4-H Happenings

The 2007 Labor Day Horse Show had 10 participants judged by Cassie Elia from Wild Ivy Farm, in Bangor. The Overall English Walk Trot Champion went to Kate Pontbriand, Horse and Rider. Horse of Course members Elle Duncombe, won the Overall English Junior trophy and Katlyn Sargent won the Overall Western Junior trophy. The new Command class, which replaced a jumping class for Junior and Senior cantering participants, was a fun addition to the day and will remain on the class list for next year.
A ‘mini’ demonstration followed the horseshow with Katherine Jordan, Jackson Alexander, and Brianna Springer showing the public some of the things that you can do with miniature horses. They demonstrated their showmanship skills, jumping and weaving through obstacles with their three miniature horses. The judge kindly scored them on their showmanship so that they could also learn from the experience.
Thank you to all the parents and relatives who came and helped out in numerous ways to make the horseshow a success and a positive experience. Special thanks to Sarah Swazey for being ring-master, Ginny Marston as gatekeeper, Aimee Stormann for announcing, Casey for helping with technical aspects, and to Annie Smith for watching over the Zuckerman’s Farm exhibit so that I could work at the horseshow and not worry. Submitted by Terry Swazey

CLUB CHAT: Lock, Stock and Barrel 4-H club is one of the first to get started. They have a very good plan of action. A pot luck supper is followed by Norwood Ames, leader, explaining the very important rules that you must follow in Shooting Sports. If a member is not ready to follow those strict rules, they will be asked to leave and come back when they are older. The rules are strict but they also have a lot of fun! For a good time, visit this club and watch the members in action.

Pumpkin Daze - Pumpkin Daze will be held on Saturday, October 6th at Simon’s Hancock Farms from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. The pumpkin drop will be at 3:00 pm this year - this is earlier than usual. Rain date will be Sunday, October 7th. This is a Fun Day and your opportunity to help make others aware of the neat things you do in 4-H. Contact Ken Silsby at 584-5642 or Sue Baez at 667-8212 to let them know how you will be participating or if you have any questions.

Cloverfest 2007 - Mark your calendar! Cloverfest will be held on Friday, October 26 at 6:00 pm at the Cave Hill School. Zach Field, a juggler and unicyclist, will be the guest entertainer. Watch the mail for more details.

The Verdict Is In - the newsletter was discussed at the last leaders’ meeting….an overwhelming response from folks was that the on-line newsletter JUST ISN’T working. So beginning this month we will go back to mailing out the newsletter. We will continue to post the newsletters on our county website. If anyone would PREFER to get the newsletter via email/on line please contact Joyce at the office.

Fright Nite - at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds will be held October 19-20. Once again, we will be providing refreshments at the Food Booth. Donations of individually wrapped goodies (brownies, whoopie pies, no bakes, cookies…) will be appreciated. Please contact Methel or Joey Wilbur or Barbara Hopkins. All proceeds go the Leaders’ Association.

Election Results for the Leaders’ Association - Elections were held at the last Leaders’ Meeting. Slate of officers:
  President: Terry Swazey
   Vice-President: Joey Wilbur
   Treasurer: Barbara Hopkins
   Secretary: Lisa Carney
   Board: Wendy Hesketh, Brenda Jordan and Dwight Sargent
We’re all looking forward to an exciting new 4-H year!

List of 2007 Food Booth Volunteers - We’d like to thank all those who helped at this year’s Blue Hill Fair Food Booth. Workers from the following clubs were: Lock Stock & Barrel, Horse of Course, Independents Sherri Davis and crew, Union River Valley, Jolly Juniors, 4-H Wranglers, Mix n’ Match, Snapdragons & Hollyhocks, Busy Bees, Horse & Rider, Independent Aimee Stormann and beau Casey. There were many helpers outside of 4-H which were: Edward Petravicz, Gloria Moores, Diane Voss, Vicki Adams, Eileen Adams, Kortney Coombs, Krystin Coombs, Ashley Lawry, Marshall Gifford, Bea Jordan, Debbie Clement, Myrtle Pendleton, Ralph Remick, Zelma Watson, Peter Remick, Ralph Remick, Rita Bulter, Amanda Bulter, Don Clark, Sandra Nason, and Zelma Watson. Your help was truly appreciated.
And a very special thank you to Methel and Joey Wilbur and Barbara Hopkins for their many, many hours of work.

BEHIND THE SCENE AT THE BLUE HILL FAIR -
    I know there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make a fair happen such as early planning, set up/take down, parking lot attendants, security, ticket takers and the list goes on and on. For some reason, I became even more aware of that at this year’s fair. Ginny Marston, Horse of Course, stands in the hot sun, opening and shutting that gate so many times for the horse show. Heather Linnehan goes the extra mile to bring the “show stealing” miniature horses as well as horses for the regular show.
    Former 4-Her “Tom Cox” brings his knowledge back to the fair. He is now married with a little boy that you can bet will follow his Dad’s 4-H footsteps.
    We know what Justin, Mix N Match, uses that wheel barrow for but this time it was to help Norma Hardison, 4-H Program Aide, take exhibits from the hall. Thanks, Justin!
     Need any help? Dwight Sargent, 4-H leader, can cover more ground with this nice “buggy.” Just another way to help keep things running smoothly.
    Bailey, Jolly Juniors, with money and a ticket that shows one of the ways to keep the 4-H Program going in Hancock County.
    It is not show time but those goats have to be milked and Sally, Union River Valley, pitches in to help her leader Ken Silsby.
    After you have done your share of the work, you have time to check out the mid-way and have some rides. That is what Tyler Baez, Snapdragons and Hollyhocks, did but at this point he is looking a little “green.” Too much fun, Tyler?
    Our thanks to everyone who makes “4-H happen” at the fair. See you next year!
                                                                          Submitted by Norma Hardison, 4H Program Aide

For Those of You Who Have College Bound High School or College Students! - Several of the geospatial and industry specific professional societies offer scholarships to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. These scholarships have often been under utilized in the past. Please let your college bound 4-Her’s who are involved in GIS know about these scholarship opportunities – because of their 4-H geospatial experience, along with their interests in the environment, science, engineering, etc, they have additional qualifications. Remind your 4-H youth to keep these organizations in mind as they go through college, some of the scholarships are for degree seeking students who have successfully completed a couple of years of college.
In addition to scholarships, these are good networking organizations for 4-H clubs; you’ll find career information, conferences, access to possible mentoring, or professional speakers, etc.
Information about the National level scholarships are usually posted on-line however there are often regional or local chapters that also offer additional scholarships – you may need to contact those individual chapters personally as they don’t always post scholarship information.
Here are just a few places to begin the search, just explore the organizations web sites to find the scholarship information (if it’s been posted). Sometimes it’s under chapters, careers, education, students, contests and awards, or hidden in some other area of the web site.
www.asprs.org <http://www.asprs.org> : The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society (applications due Dec 3, 2007)
www.gita.org <http://www.gita.org> : Geospatial Information & Technology Association
www.acsm.net <http://www.acsm.net> : American Congress on Surveying & Mapping and member organizations. (applications due Oct 15, 2007)
www.nspsmo.org <http://www.nspsmo.org> : National Society of Professional Surveyors
www.aag.org <http://www.aag.org> : Association of American Geographers (check out educational grants for programs too)
www.planning.org <http://www.planning.org> : American Planning Association
www.safnet.org <http://www.safnet.org> : Society of American Foresters
www.awwa.org <http://www.awwa.org> : American Water Works Association
www.scgis.org <http://www.scgis.org> : Society for Conservation GIS (provides scholarships to conservation GIS conferences)
www.cartogis.org <http://www.cartogis.org> : Cartography and Geographic Information Society (application due Dec. 15, 2007)
www.usgif.org <http://www.usgif.org> : US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation: (watch for 2008 scholarship announcement, application deadline probably June 1, 2008).
In addition to the links above, do a web search on “GIS Scholarship” or “geospatial scholarship” and see what you get back, there are many local and user groups that offer scholarships – there are too many to include here.

Beef Steer Ticket Winner - Congratulations are extended to Walter Kane of Surry, Me. He was the winner of the beef steer ticket. Mr. Kane opted to take the beef!

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 by December 31st. There will be no exceptions.

A Second Chance - If you missed the photo contest entries at the Blue Hill Fair you can still see them. They are now being displayed at the Ellsworth City Library. A special thank you to Brenda Jordan for handling this project.

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.

1. Animal Science Committee Nominations - The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Maine 4-H Animal Science Committee (ASC) is Saturday, November 3, 2007 at Governor’s Restaurant in Waterville. It is time for 4-H volunteers who wish to serve on those committees to be nominated or re-nominated for a three-year term. If you know someone who would like to serve on the committee you can help them learn more about serving in this position at our website at http://www.maine4h.umaine.edu/manual/attach/ascmemresp.htm.
You can find nomination and re-nomination forms at http://www.maine4h.umaine.edu/manual/partb/b18.htm.
Membership to the Animal Science Committees is gained by a nomination and re-nomination process. Nominations can be made by any member of the committee, including the current Activity Coordinator and occurs prior to the Fall ASC meeting. Nominations must be submitted by October 15 to the committee's Staff Liaison. Staff Liaison reviews the nomination, consults with the Extension educator or Extension professional in the county in which the volunteer is enrolled and if approved, submits it to the current members of the committee at the Fall ASC meeting.
Teenage Members: It is recommended that teenage 4-H volunteers be given seats on the Animal Sciences committees. Teen members will follow the same membership procedures as adults, except for background checks.
If you have a question about the date for your re-nomination, you can contact your activity coordinator or Donna Flint at dflint@umext.maine.edu. If you have questions about the nomination process, Donna can help you or you can contact me, Michaele Bailey at mbailey@umext.maine.edu.

2. Animal Science Program Fund Raising - This is a chance to support animal science programs and the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation as well as gain knowledge about your animal from head to tail! The York County Shepherds (a 4-H club in Southern Maine) has set up a fundraiser with Infovets. For every CD or Manual purchased; the profit after expenses will be donated to the animal science account held by the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation. There are six committees; equine, beef, dairy, sheep, goat and dog. For example, if a beef CD is purchased, then the profit would go into the beef account.
Browse through the materials by logging into www.infovets.com/home. Use the username and password: Maine4H
Contact Donna Flint at 1-800-287-1535 extension 22, or e-mail your request to: dflint@umext.maine.edu and an order form will be mailed to you along with the slightly reduced price list.

3. Maine Youth Celebrate 4-H’s Work in Science, Engineering and Technology During National 4-H Week, October 7-13 Maine 4-H is celebrating 4-H’s work in 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (4-H SET) programs during National 4-H Week, October 7-13, 2007.
In Maine, 4-H members are currently participating in 4-H science, engineering and technology programs—ranging from robotics and digital media to geospatial technologies (GIS/GPS), animal and environmental science as well as citizenship and healthy living programs.
“While on the Galapagos Islands this past June, I had the opportunity to use the knowledge I gained from the 4-H GPS/GIS training and workshop I took at the Cobscook Community Learning Center in Trescott, Maine. Specifically, I used my skills for mapping the trails on the many islands we visited and boat routes we took and important tourist destination spots. Additionally, I taught other group members how to use a GPS, along with coordinating mapping details with the paper maps. This information that I led in gathering will be used to form a website about tourism in the Galapagos Islands by the graduate students.” said Washington County 4-H member Paul Jans.
One comment from a participant at a recent Maine 4-H GIS Camp indicated that they can now use these new technologies to do community service projects in their communities. “In Maine the 4-H SET programs have been essential as we have been able to share new career possibilities with youth and teach them valuable life skills,” states Lisa Phelps one of the 4-H staff working with the National 4-H SET initiative in Maine.
For more than 100 years, 4-H has been providing youth with the innovative research and resources from our nation’s 106 land-grant universities and colleges. Currently, more than 5 million 4-H youth members participate in 4-H SET programs nationwide.
To learn more about the 4-H SET initiative please contact your county office.
4-H is a community of more than 6.5 million young people learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Learn more about the 4-H adventure at www.4HUSA.org.

4. 4-H Team Penning Clinic & Fun Rodeo - Sunday, October 14^th at the OK Corral in Leeds, ME. Registration is required by 10/7/2007.
Team Penning Clinic from 9am – Noon, and Rodeo from 1pm – 5pm.
Other Fun Rodeo Events: Cow Patty Hopping, Bulls Eye, Page Cuttin’, Roping, Wrangler, Square Dance, Pony Express, Gold Rush, Tipsy Rider, and Cowboy Bath.
For more information and registration form, please go to: http://www.umext.maine.edu/4h/resources/horse/penning2007.doc.

5. Hippology 8^th Annual Fun Show - Come join the fun and raise money to benefit Maine’s 4-H State Equine Program! All ages and abilities are welcome to attend! The event will be held Sunday, October 7, 2007 at the Pittston Fairgrounds beginning with traditional Equine Classes at 9 a.m. with Equine Games to follow.
The entry fee for the day is $30 for unlimited classes, or $5.00 per class. There is no mandatory registration, so when you arrive you pay your fee, get your number, and enjoy the day! Please remember to bring a copy of your Coggins certificate and rabies vaccination certificate with you to present at the gate. The dress code is casual, helmets and riding boots are required for all 4-H members, and helmets are optional for adults. Please remember to pack your GOOD TIME ATTITUDE!!
For more information, contact your local Extension office for the unofficial registration form and the Release and Indemnity Agreement or contact Cathy Thomas, 58 Amity Lane, Pittston, ME 04345, 582-1266 (daytime), 458-1405 (anytime) or email cjthomas@midmaine.com.
Thank you for your support!

6. Eastern States Morris Scholarship Winner - Congratulations to Michaela Davis, the winner of the Eastern States Morris Scholarship for 2007. Michaela has been a member of the All-Star 4-H Dairy Club for seven years and represented the Maine Dairy Team this year at Eastern States. She is also the vice-president of the Cumberland County Junior Leaders 4-H Club and a 1^st year member of the Cumberland County Sheep club.
Michaela has found many opportunities in 4-H to learn the value of community service and community involvement. This spring she organized 15 members of her dairy club into a team that walked 294 miles for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Michaela is a senior at Gray-New Gloucester High School and is a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend a college in New England to study Animal Science and Agribusiness.

It’s a new 4-H Year and as we review your records from last year, we thought we could make your job easier this year if we presented a few record-keeping ideas in our newsletter. So when your members ask you these questions, you’ll know just what to say!

A. If you speak with adults who were once 4-H members, they will often tell you that the most important skill they learned in 4-H was record-keeping. It’s a skill that successful adults use every day.

When you leave our 4-H program, we want you to have one of the most important benefits we can give you!On a more immediate level, record keeping gives you an on-going picture of your current project and a permanent record of your previous work.

Also, before you move out on your own to support that horse or that art hobby or whatever your passion is, you will need to understand how much it costs to participate in that activity. That’s why you need to include in your project records the value of things people GIVE you, like animals, grain or hay, or cooking supplies.

And certainly not the least important, your 4-H records and resume will be invaluable as you apply for 4-H opportunities such as CWF, 4-H Congress, 4-H Conference and college scholarships.

Q. Why are we talking about project records right now? We just got started in the new 4-H year!

A. Your record should start at the same time your project does. Starting at the beginning lets you set your goals and learning plan BEFORE you do your project. Keeping records as you do projects makes the whole process more valuable and SO MUCH EASIER than waiting until next fall.

Note: Please watch for changes pertaining to Cloverbuds and project records this fall.

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm. The flag was saluted and the 4H pledge was recited.
Members Present (13):

President Terry Swazey, Vice President Joey Wilbur, Treasurer Barbara Hopkins, Secretary Lisa Carney, Brenda Jordan, Norma Hardison, Dwight Sargent, Jen Lobley, Nona Silsby, Ken Silsby, Wendy Hesketh, Carol Tully and Methel Wilbur.

Edie Kershner sent a letter to Terry announcing that she is going to Kentucky for the national public speaking competition. The leaders would like to invite her to give her talk at the Leaders Meeting, and made a motion to give her $100 towards her trip. Motion seconded and approved.

Ken had 25 members participate in the BHF. There are 17 goat representatives from Maine showing at Eastern States this year; of those, six are from Hancock County.

Mix n’ Match attended the BHF as well; Wendy will be chaperoning the goat group at Eastern States.

The Jolly Juniors have their project records done. They will be having a sign up meeting Friday.

Horse of Course sent out a survey asking its members what they would like to do this year.

Blue Hill Fair Exhibit Hall- Methel said the quality of the exhibits in the hall was very good, but she was disappointed with the number of entries. There were only four clubs with entries; of the 36 members who entered items, only 29 were from Hancock County. Methel thinks that there may be an issue with some people reading the instructions for the “Open” exhibits vs. the “4H” exhibit hall directions. She also said that she could suggest new categories, but in many cases, exhibits could be entered under an existing class. Methel will be painting the Exhibit Hall soon and may need some help.

BHF Food Booth- Aside from the overly thick maple syrup, it was an excellent year at the booth. An extra thank you to Allens Blueberries, who donated the berries for the pancakes that were incredibly popular. Barbara reports that we took in $9562 this year, which is a new record. She also said we had numerous large expenses, including a new water heater and fridge/freezer. Joey thanked all of the workers, especially Kens crew and Peter and Judy Nevells. He would like to emphasize that a work crew needs to consist of more than two people. Jen suggested sending out letters defining a crew when we are asking people to sign up for a shift. She also suggested that we need someone to coordinate the many individuals who indicate that they would be happy to work a shift. For leftovers, there was one case of hamburgers, which was sold; quite a few hot dogs, which will be sold at Fright Nite; and lots of soda, which can also be sold.

Steer tickets- Dwight reports that Walter Kane won the steer and opted for the beef. Half of the tickets were sold before the fair. Early receipts equal $2842.27.

Fright Nite- at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds October 19-20. Once again, we will be providing refreshments at the Food Booth. Any donations of individually wrapped goodies (brownies, whoopie pies, no bakes, cookies…) would be appreciated.

Newsletters- Many people have indicated that they prefer to be mailed the paper copies of the Newsletter, rather than emailed. It was suggested that we include a spot to indicate preference on the enrollment sheet.

Officers- with no new nominations for officers, the Secretary cast a single ballot. Officers for 2007/2008: President Terry Swazey, Vice President Joey Wilbur, Treasurer Barbara Hopkins, Secretary Lisa Carney, and Board of Directors Brenda Jordan, Dwight Sargent and Wendy Hesketh.
Cloverfest- was sent to the Board.

Jen Lobley- will be on sabbatical from October 1, 2007 to April 1, 2008. She will be working on distance learning programs for volunteers. She requests that you refrain from discussing 4H if you run into her during that time.

Cloverbuds- Jen handed out a draft of the new Maine 4H Cloverbud policy, which is based on national 4H policy. While everyone agreed with the extra safety precautions, there was much discussion and disagreement with the noncompetitive policy.

Leaders Banquet- it was suggested that we combine our banquet with that of the Executive Committee. The Leaders decided to stick with their own banquet. Other decisions were sent to the Board.

Pumpkin Daze- October 6 from 10-3 (start shutting down about 2:30). Ken will not be there, but groups should contact him with their plans to ensure a variety of animals, exhibits and food. Don’t forget the scarecrow contest!
Meeting adjourned 9:18

Hancock County 4H Leaders Association Board Meeting Minutes of September 12^th, 2007

Members Present (7):
President Terry Swazey, Vice President Joey Wilbur, Treasurer Barbara Hopkins, Secretary Lisa Carney, and Board members Brenda Jordan, Dwight Sargent and Wendy Hesketh
Issues
Cloverfest- we debated having a juggler or going to the YMCA for swimming. The juggler was decided on. Terry will check on the availability of the Orland School for October 26. We will probably have finger food, including pizza. Tentative schedule: start eating at 6, awards at 6:30, juggling from 7-8, clean up and be out by 8:30.
Leaders Banquet- will be held the second Wednesday of November in lui of a meeting. It was tentatively suggested that we have it at the Bucksport Senior Center, catered by Creative Catering. Terry suggested booking the band A Flash in the Pans.

1 can (6 1/2 oz.) tuna in water, drained

1 small apple, halved (remove seeds) and chopped (1 cup)

1/4 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt

1 teaspoon prepared mustard

1 teaspoon honey

6 sliced whole wheat bread

3 iceberg lettuce leaves

Directions:
1. Combine tuna, apple, yogurt, mustard and honey.
2. Spread 1/2 cup mixture on 3 bread slices.
3. Top each with lettuce leaf and remaining bread.
4. Place on cutting board. Cut sandwiches in half.
Fun With Fruits & Vegetables - Kids Cookbook

Member of the University of Maine System
Last Modified: 10/26/07
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

Oct 6	Pumpkin Daze at Simon’s Hancock Farm Stand
Oct 10	Leaders’ Meeting - 7:00 pm - Extension Office
Oct 7– 13	National 4-H Week
Oct 8	Extension Office Closed - Columbus Day
Oct 26	Cloverfest
Oct 19-20	Fright Nite at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds
Date to be announced	Leaders’ Banquet