Piscataquis County 4-H Newsletter, August 2026

August 6, 2026 4-H

Table of Contents

Piscataquis County 4-H Calendar

  • August 6-8: Bangor State Fair. 4-H Steer and Goats, 4-H Exhibition Hall
  • August 11: Fair Exhibit and Paperwork Preparation, 3:30- 5 pm. Piscataquis Extension Office, Dover-Foxcroft 
  • August 12: Dominoes with Jewel, 1:00 pm. Thompson Free Library Pavilion, Dover-Foxcroft
  • August 13: Eating Well, Living Well 101, 1:30 pm. With Kate Yerxa, UMaine Extension. Thompson Free Library, Dover-Foxcroft
  • August 18: 4-H Sampler at Guilford Memorial Library, 1:00 pm. Flowers and pollination with Kate Garland, UMaine Extension 
  • August 19: Read & Feed with Ms. Michelle 9-10:00 am; Joy Truck 4-H, 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Prepare for the Fair! Work on the Joy Truck club display, including Black Fly
  • August 22: Joy Truck 4-H, 10 am- 1 pm. Block printing with Faith Sickler of “In What Realm” 
  • August 24: Bell Building Clean Up and Prepare for the Fair, 9:00- 11:30 am and 3-5:00 pm. Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds
  • August 25: Check in 4-H exhibits, 2-7:00 pm. Non-perishable items only. Bell Building, Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds
  • August 26: Check in 4-H exhibits, 4-8:00 pm. All exhibit types accepted. Bell Building, Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds
  • August 30: Pick up 4-H exhibits, 4-5:00 pm. Bell Building, Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds
  • September 2: Read & Feed with Ms. Michelle 9-10:00 am; Joy Truck 4-H, 10 am- 1 pm. Agenda TBD
  • September 5: Meet Brownville’s new Town Manager 3-6:00 pm. Fun and food for the whole family! Davis Field, Brownville
  • September 12: Joy Truck 4-H, 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Railyard Runway/Kids Only Art Show, 2:00 pm.
  • October 1: New 4-H Year Begins! 
  • November 7: 4-H Volunteer Summit, 8:30 am- 3:30 pm. Maine Arts Academy, Augusta

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.

August County 4-H News

Piscataquis 4-H Volunteers

UMaine Extension in Piscataquis County counts on volunteers to keep Extension and 4-H going through all seasons. Youth and adults alike need people in their lives who support, challenge, and celebrate them. Piscataquis County is a special place, and we’re grateful for everyone’s contributions to our community. 

Piscataquis Valley Fair August 26-30 

Did you know that all enrolled 4-H youth and volunteers can get into the Piscataquis Valley Fair free by showing their membership cards at the gate? The Piscataquis Valley Fair Association supports 4-H and has family-friendly events planned over the whole weekend. The Fair is our best opportunity of the year to show off “what the kids are up to!”

The Bell Building is our 4-H Exhibition Hall. 4-H and Piscataquis Extension are responsible for filling the hall with youth exhibits and information about UMaine Extension programs and resources. We also staff the building to provide security for the exhibits and friendly faces for the public. On clean up day (August 24), we typically open the building and pressure wash the floor in the morning with a small crew and set everything to rights in the afternoon with as many helpers as we can muster!

Creating exhibits is another big part of the fair experience for 4-H’ers. An exhibit is a tangible way of sharing with the public what the 4-H member or club has learned or produced as part of their project work. The project is the learning journey; the exhibit is how the learning is shared with others. Exhibits may take the form of a written report, scrapbook, poster, recording, etc., as well as items made or grown by the 4-H’er. Club exhibits are also encouraged. Exhibits are evaluated by a panel of judges and awarded ribbons, which come with cash premiums paid by the Fair Association.

A Fair Preparation Workshop will be held August 11, 3:30-5:00 pm at the Piscataquis Extension office. Paperwork is also available at the office during our regular hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday 8:00 am- 4:00 pm.

Build It Tall at the Bell Building 

Every year at the Piscataquis Valley Fair, we offer a hands-on activity for kids. This year, it’s an engineering challenge to build a freestanding structure in two minutes, using provided materials. Staff and volunteers will maintain a leaderboard throughout the Fair for the tallest structures created by youth (categorized by age) and adults. All participants will receive a ribbon, and the winners in each age category will be awarded a yardstick marked with the height of their structure!  

Nightwings 4-H Archery Club.

The Nightwings typically meet weekly at a horse arena in Sangerville through the summer, with a reduced schedule in winter. Their meetings are focused on target practice. The roster currently has openings.

The Joy Truck Project 4-H Collaborative

At the first Joy Truck meeting of the summer, we set some intentions and group agreements together, made another round of customized energy bites, and explored The Joy Truck’s nooks and crannies. Friends from Dover-Foxcroft were introduced to the neighborhood kids and were welcomed and included.

Activities so far this summer have featured learning about printmaking on paper and fabric and making (and eating!) healthy snacks. On July 22, we explored printing on paper with stamps. Some youth made their own block print designs on styrofoam plates or potatoes; others chose pre-made stamps and alphabet blocks. Everyone got a chance to practice rolling out ink with a brayer. On our Joy Truck 4H Saturday, we mixed our own DIY Fabric Paint (2:1 school glue to tempera or acrylic paint, plus water to cream-like consistency) and got busy painting and stamping one-of-a-kind t-shirts. It was a hot day, but perfect for painting and air-drying t-shirts. Over the course of the summer, youth plan to create more designs to showcase at the Fair and Railyard Runway/Kids Only Art Show.

We incorporated delicious fresh veggies and fruit from Ms. Michelle’s Read & Feed in our snacks and lunches. Youth created their own dips for cucumbers and peppers and we all made sandwiches and wraps to include the beautiful lettuce grown at Ripley Farm in Dover-Foxcroft. After lunch and cleaning up, youth and families typically are invited to just spend time getting to know one another. Blowing bubbles (thanks to Pastor Dean), playing dress up, and drawing on the truck with chalk are always options!

Summer is flying by, but Free Store Fridays happen every week (10 am- 2 pm), and we have plans for 2 more 4-H Wednesdays and a Saturday before the Fair. We’re also looking forward to our Second Annual Railyard Runway/Kids Only Art Show on September 12. We hope to raise funds to help repay the generosity of the American Legion Post 92 and its members. We are so grateful for the use of the building and especially for the support of Post Commander Chris Crockett and Chaplain Stephen Dean. Save the date and keep an eye out for details about the Railyard Runway/Kids Only Art Show!

The Joy Truck Recycles! 

Help supply the Joy Truck Kids with clothes and other cast-off items for weaving projects, puppets, and other creative explorations! Drop off donations at the Extension office in Dover-Foxcroft during open hours (M, Th, F 8-4).

Save/collect for Joy Truck Kids to repurpose:

  • T-shirts and knit tops
  • Paper towel and toilet paper tubes
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Paper bags
  • Bottle caps
  • Yarn
  • Paint and other art and craft supplies

4-H Sketchbook Club (aka Independent Art Explorations)

Our August 11 meeting will be open to all Piscataquis Cloverbuds and 4-H’ers who plan to exhibit at the Fair. The Piscataquis Valley Fair is the best opportunity of the year to show off all the hard work youth, families, and 4-H volunteers have been doing together. Having your work evaluated and awarded ribbons can be a nerve-wracking opportunity for growth, but people really do love seeing “what the kids are up to” in 4-H. 

Dominoes with Jewel

Jewel Anderson loves sharing her dominoes and expertise with kids and friends of all ages! Build walls, towers, and branching lines, all designed to collapse in accordance with the laws of physics. The last chance for the summer is August 12. We will meet from 1:00 – 3:00 pm under the pavilion at Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft. Bring patience, steady hands, and a sense of humor! Piscataquis 4-H will provide light refreshments.

Introduction to Machine Sewing

We’re looking forward to more bite-sized sewing workshops from Rhonda Kirkpatrick in the new 4-H year. See what budding sewists have created when you visit the Bell Building at the Piscataquis Valley Fair!

Growing Piscataquis 4-H

4-H programming in Piscataquis County depends on caring adults to share their time and skills with youth. From leading or co-leading a club to helping with transportation or snacks, growing 4-H takes a community! Maine 4-H is working to offer more support and make volunteering less intimidating with some new initiatives.

Besides the interview with 4-H staff, all steps to becoming a 4-H volunteer can be completed online, on your own schedule. The Maine 4-H Volunteer Orientation is newly available in ZSuite in the Clover Academy section. Content includes concepts of youth development and the 4-H Thriving model, experiential learning, ages and stages, and highlights the three-way partnership between USDA/NIFA, UMaine, and county government. The module should take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. A certificate will be generated and emailed to you at the end.

The Lunch and Learn series provided a chance for 4-H volunteers to discuss an aspect of 4-H volunteerism. The sessions might be of interest if you’re considering volunteering with 4-H in any capacity. Find recordings of the first Friday half-hour Lunch and Learn sessions on the 4-H Volunteer Huddle webpage.

Lastly, 4-H Volunteer Connections are structured to offer connection, engagement, and networking for 4-H volunteers in the whole Northeast Region (CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, and WV)! These Zoom meetings start with “connection before content,” fun icebreaker games and conversation. We then move to the evening topic, sometimes led by experts from different states or volunteers as teams or panelists. Volunteers get the chance to spend time in breakout rooms with individuals from other parts of the region to share ideas and learn from one another. Watch past sessions of 4-H Volunteer Connections here.

Have a skill to share, but can’t commit to leading a club? Contact Trisha by email (trisha.smith1@maine.edu) and make an appointment or stop by the office during the hours we’re open (Monday, Thursday, Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm) to see Anette.

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 during the hours we’re open: (Monday, Thursday, Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm) to see Anette.

August State 4-H News

Save the Date: Maine 4-H Day at UMaine Football

Join Maine 4-H at the University of Maine on Saturday, October 17, as the Black Bears take on Bryant University! The game begins at 1:00 p.m.

Come early to connect with other 4-H members and families, learn about upcoming 4-H opportunities, and enjoy time together before cheering on the UMaine football team.

Tickets will be $15 per person. You can purchase your tickets on the 4-H Football Experience page. We hope you can join us!

Power Protectors: 4-H STEM Challenge

How much energy do we use, and how can we power our world with the sun, wind, and other renewable energy sources? Step into the role of an engineer in this hands-on challenge! We will explore basic energy concepts, figure out how much energy we use and experiment with alternative energy.  We will apply problem-solving, creative thinking and collaboration skills to design challenges.

Who: Ages 9 – 12
When: Mondays, September 19, 26 & October 5th 4:00-5:00 pm
Where: Virtual – connect from home; we will mail key materials
How: Visit the Maine 4-H Virtual Learning Hub; registration information will be posted under STEAM

Apply for the 2027 Ignite by 4-H Maine Team

Applications are now open for the 2027 Ignite by 4-H Maine Team. All Maine youth ages 14–18 are eligible to apply.

Ignite by 4-H will take place March 17–21, 2027, in Washington, D.C. Youth applying for the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) track should plan to attend March 16–21, 2027.

Applications are due September 15, 2026. 2027 Ignite by 4-H Youth Application.

Partial Solar Eclipse – Viewing at Versant Astronomy Center

On August 12th, there will be a partial solar eclipse visible here in Maine, and the last one until 2045, and the next Total Solar Eclipse here in Maine will be in 2079!

Versant Power Astronomy Center at UMaine Orono will be opening the historic Clark Telescope from 12:30-3 pm on August 12 to share the eclipse with anyone interested in joining us.  This is a FREE event, but it will be weather-dependent, as clear skies will be needed to open up the telescope.

Here in Orono, the eclipse will begin at 12:54 pm, have a maximum of 23.6% of the Sun obscured by the Moon at 1:53 pm, and end at 2:49 pm.

Just a reminder: to safely view eclipses, one should use a proper solar filter or eclipse glasses.  If you have ones from 2024 that you kept in good shape and have no scratches or holes, they will work for this event.

July 2026 4-H Volunteer Corner: Your Corner for Connection, Tips, and Tricks

Developmental Relationships

You are making a difference with youth. Showing an interest, creating connections and offering encouragement are all part of a strong relationship. Over time, these relationships foster deep belonging, promote civic engagement, and help young people to become beyond ready for whatever the future holds! Try these quick conversation starters when you bring 4-H youth together this summer for a 4-H meeting, field trip, or even at the fair! Express Care through listening, warmth, and dependability.

  • “What’s something you’re proud of this week?”
  • If you could learn one new skill, what would it be?”
  • “What’s been the best part of 4-H for you so far?”

4-H Volunteer Summit

Saturday, November 7, 2026

This event is going to be so much fun! Along with interactive workshops and a 4-H Discovery Zone, there will be a delicious lunch and door prizes! Save the date, check out the
4-H Volunteer Summit webpage and look for registration to open soon!

Resources CORNER

Maine 4-H Project Records
Record keeping is a skill that youth need to be Beyond Ready for the future! 4-H members are encouraged to keep records as part of their leadership experience. 4-H records present a
picture of your growth and development for our 4-H members. They can be helpful when it comes to county awards, fair entries, scholarship applications, and building resumes. If you
meet with your club members on a regular basis, it is important to work on the records throughout the year. You can check in, answer questions, and provide support by setting aside
a little time at each meeting. As the 4-H year starts to wrap up, you may wish to have a “project record party” where youth have an opportunity to finalize the project records, reflect, and share some of their learning and observations from the past year. Check out the Maine 4-H Project Records webpage for resources, samples, and more information!

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 207.581.8182, or Trisha Smith, Positive Youth Development 4-H Professional, email trisha.smith1@maine.edu.

Office Hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

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).