New Page 1

Horse Camp 2007 by Terry Swazey - Horse camp was thoroughly enjoyed by ten campers and numerous adult volunteers. The campers arrived on Tuesday afternoon and spent time getting the horses settled into their new environment. Kelly Pontbriand taught us about clicker training and we tried the first step with the horses, seeing what treats the horses each liked. Each day kids worked several times with their horses on clicker training.
Each day started at the feed room at 7 a.m. to feed the horses their morning meal. After breakfast riding classes began where Lisa Carney and Aimee Stormann focused on teaching equitation, how to get the students’ horses to pick up the correct lead, and just to get some to move a little faster. In Lee Sargent’s class, the students learned equitation and how to maneuver around obstacles at a walk and trot. Students in this class loved doing exercises like scissors, Around the World, and standing up in the saddle. Guest instructors, Meg Black worked with campers on jumping and Vicki Koehler continued with equitation with the beginners. Campers attended a noontime clinic each day. Jana Scotia, from New Gloucester, gave a talk about equine dentistry and taught the kids how to age a horse by their teeth. Alison Bramham taught us all about the sun and sun protection, giving us the pros and cons for us to think about. Thursday we brainstormed all the life skills we were learning at camp.

Hey, Annie, are you doing the Scissor Kick or just riding backward? What a way to exercise!

    In Arts and Crafts class, campers learned    techniques in watercolor and using pastels with Betsy Duncombe. Terry Swazey helped them to create a scrapbook using paper lunch bags. In the afternoons, between riding classes, we enjoyed “free time.”
    Thursday, Norma Hardison and Heather Linnehan judged the decorated tack rooms for neatness, originality, effort and creativity. Barn checks are done each day to let the camper know how they are doing taking care of their horse, their tack, and behavior towards their horse and other campers.   Points are tallied and prizes awarded to everyone. Hannah Pusey earned the most points this year so she got to chose first from the prize box. Katlyn Sargent and Elle Duncombe-Mills were next. These three girls did an exceptional job because they earned more points than the possible total listed on the barn check form because they were constantly helpful to others and took excellent care of their horses. The majority of the campers earned extra points for helping each other, which shows how fantastic 4H kids are.
    On the last day, the kids filled out evaluations and signed twenty four Thank You cards for people who donated money or items to camp. Parents came Saturday morning to watch their child’s lesson and share lunch with us.

HORSE CAMP: Another successful Horse Camp! My visit on Thursday reminded me of my father’s work horses. The smell of the barn, the sound of a horse chewing and the wonderful squeak of the leather took me back to my childhood. Thanks for a great visit and the wonderful way you treated my visiting granddaughter, Monica. I enjoyed the tack room contest again this year. Norma 4-H Program Aide

Blue Ribbon Winners in Tack Room Contest - Kate Pontbriand, Horse & Rider, is an avid reader so what better theme than a Library. Elle Duncombe-Mills, More Trot Tribe, loves to draw so of course her theme was Horse Art.
Other winners were Kaitlyn Seavey - Beach theme - red ribbon. Hannah Pusey - Patriotic theme - red ribbon. Lynne Hundhammer & Annie Abbott - Horse & horse’s pets theme - yellow ribbons.

August 1	Deadline to submit photos for 4-H Photo Contest
August 8	Leaders’ Meeting - 7:00 pm - Extension Office
August 28	Exhibit Check In at the Blue Hill Fair - 3:00 - 7:00 pm
Aug 30 - Sept 3	Blue Hill Fair
Sept 3	6:00-7:00 pm - All Exhibits must be picked up at Blue Hill Fair
Sept 15	VOLT Training at Hancock County Extension Office
Sept 28	Project Records are due in the Extension Office

NORMA’S NOTES - This is a letter I received from a new leader that I would like to share with you. We always hope that each new leader has a positive experience such as Carolee describes. Thank you, Carolee, and welcome aboard.

Hi Norma, I just wanted to tell you what a great privilege it was to be at horse camp! Despite the fact that I was a bit under the weather due to back pains, I was invigorated by the energy of all the kids and their commitment to the camp, the 4H ideal, to each other, and especially to their special steeds. The clinics were quite interesting, especially the dentist. She gave us all some very important information, and some ideas too, for possible vocations for the 4Hers. There was also a very important clinic on sunburn and sun screen products by Kamilla's mom. I consider myself an informed consumer, but I certainly learned a thing or two about the contents of that "suntan lotion" we do or do not slather on. It was great fun meeting the kids and their families. This was my very first adventure with 4H and I hope to continue in some capacity, perhaps as an assistant leader in one of the groups. There is so much to learn...that's the best part, for me! Hope to see you soon, Carolee Tully.

CLUB CHAT: Last month in Norma’s notes I talked about “you never know what doors may open up.” A letter from Linda Woodworth, leader of The Clover Club, told about a new leader, Chris Woodcock, stepping to the plate. Linda’s granddaughter, Sheyan Snow became the lucky recipient of Chris’s generosity.

Chris is showing Shey how to clean the hooves of her beautiful horse, “Kitchen.” She always does this before riding.

Linda says, “Chris is a wonderful teacher. She is very patient. Shey is in 7th Heaven!” I am excited to have someone help me with my new club. Submitted by Linda Woodworth

Welcome New VOLTed Leader - Angela Hamilton - Sedgwick - who will be working with the Busy Bee club. Congratulations and best wishes as you join our 4-H family.

The Disney Minnie Grants 2007 - The Walt Disney Company and Youth Service America are pleased to announce grants of up to $500 to support youth-led service projects. These grants support youth (ages 5-14) in planning and implementing service projects in their community. Teachers, older youth (15-25), youth-leaders, and youth-serving organizations are also eligible to apply, provided that they that engage younger youth (5-14) in planning and implementing the service. Service can take place between October 1 and November 26, 2007. Projects can address themes such as the environment, disaster relief, public health and awareness, community education, hunger, literacy, or any issue that youth identify as a community need. Questions? Email MinnieGrant (at) ysa.org. Receipt deadline: August 30, 2007.Be sure to download the correct application and review all application materials, available at www.YSA.org/awards before submitting.

Reminder Beef Steer Tickets - are available to pick up from Dwight Sargent or at the Extension office. Each ticket sells for one dollar. Eighty-five cents of that goes to the Leaders’ Association to help defray the cost of County events, scholarships, and many other projects. The club receives the remaining 15 cents. The individual selling the most tickets receives a nice plaque and the club selling the most receives $50.00.

New Info RE: Be A Good Apple! Project - To the first 10 members who fill out a sheet with 50 names for the apple project, those members will receive a prize offered by MOFGA. A Common Ground Fair t-shirt. So pick up your Be a Good Apple! kit and start talking to people about buying local foods. A good community service project. You must turn in your sheets when you have gotten the 50 names to qualify." Also, the Leaders’ Association is sponsoring a $50 club award for the club that collects the most names! For more details contact Lore Lipkvich at 537-5673 or email her at chowderpatch@prodigy.net

Food Booth Sign Up - We’re still looking for volunteers to work at the 4-H Food Booth during the Blue Hill Fair. We need four adults working per shift with four to six kids. Each shift will receive six tickets. The incoming shift should check in ten minutes prior to the start of the shift with either Barbara Hopkins, Methel or Joey Wilbur for helpful tips and guidelines on working the booth. They are scheduling 4-H leaders, parents, and teens. We encourage everyone to do their part and help out for a few hours. Call Barbara at 469-7142 or Methel and Joey today at 565-2308 to pick your preferred time and date.

Project Records - are due Sept. 28th. If yours is complete you may turn them in early to be judged. The project record grading rubric will be listed on the Hancock County 4-H website very soon. If any leader is willing to judge, please contact the office or Terry Swazey at 469-3564.

4-H Shooting Sports / 4-H Lock, Stock and Barrel Club 2007-2008 Disciplines - The Lock, Stock, and Barrel 4-H Club will hold its sign-up and potluck supper on Wednesday, September 19 at 6:00. Parental permission is required for all disciplines and parents are encouraged to attend the supper to learn more about the 4-H Shooting Sports Program. All programs are held on Wednesday evenings at the Blue Hill Rifle and Pistol Club in Blue Hill. Youths may sign up for one or more disciplines.
The disciplines offered this year will be:
· Starting Wednesday, September 26 to November 7 from 6:00 pm to 8 pm Basic Rifle.
· If there is enough interested 4-H youth, who have already completed the Basic Rifle Program, an Advance Course maybe offered this fall at the same time as Basic Rifle.
· Postal League, 4-H youth must have completed Basic Rifle before joining Postal League. Practice sessions, Wednesday, December 5, 19, January 9. Postal League starting time to be announced.
· Archery- starting Wednesday, March 5 - April 9.
· Spring discipline to be announced.
· If there is enough interest, Wildlife Cooking will be offered again with 3 classes, one each in the fall, winter and spring.
For more information call Norwood and Becky Ames at 567-3066

Norma On The Look Out - Joseph Fernandez, a junior at John Bapst Memorial High School received the following awards:
RIT Computing Medal-- This award, given by the Rochester Institute of Technology honors Joe’s accomplishments as a student, his involvement as a member of his school and community and his computing abilities. Students who attend RIT receive an RIT Computing Scholarship worth $3,000 per year.
Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Scholarship and Service--Joe was chosen by his school to receive this award because he has exhibited the spirit of volunteerism, a quality St. Michael’s seeks to recognize and reward.
Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award-- This award, given on behalf of the University of Rochester is awarded to only one student per high school, recognizes Joe’s excellence in the areas of math and science.
In addition to Joe’s academic performance, he was inducted into the National Honor Society and placed 3^rd in the Eastern Regional Class C Wrestling Championship.
Congratulations Joe from your 4-H family.

If you have any “sightings” that Norma might not know about - please notify the office. Thanks!

1st place: Delaney Dunn, Jolly Juniors. Her photo shows the crew from Washington County Misty Riders. This team did a tremendous job instructing younger members on showmanship.

Victoria Tainter, Mix N Match, took 2nd place with a picture of “Cookie” who is a Tennessee Fainter and the most photographed goat.
Nicole Dyer, Mix N Match, earned 3rd place with this picture of Lindsey Scovin relaxing and holding a lovable goat.
WalMart again donated cameras for the Jamboree. All pictures were taken that day and the cameras turned into Joey Wilbur. WalMart did the judging and will award cash prizes at Cloverfest. 4-H appreciates this partnership. It is such a fun activity and all enjoyed the better weather this year!

1. Grants Available from the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation
The Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation offers grant funding for 4-H club programs, group travel, and 4-H projects. Descriptions of all of these grants can be found at http://www.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/funding.htm. Some grants have a deadline of September 1, 2007

2. Maine Family Times Newsletter
Maine Family Times is a newsletter from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for families with children aged five through eighteen. Ask your local Extension Office for a copy. It will soon be available on line at the UMCE Website. Our goal is to provide families with information about developing and maintaining healthy family relationships and to share ways parents can nurture themselves. The current issue, Making Time for Family includes ideas about spending time together as a family including 4-H is Family Time.

3. Youth In Action Teen Conference 2007
“It was excellent, I would not change anything,” was one of the quotes at the end of the Teen Conference.

42 teens and 12 adults came together for an incredible conference at Sunday River from July 13-16^th. Four tracks focused on Entrepreneurship, Leadership through the Arts, Digital Video, Photography, and Web Design, and Healthy Living. Teens were given the opportunity to learn about the teams and join the leadership PLT’s if they are interested. Participants in the tracks were able to learn new and exciting skills to bring back to their clubs and counties. Teen Leadership groups gave direction to creating the overall conference and planning many group challenges such as 4-H Fear Factor and 4-H Deal or No Deal.

In the Entrepreneurial Track participants learned all about brainstorming businesses, advertising and marketing, business strategies and were able to see first hand a 4-H member’s rabbit business website. The Art of Leadership included discussions on the qualities important in leadership roles, a combined mural of the “traits of Leadership,” and work on the proposal for next year’s Teen Leadership experience. Physical activity through games, healthy nutrition and balanced diets, and the focus of leadership groups working together all helped to build the Healthy Living Track, and the creation of an amazing digital video and slide presentation became the focus of the Technology Track. In addition teens learned about web design, GPS/GIS technology, and helped to create a geo cache treasure hunt.

The event ended with a showcase presented by each of the tracks and everyone got a “taste” of the entire weekend. The group discussed the creation of a Virtual Teen Council with opportunities to join the 4-H Leadership Teams at the state level. All teens are welcome to join the Council and teams. Please contact the following staff for more information: Teen Council and 4-H Youth in Governance: Barb Baker 1-800-287-1485, Susan Jennings 1-800-287-1482, Science, engineering and Technology: Lisa Phelps 1-800-287-1471, Healthy Lifestyles: Karen Hatch Gagne 1-800-287-1481, or Ellie Libby 1-800-244-2104, Earth Connections: Jon Prichard 1-800-287-1535.

4. Maine Day at the “Big E” Bus Trip
It’s time to reserve seats for the buses traveling to Eastern States Exposition (ESE or also called the “Big E”) in West Springfield, Massachusetts for Maine Day on Saturday, September 29, 2007. This one-day trip is sponsored by the Maine Trustees of the Eastern States Exposition to encourage Maine 4-Hers who don’t presently participate in events at ESE to see the activities that go on for 4-H youth in hopes to bolster their enthusiasm to participate in the future. Two buses are reserved for us and the northernmost bus will originate in Bangor and they will stop at several points on I-95. Seats fill up quickly, and we will begin taking registrations on Monday, August 13, 2007.

All youth must go with a chaperone, but since this event is primarily for youth, seats are limited to no more than two adults per child. The bus ride and admission to the “Big E” are free, but all individuals on this trip are expected to march in the parade at 5 pm. It works well if you wear a 4-H tee shirt if you have one and for clubs to bring their club banner to display during the parade.

Items you might want to bring along with you are: light snacks, water, a good book, G-rated movies (there is a DVD/VCR on the bus), a pillow, and a blanket. There will be rest stops along the way. Other items to consider bringing: clothing to identify your club, a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a hat with a visor, sun glasses, sun screen, a back pack, personal spending money, a camera, and a watch. If you have a cell phone, it will be helpful for logistics. Please include your cell phone number when you register.

Please leave valuable items at home. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Bus stops will be determined based on location of riders. Reservations must be made in writing or by e-mail to: Jessy Brainerd, 103 Libby Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5741 jbrainerd@umext.maine.edu

When you register, please give your name, address, home phone and cell phone number if you have one. Please give the names of all the people in your group and indicate if they are a child or adult. Reservations are due by Friday, August 31, 2007. A confirmation letter will be sent to you two weeks before the trip giving you the time and pick up location. Pick up will be bright and early in the morning, but the return trip will be staggered. One bus will leave right after the parade; the second bus will leave after the evening events. So when you register, let us know if you’d like to return on the early or late bus.
For questions, you may contact Jessy Brainerd or Michaele Bailey at 800-287-0274 or 581-3877.

5. Morris Scholarship
Every two years Maine has the opportunity to select an Eastern States Exposition team member to receive a $500 scholarship towards continuing his or her education beyond high school. The award will be presented during 4-H Day at ESE on Saturday, September 15, 2007.
Criteria:
To be eligible for the Maine 2007 Big E Morris 4-H Scholarship, nominees must:
1. Be a member of a 2007 or prior Maine ESE team (Beef, Dairy, Dog, Goat, Horse, Sheep or Working Steer)
2. Graduate from high school in 2007 or 2008 and continue their education beyond high school in one of the following: two or four-year colleges or universities, technical schools, professional training, or apprenticeship programs.
3. Have demonstrated leadership as a Maine 4-H member, at the local, state, or regional level.
4. Be a junior or senior in high school and in good academic standing.
5. Be recommended by their Animal Science Committee.

Application Process:
Applications will include these three components:
1. A letter from the applicant regarding their qualifications for the scholarship that includes information about their:
a. Participation on a Maine ESE team in 2007 or before.
b. Intention to continue their education beyond high school in 2007 or 2008, including area of study or training and possible location.
c. Leadership as a Maine 4-H member at the local, state, or regional level.
2. A copy of the applicant’s high school transcript or equivalent.
3. A letter of recommendation from the Activity Coordinator of the appropriate Animal Science Committee. If the Activity Coordinator of your commodity is an immediate family member, have someone else on the committee write the recommendation.

Mail or fax application materials to: Jessy Brainerd, 5741 Libby Hall, Room 103, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5741, Fax: 207-581-1387
*Faxed entries will be accepted up until 4:30 pm on August 17, 2007
*Mailed entries must be postmarked by August 17, 2007

Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The winner will be notified by Friday, August 31, 2007. ESE has requested that the scholarship recipients be present at ESE on 4-H Day on September 15 to receive their award. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Flint at 1-800-287-1535 or Michaele Bailey at 1-800-287-0274 .

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm. The flag was saluted and the 4H pledge was recited.

Members Present (8):
· President Terry Swazey, Secretary Lisa Carney, Becky Ames, Norwood Ames, Joey Wilbur, Methel Wilbur, Norma Hardison, Wendy Hesketh and Jen Lobley.
Secretaries & Treasurers Reports:
· The June minutes were approved as written.
· A thank you note was received from Kamilla Bramham. She was the recipient of Hancock County Leaders Association Scholarship this year.
· The June Treasurers Report was accepted as read by Methel.
Club Reports:
· Mix n’ Match attended Maine 4H Days. Wendy reported that it was a lot of fun and the food was excellent.
· Horse of Course had two kids try out for Eastern States, one as a rider and one as a team leader. Kamilla attended CWF.
· The Jolly Juniors held a day camp, went on a bike ride and had a boat making and sailing contest.
Old Business:
· Jamboree T-shirts- since there were no pictures taken for the shirts at Jamboree, it was decided we should have a design contest instead. A winning design will be voted on at Cloverfest. We should have the shirts done in May. A motion was made, seconded and accepted to carry the funds and idea to next year.
· Horse Camp- There were 10 campers this year; the small size allowed for more activities such as swimming and more personal time during lessons. There was a demo on driving, work with clicker training, a tack room decorating contest, a treasure hunt, and a fire pit at night. Terry noted that the Draft Horse Barn needs repair, and Jen mentioned that there was a $1000 grant opportunity for projects that involved kids working with adults. Terry also suggested holding a combined horse/goat camp.
· Blue Ribbon Clubs- Wendy is updating the forms, and will have the guidelines put in place for next year.
New Business:
· Shooting Sports Grant- Norma had been keeping the Safari Club appraised of the activities of Lock, Stock n’ Barrel, who had been the recipients of one of the Safari Clubs grants in the past. They recently decided to award the club another grant, this time for $1000. Norwood and Becky accepted the money on behalf of the club
· Fair Book change- there was a change in the club exhibit, and four crafts can be entered
· BHF Food Booth- time to sign up! Each shift needs 3-4 adults and at least 3 youth. There will be six passes given out per shift; children under 12 don’t need one. We should orient volunteers on the basics, and think about freezer space for extra burgers.
· CWF- there were 31 kids and 4 chaperones on the trip to Washington, DC on the week of July 4^th. They went on many tours and saw an awesome fireworks display.
· Officer Nominations- start making suggestions!
· August Agenda items- Internet safety or media literacy training from Jen, Cloverfest, Leaders Banquet.
Meeting adjourned 8:25 Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Carney, Secretary

If the recent pet food recall has you worried about feeding your pooch mass-produced treats, try this recipe from The Good Food Cookbook for Dogs by Donna Twichell Roberts.

4 cups whole-wheat flour
2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1 1/4 cups water
1/4 cup minced apple
3 Tbsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp ground cloves

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until combined to form dough.

2. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4 in. thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut into bone shapes. Combine dough scraps; continue to roll out and cut into shapes until all dough as been used.

3. Place cookies on ungreased foil-lined baking sheets. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Makes 5 to 6 dozen cookies.

Member of the University of Maine System
Last Modified: 10/24/07
These pages are currently being maintained from the
Hancock County Office, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Send comments, suggestions or inquiries to jfortier@umext.maine.edu