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4-H Happenings

A NEWSLETTER FOR HANCOCK COUNTY 4-H PARTICIPANTS

November 2007 Issue

Congratulations to ESE Participants!

I recently had the pleasure of chaperoning for the Maine Dairy Goat Team's trip to the Eastern States competition.  We had four kids from the Mix n’ Match Club on the team, Jennifer,Victoria, Christia and Justin and from  Union River Valley, Kaitlynn. We left early on Thursday morning from Ellsworth and arrived around 6:00PM in Springfield Mass. The kids unloaded and set up their displays.  The girls had each made their own milking stands out of wood.  They all decorated their tack stalls and made sure everything was clean and neat.  They had to milk out their goats at 7:00PM in preparation for the milking competition the next day.  That night we went to the dorms and got to have some "team bonding" time.  It was like a big slumber party, the girls talked and giggled and got to know each other.  The next day was the showmanship competition.  They started off the day with the first milk out.  They brought their goats to the arena and milked them out for the milking competition.  The milk was weighed and sampled as part of the competition.  They also had to constantly keep their areas clean as they were being judged for the Herdsman Award.  They got prepared for the Showmanship competition, reading the ADGA score cards one more time.  The Showman were split up into two age groups, Seniors and Juniors. Each age group was then split into two groups to make it a little easier on the judge. The classes were huge, there were over 40 Seniors and around 25 Juniors. The Senior girls did well, Jennifer earned a blue ribbon taking 13th place and Victoria and Christia got red ribbons.  In the Junior class Justin took a blue ribbon placing 1st!!  Later that evening was the 2nd milk out for the milking competition.  The winners would be announced the next day.   Next they took their written test on goat facts.  The test is extremely difficult, with most kids scoring between 50-70%.  By the time the test was done, it was almost curfew at the dorms, so we quickly made the hike back to the dorms for the night.  The next morning was the breed show, where the animals would be judged.  Many of the goats from Maine did very well.  The show lasted all day.   Later that evening they had an awards ceremony.  They gave trophies to the showmanship winners including Justin. They then announced the Herdsman award winners for each state, which Victoria won for Maine!  Next was the written test scores.  The highest test score for the Seniors went to a young lady from Connecticut, but Jennifer had a tremendous effort scoring a 92! Go Jennifer!!  Next they announced the milking competition winners.  One of the winning goats belonged to our team mate Bethany Parker from Penobscot County.  The Maine team won a 2nd place ribbon for their educational display which was a group effort.  By this time, it was Saturday night and we were all exhausted. Justin stayed another night for the Open Dairy Goat show the next day, but we loaded up all of the animals and hit the road. It was an amazing experience, and one that we won't soon forget.  It was great to see our kids do such a good job at a regional competition.  It really shows how much hard work they put into their goat projects all year long.  The kids are looking forward to the opportunity to go again next year.           
Submitted by Wendy Hesketh, Mix n’ Match Leader

A Great First Year - Justin did very well at ESE this year.  For his first year at being at a "big" show, he earned first place in 4-H showmanship, 4th place in 4-H fitting and Grand Champion with his first freshener, Alpenglow Storin Sugar.  His doeling, Storin Acres Beautiful Magic, took first in all her classes both in 4-H and Open and took JR Reserve Champion in the Open show. Also, Storin Acres O B Quiet Twinky took second to Beauty, and Storin Acres took her Open class as a dry yearling.  Thanks Lore Lipkvich for this information.

Upcoming Events

 

       

NORMA’S NOTES - It never ceases to amaze me to look at all 4-Hers accomplish during the year.  Cloverfest is the time to recognize you and to  entertain you. The Government Day and Eastern State teens, participants in the first time Apple Project, Jamboree Photo Contest, Pumpkin Daze, County Photo Contest just to name a few. Most of all this is the night to see how we did with project records.  Special thanks need to go to the cooks at Cave Hill School, Cave Hill Farms for the pumpkin centerpieces, Robin Foster, photographer, Joey & Methel Wilbur’s set up and take down crew, planning crew and that list goes on and on. Thanks to everyone. I think there was no question that the audience of all ages enjoyed the juggler. Now we evaluate how the night went and write down suggestions for next year. Last year the awards took so long there was no time for the planned games and this year, to have time for the entertainment, it seemed rushed. So next year ought to be just about right. Isn’t it great that in  4-H we are always learning!

CLUB CHAT - At 14 you seldom have much job experience. Amberosity, Independent, didn’t let that get in the way of applying for a job as Lobster Hatchery Technician at the Bar Harbor Oceanarium. They usually only hire college students but she must have made a good impression. She was hired!
   On her first day she learned to clean the tall tanks that house the baby lobsters.
Amberosity worked hard and got good reviews from her co-workers and teacher and manager. She was soon answering questions from visitors
   A Lobster Hatchery Technician is supposed to just take care of the hatchery and nothing else. However, word soon got around how quickly
Amberosity became very knowledgeable about all that goes on at the Hatchery. Her manager asked her to do the “Hatchery Talk” a few times a week.
   Things went so well that she was soon teaching some of the new interns. So what happens when you get tired of working in the hatchery and you notice that often other interns did not like the cash register and would complain? You get someone to teach you to run the cash   register!  Soon
Amberosity was also working at the desk and enjoying it.
    She presented a great idea of a way to promote the Oceanarium to 4-H leaders and the public. With approval from the owner, she began to plan a promotional video. The final product is great.
   Disaster soon struck when her manager had to leave. This made it much harder to run the Hatchery. And you know what happens in August when the interns have to leave for college? 
Amberosity found herself running the Hatchery by herself. This is when those Hatchery “talks” really paid off. She switched back and forth with her manager from desk duty to hatchery duty and helping as much as possible.
  
Amberosity is happy to say, “ The Oceanarium is still running and you can come and visit.”  It is fascinating to see all that goes on in the life of a lobster.
    4-H is proud of how
Amberosity tackled a job that usually is for older workers and proved herself to be such a valuable asset to the hatchery.

4-H NEWS

Welcome New VOLTed Volunteers - This new 4-H year finds four newly VOLTed leaders who have completed their training and paperwork in  Hancock County.
        Emily Lowell of Aurora
        Vicki Koehler of Carmel
        Lisa Reilich of Steuben
        Troy Staples of Penobscot
Congratulations and best wishes as you join the 4-H family!

 Re-Enrollment - If any leader or any independent member has not received their packet or if you have any questions, please contact the Extension  Office as soon as possible.  Leaders please be sure to complete ALL paperwork and return it to the Extension Office by December 31st.  There will be no exceptions. 

Former 4-H’er Headed to Iraq - Erik Tainter, son of leaders Ruth & Troy Tainter, left last week to go to Iraq.  Erik would love to hear from 4-H’ers.  Erik’s email address is: amphibiouswarrior0311@yahoo.com. We’ll be thinking of you Erik while you are serving our county.      

Newsletter Correction - In last month’s newsletter there was a photo of Elle Duncombe listing her as a member of Horse of Course.  She is actually a member of More Trot Tribe.  Sorry for the error. 

Jamboree Photos - The office still has some photos that were taken at the Jamboree.  If you have not received yours, please contact the Extension Office. 

Report from ESE Dog Team - This year’s Maine ESE Dog Team consisted of four members. Julia Parks brought her Border Collie, Gus and Marissa Dayken brought her Miniature Pinscher, Harley. There were two stewards that came to learn the ropes, Emma Chapin and myself. Everyone had a great time and did a fantastic job. We even had some free time to look around and get some souvenirs. We all had a chance to compete in showmanship. There wasn't just showmanship and obedience though. This year they also had a  costume contest, agility, golden lead contest, and lots of fun games.  I decided to attend as a steward this year because I knew that my own dog was not ready. I learned the ropes and made lots of friends. I enjoyed the whole experience. One of my favorite parts was being able to show Retro, a Portuguese Water Dog. I was able to show him in the Stewards Showmanship class and we won 2nd place. Another highlight of the weekend was when I won the trophy for Reserve Champion Steward. I had a amazing time and was very sad when it was time to go. I am most definitely going back next year.     Submitted by Amberosity, Independent

Awards for the Displays at Pumpkin Daze:

 1st Place

Mix n’ Match   

2nd Place

Horse & Rider

3rd Place

Hancock Cty Wranglers

4th Place

Independent Amberosity 

Honorable mention

Clover Club & Jolly Juniors

The displays are such an important part of telling the “4-H Story.”   Thank you to all the participants. 

Destiny bringing in the goats Destiny, Mix n’ Match, bringing in the goats. This club had a very successful opportunity for other young people to actually milk a goat. Good program! We look forward to seeing this again next year. Jolly Juniors Club members Norman and Arthur won a $50.00 gift certificate from Simon’s Farm’s costume  contest Look out “Toys Are Us!” Here come two thrilled boys. 
Amberosity showing her dog Amberosity, Independent, explains to Ken Silsby, Union River Valley leader,  about her dog program. Clover Club leader, Linda Woodworth, was gracious enough to bring musical  instruments to add to our day.  Thanks, Linda.

Pumpkin Daze Scarecrow Contest - The Leaders’ Association wants to show their appreciation for the clubs’ participation in the show with $10.00 for each one. The scarecrows add good humor to the 4-H displays and helps draw attention to the many things that 4-H does. Start planning for next year.

 

4-H Happenings

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

How Are 4-H Cloverbud Clubs Different From Other 4-H Clubs?

 With Maine’s recent adoption of the Cloverbud policy, you might find this information helpful as you work with our youngest members between the ages of five and eight.  In most instances you will find that only minor changes will need to be made in your clubs.  If you have Cloverbud members integrated into your 4-H club with older members, a bit more creativity may need to go into how you design your 4-H time to meet the age-appropriate needs of all your members.
 

1. Cloverbud clubs do not conduct formal business meetings or elect officers.  Five to eight year olds are not yet ready to fulfill the responsibilities of club officership and require much more adult guidance when making group decisions. However, a structured routine is important to this age group.  Starting each meeting with the same opening  ritual, roll call and pledges to the American and 4-H flags, provides structure while introducing the children to some of the elements of a business meeting. Use of a closing ritual is also recommended.  Members can be assigned an “office of the day” to help conduct these rituals.  This prepares Cloverbuds for future roles as club officers when they become old enough to assume such roles. 
 

2. Cloverbud clubs do not conduct nor participate in competitive events. Five to eight year olds are sensitive to criticism and do not accept failure well.  They cannot easily separate the “doer” from the thing that is done – so, failure in an activity is translated into personal unworthiness. Their development is uneven making it nearly impossible to “level the playing field,” a necessity if competition is to be fair.  For these reasons participation in competitive activities is developmentally inappropriate for Cloverbuds.  Even evaluation that does not compare one child’s work to another’s but simply defines a level of achievement (excellent, good or worthy) is ill advised.  Cloverbud activities should be conducted in a positive environment that focuses on the members’ strengths rather than analyzing their deficiencies. Cloverbuds need opportunities to practice skills, discover talents and learn about fairness in a non-judgmental environment.  Their work should be proudly displayed and their participation recognized. Recognition should be informal with all members being recognized equally.
 

3. Cloverbud clubs follow a set of program guidelines based on developmental appropriateness.  While Cloverbud activities relate to the same set of program areas, as do projects for older members, they are designed to suit the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of children within this age group. That often involves using different kinds of equipment or providing more adult supervision. (See the Maine 4-H Cloverbud Policy for information about specific program areas.) Sometimes a Cloverbud will be physically capable of doing something but will not be able to understand the reason for the process or the result.  Participation in that activity would be just as       inappropriate as participation in an activity that is unsafe because of physical limitations. 

 

Hancock County 4-H Leaders’ Association
Minutes of October 10, 2007

 The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm. The flag was saluted and the 4H pledge was recited.
Members Present (11):
· President Terry Swazey, Vice President Joey Wilbur, Treasurer Barbara Hopkins, Secretary Lisa Carney, Norma Hardison, Nona Silsby, Ken Silsby, Wendy Hesketh, Vicki Koehler, Carol Tully and Methel Wilbur.
Secretary’s & Treasurer’s Reports:
· The September minutes were approved as written.
· The September Treasurer’s Report was accepted as read.
Edie Kershner’s Demonstration:
Edie will be going to the Eastern National 4-H Livestock Roundup in Kentucky the first weekend in November. She entertained us all with her talk “Feed to Feces” and did very well answering questions. Good luck Edie!
Club Reports:
· Ken is busy building a barn.
· Wendy chaperoned the Goat group at Eastern States. She said Maine did very well! Mix n’ Match attended Pumpkin Daze.
· The Wranglers attended Pumpkin Daze and will be going on a field trip to a dressage show.
· Vicki is one of our newly VOLT trained leaders!
Old Business:
· Project records- grading is all done. There are some additional changes the committee will make to the rubric, and we need to order more ribbons for next year.
· Pumpkin Daze- it was very nice if a bit warm. Six clubs were represented. The crowd was large and there were several good displays, including an exceptional one by the goat group. The scarecrow contest was mistakenly forgotten. A motion was made, seconded and passed to allot and award $40 for the scarecrow contest winners at Cloverfest.
· Cloverfest- contrary to what the flyer said, the Leaders’ Association is not providing   beverages this year. A motion was made and passed to give up to $200 for project record gifts to be handed out at Cloverfest; Norma will select and order them ASAP.
· Fright Nite at the BHF- will be October 19 and 20; we are running the food booth again this year.
New Business:
· Leaders’ Banquet- will be held Wednesday, November 14th at the Orland Church starting at 7pm. We should plan on 70-80 people. Food will be by Creative Catering, with a chicken or fish dish. A maximum of $200 will be allotted for entertainment. Bring items for the auction!
· Mini trainings- tabled until further notice.
Meeting adjourned 8:06
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Carney, Secretary

 Cloverfest 2007       

Dwight and Sally

Dwight Sargent presents Sally, Union River Valley, with a plaque for selling the most steer tickets. The club selling the most is Jolly Juniors.

 

 

ESE participants

 

 

The ESE members deserve much praise for all the work that goes with earning that honor. They received beautiful green 4-H travel mugs. Right:  Jennifer, Christia & Victoria, Mix n’ Match, and Amberosity, Independent.   Edie didn’t make it up in time for the  picture but received her travel mug.

Jeff Hutchens,  representative from WalMart makes the first prize presentation for the Jamboree photo contest to Dalaney, Jolly Juniors.

 

 

Project records are such an important Life Skill to learn and these 5-8 year olds are making a good start.

Keep up the good work!

 

 

4-Hers are good sports and like to participate. Tyler, Snapdragons & Hollyhocks, was willing to hold still while juggler, Zach Field,  balances the “juggling pins.”

 

 

This group had a great time going to Government Day with Joey Wilbur and Heather Linnehan.  Receiving their certificates were Justin, Brianna  both from Horse & Rider,  Amberosity, Independent, and Tyler, Snapdragons & Hollyhocks, and Joey Wilbur.

 

 

           

Cooking with the Kids 

Cranberry - Orange Relish

 Ingredients:
      
1 12-oz package (3cups) cranberries (fresh or frozen)
           1 orange
           3/4 cup sugar
Directions:
1. Wash cranberries and orange.
2. Slice unpeeled orange into eight pieces and remove seeds.
3. Put 4 orange slices and 1 1/2 cups cranberries in a food processor.  Process until fruit is evenly chopped.  If you don’t have a food processor, mince fruit by hand in small batches.
4. Pour chopped fruit into a large bowl.  Repeat step 3 with the rest of the fruit and add it to the bowl.
5. Stir sugar into fruits.
Serve with your turkey dinner instead of cranberry sauce.  Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a month, or freeze for future use.  Makes about 2 1/2 cups

 

 

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Last Modified: 10/31/07
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