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Welcome to HCCA's Newsletter:
Public Health News
February 2012
Volume 5, Issue 2
Newsletter goal: provide local community members with resources to connect with others and improve lives.
Newsletter Focus: Southern Kennebec and beyond Public Health news of note!
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Board of Directors
| Mary Frances Bartlett
Rebecca West Dick
Dick Dyer
Rob Gordon, Treasurer
Patricia Hopkins
Kayla Ladenheim William McPeck, Vice Chair
Emilie Van Eeghen
Frederick A. White, PhD
Jim Wood, Chair
Mark Yerrick, Secretary
Joanne Joy, Director
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| HCCA Towns | Augusta
Chelsea
Farmingdale
Fayette
Gardiner
Hallowell
Litchfield
Manchester
Monmouth
Mount Vernon
Pittston
Randolph
Readfield
Richmond
Vienna
Wayne
West Gardiner
Windsor
Winthrop
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Annual Winthrop Heating Fundraising Event
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What:
Chili/Chowder/Soup Throwdown
When:
Saturday, February 25
Where:
Winthrop High School.
Who: Keep Winthrop Warm
Why: Help keep your neighbors warm, no matter what the weather.
Suggested Donations:
$5 per person; $20 for a family.
50/50 raffle and Door Prizes.
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| Augusta Warming Center Open Through March 31st on Water Street |
 The Augusta Warming Center has opened for it's third year! As it was last year, the Warming Center is located in the Masonic Building on Water St. The Entrance is on the River side of the building, across from the Gazebo.
Hours are 9 am to 4 pm each day, including weekends.
Community donations from many sources keep the Warming Center well provisioned with food, furniture, toys and dry goods. The Center thanks the communities and want you to know that donations are always welcome!
The Warming Center is more than just a warm place to get out of the weather. Director Rob Shore is building on past year's successes at the  Warming Center and making sure it continues to be a pleasant, welcoming place to pass the time. There are areas dedicated to playing games, including video games, cards and puzzles, a quiet space for reading, and a children's activity room. In the Center's entry room, there is a "take-away" area of donated clothing and household items for visitors. Sundays, volunteers often serve a hot lunch, as the soup kitchen is closed that day.
The Warming Center is supported by the United Way through Green Street United Methodist Church, and many other community businesses and individuals. An average of 25 to 30 guests drop by the Warming Center each day. Rob invites you to drop by for coffee, warmth and fellowship. For more information, to make a donation or to volunteer, call 242-6723. Thank you!
Mary Frances Bartlett, Augusta Public Health; Rob Gordon, United Way of Kennebec Valley (both HCCA Board Members) and Augusta Selectman Cecil Munson at a Warming Center Planning meeting.
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Need Heating Assistance?
Call 2-1-1 First | O ne of Maine's greatest resources, 2-1-1, is the first source to check for heating and related assistance! 2-1-1 is a telephone number that connects people 24/7 with important community services and volunteer opportunities. Trained individuals answer the phone and assist with requests.
It's simple- just dial 211.
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FREE!! Cooking Matters Class - is Looking For YOU!
| Learn to prepare healthy meals and snacks. Just call 207-712-9734 to sign up!
You will learn:
- How to stretch food dollars
- New recipes for healthy meals
- How to prepare great snacks
- Meal planning for busy people
- Cooking skills
- Favorite recipes made healthy
- How to keep foods safe
- Tips for a healthy lifestyle
Click on this link for more details about the upcoming training.
For more information and/or to host a Cooking Matters Program, contact Rene Page 207-588-5020.
This program and is being coordinated by Kennebec Local Food Initiative (KLFI) in cooperation with HCCA, The Maine Cooperative Extention and Good Shepherd food-Bank. You can also find information about this program throughout the state at the Good Shepherd Food-Bank website: http://gsfb.org/how-we-help/programs/cooking-matters-maine/
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KeepMEWell Keeps YOU Well!
|  Use this private personalized FREE on-line health risk assessment to find opportunities to improve your health. Receive a list of resources from 2-1-1 Maine tailored to your health improvement.
Click Here to participate! |
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Free Parent Education Series
|  The Children's center is offering free workshops for parents this spring. There will be one class per month February through May.
Topics include: Managing your Child's Behavior at home or not; Eating Healthy for Families; and a 4-step parenting method method to connect with and guide your child.
Dinner, childcare and mileage reimbursement will be available. To register call Samantha Thibodeau at the Children's Center 626-3497 X 125.
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Help Others Quit Smoking: Be a Helper!!
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HCCA and Project Integrate Host:
The Maine Helpers Program for Behavioral Health Services Providers
The Helpers Program is a half-day training conducted by a Certified Helpers Trainer. After completing the Helpers Training you will have the skills you need to talk with someone about their tobacco use in a friendly and effective manner. Gain the skills to: * Learn practical ways to start conversations about tobacco * Understand what motivates someone to think about quitting or take action to quit * Offer referrals, self-help resources and information on successful strategies When: March 8, 2012 8:30-12:30 Where: 36 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner Cost: Special price of $15 for this initial Class, To Register and/or inquire about Full Scholarships: 588-5012 or email j.joy@healthycommunitiesme.org |
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Kennebec Local Food Initiative Buying Club Kicks off!
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The KLFI is excited to announce they have completed the first test cycle of the buying club (taking orders, ordering local goods, receiving the goods, distributing and collecting payment for the goods and... it is all GOOD!! Good for you, Good for the environment, Good for the local economy and Good and local.
The Buying Club opens to all starting February 12. You will be picking up your order on February 23. But first you need to get access to the Buying Club website so you can see the products to select.
If you want to become a customer, please e-mail (klfi@gardinerfarmersmarket.org) or call (712-9734). For more information follow this link. |
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Discounted Radon Testing Training - Register Now!
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Radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas, is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers according to the Surgeon General and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In an effort to spread the word about radon, its effects and where it is found, January has been designated as National Radon Action Month.
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has partnered with Spruce Environmental Technologies to provide low-cost professional radon training courses to interested Maine residents. Registration for these classes continues through the end of the month.
Classes will be held February 8-10 at 100 Waterman Drive in South Portland and are funded in part by grants received from the EPA. A two-day class in residential radon measurement at a cost of $99 (regularly $299) and a one-day class in radon in water ($79, regularly $185), provide the minimum training needed to register to conduct radon testing in Maine
"Nearly all of Maine is in EPA's Zone 1, a designation given to counties where homes and other buildings have the highest potential for radon levels that must be reduced,'' said Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of the Maine CDC. "In the winter, when homes are tightly sealed against the cold, indoor radon levels can be higher than at other times of the year. Regardless of the season, we urge that all homes and wells be tested for radon, as it can be found both in the air and in water."
Radon can be found at high levels in many homes and is often found in areas with a lot of granite. Pinette said that home inspectors, contractors and real estate professionals can benefit from learning more about radon testing and how to reduce radon levels. .
For more information click here, to sign up for the class call Spruce Radon Training at 1-800-355-0901.
For a list of trained and licensed radon professionals, visit the Maine Radon Homepage at www.maineradiationcontrol.org
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Applying for Heating Assistance With LIHEAP
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To schedule an interview call (207)859-1500
LIHEAP helps both homeowners and renters with their heating costs. Household income must be lower than 150% of the poverty level. (This equals about $1,839 per month for a family of 2.) If anyone in the household is over age 60, below age 2, or has a health condition that puts them at risk of hypothermia then the income limit can be higher - 170% of poverty level. (This equals about $2,084 per month for a family of 2.)
If heat is included in your rent, you can still get help. If you apply and get even a little bit of help, then your monthly Food Supplement benefit may go up.
You apply for LIHEAP through your local Community Action Program. Bring the following to the interview:
1. Proof of income for the prior three months
2. Name of your heating vendor (who sells you oil, for instance)
3. Your CMP account number - you may be eligible for assistance
4. Your telephone number
5. Your Social Security number
6. Birthdates of all people in the home
Once you are accepted for the LIHEAP program, you may be able to receive the following programs if needed:
Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
Available Nov 1 through March 30th up to $400. You can get this help once per heating season for emergency fuel or to avoid electricity cut-off. You must get LIHEAP to get ECIP.
Weatherization and Furnace Repair or Replacement (CHIP)
This program gives grants to home owners and renters for weatherization and 0r repair or replacement of central heating systems The guidelines are the same as LIHEAP, you must have a current LIHEAP application.
Did you know...
LIHEAP and other Heat Helper funds can also pay for wood. KVCAP has a list of approved wood dealers.
Applications for LIHEAP are accepted until April 30th this year.
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Citizens Energy Fuel 2012 Program
| Citizens Energy's Fuel Assistance Program is available again this year. The program will take applications through March, 2011. Customers can apply during that time period only by calling the toll free number 1-978-269-5980 or 1-877-563-4645. Those qualifying for fuel assistance in Maine will meet program guidelines, but interested customers still need to apply. Dealers have until April 30, 2011 to complete all deliveries.
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Public Health is For Everyone Webpage
| Visit HCCA's Public Health is for Everyone Page
Learn about the pilot project and the connections between Public Health and Mental Health |
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Every Day Basics For Everyone!
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St Mark's Episcopal Ministries offers many programs to help make ends meet. Below are two of them.
Addie's Attic
free clothing bank is now open:
Mondays 1:00-3:00pm
Thursdays 9:00am-12noon
Saturdays 1st and 3rd Saturdays 1:00-4:00pm
Everyday Basics
free essentials pantry is now open:
1st and 3rd Saturdays from 1:00-4:00pm
We offer a bar of soap, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, diapers and wipes, shampoo, feminine hygiene products and powdered laundry detergent.
There are no residency or eligibility requirements for receiving esentials and clothing, all are welcome.
Contributions of clothes and of essential items or money may be delivered to St. Mark's during any of the hours that the clothing bank and/or essentials pantry are open.
For a more complete listing of services click here.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church parish house
9 Summer St., Augusta
622-2424
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Create your own heat: Exercise!!
| | We are fortunate to live in an area where beauty is everywhere, and a nice walk is just outside your door, or inside your local school! For a few ideas for keeping active (and warm) outside this winter, visit our website page here.
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Local Farmers Markets Remain Open This Winter!!
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Gardiner Farmer's Market -
1st and 3rd Weds. - 2-6 p.m.
Johnson Hall on Water Street
SNAP/Food Stamp Cards accepted
The Market has baked goods, locally produced meat, eggs, cheese and other items.
Augusta Farmer's Market, Mill Park
Tuesday from 3-4:30 p.m., weather permitting
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Tips for When Energy/Heating Needs Arise
| If you or someone you know is in need of heating assistance this season remember:
- Dialing 211 is the first resource for locating help.
- Most towns and cities have a general assistance program, contact your town office.
- if a disconnect notice arrives in the mail, do not ignore it, call CMP immediately. This call triggers a report to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The case then is reviewed and the electricity will stay on in most cases at least through the review.
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Healthy Communities of the Capital Area is funded through non- tax dollars from the Fund for Health Maine. Thank you for your time and attention. Please contact us if we can be of assistance in supporting your southern Kennebec communities' quality of life!
We hope you found the information presented here useful and informative. Please send comments and suggestions for improvement to the contact information below.
Sincerely,
Joanne E.A. Joy, Director
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area
Karen Tucker, Project Coordinator
All our newsletters are permission only. You are receiving this because we have an established relationship with you. If you do not want to receive future newsletters, please activate the "safeunsubscribe"link at the end of the newsletter.
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HMP is a collaborative effort among 28 local coalitions, the Maine DHHS (Maine CDC and Office of Substance Abuse) and DOE, supported primarily by the Fund for Healthy Maine with federal grants from the US CDC, SAMHSA, and DOE.
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