show in Brownville Junction on Saturday, September 13. Clothing swap, alterations and upcycling starts at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will arrive at 11:30 a.m. Styling, makeup, hair and photography til 1:30 p.m. Runway show at 2 p.m. 

The Joy Truck itself will be towed away from Brownville Junction before the snow flies. We are working on gathering the Joy Truck Kids together through the school year to continue exploring various materials and techniques to create art and fashion. We’re looking for adults to share their passions, skills, materials, and tools with the younger generation.

Do you have a skill to share? Email joytruckproject@gmail.com or trisha.smith1@maine.edu.

New Piscataquis 4-H Volunteer Leader

Ravyn VanHelsing recently completed their volunteer onboarding. They are passionate about making food, sharing skills, and building community. Ravyn plans to utilize the big kitchen at Central Hall Commons and will focus on promoting kitchen safety as well as enjoying food. 

Interested in learning more about food fun and safety? Email Trisha (trisha.smith1@maine.edu)  

Piscataquis County 4-H welcomes caring adults who want to make more opportunities available for our youth. Completing the application, introductory training, background check, and interview may be daunting, but we will help you through it. Get started on the How Do I Become a Volunteer? page, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you hit a snag.

Contact Trisha by email (trisha.smith1@maine.edu) and make an appointment or stop by the office (hours: M, Th, F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) to see Anette.

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 two 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 six times per year, four on Zoom and two 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 15. Nominate through the 2025 Youth Council Nomination Form.

Tri-County 4-H Sampler: Animal Science

September 30, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Join 4-H staff and volunteers in St. Albans for September’s Tri-County 4-H Sampler. We’ll learn about local livestock commodity projects and clubs and get hands-on with rabbits!

Please pre-register on the Tri-County 4-H Sampler Registration Form so we have plenty of snacks and supplies!

Location: Jonathan Bowman Center for Enrichment, 129 Hartland Road, St. Albans.

For more information or a request for reasonable accommodations, contact ​Danielle Savoy,​ 4-H Youth Development Professional, Somerset County.​ Phone: 207.474.​9622, Email: ​danielle.savoy@maine.edu.

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 15 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • October 16 from 3:00 p.m. – 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 p.m. – 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 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free
Registration Required: Login to ZSuite and go to Events, or register directly (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.

The Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter is published monthly.

For questions or more information, contact: Anette Moulton, Administrative Specialist, by email at anette.moulton@maine.edu, phone at 207.564.3301 or Trisha Smith, Positive Youth Development 4-H Professional, email trisha.smith1@maine.edu.

Office Hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Institutional Equity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).