The free event is open to 4-H members and youths ages 5-18 who are interested in 4-H.

Activities will include tree identification, cooking, face painting, rock painting and general survival skills.  Preregistration is required, as space is limited. 4-H is the youth development program of University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

For more information, to register or to request disability accommodations, contact KymNoelle Sposato at the UMaine Extension Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties Office, 207.353.5550; kymnoelle.sposato@maine.edu.

• Simeon G.  3/8
• Courtney H.  3/14
• Hannah L.  3/22
• Hannah M.  3/22
• Sarah B.  3/23
• Emma L.  3/24
• Larsson L.  3/29

Dates to Remember

• March 15 – National Trip Applications Due (Packets must be postmarked by March 15) Applications are available online
• March 16 – Robotics Expos – Machias
  Tentatively scheduled for October 19th in southern Maine
• April 19 – 1st Annual 4-H Fun Day! 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Join us for an afternoon full of fun! Put on by YOUR teen leaders
  Registration information to be sent out soon!

Activity Corner

Want to learn more about electricity? Build a flashlight with materials you probably have around the house! All you need is this simple guide, tinfoil, a battery and a light bulb. Follow this link to get started!

Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H is looking for folks to serve on the Topsham Fair Committee. This group will be in charge of coordinating activities and outreach during the Topsham Fair. Meetings will take place every other month. If you are interested, please email Kristy Ouellette or call 207-353-5550.

State 4-H News

Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H in Maine
A Message from Lisa Phelps, 4-H Program Administrator

Did you know the first 4-H club in Maine was started in 1913, and it was a Potato Club in Scarborough, Maine? Yes, indeed, it’s true! In 2013, 4-H is celebrating 100 years in Maine. I hope you will join me in celebrating the 100th birthday of 4-H in Maine and look for ways you can celebrate locally and statewide. We have a lot to be proud of about our 4-H program in Maine! Since the beginning, the youth development program of University of Maine Cooperative Extension has emphasized the importance of building the life skills needed to be successful adults.

We would not have had the strong program we have had for the past 100 years if it were not for the extremely dedicated volunteers and staff. On behalf of the thousands of youth all of you have impacted over the years, thank you for all you have done.

Please check out our special Celebrating 100 Years website! I would, also, encourage all of you to consider giving financially to the 4-H Foundation as we work to raise $100,000 in 2013 to support the 4-H program.

Happy 100 years Maine 4-H, and here’s to many more!

State 4-H Dairy Program Dates

Please hold the following dates for participation in the State 4-H Dairy Programs:

• Dairy judging – April 13, Saturday, time and location tba. Open to all 4-H Dairy project members
• Intent to Participate Form due May 1, 2013 for 4-H Dairy Team to Eastern States
• Fitting Competition – July 20, 5:00 p.m. at the Windsor Fairgrounds
• Maine State 4-H Dairy Show – July 21, 9:00 a.m. at the Windsor Fairgrounds. The new dairy packet will be posted in March.

Forms will be posted soon on the 4-H Dairy website.

Maine ESE Horse Tryouts

This year ESE Horse tryouts will take place on July 12 – 14 at Skowhegan Fairgrounds. Reminder that riders and drivers must be 14 years old as of December 31, 2012. Information and tryout forms are posted to the 4-H website with Animal Science Resources. If you have questions about ESE tryouts, please contact Tina Hogan, ESE Horse Committee Coordinator, or Kristy Ouellette, Extension Educator, or call 207.353.5550.

4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament – for Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Somerset, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington Counties

The 4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament will be held Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the University of Maine at Orono in the Bangor Room. 4-H members ages 9 -18 who have participated in their county 4-H public speaking tournament are invited to participate. For youth in counties which do not hold public speaking tournaments, arrangements may be made through their county’s Extension office to either participate in a neighboring county’s tournament or present in another format to be eligible. To register 4-H members, County offices should contact Joyce Fortier in the Hancock County Extension Office no later than March 13th or call 207-667-8212. More information on 4-H public speaking, including guidelines and judging sheets, is available on the website or contact Lisa Reilich, or call 207-598-6621.

Eastern States Exposition, New England Center Program

Calling all 4-H youth, ages 11 and up, along with volunteers who have an interest in showcasing the many interests and talents of Maine 4-H… we want you! Join the group of dedicated performers and demonstrators as we share our love for 4-H with the fair-goers at The Big E in West Springfield, MA, the 3rd weekend in September. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Maine 4-H participates with displays and demonstrations in the New England Center, which also houses creative arts competitions, and daily stage performances. Working in teams of two, youth demonstrate 4-H projects which will be focused on Robotics and Engineering. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in stage performances. All projects and demonstrations will  focus on a science theme. Please contact the Oxford County UMaine Extension office or call us at 743-6329 or 800-287-1482 (in Maine) for specific details and the team application. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Students stay in the dorm, and meals and transportation are provided.

2013 Morris Scholarship for Eastern States Participants

Maine has the opportunity to select an Eastern States Exposition participant to receive a $500 scholarship towards continuing his or her education beyond high school. Find information on how to apply online.

4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus

If you know youth between the ages of 12 – 18, make sure they save the date! 4-H @ UMaine will take place May 17 – 18, 2013, on the University of Maine Orono campus. Details will be available online soon.

Apply Now for National Trips

National 4-H Trips are excellent opportunities to meet 4-H members from across the nation while learning about career options, experiencing educational workshops at Congress or joining a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at Conference.  Maine 4-H youth, ages 14 – 18, are eligible to apply. Application packets must be sent to your county office and postmarked by March 15, 2013. Find out more about these trips on the website. If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Thuotte or call 207-324-2814 or 1-800-287-1535 (in Maine).

Beef Heifer Project

The New England Galloway Group is announcing their annual Heifer Project, which places a Belted Galloway heifer calf with a deserving youth recipient to allow for a hands-on education in cattle rearing and showmanship and to develop a love of the breed. The youth selected is expected to return the first heifer calf back to the program so it will continue each year. If you are interested in applying for this program, download the application here. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2013.

So You Want to Farm in Maine?

UMaine Extension in Piscataquis County is sponsoring a free, web-based course for farmers thinking about starting a new farm enterprise. The purpose of this course is to equip participants with the business knowledge and skills to start, adapt, and maintain, or expand into, a profitable land-based business.

This multi-session course will be offered on Thursday evenings in March and April in webinar format. The webinars are free but pre-registration is required. If you are unable to attend the live session of the webinar, the archived session will be available soon after. It is recommended that you have a high-speed, reliable Internet connection. Find more information and register online, or call 207-564-3301.

ESE Dairy Goat Intent to Participate – Maine Eastern States Dairy Goat Team

The Dairy Goat Animal Science Committee wants to invite youth ages 12-18 as of December 31, 2012, and in their second or higher year of the Dairy Goat 4-H project, to tryout for the Maine ESE Dairy Goat team. Youth interested in this opportunity must submit an Intent to Participate by April 15, 2013. No late forms will be accepted. The Intent form is available online.

Submitting an intent form does not guarantee a position on the team and does not commit a youth to participating. If you have questions about the process please contact Tami Hussey or call 207-282-3201.

2013 Maine 4-H Days

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18 – 21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and the State Dairy Show will be on the July 20 – 21. If you are interested in helping to plan next year’s event, please contact Jessy Brainerd or call 207-581-3877.

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Start making plans now to visit our Nation’s Capitol during the week of June 29 – July 6, 2013. CWF is a leadership program conducted by the National 4-H Council for high school youth ages 15 – 18. Delegations of 4-Hers from across the country spend six days touring the city and attending leadership skill-building workshops. You will stay at the National 4-H Conference Center just outside Washington, DC. Visiting the most popular sites in Washington will be a part of the trip, including spending the 4th of July in our nation’s capitol. There is a mandatory orientation for Maine delegates on April 27. More information is available online, or contact your county 4-H office for details about how to be a part of this experience.

4-H Farm-to-Fair Key Volunteers Needed

Did you get to visit the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at the 2012 Union Fair? The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association reports that the response from the public was resoundingly positive! Local families and folks visiting the area from other states (and countries) praised the exhibit for being fun and informative, a great way to teach kids about how the food they eat and products they use are produced.

In order to continue the success of this exhibit at Union Fair, two key volunteer roles will need to be filled as soon as possible. A Volunteer Coordinator is needed to seek out and organize the schedule of volunteers operating the exhibit for the 8 days that the fair is open (August 17-24, 2013). The person, or team of two, needs to commit to being available for all of these days. If there is a team of two, the times can be shared.

A Farm Store Coordinator, who will coordinate the products that kids will choose from to take home after they have been through the exhibit, is also needed. This person will be responsible for procuring enough donations of locally-produced items to fill the store shelves every day the exhibit is open. This will be done prior to fair week, so an on-site presence will not be required during the fair.

If you can help or want to learn more, contact Cindy Rogers, 4-H Program Aide, Knox and Lincoln Counties, or call 207-832-0343.

Save the Date!

• May 10th – Regional 4-H Volunteer Recognition – Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H – Poland Spring Inn
• May 11 – Leader’s Association Fundraiser – Compost Sale. All Clubs are expected to participate.
• May 17-18 – 4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus
• July 12, 13 & 14 – Maine ESE Horse Tryouts
• July 18-21, 2013 – Maine 4-H Days (date change)
• July 20-21, 2013 – State Dairy Show

York County Farmers Network Breakfast

March 19, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.
Anderson Learning Center, 21 Bradeen Street, Springvale ME
(downstairs in the Nasson Heritage Room)

Enjoy a free, catered breakfast gathering for York County Farmers Network (YCFN) members, sponsored this month by Farm Credit of Maine, courtesy of Rob Horne. Join your fellow YCFN members for an informal networking opportunity and compare notes on getting ready for spring! After breakfast, Dave Tuttle will host the group for a tour of his winter greens and new hydroponic operation at Riverside Farms in North Berwick. For directions, or if you have questions, email Becky Gowdy or Frank Wertheim, or call us at (207) 324-2814. In case of weather concerns and possible cancellation, please call the office by 4:30 p.m. the day before, or check WCSH6 Storm Center cancellations.

The Organic Seed Grower: A Farmer’s Guide to Vegetable Seed Production

There has been a lot in the news about farmers not being able to save and replant Genetically Modified seeds. Here is a resource for those who do want to try saving seeds of their favorite or important varieties for market and what you need to know to do so. Funded by Northeast SARE, The Organic Seed Grower:A Farmer’s Guide to Vegetable Seed Production is available through Chelsea Green Publishing or call them at 1-800-639-4099.

New England Meat Conference

Friday and Saturday, March 22-23, 2013
Grappone Conference Center, Concord, NH

The goal of the New England Meat Conference is to enhance the production, processing, and marketing of sustainable, nutritious, humanely-raised meat from New England farms by providing educational and networking opportunities for meat producers, processors and industry stakeholders. More information is available on the Conference website.

Coalition Providing Assistance to New Farmers in Maine

A group of federal, state and local agricultural service providers have joined together to assist aspiring, beginning, and transitioning farmers to succeed by providing information and assistance on everything from the soil to your wallet. This coalition, known as the Beginning Farmers Resource Network (BFRN), has created a one stop website for new and transitioning farmers. It offers a “toolbox” of information on important issues and concerns farmers should think about when starting or enhancing their business. The BFRN provides resources and contacts on such issues as acquiring land, how to farm, conserving natural resources, planning and managing your business, financing, regulations, marketing, and much more. The website, also, provides information on events and workshops that may be of interest. Please take some time to explore what the BFRN has to offer and let us know what you think.

Conservation Innovation Grants for Maine

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2013 will be up to $200,000. Applications are requested from eligible governmental or non-governmental organizations or individuals for competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration.

Applications must be received by NRCS no later than April 1, 2013 by 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Applications sent via hand-delivery, express mail or overnight courier service must be sent to the following address:

Gerald Jacobs, Contracting Officer
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Conservation Innovation Grants Program
967 Illinois Ave., Suite # 3, Bangor, ME 04401

Applications sent electronically must be sent through grants.gov.

For more information contact Christopher Jones, CIG Program Manager Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or call (207) 990-9563.

Kitchen Licensing Workshop

Tuesday, April 9, 2013
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
University of Maine Regional Learning Center
75 Clearwater Drive, Suite 104, Falmouth ME
Registration fee is $35 MOFGA members; $40 non-members

This day-long workshop is designed for farmers and others interested in home food processing for resale. Licensing requirements, food safety and product liability insurance will be covered. Fee includes handouts and lunch. Register and find more information online, or call MOFGA at (207) 568-4142. This workshop is co-sponsored by MOFGA and UMaine Extension.

2013 Farm Tractor Safety Course

Tuesday evenings starting April 30, 2013
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Maine Forest Service, 356 Shaker Road, Gray ME
Fee: $20 includes the manual

This 5-session course is designed for new drivers (youth and adults). Individuals will receive practical training in the classroom, in the shop, and on tractors. Participants should be at least 13 years of age to participate in this certified course. Register or find more information online, or email Andrea Herr, or call 1-800-287-1471. Registration is required, and space is limited.

The New England Farm Account Book in Electronic Format!

This handy record book is now available electronically in an Excel spreadsheet format. To obtain a free copy of the electronic spreadsheet with directions on its use, please email Tori Jackson or call 1-800-287-1458.

Come join with other youth and
explore the exciting world
of 4-H science!

Patten Free Library
33 Summer Street, Bath, Maine
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

• March 20th – Design a Wind Powered Boat
• March 27th – Design a Pinwheel
• April 3rd – Lift a Load using Wind Power
• April 10th -­‐ Can Wind Power produce Electricity?
• April 17th – Wired for Wind

Registration Information

• Open to all youth ages 5-­18
• Youth ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult
• Adult and teen volunteers welcome!
• No prior experience needed
• Registration is free and includes all materials
• Space is limited. Please register at Patten Free Library with Carol.

For more information about the experiments, email Sarah Sparks or call 207-353-5550.

To request a disability accommodation, please call Sarah Sparks at 1-800-287-1458 (toll free in Maine). Receiving requests for accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however all requests will be considered.

Farm Service Agency Announces Important Program Updates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the authorization of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) for many Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) commodity, disaster, and conservation programs through 2013. FSA administers these programs.

The extended programs include, among others: the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program (DCP), the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE), and the Milk Income Loss Contract Program (MILC). FSA is preparing the following actions:

• FSA will begin sign-ups for DCP and ACRE for the 2013 crops on Feb. 19, 2013. The DCP sign-up period will end on Aug. 2, 2013; the ACRE sign-up period will end on June 3, 2013.

The 2013 DCP and ACRE program provisions are unchanged from 2012, except that all eligible participants in 2013 may choose to enroll in either DCP or ACRE for the 2013 crop year. This means that eligible producers who were enrolled in ACRE in 2012 may elect to enroll in DCP in 2013 or may re-enroll in ACRE in 2013 (and vice versa). All dairy producers’ MILC contracts are automatically extended to Sept. 30, 2013. Eligible producers therefore do not need to re-enroll in MILC. Specific details regarding certain modifications to MILC will be released soon.

FSA will provide producers with information on program requirements, updates and signups as the information becomes available. Any additional details will be posted on FSA’s Web site.

2013 Maine Vegetable & Fruit School

The 2013 Maine Vegetable & Fruit School will be held Tuesday, March 12, at Seasons Conference Center in Portland, and on Wednesday, March 13, at the Bangor Motor Inn. Preregistration is requested no later than February 25, 2013.

Topics include:

• Storage Crops and Post Harvest Considerations
• Determining Your Storage Needs and Designing a Solution
• Produce Cooling and Storage by Design at Laughingstock Farm
• Storing Vegetables at Checkerberry Farm
• Marketing Winter Crops at Six River Farm
• Spotted Wing Drosophila Quiz
• A Virtual Visit to Jordan’s Farm
• Marketing to Your Community at Jordan’s Farm
• Should Strawberries be on Your Menu?
• Using Compost: The Good, Bad and Ugly
• New Pest Update: Spotted Wing Drosophila, Stink Bugs, Cutworms, Borers and Moths

The fee is $35.00 and includes lunch. Participants may receive 1 Pesticide Applicator recertification credit, and Certified Crop Advisors may earn 5 recertification credits. More information, including how to register, is posted on the Highmoor Farm Web site.

New Microloans Expand Small Farm Finance Options

FSA to Help Beginning and Small Farmers

New and beginning farmers in Maine now have an agricultural Microloan credit option to consider. As of Jan. 15, 2013, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will offer its customers a Microloan designed to help farmers with credit needs of $35,000 or less. The loan features a streamlined application and a simplified qualification process built to fit the needs of new and smaller producers.

“This innovative offering will be more customer-friendly than our larger, more traditional loan programs,” said Farm Loan Manager Mike Dennison. “Farms seeking a smaller loan for start-up or operational needs now have a great new tool to consider. For those selling at Farmers’ Markets or through community-supported agriculture operations (CSAs), a Microloan might serve their needs perfectly,” Dennison continued, “and the reduced paperwork associated with the new Microloan will help expedite the process for everyone.”

In FY2012, the Farm Service Agency provided approximately $13.2 million in farm loan assistance to agricultural producers of all sizes in Maine. That year, operating loans accounted for the majority of the loans extended (126), while farm ownership loans were fewer (20).

“The interest rate of 1.25 percent on the new FSA Microloan is also a great benefit for farmers who are just starting out, in need of capital and on a tight budget,” according to FLM Dennison. “Producers in every Maine county can contact their nearest FSA office for details and to determine if they qualify for a Microloan.” The Microloan term can be up to seven years.

In response to tighter financial markets, USDA has expanded the availability of farm credit, helping farmers refinance loans across the U.S. Since 2009, USDA has provided more than 128,000 loans to family farmers totaling more than $18 billion. Over 50 percent of the loans went to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. For more information on Microloans and other FSA programs, please contact your local USDA service center.

Scaling Up for Small Farm Profitability – Ready To Gross Up To $100,000 A Year?

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District are offering a five-workshop series covering the following topics:

• Marketing Your Farm Products
• Animal Health Issues
• Livestock Regulations and Production Practices
• General Soil Health, IPM and Pesticide Safety
• High Tunnel Basics

These weekly workshop sessions will begin February 26 and end March 26, 2013. The workshops will be held at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Office, 24 Main Street, Lisbon Falls. The cost is $75 per person to attend all five sessions or $20 per person for any individual session. The Small Farmer Workshop Flyer, and registration forms are available at the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District Web site.

• Caleb H. 2/2
• Elizabeth R. 2/4
• Sarah C. 2/14
• Hailey N. 2/22
• Reid A. 2/25
• McKenzie G. 2/29

Dates to Remember

• February 6th – 6 p.m. Educational Program on 4-H Science with Sarah Sparks, Leaders/Teen Leaders Meeting 7 p.m.
• February 9th – NH Dairy Goat Seminar
• February 16th – 2nd Annual Tanglewood Snowshoe Race
• February 17th – Dairy Quiz Bowl Tryout
• February 26th – 4-H Honorary Page Program for UMaine Day at the Legislature
• Apply Now for National Trips!

Activity Corner

Visit the online 4-H Filmmaking Studio! Here you can find learning modules on the basics of creating your own film, telling your story, using your camera, as well as other tips and tricks for filmmaking. Have fun while you learn!

4-H Club News

Fun with Science and Math – Locke, Stock, and Arrow 4-H Club

Our January meeting was themed math and science, so we had several different stations set up where the kids learned about electricity, how a storm works, and we also did some word problems. At our last meeting we elected a new secretary, Zach H. Our next meeting will be in February complete with a sledding party!

Equine Etc. went to Coffin Pond! We could not skate or sled but had a great time on a small hike. We had hot cocoa and homemade donuts and lots of great snacks during our meeting. What has your club been up to?

 4-H State News

Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H in Maine

A Message from Lisa Phelps, 4-H Program Administrator:

Did you know the first 4-H club in Maine was started in 1913, and it was a Potato Club in Scarborough, Maine? Yes, indeed, it’s true! In 2013, 4-H is celebrating 100 years in Maine. I hope you will join me in celebrating the 100th birthday of 4-H in Maine and look for ways you can celebrate locally and statewide. We have a lot to be proud of about our 4-H program in Maine! Since the beginning, the youth development program of University of Maine Cooperative Extension has emphasized the importance of building the life skills needed to be successful adults. We would not have had the strong program we have had for the past 100 years if it were not for the extremely dedicated volunteers and staff. On behalf of the thousands of youth all of you have impacted over the years, thank you for all you have done.

Please check out our special Celebrating 100 Years Web site. I would also encourage all of you to consider giving financially to the Maine 4-H Foundation as we work to raise $100,000 in 2013 to support the 4-H program. Happy 100 years Maine 4-H, and here’s to many more!

Maine 4-H Foundation Post-Secondary Education Scholarships

Information and applications for Maine 4-H Foundation’s post-secondary education scholarships are now available online. These scholarships are available to all current 4-H youth in Maine, high school seniors or recent graduates, who are pursuing higher education. The deadline for applications to be received at the local county Extension office is March 4, 2013. If you have any questions please contact Dana Rickman or call 207-353-5550.

State 4-H Dairy Program Dates

Please hold the following dates for your participation in the State 4-H Dairy Programs:

• Quiz Bowl Tryout – Tryouts for the Dairy Quiz Bowl Team is Sunday, February 17, 1:00-4:00 p.m., at the Farm Bureau office, Augusta. Open to all 4-H Dairy project members. Snow date is Monday, February 18. Snow cancellation will be made the evening before. Call 581-3872 for storm cancellation message.
• Dairy judging – Saturday, April 13, time and location TBA. Open to all 4-H Dairy project members.
• Intent to Participate Form due May 1, 2013 for 4-H Dairy Team to Eastern States.
• Fitting Competition – July 20, 5:00 pm at the Windsor Fairgrounds.
• Maine State 4-H Dairy Show – July 21, 9:00 am at the Windsor Fairgrounds. The new dairy packet will be posted in March.

Forms are or will be posted on the Maine 4-H Dairy Web site.

UMaine Day at the Legislature – 4-H Honorary Page Program

UMaine Day at the Legislature, Tuesday, February 26th, is quickly approaching! Since legislators like to see 4-H members from their districts, 4-Hers who are age 13 or older are encouraged to serve as Honorary Pages. The Maine 4-H program has up to 30 slots for Honorary Pages.

What does a page do? Pages hand out information to Representatives or Senators, or deliver phone and other messages to Representatives and Senators on the floor. If you are interested in serving as a page, please contact Debra Kantor in Somerset County or call 1-800-287-8957.

Requests to serve will be filled in the order they are received, but the final deadline to register is February 8th. If the slot for your legislative district has been filled, your name will be added to a wait list in the order it is received. If you are leaving a message, please be sure to say “I am interested in serving as a 4-H Page at the Legislature on February 26”. Your slot will be reserved if you leave this complete information:

• full name
• age
• mailing address
• county
• phone number
• email address
• name of your school
• name of your 4-H Club
• name of your Maine State Representative
• name of your Maine State Senator

4-H Honorary Pages will be in the Capitol from 8:30am– 3:00pm. A parent or 4-H volunteer provides transportation and chaperoning.

Maine ESE Horse Tryouts

ESE Horse tryouts will take place July 12-14, 2013, at Skowhegan Fairgrounds. Riders/drivers must be 14 years old as of December 31, 2012. Information and tryout forms will be posted to the 4-H Web site the first week of February. If you have questions about ESE tryouts please contact Tina Hogan, ESE Horse Committee Coordinator, or Kristy Ouellette, Extension Educator, or call 1-800-287-1458 (toll-free in Maine).

Save the Date for 2013 Maine 4-H Days

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18-21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and the State Dairy Show will run July 20-21. If you are interested in helping to plan next year’s event, please contact Jessy Brainerd or call 207-581-3877.

February Vacation Day Camp at Tanglewood 4-H Camp

This outdoor day camp will be held at Tanglewood 4-H Camp in Lincolnville, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 19-20 ( for ages 6-8) and Feb. 21-22 (for ages 9-13). Aftercare is available each day until 4 p.m. It’s a fun-filled adventure packed with outdoor exploration, wildlife tracking and sledding, all of which encourage personal growth in harmony with nature. The cost is $65.00/child for the two-day program. Register or find more information online, email Patti or call 207-789-5868.

2013 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl and Hippology Meetings

Horse quiz bowl and hippology meetings began January 26th and will be held once a month on Saturday or Sunday. 4-Hers interested in trying-out for the Maine teams which compete nationally in Kentucky at the Eastern 4-H Horse Round-Up exposition are required to attend these meetings. Material is designed for 4-Hers ages 14-18, though all ages are welcome to attend and material will be revised for younger 4-Hers.

Meetings will consist of working with quiz bowl buzzers, labeling horse diagrams, hands-on activities, review of workbook assignments, field trips to equine facilities, lectures/demonstrations by equine professionals, and educational games. Home assignments will consist of assigned readings, short research essays, and review quizzes. All materials provided free of charge.

Topics to be covered each month:

• January – history of the horse, breeds and breed associations, coat colors and markings.
• February – physiological systems and anatomy, to include skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems.
• March – foaling, yearling care, and dental aging and care
• April – infectious diseases of the horse, common health conditions and problems, first aid, and vices
• May – nutrition, feeds, the healthy horse, poisonous plants, and common parasites and flies
• June – conformation, unsoundness’s, horse judging principles, shoeing, and farrier equipment
• July – tack, riding disciplines and events, farm management, and pasture care
• August – equine genetics, breeding and reproduction
• September – Review
• October – Regional Competition
• November – National Competition

For more information about time and place of meetings, contact Edie Kershner or call 207-322-4601.

Celebrate Awesome! 2013 Engineering Expo

The Engineering Expo will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus. Suggested donation is $2/person at the door. Over 1,500 children and adults are expected to experience first-hand the many contributions that Maine Engineers make to our communities and way of life. Maine’s top engineering firms, engineering schools, educators, government agencies, industry, and engineering societies will provide hands-on activities and exhibits throughout the field house. The fun, dynamic, and positive environment is designed to help encourage our youth to pursue careers in engineering.

No registration is required to attend. Find more information on the Maine Engineering Promotional Council (MEPC) Web site.

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Start making plans now to visit our nation’s capitol the week of June 29 – July 6, 2013. CWF is a leadership development program conducted by the National 4-H Council for high school youth ages 15-18. Delegations of 4-Hers from across the country spend six days touring the city and attending leadership skill-building workshops. The Maine delegation will stay at the National 4-H Conference Center just outside Washington, DC. Visiting the most popular sites in Washington will be a part of the trip, including spending the 4th of July in our nation’s capitol. There is a mandatory orientation for Maine delegates on April 27th. More information is available online. Contact your county 4-H office for details about how to be a part of this experience!

4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament – for Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Somerset, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington Counties

The 4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament will be held Saturday, March 23rd at the University of Maine, Orono, in the Bangor Room. 4-H youth ages 9 to 18 who have participated in their county 4-H public speaking tournament are invited to participate. For youth in counties which do not hold public speaking tournaments, arrangements may be made through their county’s Extension office to either participate in a neighboring county’s tournament or present in another format to be eligible.

Registration for the regional tournament must be handled through the youth’s county Extension office. County offices should contact Joyce Fortier, or call 207-667-8212, with registrations no later than March 13, 2013. For more information on 4-H public speaking, including guidelines and judging sheets contact Lisa Reilich or call 207-598-6621.

Invention Convention

The Invention Convention is a statewide competition promoting important life and work skills for Maine middle school students. Throughout the school year, students work to identify and solve problems by using a four-step, systematic approach to innovation. After competing against their peers at a local level, top students will be invited to attend the state conference where they compete for the top invention awards. The competition is open to any school offering grades 6, 7, and/or 8, as well as children who are homeschooled. More information is available on the Maine Invention Convention’s Web site, or by contacting Angela Marcolini at the University of Maine’s Foster Center for Student Innovation, or by calling 207-581-1454.

Eastern States Exposition

Calling all 4-H youth, ages 11 and up, along with volunteers who have an interest in showcasing the many interests and talents of Maine 4-H… we want you! Join a group of dedicated participants as we share our love for 4-H with the fair-goers at ‘The Big E’ in West Springfield, MA, during the 3rd weekend in September. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Maine 4-H participates with displays and demonstrations in the New England Center, which also houses creative arts competitions, and daily stage performances. Working in teams of two at stations called “pods”, youth demonstrate 4-H projects this year will be focused on Robotics and Engineering. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in stage performance. Please call the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office in Oxford, ME, at 207-743-6329 or 800-287-1482 (toll-free in Maine) for specific details and for a team application. Students stay in the dorm, and meals and transportation are provided. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Sign up now!

New Hampshire Dairy Goat Seminar

This seminar is being held during the NH Farm and Forest Exposition on Saturday, February 9th, 2013 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. The schedule for the Dairy Goat Seminar starts with District meeting at 10:00 followed by “Transitioning to a Commercial Goat Dairy” at 10:30.

This event will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester NH. Free for 4-H youth and $5.00 per family. Find a complete brochure on the Farm and Forest Exposition at their Web site.

4-H Farm-to-Fair Key Volunteers Needed

Did you get to visit the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at the 2012 Union Fair? The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association reports that the response from the public was resoundingly positive! Local families and folks visiting the area from other states (and countries) praised the exhibit for being a fun and informative way to teach kids about how the food they eat, and products they use, are produced.

In order to continue the success of this exhibit at Union Fair, two key volunteer roles will need to be filled as soon as possible. A Volunteer Coordinator is needed to seek out and organize the schedule of volunteers operating the exhibit for the 8 days that the fair is open (August 17-24, 2013). The person, or team of two, needs to commit to being available for all of these days. If there is a team of two, the times can be shared.

We also seek a Farm Store Coordinator, who will coordinate the products that kids will choose from to take home after they have been through the exhibit. This person will be responsible for procuring enough donations of locally-produced items to fill the store shelves every day the exhibit is open. This will be done prior to fair week, so your presence will not be needed during the fair.

If you would like to help or want to learn more, contact Cindy Rogers, UMaine Extension 4-H Program Aide for Knox and Lincoln Counties, or call 207-832-0343. Thank you!

4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus

If you know any youth ages 12 to 18, make sure they save the date! 4-H @ UMaine will take place May 17 – 18, 2013, at the University of Maine in Orono. Details will be available online in February.

Apply Now for National Trips!

National 4-H Trips are excellent opportunities to meet, and learn with, other 4-H members from across the nation. Participants explore many career options, and learn through educational workshops at Congress or become a part of a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at Conference.

All Maine 4-H youth, ages 14 to 18, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members both at the time of application and the time of the actual trip. Application packets must be sent to your county office and postmarked by March 15, 2013. More information is available on the Web site, or contact Heidi Thuotte or call 1-800-287-1535 (toll free in Maine).

2013 Morris Scholarship for Eastern States Participants

This is the year that Maine has the opportunity to select an Eastern States Exposition participant to receive a $500 scholarship towards continuing his or her education beyond high school. You can find out how to apply for this scholarship online.

Save the Date!

• May 17-18 – 4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus
• July 12, 13 & 14 – Maine ESE Horse Tryouts
• July 18-21, 2013 – Maine 4-H Days (Date Change)
• July 20 & 21, 2013 – State Dairy Show

Both blueberry bushes and asparagus crowns are available for order. You can learn more and place your order online!

When: Tuesdays, February 26-March 26, 2013, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: University of Southern Maine, 209 Payson Smith Hall, Portland

Fee: $120/per person

Register and find more information online, or contact Lois Elwell, or call 207-781-6099.

• Octavia H. 1/3
• Sophia B. 1/7
• Christopher DuB. 1/9
• Grace P. 1/9
• Hope DiV. 1/10
• David T. 1/11
• Bridget S. 1/14
• Jabreel M.A. 1/15
• Alexandria C.K. 1/17
• Noah A. 1/18
• Andrew V. 1/18
• Issa O.P. 1/22
• Joel D. 1/24
• Jacob M. 1/26
• Zachary M. 1/26
• Anna W. 1/31

Dates to Remember

• January 3 – Windsor/Fryeburg Fairs Intent to Participate Forms Due
• January 9 – Teen Leaders Meeting 6PM – Open to all teens (aged 13-18) who would like to be a part of a leadership club focused on expanding leadership skills, planning county wide events, community service and college planning.
• Apply Now for National Trips!

Activity Corner

Winter is officially upon us. During the cold winter months, learning about birds in our community can be a fun activity to do as a 4-H project or with your family. Visit Cornell University’s “All About Birds” where you can learn about bird ID skills, different ways to attract birds to your backyard, and lots more with Birding Basics!

Communications Toolkit: Fun, Skill-Building Activities to Do With Kids

Experts such as parents, teachers, employers and others who work with young people know that communication skills are essential tools for kids’ success. The Communications Toolkit PDF (Michigan 4-H, 1999, 172 pages) is designed for individuals who work with young people aged 12 and up and who want fun, easy and meaningful communication activities to use with clubs, classrooms, camps, after-school programs and other settings where kids come together. In the toolkit you will find background information for group leaders, skill sheets with tips and basic information, group icebreakers, hands-on activities, handouts and other resources that will help kids build on their skills in several key areas.

4-H Club News

Robo Dojo, our Lego Robotics Team, won Rookie of the Year at this year’s FIRST LEGO League (FLL) competition! WOOT WOOT!!

Hello! The 4-H club Equine Etc. would like to share with everyone that we just recently had our annual clover cash auction! Every year we all work hard to earn cash by doing things such as performing some community service, attending 4-H events, and also things to do with school. We hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H is looking for folks to serve on the Campership/Scholarship Committee. This group will design the standards & criteria, and application process, for youth to apply. We will meet 1-2 times for 90 minutes. If you are interested please contact Robin Beck or call 207- 320-2325.

4-H State News

Save the Date for 2013 Maine 4-H Days!

Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18-21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and the State Dairy Show will be on the 20th & 21st. If you are interested in helping to plan these events, please contact Jessy Brainerd or call 207-581-3877.

Invention Convention

The Invention Convention is a statewide competition promoting important life and work skills for Maine middle school students. Throughout the school year, students work to identify and solve problems by using a four-step, systematic approach to innovation. After competing against their peers at a local level, top students will be invited to attend the state conference where they compete for the top invention awards. The competition is open to any school offering grades 6, 7, and/or 8, as well as children who are homeschooled. More information is available on the Maine Invention Convention’s Web site, or by contacting Angela Marcolini at the University of Maine’s Foster Center for Student Innovation, or by calling 207-581-1454.

4-H Farm-to-Fair Key Volunteers Needed!

Did you get to visit the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at the 2012 Union Fair? The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association reports that the response from the public was resoundingly positive! Local families and folks visiting the area from other states (and countries) praised the exhibit for being a fun and informative way to teach kids about how the food they eat, and products they use, are produced.

In order to continue the success of this exhibit at Union Fair, two key volunteer roles will need to be filled as soon as possible. A Volunteer Coordinator is needed to seek out and organize the schedule of volunteers operating the exhibit for the 8 days that the fair is open (August 17-24, 2013). The person, or team of two, needs to commit to being available for all of these days. If there is a team of two, the times can be shared.

We also seek a Farm Store Coordinator, who will coordinate the products that kids will choose from to take home after they have been through the exhibit. This person will be responsible for procuring enough donations of locally-produced items to fill the store shelves every day the exhibit is open. This will be done prior to fair week, so your presence will not be needed during the fair.

If you would like to help or want to learn more, contact Cindy Rogers, UMaine Extension 4-H Program Aide for Knox and Lincoln Counties, or call 207-832-0343. Thank you!

Eastern States Exposition

Calling all 4-H youth, ages 11 and up, along with volunteers who have an interest in showcasing the many interests and talents of Maine 4-H… we want you! Join a group of dedicated participants as we share our love for 4-H with the fair-goers at ‘The Big E’ in West Springfield, MA, during the 3rd weekend in September. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Maine 4-H participates with displays and demonstrations in the New England Center, which also houses creative arts competitions, and daily stage performances. Working in teams of two at stations called “pods”, youth demonstrate 4-H projects this year will be focused on Robotics and Engineering. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in stage performance. Please call the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office in Oxford, ME, at 207-743-6329 or 800-287-1482 (toll-free in Maine) for specific details and for a team application. Students stay in the dorm, and meals and transportation are provided. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Sign up now!

New Hampshire Dairy Goat Seminar - Transitioning From a Hobby to a Commercial Goat Dairy

This seminar is being held during the NH Farm and Forest Exposition on Saturday, February 9th, 2013 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. The schedule for the Dairy Goat Seminar starts with District meeting at 10:00 followed by “Transitioning to a Commercial Goat Dairy” at 10:30.

This event will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester NH. Free for 4-H youth and $5.00 per family. Find a complete brochure on the Farm and Forest Exposition at their Web site.

Apply Now for National Trips

National 4-H Trips are excellent opportunities to meet, and learn with, other 4-H members from across the nation. Participants explore many career options, and learn through educational workshops at Congress or become a part of a team making recommendations to National 4-H Council at Conference.

All Maine 4-H youth, ages 14 to 18, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be current Maine 4-H members both at the time of application and the time of the actual trip. Application packets must be sent to your county office and postmarked by March 15, 2013. More information is available on the Web site, or contact Heidi Thuotte or call 1-800-287-1535 (toll free in Maine).

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

Start making plans now to visit our Nation’s Capitol during the week of June 29-July 6, 2013. CWF is a leadership program conducted by the National 4-H Council for high school youth ages 15 to 18. Delegations of 4-H’ers from across the country spend six days touring the city and attending leadership skill-building workshops. The Maine delegation will stay at the National 4-H Conference Center just outside Washington, DC. Visiting the most popular sites in Washington will be a part of the trip, including spending the 4th of July in our nation’s capitol. There is a mandatory orientation for Maine delegates on April 27th. For more information visit the Web site or contact your county 4-H office for details about how to be a part of this experience.

4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament – for Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Somerset, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington Counties

The 4-H Regional Public Speaking Tournament will be held Saturday, March 23rd at the University of Maine, Orono, in the Bangor Room. 4-H youth ages 9 to 18 who have participated in their county 4-H public speaking tournament are invited to participate. For youth in counties which do not hold public speaking tournaments, arrangements may be made through their county’s Extension office to either participate in a neighboring county’s tournament or present in another format to be eligible.

Registration for the regional tournament must be handled through the youth’s county Extension office. County offices should contact Joyce Fortier, or call 207-667-8212, with registrations no later than March 13, 2013. For more information on 4-H public speaking, including guidelines and judging sheets, contact Lisa Reilich or call 207-598-6621.

Save the Date!

• July 18-21, 2013 – Maine 4-H Days (Date Change)
• July 20 & 21, 2013 – State Dairy Show

University of Maine Cooperative Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals.