WASHINGTON, D.C.

Tobacco prevention activist

Hattie Simon, 16, of Old Orchard Beach is among a nationwide contingent of young tobacco prevention activists who have converged on the nation’s capital this week to undergo leadership training and meet with congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. 

The students, who hail from all across America, are specifically calling attention to the marketing of cheap, sweet-flavored cigars that appeal to youth. 

Health advocates are urging Congress to reject legislation that would exempt cigars from regulation under a landmark 2009 law giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority over tobacco products. 

The outing, organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, includes skill-building workshops on leadership, advocacy and communications. For more details, go to www.tobaccofreekids.org.

PORTLAND

Purple crying campaign

A group in southern Maine is launching a campaign to spread awareness about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking an infant.

Connections for Kids is taking part in this national campaign to reduce child abuse. Its campaign is called, “CLICK for Babies: Period of PURPLE Crying Caps.”

The purple caps are intended to remind parents about the period of purple crying, which begins at about two weeks of age and continues until about three to four months.

The group is seeking knitters and crocheters to make purple colored baby caps to help educate parents and caregivers. More information about the CLICK for Babies campaign, go to www.clickforbabies.org and www.connectionsforkids.org.

KENNEBUNK

$20,000 for Caring Unlimited

The Fifth Annual Nicole’s Run/ Walk has raised $20,000 to support programs and services for Caring Unlimited, York County’s Domestic Violence Resource Center.

More than 300 runners and walkers participated in the event, held in memory of Nicole Oliver, a 24-year old mother of two from Wells who was killed by her husband in 2007.

Each year, Caring Unlimited serves approximately 3,000 individuals whose lives are affected by domestic abuse through support and safety planning services including: 24-hour confidential hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, support and education groups, legal advocacy, school-based education and advocacy and community education.

BIDDEFORD

Free Clinic gets $2,500

The Biddeford Free Clinic received a $2,500 donation from longtime supporter Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution to benefit its program to provide non-narcotic prescription medications for uninsured southern Maine residents. The nonprofit clinic provides outpatient medical care and prescription medication to low-income individuals without insurance,

Donations can be made to Biddeford Free Clinic, P.O. Box 325, Biddeford, ME 04005. For more details, go to www.biddefordfreeclinic.org.

WELLS

Charov to head fundraising

Laudholm Trust has named Nik Charov its new president of the fundraising arm of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.

Charov, who was selected from a strong field of candidates from around the country, replaces retiring president Diana Joyner, who is working with him in a transitional phase.

Charov has experience in science education and environmental preservation. Formerly, he served as director of institutional advancement for New York Restoration Project to reclaim and restore New York City parks, community gardens and open space.

Charov will be responsible for overseeing the daily operation of Laudholm Trust.

For more details, call 646-4521 ext. 144 or email nik@laudholm.org.

SANFORD

Waban Projects gets donation

Waban Projects Inc. received $1,036 from the Kennebunk Savings annual Customer Ballot program.

The money will be used to support programs promoting the general welfare and education of children and adults with developmental or other disabilities.

SACO

Counseling service grants

Counseling Services Inc., a community mental health agency serving southern Maine residents, recently received $15,000 in grant funds to provide counseling services to uninsured or underinsured children diagnosed with mental illness.

The agency received $10,000 from the John T. Gorman Foundation and $5,000 from the Maine Community Foundation (York County Children’s Aid Society Fund).

The money will be used for targeted case management services at CSI’s Kittery and Westbrook regional offices.

For more details, call Steven Price at 294-7032 or email steven.price@csimaine.com.

STATEWIDE

Camps awarded funds

The American Camp Association, New England, awarded eight Maine camps with American Camp Association Campership Funds.

The camps that received funds:

Agassiz Village in Poland, Birch Rock Camp in Waterford, Camp Runoia in Belgrade Lakes, Camp Susan Curtis in Portland, Wohelo Camps in Raymond, Camp O-AT-KA in Sebago, Camp Wekeela in Hartford and Netop Summer Camp in Casco.

In total, 64 ACA accredited day and overnight camps throughout the New England states received funds.

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