4-H Happenings

NORMA’S NOTES – You will find Amber’s report on one of the many “happenings” at 4-H National Congress very interesting. She is not using the usual style of writing about a trip. Instead you will see how she is thinking and feeling about her experience with the homeless. No doubt this experience will stay with her the rest of her life. Good job, Amber.

I look around the room, letting the unfamiliar images of the homeless wash over me, mostly older men. All dress in a wide variety of hats, coats, and worn clothing. The sense of abandonment is alight on many of the faces. Plastic industrial tables, surrounded by plastic chairs and set with plastic plates, and plastic cutlery, testify to the humanitarian effort. I didn’t choose this service project. However if given the choice I would have chosen to come here. The people at my assigned table talk quietly among themselves. My work partner, Timothy, converses with the man and women sitting at the end. I only half listen to their conversation as I watch Miss. America make her rounds. I am impressed with this pageant winner. Her actions show she genuinely cares for the people. It isn’t just another part of the title. As I stand I feel my feet, firm against the unyielding concrete. Voices run over and into one another, interspersed with occasional laughter that echoes throughout the room. There should be more people, but a bomb threat in Atlanta made it almost impossible for the buses to get through. For the moment I am unemployed. I shift my feet, uncomfortable in the room, crowded though not full. The collection of so many bodies sends a wave of warmth over me. Anxiety twist my stomach into knots. Boredom threatens me with languorous thoughts. I need to walk. Carefully I slip through the crowd, trying to imprint this into my memory. I never socialized with the homeless before this day. Saw them in large cities, but I felt afraid of them. Even now I feel fearful. My white skin stands out against the predominant black. They possess an accent different from mine, I can barely understand some. Our appearances contrast, leaving, seemingly, nothing in common. I cannot imagine what these people do to survive. The scent of hot grits and biscuits drifts through the dining room. I search the area for something useful to do and see a group who is finished with their meals. Plastic forks scrape in protest they clear away the life-giving food. Fear places its metallic finger in my mouth. Slipping over, I swallow the bitter taste and push the fear to the back of my mind. I dutifully take on a servants role. “Would you like me to take those?” I ask the men at the table, as I point to their empty dishes. They nod. An older man sitting at the end of the table, suddenly speaks up, “What’s your name?” I feel a millisecond of panic, before I remember that each of the 4-Her’s possess a name tag. Its normal for these people to ask my name. “Amberosity,” I try to say over the noise. “What’s that?” He asks, forgetting my fear I bend down to speak into his ear, “Amberosity,” I repeat again. He tries pronouncing it a few times, before getting it correct.
“Thats a beautiful name.” he says. I smile at his compliment, as I vaguely take in his shabby winter coat and the ebony winter hat pulled over his ivory hair.
“Thanks,” I continue picking up the trash, trying to be inconspicuous.
“Are you from Washington?” The man shouts over the noise.
“What?” I ask confused, I bring my ear closer to hear him better. His breath is warm and uncomfortably moist, like my dogs breath. As he repeats his question I smile, and turn my head to reply. “No, I’m from Maine.”
“Thats a long ways away!”
“Yeah, and I hear its quite a bit colder up there right now.” We both smile at that statement as I grab the last remnants of the meal.
“Is there anyone from Seattle here?” The man questions me again. I scan my memory, “I’m not sure. There’s about a thousand people that came down here, and their from all around the U.S. Some people are even from Puerto Rico, but I haven’t met anyone from Seattle.” The man doesn’t visibly appear disappointed, but I can hear it in his voice. “My hometowns Seattle,” “I live near Seattle,” a girls voice comes from behind me. The man smiles and begins to ask her about his hometown. I slip between the long tables to grab a used coffee cup. The anxiety has lessened. As I look around at this bedraggled group of forgotten souls, I find a connection. Each of us just yearns for a bit of home.

Multicultural Festival - Don’t forget to attend the Multicultural Festival on March 12 at 4:30-6:00 PM at the Ellsworth High Cafeteria. Get your passbook stamped and join in the fun!

Government Day - is scheduled for Thursday, March 26th. This is open to all 4-H members in Hancock County who are age 12 (by January 1st) and older. In addition to the opportunity to participate as pages in the House and Senate, the members visit the State of Maine Museum. Members must contact the Extension Office by March 9th. We can only take 15 participants, so call early to reserve your spot.

Lock, Stock & Barrel - have some great sounding ideas. In Feb. at Toddy Pond Foster Smith, Shooting Sports instructor and “famous” cook invited 4-Hers to help him and the Deer Isle Fire Dept. to raise funds for a vocational scholarship in memory of Jimmy Douglas who died tragically last year in a snowmobile accident. Foster is happy to report it was a huge success raising $8000. There were 237 entries and over 30 fish traps were given away to the youth. They are considering making it an annual event (Norma’s first thought was: would that make a great county event to participate in?).
Next plans are to combine Wildlife cooking and ice fishing day on March 21. Mother nature sometimes makes scheduling very difficult but a good 4-Her knows how to “roll with the punches.”

Style Revue - Registration packets have been mailed out to all members in the Clothing and Textile project. If you did not receive one please contact Joyce at the Extension Office. The Style Revue committee has agreed to adopt the New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Style Revue judging sheets. A copy of this will be sent out to those registered for this year’s Style Revue or can be viewed on our Hancock County 4-H website: http://www.umaine.edu/umext/hancock/4-H/resources.htm

Seniors Don’t Forget - The Hancock County 4-H Leaders’ Association offers scholarships of varying amounts. 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 24, 2009.

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 - will be held at the Hancock County Cooperative Extension on Saturday, March 14. Barn Critters, Hancock County 4-H Wranglers, and Mix n’ Match will compete at 10:00 am. Horse of Course, Jolly Juniors, and Snapdragons & Hollyhocks will compete at 1:00 pm. Refreshments will be provided at each session.

1. National 4-H Congress and Conference Applications
Applications are now being accepted for the chance to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta in 2009 and the National 4-H Conference in Washington in 2010. Congress is a five day leadership development conference held in Atlanta where youth meet other 4-Hers from all over the country, learn new skills, participate in community service and enjoy special events. The National 4-H Conference is held at the National 4-H Conference Center just outside of Washington, DC in March where 4-H delegations from every state meet to share ideas and make recommendations for the future of 4-H. Delegates participate in activities that emphasize civic engagement, youth-adult partnerships, and professional development. If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 and would like to attend Congress in November 2009 or Conference in March 2010, you can apply now. Deadline for your application is March 13, 2009 and more details can be found at www.umext.maine.edu/4h/events/natltripsletter.htm or contact your county Extension Office for details.

2. 2009 Massachusetts All-Breeds Blue Ribbon Calf Sale
March 28, 2009, 12:00 pm at the Eastern States Exposition Mallary Complex, in West Springfield, MA. Youth programs start at 10:00 am; clinics include: “Vaccinations and Inoculations for the Show Calf”, “Show Calf Nutrition”, “Calf Selection”, and “Hoof Trimming Demonstration”, no pre-registration is required for the youth programs, these clinics are open to any interested 4H youth or anyone else with interest in learning more about these topics. For directions and more information go to: http://www.blueribboncalfsale.com/.

3. 4-H GPS/GIS TEK* Trek - See flyer on page 7
*Technology and Environment for Kids AKA Naturalist Camp
July 5-10, 2009 at Greenland Point Center and the University of Maine at Machias in Princeton and Machias, ME, for ages 12 – 15. 4H GPS/GIS campers will "Get Outdoors" to learn about wildlife and their surroundings including woods, water, land and air. Participants will learn to collect GPS data and carry out a service mapping project for the Center and will also spend 1-1/2 days at UM Machias using the computer labs and exploring the campus. ATV and Boater Safety certifications course will be available. Bring cameras for tips on photography! Special cost to 4-H members: $150.00 for the entire week (non 4-H cost is $250.00). To register, go to www.greenlandpoint.com Under Skills Camp, find Naturalist Camp – 4H GPS/GIS – At bottom of list, go to Click Here for Application. Apply Early! Camp is limited to 15 youth!

4. New England 4-H Dog Clinic
Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Tolland Agricultural Center, Route 30, Vernon, CT, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. The dog clinic is open to all registered 4-H Dog Project members 9 – 18 years of age and their registered 4-H project dog. Information and registration materials can be found on the Maine 4-H Website’s dog page at: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/dog.htm.

5. State Dairy Show and ESE Tryouts
Save the Date! The 2009 Maine State 4-H Dairy Show will take place on July 18-19, 2009 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. More information can be found on the Maine 4-H Website’s Dairy page at: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/dairy.htm.

6. Make It With Wool Contest
4-Hers in Maine are invited to enter the Make It With Wool Contest, a national competition sponsored by the American Sheep Industry Association. The state-level contest will be held on October 10, 2009 at the Page Farm Museum at the University of Maine in Orono. Contestants may enter garments made with wool that are sewn, knit, crocheted or felted. More information and rules for the contest are on our website at http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/events/other/wool.htm or you can contact Michaele Bailey at 1-800-287-0274 for more information.

7. Dairy Judging
Tryouts for the 4-H Dairy Judging Team will be held on Saturday April 18 in Penobscot County. The top four qualified youth will be selected to compete on the Eastern States 4-H Dairy Judging Team. Judging will begin at 10:00 am at the Ronnie Simpson farm, 189 Corinna Court Road, Corinna. Simpsons will serve dinner at noon. Judging will continue in the afternoon at the Louis Nuite farm, 129 Dyer Road, Atkinson, ME 04426. Bring a clipboard and a pencil and be ready to judge. For more information you can contact Dave Marcinkowski, State Dairy Specialist at 1-800-287-7170.

8. Dairy Quiz Bowl Team
Tryouts for the Dairy Quiz Bowl Team were held on February 15, 2009 in Augusta. Four 4-H members were selected to compete on the Quiz Bowl Team at Eastern States: Aaron Martin, Michaela Davis, and Brittany Moon of Cumberland County and Ashley Hardy of Franklin County. Congratulations!

9. Volunteer Forum Videos
Three sessions were video recorded at the Volunteer Forum held on November 1, 2008 at Maple Hill Conference Center in Hallowell in conjunction with the Animal Science Committee meeting. Those recordings are now available on a set of two DVD’s to borrow from your county extension office. The sessions that were recorded were Cloverbud Corner, Life Skills Wheel, and Healthy ME, Healthy You. Call your county extension office for more information.

10. Northeast Livestock Expo
The Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE) will be held May 15-17, 2009 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. If you are a beef, sheep, goat or horse enthusiast of any age, mark your calendars and plan to attend this event. NELE is a multi-species event that includes shows, sales, youth activities and a cook-off for beef, goat and of course lamb dishes. New this year will be horse events. The activities include: - American Lamb Board Cook-Off - Purebred, Feeder Lamb and 4-H Market Lamb Show and Sale Youth Show and Activities - Horse shows & clinics. For more information on horse events please contact Cathy Thomas at hippology@myfairpoint.net or call 458-1402. For more information or to receive entry forms for NELE, please contact Wendy Reinemann at (207) 785-2978, or by email at guiniridge@gmail.com . You can visit the NELE website at www.northeastlivestockexpo.com.

11. 4-H EDGE Weekend 2009:
Connecting Kids to Campus is Friday May 15, and Saturday May 16, 2009 at the University of Maine
It’s going to be the best EDGE yet! Team building and recreational opportunities on Friday! Super workshop sessions on Saturday! Things like Marine Botany, Animation, Veterinary Science, and dozens more! Watch for coming information on Parent Workshops like Planning for College in Challenging Times and Supporting Career Aspirations. There’s a great panel planned for Saturday lunch that both youth and adults will enjoy! We’re still investigating overnight arrangements for parents – dorms turned out to be VERY expensive so we are looking for other alternatives! The cost this year will be $55.00 per 4-H member and $40 for additional family members. Non 4-H members may also attend at a fee of $75.00 per person. Registration will start in late March and the forms will be up on the website. Check the EDGE 2009 site on the Maine 4-H website – we’ll be adding new information about workshops and activities! Save the dates...It is going to be the best EDGE yet! Don’t miss it!!

12. 4-H Teen Weekend - Leadership Opportunities
Outdoor Fun - Friends - 4-H - Camping - Canoeing - Open to all 4-H members Ages 12-18
Program will be held at the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Bryant Pond
Arrival: 6:00 pm, Friday May 22nd Pick up: 11:30 am, Sunday, May 24th Cost: $40 per person
· Space is limited, first come, first serve
· Volt certified volunteers are welcome to apply for a limited number of slots.
· Permission slips/registration forms are available by contacting 743-6329 or 1-800-287-1482.
· Confirmations with details will be mailed
· All special requests need to be directed to Susan Jennings, Extension Educator at 743-6329 or 1-800-387-1482.
Registration: Please mail the registration/health form and payment to the Oxford County Extension Office, 9 Olson Road, South Paris, Maine 04281
Questions?? Call Susan Jennings at 1-800-287-1482, 665-2068

13. Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)
It is time now to sign up for Citizenship Washington Focus that will be July 4 to 11, 2009. 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. This summer, the Maine delegation will leave on July 4 and return on July 11, 2009. 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. Visit their website at http://www.citizenshipwashingtonfocus.org/ for more information.
Contact your county 4-H office to find out how to apply for this trip. Each county will have their own selection process.

Tek - Trek - * Technology and Environment for Kids
GREENLAND POINT CENTER and the UNIVERSITY OF MAINE at MACHIAS
Princeton and Machias, Maine
July 5-10, 2009
Ages 12-15
AKA *Naturalist Camp - 4-H GPS/GIS is an alternative to the traditional Conservation Camp where campers will "Get Outdoors" to learn about wildlife and their surroundings including woods, water, land and air. Participants will collect GPS data to carry out a service mapping project for the Center and will spend 1 1/2 days at UMM using the computer labs and exploring the campus. ATV and Boater Safety certifications course will be included as an additional option. Bring your cameras for tips on photography!
COST includes times at both sites:
$250.00
(4-H members $150.00)
To register, go to www.greenlandpoint.com
Under Skills Camp, find Naturalist Camp - 4-H GPS/GIS
At bottom of list, go to Click Here for Application
Apply early!
Camp is limited to 15 youth!

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation—including transgender status or gender expression—national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, or veterans' status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University System. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you are a person with a disability and will need any accommodations to participate in this program, please call Christy Fitzpatrick at 1-800-287-1469 Please contact us at least 30 days prior to this event to assure fullest possible attention to your needs. (207) 581-1226 (voice and TDD).

Hancock County 4-H Leaders’ Association
Unofficial Minutes of February 11, 2009

    The meeting was called to order at 7:14 pm. The flag was saluted and the 4-H pledge was recited.
    Members Present (10 at different times):
    President Terry Swazey, VP Joey Wilbur, Treasurer Barbara Hopkins, Secretary Lisa Carney, Carolee Tully, Norma Hardison, Vicki Koehler,
     Brenda Jordan, Catherine Homer, Jen Lobley, and Methel Wilbur.
    Presentation:
    Becky Mosely and Sienna Tinsley gave a talk and showed a DVD introducing the new Bryant Pond conservation camp. They had several handouts,
    and the website is: www.extension.umaine.edu/bryantpond.
    Old Business:
    We can have the Blue Hill Fairgrounds for the day for Jamboree, but no staying overnight. Horse camp is similarly limited.
    New Business:
    Terry and Vicki plan to give a talk on the Leaders Forum that they attended. Their talk will be on April 8^th, on monarch butterflies.
    Demos will be held March 14^th at the Extension Office.
    CWF will cost $525-625 per youth, depending on the number attending. Applications will be due before April.
    EIN numbers- please read the information below. A technical glitch may tell you your confirmation has been denied; send in a hard copy anyway.
     The deadline in May 15^th.
    Norma asked who might be interested in a compost to food workshop; several people were. A motion was made earlier in the evening to sponsor
     four $25 scholarships; enough votes were collected to pass the motion.
    Meeting adjourned 8:05
    Respectfully submitted,
    Lisa Carney, Secretary

Information for Maine 4-H Volunteers about the Required IRS filing for
4-H Clubs, Leaders Associations, Animal Science Committees, Etc.

Introduction:
All 4-H clubs and affiliated organizations that are eligible for the 4-H federal income tax group exemption GEN 2704, and raise funds or accept donations, must file the appropriate tax form on time even though some groups will be unsuccessful for this year.
Here is the 2 step process we will use for Maine 4-H Clubs to gather EIN information and to have organizations file a 990N E-Postcard:

Step 1: Determining if you need an EIN and then getting the number if needed.
a. If your 4-H club, leader association, animal science committee, etc. is going to fundraise and have a bank account then you will need to get an EIN to open your bank account. You can work with your 4-H staff to help get you your EIN and the steps are detailed in our Maine 4-H Policies Procedures and Guidelines Manual: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/manual/partb/b19.htm
b. Once you have your EIN you will need to let your county/state 4-H staff person know what this number is and to do that we ask that you fill out the “Maine Certification of 4-H Clubs and Affiliated 4-H Organizations Under the National 4-H Federal Tax Exempt Status” form and return it to the appropriate county/state 4-H office. http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/manual/attach/mainecert.htm

Step 2: Filing your 990N E-Postcard
Beginning in 2008, small tax-exempt 4-H organizations that previously were not required to file returns because they earned $25,000 or less are required to file an annual electronic notice called an e-Postcard.
Steps on how to file your 990N E-Postcard (You can only file on-line)
1. All 4-H clubs/organizations (which includes Leaders’ Associations, 4-H Clubs, Animal Science Committees, etc) in Maine need to file by February 15^th and that report will include income for the previous October 1st through September 30th 4-H year.***
***For the tax year 2008 Maine 4-H clubs/organizations will have until May 15^th, 2009 to file as the tax year was originally January 1^st through December 30^th, but will be changed to correspond to the 4-H year of October 1^st through September 30^th in future years.
2. 4-H clubs and organizations will not receive a reminder from the IRS in the mail to file so you must remember to file.
3. Go to www.irs.gov and use the keyword/search filed to find links to 990-N information. Here is the link: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169250,00.html. Once on this page you need to go to “How to File” and then follow the instructions below. (Please note that when you access the system, you will leave the IRS site and file the e-Postcard with the IRS through their trusted partner, Urban Institute.)
A. Register as a New User (The confirmation login e-mail may end up in your spam folder so you may need to look there for it.)
B. Create your Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
C. To complete a 990-N e-Postcard, qualified 4-H Clubs & Affiliated 4-H Organizations need to provide the following information:
1) Organization’s legal name – as legally chartered or otherwise formally tied to the organization’s EIN
2) Any other names your organization uses (not relevant for most 4-H Clubs & Affiliated 4-H Organizations)
3) Organization’s mailing address – as tied to the organization’s EIN
4) Organization’s website address – if you have one
5) Organization’s EIN (Employer Identification Number) – this is a unique number that identifies the organization to the IRS, much like our personal Social Security Numbers identify individuals to the IRS. This is what you received when you sent in your SS-4 form.
6) Name and address of the principal officer of your organization – tied to the EIN. This is most likely the leader of your 4-H club and the name and address on the SS-4 Form.
7) Organization’s annual tax year – which may or may not be defined by your State 4-H Program Office (The tax year for Maine is October through September.)
8) Confirmation that your organization’s annual gross receipts are still normally $25,000 or less.
4. Submit your Form 990-N (e-Postcard).
5. Print or electronically save the confirmation you receive after you have filed as this needs to be sent into your county office and you should keep a copy of this record for your 4-H club.
6. Send in the documentation that indicates that you have filed your 990-N-E-Postcard. Remember even if your group is unsuccessful in filing please save that documentation as well as it indicates that you tried to file.

Additional Notes:
· The e-Postcard (not available in paper form) is supported by most internet browsers as noted on the IRS site. Please contact state or local 4-H extension professionals if you need assistance filing your e-Postcard.
· The e-Postcard includes an option for stating that your organization has or is terminating. This is not relevant for 4-H groups. If you have any questions call Joyce at the extension office.

Cooking With the Kids

Bookworm Apple Bark

Ingredients:
    1 Granny Smith apple
      1 tbsp peanut butter
      2 1/2 tbsp golden or black raisins
      1 1/2 tbsp dried sweetened cranberries
      1 small bunch of fresh chives or fresh parsley (optional plate garnish)

Directions:
Cut apple into four quarters, starting at the stem. Remove the core by cutting away to leave a flat surface on the apple quarter. Be careful not to cut too much of the edible portion of the apple away. Drop and slightly spread the peanut butter on apple quarters. Mix together the raisins and dried cranberries then sprinkle on peanut butter. Cut chives into one-inch pieces and garnish.

Taken from “Cool Fuel Cookbook” - Fun recipes for kids

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: 10/14/09
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

DATE	TIME	ACTIVITY
March 6		Post-Secondary Education Scholarships Applications due in Ext. Office
March 11	6:30 PM	Exhibit Hall Meeting at the Extension Office
March 11	7:00 PM	Leaders' Meeting at the Extension Office
March 12	4:30 - 6:00 PM	Multicultural Festival - 4:30-6:00 PM - Ellsworth High
March 12		UMaine Day at the Legislature
March 13		Applications for National 4-H Conference Due in Ext. Office
March 14	10:00 AM & 1:00 PM	Demonstrations - Hancock Extension Office
March 17, & April 14, & May 19		Horse Study Sessions
March 23		Harlem Globetrotters at the Bangor Auditorium
March 26		Government Day
March 31		New Deadline—ESE Dairy Goat Intent to participate
April 18		Eastern States 4-H Dairy Judging
May 8		Style Revue (Note change in date) EHS Theater
May 15		EIN Deadline
May 15-16		4-H Edge Weekend at UMaine Campus
May 15-17		Northeast Livestock Expo
May 22-24		4-H Teen Weekend
June 26-28		Maine 4-H Days at the Winsor Fairgrounds
July 4-11		CWF
July 5-10		4-H GPS/GIS TEK Trek
July 18-19		State Dairy Show & ESE Tryouts