University of Maine Cooperative Extension homepage

University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers resources on many topics of interest.

4-H Flash Newsletter

July-August 2007

Volume 2, Issue 7

Calendar

August 28- Exhibit Check In at the Blue Hill Fair - 3:00 - 7:00 pm

Aug 30 - Sept 3- Blue Hill Fair

Sept 3- 6-7p.m. -All Exhibits must be picked up at Blue Hill Fair

Sept 15- VOLT Training at Hancock County Extension Office

Sept 28- Project Records are due in the Extension Office

For a complete listing of what’s happening in 4-H check out the 4-H Calendar Page at: http://www.maine4h.umaine.edu/calendarpage.htm.

4-H Chill Out with Food and Fun Summer Camp

Over sixty-five youth from Washington County participated in the 4-H Chill Out with Food and Fun Summer Camp this summer. Camps were held in Whitneyville, Cherryfield and Dennysville. Campers ages 6-9 spent three days learning about the importance of food safety. A mix of science experiments, food preparation, physical activity and a community service project highlighted the program activities. Campers also spent time learning how to can and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables with Nutrition Associate, Brenda Roberts. They made strawberry freezer jam, Fresh from the Garden salsa, and sour pickles.

Colleen's Corner

I hope you are all enjoying your summer. My family does a lot of camping. By the way, don't forget to check out 4-H'es camp getaway- Tanglewood, located in Lincolnville, Maine. I have heard from 4-H'ers that attended that they run a great program. I have been meeting and planning with the Perry Harvest Fair Committee. They would like 4-H to continue participating in their event. I have spoken for more indoor space for exhibits, and more stage time for demonstrations. For those of you who already participated in Demonstrations, if you would like to do your demonstrations at the fair, please contact me again so I can keep the entertainment schedule running smoothly. This event will not be judged- you will simply be showing other's what you can do! Also, any clubs wanting to do a demonstration of some sort, please let me know ASAP. Although the fair is in October, the schedule is set in late August. I am going to try our penny carnival again this year, so please contact me if you can help. With out your help, this event cannot go on and without it we have limited MONEY for county events. I hope the rest of your summer goes well. I will be contacting you next month to set my visit schedule.

Washington County Bulletin Board Items

PERRY HARVEST FAIR

That time of year is approaching when we begin planning for the Perry Harvest Fair. This year the fair will be held on Saturday, October 6th, 2007 from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. The fair committee has welcomed us back and would like to begin planning the schedule of events.

I have asked for more indoor space for exhibits and 4-H craft tables. If your club is going to sell something at the fair to earn money for your club, please let me know so I can tell the fair committee how many tables we need. Start getting your exhibits in order now so we can put up a nice display. Remember, you CAN use the same exhibit in more than one fair. The PHF committee has graciously agreed to pay our premiums again. Perry Harvest Fair committee would also like some animals this year. For those of you who have small animals such as goats, sheep, poultry, etc... you may bring them down for display. They will not and cannot be used for a petting zoo! You also must provide their shelter. NO HORSES PLEASE!!

We also have some time on stage this year! Any clubs wanting to do a demonstration of some sort, please let me know ASAP! It can be any kind of demonstration such as a horse club demonstrating cleaning tack or a dog club demonstrating how to brush a dog. Those of you who participated in our County Demonstrations this past year may do your demonstration again at PHF but this time it will not be judged. If you are going to participate in any of these events, you have to let me know by the end of August.

Project Records

Project records are due September 28th. If yours is complete you may turn them in early to be judged. The project record grading rubric will be listed on the Washington County 4-H website very soon. If any leader is willing to judge, please contact the office.

Blue Hill Fair Reminders

While planning for the 4-H exhibits (club and individual) please refer to the guidelines in the fair book. All questions regarding the 4-H Exhibit Hall should be directed to Methel Wilbur at 565-2308. Please call at least 2 weeks before the fair. All exhibits must be checked in on Tuesday, August 28th between 3 and 7 pm. Due to limited space in the hall, leaders are encouraged to bring the exhibits with completed paperwork. Please be aware of the changes made this year. 2007 Theme: Promote and advertise 4H in a way that will encourage new members to join your club. Awards: Top three club exhibits will receive $35 each; $10 gratuity awarded to non-winners.
Point System:
25 pt Theme - Does the exhibit clearly express one idea?
20 pt Originality - Was it creative and imaginative?
15 pt Exhibit Title - Is it creative and catchy? Is it prominently placed?
15 pt Lettering - Is it neat? Is it the appropriate size? Has use of color and placement been considered?
15 pt Exhibit can not exceed 4’x4’. Can items/exhibit be recognized at a distance of 6 feet?
10 pt Did the club supply a neatly printed 3”x 5” card which includes: club name, town and county on it. (This card will be displayed on the exhibit for the general public after the judging has occurred.)

The Disney Minnie Grants 2007

The Walt Disney Company and Youth Service America are pleased to announce grants of up to $500 to support youth-led service projects. These grants support youth (ages 5-14) in planning and implementing service projects in their community. Teachers, older youth (15-25), youth-leaders, and youth-serving organizations are also eligible to apply, provided that they that engage younger youth (5-14) in planning and implementing the service. Service can take place between October 1 and November 26, 2007.

Projects can address themes such as the environment,

disaster relief, public health and awareness, community education, hunger, literacy, or any issue that youth identify as a community need. Questions? Email Minnie-Grant (at) ysa.org. Receipt deadline: August 30, 2007.

Be sure to download the correct application and review all application materials, available at www.YSA.org/awards before submitting.

4-H EDGE Weekend

This event was a great success! Youth from all over Maine attended and had a great time. At the end of the EDGE program, youth were asked to create 30 second videos about their EDGE program and their experiences at the University of Maine. Go to

http://umext.fastgrants.org/video/Maine_4H_EDGE/

to view video clips. Can you pick out our Washington County 4Hers?

Maine State 4-H News

1. Grants Available from the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation The Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation offers grant funding for 4-H club programs, group travel, and 4-H projects. Descriptions of all of these grants can be found at http://www.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/funding.htm. Some grants have a deadline of September 1, 2007.

2. Maine Family Times Newsletter Maine Family Times is a newsletter from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for families with children aged five through eighteen. Ask your local Extension Office for a copy. It will soon be available on line at the UMCE Website. Our goal is to provide families with information about developing and maintaining healthy family relationships and to share ways parents can nurture themselves. The current issue, Making Time for Family includes ideas about spending time together as a family including 4-H is Family Time.

3. Youth In Action Teen Conference 2007 “It was excellent, I would not change anything”, was one of the quotes at the end of the Teen Conference. 42 teens and 12 adults came together for an incredible conference at Sunday River from July 13-16^th. Four tracks focused on Entrepreneurship, Leadership through the Arts, Digital Video, Photography, and Web Design, and Healthy Living. Teens were given the opportunity to learn about the teams and join the leadership PLT’s if they are interested. Participants in the tracks were able to learn new and exciting skills to bring back to their clubs and counties. Teen Leadership groups gave direction to creating the overall conference and planning many group challenges such as 4-H Fear Factor and 4-H Deal or No Deal. In the Entrepreneurial Track participants learned all about brainstorming businesses, advertising and marketing, business strategies and were able to see first hand a 4-H member’s rabbit business website. The Art of Leadership included discussions on the qualities important in leadership roles, a combined mural of the “traits of Leadership”, and work on the proposal for next year’s Teen Leadership experience. Physical activity through games, healthy nutrition and balanced diets, and the focus of leadership groups working together all helped to build the Healthy Living Track, and the creation of an amazing digital video and slide presentation became the focus of the Technology Track. In addition teens learned about web design, GPS/GIS technology, and helped to create a geo cache treasure hunt. The event ended with a showcase presented by each of the tracks and everyone got a “taste” of the entire weekend. The group discussed the creation of a Virtual Teen Council with opportunities to join the 4-H Leadership Teams at the state level. All teens are welcome to join the Council and teams. Please contact the following staff for more information: Teen Council and 4-H Youth in Governance: Barb Baker 1-800-287-1485, Susan Jennings 1-800-287-1482, Science, engineering and Technology: Lisa Phelps 1-800-287-1471, Healthy Lifestyles: Karen Hatch Gagne 1-800-287-1481, or Ellie Libby 1-800-244-2104, Earth Connections: Jon Prichard 1-800-287-1535.

4. September 15, 2007 VOLT Training at Hancock County Extension Office 9 am – 3 pm For more information, contact Joyce Fortier at 800-287-1479 or 667-8212.

5. Maine Day at the “Big E” Bus Trip It’s time to reserve seats for the buses traveling to Eastern States Exposition (ESE or also called the “Big E”) in West Springfield, Massachusetts for Maine Day on Saturday, September 29, 2007. This one-day trip is sponsored by the Maine Trustees of the Eastern States Exposition to encourage Maine 4-Hers who don’t presently participate in events at ESE to see the activities that go on for 4-H youth in hopes to bolster their enthusiasm to participate in the future. Two buses are reserved for us and the northernmost bus will originate in Bangor and they will stop at several points on I-95. Seats fill up quickly, and we will begin taking registrations on Monday, August 13, 2007.

All youth must go with a chaperone, but sine this event is primarily for youth, seats are limited to no more than two adults per child. The bus ride and admission to the “Big E” are free, but all individuals on this trip are expected to march in the parade at 5 pm. It works well if you wear a 4-H tee shirt if you have one and for clubs to bring their club banner to display during the parade.

      Items you might want to bring along with you are: light snacks, water, a good book, G-rated movies (there is a DVD/VCR on the bus), a
      pillow, and a blanket. There will be rest stops along the way. Other items to consider bringing: clothing to identify your club, a comfortable
      pair of walking shoes, a hat with a visor, sun glasses, sun screen, a back pack, personal spending money, a camera, and a watch. If you
      have a cell phone, it will be helpful for logistics. Please include your cell phone number when you register. Please leave valuable items at
      home. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Bus stops will be determined based on location of riders.

      Reservations must be made in writing or by e-mail to: Jessy Brainerd 103 Libby Hall University of Maine Orono, ME 04469-5741
      jbrainerd@umext.maine.edu When you register, please give your name, address, home phone and cell phone number if you have one.
      Please give the names of all the people in your group and indicate if they are a child or adult. Reservations are due by Friday, August
      31, 2007. A confirmation letter will be sent to you two weeks before the trip giving you the time and pick up location. Pick up will be bright
     and early in the morning, but the return trip will be staggered. One bus will leave right after the parade; the second bus will leave after the
     evening events. So when you register, let us know if you’d like to return on the early or late bus. For questions, you may contact Jessy
     Brainerd or Michaele Bailey at 800-287-0274 or 581-3877.

6. Morris Scholarship Every two years Maine has the opportunity to select an Eastern States Exposition team member to receive a $500 scholarship towards continuing his or her education beyond high school. The award will be presented during 4-H Day at ESE on Saturday, September 15, 2007.

Criteria: To be eligible for the Maine 2007 Big E Morris 4-H Scholarship, nominees must:

1. Be a member of a 2007 or prior Maine ESE team (Beef, Dairy, Dog, Goat, Horse, Sheep or Working Steer)

2. Graduate from high school in 2007 or 2008 and continue their education beyond high school in one of the following: two or four-year colleges or universities, technical schools, professional training, or apprenticeship programs.

3. Have demonstrated leadership as a Maine 4-H member, at the local, state, or regional level.

4. Be a junior or senior in high school and in good academic standing.

5. Be recommended by their Animal Science Committee.

Application Process: Applications will include these three components:

1. A letter from the applicant regarding their qualifications for the scholarship that includes information about their:

a. Participation on a Maine ESE team in 2007 or before.

b. Intention to continue their education beyond high school in 2007 or 2008, including area of study or training and possible location.

c. Leadership as a Maine 4-H member at the local, state, or regional level.

2. A copy of the applicant’s high school transcript or equivalent.

3. A letter of recommendation from the Activity Coordinator of the appropriate Animal Science Committee. If the Activity Coordinator of your commodity is an immediate family member, have someone else on the committee write the recommendation.

Mail or fax application materials to: Jessy Brainerd

5741 Libby Hall, Room 103

University of Maine

Orono, ME 04469-5741

Fax: 207-581-1387 *Faxed entries will be accepted up until 4:30 pm on August 17, 2007 *Mailed entries must be postmarked by August
17, 2007.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The winner will be notified by Friday, August 31, 2007. ESE has requested that the scholarship recipients be present at ESE on 4-H Day on September 15 to receive their award. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Flint at 1-800-287-1535 or Michaele Bailey at 1-800-287-0274.

Cooking with the Kids

If the recent pet food recall has you worried about feeding your pooch mass-produced treats, try this recipe from The Good Food Cookbook for Dogs by Donna Twichell Roberts.

Oatmeal-Apple Dog Cookies

4 cups whole-wheat flour

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal

1 1/4 cups water

1/4 cup minced apple

3 Tbsp ground cinnamon

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

2 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp ground cloves

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Place all ingredients in a large bowl.

Mix thoroughly until combined to form dough.

2. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4 in. thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut into bone shapes. Combine dough scraps; continue to roll out and cut into shapes until all dough as been used.

3. Place cookies on ungreased foil lined baking sheets. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Makes 5 to 6 dozen cookies.

Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) Phone Numbers 1-800-287-8957.

If you are a person with a disability and will need any accommodations to participate in any programs, please call the Hancock County Office at 1-800-287-1479 or Washington County Extension Office at 1-800-287-1542 to discuss your needs. Please contact us at least 20 days prior to the event to assure the fullest possible attention to your needs.

University of Maine Nondiscrimination Statement

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals for diversity, the University of Maine system shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or citizenship status, age, disability or veterans status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Questions and complaints about discrimination in any area of the University should be directed to the Director of Equal Employment Opportunities, 101 North Stevens, (207)581-1226.

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension logo

Putting knowledge to work with the people of Maine

A Member of the University of Maine System
Last Modified: 08/06/08
These pages are currently being maintained from the
Washington County Office, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Send comments, suggestions or inquiries to twood@umext.maine.edu

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, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veterans' status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Questions and complaints about discrimination in any area of the University should be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens, (207) 581-1226.

Information in this web site is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned in this web site. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.