4-H Happenings

A NEWSLETTER FOR HANCOCK COUNTY 4-H PARTICIPANTS

November 2008 Issue

Cloverfest 2008

It was great to see so many 4-H families and volunteers at our annual Achievement Night! With over 85 people in attendance, a delicious buffet of pizza, salads and desserts and a short slide show highlighting our 4-Hers in action throughout the year, we were off to a marvelous start to the evening!  Seeing the Razor Crosman Award presented is always a treat.  This year’s recipient, Victoria Tainter, accepted the award from Justin Lipkvich who not only won the award in 2006, but took some time to research the history of Razor and how the award came to be.  To read his report, go to our Hancock County website.  The evening wrapped up with youth-staffed displays highlighting different 4-H activities to get involved with as well as a “spooky tree” art activity for the Cloverbuds.  Our 4-H members and Cloverbuds are to be commended for all the hard work they did throughout the year.  From project records to service projects, fairs and exhibit halls to parades and county events, you make us so proud!  Have a great new 4-H Year!

Upcoming Events 

Horse & Riders was the first club to invite me to visit for the new 4-H year. Unfortunately I won’t be able to join them as I will be with Terry Swazey, Vicki Koehler, and Joyce Fortier on a 4-H Leaders’ Conference in New Hampshire. I look forward to my visit with Horse & Riders at a later date as well as my visits with other clubs.

 CLUB CHAT - The Jolly Juniors are starting off the new 4-H year with a Community Service Project. The Senior Citizens have a meal once a month at the Eastbrook Community Building so the club will have members taking turns for the next few months. Here we see young helpers learning about health, safety, how to set the tables and clear them and how to serve the folks in a friendly and helpful way. The seniors were very appreciative of the club members and look forward to the next “crew.”

  4-H NEWS

ESE Dog - The Maine 4-H Dog Team was comprised of three  members and one dog this year. We had two members returning and one new member. Sara and I participated as Stewards. Marisa brought Harley, who is her Miniature Pincher. The team worked well together. Sara Conant, Cumberland, won a trophy for Champion Steward. I was awarded a trophy for Reserve Champion Steward. The Maine team also won third place in Quizbowl. Everyone participated in the activities and had a great time. I was honored to work with a wonderful team this year, who showed respect for everyone. I really enjoyed  participating at ESE, even without my dog. I was able to show another participant's dog in showmanship and agility. Trak's is an eight year old, Australian Shepherd who was a joy to work with. We not only competed and won 2nd place in Steward Showmanship but also had fun. We also completed the agility course, off-leash, with a time of 1 minute and 39 seconds. I have learned a lot from this experience and cannot wait to go back next year.     Submitted by Amberosity

Leaders’ Banquet - will be held at the China Hill Restaurant in Ellsworth on Nov. 12th.  Don’t forget to call the  Extension Office at 667-8212 or 1-800-28-1479 by Nov. 4th to reserve your spot.

 4-H Member Presents at Leaders’ Meeting - At the October meeting, the Hancock County 4-H Leaders’ Association was treated to a brief presentation by 4-H   member Amberosity.  Earlier in the year, Amber received a scholarship to attend the 4-H Teen Conference on Wheels.  Amber combined digital video and digital photography to create a presentation about the event.  Amber was first introduced to digital video at the 4-H Edge Conference held on the UMaine campus in Orono two years ago.  Since then, her interest in this area has expanded and she has worked on other projects.  She is currently working on a piece to help promote and build interest in the 4-H dog project here in Maine.  “I’ve enrolled in a digital video class at my high school.   Since I missed a week of school to go to Eastern States, my teacher asked me to put together a digital video about my experience,” stated Amber.  “I like editing and being behind the camera rather than in front of it.  And it all started   because of 4-H!” 

 Pumpkin Daze 2008 - Pumpkin Daze at Simons Farm arrived on one of those picture perfect days in October that we have here in Maine. We were able to set up outside this year in the warm sunshine with only a light breeze. Awesome!

“One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas!” Science is the “latest” and “coolest” thing in 4-H as the program hopes to reach the “million goal” over the next five years.  Jen Lobley, 4-H Youth Development Educator, is  preparing her Science demonstration as her  children help out. Young folks could come and see how much a tiny pile of hydrogel crystals.   It was totally amazing to young and old alike. Each one that participated got to take home their own kit. In the kit was a 4-H website where they could record their results, share ideas about how to use this technology, and download a second experiment.  Interested in having your club do the experiment?  Give the office a call and Jen will get you the materials and instructions for the experiments.  Help us reach the goal of One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas!

SPECIAL THANK YOU - to our 4-H volunteers who made phone calls, wrote letters and/or personally attended the budget hearing to persuade the Hancock County Budget Committee to change their  recommendation to reduce the Hancock County Extension budget by $21,000.  The committee members and Commissioners were inundated with calls which helped them to realize the impact of Extension’s work in the county, hence reversing their decision.  We received full funding for our ’09 Annual Budget and couldn’t have done it without you!

 State 4-H News
October 2008

1. Horse Study Sessions
4-H Horse Members! Study sessions for horse knowledge.

Starting October 21, study sessions will begin for any interested 4H horse club members. Study sessions will be done by video conference at various high schools throughout the state on the third Tuesdays of each month October through May from 6-8pm. The study sessions will be held at eight different high schools around the state:  Hampden Academy, Lewiston HS, Sanford HS, Oxford Hills HS, Houlton HS, Nokomis HS in Newport, and Hall-Dale HS in Farmingdale.  Find one close to you and come join us!

Who should attend? Anyone who would like to learn more about horses, or might be interested in the Eastern States Equestrian Team, the Communications Team, the Hippology Team, Horse Judging Team or the Horse Quiz Bowl Team. These will be interactive study sessions with other 4-Hers from all over the state!

Updates and cancellations will be on the website at: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/horse/study.htm or contact Kate Slattery at: slatterk@sad44.org or 836-3217.

 2. Maine 4-H ESE Canine Team
The 2008 Maine 4-H ESE Canine Team coaches Nancy and Greg Conant, would like to congratulate Sara Conant, Amberosity and Marisa Dayken for their outstanding work at this year’s Eastern States Exposition 4-H Dog Program held on September 26-28 in West Springfield, MA. Overall the team placed third in the Quiz Bowl competition held on Saturday. Sara Conant from Cumberland County received awards for obtaining the third highest Dog Knowledge Test Score of Division II and for Highest Scoring Steward. Amberosity Davis from Hancock County received an award for Reserve Champion Steward. Marisa Dayken and her Miniature Pinscher Harley from Kennebec County won third place in both their showmanship and obedience classes. Congratulations to all! More results of the other Eastern States teams coming in the December newsletter.

 3. Time has come to take a step forward…
If you have wondered how to start a community project, get others involved, or find a way to keep the energy level high after you come back from a conference like CWF, a leadership training, a national/regional contest, or national 4-H award trip – let’s get connected and…

 “Mobilize to Make a Difference” On Saturday, November 22, 2008 we’re doing something wild!
9:30 am to 3:00 pm (still enough time to shop) In Bangor at the Penobscot County Cooperative Extension
Learning and Action 9:30 to 12:30 – Steps for Action
12:30 to 1:00 – Networking Lunch provided
1:00 to 3:00 – Action – apply what you’ve learned
For teen and adult partners – come as a team if you can
Outcomes:
»  New ways to connect teens across the state
»  Form a new group with Youth and Adult Partners
»  Existing groups become re-energized with their own focus
»  Virtual meetings as follow up – using new technology – may become a statewide teen counsel or not – your choice »  Valuable skills for decision-making; powerful beyond 4-H - useful in school or community or world!
No charge, just get here – it is a one-time event! If you can, bring snacks to share.

Sponsored by the 4-H Youth in Governance Program Work Team (YIG PWT) – A Maine 4-H Youth Community Action Program.  For more information contact me, Barbara A. Baker, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator, 207-942-7396 or 1-800-287-1485, bbaker@umext.maine.edu

4-H Happenings

 Come Join Us at a Leaders’ Meeting!  At the October leaders’ meeting, we talked a bit about group development and components that help make a great meeting.  From there, the group moved into a brainstorming session to begin to develop a list of meeting “ground rules” and ideas to increase attendance and make all 4H volunteers feel welcome at the meetings.  Please be sure to join us at the December 10^th leaders’ meeting, at 7:00pm at the Extension office to share ideas, meet new leaders and help our group reach the “performing” stage!

 Four Stages of Group Development

Four stage model for group development (Bruce Tuckman):
Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing

Information taken  from Great Meetings!  How to Facilitate Like a Pro, Dee Kelsey & Pam Plumb

 Hancock County 4H Leaders Association Minutes of October 8^th, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:09 pm. The flag was saluted and the 4-H pledge was recited.
Members Present (9):
· President Terry Swazey, Treasurer Barbara Hopkins, Secretary Lisa Carney, Wendy Hesketh, Lee Sargent, Brenda Jordan, Ken and Arnona Silsby, Carolee Tully and Jen Lobley.
Amberosity Davis EDGE Video presentation:
· Amberosity was the recipient of a $50 scholarship to the Maine Teen 4-H Conference on Wheels. She showed us a video and digital pictures she produced during the 3-day event. The video took 5 hours to edit, and gave examples of the places the conference travelled (UMO, lake George, the Maine State Aquaculture center, and the Darling Marine Center) and what they did (learning about new places, recreation, college life). One of the staff was a former 4-Her.  She also showed footage she is using to make a Giffords Ice Cream promotional piece. Her current project is putting together clips of the HC 4H dog clubs to rejuvenate interest. When we learned that she had attended Eastern States, we retroactively awarded her the $100 given to all Hancock youth that earn a spot on a Maine ESE team.
Secretary’s & Treasurer’s Reports:
· The September Secretary’s Report was accepted as written.
· The Treasurer’s Reports for August and September were accepted as read.
Club Reports:
· The Jolly Juniors have over 30 kids signed up, at lest 8 of whom are new. They are making beanbags, heat packs, grab bags and leather projects. They are helping the Meals for ME program, will be participating in shooting sports, will be selling RADA to raise money, and have their annual banquet at the end of the month.
· Mix n’ Match filled out their enrollment papers. They will have an Eastern States table at Cloverfest with a sleepover at the church afterwards. They are also attending a goat health conference.
· Carolee reported that her group showed at the Blue Hill Fair.
· Lee and Brenda commented that having some of the kids, especially those with livestock, visit the schools as ambassadors to the program might drum up interest. They also suggest inviting non-livestock members to Jamboree.
Old Business:
· Cloverfest will be at the Orland School, with pizza served.
· The Leaders Banquet will be November 12^th at China Hill.
· Pumpkin Daze only has 3 or 4 clubs signed up so far.
New Business:
· Jen reports that our initial “stimulus challenge contribution” has resulted in Cumberland county matching our   contribution ($1000). Kennebec will contribute in the future, and Penobscot will give $1000 next year. She also reports that National 4H Science Day will involve hydro gel experiments, and that there was a glitch in the IRS processing of EIN numbers; ignore them if they say they need money back.
· The Extension office will play an active role in the “Keep ME Warm” program, handing out weatherproofing kits and training volunteers.
· The most recent VOLT training graduated 10 new volunteers! Welcome to Hancock County 4-H!
· The Maine Leaders Volunteer Forum is in Hallowell on Nov. 1; you need to RSVP.
· Ken mentioned that we might be bumped out of the Exhibit Hall. Putting up a big banner or sign might solve the low traffic problem. The Eckenroad building is the exhibit hall for the livestock members. We might want to hold tasting (cheese, fudge, etc.) or give out prizes for competitions such as soap making
· Group Dynamics Training:
· Jen handed out information on the four stages of group development. Our list of welcoming behaviors and group rules included: no side conversations, welcome all opinions and questions, be flexible towards new ideas, have an agenda in the newsletter, update late arrivals after the meeting, and have nametags that include club affiliation. Ideas for welcoming new members included phone invitations, mentors, and having a food/snack/social break (perhaps at 6:30). We should start creating a calendar that includes annual activities, definitions, and helpful tips. We may want to consider voting for committee chairs and officer term limits.
Meeting adjourned 9:09
Respectfully submitted
Lisa Carney, Secretary

For a copy of the Do It Yourself Energy Savings at Home DVD, please contact the office.

Top 10 Energy Tips

Estimate your annual savings!
1. Close storm windows; use drapes and shades at night to conserve heat.
Save $229.46 per year

2. Close flue dampers on fireplace.
Save $227.92 per year
 

3. Install faucet flow restrictors and low-flow shower heads.
Save $194.04 per year

 4. Tune up your heating system.
Save $190.96 per year

 5. Insulate, caulk, and weather-strip your home.
Save $187.88 per year

 6. Remove and vacuum your furnace filter every month. Replace it when it cannot be vacuumed clean.
Save $141.68 per year

 7. Close and reduce heat in all unoccupied areas.
Save $130.90 per year

 8. Replace 60W incandescent bulbs with 13W CFLs.
Save $77.20 per bulb over the life of the bulb

 9. Set your thermostat back.
Save $77 for every degree set back

 10. Insulate heat pipes and duct work.
Save $2.25 per foot for hot water pipes, $3.99 per foot for steam pipes, $2.28 per foot for hot air ducts

For more ways to save energy, visit www.maine.gov and click on the red energy assistance button.
 

Information taken from Keep ME Warm brochure.

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: 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 Cooperative Extension
COUNTY OFFICES | PROGRAMS | RESOURCES | PUBLICATIONS | WHAT'S NEWS | UMCE | UMAINE