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Youth Advocate of the Year Awards 
The Youth Advocate of the Year Awards honor top youth advocates from across the country - youth who have fought hard to promote tobacco prevention legislation in their home states, to reduce tobacco marketing to kids in their communities, and to stop their peers from using tobacco. Winners are chosen based on their advocacy experience, their demonstration of initiative and creativity, and the effectiveness of their efforts to prevent youth from smoking, among other qualities. Nomination Deadline: January 22, 2010. Nomination packets are available at: www.tobaccofreekids.org/yaya
 Growing Connections: Farm to School and Classroom to Cafeteria  The Maine-ly Nutrition and Take Time! School Program is bringing Tony Geraci, Chef Andrea, and local Maine advocates for Farm to School initiatives together to help school teams develop plans to increase nutrition education, access to local foods, and a strong cafeteria-classroom connection in Maine schools. March 25, 2010, 8:30-3:15 at the Augusta Civic Center. FMI: contact Mary Ann Bennett at mbennett@usm.maine.edu or 207.626.5044 or Amy Root at aroot@usm.maine.edu or 207.592.2276. 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
Tobacco Treatment Webinars
 The Center for Tobacco Independence, on behalf of the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine, has launched a series of webinars designed to provide supplementary training for those engaged in the delivery of tobacco treatment services. Fee: Free All webinars are from 11:00AM-12:00 noon. FMI & Registration:
Webinar Schedule:
11/4/09 Updates on Tobacco Treatment Medications
12/2/09 Dreaded Moments in Intensive Tobacco Treatment
1/6/10 Updates on the Maine Tobacco HelpLine
2/3/10 How to Interpret the Research
3/3/10 Tobacco Treatment with Teens-What Works?
6/2/10 Tobacco Treatment & Depression
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.
Kids Oral Health Partnership Free Training Available 
KOHP provides training on how to do oral assessments with young children and provide caregiver guidance and early prevention techniques-including fluoride varnish. This training for healthcare, childcare, and other family service providers is available for free. KOHP has also begun to offer a "Train the Trainer" course for those interested in delivering this curriculum. FMI on scheduling a training or becoming a trainer, contact Bonnie Vaughan RDH at bvaughan@mcd.org or 207.622.7566 X218 or www.kohp.org.
3rd Annual Kicking Butts on Film (...and Radio!) Are you a passionate advocate with a camera or microphone tired of Big Tobacco targeting kids? The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids invites you to enter an original video or radio public service announcement (PSA) in the national Kicking Butts on Film (...and Radio!) contest. This is a great opportunity for youth to stand out, speak up, and seize control in the fight against tobacco. In addition to cash prizes, all finalists will receive a Kick Butts Day Prize Pack and have their PSAs featured on the CTFK YouTube Channel. FMI & Registration: www.kickbuttsday.org/psa_contest
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.
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.
Maintaining School Wellness During Tight Budget Times 
School districts have been making great progress in health and fitness and there's no reason to scale back on wellness initiatives just because budgets are tight. This webinar sponsored by the Dannon Institute will look at ways you can continue to promote health and fitness among students and staff with low-cost and even no-cost initiatives, some of which may even yield cost savings. Join our very own RSU 38 (Maranacook Area Schools) Superintendent Rich Abramson and other school wellness experts as they explore cost-effective methods to achieve school wellness. View the archived webinar at:
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.
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 December 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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Legislative Updates
Let your voice be heard! 
Healthy People 2020: For three decades Healthy People has provided a set of national 10-year health promotion and disease prevention objectives aimed at improving the health of all Americans. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services invites you to comment on the draft set of objectives for Healthy People 2020. Your commments will help ensure issues important to you are included in Healthy People. Comments will be accepted through December 31, 2009. Visit www.healthypeople.gov/hp2020/comments
Nutrition Facts Labeling: The Food and Drug Administration is requesting comments on a study examining consumer reaction to possible modification of Nutrition Facts labeling. Areas of focus include:
- whether and how to emphasize calorie counts on Nutrition Facts panels
- whether and how to amend the agency's serving size regulations
- whether certain nutrients should be added or removed from the Nutrition Facts label
The FDA said that calorie count emphasis could entail using larger font for total calorie information, adding a 'percentage of daily calories' declaration or eliminating the 'calories from fat' declaration. The 'serving size' or 'servings per container' declaration could also see increased font size. Comments will be accepted through January 19, 2010. Visit www.regulations.gov
Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act: Senate bill (S.) 2749 is among the bills recently introduced in the 111th session of the U.S. Congress. The bill introduced by Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), if enacted, would increase the number of meals allowed to be served daily to children in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and would also increase meal reimbursement rates. For bill summary and status information, along with the text of the legislation, visit http://thomas.loc.gov and enter the bill number. This bill currently does not have any co-sponsors. Please consider contacting Senators Snowe & Collins to urge their support. |
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Hall-Dale Elementary School Students Enjoy Walking School Bus
This fall more than 200 Hall-Dale Elementary School students participated in the Walking School Bus. Students convened at the Savings Bank of Maine parking lot where they were able to unload backpacks and belongings into principal Tom Leonard's truck then began the steep climb up Winthrop Street to the elementary school. Students were joined by elementary school staff and parents as they made the 20-minute trek. The Walking School Bus is a strategy to increase physical activity for students. Research shows that students who receive the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day are more likely to be at a healthy weight, are better learners, and are less likely to be referred for behavioral issues. 
The Walking School Bus was organized in collaboration with Maine Department of Transportation, the Hall-Dale Elementary PTO, and Healthy Communities of the Capital Area. The school plans to hold several more Walking School Bus events throughout the course of the school year.
To learn more about the Walking School Bus program or other ways to increase opportunities for physical activity in your district, contact Renee Page at rpage@mcd.org or 207.588.5020. |
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New Physical Activity Opportunity at the Gardiner Common
 The City of Gardiner recently celebrated the grand opening of the long-awaited updated playground on the Gardiner Common. The new playground features swings, climbing equipment, slides, and much more. The playground is suitable for children of all ages. Final design and selection of the playground resulted after years of public participation and planning. Interest in the Common peaked in 2007 as a group of citizens called the "Citizens for the Common Good" presented a summary of a survey on the need to imporove or replace the previously existing playground.
In 2008 the Maine Department of Conservation awarded the City a $25,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to replace the old wooden playground. In addition, the City received a generous donation from Gardiner's Professional Firefighters Local 2303 for this project. Collaboration among the City's Public Works crew, Eric Welzel from Miracle Recreation Equipment, and David Cichowski as project coordinator helped bring the project to fruition.
Come enjoy the new, safe playground at the smoke-free Gardiner Common.
Consider attending the Gardiner Soltice Celebration on the Common December 21st from 7:00-9:00 PM. Telescopes will be available for viewing the night sky on the longest night of the year. |
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Grant & Funding Opportunities and Resources
Budget cuts and a suffering economy has put a damper on funding for many wellness initiatives. Here are some wonderful grant opportunities and resources to help supplement those dwindling budgets.
Donors Choose 
At DonorsChoose.org school teachers post classroom project requests that range from pencils for a poetry writing unit to violins for a school recital to microscope slides for a biology class. Visitors to DonorsChoose.org can browse project requests and give any amount to the ones that inspire them. Once a project reaches its funding goal, DonorsChoose will deliver the materials to the school. Donors will receive photos of the project taking place, a thank-you letter from the teacher, and a cost report showing how each dollar was spent. Donors may contribute as little as $1.00 but those who give more than $100 will also receive hand-written thank-you letters from the students.
Grant Wrangler 
Find funding opportunities for K-12 schools, searchable by grade level, keyword, category, and deadline. FMI: www.grantwrangler.com
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. The winning class will be taken to Disneyland Resort. Enrollment deadline: December 18, 2009. FMI: visit http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge/
Green Thumb Challenge 2010
This initiative of the Green Education Foundation calls on classrooms and schools to plant 10,000 inodoor or outdoor gardens during the spring of 2010. GEF's Web site provides gardening instructions; checklists for school approvals; plot location guidelines; container garden suggestions; funding resources; garden plans; and more. Green Thumb Challenge lessons link gardening to science, math, language arts, creative arts, and technology. Summer student internships and community service programs will be available, along with an online professional development course for teachers. Register by December 15, 2009 and be entered into a raffle for free garden kits or cash prizes to jump start and/or fund your garden. FMI: visit www.greeneducationfoundation.org
Do Something Awards 
Since 1996 Do Something has honored some of America's best young "world changers" with the Do Something Awards. Award winners represent the pivotal "do-ers" in their field, cause, or issue and are rewarded with a project grant, participation in a special award ceremony, media coverage, and continued support from Do Something. Five awards will be given. Four winners will receive $10.000 and one Grand Prize winner will receive $100,000 toward their organization or cause. Registration Deadline: December 15, 2009. FMI: www.dosomething.org/programs/awards
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. Registration deadline: January 10, 2010. FMI & Application: visit www.kidsgardening.org/grants/heinz.asp.
Champions for Healthy Kids 
Each year, the General Mills Foundation, in partnership with the American Dietetic Association Foundation and the President's Council on Physical Fitness, awards 50 grants of $10,000 each to community-based groups that develop creative ways to help youth adopt a balanced diet and physically active lifestyle. In addition the GMF sponsors up to 50,000 youth ages 6-17 each year to participate in the President's Challenge and earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award for their commitment to a physically active and fit lifestyle. Application Deadline: January 15, 2010. FMI & Applications:
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
Welch's Harvest Grants 
Winning schools will receive a customized indoor our outdoor garden package filled with a variety of tools, seeds, educational materials, and mores. Two schools in every state will be selected to receive a Welch's Harvest Grant. Garden Packages are valued between $250 and $1,000. Application deadline February 6, 2010. FMI: visit www.scholastic.com/harvest.
Outdoor Classroom Grant Program
Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, International Paper, and National Geographic Explorer! classroom magazine have partnered to create an outdoor classroom grant to provide outdoor, hands-on science education to students in grades K-12 and assist schools in enhancing their core curriculum in all subjects. This year, the program will award grants up to $2,000 to at least 100 schools. In some cases, grants for up to $20,000 may be awarded to schools with major outdoor classroom projects. The grants can be used to build a new outdoor classroom or enhance a current outdoor classroom. All K-12 public schools the US are welcome to apply. FMI & Application: www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/outdoor/index.html.
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.
Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program 
The Bonnie's Third Grade Cabbage Program distributes free cabbage plants to third-grade classrooms whose teachers sign up to participate. This year 1,200,000 third graders will plant and take care of their own cabbage plants. Learn more about this program, which also awards a $1,000 scholarship to one student in each state at: Registration deadline: April 15, 2010. FMI: visit
Fruit Tree 101
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation brings fruit tree orchards to schoolyards so students can make a positive environmental impact at their school, while creating a source of tasty snacks for decades to come. New this year, Fruit Tree 101 invites parents to submit their children's schools to receive a special schoolyard planting in honor of their child. No matter the location, if the winner family's school is a suitable public school equipped with enough green space to sustain an orchard, you could help the environment and bring tasty treats to your children's classmates. And if your school wins, so does your family. Fruit Tree 101 will also present the winning family an individual fruit tree that can be planted at or near their home and enjoyed for years to come. Rolling Deadline. FMI & Application: www.ftpf.org/fruittree101.htm
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
Annie's Grants for Gardens 
Annie's offers a limited number of small grants to community gardens, school gardens, and other educational programs that connect children directly to gardening. These funds may be used to buy gardening tools, seeds, or other gardening supplies. Rolling Deadline. FMI: www.annies.com/grants_for_gardens
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.
Volunteer Mentors Needed
Volunteers are needed for the Monmouth Middle School Mentoring Program. The mentoring program promotes productive interactions between students and adults to help students explore the relationship between school, work, and society. Caring adult mentors donate one hour on Tuesdays or Thursdays throughout the school year for a total minimum of 25 hours. The mentoring program offers a variety of indoor games and activities, monitored space for quiet conversations, and outdoor activities. FMI: Florel Steuerwalt at 207.933.7244, Lori Gray at 207.933.2318 or 207.377.7304 or Debbie Bechard at 207.620.7180 X212.
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
Selecting Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Maine Schools 
The Office of Substance Abuse has made available a new resource to help K-12 schools select evidence-based programs and curriculum that are the best fit for their unique needs and resources. The Guide is available online at: www.maine.gov/dhhs/osa/prevention/schoolcollege/ Hard copies may be ordered from the OSA Information and Resource Center at 1.800.499.0027 or osa.ircosa@maine.gov |
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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
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