Healthy Northern Kennebec, a local Healthy Maine Partnership, and Live Healthy recently recognized after school programs, community organizations, early education childcare centers, healthy workplaces, and schools in Northern Kennebec and Fairfield with a Physical Activity & Nutrition Award for their accomplishments in physical activity, nutrition and healthy weight.

Nominees were scored in five categories: 5210 Let’s Go! 10 Strategies for Success; Physical Activity, Nutrition, Move More; and Nutrition And Physical Activity Self-Assessment Child Care Best Practices.

2012 PAN Award winners are: Atwood Primary School, Benton Elementary School, Running Club; Vassalboro Community School, Before/After School Program; and Wee Count Day Childcare & Preschool.

Atwood Primary School in Oakland. Nominees were Principle Jennifer McGee and School Nurse Julie Omsberg.

Benton Elementary School physical education teachers, Sarah Dexter and John Hersom wanted to get as many children as possible moving, having fun and developing healthy lifestyle habits. They implemented and established a Running Club in the fall of 2010.

The Vassalboro Community School, Before/After School Program began in 1998 and provides before and after school programs for students age 5-12 on a daily basis and continues to operate when school is not in session. Children get 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day; 30 minutes are spent in the gym and another 30 minutes or more are spent outside; weather permitting.

Wee Count Childcare’s mission is to meet a need in the community for childcare that is professional, reliable and to provide enrichment.

Because Atwood Primary School, Benton Elementary School, Running Club, Vassalboro Community School, Before/After School Program and Wee Count Childcare & Preschool have all identified health and wellness as an important aspect of their organizations mission and goals and has incorporated programs that promote physical activity and nutrition.


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