This year’s 2013 4-H Fashion Revue celebrated not only the 4-H participants, but 4-H’s 100th Birthday!
We started out with 16 participants and those numbers dwindled to a mere five, but the quality and diversity of their projects made for a fun day of modeling at USM’s Bailey Hall on March 9. Even though the participants had modeled before, they were nervous as they prepared to walk before their peers and families at the Mini Forum. Not an easy task, but each 4-H’er shined and walked with confidence, proud of their success, as was the audience. This year we enjoyed professional commentating by Troy Pride. Our Cloverbuds, Annalee and Ezra, received cloverbud participation ribbons. Madeleine and Lauren made up our beginner category; both girls received blue ribbons. Lauren took the Rosette in this class by just a few judges’ points. Our final category was the Intermediate class with Kiersten winning a blue ribbon along with the Rosette. We look forward to next year to see what these young ladies and young man might create and hopefully inspire other young sewers or knitters to participate, too.
2013 Farm Tractor Safety Course
Tuesdays, beginning April 30, 2013, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Maine Forest Service, Gray, ME
Cost/student: $20.00
Tractor farm work can be dangerous, but a University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tractor Safety course will help reduce risks to Maine farmers and farm workers. The Farm Tractor Safety course will be held on 5 consecutive Tuesday evenings starting April 30, 2013 at the Maine Forest Service Building on Route 26 (356 Shaker Road) in Gray.
“Many of the accidents on farms involve tractors and farm machinery,” says Richard Brzozowski of the UMaine Extension Cumberland County office.”If you are going to operate a tractor, this course is a must,” says Brzozowski, who serves as the lead instructor for the Farm Tractor Safety Course. “Over the last 20 years, 100 percent of the course participants have improved their attitude toward safety as a result of their participation in this course.”
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. Adults are welcome to participate in the practical course.
The course is co-sponsored by UMaine Extension, Hall Implement Co., Wescott & Sons, Hammond Tractor Co., Chad Little Outdoor Power Equipment, Anderson Equipment Co., Beauregard Equipment Inc., Tractor Supply Co., and Maine Farm Bureau — Cumberland County Chapter.
For more information, see Farm Tractor Safety Course.
OPEN Pleasure Horse show to benefit the Happy Hoofbeats 4-H Club
Join us May 5, 2013 for an OPEN Pleasure show to benefit the Happy Hoofbeats 4-H Club at the Cumberland Fair grounds. We have been busy fundraising for 3 years for our trip to Chincoteague and hopefully this is the year our group will go!!!
Please contact jillrn71@aol.com or visit us online at facebook.com/happy.hoofbeats for more information.
2013 Campership Application
Due April 26th
The 2013 Campership application is now available! If you would like to apply for financial assistance to a summer camp (either 4-H or non-4-H) you must return the application by April 26th! Please mail the application or drop it off at UMaine Extension, 75 Clearwater Drive, Suite 104, Falmouth, ME 04105. The application can also be found online at 4-H Forms and Registrations (the form is as a Word document). If you need extra paper copies of the scholarship mailed to you, contact Lisa Waters at 781.6099 or via e-mail at lisa.waters@maine.edu. Scholarship amounts depend on the costs of the camp to which you are applying, but can range from $50 to $100 (more funding is available for 4-H’ers who wish to attend a Maine 4-H Camp). There also will be funding available specifically for 4-H youth to attend a horse camp. If youth are attending a horse camp, they should indicate that on their campership application form.
2013 Campership Application (Word)
2013 Scholarship Application
Due April 26th
Scholarship Applications for Seniors are due April 26th. If you need help applying for these scholarships or have questions please call Lisa Waters at 781.6099.
4-H Leader’s Association Scholarship
The scholarships are open to past or current 4-H members with at least five years of membership in Cumberland County 4-H. The deadline to apply for this scholarships is April 26th, 2013.
Linda Clark/Margy Justice Memorial Scholarships
The scholarships are open to past or current 4-H members with at least five years of membership in Cumberland County 4-H. Please call the 4-H County office (781.6099 or 1.800.287.1471 in Maine) if you have questions. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is April 26, 2013.
Susan P. Grover Memorial Scholarship for Cumberland County 4-H Youth
Susan P. Grover was a generous supporter of 4-H through her activities with her children who participated in 4H. It is with great pride that a memorial scholarship to honor Sue was established at her passing by her family. Each year two $200.00 scholarships will be awarded to a 4H’er who consistently demonstrated in their lives respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring. This scholarship is open to Cumberland County 4-H members with experience in a 4-H animal project (large animal or small animal). For Susan Grover Scholarship Information Please call (781.6099 or 1.800.287.1471 in Maine) if you have questions. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is April 26, 2013.
Cumberland County Extension Groups Scholarship
This scholarship is open to all Cumberland County youth, but is decided upon by the awards committee of the Cumberland County Leader’s Association and members of the Extension Homemaker Groups.
Please call 781.6099 or 1.800.287.1471 if you have questions. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is April 26, 2013. This deadline is not flexible.
Welcome New 4-H Clubs
- White Pine Caprines — Goat Club, Leader Kristi Wright
- Stitch-A-Dee-Doo-Dahs — Sewing Club, Leader Roseanne Graef
- Science Maine-iacs — Science Club, Leader Lisa Card
- Helpful Huskies — General Club, Leader Alyson Franks
Save The Date!
June Jamboree — June 1, 2013
Information will be sent out at the beginning of May.
April Activity Corner
Looking for something to do? Need an icebreaker, a team building activity or even something to get the group up and moving at your next 4-H event? Our office has a copy of the book “Find Something To Do” by Jim Cain. Learn more about the book by visiting http://www.teamworkandteamplay.com/books.html or call the UMaine Extension Cumberland County office to check it out!
Robotics Expo 2013
Who: Any youth participating in or interested in 4-H robotics program.
What: Robotics Expo
When: Saturday, October 19, 2013
Where: TBD
Workshops: TBD
More information coming soon!
100 Years of 4-H Celebration Centerpieces
The Extension Homemakers are looking for 4-H Clubs to make two centerpieces for their State Spring meeting to be held in April. The Centerpieces must have the theme 100 years of 4-H and be 24″ wide (or less) in honor of this years 100 Years of 4-H celebration. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prices for the centerpieces. Each centerpiece will need to fit a round table and have the name of the maker on the bottom. The centerpieces must be submitted by April 21 to the UMaine Extension office in Falmouth. Please call or e-mail Lisa (780.6099 or lisa.waters@maine.edu) to let us know if you would like to submit a centerpiece.
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 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 your participation in the State 4-H Dairy Programs:
- Dairy judging – April 13, Saturday, meet at 9:30 a.m. at Highland Farms in Cornish for registration. Open to all 4-H Dairy project members. Full schedule is available on the 4-H Dairy web page listed below.
- 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 Dairy Packet is available on the 4-H Dairy web page.
Forms are on the 4-H Dairy web page.
Eastern States Exposition – Form Deadlines
Please check out the 4-H website for additional information; look for “animal forms” towards the bottom of the page, click on that and the list of animal commodities will appear.
- Dairy Goat – April 15th
- Dairy Cattle – May 1st
- Sheep – May 1st
- Horse PACKETS are due June 7th
These dates are when forms are due to the Activity Coordinator! All forms must first go to the county in which you are 4-H enrolled for confirmation of eligibility. Do not wait until they are due as they will be late!
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, Mass, the 3rd weekend in September. It’s an experience you will not soon 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 will demonstrate 4-H projects this year that will be focused on Robotics and Engineering. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in stage performances, which consist of planned presentations using costumes and other props, as needed. All projects and demonstrations will be centered on a science theme. Please call the UMaine Extension Office in Oxford County at 743.6329 or 800.287.1482 (in Maine) for specific details and for the team application. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Sign up now as a small group with other teens. Students will stay in the dorm; meals and transportation will be provided. 4-Hers participating in the New England Center Program are eligible to apply for the Morris Scholarship.
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. Find if you qualify or get more information about how to apply for the scholarship.
4-H @ UMaine: Connecting Kids to Campus
On-line registration for 4H @ UMaine will begin April 8th. Workshops (including many new programs) are available to youth between the ages of 12-18. This program will take place May 17 & 18th at the University of Maine in Orono. Learn more.
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 to receive a heifer 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, you can download an application; the application deadline is December 31, 2013.
ESE Dairy Goat Intent to Participate – Maine Eastern States Dairy Goat Team
The Dairy Goat Animal Science Committee wants to invite youth who were at least 12 years old but not 19 years old as of December 31, 2012 and in at least their second year of the Dairy Goat 4-H project to try out to be a part of the Maine ESE Dairy Goat team. Youth who are interested in this opportunity must submit an Intent to Participate form by April 15, 2013. This form is available on the 4-H Goat web page.
Submitting an intent form does not guarantee a position on the team and does not commit a youth to participating. Those who are unsure are encouraged to submit the form as it is required as part of the tryout criteria. No late forms will be accepted. If you have questions about the process, please contact Tami Hussey at 207.282.3201 or thussey2@maine.rr.com.
2013 Maine 4-H Days – Presenters Needed
Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18 – 21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and volunteers are needed to present a variety of workshops. If you have a skill you could share with youth, anything from photography to cooking or botany, let us know! We also have 4-H Science toolkits available, and can provide materials for your workshop.
Some workshops we have had in the past: Wood Working, Jewelry Making, Fun with Science, Theatre, Cheese Making, Nature Walk, Phenology, Jump Rope Fun, Make Your Own Hula Hoop, and much more – workshops can relate to any of the 4-H projects – from public speaking to dairy goats to robotics. We have many more ideas available if you are interested in volunteering, but aren’t sure what you’d like to offer. Youth volunteers are also needed to be presenter assistants or to offer their own workshops.
If you are interested in volunteering, as a presenter or otherwise, please contact Jessy Brainerd at jessica.brainerd@maine.edu or 581.3877.
Fryeburg Youth Show – April 25 – 28, 2013
Join us for the 23rd Annual Fryeburg Youth Show held each year in conjunction with the National Belted Galloway Sale and The Maine Event – Elite Heifer Sale at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds in Fryeburg, Maine. Open to youth from USA and Canada. Stock Show University will be conducting educational clinics for all. Registration information is available at www.fryeburgyouthshow.com.
April Vacation Day Camp at Tanglewood 4-H
This outdoor day camp will be held at University of Maine 4-H Camp at Tanglewood in Lincolnville, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day on April 15-19 for 6-11 year olds. It’s a fun-filled week packed with games, art, and exploration that encourages personal growth in harmony with nature. The cost is $140 for the week. For more information or to register visit the Tanglewood website or contact Patti at 789.5868 or patricia.chapman@maine.edu.
Youth and Stress
This publication is available as a free download, and is a great resource for parents and adults who work with children. This publication offers insights and ideas for adults who know a young person who gets stressed from time to time. It shares the symptoms of stress, and some strategies for how to talk about it. See Bulletin #4429, Youth and Stress.
UMaine 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training Weekend
The annual 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop will be held June 14-16, 2013 at the University of Maine 4-H Camp at Bryant Pond in Oxford County. This weekend training will certify you as a State of Maine 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor in the Rifle, Shotgun, Archery or the Hunting/Wildlife discipline. (One discipline of your choice.) Weekend includes meals and lodging at Bryant Pond’s beautiful Lakeside Lodge. For more information, please visit the Bryant Pond website, or contact Scott Olsen at scott.olsen@maine.edu or 665-2068.
4-H Club Happenings
4 Paws 4-H Dog Agility
Leader & Reporter- Sherry Dietrich
Amazing! No snowstorm on March 23 so 4-Paws 4-H Dog Agility Club was able to kick off its 2013 season with an orientation meeting at Mallett Hall in Pownal. Reed called the meeting to order; Parker and Owen led us all in the pledges. After Owen read the minutes of the October 2012 meeting, they were accepted as corrected. Owen also read a thank you from the Leaders’ Association for our club’s workers at the 4-H kitchen and pig raffle at Cumberland Fair. Shoshanna reported we had $64.50 in out treasury.
Old Business: A. Left over county awards: 1: Theo received her red ribbon for her Fair poster; 2: Two year county pins went to Owen, Ruth, Anne: 5 year pin to Shoshanna; Dog project pin to Hunter (Ashley and Abby C received these, too at Winterfest); 10 year leader’s pin, Sandy Schumann; Citizenship Award, Hunter. Certificates of Achievement went to all of last year’s members. Hunter also received a June Jamboree Rally-Obedience Workshop certificate.
New Business: A. This year’s meeting schedule, the list of rules and agility group listings were passed out and briefly gone over. B. Mrs. D. announced that this year’s Community Service project will be fundraising for the National Canine Cancer Research Fund. C. Game Day, May 25 will be our 20th Anniversary Celebration Day. Committees will be created. D. Posters from new member, Sophie and Taylor, will be done this year. All returning members will do trick demos. E. Mrs. D showed members the souvenir treat bags. It was agreed the charge would be $2 a piece with the Club contributing to the balance. Meeting Adjourned, the next meeting will be March 30 at Mallett Hall, we will have election of officers.
Educational Program: Liz Langham of Tree Frog Farm in North Yarmouth, gave a most relevant and informative talk on how to deal with reactive dogs. Leader Sandy Schumann and her Australian Shepherd, demonstrated many of the techniques Sandy has used with Nellie to keep the dog’s mind on her handler and not on other dogs or distractions which might cause Nellie to react unfavorably. Thank you Liz, Sandy, and Nellie.
CC Sheep Club
Reporter: Lucia
At the February sheep club meeting, the club had sheep skill-a-thon. We learned about equipment, meat cuts, anatomy, and the structure of sheep. We also talked about different breeds of sheep, too. Thank you to Wendy Gallagher for organizing the skill-a-thon for our club!
At the March Sheep club meeting, the club went over to the Hayward’s farm and learned about judging show sheep and breeding sheep. We also talked about clipping hooves and general conditioning for lambs and sheep. The Sheep Club also finished all their blankets for Project LINUS and will be donating 20 blankets this month.
Cumberland County 4-H Sheep Club
Cumberland County 4-H Sheep Club
Project LINUS Blankets
Sheep showing
White Pine Caprines
The officers are:
- President: Sofia
- Vice President: Don
- Secretary: Bella
- Reporter: Lucia
- Property Managers: Maggie, Charlie and Nora
- Events Coordinator: Molly
- Photographer: Gaetana.
At the White Pine Caprines Goat 4H Club meeting in March, the club gained some new members, so there were introductions for all the members. Some of the kids made presentations about meat and dairy goats with some interesting information. The club also elected officers for the year.
We also talked about goals for the year and what activities we would like to do for the next club meeting.
White Pine Caprines Goat Club
Merry Makers
Reporter: Noah
The Merry Makers club had a meeting this month at Gorham Public Works. Our meeting started off talking about Mini Forum and who went and what we liked about it and also new business pertaining to our club. Then, we decorated eggs. We dyed eggs using shaving cream with food coloring in it, as well as dying eggs with just food coloring. We used stencils and markers to decorate them. There were 15 club members present.
Merry Makers March 2013
The number of sheep and sheep producers are growing in Maine and beyond. The Maine Sheep Breeders Association, in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, has developed a 30-month long project known as the “Outreach to Emerging Maine Sheep Entrepreneurs”. The project’s purpose is to equip new sheep producers with knowledge and skills for a successful sheep enterprise.
Last summer, my husband and I made a deal. We’d buy a farm and bring my horses to Maine and I’d buy him some sheep. He’s always wanted sheep, I needed to have my horses nearby; it made sense. The horses arrived last July. It’s time for me to deliver. This year is Sheep Year and we decided to kick it off with a lambing day.
I stopped freaking out about taking on a new category of pet/livestock around Lisa’s second sentence. She’s an encyclopedia. Spending two hours at the Websters’ farm was like reading a book in a day.
