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Governor Baldacci, in his State of the State Speech and in a January 27th press conference, launched the Keep ME Well initiative. This online tool helps people assess their health risks, obtain a report that helps them take action and find local resources and support in their own communities, and find low-cost health care services. This will be a very useful web site for health care providers and their patients.
KeepMEWell is designed to help Maine residents assess their risk for chronic disease, improve their health through education, and link them to local resources and supports that can help them decrease their risk of chronic disease and improve their health. It is part of the Governor's Universal Wellness Initiative aimed at helping Maine reach its goal of becoming the healthiest state in the nation.
KeepMEWell has two main features. The first is an assessment that Maine residents, 18 years or older, can complete. Based on answers to a series of health questions, participants will get three personalized reports. The reports assess risk for chronic disease, highlight where one can go to take action to improve his or her health, and provide a list of local resources that can help with disease prevention and management.
The second feature helps Mainers, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured, learn about low cost healthcare services in their local area. To learn more and access the tool, go to keepmewell.org.
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Important Dates
 Katherine O. Musgrave Public Service Award  The Maine Nutrition Council is currently accepting nominations for this year's Katherine O. Musgrave Public Service Award to recognize an individual, organization, or institution for outstanding work in nutrition policy, education, or research. The Maine Nutrition Council presents the award each year at the annual spring conference.
To be considered for this award, nominees must:
- have a completed nomination form
- not be a previous award winner
- have accomplished their work in Maine
Youth Participation on Councils & Boards Training
If you are part of an organization that works with youth, why not hear directly from youth about what they need and want and how they can help? Make sure your work is relevant and meaningful to the people you are trying to serve by involving them from the beginning. Participants will gain a basic understanding of models for youth participation, how to assess organizational needs and desires, common barriers to success, and a comprehensive resource kit to take the project to the next level. Adults interested in creating and facilitating meaningful opportunities to integrate youth voice into their non-profit board or council should attend this training. Fee: $50. Free for HMP staff. Date & Time: February 4, 2010, 1:00-4:00PM. FMI & Registration: Corie Washow at 207.553.5916 or cwashow@propeople.org
What's on Your Plate?
Catch What's on Your Plate?, the documentary about kids and food politics, on national TV Sunday, February 7th at 2:00PM on Discovery's Planet Green. Join families across the country for a Family Cook-In! and spend the afternoon learning with your kids about food- what it's made of, where it comes from, and how to enjoy every bite. The film follows two 11-year-old multi-racial city kids as they explore their place in the food chain. With the camera as their companion, the girl guides talk to each other, food activists, farmers, new friends, store keepers, their families, and the viewer, in their quest to understand what's on our plates. You can download the screening toolkit at http://whatsonyourplateproject.org/blog/takeaction/toolkit.
Additional broadcasts of the film will air on:
- Saturday, February 6th at 10:00PM
- Thursday, February 11th at 11:00PM
- Friday, February 12th at 7:00AM & 3:00PM
Girls' Night Out: Just Dance! Series 
Shake all your worries away in KVYMCA's new series: Girls' Night Out: Just Dance! These classes blend a variety of dance styles into mini dance routines that are fun and easy to follow. Basic instruction in belly dancing and hip hop moves is included along with a lively cardio workout. Fridays, February 12, March 12, and April 16, 2010 at the Augusta KVYMCA studio. Pre-registration is required for each class, 25 participants maximum. Fee: Non-members: $15/class; Program Members: $12/class; Members: $10/class. Child Watch Services available for all 3 nights, please reserve your slots ahead of time. Register by phone at: 207.626.3488. FMI: kvmca.org
Movement with Purpose: Guded Group Snowshoeing Treks The Kennebec Valley YMCA will
offer guided group snowshoeing treks, Saturdays February 13 - March 20, 2010, led by Sara Dostie of Healing Hands Holistic Wellness, "Movement with Purpose". Participants will meet at the KVYMCA Augusta campus at 1:00 PM for 1- to 2-hour treks with healthy snacks provided. Group size limited to 12 (3 person minimum). Fee: Non-members: $40 per Saturday; Program Members: $35 per Saturday; Members: $30 per Saturday. Pre-registration is required the Friday before each trek at the KVYMCA Membership Services Desk. Register by phone at: 207.626.3488. FMI: 207.622.9622.
Tobacco Intervention: Basic Skills Training 
Basic Skills Training is for all professionals in a position to deliver brief messages to patients, students, or clients about tobacco treatment. This includes any health care provider, counselor, educator, public health professional, hospital worker, or community advocate who has an opportunity to interact with Maine residents of any age who use tobacco. The training is conducted in two parts. An online training is completed prior to an in-person group training. Fee: $50.00 includes breakfast and healthy snacks at the in-person training. Dates & Times:
- March 1, 2010 Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport
- March 25, 2010 Clarion Hotel, Portland
Webinar: Physical Education Grants: Strategies to "Show You the Money!" 
If you had more money to spend on your students and physical education program, how would you use it? Would you buy curriculum, attend professional development opportunities, purchase exergaming equipment? Would you create an Exercise Science lab or buy 45 bikes and start a spin class? Participate in this SPARK webinar and learn:
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Where the grants are - how to find them
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Helpful resources and tips for writing, submitting, and winning
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Success stories from schools and districts that "Got the money!"
Join this free webinar for PreK-12 teachers, administrators, PE specialists, after school and early childhood teachers and staff on February 17, 2010 from 6:00-6:45 PM. Register here: www2.gotomeeting.com/register/895114546
Beginning Farmer Series
Thinking of starting a farm? Registration is open at the Waldo County Extension Office for this 4-week series. February 25, March 4, March 11, and March 18 from 6:30-9:00PM. Fee: $50 per farm. FMI & Registration: 207.622.7546 or toll-free in Maine 1-800-287-1481 or e-mail: regkenn@umext.maine.edu
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair
Attend a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair in your community an learn about CSAs, become acquainted with local seasonal foods, buy a share in a farm's weekly harvest, and discover how you can grow a relationship with a Maine farm. 12 Locations statewide on February 28, 2010 from 1:00-4:00PM. Locally at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 18 Union Street, Hallowell.
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.
2nd Annual 5-2-1-0 Goes to School Symposium 
Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual 5-2-1-0 Goes to School Symposium at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn, ME on Tuesday, April 1, 2010 from 8:00-3:00. You can present your 5-2-1-0 success stories or struggles at the symposium. This is a great opportunity to share your ideas and gather new ones. Scholarships available. FMI: Contact Lee Averill at laverill@emh.org or 207.973.7042.
Teens to Trails Biennial Conference 2010 
Celebrate the coming of spring and a new season of outdoor activities and adventures for Maine teens on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at Windham High School, 406 Gray Road, Windham. With over 50 interactive workshops from which to choose and hallways full of exhibits, participants will be able to pick up ideas, pointers, and passion from Maine's outdoor experts. Try your hand at fly casting, climb a rock wall, learn kayaking basics, or taste some backcountry cooking. Learn about trip planning, orienteering, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, biathalons, eagles, owls, or animal skulls. New this year is an added Exhibit Hall with summertime & other outdoor opportunities especially for teens. Win outdoor gear! Special sessions for anyone wanting to start an Outing Club at their own school. Registration fee covers breakfast, lunch, three workshops, and more! Fee: Students: $10.00 Adults: $20.00. Register & pay by March 20th to receive a FREE t-shirt. FMI & Registration: visit teenstotrails.org/ or e-mail teens2trails@gwi.net
We Can! Training 
Developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the nation's medical research agency, We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition) is a fast-growing, national movement of families and communities coming together to promote healthy weight in children and youth through improved food choices, increased physical activity, and reduced screen time. We Can! offers flexible, turn-key, science-based, obesity prevention resources developed by the NIH. This free two-day training on April 8 & 9 at the Senator Inn & Spa in Augusta is intended for those who will return to their communities and implement the programs with parents/caregivers and 8-13 year-old youth. Learn how to implement the following science-based programs for parents and youth:
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CATCH Kids Club (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) An after school program that helps educate elementary school-age children about improved nutrition and increased physical activity
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SMART (Student Media Awareness to Reduce Television) An in-school curriculum designed to teach 3rd and 4th graders about the need to spend less time in front of the TV and computer
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Media-Smart Youth: Eat, Think, Be Active An after school program designed to help young people ages 11-13 become aware of how the media may influence the nutrition and physical activity choices they make
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We Can! Energize Our Families A multi-session program that covers the basics of maintaining a healthy weight
Webcast: A Growing Hunger: The Nation's Demand for Food Safety and Nutritional Information
The 11th Annual Ned E. Baker Lecture in Public Health will be held on the campus of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH and viewable by webcast on April 8, 2010 from 4:00-5:30. FMI: Go to: www.nalboh.org/Ned_E_Baker_Lecture.htm
Family Planning Association of Maine 5th Annual Sexuality Education Conference 
Once again the Family Planning Association of Maine brings the best in sexuality education for professionals - the most up-to-date research, theory, and practice. Keynote Doug Kirby PhD will address Sexuality Education: What Really Works! Thursday, April 8, 2010 8:30-3:30 at the Augusta Civic Center. Fee includes lunch: Early Bird Registration $40 before March 19. After March 19: $50. $35 for each additional person from the same organization. FMI & Registration: mainefamilyplanning.orgA 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, 2009 Augusta; Sept. 24, 2009 Machias; Oct. 29, 2009 Presque Isle; Dec. 3, 2009 Bangor; Feb. 11, 2010 Portland; Mar. 11, 2010 Biddeford; May 4, 2010 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 The Family Prevention & Tobacco Control Act of 2009: What is it and What Does it Mean for Maine?
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, 2009 Augusta; Dec. 15, 2009 Bangor; Mar. 24, 2010 Portland; May 11, 2010 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.
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, 2009 Augusta; Jan. 26, 2010 Bangor; Mar. 30, 2010 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, 2009 Augusta; Feb. 3, 2010 Portland; Apr. 27, 2010 Bangor. FMI & Registration: visit mcdregistration.org.
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 Winter 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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RSU #4 Engages in Future Search Process 
On January 8th and 9th sixty people met at Sabattus Central School to come to a consensus on the answer to the following question:
What would RSU #4 schools look like if we developed a Pre K-12 system that is responsive to the current and future needs of our children?
Facilitators Judy Enright and Jake Klochedile led nine (9) table groups. The members of the groups were representatives of students, school staff (teachers, administrators, support staff), faith community, select persons, parents, technology professionals, business owners and community members from each town, including HCCA. Information was collected through a series of interactive tasks completed by the groups. This information was mined for common direction to be reported in the Executive Summary. The Planning Committee will meet on February 2nd to develop a Strategic Plan for RSU #4 to be used to drive decision making and the direction of the RSU. To view a summary of the the activities and outcomes from the two-day event, go to: www.rsu4.org/Forms/future%20search/Future%20Search%202009-2010.pdf |
HCCA Receives mini-grant from Eastern Maine Health to Support Physical Activity in Schools
HCCA was recently awarded a mini-grant from the Youth Healthy Lifestyle Project and Let's Go! - Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems to support 5-2-1-0 messaging throughout our communities. The program is based on the 5-2-1-0 Healthcare model created by the Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative and piloted by the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. In 2008, EMHS picked up the program and began supporting it across the 7 counties in northern and eastern Maine. It is based on the following easy-to-remember message:
HCCA will be collaborating with our local schools and youth-serving organizations to offer resources, materials, and training for teachers and others to expose youth to more opportunities for daily physical activity.
To learn more about the 5-2-1-0 Goes to School Program and how your school or organization can participate, contact Renee Page at rpage@mcd.org or 207.588.5020. |
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What's in a Cigarette? FDA to Study Ingredients
The Food and Drug Administration is working to lift the smokescreen clouding the ingredients used in cigarettes and other tobacco products. In June, tobacco companies must tell the FDA their formulas for the first time, just as drug makers have for decades. Manufacturers will also have to turn over any studies they have done on the effects of the ingredients. Companies have long acknowledged using cocoa, coffee, menthol, and other additives to make tobacco taste better. The new information will help the FDA determine which ingredients might also make tobacco more harmful or addictive. It will also use the data to develop standards for tobacco products and could ban some ingredients or combinations.
"Tobacco products today are really the only human-consumed product that we don't know what's in them." ~ Lawrence R. Deyton, Director, FDA Center for Tobacco Products
While the FDA must keep much of the data confidential under trade-secret laws, it will publish a list of harmful and potentially harmful ingredients by quantity in each brand by June 2011. 
Cigarettes and their smoke contain more than 4,000 chemicals. Among them are more than 60 known carcinogens, according to the American Cancer Society.
"Until now, tobacco companies were free to manipulate their product in ways to maximize sales, no matter the impact on the number of people who died or became addicted." ~ Matt Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Approximately 20% of the adult population, in Maine and across the country, smoke cigarettes and 1,400 kids in Maine start smoking each year. ~ Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Source: The Associated Press, Michael Felberbaum, 2010.  |
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Grant & Funding Opportunities and Resources
Budget cuts and a suffering economy has put a damper on funding for many programs and wellness initiatives. Here are some wonderful grant opportunities and resources to help supplement those dwindling budgets.
Live, Learn, & Play Grant Program 
The New York Road Runners Foundation announces the Mighty Milers Live, Love, and Play Grant Program. In order to celebrate New York Road Runners' 50th anniversary and to honor schools that share their vision of making running a part of every child's school day, the Foundation will award $1,000 to a Mighty Milers site in each of the 50 states this school year. New sites are welcome to join Mighty Milers. Application Deadline: February 2, 2010 FMI: www.nyrrf.org/programs/mighty_milers/grant.asp
Fiskars Project Orange Thumb 
Started in 2003, Project Orange Thumb ® is a grant program that provides community garden groups with the tools and materials they need to reach their goals for neighborhood beautification and horticulture education. Project Orange Thumb ® has provided over 100 community groups with over $200,000 to create and develop their own special community gardens. These included projects geared toward community involvement, neighborhood beautification, sustainable agriculture and/or horticultural education. Community garden groups, as well as schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, etc. are encouraged to apply. Application Deadline: February 19, 2010. Apply online at: www.fiskars.com/content/garden_en_us/Garden/ProjectOrangeThumb
US Department of Education School Counseling Grants The US Department of Education is offering School Counseling Grants to support efforts to establish or expand elementary and secondary school counseling programs. Nearly $15.4 million is available for 44 grants averaging $350,000 each. Any local agency that does not currently have an active elementary and secondary school counseling grant is eligible to apply. Deadline: February 26, 2010. FMI: go to www.ed.gov/programs/elseccounseling/index.html
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 Station: Tracks to Success 
This four-part series, written by the reviewer of numerous government grant applications, provides a first-hand account of the federal review process. It provides insight into how a Request for Application (RFA) or Request for Proposal (RFP) is developed and chronicles the journey a submission makes once it reaches the funding agency. The series also describes factors that can summarily disqualify an application and others that can make it memorable. FMI: Go to: www.grantstation.com/Public/tracks_to_success/federal_reviewer/main.asp
Cooking Maine Foods from the Ground Up 
New from the Maine Nutrition Network, Cooking Maine Foods from the Ground Up (CMFFGU) is designed for 3rd and 4th graders though it may be modified for other grade levels. The program emphasizes locally grown crops and is intended to encourage students to try new foods by involving them in the cooking process. The lessons are designed to help students become more familiar with Maine dairy and agricultural products, and include composting activities as an integral part of the food cycle. This program has been aligned with the Maine Learning results for 3rd and 4th grades. FMI & Downloadable Materials: www.maine-nutrition.org/Resources/CMFG.htm
Cabot Creamery Healthy Living School Grants 
Cabot invites your school to participate in one of their Healthy Living School Grants. Cabot likes to see matching funds or in-kind contributions from another sponsor (such as parent groups or a community organization or cooperative) and get a feel for what your program is all about before sending the check. If approved, funds can be used for almost anything associated with your program including: supplies for exhibits, healthy snacks, printed materials, or whatever your project needs. Some types of programs eligible for grants include:
- Wellness Fairs
- Nutrition Workshops for coaches, students, or parents
- Promoting Healthy Food Choices in Schools
- Cooking Clubs
- Gardening Projects
- Exercise Program with Healthy Eating Component
Grant Wrangler 
Find funding opportunities for K-12 schools, searchable by grade level, keyword, category, and deadline. FMI: www.grantwrangler.com
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 more. 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
5-2-1-0 by the Sector 
Materials and resources are available for schools, child care, communities, work sites, after school programs, and healthcare providers to promote 5-2-1-0 messaging and programs. FMI: Contact Lee Averill at laverill@emh.org or 207.973.7042.
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.
SPARK Grant-Finder Tool  The SPARK Grant-Finder Tool is a great resource for locating national and state-specific grants for physical education, after school programs, early childhood, or Coordinated School Health Programs. Grants can be used for curriculum, teacher training, or equipment. FMI: go to www.sparkpe.org/grants/grantfunding-resources/
Tony Hawk Foundation Public Skatepark Grants 
The purpose of the Tony Hawk Foundation is to foster lasting improvements in society with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth. The Foundation is currently offering funding to build high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the US. The Foundation will fund proposals that have a strong grassroots commitment to the project, include skaters in the design, are designed and built by qualified and experienced contractors, and have a creative mix of street obstacles and transition/vertical terrain. Awards range between $1,000 and $25,000. Eligible organizations include public charities, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or local agencies, and public school systems. Proposed projects must be in low-income areas, areas with at-risk youth, and where there are no other skateparks. Application Deadline: March 1, 2010. FMI & Application: www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/skatepark-grants/apply/
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.
Shade Structure Grants
The American Academy of Dermatology's (AAD) Shade Structure Program awards grants for the purchase of permanent shade structures designed to provide shade and ultraviolet ray protection for outdoor areas. AAD also provides a permanent sign to be displayed near the shade structure that promotes the importance of sun safety. To be considered for the $8,000 grants, applicants must be a non-profit organization or public school that primarily serves chidren up to 18 years of age; demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sun safety and skin cancer awareness by having a sun safety/skin cancer awareness program in place for at least one year prior to application; and be sponsored by an AAD member dermatologist. Application Deadline: April 15, 2010. FMI & Application: www.aad.org/public/sun/grants.html
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: www.bonniesplants.com Registration deadline: April 15, 2010.
ING Run for Something Better School Awards Program 
ING Run for Something Better, in partnership with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), seeks to increase physical activity in students and help fight childhood obesity nationwide through the creation of school-based running programs. The school awards program will provide fifty $2,000 grants to schools that wish to establish a school-based running program or expand an existing one. Awards are available to programs in public schools that target grades 4-8. Application Deadline: April 15, 2010. FMI: go to www.aahperd.org/naspe/grants/grants/ING/index.cfm?cid=00001
Finish Line Youth Foundation 
The Finish Line Youth Foundation supports youth programs that are effective and inclusive. Funding opportunities are available for participation in youth programs that place an importance on youth development and an active lifestyle. Grants generally range from $1,000 to $5,000. Applications are accepted throughout the year. FMI: www.finishline.com/store/youthfoundation/guidelines.jsp
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
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 Deadline. 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.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants 
Visit the W.K. Kellogg Foundation searchable grant database to find grant opportunities for a number of initiatives. Simply go to www.wkkf.org/grants and search by year, location, and focus for a list of currently available grants. This database is continuously being updated, so visit often.
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 Deadline. FMI: visit www.cigna.com/about_us/community/grant_application_details.html
Maintaining School Wellness During Tight Budget Times 
School districts have been making great progress in health and fitness and there is 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:
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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