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PRST-STD U.S. Postage Paid Palmer, MA Permit #22
Fr ee Local Schools Strive For A Healthier Student Body December 2006
By Margo Van Kuren For those that haven’t heard a lunch bell or grabbed a tray for the cafeteria in many moons, school lunch programs have changed dramatically in recent years. And North Central area schools are no exception. Three local school districts - Ellington, Somers, and Stafford - are currently following the state’s latest nutrition requirements. Above and beyond that, Stafford has opted to obtain an additional Healthy Food Certification - one that not only encompasses school breakfasts and lunches but to items sold at concessions and fund-raisers as well. “We found that it wasn’t difficult to comply with the requirements, and we’re pleased with the reimbursement we received from the state,” said Stafford schools Superintendent of Schools Therese Fishman. “It went along with our overall wellness policy, which is one the state uses as an example of an exemplary policy.” Fishman added that the list of approved snacks for things like school parties and other celebrations “is really quite extensive. We haven’t found it too onerous.” For fundraisers, students have been selling items like poinsettias and candles instead of chocolate bars, and concessions at athletic events can sell hot dogs and
soda as long as they offer healthier choices as well. In Connecticut, Public Act 06-63, “An Act Concerning Healthy Food and Beverages in Schools,” took effect this year. The act limits the types of beverages that may be sold to students during the regular school day to five categories, none of which are allowed to contain added sugar, sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners. The following beverages may be sold: milk, nondairy milks such as rice or soy milk “with no more than 4 grams of sugar per ounce and with no more than 35 percent of calories from fat and no more than 10 percent of saturated fat per portion,” 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice or a combination of the two, beverages that contain only water and fruit or vegetable juice, and water.
With the exception of water, portion sizes are limited to 12 ounces. Beverages not specified in Act 06-63 may be sold only to students on school premises if the local board of education votes to permit them, and then only under the following conditions: The sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend, the sale is at the location of the event, and the beverages are not sold from a vending machine or school store. In addition, the act specifies that whenever food is available for purchase by students during the regular school day, nutritious and low-fat foods must also be available for sale. Such foods include low-fat dairy products like yogurt or fresh fruit. School districts that decide to pursue an optional Healthy Food Certification -
pledging to follow those guidelines at functions that occur outside the regular school day - receive an additional 10 cents per lunch per school year from the state. The Stafford school district received $18,000 for following the guidelines last year, and plans to continue the practice. Ellington and Somers have decided not to apply for the additional certification but student wellness continues to be an important priority. And all three districts follow the Connecticut Nutrition Standards, which focus on decreasing fats and sugars while increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. “We discussed it at length, but decided not to participate,” said Dale Roberson, chair of the Ellington Board of Education.
NUTRITION/page 10
In This Issue • PEOPLE: A special interview with a Winterfest celebrity ................p.3 • ELLINGTON: Selectmen debate buying new fire equipment .......................p.5 • SOMERS: Recently retired teacher mourned at middle school ........p.11 • SOMERS: Popular trash spot may have to be discarded ....................p.13 • SANTA SIGHTINGS: Where you cancatch St. Nick this month ..............p.18 • SOMERS 911 Newsletter...........p.19 • STAFFORD: Tax breaks for seniors or veterans debated.................p.24 • FIELDER’S CHOICE: A new column by a veteran sportswriter.........p.27 • CLASSIFIEDS ................pgs.30-31
*NEXT ISSUE Editorial/Advertising Deadline: Dec. 28 (860) 698-9328
Roundtuit Ranch hand Amanda Latif of Somers holds a horse as Somers firefighter Chris Gingras is introduced to the animal during the first of its kind Horse 911 training session sponsored by the Connecticut Horse Council. Council Chairperson Halide Caine spoke to firefighters from Stafford, Somers, Ellington, Tolland and Enfield about proper techniques needed to approach and harness horses when firefighters are faced with barn fires where horses are housed. Photo by David Butler II
Firefighters, Horses Learn About Each Other By Margo Van Kuren ENFIELD —- About 75 firefighters and rescue personnel from Stafford, Somers, Ellington, Tolland and Enfield hope the horses they met Nov. 20 will never require their services. Roundtuit Farms hosted a Horse 911 training sponsored by the Connecticut Horse Council. The emergency responders were shown the best way to approach and handle a frightened horse in the event of a barn fire or other emergency. The participants were split into three groups and practiced approaching, haltering, and leading horses to safety. Halide Caine of the horse council provided the instruction.
“We’re trying to minimize injuries to horses and humans under highly stressful conditions like fires or natural disasters,” said Caine, noting that many first responders may be completely unfamiliar with horses and other barn animals. “Hopefully, this will give them some confidence,” Caine said. “If they remain calm, it will help the horses stay calm.” Caine added that the group has conducted trainings throughout the state, and welcomes hearing from horse barn owners who would be interested in scheduling a training session. The council can be reached at (860) 482-9500, or at its web site: www.cthorsecouncil.org.