| Important Dates & Upcoming Events |
 KVYMCA Healthy Kids Day National YMCA Healthy Kids Day is April 17, 2010. Join the Kennebec Valley YMCA this Saturday from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 31 Union Street in Augusta for a FREE fun-filled day of activities for families and youth in our community. Participate in program samplers, enjoy family swim, and explore ways to promote healthy kids. The first 30 kids to pre-register will receive a free Healthy Kids Day T-shirt! Children under the age of 13 must have adult supervision. All children ages 10 and under must have an adult with them in the pool. This event is sponsored by Anthem at all 17 Maine YMCA locations. FMI: Contact Jasmine Cary at jasmine@kvymca.org or 207.626.3488.
Green Thumb Garden Series  The University of Maine Cooperative Extension's Augusta-based staff and the Gardiner Caring Community Garden project are offering the Green Thumb Garden Series. Class times and topics are:
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May 17: Raised Beds for your Gardens
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June 10: Using Pesticides & Organic Pest Control Materials Safely
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Monthly on-site work & learn sessions at the Caring Community Gardens plot
Registration (at least 4 days in advance of the program):
Teaching Students a "Lifestyle Budget" Webinar  Are your students currently mired in a physical activity "recession"? Do they go "over budget" by eating too many calories from unhealthy foods? On Wednesday, April 21, 2010 from 3:30-4:15 you can learn how to teach students the importance of maintaining energy balance through healthy eating (energy in) and participation in daily physical activity (energy out). This webinar will introduce you to the SPARK "health accountant," who has prepared a diverse menu of delicious activity ideas and tasty teaching strategies. We all want a balanced budget! Now is the time to balance your students' "lifestyle budget" and prepare them for a happy, healthy retirement. Fee: Free Register at: www2.gotomeeting.com/register/748855891
2nd Annual Maine School Garden Day  Jon Thurston, Agriculture Coordinator for MSAD #34 and his able crew of garden students will be sharing their experiences in the garden and greenhouse where vegetables and flowers are harvested year round for use in the cafeteria, for donations to the local food pantry, and for sale in the student farm store and Belfast Co-op. Teachers who are integrating the garden project into core subjects will also be sharing their strategies. The Maine School Garden Network, Master Gardeners, and many more experts will be joining Maine Agriculture in the Classroom to make this a truly inspirational day for all educators interested in starting or expanding a school garden project. May 1, 2010 9:00-3:30 at Troy Howard Middle School, 25 Lincolnville Avenue, Belfast, ME 04915. FEE: $35 includes a healthy delicious lunch made with local ingredients including greens from Troy Howard. Registration closes April 23, 2010. FMI & Registration: maitca@maine.gov or 207.287.5522
2010 Active Communities Conference: Walking, Biking, Physical Activity, and the Built Environment Join keynote speaker Jeff Olson and others representing public health, transportation, safety, planning, economic development, public works, citizens, municipal officials, and others interested in learning more. You will learn:
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What "active community environments" can look like in Maine
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The planning and funding process for creating active communities
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About people and resoures to help your efforts
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Common "Keys to Success" for communities that have made improvements to their built environments
The conference will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn on May 19, 2010 from 7:45-3:00. Registration is FREE and includes lunch. FMI & to Register by May 7 go to:
Commute Another Way Week  Celebrate sustainable transportation choices in May by participating in Commute Another Way Week (CAWW) May 17-21, 2010. The annual event aims to raise awareness of commuting alternatives and reward commuters who choose a different, more sustainable way to work than driving alone. CAWW promotes the use of carpools, vanpools, public transit, bicycling, walking, and telecommuting as cost-effective, healthy, and enjoyable alternatives to driving alone to work. Go to http://gomaine.org/commuter-services/caww/ to register to win prizes and learn more.
Everyone at the Table: Explore Youth Participation on Councils & Boards  Maine Youth Action Network is offering a review of youth representation, the different models for youth councils and boards, and the process for successfully involving youth in decision-making at your organization. This training is designed for adults and organizations. If you are a young person (or if you know a young person who would like to attend) please contact Corrie Washow at
cwashow@propeople.org or 207.553.5916. The training will be held at the Burton Cross Building (next to the state house) in Augusta on May 20, 2010 1:00-4:00. FEE: Free to Healthy Maine Partnerships and HMP-funded groups. In recognition of the current economic climate and ongoing budget cuts, MYAN is waiving the registration fees for this training. To take advantage of this offer, upon finalizing online registration enter the promotional code "freetraining" and 100% of the cost will be waived. All materials and coffee, tea, and water will be provided. Participants should bring their own lunch and snacks as needed. Register online by May 20 at:
Trail Building School  The International Mountain Bike Association Trail Care Crew is coming to Falmouth on May 28-30 to conduct a trail building school. On May 29 the Crew will provide 4 hours of classroom instruction on the fundamentals of trail building, followed by 3-4 hours of actual field work building and improving trails on Falmouth town land. Rides, trail assessment, discussions about landowner relations, and more will happen on May 28 and 30. The event, including lunch, is FREE. Bring tools if you have them. A social event is being planned complete with an IMBA slide show. Preregistration is required. To Register: send your name, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number, and any organization or group information with which you are affiliated (optional) to: portlandnemba@gmail.com. This event is being coordinated by the Greater Portland chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA), the Town of Falmouth Trails Commitee, and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.
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. All webinars are FREE and shown 11:00AM-12:00 noon. FMI & Registration:
www.tobaccofreemaine.org/train_take_action/training_and_events.php
Webinar Schedule:
11/4/09 Updates on Tobacco Treatment Medications
2/2/09 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
9th Annual Women's Bicycle Ride  This all-women's bike ride on June 13, 2010 at 9:00 AM begins from L.L. Bean's Casco Conference Center in Freeport and is suited for all ages and fitness levels with distances of 5, 15, 25, and 50 miles. The ride offers beautiful countryside and coastal views. Proceeds benefit the Bicycle Coalition of Maine's (BCOM) safety and education programs. Preregistration is encouraged. FEE: $25 (BCOM members) $35 (non-members, includes first-time BCOM membership for 2010) FMI & Registration: www.bikemaine.org/events/womensrideindex
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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 detection 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 Vaughn RDH bvaughan@mcd.org or kohp.org
La Leche League Mother to Mother Breastfeeding Support Group
Third Mondays of the month at 202 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. Please call Katherine in advance to let her know you are coming. 207.582.8250
9th Annual Maine Lobster Ride & Roll  Cycle on beautiful country roads past lighthouses and the rock-bound coast, then dine on a freshly made lobster roll lunch. (Tuna and vegetarian options available) This fully-supported ride on July 24, 2010 begins at 7:00 AM from Rockland District High School and offers four distance options of 16, 30, 50, or 100 miles. Proceeds benefit the Bicycle Coalition of Maine's (BCOM) safety and education programs. Pre-Registration FEE:$65 (members) $85 (non-members, includes free trial BCOM membership for the calendar year) Lower rates for children. FMI & Registration: www.bikemaine.org/events/lobster-ride or 207.623.4511 |
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Governor Baldacci, in his State of the State Speech, launched the Keep ME Well initiative. This online tool helps people assess their health risks, obtain a report that helps them take action to find local resources and suport 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.
Keep ME Well 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.
Keep ME Well 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, hightlight 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 health care services in their local area. To learn more and access the tool, go to keepmewell.org. |
| 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 |
| HCCA Board of Directors |
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Mary Frances Bartlett
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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| School & Youth Newsletter
April 2010 |
Welcome to the April 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 Please use the Forward E-mail link at the bottom of the page when forwarding this newsletter to others. |
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First Time Campers Wanted!
 The First Time Camper Program, run by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, is offering Maine families who have never camped the opportunity to make special memories and to enjoy some of the best outdoor recreation Maine has to offer. Registration for this unique raffle program is now open. This year, the number of families eligible to win has been increased from 32 to 40. Camping opportunities also have been increased from 8 campgrounds to all 12 of the Maine state park campgrounds.
Each winning family will also receive:
- Camping gear provided by L.L.Bean to use for the weekend
- Up to 4 sleeping bags to keep
- $50 Hannaford gift card
- Oakhurst Dairy coupons
- Wicked Joe coffee
- Poland Spring water
To be eligible, families must be from Maine and never have camped. Families can register online at take-it-outside.com or by paper form available from the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Registration deadline is May 31, 2010. Winning families will be contacted by phone in mid-June. |
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Time to Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet?
Do you have unused, unwanted, or outdated prescription or over-the-counter drugs? If so, you have an opportunity on Saturday, May 15, 2010 to safely dispose of these drugs. Why? So they do not poison our groundwater and do not fall into the wrong hands. Unused medications, which are often kept in easily accessible places such as a medicine cabinet, refrigerator, or purse can be a temptation to those who are already addicted, are experimenting, or are just plain curious. It is not uncommon for adolescents to take medications for experimental purposes or younger children to mistake medications for candy. Unused medications can even be a hazard to pets. This can be extremely dangerous, even life threatening.
Several towns in southern Kennebec County are offering you an easy way to dispose of unused, unwanted, or outdated prescription or over-the-counter drugs by sponsoring a Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, May 15. You do not have to be a resident of the town to participate. Any household in Kennebec County can take advantage of the Drug Take Back Event by dropping off personal or veterinary medications at any of the sponsoring sites below:
- Augusta Public Works 55 North Street
9:00 AM - Noon Questions: Ross Nason, 453-4258 X23
- Fayette Public Safety Building Route 17
8:00-10:30 AM Questions: Mark Robinson, 685-4373
- Gardiner City Hall 6 Church Street
8:00-10:30 AM Questions: Judy Dorsey 582-3298
- Monmouth Transfer Station 126 Route 135
8:00-10:30 AM Questions: Sharon Benoit 933-3726
- Readfield/Wayne Transfer Station North Road, Readfield
8:00-10:30 AM Questions: Robin Lint 685-4939
- West Gardiner Fire Department 318 Spears Corner Road 8:00-10:30 AM
Questions: W.Gardiner Town Office 724-3945
- Winthrop Transfer Station Route 202
8:00-10:30 AM Questions: Megan Antonucci 377-6848
Special Notes:
If possible, please return medications in their original containers.
You may use a permanent marker to cross out your name only on the prescription label. Containers will be destroyed.
Syringes and lancets will not be accepted at these events.
If you are unable to take advantage of these events on May 15, the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office accepts medications during regular business hours at 125 State Street in Augusta. For more information, call 623-3591.
Drug Take Back Day Events are sponsored by Community Pharmacies, Healthy Communities of the Capital Area, Kennebec County Council of Governments, and MaineGeneral Medical Center. |
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Hall-Dale Elementary School Receives Fuel Up to Play 60 Grant
Hall-Dale Elementary School was awarded a $750 mini-grant from the Maine Dairy & Nutrition Council to assist with implementing Fuel Up to Play 60. Created in partnership with the National Dairy Council and the National Football League, Fuel Up to Play 60 is a program that empowers youth to take action in their school and for their own health. The goal of the program is to make long-term changes in the school's nutrition and physical activity programs by emphasizing the importance of fueling the body with good nutrition to play 60 minutes or more each day doing moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Students at Hall-Dale Elementary School participate in a daily morning walking program where they can earn bracelets, t-shirts, and free gym time. Other physical activity initiatives implemented at the school include the Walking School Bus and Take Time! physical activity in the classroom program.
To learn more about Fuel Up to Play 60 go to fueluptoplay60.com. If you are interested in learning more about implementing Take Time! or starting a Walking School Bus at your school, contact Renee Page at rpage@mcd.org. |
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Maranacook Youth Advocates in Action
Maranacook Students in Washington DC |
At the National Level: Maranacook School-Based Health Center Student Advisory Committee recently returned from Washington DC where they met with Maine members of Congress to thank them for their support for school-based health centers (SBHC) and to advocate for the provisions for school-based health care included in Health Care Reform. The students were excited to be in Washington DC at the same time as the vote for the historic Health Care Reform bill.
The student advisory group's mission is to educate decision makers at the local, state, and national level about SBHC services. The Maranacook SBHC is one of 27 across the state of Maine, is recognized as a model SBHC, and has been in operation for 17 years - the longest running SBHC in Maine. The purpose of the SBHC is to:
- keep students healthy
- reduce time lost from school
- teach healthy lifestyle practices
- detect and treat problems and illnesses before they become serious
The Maranacook SBHC serves students in grades 6-12 in a confidential setting meeting the students where they are - in school.
A grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation helped support the trip. Local support came from Healthy Communities of the Capital Area, Kennebec Savings Bank, and a few anonymous donors. Students raised an additional $4,000 so all committee members could participate.
Students continue to raise funds to support their advocacy activities through sales of note cards that depict a mural of the health center. Each box of 12 notecards with 4 different designs costs $10. Donations are also accepted and appreciated. To order call the Maranacook SBHC at 207.685.4923 X318.
Justin Greeley Speaking at a Press Conference in Augusta |
At the Local Level: When the group is not traveling to the nation's capital, they are working right here in our capital influencing local legislation. Maranacook SBHC Advisory Committee students in collaboration with Health Policy Partners of Maine produced a video urging legislators to raise the state tax on tobacco products so "kids won't pay." (There is a link to the video below) Students spoke at the press conference held on March 23, 2010 at the state Capitol and were joined by RSU 38 Superintendent Richard Abramson and Maranacook parent and local physician John Barnes.
Maranacook senior Chuck Hays shared his thoughts, "We've learned from elementary school on that smoking is dangerous and deadly. When people smoke they are more likely to get asthma, lung cancer, or even die. It's pretty outrageous what the tobacco industry does to lure kids into buying their products. They call us their 'replacement smokers' because so many people die from smoking that the tobacco companies have to find new smokers to replace them all the time. One thing I have learned about tobacco is that for every three kids who start smoking, one dies early. I don't want that to happen to my friends or people in my family. We're here today to say we're sick of being targeted and we're counting on Maine lawmakers to help get tobacco out of kids' hands."
Ultimately, the tobacco tax increase was not supported in this legislative session but the students felt their message was heard by many and advocacy will continue around this very important issue.
To view the 2 minute video message created by the students to Maine legislators, click here:
If you are interested in forming a youth advocacy group and would like resources and assistance, contact Renee Page at rpage@mcd.org. |
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Grant Opportunities and Resources
New Safe Routes to School Online Resource for Law Enforcement Officers  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the launch of a new web-based resource for law enforcement officers. The Safe Routes to School for Law Enforcement web site, www.saferoutesinfo.org/lawenforcement provides tips, tools, and other materials to help law enforcement officers get involved in Safe Routes to School, a national effort to enable and encourage children to safely walk and bike to school.
Post Cereals Grant for Good Health 
As part of Post Cereals' Health and Wellness program, the winner of this essay contest will be awarded $25,000 to support the best health and wellness plan to benefit a city, town, or small community. The Post Grant for Good Health is designed to empower individuals to make strides to improve the health of communities across America. Deadline: May 17, 2010. FMI & Guidelines: www.postnatural.com/GoodHealthGrant.aspx
Garden Crusader Award  Gardener's Supply Company's annual Garden Crusader Awards program was established to honor individuals who are improving the world through gardening. The award recognizes enthusiastic men and women who are gardening beyond their own backyards to grow food for the hungry, beautify their communities, and help friends and neighbors discover the rewards of gardening. A total of 21 awards are given in the categories of Education, Feeding the Hungry, and Urban Renewal and Restoration. The grand prize winner receives $2,500 in cash and a $2,500 gift certificate from Gardener's Supply. First place winners receive a $1,000 gift certificate; second place winners receive a $750 gift certificate; third place winners receive a $500 gift certificate; honorable mentions receive a $200 gift certificate. Application Deadline: June 1, 2010. FMI & Nomination Form: www.gardeners.com/Garden-Crusader-Awards/5549,default,pg.html
Free Seeds from the America the Beautiful Fund  Since 1980 the Operation Green Plant Program has saved more than 800 tons of seeds and 7 million flower bulbs from going to waste in landfills, grown more than 1.75 billion pounds of food for the hungry, and beautified roadways, parks, and neighborhoods in 20,000 communities in all 50 states. They invite you to join in the America the Beautiful Fund dream by making your own community more beautiful. To request a grant of vegetable, flower, and/or herb seeds, go to: www.america-the-beautiful.org/free_seeds/index.php
Bike Racks for ME Program  MaineDOT and GO MAINE Commuter Connections, in partnership with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, support and encourage bicycling as an important mode of transportation and have created Bike Racks for ME for communities, organizations, and workplaces across Maine to help expand bicycling parking opportunities. The only cost to you or your community is the local match of 20%. As of mid-March 2010, orders have exhausted current available funding, but the program is still accepting applications in anticipation of continued funding. FMI & Application: http://gomaine.org/11/bike-racks-for-me/
Finish Line Youth Foundation Grants  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
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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
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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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