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Important Dates
 September 15, 1:00: Webinar: Preemption and Public Health. The purpose of this webinar is to provide public health professionals and other non-lawyers with a basic grounding in preemption concepts through general discussion and examples. It will help public health professionals participate fully in policy discussions when preemption is on the table. FMI & Registration: visit nplanonline.org.
September 22 & 29, 9:00-4:00: Technology Training: Tools & Resources, Newport Cultural Center. This free two-day training for Central and Penquis Public Health Districts will help our partners build capacity around technology. Learn to utilize online resources and technology to better reach your audiences. FMI & Registration: contact Karen Tucker at ktucker@mcd.org or 207.588.5012.
Gatekeeper Training A full-day training for adults in school & community settings designed to provide up-to-date information about suicide, teach basic suicide intervention skills, increase personal confidence and ability to effectively respond to suicidal behavior, and identify helpful resources. Fee: $50 Dates & Locations: Aug. 18, Augusta; Sept. 24, Machias; Oct. 29, Presque Isle; Dec. 3, Bangor; Feb. 11, Portland; Mar. 11, Biddeford; May 4, Lewiston. FMI & Registration: visit mcdregistration.org.
Training of Trainers, Learn to present a youth suicide prevention awareness session. A 3.5-hour program available to those "gatekeepers" willing to facilitate suicide prevention awareness sessions. Easy-to-use packaged materials provided. Gatekeeper training is a prerequisite before enrolling in this training. Fee: $30 Dates & Locations: Aug. 19, Augusta; Dec. 15, Bangor; Mar. 24, Portland; May 11, Augusta. FMI & Registration: visit mcdregistration.org.
Free Training for Bicycle Safety Instructors. 
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine, in cooperation with MaineDOT, will offer a free, one-day course at three locations to train teachers, police, medical professionals, health educators, parents, and volunteers how to most effectively teach bicycle safety to children. Topics covered include child development and bicycling, helmet fit, dressing for safety, bicycle equipment safety check, rules of the road, basic driving skills and safety maneuvers, and incorporating bicycling into your curriculum or program. Participants must bring a bicycle in good condition and a helmet that fits. Fee: Free, Lunch Included. Dates & Locations: 8:00-3:00 on Sept. 18, Orono; Sept. 25, Farmington; Oct. 2, Augusta. FMI & Registration: visit BikeMaine.org or call 207.623.4511.
September 26, 8:00 AM: Friends of Cumston Hall AppleFest 5K Run/Jog/Walk, Monmouth.
Participate in or donate to this effort to raise funds for restorations to Cumston Hall, home of Shakespearean Theatre in Central Maine. Register by September 21st to receive an AppleFest logo t-shirt and gift bag. Fee: $15 or $18 the day of the race. FMI on registration or how to donate: visit cumstonhall.org or contact Race Director John Lipovsky at 207.607.2782 or johnnylipovsky@yahoo.com.
September 29, 7:30-5:30: Maine Immunization Congress, Maple Hill Farm, Hallowell. An entire day devoted to the topic of childhood immunizations. Hear two nationally-renowned speakers discuss the benefits and safety of immunizations to assist in responding to parents' questions. Attend a working group session with a diverse group of stakeholders on financing immunizations in the state. CMEs available. FMI & Registration: visit maineaap.org/conferences.htm.
September 30 & October 1, 9:00-4:00: Strength-Based Approaches to Working with Girls & Becoming a Muse: Practical Skills for Running Girls' Groups, Colby College, Waterville. Developed in partnership with Dr. Lyn Mikel Brown, these trainings are designed to help you incorporate the latest research on girls' development into work you're already doing and focuses on methods for providing girls with an environment that is conducive to learning and growing well despite cultural messages and stereotypes. Qualify for Early Bird Registration before September 16th. FMI & Registration: visit hghw.org.
October 8 & 18, 8:00-3:00: Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals (DITEP), Auburn Public Library. This training is for educators who want to know more about how to recognize students under the influence and how to respond effectively. Day 1 of the training is for anyone affiliated with the school who is interested and is focused on general drug impairment and policies. Day 2 is best suited for those who will actually conduct evaluations of students. Participants must attend Day 1 in order to attend Day 2. Fee: $25 per day. FMI & Registration: healthyandroscoggin.org.
October 18-20: International Symposium on Pharmaceuticals in the Home and Environment, Point Lookout Resort & Conference Center, Northport, ME. Meet with leading authorities on prescription drug use, misuse, abuse, return, and disposal. FMI & Registration: visit www.mainebenzo.org/2009conference.htm.
October 20, 1:00 PM: Webinar: Community Gardens to Promote Health. This webinar will present legal and policy tools that can be used to support community gardens. It will also feature examples from communities that have established strong community garden policies. A registration form and more details will be posted after September 15 at nplanonline.org.
Fall 2009 Getting Started With Service Learning 
Attend one of four upcoming workshops to gain an understanding of the difference between the KIDS model of service learning and other community-oriented educational experiences. Also learn about a variety of service learning projects and the benefits of service learning. Receive tools and resources, contact hours, breakfast, and lunch. Reduced Fee: $50. Dates & Locations: Sept. 29, Kittery; Sept. 30, Springfield, MA; Oct. 6, Freeport; Oct. 7, Concord, NH. FMI & Registration: visit www.kidsconsortium.org/getting_started.php.
Third Mondays of the Month, 10:00 AM: La Leche League Mother to Mother Breastfeeding Support Group, 202 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. 
Please call Katherine in advance to let her know you are coming. 207.582.8250.
October 13, 8:30-4:30: Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism, University of Maine, Orono. 
The state's only professional development conference tailored to the needs and challenges of leaders in the volunteer sector. Workshop topics include: social media, volunteer management, building partnerships, and more. Fee: $75. FMI & how to save 25% on registration go to VolunteerMaine.org.
October 16: Understanding & Treating Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Portland. This presentation will focus on understanding, managing, and treating diverse forms of self-injury including arm and body cutting, self-inflicted burning, and excoriation of wounds. Self-injury will be distinguished from suicidal behavior in terms of a number of key characteristics. Eight levels of care in the management and treatment of self-injury will be reviewed. Fee: $75. FMI & Registration: visit mcdregistration.org.
October 29-31: New England: Feeding Ourselves, Eastland Park Hotel, Portland. The New England Association of Resource Conservation & Development fall conference will address the topic of how to develop and sustain a local food system. Paul Roberts, author of The End of Food will provide the keynote address. FMI & Registration visit thresholdtomaine.org or contact Mark Hews at threshold@gwi.net or 207.657.3131.
Lifelines Teacher Trainings, Learn how to teach youth about suicide prevention. A full-day training program for health educators and others who will implement Lifeline student suicide prevention lessons in the school health curriculum. These lessons are aligned with Maine Learning Results Health Education Standards. They are part of a research-based, field-tested program that has been evaluated in Maine. Gatekeeper training is a prerequisite before enrolling in this training. Fee: $50. Dates & Locations: Nov. 4, Augusta; Jan. 26, Bangor; Mar. 30, Portland. FMI & Registration: visit mcdregistration.org.
Suicide Prevention Protocol Development Workshop The likelihood of schools or youth-serving organizations encountering a suicidal youth is real and few events are more painful or potentially disruptive. Protocols provide guidance on steps to take in order to safely assist youth and staff by providing them with direction, structure, and support. This workshop is appropriate for school staff and social service providers. The value of the workshop will be greatly increased if each school or agency sends a minimum of 2-3 key staff. Fee: $30. Dates & Locations: Nov. 13, Augusta; Feb. 3, Portland; Apr. 27, Bangor. FMI & Registration: visit mcdregistration.org.
November 9-10: Maine Youth Action Network 26th Annual Peer Leadership Conference, Augusta Civic Center.
Join over 400 7th-12th grade youth and their adult advisors from across the state for an inspiring two days of workshops, activities, training, and team building. Conference participants learn new skills, network with other groups, and learn about local and statewide initiatives and resources that can support their efforts throughout the year. Participants leave feeling inspired, informed, and ready to take action back home! FMI and registration information: Go to www.myan.org.
November 10-11: Maine Youth Action Network 6th Annual Anti-Tobacco Summit, Augusta Civic Center. 
This FREE two-day event mobilizes 7th-12th grade youth and their adult advisors from across Maine to come together to fight the battle against tobacco. Attendees take part in various workshops and activities to help them gain information, resources, skills, and connections to fight tobacco in their communities and homes. FMI and registration information: Go to www.myan.org.
December 3-4: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture's 2nd Annual Young Farmers Conference: Reviving the Culture of Agriculture, Tarrytown, NY. This conference is designed to help remove obstacles faced by young farmers, such as access to land and capital, working with various distribution channels, lack of general agricultural skill sets, and more. The Young Farmers Conference is a space to network with peers and learn from leaders in the field, helping to ensure that the next generation of farmers is equipped for the work ahead. FMI: visit stonebarnscenter.org.
Through December 31, 2009: Win a Custom Maine-made Bicycle
valued at more than $3,500. Tickets are on sale now for the 2009 Bicycle Coalition of Maine Super Raffle. Tickets are $50 each and no more than 250 will be sold. For more information and to purchase tickets visit: www.bikemaine.org/store/superraffle.htm April 9, 2010: Beyond the Basics of Suicide Prevention Conference, Augusta. This 6th annual advanced level training will include a choice of tracks addressing important aspects of suicide prevention such as grief and clinical intervention. Fee: $75. FMI & Registration: visit mcdregistration.org. |
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Our Towns
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Augusta
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Chelsea
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Farmingdale
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Fayette
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Gardiner
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Hallowell
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Litchfield
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Manchester
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Monmouth
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Mt. Vernon
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Pittston
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Randolph
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Readfield
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Richmond
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Vienna
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Wayne
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W. Gardiner
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Windsor
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Winthrop |
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HCCA
Board of Directors
Rebecca West Dick, Chair
Cindy T. Flye
Rob Gordon
Chuck Hays, Treasurer
Bill McKenna
William McPeck
Kathi Wall
Jim Wood, Secretary
Mark Yerrick
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Welcome to the Back to School Issue of Youth News This issue is dedicated to schools, youth serving organizations, and anyone concerned about the health and wellbeing of our children. You are invited to submit articles, ideas, and event announcements to rpage@mcd.org
If you forward this newsletter, please use the Forward email link at the bottom of the page.
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H1N1 Flu Updates 
Schools across the state have begun planning school-based flu clinics to vaccinate children against both seasonal influenza and H1N1. Schools are partnering with healthcare providers to offer the clinics in an effort to vaccinate all school-aged children statewide.
Those most at risk from the effects of H1N1 or most likely to contract and spread the virus are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and include the following:
- Pregnant women
- Individuals ages 6 months to 24 years
- Those in contact with or caregivers for children younger than 6 months
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- People ages 25 to 64 years who have health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications from influenza
The first line of defense against the flu is proper handwashing, social distancing, and staying home if you have flu symptoms. This means always washing hands after using the restroom, touching your face, and before eating. It also means sneezing and coughing into your arm and wiping down surfaces such as doorknobs, phones, and desks with sanitizer.
- Downloadable posters
- Tips for how to talk to kids about the flu
- Kid-friendly short videos about handwashing and more
- Up-to-date information about seasonal flu and H1N1
- Health advisories
- Flu preparation recommendations
- Guidance, and more
E-mail questions about the flu and organizing flu clinics to flu.questions@maine.gov. |
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Maine-ly Nutrition & Take Time!
Registration is now open 
for the 2009-2010 school year for the Maine-ly Nutrition and Take Time! program sponsored by the Maine Nutrition Network.
Schools that participate in the program report:
- fewer discipline problems in the classroom
- students who are more focused and ready to learn
- students who make healthier food choices
- increased staff morale
The Maine-ly Nutrition and Take Time! School Program provides school personnel statewide with resources and training to deliver effective nutrition education. The program encourages schools to develop policies that create environments, which enable each child to make healthy food and physical activity choices. By participating in this program, you could receive resources totaling $1500 or more that will help your school see the benefits of a healthier school environment.
The Maine-ly Nutrition and Take Time! School Program offers:
- Access to the Maine-ly Nutrition and Take Time! Virtual Resource Center, which features a host of online resources and tools to help teachers integrate physical activity and nutrition education in the classroom.
- $100.00 to spend on nutrition education and physical activity resources for every participating teacher who commits to a minimum of 25 hours per year of nutrition education. Teachers will receive extra funding for additional hours.
- Free physical activity resources for participating schools that commit to 10-20 minutes accumulated time for physical activity during the school day.
- A free, lively workshop that includes resources, fun activities and hands-on support.
- An extra $300 for schools that make a school-wide commitment to both nutrition education and physical activity.
- A new web-based training option for participants who are unable to attend live workshops. School staff can view workshop videos at their convenience!
Only one registration is needed per school. Each school should select a Champion, who is the key contact between the school and MNTT! staff, to register for the program. Before completing the online program registration, the Champion will need to preview or print out the registration form in order to review the required registration information.
Note: Limited resources are available to schools with fewer than 50% of students receiving free and reduced price meals. Resources are offered to these schools on a first come, first served basis.
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Enjoy Smoke-Free Outdoor Dining
Beginning September 12th, all outdoor dining areas including
patios, decks, or other property that is partially enclosed or open to the sky is smoke-free. This law applies to bars, restaurants, and snack bars-at any eating establishment where food or drink is served to the public for consumption on the premises-24 hours per day, 365 days a year. Eating establishments with an outdoor dining area shall post signs notifying patrons of the law and requesting that all persons within an outdoor eating area comply with the law. There are resources available to support this new law. Contact HCCA at 207.588-5012 for free "Smoke-Free Area" signs to post at your business. |
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HCCA Offers Support for School Health Leadership Councils
HCCA offers mini-grants to support the development and coordination of School Health Leadership Councils (SHLC) for Coordinated School Health Programming (CSHP). CSHP is a proven effective strategy for improving the health of our children. Grant funds may be used to stipend a coordinator and provide other supports to develop the SHLC. Funding is limited and distributed on a first come, first served basis. For more information about Coordinated School Health Programming, go to: mainecshp.com. For mini-grant applications and information, contact Renee Page at: rpage@mcd.org or 207-588-5020. |
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Local Farmers' Markets Dates & Times 
Wellness Day at the Gardiner Farmers' Market is Wednesday, September 16th from 2:00-6:00. Gather information and enjoy wellness demonstrations while you shop at the market.
Augusta, Turnpike Mall: Wednesdays & Saturdays 10:00-1:00 WIC Accepted
Augusta, Mill Park: Tuesdays 2:00-6:00 WIC Accepted
Gardiner, Common: Wednesdays 2:00-6:00 WIC & SNAP Accepted
Hallowell, Water Street: Sundays 11:00-3:00
Wayne, Mill Pond: Sundays 9:00-11:30
Winthrop, Union Street: Tuesdays & Saturdays 9:00-1:00 |
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October is Walk & Bike to School Month
 Celebrate Walk to School Day on October 7th and promote safe walking and bicycling throughout the year. Walk to School Month gives children, parents, school teachers, and community leaders an opportunity to be part of an event as they celebrate the many benefits of walking and biking. In 2008, millions of walkers from around the world walked to school together for various reasons - all hoping to create communities that are safe places to walk.
You can register your event and get free promotional resources at: walktoschool-usa.org. For help organizing your event or making your community safer for kids to walk and bike to school, contact Renee Page at rpage@mcd.org or 207.588.5020. |
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Grant and Funding Opportunities
Budget cuts and a suffering economy has put a damper on funding for many wellness initiatives. Here are some wonderful grant opportunities to help supplement those dwindling budgets.
Hooked on Hydroponics Education Grants The Grow Store and ProgressiveGardening.org have joined the National Gardening Association to offer hydroponic equipment to expand indoor gardening opportunities for students ages 6-18. Thirty-six schools will receive equipment and learning materials for hydroponics projects that involve at least 15 children during the 2010 school year. Application Deadline is September 18, 2009. FMI: visit www.kidsgardening.com/grants/HOH.asp.
Disney's Planet Challenge
In this environmental challenge competition students in grades 4-6 will embark upon a project-based learning adventure that empowers them to make a difference in their schools, homes and communities. Students submit a project on an environmental issue they choose while the teacher's role is to ensure that content standards are integrated through a project-based learning experience. Available September 2009. FMI: visit http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge/.
U-Act, Unbridled Acts Program Red Robin Foundation sponsors this character-building initiative specifically for students grades 6-8, which aims to inspire and energize them about the value of being kind to others. During the 09-10 school year, schools that participate in the U-Act Program will implement programs inside and outside of their schools that bring the unbridled acts of kindness philosophy to life. Awards range from $1,200 to $15,000. Application deadline October 1, 2009. FMI & Application visit www.redrobin.com/rrfoundation/uactprogram.aspx.
Spotlighting Positive Youth Development Building Partnerships for Youth announces a professional development opportunity that will facilitate the development of state or community teams from education, health, faith-based, and voluntary youth-serving organizations that will commit to work together to promote adolescent health and wellbeing through the integration of positive youth development approaches into policies and programs, and the coordination of youth services across sectors. Award includes travel expenses to the Kickoff Event February 3-5, 2010 in Chevy Chase, MD. Application Deadline October 2, 2009. FMI & Application visit http://cals-cf.calsnet.arizona.edu/fcs/bpy/content.cfm?content=teamApp.
Toolbox for Education Grant Program 
Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant program is funded by the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, which has supported thousands of grassroots community and school projects in the communities where Lowe's does business. Lowes offers $5000 grants to increase parent involvement and build strong community spirit and school traditions that improve educational opportunities for children. Application deadline October 16, 2009. FMI & Application: visit toolboxforeducation.com. Healthy Sprouts Award Do you plan to have a youth garden program in 2010? If so, the Healthy Sprouts Award supports school and youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and the issue of hunger in the United States. Applications are due October 17, 2009. FMI: visit www.kidsgardening.com and click on grants.
AeroGrow Growing Kids Awards
 The AeroGarden is an innovative solution for bringing gardening activities into the classroom. The Growing Kids Awards, sponsored by AeroGrow International, Inc. will provide 300 educators nationwide with this useful, hands-on tool to enrich and enhance the study of nutrition and life science in the classroom. This award is open to K-6 classrooms with a minimum of 15 students who plan to use indoor gardens to teach nutrition and life science. Each winning program will receive an AeroGarden Classic and an AeroGrow Salad Greens Seed Kit. Application deadline October 24, 2009. FMI & Application visit www.kidsgardening.com/grants/GrowingKids.asp.
Dara's Fund The Dara Fund mini-grant applications for service learning are available Spring and Fall. This initiative, inspired by Dara Kaufman's life, is meant to encourage young people in New England to take action to make their schools and communities caring, supportive, and environmentally sustainable places. The fund will support K-12 service learning projects that focus on issues that were important to Dara. Applications are due Fall 2009. FMI: visit www.kidsconsortium.org/minigrants.php.
Youth Garden Grants Program
The National Gardening Association and The Home Depot provide Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered garden programs. An estimated 100 $1000 or $500 grants will be awarded. Eligible applicants include schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and intergenerational groups throughout the US. Projects must involve at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18 years old. Application deadline November 2, 2009. FMI: visit www.kidsgardening.com/YGG.asp.
Heinz Wholesome Memories Intergenerational Garden Award 
Recognizing the power of gardens to connect individuals of all ages socially, culturally, and emotionally, the Heinz Wholesome Memories Intergenerational Garden Award is designed to foster family-focused garden efforts in communities. The award is open to any adult who wishes to garden with preschool to high school-aged family members and feels that gardening is a great way to build lasting memories. Winning applicants will receive a $500 award package. FMI & Application: visit www.kidsgardening.org/grants/heinz.asp.
Building Healthy Communities Grant Program
The Home Depot is awarding grants up to $2,500 to organizations that utilize the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community. Grants are made in the form of Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools or materials. Applications available: October 15-December 15, 2009. FMI: visit http://corporate.homedepot.com/wps/portal/Grants
Love Your Veggies Grant Program The makers of Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressings are accepting applications for the 09-10 Love Your Veggies Grant Program. the purpose of the program is to help schools execute innovative programs that will increase access to, and consumption of, fresh fruits and vegetables in the cafeteria. Ten $10,000 grants will be awarded to elementary schools across the country to support the development of a vegetable program offering fresh produce to be implemented as early as April 2010 and lasting through the 2010-2011 school year. Application Deadline: November 6, 2009. FMI: www.loveyourveggies.com/guidelines.php.
Mantis Award for Community & Youth Gardens Each year Mantis provides the Mantis Awards for charitable and educational garden projects that serve to improve the quality of life for youth and community members. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to turn slim resources into bountiful gardens that increase access to nutritious foods and provide education on the importance of nutrition. Eligible applicants include non-profit charitable or educational programs. Application deadline March 1, 2010. FMI & Application: visit www.kidsgardening.com/grants/mantis-criteria.asp.
Community Impact Grants The Coca-Cola Company and the Coca-Cola Foundation aim to make a greater impact on the communities Coca-Cola serves around the world by being responsive to the priorities of the communities in which we live and work. They are interested in funding organizations in water stewardship, healthy active lifestyles, community recycling, and education. Rolling Deadline. FMI: www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/application_guidelines.html.
Charles Lafitte Foundation Healthy Living Grants 
The Charles Lafitte Foundation supports innovative and effective ways for people to help themselves and others around them lead healthy and satisfying lives. The foundation's areas of interest include education, youth advocacy, and medical research. The Foundation prefers projects/programs that provide a permanent solution rather than a temporary bandage. Application deadline Rolling. FMI: visit www.charleslafitte.org.
Cigna Foundation Community Grants  The CIGNA Foundation provides grants to projects that focus their efforts on five priority areas including: 1) the health of women, children and families, 2) obesity awareness and prevention, 3) patient/doctor communications and health literacy, 4) elimination of gender and ethnic disparities with health care, and 5) maintenance of healthy minds and bodies. Application deadline Rolling. FMI: visit www.cigna.com/about_us/community/grant_application_details.html
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Thank you for your commitment to the health and wellbeing of our children. Please let us help you make connections to improve lives across our southern Kennebec communities.
Sincerely,
Joanne Joy, Director
&
Renee Page, School & Youth Program Manager
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area
A Local Healthy Maine Partnership
All our newsletters are permission only. You are receiving it because we have an established relationship with you. If you do not want to receive future newsletters, please activate the "SafeUnsubscribe" link below. |
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