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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 |
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2nd Place |
Horse & Rider |
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3rd Place |
Hancock Cty Wranglers |
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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.
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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. |
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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
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
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Dwight Sargent presents Sally, Union River Valley, with a plaque for selling the most steer tickets. The club selling the most is Jolly Juniors.
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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. |
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Jeff Hutchens, representative from WalMart makes the first prize presentation for the Jamboree photo contest to Dalaney, Jolly Juniors.
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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!
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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.”
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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.
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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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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
University of Maine
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