The one-time mini-grants support projects that promote healthy lifestyle choices by helping people quit using tobacco, eat healthier food, and/or get physically active. Mini-grants are available to almost any type of community group, club or association, municipalities, small businesses or Chambers of Commerce, faith communities or local programs that serve low-income people.

Winners for the application period ending Feb. 15 are:

• Central Maine Trails for Alternative Transportation, $4,200, to install bridge decking and side rails to make the Four Seasons Adventure Trail surface safe and more user friendly for all users. The former Maine Central Railroad bed from Newport to Dover-Foxcroft is being transformed into a multi-use recreational trail and will be registered as a Healthy Maine Walks site.

  Individuals interested in checking out other Healthy Maine Walk sites or registering a favorite walking trail or route can go to www.healthymainewalks.org. Robin Mayo, Community Partnership Director said "It's a great site to check out indoor and outdoor walking routes, and a great place to register your favorite route so others can enjoy various walking opportunities locally or state-wide." The Piscataquis Public Health Council can assist with signage that identifies the route as a Healthy Maine Walks route.

• Charlotte White Center, Dover-Foxcroft, $2,361, to purchase a tandem quadricycle bike to provide the opportunity for people with mental health, mental retardation and development disabilities to improve their physical and mental health by participating in outdoor recreation and socialization.

• Penquis Leadership Institute, $2,000, to provide scholarships to PLI participants in a program that develops the region's emerging leaders and builds their capacity to improve the health of the communities in which they live.

• Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District, $1,755, to provide agricultural tours for 60 children attending the district's summer camp. Tours of local farms educate children and their families about local agricultural producers and locally grown food, as well as providing opportunities for physical activity.

The mini-grants are awarded to applicants that can show sustainable change. Additional mini-grant awards will be made, with deadlines scheduled several times throughout the year. Grant applications can be obtained by contacting Robin Mayo, PPHC Community Partnership Director, at 564-4344.

The Piscataquis Public Health Council is one of 31 local Healthy Maine Partnerships, working on tobacco prevention and control, physical activity and nutrition, using tobacco settlement funds provided through the Fund for a Healthy Maine.