4-H Happenings

A NEWSLETTER FOR HANCOCK COUNTY 4-H PARTICIPANTS

June 2008 Issue

Style Revue   
Stitching With The Stars was the theme for the annual Hancock County Style Revue.

Upcoming Events

NORMA’S NOTES - I had the  privilege to see Natalie Marceau from Waldo County earn a $1000 scholarship at the 4-H Pine Tree State Luncheon.  I was a chaperone on the trip to Washington D. C. Citizenship Focus in 2005 which Natalie attended.  Joyce Fortier, 4-H Secretary, joined me for the first time to the luncheon and was so impressed with the accomplishments of all the scholarship winners.

CLUB CHAT: Come visit with me at the State Shooting Sports Training. To have shooting sports clubs to visit, there needs to be adult training. Norwood and Becky Ames have completed their obligation of conducting three State Shooting Sports trainings. They do such an      awesome job. They will not be organizing any more trainings but in 4-H style they have     offered to still help the program in some way. In fact there is a new state leader for 4-H shooting sports in Maine. Scott Olsen, who will be at   the newly acquired “University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center” formerly known as the Maine Conservation School in Bryant Pond, ME. This is exciting news for the 4-H Shooting Sports Program.

4-H NEWS

Roadside Cleanup -  On Saturday, May 10th the rain held off long enough for the Hancock County Wranglers 4-H Horse Club to conduct a roadside cleanup. Members included Jocelyn, Alexis, and Jillian. Elise Dow was also an enthusiastic helper, frequently     spotting items missed by the others. The girls collected eight large bags of trash along a 2 mile section of road. Special thanks to Stephanie Dow for volunteering to help, Bill Carney for use of his pickup, and the Hancock County Ext. Office for use of the safety vests – Submitted by Lisa Carney, Club Leader

 Congratulations To Our Seniors!  The 4-H family would like to extend their congratulations to the following 2008 high school graduates:
· Joseph Fernandez - The Sky is the Limit - John Bapst Memorial High School
· Virginia Marston - Horse of Course - John Bapst Memorial High School
· Rebecca Spooner - Horse & Rider - Acadia Christian School 

4-H Photo Contest - Don’t miss out on those Kodak moments.  Continue taking those pictures! Deadline to submit photos to the Extension Office is August 1st, 2008.   

Blue Hill Fair Books - are at the Extension Office.  Please stop by and pick up a copy or call us and we’ll mail one to you. 

Fair Time - Reminder that fair time will be upon us soon.  Hope you are getting your projects ready for the exhibit hall.  Has your club discussed a club exhibit? The new Cloverbud exhibit cards should be in the office soon.

4-H EDGE - This was my second year attending 4-H EDGE weekend. This year they offered even more workshops and I had a blast! We got to stay in the UMaine dorms at Orono and even got to try their cafeteria food. I learned a lot about the  University of Maine and about college life. We got to choose which workshops that we would like to attend. My first workshop was Technical Theater. We learned how they make the sets, props and costumes for theater productions. Then we had a nice lunch and got to listen and talk to some current and former college students. My second workshop took me to Witter Farm where I got to watch the Standard-bred drill team. I got to talk to the college students who train the horses and was able to get up close to them. My third workshop gave me a chance to practice some art. I got to draw and then paint my own picture. We were suppose to go swimming and play volleyball but when we got to the recreation and fitness center we found out that they thought we were coming at 5:00. Instead we got to check out the track and football field. The next activity was the Physics Road Show. This was awesome and educational. The  instructor put live roses in dry ice and then clapped them between his hands and they just fell apart. He even took a cookie and put in there. Then he ate it!
For my evening activity I chose to be part of the Youth Tech Team. Then after some ice cream we had to go to bed. After breakfast the next morning I was assigned a group and we had to make a video about what we learned at EDGE and what we wanted to do in our future. My whole group did an awesome job. I stuck around to help edit the videos and they all should be up on the website sometime in the future. Even though I had an amazing time and will be  going back next year I was happy to see my family. It felt like I had been away for weeks when I had just been away for a day. 4-H EDGE Rocks!  Submitted by Amberosity Davis, Independent

We’d love to hear from other members attending EDGE.  Send your stories and/or pictures to jfortier@umext.maine.edu and we’ll gladly put them in future Newsletters.

Citizenship Washington Focus - 4-H gets “tons” of credit in 4-H stories by Anthony, Buckstown, and  Amberosity, Independent, who will be going on the trip to Citizenship Washington Focus. From reading their 4-H stories that are a part of their portfolios, they have learned a lot of skills in 4-H. Anthony started in 4-H because he saw the fun his sister, Abbie,  was   having. He says each of his   projects helped him develop knowledge and skills in each area. By having his grandparents and his woodworking Dad help him with his projects, he also gained  extra family time with them. For right now, Anthony is planning to be a history teacher, a  journalist or screenwriter, or maybe even go into politics.
His closing remarks are worth repeating: “Just think of it, I am considering writing as a career and I was once the kid, before 4-H, who found writing a struggle and even painful. The person I am today, and will become has been positively inspired, by and large, by 4-H and the realization that I can do whatever I set out to do if I put my heart, head, hands, and health into it. “
Anthony deserves a lot of credit for using his woodworking skills as a Habitat for Humanity Volunteer during Alternative Spring Break.  
Amberosity also lists many life skills she has learned in her 4-H years. She has learned more about how state government works,  how to communicate not only verbally but also through video and educational displays and to learn the best ways to manage her money and time. She improved her leadership skills as an intern at the Bar Harbor Oceanarium by running the lobster hatchery, working in the gift shop and helping teach incoming interns. Many more skills were learned through Community Service projects, a counselor in training at a camp for 7-9 year olds, and connecting with other youth that share the same interests.
Amberosity says, “ Some of the things I have done I would not have been able to do if it wasn’t for 4-H. The Eastern States Exposition is one example. Since my dog is a mix breed, I cannot show him in the AKC, but now I can train him and show him at ESE.”
Amberosity wants to get a masters degree in secondary education to work with high school age youth and wants a degree in Zoology so that she can work at a zoo. After college she may stay in the U.S. or become a missionary.
We feel confident that these two will represent Hancock County well at CWF.
Amberosity’s final quote is much of the reason why we continue to volunteer:
“I feel that 4-H is a program that we need, to ensure that our youth have firm morals and good life skills.”
Thank you, both for your work in 4-H.

State 4-H News
 April, 2008

1. VOLT Training Corner - On the following Saturdays in 2008: July 12 and  October 11 VOLT training will be held in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties. Select one of those dates to attend from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Please bring your lunch, completed application forms, and a $5.00 fee for the notebook and materials. No one will be turned away for lack of money. Location will usually be in Bangor at the Penobscot County Cooperative Extension office, 307 Maine Ave, but we may hold one in Piscataquis County in Dover if we have enough requests. So, register ahead of time by calling 942-7396 and speaking with Stacy (Barb, or Theresa).
 

2. Maine 4-H Days - Maine 4-H Days at Windsor Fairgrounds will be June 27, 28, and 29. It will be a weekend full of personal enrichment workshops as well as livestock events. The Craft Extravaganza will be full of different choices like silk batiks, kite making, Mexican tin work, and making cork fishing lures. There will also be woodworking, mask making and making a friendship bracelet. See the incredible demonstrations at the Physics Road Show again this year as well as a Fishing Derby which is new this year. Check out the Dog Camp as well as all the fun goat activities. There will be a horse show as well as lots of horse events. The Earth Connections track will show you about composting, tree identification and the water cycle. The Youth in Governance track will help you to take a community service idea and put it into action. Camping is encouraged and entire families are welcome. The registration brochure will be mailed out soon.
 

3. Dog Camp at Maine 4-H Days - Dog Camp will begin on Friday June 27 and continue through the 28 and 29 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. Dog Camp is open to Maine 4-H participants of all ages and experience levels. This year our breed group focus will be on the Toy Group and as always the major focus will be on having fun with our dogs. Planning is still in progress but we have some exciting events underway. This year there will be a presentation about behavior counseling through the use of Bach Flower remedies and we will be having a presentation from a Chihuahua Rescue.  We will also have Showmanship and Obedience workshops for multiple experience levels. Back by popular demand this year are Agility workshops, a pizza party, and Quiz Bowl. Dog camp is always a fun and informative experience for everyone and we hope to see you there!
 

4. Maine 4-H Teen Conference on Wheels -  July 14-17, 2008
4-H Members ages 13-18 – Deadline to Register: June 18
Travel to different locations to learn about community leadership, successful business strategies, environmental issues and citizen science. Download registration form: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/events/confwheels.htm or contact your county Cooperative Extension office to have a form mailed to you.
 

5. 2008 Northeast Regional Volunteer Forum - The 2008 Northeast Regional Volunteer Forum will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire from October 23-26, 2008. For more details, a promotional flyer is available on our website at:                      http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HVol/08NEVF.htm The full registration brochure will be available in May. Stay Tuned! We look forward to seeing you in the fall!
 

6. Horse Vaccination Requirement -  The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will require certain vaccinations for horses who participate in 4-H events during the 2008 season: 4-Hers attending 4-H horse events in 2008 must provide proof of current, annual vaccination for rabies as well as a current, annual Coggins test done by a veterinarian. EVH-1 and Equine Influenza are also required.  Horse     owners may, however, administer their own EVH-1 and Equine Influenza inoculations and a sales receipt will be sufficient evidence for proof of vaccination.” EVH-1 and Equine Influenza are considered effective for six months. Plan the timing of your inoculations with your last event in mind. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact your county Extension office or you can call the State 4-H Office at 1-800-287-0274.
 

7. Horse Tryouts for Eastern States - The Eastern States tryouts for the horse team will be held June 20, 21, and 22, 2008 at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds. Maine 4-Hers who would like to try out for the horse team can find the packet at    www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/horse.htm   Members who cannot access the packet on the website can contact their county Cooperative Extension Office for a packet. 4-Hers who intend to participate in the Horse Tryouts also need to fill out an Intent to Participate form and send it in by April 1. The intent form is at http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/forms/eseintents/horse.htm . Also your horse approval form is due by April 1 only if you are trying out for Eastern States.
 

8. 2009 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest - The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. sponsors an annual contest for 4-Hers, giving them an  opportunity to win one of three cash prizes.  The topic for the 2009 contest is “The Dance Language of Bees”.  For a copy of the rules and more information, please contact the State 4-H Office at 1-800-287-0274 or 207-581-3877.
 

9. Market Lambs for Windsor and Fryeburg Fairs - You are longer required to send an Intent to Participate Form for Market Lambs being shown at Windsor and Fryeburg Fairs, however, if you are planning to show at these fairs, you still need an Approval Form and to have your lambs tagged. There are four lamb tagging sites this year and bringing your lamb to one of them for tagging will constitute your intent to participate. When your animal is tagged, you will be given an Approval Form that must be signed and embossed by your county educator or professional. The deadline is June 30. Tagging Sites:
May 17       NE Livestock Expo, Windsor Fairgrounds, tagging will start after the sale in the sheep barn.
June 7       Franklin County 4-H June Jamboree, Farmington Fairgrounds, 9 to 10 am
June 7       Cumberland County 4-H June Jamboree, Cumberland Fairgrounds, 12noon
June 21     Oxford County 4-H June Sheep Jamboree, Oxford Fairgrounds 9:00 to 11 am
 

10. 2008 Summer GIS Camps – this Year in Northern and Western Maine
Northern Maine 4-H GIS Camp @ Greenland Pont Center in Princeton, ME, July 20-23
Western Maine 4-H GIS Camp @ Bryant Pond Conservation Center July 6-8 Ages 12-15
Program aides ages 16-18 – see below Maine 4-H and the 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Program Team are excited to announce that there will be two GIS (Geographic   Information Systems) Community Mapping Camps this summer.  These camps provide hands-on experience with GPS (Global Positioning System) data collection and GIS mapping software for campers ages 12-15.  Participants will use their new skills to do a community service mapping project for the camp site.  In addition, campers will be able to participate in many of the conservation activities offered such as swimming and boating, games, and campfires. The Northern Maine 4-H GIS Camp will be held at the Greenland Pont Center in Princeton, Maine, July 20-23.  Campers will be mapping new recreational and interpretative trails and having an opportunity to work with forestry and wildlife professionals.  Cost of the camp is $75.00.  There will be a conservation camp running at the same time so campers will also get to take part in some of those activities.  GIS campers have also been invited to remain at the Greenland Point Center conservation camp for the rest of the week for an additional $100.  For more information on this camp, call Christy Fitzpatrick at the Houlton Extension office at 532-6548 or 1-800-287-1469 or email her at cfitz@umext.maine.edu.  The registration form will be posted on the Aroostook County 4-H website in early April and can also be mailed to you by calling to Houlton Office. The western Maine 4-H GIS Camp will be held at the Bryant Pond Conservation Center July 6-8.  Information about the program and costs will be available soon. For more information about this camp, contact Susan Jennings at the Oxford County.  Important news for 16-18 year olds with GPS/GIS experience - both camps are looking for up to four program aides to help with the GPS and GIS work and other camp chores. (Don’t worry, Blueberry Cove vets –we won’t ask you to cook this time!)  If you would like to apply to be a program aide, please contact either Christy or Susan as soon as possible.  Program aides will get to participate in all of the activities, but will get to come to camp for a reduced fee.  For Greenland Point, the fee will be $45.Lisbon Falls
 

11. 4-H Day at the Skowhegan State Fair -  Somerset County 4-H Leaders Association invites any 4-H Club or 4-H Member to take part in the 6th Annual 4-H Day at the Skowhegan State Fair on Sunday, August 10th, 2008.  This special day will begin with a parade around the racetrack with line-up beginning at 11:30 AM.  The parade can include floats, club members, led or ridden animals, etc.  Anyone taking part in the parade will be admitted free on 4-H Day.  Livestock demonstrations will begin at 1:00 PM. If you would like to participate in this event, please contact the Somerset County Extension Office, 4-H Secretary, Johanna Cliff, to receive the necessary paperwork and contact information, (207) 474-9622 or jclift@umext.maine.edu  Hope to see you there.
 

12. Heart-Healthy, Tasty Maple Granola - You asked for it! Here’s the popular Healthy Lifestyles recipe served at the University of Maine 4-H EDGE conference this year: Heart-Healthy, Tasty Maple Granola courtesy of Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day) – check out their website at www.vtfeed.org
 

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13. 2008-2009 Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors Membership -  The 2008-2009 Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors membership form is now available on the 4-H website.  Please note that when you send your form in you are signing up for a membership in the Association, one of the many benefits of a membership is insurance.  For more information and access to the form, go to: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/forms/webdocs/maleform.htm

14. Upcoming Events in Androscoggin/Sagadahoc! - Topsham Fair August 3-12.  Open to clubs in Androscoggin, Sagadahoc and Cumberland Counties.  All other counties are welcome to come and support your fellow 4-Hers. Moxie Days Saturday July 12.  It’s the Silver Anniversary of Moxie, come join the Androscoggin/Sagadahoc 4H clubs as they participate in the Moxie Day parade and organize a petting Zoo.  It is a day full of fun events in downtown Lisbon Falls.

Hancock County Leaders’ Association Unofficial Minutes of May 14, 2008

 No Quorum
Members Present (7): President Terry Swazey, Treasurer Barbara Hopkins, Secretary Lisa Carney, Wendy Hesketh, Brenda Jordan, Carolee Tully and Jen Lobley.
Secretary’s & Treasurer’s Reports:
· A thank you note from the Pine Tree State 4H Foundation was read. 
Discussion:
· Do we have a steer? The steer tickets have been printed.
· Lori was checking into a Jamboree speaker. No specific plans from the sheep and cattle groups on Jamboree. It would be nice if someone gave a basic photography overview when the kids receive the cameras from Wal Mart. A flyer is going out to Hancock, Washington and Waldo counties.
· Amount of honorarium for Cloverbuds at Blue Hill Fair?
· Ask Joyce to include a category for “T-shirt size” on the yearly enrollment form.
· Board votes: we agreed to give out one more Tanglewood scholarship and a scholarship to Horse Camp.
· Horse Camp orientation will be Monday, June 9^th at 6pm at the Extension Office.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Carney, Secretary

Norma On The Lookout - You never know where you are   going to find these talented 4-Hers. Tyler, Snapdragons & Hollyhocks, and   Cynthia, Declaration of  Independents,  traveled to Washington DC for six days with the Ellsworth High school band. They performed at the war Memorials and saw some of the sights of DC such as the Holocaust Museum, Native American History Museum, met with Susan Collins and had a tour of the Capitol and other exciting things to see. I hear by the grapevine that Tyler was thinking 4-H  and took lots of pictures for the photo contest.
If you have any “sightings” that Norma might not know about -  please notify the office.  Thanks!

Maine 4-H Youth
Development Mission
To educate and empower Maine youth through hands-on and  community-based experiences.

 Maine 4-H Youth
Development Vision
Maine youth acquire the knowledge, life skills, leadership abilities and attitudes to help them succeed now and in the   future through effective collaborations, hands-on experiential education and self-directed learning.
 

“To Make the Best Better”
“Learn by Doing”

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Last Modified: 06/03/08
These pages are currently being maintained from the
Hancock County Office, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
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