4-H Happenings

A NEWSLETTER FOR HANCOCK COUNTY 4-H PARTICIPANTS

April 2008 Issue

DEMONSTRATIONS - What an afternoon at Cave Hill School as we watched twenty-three 4-H youth do Demonstrations. The audience of around eighty was treated to some great ideas. However, the greatest part was to watch the courage displayed as each one got up to face the audience and judges as they worked and talked at the same time.   

Happy trophy winners are: Amanda, Barn Critters, Destiny, Mix n’ Match, Noah, Katherine and Keith from Jolly Juniors, and Lynne, Snapdragons and Hollyhocks.

 Upcoming Events

NORMA’S NOTES:By now you have received your Special 4-H Keepsake Edition. Several years ago I started wondering how can I use the pictures and notes I have taken and the things I have learned from the clubs I visited for the year 1997-1998?  I wanted to share with others all the good things I saw in 4-H. That’s when the first Special 4-H Keepsake Edition was born and was sent out in 1999. I got a good response. 4-H and others liked seeing the 4-H Program in action. Those outside of 4-H were amazed at the wide range of possible projects.  So it continues. It also gives me such a good chance to be reminded of the many parts of the 4-H Life Skills Wheel. Our county activities show so much “Cooperation,” “Social Skills,” and “Communication” for example. The fairs show excellent examples of “Keeping Records,” “Critical Thinking,” “Personal Safety,” “Self-discipline” and many others. At the Club visits I really get to see first hand “Teamwork” and the great “Community Service Ideas.” Joyce and I are happy to produce this showcase for the 4-H Program. We hope you enjoy it and thank you all for your participation. 

CLUB CHAT:  Recently the Mix n’ Match 4-H Dairy Goat Club held a bake sale to raise money for the Heifer Fund.  This is a non profit organization that sponsors live farm animals for families in need around the world.  The club had a goal of raising enough money to sponsor 4 goats to families in need through the Heifer organization over the winter.  The bake sale was part of this fund raising and what a success it was!  We raised $207.00 in a few hours on a Saturday at the Maine Coast Mall.  The kids did all of the baking and decorating on Friday night at the Church.  On Saturday we set up displays that explained what Heifer was all about, and the kids took turns practicing their public speaking skills.  The public did the rest.  It was a huge success, and the club is happy to report that they have raised enough money to sponsor SIX goats for families in need and we're still going.  We hope to have one more bake sale this spring.  We're also planning a trip to one of Heifer's farms in Mass. this summer.  Way to go kids!  Submitted by Wendy Hesketh, 4-H Leader

Mix n’ Match have what sounds like a “winner” for a fund raising idea. It doesn’t hurt either that they match in their 4-H green sweatshirts, their displays are very well done, and the club name and clovers are so eye-catching. Everyone knows you need an appealing look. This club is out to market their products! Good job! Read what the Club Chat has to say about this project.

4-H NEWS

Seniors - Last Reminder  - The Hancock County 4-H Leaders’ Association offers scholarships of varying amounts under the following conditions:
1. Must be an active Hancock County 4-H member or Hancock County 4-H alumni/past member.
2. Pursuing higher education in a post secondary program.
3. Has not reached the age of 19 by January 1 of the current year.
Applications are available at your local high school guidance councilor’s office or the Hancock County Extension office. Scholarships must be postmarked or received at the Extension Office on or  before April 25, 2008. 

Leaders’ Meeting Minutes - There were not enough leaders in attendance to make a quorum at the March 12th Leaders’ Meeting; however, unofficial minutes are listed below.

Is Your Club  Doing a Roadside Cleanup? This is a great community  service project!  To make it safe as well as fun, 4-H has the bright orange vests you may borrow.  Call the office to reserve them!   

Special 4-H Keepsake Edition - If you are interested in receiving a color copy of the Special Edition, you may purchase a CD at a cost of $3 each.  Contact Joyce at the Extension Office for your copy.

Welcome New VOLTed Volunteers - We have had three new leaders who have completed their training and paperwork in Hancock County. 
Basil Bowden Jr. of Sedgwick, ME
Stephanie Carter of Hancock, ME
Cathy Leeman of Hancock, ME
Stephanie and Cathy will be starting a new club.  Basil and his children, Abby, Henry & Spencer are members of  the Lock, Stock & Barrel.
Congratulations and best wishes as you join the 4-H family! 

Baby Congratulations - are extended to our new leader,  Stephanie and husband Michael Carter, on the  birth of their daughter on Feb. 26th.  Phoebe Alice weighed in at 7 lb. and 6 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. According to the secretaries at the Extension Office, this  future 4-Her is absolutely adorable.

 4-H Photo Contest - Information on the upcoming Hancock County Photo contest were mailed with the hard copy of this newsletter. There are (2) Photo Classes (which you many enter one or both):
Single Photos (1 photo per category)
Story Board (4-6 photos which tell a story)
There are three Age Division: (by January 1st)  5-8 years old, 9-13 years old, and 14-19 years old.  Awards will be presented at Cloverfest.  Deadline to submit photos to the Extension Office is August 1st, 2008. 

Norma On The Lookout:
Joe Fernandez, The Sky is the Limit, placed 4th in the Class C State Wrestling Tournament for 130# weight class.  He was also chosen as the 130# weight class All Star Honorable Mention for Penobscot Valley Conference and one of the top 4 Scholar/Athletes representing John Bapst at the PVC Scholarship Banquet (he is in the running for a $2000 scholarship).  He has been accepted to R.I.T., Clarkson and U Maine.  The only school he hasn't heard from is Harvard. Congratulations Joe and keep us posted.

Union River Valley Club - This is a conversation between Leader Ken Silsby and Sally Jordan, one of his members of the Union River Valley Club.
Ken: “Hello” Sally: “Are you watching the news?”
Ken: “Yes.” Sally: “Channel 5?”
Ken: “Yes?” Sally: “Did you see the rescued animals? I want to send a donation!”
Ken: “Why that is great, Sally. But how about if we go visit the place?”
And from that conversation was a trip for Ken, Noni, Sally and Haley DeLuca to Deblois for a visit with this lady who was taking in animals that needed to be rescued. They enjoyed their visit and want to go back again. What a surprise it was to learn that this lady was the granddaughter of Walter Thompson who used to work here at the Extension office. Sally, you are a thoughtful little girl and 4-H appreciates you.

State 4-H News
 March, 2008

1. Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)       
This summer, 4-H members from Maine will participate in  Citizenship Washington Focus July 5 to 12, 2008 in Washington DC. CWF is a leadership program conducted by the National 4-H Council for high school youth ages 15 to 18. Delegations of 4-Hers from across the country spend six days touring the city and attending leadership skill-building workshops.
Each county has their own selection process and applications have closed for this year. If you are interested for next year, you can find more information on our website at www.umext.maine.edu/4h/events/cwf.htm
 

2. VOLT Training Corner
VOLT training will be held on April 26, in Piscataquis County 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 be at the Piscataquis County Cooperative Extension Office, 165 East Main, Dover-Foxcroft. Please register ahead at 942-7396 or in Maine 1-800-287-1485. 

3. Maine 4-H Days
Mark you calendars now for Maine 4-H Days this summer at Windsor Fairgrounds, June 27, 28, and 29. It will be a weekend full of personal enrichment workshops as well as livestock events. Camping is encouraged and entire families are welcome.

4. National 4-H Trips
It is time to apply for the National 4-H Trips, Conference and Congress. To  apply please fill out an application and submit your 4-H Story and your Resume. Mail your completed application to the State 4-H Office. Guidelines for writing your 4-H story can be found at http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/events.htm and click on the event you wish to apply for. Interviews will be held in Orono on Saturday, May 3^rd.
You may also pick up an application at your local County Extension office. Nat’l 4-H Congress will be held 11/28/08 – 12/2/08 in Atlanta and Nat’l 4-H Conference will be held in Washington DC 3/28/09 – 4/2/09.
Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2008.

5.Tanglewood Hosts Open House
Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center, a program of the University of Maine    Cooperative Extension, will host two open houses, April 20 and May 11, at both Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor camps from 1:00 – 4:30 pm. Parents and potential campers will have the opportunity to meet Tanglewood staff, explore the camps, participate in ecology activities, and go on hikes through the woods.
Affordable program offerings for 2008 include family camps and a variety of youth day and residential, discovery, and leadership camps for ages 5-18 years old. New programs this year include residential camp and family camp at Blueberry Cove in Tenants Harbor. Tanglewood is partnering with the St. George Sailing Foundation to offer quality sailing programs at the    seaside camp. Also new this summer is a Leadership Development program for teens where  participants will get a chance to climb Mount Katahdin!
To see or request a catalog or for more information visit www.tanglewood4h.org or call (207) 789-5868.
 

6.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 even if you do not wish to attend ESE for dog. 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. 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!
 

7. Teen Conference on Wheels
Save the date for Teen Conference on Wheels - July 14 to 17, 2008 featuring Citizenship, Leadership and Entrepreneurship themes being planned by the Youth in Governance Program Leadership Team.
 

8. 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 toseeing you in the fall!

9. 4-H EDGE: Connecting Kids to Campus May 17 and 18, 2008
Find all the latest EDGE information – workshop choices, registration forms (coming soon), maps, program schedules and other information as it becomes available at the 4-H EDGE website  http://extension.umaine.edu/4h/events/edge.htm
It’s time to register for this year’s 4-H EDGE: Connecting Kids to Campus. This year’s 4-H EDGE is bigger and more exciting than ever!
 

· If you are an 11to15 year old 4-H member, we have an exciting weekend planned for you including 29 different workshops for you to choose from.  You might learn about sensor technology, biomedical robotics, tracking whales with GIS, marine botany, technical theater, robotics, museum display design, and geometric origami to name just a few of the choices.  There are math workshops, art workshops, new chances to explore the meaning of gender equity and the topic of bullying from a university   perspective.  Explore many faces of engineering – wood composites, civil engineering, biological engineering, lasers, and surface technology. You will stay over night in    Oxford Hall, eat in one of the University Commons, swim in the new Recreation and Fitness Center, see the new Physics Road show and have a great time with 4-H    members from around the state.

The cost for this weekend will be $50 per person.  Second and additional members from the same family can come for $35 each. To get a registration form, go to the 4-H EDGE website: http://extension.umaine.edu/4h/events/edge.htm or call your county office and ask to have one mailed to you.  We expect to have the registration forms posted on-line on March 24.  Deadline for registration is April 25.

· If you are a 4-H member ages 16-18, we are preparing a day-long experience to      introduce you to some of the information given to prospective UMaine students in the Open House program.  You will participate in a campus tour, and then have an    afternoon series of sessions giving you lots of information on what to expect as you go through the college application process and what life might be like as a new college student.

· Also for 4-H adults – In order to make the 4-H EDGE weekend safe and fun, we are asking for some volunteers to help chaperone the 11-15 year old portion of this event.  Chaperones will arrive with the youth on May 17 and stay until the end of the program on May 18 and will be able to participate in the workshops and other activities or can choose to attend the parent sessions on Saturday if they wish. If we have more volunteers than we can use, we will try to make sure we have at least one from each county that has youth attending.  We will notify you either way by the end of April. Chaperones will not need to pay the registration fee.  You can volunteer to become a chaperone by using the Adult registration form found on the EDGE website.

10. State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest and Eastern States Judging Team  Selection       
Saturday, April 19, 2008  
Judge – James Davis          
For a complete schedule, go to:  http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/dairy/judging.htm

For more information contact:
Dr. David Marcinkowski, Associate Professor and Dairy Specialist, University of Maine Coop. Ext., Phone: 1-800-287-7170 (Instate Toll Free) or 207-581-2740,
Email: davidm@umext.maine.edu

11. Horse Team Study Sessions
Study Sessions for Hippology, Horse Judging, Quiz Bowl and the Communications Teams will be held one Tuesday night a month at high schools around the state via video conference. You do not need to be a team member to participate and tryouts for these teams will be on May 20 during the video conference. The next dates are: April 15, 6-8 pm May 20, 6-8 pm

At these locations:
Cape Elizabeth High School Houlton High
Messalonskee High, Oakland Mt. Blue High, Farmington
Nokomis High, Newport Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, S.  Paris
Presque Isle High School Searsport District High School

For information on the tryout dates and times for the Hippology, Horse Judging, Quiz Bowl and the Communications Teams, please check the Horse Page on our website at www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/horse.htm or contact Kate Slattery at slatterk@sad44.org for more information.

12. Nurture Nature Kids Drawing Contest
Maine children in grades 3-7 are invited to participate in a statewide reusable bag drawing contest.  The winning artist will have their design printed on 1000 special Bulletin Bags, receive public recognition and win a $100 gift card!
As a leader at the Maine 4-H you have direct interaction with the age groups eligible for the contest. Please take a moment to register here: http://www.bulletinbag.com/component/option,com_chronocontact/chronoformname,KidsCare/ for a Nurture Nature Contest Kit, which you can give to your Youth Coordinators and have available to kids who use your facilities.
The kits include information about the problems with disposable paper and plastic bags, entry forms, official rules and a return envelope for mailing completed forms (please allow 2 weeks to receive your Contest Kit).
The first 1000 children who enter will be sent a free Bulletin Bag printed with the winning  artwork AND be entered to win more great prizes (stay tuned for prize details!). The contest ends April 30, 2008.
 

13. 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.
 

14. 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.
 

15. Market Lambs for Windsor and Fryeburg Fairs
You are no 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 - 10 am
· June 7     Cumberland County 4-H June Jamboree, Cumberland Fairgrounds, 12  noon
· June 21    Oxford County 4-H June Sheep Jamboree, Oxford Fairgrounds 9:00-11 am
 

16.Agriculture Specialty License Plate
Perhaps you have seen the colorful, new Agricultural Specialty plate which raised money for agricultural education through the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom program. This is not affiliated with Maine 4-H, rather a national program that provides training and resources to classroom teachers to promote agricultural education in the schools. The Agricultural Specialty plate has been very successful so far with over 3,000 plates issued in the first four months. The Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Association has 500 vouchers still available so that the full $20 cost of the plate submitted in the first year will benefit the Agricultural Education program. They do not expire until 2009. To receive a voucher, mail a check for $20 per set of plates with your name, phone and mailing address to: Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Association, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 and they will mail your voucher immediately. For more information go to www.maineagintheclassroom.org/,  e-mail maitca@maine.gov or call (207) 287-5522.

 17. 2008 Summer GIS Camps – this Year in Northern and Western Maine
Northern Maine 4-H GIS Camp @ Greenland Point 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.

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: 05/02/08
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