| Important Dates & Upcoming Events |
 Maine Harvest Lunch Week  During the week of September 20-24, 2010 all Maine schools are encouraged to offer as many Maine-produced products as possible as part of their breakfast, lunch, and snack programs. Classroom teachers, families, local growers, and community members are encouraged to get involved to educate children on the importance of purchasing and eating locally grown food products. Many resources are available to make this an educational and community-building annual event. Go to www.mofga.org/Resources/MaineHarvestLunch/tabid/817/Default.aspx for classroom lessons pertaining to Maine Harvest lunch. Contact your local school district to see how they are celebrating Maine Harvest Lunch Week and how you can get involved.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center Webinar Series: Keeping Kids Moving: How Equitable Transportation Policy Can Prevent Childhood Obesity  Each webinar is held bi-weekly on Thursdays at 2:00PM and covers the important links between transportation policy and childhood obesity. These webinars feature researchers, advocates, and policymakers discussing solutions to problems that schools face in providing healthier opportunities for students. Series webinars:-
September 9, 2010: Ready Set Go: Transportation Reauthorization
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September 23, 2010: Hide & Seek: Where is Your School & How Do You Get There?
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October 7, 2010: On the Go: Complete Streets & Public Transportation
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October 21, 2010: Feet to the Streets: Alternatives to Motorized Transportation
Did you miss a webinar? All webinars are archived on the
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Increasing Physical Activity in America
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Making Schools the Model for Healthier Environments
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Let's End the Childhood Obesity Epidemic
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Making the Grade: Reversing Childhood Obesity in Schools
Yale Rudd Seminar Series  The Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity hosts many renowned experts in academics, public policy, and the media to discuss their work and its implications for the study of obesity, food policy, and weight bias. Seminars are held on the Yale campus in New Haven, CT but are available via podcast. Click here to view past and upcoming seminars. Fall 2010 Schedule:
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September 15, 2010: Peter Kaminsky, Author: In Search of the Perfect Pig (and Some Other Delicacies)
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September 22, 2010: Richard F. Daines: Selling Public Health Policy in Derivative Markets: Lessons from the 2009-2010 New York State Sugary Beverage Excise Tax Campaign
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September 29, 2010: Kathryn Montgomery: Recent Trends in Digital Food Marketing
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October 6, 2010: Kevin W. Concannon: No Nation Healthier Than its Children
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October 13, 2010: Dianne Neumark-Sztainer: An Integrated Approach to Preventing Obesity & Eating Disorders in Youth: Why & How?
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November 10, 2010: Terry O'Toole: Your Money or Your Health: Selling Junk Food in America's Schools
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December 1, 2010: Dana M. Small: The Dynamic Interaction Between Brain, BMI, & Food
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December 8, 2010: Shiriki Kumanyika: Expanding the Obesity Research Paradigm to Include the Community: Finding Solutions to Obesity in African Americans
NPLAN Webinar: Generating Revenue for Childhood Obesity Prevention through Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes and Fees Today almost one-third of children in the United States are obese or overweight. Many studies have demonstrated a link between obesity and the consumption of sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). According to nutritional standards, sugar-sweetened beverages such as non-diet soft drinks, energy drinks, sweet teas, and sports drinks offer little or no nutritional value but include massive quantities of added sugars. For example, a 12-ounce can of soda contains the equivalent of approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar; the USDA recommends that a person eating a 2,200-calorie diet should eat no more than 12 teaspoons of refined sugar in a day. Americans consume more SSBs than ever before. Between 1977 and 2002, consumption of SSBs doubled.
Many public health advocates see SSB taxes and fees as a clear obesity prevention policy strategy. The potential price increase due to the tax or fee can lead to a decline in SSB consumption. And the revenue generated by the tax or fee can be set aside for obesity prevention and treatment initiatives. Several states and communities considered SSB tax legislation over the past year. Many more are considering future legislation.
This webinar will provide an overview of the public health evidence supporting SSB regulation and past efforts to pass SSB tax legislation. Presenters will discuss the features of an "ideal" SSB tax or fee from public health and legal perspectives, as well as discuss the various tax and fee options available to policymakers (i.e., excise tax versus sales tax versus regulatory fee). Participants will also hear from a policymaker who has worked on this issue in recent months. All of the presenters will be available for questions at the end of the webinar. September 21, 2010 1:00-2:30PM. FMI & Registration: www.nplanonline.org/childhood-obesity/news/upcoming-webinar-sugar-sweeFor a list of upcoming and archived webinars:
2010 Kennebec Area Plant-a-Row Challenge  The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program launched this program as a public service campaign to encourage citizens to dedicate a portion of their garden to grow produce for local food pantry donation. To participate in the challenge, enrolled volunteers can donate produce from their own gardens or participate in a community garden already growing fresh produce for donation. The goal of the challenge is to provide 12,000 pounds of produce to food pantries throughout Kennebec County. Gardeners who sign up will receive more detailed information and ongoing support throughout the season. FMI & Registration: PlantARowKennebec@umext.maine.edu or 207.622.7546 or toll-free 1.800.287.4891. To enroll online: http://extension.umaine.edu/kennebec/resources/plant-a-row/
KV YMCA  Fall Aquatics Opportunities
SPARK Monthly Webinar: Parent Involvement  Did you know research has shown parent involvement can improve students' academic achievement, behavior, and self-esteem? How do YOU reach out to parents and solicit their support for the programs you provide for their children? How involved should parents be in the choices their children make on campus, and how to connect those choices with the home environment? Whether you are a physical education specialist, classroom teacher, administrator, or parent volunteer, attend the next SPARK Webinar and receive the answers to these questions; and learn how to get parents more involved in YOUR programs. September 15, 2010 6:00-6:45PM. FMI & Registration: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/145739763
Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism: Where Life & Learning Intersect: Volunteerism & Service Learning  At this year's conference, learn about engaging volunteers of every generation. Workshops include:
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Attract More Boomers to Help Solve Challenges
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Service-Learning Stories from the Field
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Youth Adult Partnerships: Working Together on Community Problems
October 12, 2010, 8:00-4:15, University of Maine, Orono Fee: $72 (early bird price) Scholarship Deadline: September 13, 2010 Register at:
Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program 2010-2011 Educational Programs
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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 & ability to effectively respond to suicidal behavior; & identify helpful resources. Fee: $60 October 5, 2010 Belfast; November 4, 2010 Bangor; January 6, 2011 Portland; March 8, 2011 Augusta; May 5, 2011 Augusta
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Training of Trainers: Learn to Present a Suicide Prevention Awareness Session: A 3.5 hour program available to those "Gatekeepers" willing to facilitate 60 or 90 minute suicide prevention awareness sessions for co-workers and/or other community members. Easy-to-use packaged materials are provided. Prerequisite: Gatekeeper Training. Fee: $30 October 13, 2010 Presque Isle; December 2, 2010 Bangor; February 10, 2011 Portland; March 31, 2011 Augusta
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Lifelines Teacher Training: Learn How to Teach Youth About Suicide Prevention: A full-day training program for health educators and others who will implement Lifelines student suicide prevention lessons in the school health curriculum. These lessons are aligned with the Maine Learning Results Health Education Standards. They are part of a research-based, field-tested program that has been evaluated in Maine. Prerequisite: Gatekeeper Training. Fee: $75 November 17, 2010 Bangor; January 27, 2011 Portland
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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 online workshop is appropriate for schools and social service agencies. Fee: $30 Available now online.
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Transition Teacher Training: The Transitions Program is designed to help schools reinforce concepts presented in the Lifelines Program and to better prepare high school seniors for life after high school. These lessons review concepts presented in the Lifelines Training and add additional information that reflects the changes that students will soon be experiencing. Prerequisite: Gatekeeper Training & work in a school implementing the Lifelines Program. Fee: $60 December 9, 2010 Bangor; February 24, 2011 Portland
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Suicide Assessment for Clinicians: The ability to conduct an informed suicide risk assessment is a vital skill for any clinician working with at-risk populations. This day-long workshop builds knowledge about suicide trends in high risk populations and takes the learner through the steps of suicide risk assessment, intervention, and treatment options. Focus is on assessment skills across the lifespan. Recommended for those working in clinical roles with youth or adults. Fee: $75 October 8, 2010 Ellsworth; December 10, 2010 Portland; March 18, 2011 Augusta; April 29, 2011 Houlton; May 13, 2011 Brunswick
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7th Annual Beyond the Basics of Suicide Prevention Conference: Advanced level training for educators, clinicians, first responders, and other interested individuals. Join keynote speakers Thomas Joiner and Jodee Blanco (tentative). Planned sessions include bullying prevention, clinical practices, and several topics of interest. Fee: $85 April 8, 2011 Wyndham South Portland Airport Hotel
Registration Open for Walk to School 2010  During this international event communities from over 40 countries join together to walk and bike to school. International Walk to School Day is Wednesday, October 6, 2010. Registration is free and available to individuals and organizations holding a 2010 Walk to School event in the U.S. Schools that register their event on the Walk to School website will be displayed on an interatctive U.S. map where neighboring communities, media, and other organizations can identify who is walking in their area. In 2009, participation reached a record high of 3,369 registered events. Registering a Walk to School event provides organizers access to a variety of downloadable materials, including event ideas, certificates, flyers, and frequent walker punch cards. Registrants can also subscribe to receive a weekly e-newsletter for six weeks in September and October with tips and resources on holding a Walk to School event. FMI & Registration: www.walktoschool.org/register
WinterKids Discount Ski Card Program  WinterKids is partnering with
The Ski Card program as a way to raise money for WinterKids. Ski Card members enjoy substantial lift ticket discounts every time they ski or ride at over 40 of the top ski resorts from Northern New England to the Mid Atlantic. WinterKids supporters and friends can purchase The Ski Card at a 10% discount, with 10% of each card sold going to WinterKids. Use promo code "WinterKids" when ordering. The Ski Card makes an ideal gift. To learn more, go to: http://theskicard.com/. FMI: 1.800.639.1941
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Speaker Series  On May 22, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Georgia Organics, and other partners hosted a discussion on food access for schools and low-income communities. The Food Network's Alton Brown moderated a thought-provoking and probing conversation focused on how we can overcome food access obstacles in underserved neighborhoods, well-funded schools, and places between. Speakers included:
- Anthony Geraci, Baltimore City Schools, the nutrition director that has created a successful district-wide Farm to School program that has provided jobs for Maryland farmers, organic food for school kids, and saved the school system millions of dollars in the process.
- Yael Lehman, The Food Trust, a non-profit increasing access to fresh, healthy food in low-income communities.
MYAN 27th Annual Peer Leadership Conference  The Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) annual Peer Leadership Conference on November 11, 2010 at the Augusta Civic Center will bring together hundreds of 7th-12th grade youth and adult advisors interested in youth leadership, youth-adult partnership, and community change from across Maine for inspiring workshops, networking, speakers, and action planning. Participants leave feeling inspired, informed, and ready to take action back home. MYAN plans this event with guidance and input from youth leaders to ensure this event is relevant and powerful for YOU! Conference FEE: $80 FMI & Registration: www.myan.org/?conference
MYAN 7th Annual Maine Anti-Tobacco Youth Summit Sponsored by the Partnership for a Tobacco Free Maine this FREE event on November 12, 2010 at the Augusta Civic Center mobilizes youth from grades 7-12 from across Maine to come together with adult advisors 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 create healthier homes. MYAN plans this event with guidance and input from youth leaders to ensure this event is fun, inspiring, and relevant for YOU! FEE: Free FMI & Registration: www.myan.org/?summit
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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
Please call Katherine in advance if you are interested in attending. 207.582.8250
Raising Money While Promoting Health in Schools Webinar  Co-sponsored by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the National PTA, this webinar recorded on January 20, 2010 will help school staff, parents, and caring adults influence efforts to conduct health-promoting and profitable fundraisers in schools. Explore guiding principles and alternatives to traditional candy and baked goods fundraisers. Hear from others, including PTA leaders, who have stories to share. Gain ideas and resources for taking the next step in your school community. View the webinar at: www.healthiergeneration.org/schools.aspx?id=3892
View other Alliance for a Healthier Generation Webinars:
- Taking Action: Competitive Foods & Beverages
- Setting the Standard: What Schools are Doing about Competitive Foods
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| Get ME Ready 2010
It Takes More Than Duct Tape
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Mainers are known for being ready for anything. Let's make sure we are.
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Are You Ready to Help your Family in an Emergency?
It takes more than duct tape to be ready for an emergency!
An emergency or illness can keep you home-sometimes without power, heat, or clean water. There are a few simple steps you can take to help your children, your pets, and the older adults you care for be safe during emergencies or illness.
Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.
Go to www.getMEready.org to learn more.
Flooding. Ice Storms. The Flu. Get Ready to help your family. Get ready for the unexpected by creating a kit of the essentials, including food, water, medicine, and safety supplies. Make a plan for how you and your family will respond to the situation and stay informed of potential illness and emergencies and what are the best things to do if they happen.
Visit www.getMEready.org to watch Dr. Dora Ann Mills, Director of the Maine CDC, talk about getting ready for illness or an emergency.
How ready are you? At www.getMEready.org you can take a short survey, then learn more about how easy it is to build a kit, make a plan, and be informed.
In Maine, we like to be independent. When you're ready for an emergency, you won't need help from emergency professionals. That will let them focus on others needing assitance. And when you and your family are ready, you can help your neighbors and others in need.
What goes in my kit? Go to www.getMEready.org and find out what you need, what you've already got, and how to build your kit without spending a lot of extra money. You can also enter a drawing for a free kit to be sent to you!
Mainers are known for being ready for anything. Let's make sure we are! Go to www.getMEready.org and start Getting Ready today! Get ME Ready 2010 is a project of the Maine Public Health Association. 
Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.
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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, 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 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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Mount 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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West Gardiner
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Windsor
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Winthrop
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| HCCA Board of Directors | |
Mary Frances Bartlett
Rebecca West Dick
Dick Dyer
Cindy T. Flye
Rob Gordon
Bill McKenna
William McPeck, Vice Chair
Kathi Wall
Jim Wood, Chair
Mark Yerrick, Secretary |
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| School & Youth Newsletter Back to School 2010 |
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 Please use the Forward E-mail link at the bottom of the page when forwarding this newsletter to others. |
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HCCA Wants to Help Your District Start the School Year off by Being Physically Active
Once again HCCA is offering mini-grants to support Take Time! implementation.
Click Here to Download and Application | Take Time!, developed by the Maine Nutrition Network, is a physical activity program designed to incorporate at least 10-20 minutes of physical activity into the school day. The additional activity is meant to compliment existing curriculum, not add to it, so as not to take away from instruction time. There is increasing scientific evidence linking the positive effects of physical activity on the brain. Take Time! is one way to realize the benefits of improved academic outcomes, classroom behavior, attention and focus, and overall sense of wellbeing.
Last year, HCCA supported Take Time! implementation in four local service area schools. Hall-Dale, Manchester, Readfield, and Windsor Elementary Schools accumulated 38,137 minutes of physical activity beyond physical education and recess.
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Local Communities to Host National Prescription Drug Take-Back Event
On September 25, 2010 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will coordinate a collaborative nationwide effort with state and local law enforcement agencies and local community organizations. The public can drop off prescription drugs and other medications at no charge. Collection activities will take place from 10:00AM to 2:00PM (except as noted below) at sites established in Maine and throughout the country.
National Take-Back Day provides an opportunity for people to drop off expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs and other medications. These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and have the potential to sicken children or pollute our landfills and waterways.
Program Guidelines:
- The program is anonymous
- Prescription and over-the-counter solid medications accepted (i.e. tablets and capsules)
- Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will NOT be accepted
- Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not part of this initiative
Return Unwanted & Expired Medications to the Following Kennebec County Locations:
- Augusta: Augusta Police Department, 33 Union Street
- Belgrade: Belgrade Community Center, 1 Center Drive, Route 27
- China: China Transfer Station, 191 Alder Park
- Fairfield: Fairfield Police Department, 1 Police Plaza
- Manchester: KV YMCA, 40 Granite Hill Road 8:00-Noon
- Monmouth: Monmouth Town Office, 859 Main Street
- Readfield: Readfield/Wayne Transfer Station, North Road, Readfield
- Waterville: Waterville Police Department, 1 Common Street
- West Gardiner: West Gardiner Fire Department, 318 Spears Corner Road
- Winslow: Winslow Police Department will pick-up at your site upon request, 207.872.5215
- Winthrop: Winthrop Transfer Station, 1199 Route 202
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HCCA Presents at AOS 97 Back to School Event
Administrators for Winthrop Public Schools, part of AOS 97 (Alternative Organizational Structure), which includes Winthrop and Fayette schools, have made a commitment to increase opportunities for physical activity for all students during the school day. HCCA presented to the full AOS 97 staff, including school board members and Superintendent Briane Coulthard, the importance of regular physical activity and the increasing scientific evidence of the link between increased physical activity among students and improved academic, behavoir, and health outcomes. Winthrop High School Physical Education teacher, Ginny Geyer, approached the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA) Team last year to discuss how the district could work toward integrating more physical activity in the school day in an effort to combat childhood obesity and to enhance learning. The CIA Team, along with district administrators, made a commitment to address physical activity integration on a regular basis and include it as a standing discussion topic at grade-level team meetings. HCCA will continue to partner with Winthrop Schools to provide support for physical activity integration. Congratulations Winthrop Schools for making a commitment to student health! |
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Area Schools to Host Flu Clinics  The following schools, in collaboration with MaineGeneral Medical Center and Delta Ambulance, will be hosting flu clinics for students this fall. Last year, about half of students in central Maine received flu vaccinations. This helped reduce the number of children and adults who had the flu and helped reduce complications for people who did get the flu. The 2010-2011 vaccine provides protection against A/H1N1 (pandemic) influenza and two other influenza viruses-influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B. It will not protect against illnesses caused by other viruses. The vaccination is available as a "shot" or as a nasal mist. Who Should Receive the Flu Vaccine? The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend flu vaccinations for all children ages 6 months and older. A booster may be neccessary if: - your child is younger than 9 years of age and has only had one dose of flu vaccine in the past,
- your child is younger than 9 years of age and did not receive the H1N1 vaccination last year, or
- you do not know how many vaccinations your child received
Parents/Guardians should make an appointment with their child's health care provider for booster vaccinations. Area School Flu Clinics: - Maranacook Middle School: October 1, 2010
- Fayette Central School: October 6, 2010
- Wayne Elementary School: October 6, 2010
- Henry L. Cottrell Elementary School: October 7, 2010
- Mount Vernon Elementary School: October 12, 2010
- Readfield Elementary School: October 12, 2010
- Manchester Elementary School: October 15, 2010
- Windsor Elementary School: October 25, 2010
- Hall-Dale Elementary School: October 27, 2010
- Hall-Dale Middle School: October 28, 2010
- Gardiner Regional Middle School: November 12, 2010
- Dresden Elementary School: November 16, 2010
- Marcia Buker Elementary School: November 16, 2010
- Richmond Junior & Senior High School: November 16, 2010
- Monmouth Academy: November 19, 2010
Schools will be sending home permission slips for students to participate. If you would like to volunteer at a school flu clinic, please contact the school to see how you can help. |
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What is Renee Reading?
Attendees at this year's 25th Annual School Site Health
How to Stay Motivated on the Deck of the Titanic | Promotion Conference at Sugarloaf USA enjoyed the upbeat, practical wisdom of Norm Bossio. Norm is a former physical education teacher, principal, and superintendent turned motivational speaker. Norm delighted the audience causing them to laugh so hard they cried and cry so hard they laughed. Author of the book How to Stay Motivated on the Deck of the Titanic, Norm's simple message to us all is to take control of your life, get your priorities straight, put your family first, use the gifts you have been given, and take a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror. Those of us who regularly have influence over children should take this charge very seriously as we are the role models who shape their lives.
The School Site Health Promotion Conference was the perfect venue for Norm's motivating message. Each year school districts across Maine send teams to this 4-day conference to develop annual action plans to implement a number of wellness initiatives in their districts. Teams work on ways to incorporate more opportunities for physical activity, improve nutrition, reduce tobacco use, and create an overall culture of wellness in their districts for staff and students. HCCA local service area school districts that participated in the conference this year include RSU 11 (Gardiner area schools) and RSU 38 (Maranacook area schools). HCCA would like to congratulate the RSU 38 Wellness Team for attending the conference each of the 25 years since its inception. It is never too early to start planning to attend next year's conference. If you would like to learn more, contact Renee Page at rpage@mcd.org. |
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Grant Opportunities and Resources
KIDS Consortium Green Service-Learning Projects Grants  The KIDS Consortium is accepting proposals for up to $250 from K-12 educators, students, and community organizations from CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT working with youth to plan and implement a "green" service-learning project. Applicants who have attended a KIDS Consortium Summer Institute (3-5 days) will have top priority for grant funding. Projects must solve a problem or address a local need related to making communities healthier and more evironmentally sustainable. Projects must be implemented during the 2010-2011 school year. Application Deadline: September 13, 2010. FMI & Application: www.kidsconsortium.org/2010minigrnt.php
The People's Garden School Pilot Program  The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is announcing the opportunity for public and not-for-profit organizations to submit applications for a People's Garden School Pilot Program grant competition. FNS has set aside $1 million for this pilot program. One grantee will be selected to enter into a cooperative agreement for the purposes of developing and running community gardens at eligible high-poverty schools; teaching students involved in the gardens about agriculture production practices, diet, and nutrition; contributing produce to supplement food provided at eligible schools, student households, local food banks, or senior center nutrition programs; and conducting an evaluation of funded projects to learn more about the impacts of school gardens. Application Deadline: November 8, 2010. FMI: www.fns.usda.gov/fns/outreach/grants/garden.htm
Building Healthy Communities Grant Program Grants, in the form of a Home Depot gift card for the purchase of tools or materials, are available up to $2500 to non-profit organizations and schools that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community. Application Period: September 15 - November 1, 2010. Applicants must apply online. FMI & Application:http://corporate.homedepot.com/wps/portal/Grants
Kids in Need Teacher Grants  Kids In Need Teacher Grants provide K-12 educators with funding for innovative learning opportunities for their students. The Kids In Need Foundation helps to engage students in the learning process by supporting our most creative and important educational resource - our nation's teachers. Teacher Grants are funded by retail and education credit union sponsors, range from $100 to $500 each, and are used to finance creative classroom projects. Typically, 200-300 grants are awarded each year. All certified K-12 teachers in the US are eligible. Application Deadline: September 30, 2010 FMI: www.kinf.org/grants/
Recreational Trail Program Funding  The Recreational Trail Program (RTP) is a federal assistance program to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized use. It provides funds for a variety of trails including trails for walkers, bikers, in-line skating, water trails, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicles, four-wheel driving, and other off-road vehicle use. Administered at the federal level by the Federal Highway Administration and at the state level by the Maine Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands, RTP grants can provide up to $100,000 for certain motorized bridge work but limits most grants to up to $35,000 of allowable costs. Application Deadline: November 5, 2010. FMI & Application: www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/community/trailsmanual.html
Funding Opportunities for Fuel Up to Play 60 New for the 2010-2011 school year, funding is available to K-12 schools enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60. This competitive, nationwide funding program can help your school jumpstart and sustain healthy nutrition and physical activity improvements. Whether you're just starting out with Fuel Up to Play 60 or looking to expand and extend an initiative that's already in motion, funding opportunities can help. Visit www.fueluptoplay60.com to find background information, eligibility and funding guidelines, judging criteria, an online application, and lots of ideas about how to use funds to support your program based on examples from other schools - even step-by-step guidance on how to apply for funds. There will be several application deadlines this year - but the sooner you apply, the sooner your school can be considered for funding to support your Fuel Up to Play 60 program. Remember: Your school must be enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60 for the 2010-2011 school year to be eligible to apply for funds. First round funding deadline: October 1, 2010. FMI: www.FuelUptoPlay60.com
2011 Youth Garden Grants  Youth Garden Grants recognize outstanding youth-focused garden programs throughout the country. This year 100 recipients will receive a $500 gift card from sponsor The Home Depot and educational materials from the National Gardening Association. The top 5 winners will also receive a $500 gift certificate to Gardening with Kids. Application Deadline: November 1, 2010. FMI & Application: www.kidsgardening.org/ygg.asp
Build a Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation Grants  The Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation provides direct support for children in the areas of health and wellness. The Foundation's goal is to provide grants to help many programs that are working hard to make the world a healthier and happier place for kids. Children's health and wellness grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. FMI: www.buildabear.com/aboutus/community/bearhugs.aspx
Great American Gardeners Award  Each year, The American Horticultural Society recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses who contribute significantly to the fields of plant research, garden communication, landscape design, youth gardening, teaching, and floral design. Nominate an exceptional gardener in your life. Nomination Deadline: September 30, 2010. FMI & Nomination Form: www.ahs.org/awards/index.htm
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.
Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grants  Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation (LCEF) knows how hard you work for your kids and your community and they are dedicated to helping your parent-teacher group achieve even more for your school. At a time when schools and community groups are struggling to make ends meet, Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation recognizes that we must increase our focus on basic, one-time project needs. In 2010, basic needs will take priority. Please keep this focus in mind as you apply for a Toolbox for Education grant in the 2010-2011 academic year. Apply for Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant now and build on your already impressive parent group success with Lowe's. Application Deadline: October 15, 2010. FMI: www.toolboxforeducation.com
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture, Research, & Education (SARE) Program  announces 3 grant programs. The NE SARE Program is a USDA competitive grants program supporting agriculture that is profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities. Grants are offered to eligible farmers, researchers, educators, and others in the agricultural community who are working on innovative and interesting approaches to sustainable agriculture. Grants are offered on two different tiers-large multi-year projects with budgets typically ranging from $30,000-$250,000 and smaller, shorter-term projects with budgets of $15,000 or less. Application Deadlines:
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October 19, 2010: Sustainable Community Grants make a direct connection between community revitalization and farming. Projects must address specific key issues such as farm finance, marketing, land use, water use, enterprise development, value-added product development, or other delineated topic areas. Applicants must be affiliated with Cooperative Extension, NRCS, a municipality, a state department of agriculture, a college or university, a community organization, or other institutional entity.
- November 16, 2010: Partnership Grants are reserved for agricultural service providers-Cooperative Extension & NRCS staff, nonprofits, consultants, state departments of agriculture, and others working in the agricultural community-who want to conduct on-farm demonstrations, research, marketing, and other projects with farmers as active cooperators.
- December 7, 2010: Farmer Grants are for commercial producers who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, or other technique. A techical advisor-often a Cooperative Extension agent, crop consultant, or other service professional-is required as a project participant. Projects should seek results other farmers can use and all projects must have the potential to add to knowledge about sustainable practices.
FMI & Assistance in applying: Western Mountains Alliance at 207.778.3885 or
National Teacher Registry  Get ready for the new school year with the National Teacher Registry. The National Teacher Registry is a new No Cost service for teachers and schools, public and private, pre-school through college. On the National Teacher Registry website a teacher or school can create a list of items that they need and want for their classroom. There are currently over 40,000 items from multiple suppliers on the site and others being added. Once a registry, or wish list, is created, a direct link to the registry can be sent by the teacher or school to parents and friends. Parents and friends can access the list on the Internet, purchase items fom the list, and have the items delivered directly to the teacher or school. If you are a teacher, go to: NationalTeacherRegistry.com today and create your wish list.
2010 Subaru Healthy Sprouts Award  The 2010
Subaru Healthy Sprouts Award is aimed at supporting schools or organizations that plan to garden in 2011 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. The selection of winners is based on the demonstrated relationship between the garden program and education related to environmental, nutrition, and hunger issues in the U.S. A total of 30 awards will be made. Prizes include a $500 gift certificate to the Gardening with Kids catalog and online store for basic youth gardening supplies and supporting educational materials; National Gardening Association's Eat a Rainbow Kit which includes nutrition lessons and education; and a literature package from the National Gardening Association. Application Deadline: October 1, 2010. FMI & Application:
AmpleHarvest.org 
is a nationwide campaign enabling more than 40 million gardeners who grow food in home gardens to be able to donate their excess produce to a local food pantry. AmpleHarvest.org is helping more than 2500 food pantries across all 50 states get garden fresh produce that would have otherwise been left to rot in the garden or thrown in the trash. Because the AmpleHarvest.org campaign is a national effort with a local impact, AmpleHarvest.org collaborates with a number of anti-hunger efforts nationwide. AmpleHarvest.org is also used as a resource by the EPA, think tanks, public policy makers, the press, and many others. AmpleHarvest.org enables people to reach into their backyards instead of their back pockets to help their neighbors in need. Food pantries are encouraged to register and gardeners can find a nearby pantry at: ampleharvest.org
Bicycle Coalition of Maine Bicycle Safety Share the Road Videos  The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has produced two new bicycle safety Share the Road videos. One stresses the importance of children and adults wearing bicycle helmets. The other informs viewers about the law in Maine and several other states requiring motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists. View the 30-second videos at: www.bikemaine.org/news-room/share-the-road-media-campaign
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
Maine Dental Access Coalition Video  This short video presents the need for oral health policies that recognize the role oral health plays in overall health and the need for better access to oral health services. Dental disease has a significant impact on cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke, and complications of diabetes as well as being associated with low birth weight and pre-term births. View the video at: www.mainedentalaccess.org/video.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
Disney Plant Challenge  is a project-based environmental learning competition for classrooms across the U.S. Enrollment is open for the 2010-2011 school year. The elementary school competition is for grades 3-5, and-new this year-a middle school competition is for grades 6-8. Disney Planet Challenge teaches kids about science and conservation while empowering them to make a positive impact on their communities and planet. The program was developed in collaboration with the National Science Teachers Association and WestEd. The Grand Prize, for one classroom, will be a trip to Disneyland Resort for teacher and students in Spring 2011. Classroom prize packages will also be awarded to state and regional winners. FMI or to Enroll: www.disney.com/planetchallenge |
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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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