4-H Happenings

A NEWSLETTER FOR HANCOCK COUNTY 4-H PARTICIPANTS

February 2008 Issue

Ethnic Festival Help
Who Will Step Up to the Plate?

We’re still looking for someone to step forward so we’re repeating the message.  Liz Hooper is not able to chair the Ethnic Festival this year but is more than willing to help another leader take over this project.  Liz has chaired this event for many years and has an abundance of ideas to pass on.  For new members and leaders, Ethnic Festival  is an opportunity for clubs or independent 4-H members to learn about another country and then share their knowledge about their  country in a fun festival activity.  As you can see by the pictures from previous years, Ethnic Festival is a fun time for all and a learning experience, too.  If there is a leader that would be willing to chair this event, please notify the Extension office at 667-8212. Thank you!

Here’s what participants are asked to do:
·  Form a group and select a country to study
·  Register your country with the chair person.  Due to the fact that we "visit" each country, duplication of countries is not allowed. The countries will be arranged chronologically
·  Choose a Timeline
·  Make a poster of your country
·  Design a stamp for the passport that participants  will take from "country to country"
·  Provide a craft or hands-on activity (even a game)
· Have a food sample from the country
Get creative!  You can bring artwork, play music, teach a traditional dance or put on a puppet show.  

 Upcoming Events

NORMA’S NOTES - The Style Revue committee has made a start on plans for this year. We were getting excited about the 4-Hers and the outfits they will make and model. Joyce Kleffner, Extension Educator and coordinator was suddenly called away to her home state of Washington to be with a very sick mother, who has since passed away. So I thought I would give you an idea of what we are trying to accomplish. First of all, we want to welcome Joanne Hamilton to the committee. She is the former Joanne Jordan of Waltham and a Jolly Junior 4-H club member. We have not picked a theme but we did decide of a change in the judging; the garments will come in to be judged for construction as always but the fit judging will NOT happen the night of rehearsal. We want to keep that night strictly for rehearsing. Fit will be judged with modeling on the night of the show. We are planning on the rehearsal to be May 15^th and the show May 16th  but the location has not been confirmed (trying for Father Kenny Center at St. Joseph).  We will keep you informed as quickly as we receive new information and decisions.

 CLUB CHAT - This time we are going to take 4-H to visit a school. Linda Woodworth graciously represented 4-H at the Lamoine School’s “Pilgrim Day.” Linda chose the subject of Rug Hooking which the Clover Club is doing this year. Last year they were a knitting group. Rug hooking has been popular in North America for at least the past 200 years. Women hooked rugs in the isolation of their homes or in environments much like quilting bees by either using strips of cloth from clothes, rags and sacks, or spun wool. It was to help make their homes warmer and more comfortable. One extra interesting fact that Linda brought to the class was the fact that even fisherman would use whatever materials they had available to hook items to bring back to their families after long times at sea. Linda, thank you so much for taking 4-H to visit school and to share with them the art and history of hooking rugs.

4-H NEWS

Cloverbud Activities Record - The new Cloverbud Activities Record form can be found on our Hancock County 4-H website at: http://www.umaine.edu/umext/hancock/4-H/resources.htm. Instructions are listed separately.  If you do not have access to the web, please call the office and we can mail copies to you.  This replaces the Beginners Project Record forms which are no longer used.

 The 2008 Hancock County 4-H Volunteer Directory - has been mailed.  If any leader did not receive one or would like an extra copy, please call the office.  

 Seniors Did You Know? - 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 - There were not enough members present at the January Leaders’ Meeting to make a quorum therefore there are no minutes.  However, everyone agreed that it was a very pleasant and productive meeting.  The next meeting should go quickly and smoothly.  See you there.

 Future 4-Her - We’re pleased to send out baby congratulations to independent 4-H leader Salie and her husband Kendall Davis. Seraphia Joyce Eveyln Davis was born on January 10, 2008 at 8:38 and weighing in at  7 pounds and 11 ounces. Big sister, 4-Her Amberosity, states she is very healthy and active.

 Photo Contest - Information on the upcoming photo contest will be mailed out shortly.  In the meantime - be sure you’re snapping pictures in preparation now.  Be ready for those “Kodak” moments.

 Demonstrations Reminder - Each club should be holding their own club  demonstrations during the month of   February.  Leaders be sure to call the office by February 22nd with the name of the demonstrator and the name of the demonstration. County will be held Saturday, March 8. Time and place will be announced soon. New this year - a  judges  worksheet for Cloverbuds.  For your  convenience both judging sheets are now available on our website:  http://www.umaine.edu/umext/hancock/4-H/resources.htm.  If you don’t have  access to the web, copies can be picked up at the Extension Office or call for a copy to be mailed to you.  For additional tips, go to the website  www.maine4h.umaine.edu/newforms.htm. If you have any other questions, feel free to call the office.  Good Luck to all!

 Get Well Wishes - are extended to Valerie Rice, Independent 4-H leader, who is recuperating from knee surgery and would love to hear from her fellow 4-H family.  Her mailing     address is 284 14th St., Bangor, ME 04401. 

Larry Poulin, former Extension 4-H Agent, has had heart by-pass surgery. He is home and gaining his strength. He thinks in a couple of months he will be up to full speed.  We wish him a speedy recovery. His address is 10 Liberty Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605. 

Tips for Preparing A Demonstration -
1. Pick a topic by asking yourself these questions: 
· Am I interested in this topic? 
· Will others find it useful or interesting? 
· Does it have a simple main idea and logical steps that can be shown in 5 minutes or less? 
· Can I find enough information? 
· Can I easily find props and materials?
2. Pick a title that will arouse the interest of your audience.  One of your posters should show your title.
3. Your introduction should catch the interest of your audience in the first 15 seconds!  Start with a question or a short snappy sentence.  “Help, my bunny is a giant fur ball!”
4. The body of your talk should explain the points or demonstrate the steps you wish to show clearly and in logical order.  Use a poster or two to list your steps.
5. Select materials that are familiar to you and easy to use and see.  Arrange on a tray in step by step order.  Use clear containers if people need to see inside.
6. Conclusion:  Neglecting to have a well defined end to their talk is the most common mistake speakers make!  Show the finished product. Summarize the main thing you wanted the talk to teach.  Show your poster again.  End by asking for questions or thanking the audience for their attention!
Taken from Aroostook County’s Newsletter

The following revised rules will be used at all fairs
C.1.7 Regulations for 4-H Animal Shows at Maine Agricultural Fairs

1 "4-H Age" is defined as the age of the 4-H member as of December 31 of the current 4-H year.  All ages below are "4-H Ages."
· 4-H exhibitors must be 9 through 18 years of age in order to show competitively in any 4-H animal show.
· 4-H members age 8 may participate in non-competitive demonstration shows using a rabbit, dog, kid goat, non-market lamb, piglet, or non-market calf.  One-on-one supervision by an adult or older teen is required. All participants will receive identical forms of recognition of participation. (See Cloverbud Policy)
· 4-H members age 5 through 7 may participate in a skilathon, educational clinic or other public educational activity with one rabbit, dog, kid goat, non-market lamb or piglet, or calf.  One-on-one supervision by an adult or experienced older teen having ultimate control of the animal is required. All participants will receive identical forms of recognition of participation. (See Cloverbud Policy)
2. All shows will require that exhibitors ages 9 through 18 present the standard Approval Form for 4-H Animal Shows.
3.  Each animal must be listed on only one member’s approval form (with the exception of horse). 
4.  Since animal approval forms document animal projects, Cloverbud members will not be required to use Animal Approval Forms for their animal activities.
5.  4-H members ages 9 through 18 must fit any animals they show. Members ages 5 through 8 may assist an adult or older 4-H member in fitting their animal with the amount of hands-on  participation related to the skills and abilities of the younger member.
6. 4-H members 9 through 18 may use leased animals in 4-H shows.
NOTE: For the 2008 Fair season only, 8 year old members may continue to participate in competitive animal shows as they have done in the past if fairs choose to hold those classes for them.

 Requesting News Articles - I keep asking and hoping for news articles that come from, you, the 4-Her.  Leaders are requesting them too.  This is an article from Knox-Lincoln’s newsletter that is a good sample.  Hope this inspires you to send me some of “your” news. I’ll be watching the mail or email. Thanks, Norma Hardison, 4-H Program Aide
This past summer I raked some blueberries at Seven Tree View Farm in Union.  The Dolham   family also donated three big boxes of blueberries.  I sold the berries to my neighbors, on The Common in Union, and at the Union Fair.  I raised $92.00!  I donated the money to Heifer International.  I chose the gifts of a trio of rabbits and bees.  Heifer is a special organization.  I like doing things to help Heifer International give animals to people to make their lives better. 

 State 4-H News
 January, 2008
 

1. Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)
   Start making plans now to visit our Nation’s Capitol during the week of July 5-12, 2008. Citizenship Washington Focus 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. This summer, the Maine delegation will leave on Saturday July 5 and return on July 12. You will stay at the National 4-H Conference Center just outside Washington, DC. Visiting the most popular sites in Washington will be a part of the trip.
   Contact your county 4-H office to find out how to apply for this trip. Each county has their own selection process.
    

2. UMaine Day at the Legislature - 4-H Honorary Page Program
   UMaine Day at the Legislature, Thursday, March 27^th, is quickly approaching.  Since legislators like to see 4-H members from their districts, 4-Hers [recommended age 13 or older] are encouraged to serve as Honorary Pages. The Maine 4-H program has reserved 20 spots for Honorary Pages.
   What does a Page do?  Pages hand out information to Representatives or Senators or place the paper information on their desks.  They also hand phone and other messages to Representatives and Senators on the floor.  To learn more about what Honorary Pages do, visit the website listed at the end of this article.
   If you are interested in serving as a page on March 27^th, please contact Jane Haskell, Extension educator in Waldo County at 1-800-287-1426 x1013 or jhaskell@umext.maine.edu.  She will be serving as the coordinator of the 2008 program. We will attempt to have pages from different parts of the state. Slots, representing different state senators and representatives, will be filled in the order they are received.  If the slot for your legislative district has been filled, your name will be added to a wait list in the order it is received.  If you are leaving a message, please be sure to say “I am interested in serving as a 4-H Page at the Legislature on March 27^th”.  Your slot will be reserved if you leave your:
               - full name
               - mailing address
               - county
               - phone number
               - email address
               - name of your school
               - name of your 4-H club
               - name of your Maine State Representative
               - name of your Maine State Senator
   4-H Honorary Pages will be in the Capitol from 8:30am – 3:00pm. A parent or 4-H volunteer provides transportation and chaperoning.  For a complete list of expectations and duties, visit the 4-H Honorary Page Program webpage at www.umext.maine.edu/Waldo/4H/Pages.
    

3. Tanglewood 4-H Camp Offers February Vacation Day Camp
   Tanglewood 4‑H Camp and Learning Center, has announced a February Vacation Day Camp for children aged 6-14. The program will be at Tanglewood's Lincolnville campus and will take place on Thursday, February 21st and Friday, February 22^nd 2008, from 9am to 2pm. each day.  The cost is $20 per child for one day and $35 for both days, and all materials and supplies are included (participants must provide own bag lunch). For more information or to register, contact School Program Director Heather Francis by phone at 207-789-5805 or by e-mail at hfrancis@umext.maine.edu.
   Participants will take part in a “Winter Ecology Adventure” while learning how to be wildlife trackers, discovering how animals adapt to survive the winter and doing winter tree identification.   We will be hiking over two miles while exploring, so be prepared to be active!  Snowshoeing will be available for ages nine and above.
    

4. 2008 Brain Power Engineers Week Expo
   Saturday, March 1, 2008
   University of Maine Orono
   For more information go to www.EngineeringME.com
   Cost: $2.00 per person donation suggested
    

5. VOLT Training Corner
   On the following Saturdays in 2008: April 12, 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).
    

6. 4-H Horse Project News
   Happy New Year to all in the Maine 4H horse project. We would like to remind you of some up coming dates and ideas. See Maine 4H website for more information on these.
   
   Study groups will be offered starting in February at several high school sites throughout Maine. This is a chance for you to get together with others and study for the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) tryouts knowledge test or to gain more information for the National teams.
   
   April 1:  All animal approval forms must be on file at the county office for ESE participation, and Intent to Participate at the ESE tryouts is also due on April 1. See Maine 4H web page for forms.
   
   A 4H Horse Get-Together Day is being planned for later in March or April. Come meet others and learn about the state events: Maine 4H Days, Eastern States Exposition team, Communications, Horse Judging, Horse Quiz Bowl and Hippology teams.
   
   Eastern States Exposition tryouts: will be open to teen leaders, riders and DRIVERS this year. You may only try out in one area. Packets must be postmarked by May 10. Tryouts will be held June 20, 21, 22 at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds.
    

7. 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.
    

8. Meat Goat Seasonal 4-H Project
   Do you want to raise two meat goat kids this year as a 4-H Project?  If so, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension is launching a pilot project where 4-Hers purchase castrated buck kids from meat goat producers in Maine for the purpose of raising them to market weight for resale.
   
   If you are interested, you can find more information on the 4-H website at http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/goat/seasonal.htm.  You can also contact Extension Educator, Richard Brzozowski at 1-800-287-1471 or rbrz@umext.maine.edu for more information.
    

9. 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.
   
   You may also pick up an application at your local County Extension office. National 4-H Congress will be held in November in Atlanta and National 4-H Conference will be held in Washington DC in March 2009.
   Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2008.
    

10. 4-H EDGE Weekend 2008
    Don’t forget to mark your calendars for…
    The 4-H EDGE Weekend: Connecting Kids to Campus – May 17 and 18, 2008
    
    The 4-H staff is hard at work on plans for this year’s 4-H EDGE Weekend.  The event promises to be bigger and (dare we say) better than last year!  We look forward to a wide variety of workshops for all you 4-H members ages 11-15 along with the on-campus experience that we hope will set you on the track for college!  Sleep in a residence hall, eat at the University Marketplace, take advantage of recreational activities, find out what interesting places are tucked away around the campus, and try out activities related to just some of the many majors and career paths available through the University.
    
    Older youth, ages 16-18, are invited to a day-long set of sessions on Saturday that will prepare you for the college life that is right around the corner for you.  Practice some of the skills you will need for admission, learn how to deal with some of the pitfalls of college life such as drug and alcohol abuse and (too) easy credit.  Find out how to position yourself to receive scholarships and financial aid.  Think the University of Maine is too close to home?  Find out how UMaine can be a springboard to study across the nation and around the world!
    
    Of course, there will also be parent workshops.  Get comfortable with the admission process.  Learn that application for financial aid does not need to be scary or impossible.  Find out what your child needs to do to be “scholarship ready”.
    
    The registration forms will be ready about the beginning of March so watch the mail and save the date!!  Get ready to get “connected to campus”.
    
     

11. PAWSitively Youth Pre-Printing Specials
    NRAES is preparing to publish PAWSitively Youth: A Guidebook about Dogs for Community Outreach Leaders. The guidebook includes science-based information on behavior, anatomy, nutritional needs, breed characteristics, and over population issues that will be useful in developing excellent educational programs for youth ten and older. It will be available in March 2008.
    
    For more information, including a two-page flier, sample pages, and a table of contents, go to  www.nraes.org. You can place your order for books or sponsorship on NRAES secure web site. You can place your order for books or sponsorship on the NRAES secure web site
     

12. Congratulations to Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Teams
    This year two 4-H Dairy Judging Teams represented Maine at national competitions. The first team went to the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, September 28 to October 3, 2007. The 4-Hers were Alison Moon of Freeport, Alyssa Kenny of Gray, Jessyca Rankin of Cornish, and Devon Dekoschak of Levant. Leanne Moon and Chris Kimball were their coaches.
    
    The second dairy judging team participated in the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky November 3 and 4, 2007.  Holly Whitcomb (Waldo, ME), Alan O’Brien (Windham, ME), Marjorie and Andrew Hardy (Farmington, ME) proudly competed as the Maine 4H Dairy Judging team. Betsy Bullard, Mary Briggs, and Henry Hardy coached the team in preparation for these National competitions. The team finished 16^th out of thirty one 4-H dairy judging teams.

4-H Happenings

An informational source for 4-H leaders in Hancock and Washington Counties 

How Is Service Learning Different from Community Service?

Service Learning has been defined as a type of experiential education that involves young people in both community service and education. (Roehlkepartian, 1991)
Service Learning involves six key elements:
1.  Active, Integrated Learning draws lessons from the experience of performing service work and enhances the knowledge, values, and skills of the participants.
2.  Youth Voice engages youth in as many aspects of project planning as possible.
3.  High Service meets a real need in the community; is age appropriate, well organized and gets things done.
4.  Collaboration involves all stakeholders in the planning, execution and evaluation of the program.
5.  Reciprocity provides benefit to the recipient and the provider of the service.
6.  Reflection allows time for reflection before (to prepare), during (to troubleshoot), and after (to process).
Service Learning provides developmental opportunities that promote personal, social, and intellectual growth, as well as civic responsibility and career exploration. (Duckenfield and Swanson 1991)
Service Learning, as a form of experiential education, allows learning to occur through a cycle of action and reflection as youth work in collaboration with others through a process:
- applying what they are learning to community problems
- reflecting upon their experience
- achieving real objectives for the community
- achieving deeper understanding, competence, and skills for themselves
Most educators agree that Service Learning is a teaching strategy that applies education to student-identified community issues. As youth identify these issues, they learn that they are part of a community. Participants benefit by increasing their abilities and their self-confidence as well as enhancing their ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. As an ongoing part of the process, youth frequently reflect on what they have learned about themselves, their community, and the problems they are seeking to address. In this way, youth develop a sense of caring for others and a better understanding of their role as active citizens.
For more information about Service Learning, check out our 4HCCS Service Learning curriculum guides for use with middle school and high school age youth at the Extension office or http://www.n4hccs.org/
Adapted from CA 4H Leader’s Digest, University of California Cooperative Extension

Hancock County 4-H Library

The following books are available for check out at the Extension Office.
BEEF QUIZ BOWL INFORMATION
BIRDS - PENNSYLVANIA SONGBIRDS
BOREDOM BUSTERS
CEREMONIES
CHERISHED DOLLS TO MAKE FOR FUN
CHILD CARE GARDEN PROJECT (DIARY OF)
CHRISTMAS ANGELS
COUNTRY CRAFT MAGAZINES
CRAFT
CRAFT - TRASH TO TREASURE (1)
CRAFT - TRASH TO TREASURE (11)
CRAFT MAGAZINES
DOG - AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB DOG CARE & TRAINING
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPECT CURRICULUM GUIDE
FAMILY FUN  MAGAZINES
FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS
GAMES  - MEETING ROOM
GAMES - NO SUPPLIES REQUIRED CROWDBREAKERS
GAMES FOR MEETINGS & PARTIES
GOAT - 4-H MARKET GOAT REFRENCE GUIDE
GOAT QUIZ BOWL INFORMATION
HIPPOLOGY INFORMATION
HORSE - EQUUS (about horse care, ethics, research)
HORSE - THE HORSE
HORSE ANATOMY
HORSE INDUSTRY  HANDBOOK
HORSES - FEEDING & CARE OF
HORSES AND HORSEMANSHIP
HORSES- Confirmation and Performance
KID'S WILDLIFE BOOK (The )
KNITTING - ONE SKEIN WONDERS
LLAMAS - LIVING WITH LLAMAS
MAGENTA STYLE PAPER MAGIC
MAINE'S GREAT OUTDOORS
MANAGING YOUR BACK YARD
PET FIRST AID
PHOTOGRAPHY - Beginner's Guide
PHOTOGRAPHY - Life Library of Photography -  The Print
PIGS (RAISING PIGS SUCCESSFULLY)
PLAYS & STUNTS
POCKET STEW (COOK BOOK)
POULTRY (RAISING POULTRY SUCCESSFULLY)
QUILT - FRIENDSHIP QUILT BOOK
QUILT - MORE LAP QUILTING
QUILT - QUILTING PATCHWORK & APPIQUE
QUILTS - APPLIQUE
QUILTS - HOW TO MAKE AN AMISH QUILT
QUILTS - LOG CABIN
QUILTS - NEEDLECRAFT DESIGNS FROM OUR BEST
QUILTS - STATE CAPITOL BLOCKS
QUILTS - THE UNITED STATES PATCHWORK PATTERN BK.
SONGS
SONGS - THE BOOK OF KIDS SONGS WITH TAPE
STORIES FOR THE CAMP FIRE
TEDDY BEAR & FRIENDS MAGAZINE (several  magazines)
THE COMPLETE DOG BOOK
THE KIDS NATURE BOOK
THE THREE E'S (ECOLOGY, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT)
WATCHING OUT FOR MAINE'S WILDLIFE
WEEKEND CRAFTS
WILDLIFE HABITATS  (KIDS' EASY- TO- CREATE)
WILDLIFE NOTES
WOODWORKING PROJECTS (60 EASY)

Cooking with the Kids
 

Cherry Granola Hearts
Healthy Holiday Recipe

Ingredients:
           1/2 cup dried cherries or golden raisins
           3 cups granola                                    1/2 cup all-purpose flour
           1/2 tsp baking powder                        4 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
           1 large egg, lightly beaten 2 tbsp honey
 

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350-degrees. Lightly grease two cookie sheets.
In a small bowl, combine the dried cherries with enough hot tap water to cover. Set aside. In a large bowl, toss together the granola, flour and baking powder.
Stir in the butter, egg and honey until the mixture is evenly moistened. Drain the cherries and add them to the mixture, stirring until well combined. Scrape out the batter onto a clean surface and pat it into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle.
Using a 1-1/2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Reroll the scraps.
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until they are golden brown around the edges. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

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”

Member of the University of Maine System
Last Modified: 02/05/08
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

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