4-H Happenings, July 2023
Contents
Important Dates:
- July 5- August 10, 2023: Summer Learning Series
- July 21, 2023: SSF Exhibition Hall Intent to Exhibit forms due
- July 21, 2023: ESE Horse Showcase Clinic at ME 4-H Day
- July 21-22, 2023: Maine 4-H Days
- July 22, 2023: Working Steers at Maine 4-H Day
- July 22-23, 2023: Maine State 4-H Dairy Show
- July 26, 2023: Union Fair Horse Show
- August 10-19, 2023: Skowhegan State Fair
- August 13, 2023: Deadline for sign up for National 4-H trips
- August 20-24, 2023: Experience aquaculture at Hurricane Island
- August 31, 2023: YOUth Have a Voice applications due
- November 24-30, 2023: National 4-H Congress
County News
Skowhegan Fair Exhibition Hall Needs
It is Fair season! The Exhibition Hall forms and judging cards should be live on the Skowhegan State Fair site. You may access copies of the Exhibition Hall reservation form and the judging cards or life skills wheel online, reach out to Karen Giles karen.giles@maine.edu, or stop by the Extension office. Sign up sheets are due by July 21.
The 4-H Exhibition Hall will need Hall Monitors who will be representatives of 4-H for Somerset County. A partial job description includes:
- Ensure that the Hall is clean and presentable
- Ensure that display items are not handled or damaged
- Be available to answer questions politely and courteously
- Keep a tally of the number of people who visit the hall
- Help the Extension Staff and judges by gathering requested information from the exhibited items
If you are looking for some part time employment during the fair, please reach out to Karen at the Somerset County office karen.giles@maine.edu for an employment application. 4-H youth ages 14+ are encouraged to apply. You must have a work permit if you are under age 16.
Judges for the exhibits and displays will also be needed on Wednesday, August 9, between 8 am- 8 pm. Please reach out if you or someone you know would be willing to help out! It is a wonderful way to see all the incredible work the 4-H’ers produce.
A reminder: many/most of the classes at the Skowhegan Fair are youth classes, rather than 4-H. Make sure you understand the rules, entry dates, and what you need for required paperwork.
Time to Submit Form 990-N to the IRS
You may now file 990-N for 4-H clubs and groups for tax year July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023. This is a reminder to the 4-H clubs and groups who file the 990-Ns on their own. This is to be done by November 15. This is required by the IRS on an annual basis. An EIN will be revoked after three consecutive years of failure to file. If you need assistance please reach out to Karen Giles at karen.giles@maine.edu
Submitting Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
To access the Form 990-N Electronic Filing system:
Sign in/create an account with Login.gov or ID.me: The IRS requires a Login.gov or an ID.me account to submit Form 900-N. Form 990-N filers should use the same email address associated with their IRS account.
Review the IRS Form 990-N Electronic Filing System (e-Postcard) User Guide (pdf) for step-by-step instructions on how to submit electronic Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Most common problems can be avoided by following the User Guide.
Club News
Boots & Spurs
Boots & Spurs members have been busy riding and showing their animals this summer. They are planning to help with the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Event at the Skowhegan Fair. Congratulations to Amiya T. who won first place in the costume class with her Mini unicorn!
Please share your club news- we’d love to hear from you! Let us know what is happening with your club members. Reach out to karen.giles@maine.edu to share activities, highlights, awards, or events.
State News
Events and Opportunities
Experience the wonder of aquaculture on the beautiful Hurricane Island campus August 20 -24, 2023!
Learn about this exciting way to make a living on the water as you immerse yourself in an experience that empowers you to take ownership of your own learning as you explore aquaculture on Hurricane Island. Gain first-hand experience in aquaculture and ecology while earning Levels 1 and 2 Youth Aquaculture MicroCredentials from UMaine 4 H Cooperative Extension.
With the guidance of our expert educators and research team on Hurricane Island, you’ll engage inactivities designed to serve different learning styles as you learn about scallop and kelp aquaculture. Build confidence in Water Chemistry, Biology and Husbandry, Systems and Operations as you are challenged to put your knowledge and skills into action on our 3.2 acre aquaculture farm. Our powerful island environment gives you permission to focus on being present in the place and with the people around you, whether you are scrambling along the coast, hiking through the forest, or sorting scallop spat on the pier. This sense of community forms the base from which everyone considers their own impacts through a variety of lenses, including sustainability, climate change, and the future of Maine’s fisheries.
Our programs offer the opportunity to take charge of your own education in meaningful and lasting ways as a skilled youth aquaculturist. No Cost to Students, and there will be transportation provided from several pick-up points. Space is limited. For specific questions about the program, please email John Van Dis at Hurricane Island jvandis@hurricaneisland.net. For transportation or logistics questions, please contact Beth Clarke elizabeth.clarke@maine.edu and Ryder Scott ryder.scott@maine.edu directly.
Registration Open through July 31 for New 4-H Teen Leadership Program: YOUth Have a Voice!
YOUth have a Voice!: Youth in Governance and Civic Engagement is a nine-month program open to 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 three categories:
1.) Youth Board Member: Join a board or advisory council as a youth representative
2.) Policy Leader: Provide input to a policy or rule being developed
3.) Public Service Leader: Carry out a community service project
Teens will be mentored by adults to assist their learning of civic processes and ways to meet their project goals. The program will be from late August 2023 to May 2024 and the total time commitment may vary from 30 to 80 hours depending on the type of project.
The program will be open for teens ages 14+ years old or entering high school in the fall of 2023. Interested teens will need the following items to register for the program:
- Fill out the application form
- Two letters of recommendation from adults who are not related to the applicant
- Briefly describe (100 to 500 words) why you are interested in this program
- A signed Program Requirement Summary Form
Registration will be open from June 21 through July 31, 2023. The program will be limited to 16 youth.
For questions, please contact Andrew Hudacs, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, (207) 581-8204
Maine 4-H Days: Save the Date! July 21 – 22, 2023
Maine 4-H Days is back in 2023! You are invited to join Maine 4-H for a fun filled day of workshops on Saturday July 22nd! We will kick off the weekend with evening activities on Friday July 21 and have camping available for those who wish to stay overnight! Workshop space is limited, so register soon to secure your spot. For a complete schedule or to register for the event please visit the program page.
To request a reasonable accommodation please contact the Kennebec County Cooperative Extension office at 207.622.7546 or email alisha.r.targonski@maine.edu.
National 4-H Trips and National Congress
There is still room for more applicants to apply for National trips!
Therefore, we are opening up the process to accept more applications until August 11, 2023. Please let your teens know and encourage them to apply. All information is on the website for National Congress and National Conference. Please forward applications to Jessica Brainerd. Interviews will be scheduled in very early September and we will try very hard to accommodate schedules. The delegates who previously applied do not need to re-apply. I have notified them of this process. Any questions, please feel free to email heidi.thuotte@maine.edu.
Fairs and Shows
ESE Horse Showcases open to other Horse participants
The Eastern States Horse Tryouts are based on a series of three showcase clinics this year. There is one remaining clinic:
- Maine 4 H Days Friday, July 21 at Windsor Fair Grounds, Windsor
These showcases are open to other 4-H youth in Horse projects, ages 13-18. They are invited to audit or ride in these clinics, within guidelines, to gain experience and practice skills, even if not trying out for ESE this year. You must pre-register for an event. For more information and to register for an event, contact Karen Giles karen.giles@maine.edu or Tara Marble tara.marble@maine.edu.
Union Fair 4-H HORSE SHOW
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 – 9:00 a.m. Entries are open to all 4-H members, 4-H ages 9-18, in the State of Maine who are enrolled in a 4-H Horse Project. Classes include Fitting and Showmanship, Equitation, Pleasure, Trail, Patterns, and more! Exhibitors must check in with show officials at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the show. See the Union Fair Information Booklet (pdf) for more information and entry forms.
Save the Date for 4-H Dairy Judging and State Show
The Maine State 4-H Dairy Show will take place on July 22 and 23 at the Windsor Fairgrounds in Windsor, ME. The contest is open to all 4-H members who want to participate and will include educational workshops, a fitting contest, a grilled cheese contest, and more!
For more information on upcoming 4-H dairy events visit the 4-H Dairy page or contact sadee.mehuren@maine.edu; 207.342.5971.
For Volunteers
2023 4-H Volunteer Training Opportunities
As we get ready for the new 4-H year, we are looking forward to offering a variety of learning experiences (both in person and virtual) for our 4-H volunteers. Sessions are free of charge, but require registration. Some sessions have limited space. Visit the 4-H Volunteer Calendar of Training Opportunities to learn more and register!
Leaders Meeting Minutes
There was no Leaders’ meeting in June. The next meeting will be a work meeting at the 4-H Exhibition Hall at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds, Tuesday, July 18 at 9 am. Helpers are welcome!