Goodwill AmeriCorps members
throughout Maine will encourage youth to get out and "muv" this Martin
Luther King, Jr. weekend. The MLK Day of Muvment: Reintroducing u to
Movement aims to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic in Maine and
across the country. Each local event features activities centered on
health, exercise and nutrition. For a complete list of events happening
throughout the state, please visit www.goodwillnne.org. Events are supported by the Maine Commission for Community Service and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Martin
Luther King Day is a traditional day of service for AmeriCorps members.
The MLK Day of Muvment recognizes that obesity is a serious and growing
problem in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), one-third of US adults are obese and approximately 17%
of children ages 2-19 years are obese.[1] The goal of the MLK Day of
Muvment project is to provide local communities with chances for
physical activity and nutrition education. "Martin Luther King devoted
his life to advancing equality and social justice. He taught us that
everyone has a role to play in working towards these goals," said Joely
Ross, Goodwill AmeriCorps Program Manager. By serving today and
throughout the year, we honor Dr. King and help realize his dream of
opportunity for all."
Following is a list of participating events happening in central and northern Maine this weekend:
January 13
Skowhegan
Day
of Muvment Food as Art. Somerset Grist Mill, 6 to 8 pm. There will be a
free nutrition workshop and healthy cooking demonstration open to
teens. FMI: Yvonne Bollenbacher, ybollenbacher@msad54.org or call (207)
649-8090.
January 15
Bangor
Get Ready to Move Contest.
Maine Discovery Museum 12 to 5 pm. Youth will be given a pedometer to
wear around the museum to track steps - win prizes! FMI: Alix Johns,
alix@foodandmedicine.org, 207-546-4466.
Greenville
New Year
"Taste" Test: MLK Day of Muvment. Greenville High School, 1:30 pm. Youth
are invited to come and try a selection of healthy foods and learn
about nutrition. FMI: Kirsten Jones, Kirsten.jones@ghslakers.org or
(614) 962-1008.
January 15-16
Fort Fairfield
Day of
Muvment: Healthy Living. Elementary students are invited to participate
in outdoor activities, learn about the 5-2-1-0 program and enjoy healthy
snacks. FMI: Liz Moran, emoran@msad20.org or 207-473-4455.
January 16
Farmington, Maine
One
Ounce Drive (Prevention is Better than Cure). 8 am to 4 pm. Free Health
Screening at Farmington United Way Office downtown from 8 am to noon
and at the Farmington Wal-Mart from 1 to 4 pm. FMI: Mani Jean-Louis,
manij_l@yahoo.com or 207-779-2155.
Lincoln, Maine
Moving in a
Winter Wonderland. KidCare America. 3 to 6 pm. Students in greater
Lincoln are invited to a day of tubing at Hermon Mountain. Information
will be provided on how to stay active in the winter. Healthy snacks
included. FMI: Sonia Noble, Sonia@kidcareamericalincoln.org or
207-290-5383.
January 28
Bangor
Move and Groove Day,
Maine Discovery Museum, 10:30 - 3:30. Hula dancers, children's yoga,
dance instructors - learn how to move and stay healthy! FMI: Alix Johns,
alix@foodandmedicine.org, 207-546-4466
Goodwill Industries of
Northern New England has a 78-year history of providing innovative
services that eliminate barriers to opportunity and help people in need
reach their fullest potential through the power of work. We serve
individuals through job training and placement, career counseling,
family strengthening services, youth employment opportunities, brain
injury programs, and other community support services for people with
disabilities. Our programs are funded by revenue from our 26 retail
stores, grants, fees, and financial gifts. Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.
