The meeting agenda focused on the work of the area's school health coordinators over the past year, as well as their work plans for the future. Reports were delivered from the following SHCs:

• Greg Bellemare, SAD 4 -- The Guilford area schools have made major progress on health curriculum work and wellness initiatives (distributing information, Tar Wars, My Turn). The district is also considering implementing Weight Watchers and a Move and Improve-type program.
• Greg Leavitt, SAD 68 -- The Dover-Foxcroft school district has purchased materials for health and physical education curriculum, established a wellness committee, assisted the local YMCA with a summer scholarship program, and successfully applied for a Comprehensive School Health Education grant. SAD 68 is now looking at implementing cooking classes and the Mainely Nutrition program, and is discussing after-school programs with the YMCA.
• Robin Mayo, SAD 46 -- The Dexter area district has been working on health curriculum; has implemented a K-4 program on positive action; developed a resource library; established a 13-member wellness team; begun publishing a monthly newsletter; started a Walk and Work program and reviewed prospects for starting a Weight Watchers or TOPS program; obtained discounted memberships at Millside Fitness and the YMCA for SAD 46 staff; and begun work on a district health assessment survey; and added wellness info to the SAD 46 Web site. The district is now breaking down survey results and continuing work on health curriculum, and is developing a tobacco-free playing field policy and working on tobacco ordinances for district towns (Dexter, Garland, Exeter, Ripley).
• Martha Herrick, Greenville -- A wellness team has been established with broad representation; teachers have been surveyed for curriculum alignment; surveys have been completed on community wellness needs and vending machines; and a review has been undertaken on school health policies and community recreation assets. Greenville schools are now in the process of aligning the health and fitness curriculum with Maine Learning Results. Greenville has been taking advantage of HMP training opportunities. The new school superintendent is very supportive of this effort.

Renee Speh reported that a seminar on worksite wellness will be presented by Andy Spaulding of the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council on Nov. 20 at Mayo. No Buts (Blocking Underage Tobacco Sales) training for retailers will be Nov. 12 at Mayo.

Renee said PPHC members are encouraged to work with the Moosehead Region Literacy Volunteers on a radio ad campaign. She also discussed the kickoff for the "Enough is Enough" campaign linking soda with obesity. On another topic, Mayo's substance abuse counseling service is now offering tobacco cessation counseling for a $12/hour fee. Cathy Brown is working on an op-ed editorial piece on PPHC issues.

Grant opportunities--
Renee is investigating two possible grants: one from the Maine Coalition for Smoking OR Health to develop a community tobacco prevention task force to develop policies promoting a tobacco-free environment; and a "Circle of Friends" grant available from the American Legacy Foundation that focuses on women and tobacco. The Legacy grant would fund a tobacco prevention specialist who could concentrate on direct service, community education and outreach for women and girls. The consensus was that the Legacy grant more closely aligns with the PPHC's need to extend direct service capabilities.

Next meeting: Nov. 20, 2-4 p.m. at Mayo with guest Andy Spaulding from the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council.

Minutes submitted by Tom Lizotte