Great American Smoke Out!!!

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Written by Terry MeltonThursday, 20 November 2008 10:15

MCYC HELPS VERMONTERS TRY TO QUIT SMOKING ON THEIR OWN

Easy Access to Tools and Strategies Is Key to Independent Success

The Milton Community Youth Coalition and the Vermont Department of Health have teamed up to support smokers who think of themselves as “independent quitters,” interested in stopping smoking cigarettes in their own way, on their own terms.  Most of the 50,000 Vermonters who tried to stop smoking last year want to quit on their own, so local and statewide organizations are providing a suite of tools to help these self-directed Vermonters quit.

Overcoming tobacco addiction can be a big challenge, and almost everyone needs some sort of support to be successful.  People who are trying to quit smoking say what works is encouragement and great tools. The new “Your Quit. Your Way.”  tools offered by the MCYC and the Vermont Quit Network were designed to be accessible where quitters live, work and play (online and offline), and available with no obligation.

“Everyone has a different path to success when it comes to quitting smoking,” said Kim Dellinger, Executive Director.  “That’s why are working with the Health Department to meet the needs of anyone who wants to quit by linking smokers with the right tools.”

Smokers thinking about quitting can get quit tips, free quit tools, or sign up to have free nicotine gum, patches or lozenges delivered directly to their homes, by visiting VTQuitNetwork.org and clicking on “Your Quit. Your Way.”  Those interested in extra help or advice can call 1.800.QUIT.NOW (784-8669) to setup an appointment with a phone or in-person quit coach.

“For many smokers, quitting on their own proves that they can regain the control they had lost to tobacco addiction,” said Health Commissioner Wendy Davis, MD.  “We respect that commitment, and want to offer those Vermonters proven tools and strategies that can increase their chances of quitting for good.”

The MCYCand the Vermont Department of Health offer free tools to help independent quitters:

·        Pedometers to track steps taken instead of a cigarette break as part of a successful health and fitness program.  Join the Get Moving Vermont! Fall Challenge 2008 at www.getmoving.vermont.gov to get healthy and win prizes.

·        Distraction putty and worry stones that keep hands busy until a typical 3-5 minute nicotine craving passes.  Independent quitters say that this is one of the tools they need the most. 

·        Quit Coaching Podcasts that provide tips and strategies for successfully quitting smoking, from experienced Vermont Quit Network counselors.

·        Mini quit tip cards (48 tip cards in all) that can be put on a key ring, slipped into a cigarette pack, or into a car ashtray – as a visible reminder and to provide encouragement when cravings hit during a quit attempt.

The MCYC has tip cards and distraction putty at their offices at 165 Rt 7 South Unit 01, behind The Milton Chiropractic. Our operating hours are 9am-4pm, or call us at 893-1009.

These tools are available through community coalitions and hospitals around the state, and via direct mail. Materials can also be ordered through doctors’ offices affiliated with BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont and online at VTQuitNetwork.org.  Radio stations around the state will also be airing a series of 42 radio spots featuring tips and strategies to help Vermonters quit smoking.

“The coming holidays, and the New Year, are a time when Vermonters traditionally think seriously about quitting smoking,” added Dr. Davis.  “We want them to know that if they need support, we’re here for them with ways to help.”

Vermont smokers who are interested in learning more about the support available when considering quitting should contact the Vermont Quit Network by checking out VTQuitNetwork.org, dialing 1.800.QUIT.NOW (784-8669) or visiting a Vermont Quit Network coach at a local Vermont hospital.

The Vermont Tobacco Control Program is funded by payments from the Master Settlement Agreement and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information, visit http://healthvermont.gov.

 

Rachel's Challenge

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Written by Terry MeltonThursday, 25 September 2008 09:02

MILTON -- The horrific events of an April morning nine years ago in Columbine, Colo., continue to resonate in schools across the country. Friday, the story of that day and one of its victims comes to Milton.

Rachel's Challenge -- named after Rachel Scott, the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 -- is a program to promote tolerance and acceptance among students. The presentation is brought to Milton by The Milton Elementary PTA, Milton Town School District and Key Bank, with support from MCYC.

Presentations will be held from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. for middle school students and 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. for high school students. A community presentation will be held at 6:30 p.m., all in the Middle/High school auditorium.

The challenge has five main tenets:

Eliminate prejudice by looking for the best in others.

Dare to dream, set goals and keep a journal.

Choose your influences.

Kind words and small acts of kindness have a huge impact.

Start a chain reaction with family and friends.

Rachel's father, Darrell Scott, spoke to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee regarding issues of school violence in the weeks following the Columbine shootings. Rachel's acts of kindness and compassion, coupled with the contents of her six diaries, have become the foundation for Rachel's challenge.

 

Activities Fair 2008!

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Written by Terry MeltonTuesday, 02 September 2008 12:39

Milton Community Activities Fair!

Sponsored by the Milton Community Youth Coalition (MCYC) www.miltonyouth.org

Tuesday September 9th, 2008 6-8 PM

Milton Elementary School 42 Herrick Ave. Milton, VT  (5/6 lobby, cafeteria and 5/6 gym)

Contact: Kym Duchesneau, Event Coordinator ph:893-6327 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

This exciting event will provide one-stop-shopping for families and community members to sign-up for and/or gather information about the following organizations serving the Milton community:

Arrowhead Senior Citizen Center
Boy & Cub Scouts
Cannons Baseball
Community Outreach Theatre
Find and Go Seek.net
Friends of the Milton Public Library
Front Porch Forum
Girl Scouts
Green-Up Day
Horseshoe Club
Knights of Columbus
Lake Champlain Byways
Local Motion
Milton – Colchester Rotary
Milton Artists’ Guild
Milton Business Association
Milton Community Band
Milton Community Youth Coalition
Milton Conservation Commission
Milton Elementary School PTA
Milton Family Community Center
Milton Grange
Milton Historical Society
Milton Little League Baseball & Softball
Milton Outdoor Performance Center
Milton Public Library
Milton Recreation Dept.
Milton Ski & Ride Club
North Country ATV Association
Project Graduation 2009
SAVVY Horse 4-H Club
St. Ann’s Church
The Milton Independent
VT Association of Snow Travelers
VT Dept of Health
Youth Basketball
Youth Hockey
Youth Soccer
Youth Wrestling

And more!

  

Exciting News for Our Great Community

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Written by Terry MeltonTuesday, 02 September 2008 12:32

John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), has announced the award of $625,000 grant ($125,000 per year) to the Milton Community Youth Coalition (MCYC) to carry out alcohol and marijuana prevention activities in the town of Milton over the next five years. 

The Milton Community Youth Coalition is one of 199 new grants selected from 419 applicants nationally. The Drug-Free Communities program helps communities get the hard work of prevention done by connecting local programs, systems, and funding streams through these new grants; the full force of the community will be brought to bear on preventing drug abuse and promoting healthy, productive lives.

This grant will be redistributed back into the community in a number of different ways that will focus on a broad based implementation of prevention programs, rather than focusing on a small segment of the population.  Included into this grant are the implementation of an after school “activities bus” two times/week that will allow for after school programming, an arts program, after school and summer activities, support of Milton’s Grad Night (MHS Project Graduation) and the upcoming Rachel’s Challenge program, supported by the Milton Elementary School PTA.  This grant will also support the implementation of substance use/abuse prevention classes within the schools, parenting programs for parents of youth between 4th and 12th grade, training opportunities for key sectors of the community around alcohol and drug prevention, and broader based policy development initiatives that will support lasting change with regards to alcohol and drug use and abuse. 

“The community partner organizations and ultimately the residents of Milton are the beneficiaries of this grant” stated MCYC Board Co-Chairwomen, K.C. Norris.

According to MCYC Executive Director Kimberly Dellinger, the grant will provide the Milton residents and especially the teens with numerous substance free opportunities for fun activities and events.  “The young people of Milton will have a way to spend their time after school and in the summers that are fun, supportive and engaging.”

While the Milton Community Youth Coalition is youth focused, it strives to work to make this great community stronger for all of its residents. The MCYC realizes that Milton is made up of people of all age groups, and supports the enrichment of the community in a positive and affirming manner.

The Milton Community Youth Coalition meets monthly on the first Thursday evening of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at their office located at 165 Route 7 South in Milton, VT.  Meals and childcare are always provided during coalition meetings, and we encourage participation and involvement for all members of the Milton community. 

 

MCYC's Making Milton a Smoke Free Zone

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Written by Kim DellingerSunday, 24 August 2008 23:00

The Milton Community Youth Coalition, in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health is helping children in Milton appeal to their parents, other relatives, and adult caregivers with a simple message: Keeping smoking away from them is the best way to protect their growing lungs and bodies.

Some tips for smokers who want to create smoke-free zones:

  • Rules rule. Tell everyone who visits your home or rides in your car, including babysitters and other cargivers, about your no-smoking rule.
  • Picture me. Put a wallet size picture of your child or loved one on your cigarette pack to remind you of why it's so important.
  • The zone. Please smoke-free reminders (like stickers) around the house, garage and car.
  • Teams work. Join togheter with another parent who smokes, pledging to keep smoke far away and to watch each other's kids during smoke breaks.

Some tips for non-smokers as well:

  • Tell everyone. Let family, friends and co-workers know that you do mind if they smoke around you and your children. It's not always easy, but it's important.
  • Traveling zone. Makke sure everywhere your child spends time, including child-care centers, churches, and after school programs are smoke free.
  • Practice no. On your own, practice asking people not to smoke around you and your loved ones so when the time comes, you'll be ready.
  • Stick to it. Put a smoke-free zone sticker on your car or front door. Most people will get the message.

The MCYC is working to encourage adults to make these choices through a variety of different activities around the Milton community.

  • Water-bottles, stickers and information will be handed out throughout the community during the months of August and September to encourage the creation of smoke free zones throughout Milton. 

  • Information and incentives regarding the Smoke Free Zone campaign will also be distributed during the MCYC Community Activities Fair, September 9th, from 6-8 p.m. at the Milton Elementary School. 

 

Please check out the following resources for more information.

  

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