Staff from RSU14 travels to Washmington DC in supoort of healthy school nutrition guidelines - By Elizabeth Richards

In late March, three members of the RSU school nutrition team took a trip to Washington DC to share their success. They brought with them the message that meeting current school nutrition guidelines, and getting students excited about healthy eating, is challenging but possible.
 

The PEW Charitable Trust, in collaboration with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, reached out to schools in specific states who were meeting the new, more rigid guidelines with success. They asked teams from these states to come and share their stories with policymakers in Washington as they look toward reauthorizing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. 

Jeanne Reilly, the director of school nutrition; Eliza Adams, a health teacher; and chef and School Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator Samantha Cowens-Gasbarro joined a project manager from the Let’s Go program and a kitchen manager from New Sweden, Maine to make the trip. “We went as a team and we were able to tell our story to people on Capitol Hill about what has it taken for us to be successful,” said Reilly. 

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, which changed under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, have been met with bad press that says kids are refusing to eat school lunch, participation has dropped, and too much food is ending up in the trash. But Reilly said the experience in RSU14 has been different. “In the last several years since the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, we’ve shown more students eating lunch, not less and less,” she said. The goal of the PEW Charitable Trust was to show that districts can be successful with these guidelines, to counteract a push to roll these regulations back.

Just after the trip, Reilly said, Senator John Hoeven from North Dakota introduced the Healthy School Meals Flexibility Act, which would provide flexibility to schools in their compliance with the USDA requirements, specifically addressing the whole grain and sodium requirements. The School Nutrition Association has endorsed this bill and released a position paper asking for both changes in the requirements and more funding. The requested changes would bring whole grain rich requirements back to 50 percent rather than the current 100 percent, allow schools to decide whether or not to require students to take a serving of fruit or vegetable, and suspend the implementation of lower sodium targets.

One of the goals of the trip, according to Reilly, was to show legislators that the guidelines can be followed successfully. “If we roll the standards back, what is the message?” Reilly asked, adding that she’d rather stick with it and gradually turn the tide towards children becoming enthusiastic about healthy eating. “We’re educating them and they are learning that healthy food can be tasty and delicious and exciting and fun, too.” 

Cowens-Gasbarro said that the DC trip was an opportunity to promote the idea that through hard work, dedication and keeping real, fresh foods in schools, RSU14 has been able to have a successful school nutrition program. 

Reilly acknowledged that meeting the guidelines isn’t easy. “It takes a lot of work, it takes a lot of engagement, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the process,” she said. Because RSU14 has been meeting the standards for longer than they have been required, these standards have become the norm in the district. In five years’ time, Reilly said, students won’t know anything different. “To go backwards would seem counterproductive,” she said. 

Cowens-Gasbarro said elementary students are happy to see fresh fruits and vegetables included with their meal. “It is at this age that we are really trying to teach and create lifelong healthy eating habits by exposing them to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. She added that she believes keeping the requirement in place is important because for some students, school lunch is their only exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Doing school nutrition the right way means spending more money, and districts are not fully funded to meet the new standards, which can be a big challenge. Part of the message the group brought to Washington was that the standards can be met, but it takes more staff, more funding and better support for struggling districts to make a difference. 

RSU14 sees students get excited about healthy foods through a variety of innovative programs and initiatives. These include kitchen staff cooking meals from scratch, offering taste testing in classrooms and the cafeteria, and educating students on nutrition in health classes. Programs like their “eating through the alphabet,” where students tried fruits or vegetables from A to Z, add a fun element to serving healthy lunches. 

 “What Jeanne and Samantha are doing for the school nutrition program at RSU14 is so positive, they are worthy of being an outstanding example of success,” said Adams. “Our student participation in the school lunch program is up 20 to 30 percent based on the creative and delicious foods offered, and all foods meet the guidelines.”

Their model of including students in the process makes both parents and students more trusting of the program and more willing to try the new and different foods offered said Cowens-Gasbarro. “Asking for their feedback and recommendations, as well as explaining how the school nutrition program works, has really helped them to feel as though they are part of the changes and more accepting of everything we are trying to accomplish in our school nutrition program,” she said.

Boy Scout camp to adopt sound suppressors for shooting programs - By Michelle Libby

Hearing safety, concern for environment, and improved teaching are top priorities

Camp William Hinds in Raymond is soon to become a leader in shooting sports and the first Boy Scout camp in the country to use suppression technology to quiet the sounds of the guns and be a better neighbor for those enjoying Panther Pond. 

Under the direction of Scout Executive (CEO) of the Pine Tree Council Eric Tarbox, Camp Hinds is moving into the future by teaching safe and responsible gun handling during its summer camp programs and competitive shooting sports year round through the Scholastic Pistol Program for Venture Scouts (co-ed ages 14 to 20) and Cub Scout (ages 7 to 10) Biathlons sponsored by the Walmart Foundation.

Boy Scouts of America is the leader in introducing young people to shooting as an enjoyable, safe, and competitive sport.

In a partnership with Gemtech, a manufacturer of firearm suppressors and ammunition, the 10 counties in central and southern Maine served by Pine Tree Council at Camp Hinds will have the opportunity to use state of the art equipment while learning gun safety. The Scouts use the National Rifle Association (NRA) teaching program First Steps for pistol, rifle and shotgun merit badges, as well as National Shooting Sports Foundation’s teachings.

“Training new Scouts the safe, responsible enjoyment of shooting sports is greatly enhanced by reducing the decibels of gunshots,” said Joe Debergalis, Chairman of the NRA’s Education and Training Committee. “This is a superb initiative that will enable Scouts to improve their skills while teaching them respect for their environment.”  

Gemtech donated eight .22 caliber suppressors and 25,000 rounds of sub-sonic ammunition. Josh Waldron the CEO of Silencer Co. offered to join the initiative donating two Salvo suppressors for shotguns at Camp Hinds. 

This initiative will be a first in the Boys Scouts of America, and follows the recent completion of a new range complex at Camp Hinds. The ranges exceed NRA safety recommendations and use ballistic sand built into berms to stop the bullets, a high standard in range safety. 

“National Guard and Reserve servicemen and women are rebuilding our camp properties as a part of their training. Our new range complex allows us to offer more teaching opportunities, so we asked Gemtech to help” said Tarbox.  “Gemtech gladly joined us and helped us form a plan to reduce sound, protect hearing, and show concern for the Maine lakes region environment. Sturm, Ruger, & Co. is donating eight All American .22 rifles, which are designed to use attachments including sound suppressors.  We are very grateful for the help of Gemtech, Ruger, and SilencerCo, and to Furlong Custom Creations for providing legal transfers of the gifted product,” Tarbox said. 

The sound suppressors are attached to the muzzles of the rifles, shotguns and pistols to muffle the sounds of the ammunition being fired. 

Sound suppressors have long been viewed as something only seen in movies and on television, however countries in Europe have long required or encouraged their use. Contrary to popular belief, suppressors do not silence gunshots. Suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by an average of 20 to 35 decibels, about the same reduction as standard earplugs or earmuffs. 

“We believe in the more educational shooting opportunities. To be a leader for teaching Scouts, in hearing prevention against Tinnitus or other hearing disorders and respect for our environment,” said Tarbox. . 

 “The Boy Scouts of America is one of the few organizations that instill excellent core values in young men today. We are very excited to support them in their efforts to teach firearms safety and responsibility with the use of suppressors. Suppressors have become more popular in all aspects of shooting and using them to help protect hearing and avoid noise pollution is the focal point,” said Tom Collins, CEO of Gemtech. 

“In the last two years, we were one of ten Boy Scout camps in the country to offer a pilot program that allowed  boys 14 years old and up to learn to shoot .22 pistols,” said Tarbox. In addition to the pistol program, the camp also offers merit badge and advanced instruction in.22 rifles, shotgun, and archery. As of this summer, suppressors will be used for the rifles, pistols and shotguns. 

“Using suppressors makes the shooting experience safer,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “By using suppressors, the Scouts at Camp William Hinds will be able to focus on the fundamentals of shooting. This is especially important for the many young Scouts who are learning to shoot by taking the rifle and shotgun shooting merit badges. Instructors will have an easier time delivering range commands, and the Scouts will be able to more effectively protect their hearing, and, by reducing the noise pollution, become better stewards to their neighbors.”

“The Town of Raymond continues to have a wonderful relationship with Camp Hinds and the Pine Tree Council,” said Don Willard, Raymond town manager. “Camp Hinds has been teaching shooting safety since 1927, and this initiative shows the Scouts’ willingness to be great neighbors,” Willard said. 

The hope is that Scouts from all over the country will come to Raymond. “When Scouts want a safe, responsible enjoyment of pistol, rifle and shotgun shooting, Camp Hinds will be their number one destination,” Tarbox said. 

Jeff Furlong Custom Creations has also been extremely helpful with the legal side of the donations. Furlong is an authorized dealer of firearms and suppressors, so he was also to streamline the process for the donations from Gemtech and SilencerCo. 

Although the shooting sports program is a popular activity in the summer, Camp Hinds is a traditional camp with a full aquatics program, sailing, kayaking, row boating, a climbing program, Scout skills and other traditional camp activities. The camp runs in 1-week sessions for six weeks. 

The Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America serves nearly 10,000 registered youth and adult volunteers.  The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Camp Hinds will pilot this initiative starting in the summer of 2015.  

“We teach the boys and girls to whom we’re teaching target shooting that we can enjoy our sport in addition to protecting our environment and care for those who enjoy our outdoors,” Tarbox concluded.

For more on the Gemtech suppressors, visit www.gem-tech.com.

Dancing with the Staff kicks off with entertainment and laughs - By Michelle Libby

The eighties were alive last Thursday night as couples took the stage at Windham High School to kick up their heels to raise money for Project Graduation 2015, a chem free overnight for graduates. From Superintendent Sandy Prince and his partner Darcie McDuffie to Manchester School favorites Danielle Burian and Michael Martin, the dances were lively and entertaining.

“It’s just a good time for everybody,” said RSU14 cameraman Gary Harriman. “The people who come and the people who participate have fun.”

This year, Dancing with the Staff added in student dance couples, which also drew in younger audience members. 

“I just enjoy watching the staff,” said audience member Noelle Fone, who never misses a DWTS performance. 

Each couple had their own cheering crowd, but no more than Burian and Martin, who had florescent green T-shirts for all of the Manchester School staff in attendance. They danced to “Walk This Way” by Run DMC. 

Director of Windham – Raymond Adult Education Tom Nash was the master of ceremonies and kept the show moving right along. Although Nash was not dancing for the first time in years, he did manage to squeeze in a little number with two women he pulled out of the audience. 

“It’s fun and funny,” said audience member Joyce Logan. 

Beth Gaudet from Center Stage organized choreographers for all couples who needed one and also worked with her own studio and the Center for Creative Movement in Gorham as they performed a handful of group numbers. 

Former state senator Gary Plummer, Rep. Mark Bryant and Rep. Patrick Corey were all on hand to help encourage the audience to vote – To vote for their favorite dancers by putting money in a bucket with their name on it. Senator Bill Diamond and daughter Karyn Tocci won the People’s Choice award and Emily Gagne and Emma Gresh came in second. 

 

Judges, there for the comic relief more than points, were Stephanie Bubier, Kim McBride and Jack Giampino. 

Elizabeth Bubier and Tianna Bubier danced to “Wake Me Up” by Wham. “You hit the jackpot with that jaunty, jingle,” said McBride. 

Adam Manzo and Kelly-Anne Rush danced to a 80s mash up. “They win just for the music,” said one audience member. McBride gave them the “stash award” for Adam’s moustache. 

Heather Libby and Rod Nadeau danced to “Love Shack” but Libby’s dress stole the show in this number. “They looked like they were having so much fun,” said judge Bubier. 

Diamond and Tocci did some “Old Time Rock n Roll” and were not above using all of the grandchildren to ask for votes. 

For student couples, Hawar Haddadi and Aiyanna Maciel did a self-choreographed Michael Jackson number including sparkly gloves. Gagne and Gresh danced to an 80s mix and ended with umbrellas with “It’s Raining Men.” Melissa Agneta and Griffin Jacobson held out for hero with Jacobson dressed in Superman attire. Pat Leavitt and Eliza Palow danced to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Cassidy Mullins and Madi Roberts had original choreography and danced to a few songs. “I could give it the square root of -1. It’s unreal,” said Giampino.  Meagan Griffeth and Matt Roy shook it to “Busta Move”. 

Superintendent Prince and McDuffie, who danced to “Flashdance”, “Maniac”, “Another one Bites the Dust” and “Whip It” were eliminated at the end of the performance, but the rest of the couples will be moving on to the finale on April 15 at 7 p.m. at the Windham Performing Arts Center. “Mr. Prince shaking his booty…I can never unsee that,” said McBride.

Windham man donates kidney to save a mother's life - By Elizabeth Richards

If you could save the life of a stranger, would you? Josh Dall-Leighton, a 30-year-old Windham man is doing just that. Dall-Leighton is scheduled to donate one of his kidneys to 24-year-old Christine Royles, a woman he’d never met before he saw her plea for a kidney painted on her back windshield.

In December of 2013, Royles fell ill. After having flu-like symptoms for a few weeks, she went to Maine Medical Center, where it was discovered she had kidney failure. Royles had not been sick previously, and they didn’t know then what caused the kidney failure, she said. She began dialysis on Christmas Eve 2013, and was later diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases - Lupus and ANCA Vasculitis. 

In July 2014, Royles began home dialysis, which she does each night for 10 to 10 ½ hours. She was also put on the national transplant list for a kidney. In November, Royles took matters into her own hands and asked for help in a unique way – by writing a new message each week on the back windshield of her car. She received approximately 50 inquiries as a result of these messages and a local news profile. One of those inquiries was Josh’s wife, Ashley Dall-Leighton. 

The message that caught the attention of the Dall-Leightons said that her 2-year-old son needed a healthy mom. Josh said that when he saw the message, he immediately asked Ashley to text Royles to start the process. 

“It was that simple to me,” said Josh. “It was about saving a life.” And it was also about keeping a mom around for her child, said Josh. The Dall-Leightons have three boys of their own, 11-month-old twins and a 5-year-old. Their twins were born prematurely, and one has a rare brain condition. Josh said he couldn’t imagine his son growing up without his mother, and that inspired him to want to help Royles and her son. “If I can help and I can keep her here for him, I’m going to do that. It’s not just for her, it’s for him.”

Royles directed the Dall-Leightons to the transplant center to begin the testing process. After filling out the initial medical packet, a fair amount of time passed, Josh said. Then, they received a voice mail that he was a match, and things began to move quickly from there. The surgery is tentatively scheduled for May 19th.

While Ashley said she got a little nervous after learning more about the procedure, she supports her husband completely in his decision. Josh has never wavered in his desire to donate. While he understands that it can be overwhelming to family and friends who are concerned for him, he said “It’s honestly about saving a life, so there’s no question. I’m a match for her, I’m going to help her.”

Royles said that people at work thought her method of soliciting help was weird and creepy, but she had a feeling that it could work. And she didn’t want to wait the two to three years she was told it might take to find her a kidney. She said that she is surprised that Josh is donating to her, particularly since they have three kids and he will have to take unpaid time off for surgery and the three to six week recovery period.

Because he will be taking leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Josh’s job as a correctional officer at the Southern Maine Re-entry Center, a part of the Maine Correctional Center, is secure. But due to the needs of his children, he uses sick time as soon as he earns it. Therefore, the time he needs off for this procedure will be unpaid unless a decision to deny the use of the sick bank is reversed. 

The community is rallying with fundraising efforts including a pancake breakfast fundraiser at Applebee’s in South Portland, where Royles works. The breakfast will be $10 per person, and is scheduled for Sunday, April 12^th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. A GoFundME page has also been set up 

(http://www.gofundme.com/ped87w), and with the attention the story has been attracting, over $6,000 had been raised by Wednesday morning.

The story of Josh Dall-Leighton’s selfless act has spread quickly in recent days, from stories in the Portland Press Herald and local news outlets to Today.com and Reuters. This type of attention to the story was unexpected the Dall-Leightons said, though Ashley said that she and Royles had a goal to raise awareness on the issue of organ donation. 

Josh said he didn’t know donating a kidney while alive was possible, and if he hadn’t seen the message on Royle’s car, he wouldn’t have even thought about it. “I hope it does raise awareness and that more people will want to step up and at least get through the testing process,” he said. “We all need to help each other out. It’s a crazy world out there and we can’t do it on our own.”

Both Ashley and Josh are Windham High School graduates. After graduating they moved away, but Ashley said that Windham was at the top of the list when choosing where to raise their family, and they returned. Both of the Dall-Leightons said that it’s important to show the positive aspects of life, and they hope that Josh’s donation will change the lives of more people than just Royles. “I want my three boys to understand that the world isn’t such a scary place, and that you can make a difference in somebody else’s life. I don’t want them to just hear that from me. I want them to have seen it,” Josh said.