4-H Happenings

    The weather was perfect for horse camp because the traditional thunderstorm occurred just hours before arrival on Sunday. The eighteen campers spent Sunday settling in and meeting each other.
    Tack room decorating did not have many participating so prizes were given to all who decorated. Annie Abbott and Lynn Hundhammer created a very creative and interactive display. They made a gigantic wheel that a camper would spin, if questions given were answered correctly and depending on where the arrow had landed the camper would get an apple, a sugar cube or a carrot. This was quite a hit and we all tried it.
    Kids started each day by meeting at the feed room at 7 a.m. so that all the horses could be fed their morning meal. After breakfast riding classes began where Lisa Carney and Lee taught a class for Western riders and an English class learning transitions. Students in this class loved doing exercises like scissors, Around the World, and standing up in the saddle. Meg Black, certified ‘R’ judge for hunt seat, and Vicki Koehler worked with the campers on jumping on Monday and Tuesday. Vicki taught Wednesday and Thursday continuing the work the kids had begun.
    Campers attended a noontime clinic each day. John Gray, from Brooklin, gave a talk about equine conformation and how it affects the hooves. Alison Bramham taught us all about the sun and sun protection, giving us the pros and cons for us to think about. Meg Black taught and demonstrated lungeing. Wednesday the campers went for a refreshing swim in the afternoon so that they could relax before Parents’ Night.
    In Arts and Crafts class, campers created a CD cover for the disc that will be made from photos by Jesse Schwarcz, Mr. Dulac, Terry, and Norma. They put a design on a pre-made tote bag, made a stamp and book for the Box Hunt. The box hunt didn’t really work out as planned and all adults and campers have made great suggestions as to how it could be done differently. Some kids had time to create a junk drawer art.
    Bonnie Moretto came on Monday night to teach a drill team lesson to anyone who wanted to try it. Most of the campers liked it and wanted to do it again so they showed their parents on Wednesday what a drill team is. Alison Dibble came Monday evening after feed time and taught how to draw horses. We have quite a few artists in 4H. Tuesday evening Kelly Pontbriand explained how she trains search and rescue dogs. Her young dog demonstrated finding a missing person; Gina hid for us and patiently waited to be found. Sarah Swazey came and did a trailering demo about equipment to have, how she gets her horse ready for trailering, and things to have in a first aid kit.
    Parents came Wednesday evening to watch a mini lesson by each class, a drill team practice   session, a digestion demo by Edie Keshner (she place second at a National 4H contest with this demo), and a power point presentation by Tory Wilson on her trip to Australia last year. A power packed     evening; if parents happened to come a little early they were able to help catch two loose horses from the ‘box hunt’ or just see a horse enjoy freedom. Horses are kept in box stall when not ridden so many miss the freedom of pasture time. Everyone was safe and sound from the adventure.
    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. Ginny and Kamilla earned the most points this year so they got to chose first from the prize box. These 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, taught two demos, did night checks on the horses up to 2:00, and took excellent care of their horses. The majority of the campers earned extra points for helping each other, which shows how fantastic 4-H kids are.
    On the last day, Thursday, we had riding lessons as scheduled and then we took a group shot. This year’s is different, well actually it was taken traditionally and then as a pyramid. The campers and horses packed up to leave after we had passed out prizes for barn check scores. The kids filled out evaluations and signed twenty-four ‘Thank You’ cards for people who donated money or items to camp. We really had a very full schedule and the most frequent response in the evaluations was asking for a naptime after lunch or down time, which sounds good to the adults, too.
    The campers took great care of their horses and were very respectful to each other and the adults.
    Horse Camp 2008 would like to thank the Hancock County 4-H Leaders’ Association for its donation of a scholarship to a camper, the use of the food booth, and its support so that camp is sure to take place. We would like to thank, Heather Linnehan for her personal support of Horse Camp and her generous donation that makes it possible to keep the price at the same price as the last six years.

Justin, Mix n’ Match, received the Razor Crosman Award in 2006. He wrote about some things he learned after researching Razor; one of them being that he is in the Agriculture Hall of Fame. He also learned that Razor was not his real name but couldn’t find out what it was.
The internet does serve a good purpose in many ways. Razor’s son, Richard (Dick) says, “I noticed an article on the internet in the Jan. 2007 Hancock County Newsletter about a young man named Justin receiving the Razor Crosman Sportsmanship Award. It indicated that Justin had done some library research on RAZOR but had been unable to learn his real name. Justin asked if anyone knew his real name to tell him?” Dick stated, “He would be happy to provide information on RAZOR and his background beginning with his name was Raynor Ira Crosman and he did live in Corinna. I attended some of the 4-H functions. I was in the military during the earlier years, but in the 1970's I spent seven years as a LEAA Regional Law Enforcement Coordinator with the Eastern Maine Development District in Bangor and spent quite a lot of time in Hancock County working with the sheriff and police departments. If you could contact Justin could you let him know that I would be happy to provide any information he might want about RAZOR.” Justin has been contacted with this new found information and many thanks to Dick Crosman for taking the time to answer a request. It will soon be time to learn who the new recipient will be.

CLUB CHAT - Several months ago I was invited to visit The Clover Club when their project was finished. I have waited a l-o-n-g time but it was worth it. Kelsey, Kaitlyn and Nick show off their wall hangings that they designed themselves. They said it was a fun project and they really enjoyed being able to talk while they worked. They also enjoyed learning about the likes and dislikes of each other. Kelsey said they used all recycled materials and that helps save the earth. I was very impressed with their hard work. Next they worked on their scrap book by each cutting, pasting and writing in their own creative way. One of Kaitlyn’s pages said, “4-H can change your life.” They are already looking forward to next year and doing some different things with more focus on community service. The club thinks they will have some new members. This will give them a chance to help 4-H change their lives.
They also wrote a song which they were brave enough to sing for me. It started out with:
              “Inch by inch - Row by row
              Gonna make this hooked rug grow.”
Thanks to the Clover Club for my nice visit. I love to see your work. Keep it up and I hope to get invited back next year.

VOLT Training - There will be a VOLT (Volunteer Ongoing Leader Training) on Saturday, September 27, 2008, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Hancock County Extension Office. Please encourage anyone interested in 4-H to call the office for an application. This will give a volunteer the opportunity to start a club, assist a club, chaperone, or just gain more knowledge of 4-H.

Leaders Take Note - Due to other commitments there will not be an August Leaders’ Meeting. Also, don’t forget to get your survey into the office by Friday, August 15th.

Don’t Forget - All exhibits for the Blue Hill Fair must be checked in on Tuesday, August 26th between 3 and 7 pm. Due to limited space in the hall, leaders are encouraged to bring the exhibits with completed paperwork. All exhibits must remain in the 4-H hall until 6 PM Labor Day, or forfeit the premiums. If you cannot pick them up at this time - arrange for some one else to pick them up. Prize money will be awarded at Cloverfest in October.

Project Records - are due Tuesday, September 23. If yours is complete you may turn them in early to be judged. The project record grading rubric is listed on our Hancock County 4-H website: http://www.umaine.edu/umext/hancock/4-H/newslettertoc.htm. If any leader is willing to judge, please contact the office or Terry Swazey at 469-3564.

Beef Steer Tickets - Don’t forget to pick up your steer tickets. You may pick them 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 decides how the remaining 15 cents is distributed. The individual selling the most tickets receives a nice plaque and the club selling the most receives $50.00. So get your tickets NOW and SELL - SELL - SELL!

Food Booth Sign Up - It’s that time of year again! We still need volunteers to work at the 4-H Food Booth during the fair. Barbara Hopkins, Methel and Joey Wilbur 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.

Blue Hill Fair Books - Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Blue Hill Fair Book at the Extension Office. If you’re unable to do so, give us a call and we’ll mail one to you.

Library Edition - Another book has been added to the 4-H Library. This information came from Bonnie Moretto’s collection. There are some good ideas on things to make for horses such as: horse blankets, leg wraps, tack box, and other helpful hints.

Did You Change Your Email? Don’t forget to notify Joyce with your new email at jfortier@umext.maine.edu.

Maine 4-H Days - This is was my second year at Maine 4-H Days. Both this year and last year I was able to participate in Dog Camp. This year it was run by the Conant family, from Cumberland county. They did an excellent job organizing and running it. We had many   presenters come to teach us about various subjects. I learned about Chihuahua's, Bach Flower Remedies, Tracking, and Service Dogs. The Chihuahua presentation was done by Yankee Chihuahua Rescue and Adoption from Bass Harbor. We talked about Chihuahua's in general and what the rescue does. The women who gave the presentation also brought four Chihuahuas from the rescue for us to pet and hold. The Bach Flower Remedies are natural flower remedies that are used for humans and pets. Don Hanson, from Green Acres Kennel Shop gave this presentation. I had never heard about the Bach Remedies until now and I was quite impressed with Mr. Hanson's knowledge.
    The Service Dog presenters were puppy raisers from Dogs For Deaf and Disabled Americans (N.E.A.D.S.) . They brought a young poodle and a golden retriever that were being raised as Service Dogs. I took great interest in this presentation because I am training my own dog as a Service Dog. They were able to answer all my questions and took great pleasure in doing so.
    The tracking workshop was done by Russel Kelly who has trained many police dogs. He brought his own retired police dog to give us a demonstration. He also worked individually with each of our dogs to help us train them to follow a track.
    My favorite parts were the guide dogs and the tracking workshop. I brought my Husky/Lab Ransom and his favorite part of dog camp was the Agility workshops. We had a good group this year with many newcomers. We had three returning participants, Sara, Marissa, and myself. I believe everyone learned lots of new things and had a good time. We also hosted a Candy Bar Bingo for everyone at Maine 4-H Days. On Saturday after the potluck supper Ransom and I decided to try some Zumba dancing. Overall we both enjoyed the weekend and plan on attending next year. If anyone is interested in dogs I highly recommend the Maine 4-H Dog Camp at Maine 4-H Days.                                             Amberosity, Independent 4-H member

Get Well Wishes - are extended to Sheila O’Donnell, a registered leader for many years, is recovering at home from third degree burns received from boiling water. Her address is PO Box 441, Bucksport, Me 04416 if you would like to send her a card.

	Brianna of Horse & Rider club recently graduated as Valedictorian of her 8th grade class at Acadia Christian School in Trenton. Brianna is interested in becoming a veterinarian. Her 4-H leader, Heather Linnehan, has made her promise to set up a practice in the Ellsworth area and take care of horses!
Katherine, Jolly Juniors, and her friend Maggie pose for the camera after their recent gymnastics show held at Springers Gymnastics Center. Maggie and Katherine are both level five gymnasts on the DEFY Springers’ Team.

Below is a letter written by a parent/leader from Kennebec County with the intent to spread the word about CWF.

Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation                                                                                                               July 14, 2008
University of Maine
5741 Libby Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5741

Dear Mr. Fred Schlutt:
Let me start off by saying THANK YOU for giving Maine's youth a chance to attend an event as wonderful as Citizen's Washington Focus! 29 members, 2   leaders and 1 educator attended CWF this year and experienced the trip of a life time. This trip is truly a life changing experience !!! I strongly recommend all the educators and leaders to encourage your youth to go! Do not be swayed by the kids who are shy, think its not cool or will not go because a buddy can not go, and certainly do not let finances get in the way!
At the onset of the trip we had a handful of kids that were so shy they wanted to shrink inside themselves in order to be invisible, after a few days they were off and running – literally! We were moving all the time with site seeing, delegate huddles, committee meetings and congressional sessions.
I set out on this trip with my somewhat shy, non volunteering and background blending daughter Alexandria, and came home with a first to raise her hand, put herself in the center of the attention (even in front of strangers) and leading group discussions young lady.   To say her confidence level has increased is an understatement!
These kids from Maine came together with 8 other states and discussed hard hitting issues like gun control, gay rights, immigration laws and the farm bill just to name a few. The discussions were heated and heart felt. The youth received a chance to see how other states are more or less effected than their own. This trip hit every single target on the life's skills wheel! EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM.
They learned not only how to give an opinion in a respectful and professional manner but also learned how to receive other opinions and process such information without taking it to a personal level. Going for a week long trip to learn just this alone is worth the effort! Several of our Maine youth want to apply for a spot as a congressional internship; interns work for the congressman and senators from your state. We met one intern who was a mere 17 years old! Our kids met Mr. Obama, Mrs. Hilary Clinton, Senator Susan Collins and Senator Olympia Snow! All these memory making moments do not include the new friendships and increased bonding of existing friendships that happened while we visited our nation's capital.
As a leader I too had some terrific learning opportunities. The 4-H National complex is a wonderful place to stay whether on a 4-H trip or just staying as a 4-H family. It is located in an elite part of the city; the Chevy Chase district! Not once did I feel threaten or in harms way within the secure walls of the complex or about the city itself. The trip also gave me a chance to speak with other educators and volunteers from other parts the nation. I came home thankful for the support I get from the state level as well as county level.   I saw first hand leaders influencing their members when in fact this event is to be a youth led week. As leaders we were there strictly for support and guidance, not to influence kids on opinions, feed them facts to repeat or worse yet actually vote on bills! I decided rather then be mortified with other adult interaction, I would smile and be proud of our leaders and county educators for their support and ability to lend information and guide as needed. I want to take this opportunity to THANK Karen Hatch Gagne for all she does for me, my club and its youth!   It is hard to appreciate what you have until you have experienced others in action.
Sincerely Grateful,
Cathy Thomas

1. Volt Training Corner
On Saturday, October 11, 2008 a VOLT training will be held in Penobscot 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 in Bangor at the Penobscot County Cooperative Extension office, 307 Maine Ave. Register ahead of time by calling 942-7396 and speaking with Stacy (Barb, or Theresa). There will be a VOLT on Saturday, September 27, 2008, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Hancock County Extension Office. Please encourage anyone interested in 4-H to call the office at 667-8212 or 1-800-287-1479 for an application.

2. 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

3. Eastern States Poster Contest
Attention Any Beef Project Member or Dog Project Member: THE NEW ENGLAND 4-H BEEF POSTER, AD OR LOGO CONTEST and DOG POSTER PURPOSE: To promote information and/or interest in the beef and/or dog project. To involve members too young to come to The Big E with their animals as well as interest youth who do not have an animal to bring to ESE. Eastern States Exposition (ESE) invites you to participate in their non-animal aspect of the 4-H Beef Show or 4-H Dog Show. If you are a 4-H member in the beef project you can enter the beef poster, ad or logo contest. If you are a 4-H member in the dog project you may enter the Poster Contest. To receive more information on these non animal events, please visit the Eastern States Exposition web site at: www.thebige.com > Agriculture > 4-H >2008 4-H packets then scroll down for beef packet 2 or dog packet. If you would like to receive this information directly, contact Donna Flint at dflint@umext.maine.edu or telephone her at 1-800-287-1535.

4. New Information for Cloverbuds
A new information sheet called “Maine Cloverbuds and Animals” has been posted on the Maine 4-H website under Cloverbud Resources. This contains lots of suggestions for activities that Cloverbuds could do with animals as well as the guidelines for Cloverbud work with animals and in public events such as show ring clinics. You can find this information on the 4-H Website at: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/cloverbud/animalactivities.htm

5. Maine 4-H Days Lost and Found
Several items were forgotten at Maine 4-H Days at the Windsor Fairgrounds the weekend of June 27, 28, and 29, 2008. To claim your lost items, please call the State 4-H Office and ask for Jessy or Michaele at 1-800-287-0274 or e-mail at mbailey@umext.maine.edu.
· Rubbermaid drinking water cooler
· Child’s fleece vest, purple
· Child’s sweatshirt, gray with blue decoration, says “New Balance 06”
· Umbrella

6. Eastern States Bus Trip September 27, 2008
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 27, 2008. 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 11, 2008. All youth must go with a chaperone, but sine 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, youth-appropriate 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

7. National 4-H Trips
Nine 4-Hers have been selected to attend the National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference this coming year. Delegates attending Congress in Atlanta, November 29 to December 2, 2008 are Amberosity Davis of Hancock County, Michaela Davis of Cumberland County, Andrew Guerin of Penobscot County, Marjorie Hardy of Franklin County, and Kellene O’Hara of Aroostook County. Delegates attending the National 4-H Conference in Washington DC, March 28-April 2, 2009 are Jodi Harnden of Franklin County, Katlyn Keane of Oxford County, Molly Lindsey of Kennebec County, and Katie Thoutte of Cumberland County. A second group of alternates is eligible to go however; there is not sufficient funding for their trip. There is a committee forming that will look for extra funding from 4-H and other community sources that will help to grow the number of delegates that Maine 4-H can send, not only for this year, but in the years to come.

8. Wilderness/Survival Camp
Date: August 8-10
Location: Bryant Pond 4-H Camp
Cost: $30.00
Registration Deadline: August 1, 2008
Who: Teens, 13 and up, Parents who would like to participate are also invited!
Come to Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and learn how to survive in the wilderness! You’ll make a survival kit, gain water safety/boating skills, build a primitive shelter and make some primitive tools throughout your weekend experience! Come have fun, bring a friend and learn skills that will be with you for a lifetime. Call 1-800-287-1481 for a registration packet.

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. The flag was saluted and the 4H pledge was recited.
Members Present (9):
President Terry Swazey, Vice President Joey Wilbur, Treasurer Barbara Hopkins, Secretary Lisa Carney, Norma Hardison, Brenda Jordan, Methel Wilbur, Wendy Hesketh, Gail Sargent and Jen Lobley.
Secretary’s & Treasurer’s Reports:
There was no quorum, hence no official minutes to vote on for June.
The Treasurers Report for June was accepted as read.
Old Business:
Horse Camp was a big success this year, with 18 kids and 17 horses attending. There were only three loose horses, and everyone enjoyed swimming this year.
The annual Waltham Days/4H Days showed a video shot 25 years ago on July 18^th.
Mix N’ Match brought their goats to Maine 4H Days. They made blankets, and will be raising money by clipping and bathing goats at Painted Pepper Farm.
There are still steer tickets at the office, and there are shifts available to work at the Blue Hill Fair 4H Food Booth.
New Business:
The sewing machine is valued at $200, less than the price to ship it if it were to be sold on EBay. Terry will consign it to a local antique shop.
Fair cards for Clover Buds- Brenda asked if both cards that were sent had to be filled out. It turns out that an extra paper was sent that does not need to be filled out. Older members need to fill them out the same as last year. Frosting is optional on cupcakes.
A digital video camera has been donated to each County. A few 4Hers will be trained to take and edit video this month. Their ADA compliant (text under footage) work will be uploaded to the UMaine website.
There will be at least two and possibly three after school 4H programs started this fall. They will likely focus on science, gardening and the environment.
Jen Lobley has been asked to take on the role of State 4H program coordinator. This involves her acting as a liaison between national policy writers and local volunteers, and should take up about 25% of her time.
Jen suggested sending out a survey to keep current on what leaders think 4H should be; it has been a few years since the last one.
Methel suggested meeting every other month, and that there might be a better day to meet. That would be a good question for the survey.
A motion was made to NOT HAVE AN AUGUST MEETING. Seconded and approved.
Meeting adjourned 8:14
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Carney, Secretary

Cooking with the Kids

Berry Blast Smoothie

Ingredients:
       2 cups blueberries
           2 cups raspberries
           2 cups strawberries
           2 cups blackberries
           1 cup 100% cran-raspberry juice
           1 cup low fat blueberry yogurt
           2 cups ice

Directions:
Place all items into blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately. (Serves 8)
Recipe Courtesy of Fruits & Veggies matter:
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/

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.

Member of the University of Maine System
Last Modified: 08/29/08
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

August 1	Photos due in Ext. Office for County Photo Contest
August 13	Leaders’ Meeting Canceled
August 15	Leaders’ survey due in the office
August 26	Exhibit Check In at the Blue Hill Fair - 3:00-7:00 pm
Aug 28 - Sept 1	Blue Hill Fair
Sept 1	6:00 - 7:00 pm - All exhibits must be picked up at the Blue Hill Fair
Sept 1	Labor Day - Extension Office Closed
Sept 23	Project Records due in the office
Sept 27	VOLT Training at Hancock County Ext. Office