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UNITE Activities
Pike County has 14 registered UNITE Clubs for the 2009-10 school year – Dorton Elementary, East Ridge High, Feds Creek Elementary, George F. Johnson Elementary, Johns Creek Elementary, Johns Creek Middle, Millard Elementary, Millard Middle, Mullins Elementary, Phelps Elementary, Phelps High, Robinson Creek Elementary, Shelby Valley High and Virgie Middle.
Operation UNITE teamed up with former University of Kentucky standouts Tim Couch and Craig Yeast to offer a regional football skills camps at Pikeville High School's field on June 26-27.
To view photos click here.
Operation UNITE coalition volunteers and students from across the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, November 9, 2007, for outstanding efforts during the past year. More than 800 people attended the program, held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.
For photos click here.
For story click here.
View pictures from the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp with Jeff Sheppard held July 19, 2007 in Pike County. Click here.
View pictures from Camp UNITE held at the Breaks Interstate Park August 5-7, 2007. Click here.
Because of Pike County's size, the UNITE Pike Coalition is creating "satellite" coalitions in outlying areas to enhance participation in the anti-drug efforts. The Phelps Satellite UNITE Coalition serves the Phelps/Freeburn area. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. at the Phelps Senior Citizens and Community Center. Contact person is Wanda Plaster, 606-456-9268. The East Ridge Satellite UNITE Coalition serves the Belcher, Elkhorn City, Ferrals Creek, Mouthcard and Feds Creek communities. The group meets every Thursday, 7 p.m. at East Ridge High School. Contact person is Frank Crum, 606-835-4539.
"Shoot To Be Drug-Free" basketball camps with Coach Kelly Wells from Pikeville College were conducted in July 2008 (4 camps) and July 2009 (5 camps). The programs were attended by more than 550 youth. Sponsors for 2009 included the Pike County Schools, SouthEast Telephone, Pikeville College and Operation UNITE.
Pike County Schools Substance Abuse Task Force meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Central Office. For information contact Marionette Little at 606-432-7700 or marionette.little@pike.kyschools.us.
UNITE Pike received a $10,000 grant from the Kentucky Bar Association on June 15, 2006. This money was used to create parent handbooks to be distributed to every parent of a middle school child.
UNITE Pike continues to expand its Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® program for youth and are always searching for individuals to help organize and serve as mentors.
The Floyd, Johnson and Pike UNITE coalitions held a bass fishing tournament on September 30, 2006, to raise funding for youth programs and promote awareness of their coalitions. For pictures click here.
Starting July 6, 2006, UNITE Pike and the Floyd County UNITE Coalition began a partnership with Gearheart Communications to air informational programs public access television stations. The live broadcast -- called "Sound Advice" -- is shown on WPRG Channel 5 in Harold at 7 p.m. and continues on the first Thursday of each month. A call-in question and answer session will be featured along with special guests. The program will be made available to other cable TV providers in the two counties that are not covered by Inner Mountain Cable.
Pike County schools plan to implement the Pike County CARES (Character, Attitude, Relationships & Emotional well-being in Safe Schools) program by expanding the district’s elementary school counselors program.
There are nine Lifeline programs in Pike County. Concerned Persons groups meet weekly in Pikeville at the First Baptist Church and Third Street Church of Christ, in Phelps at Phelps High School, and in Elkhorn City at the Mountain View Church of Christ. Drug and Alcohol Recovery (12-step) groups meet weekly in Pikeville at the Perry Cline Community Center (three different times), in Phelps at Phelps High School, in Elkhorn City at the Mountain View Church of Christ, and in Regina at the Missionary Alliance Church.
Since 2006 the coalition has provided Bibles to every member of the Adolescent Lifeline Group. In addition, Bibles and AA books are provided to women who are incarcerated as part of the coalition's jail ministry program.
Monday, January 25 - A town hall-style public forum to solicit input on combating the state’s substance abuse problems was held at Pikeville Medical Center. A major focus of the forum - leading up to a medical symposium on March 6 - was to engage health care providers and medical professionals in seeking workable solutions to the drug problem and to address safety concerns.
Download flyer for March 6 symposium click here.
2009 Activities
Saturday, August 22 - A Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs (HOFNOD) event was conducted involving approximately 28 children.
Friday-Saturday, July 24-25 - Despite heavy rains, this year's July Jam Christian rock event drew several hundred people. Bands provided a good message and testimony for the youth.
Friday, July 17 - A Back-to-School Bash was held at Pikeville City Park. Free school supplies were distributed. Event included free food, inflatables for the children, and informational booths. For details contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Sunday, July 12 - A free parent conference for those who have family members addicted to drugs was held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Pikeville. Topics discussed included addiction, enabling and relapse. Sponsored by UNITE Pike. For details Contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Friday, July 10 - A free basketball camp with Pikeville College Coach Kelly Wells was held at the YMCA. Free food and T-shirts. For details Contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Thursday, July 9 - A free basketball camp with Pikeville College Coach Kelly Wells was held at Shelby Valley High School. Free food and T-shirts. For details Contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Wednesday, July 8 - A free basketball camp with Pikeville College Coach Kelly Wells was held at East Ridge High School. Free food and T-shirts. For details Contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Tuesday, July 7 - A free basketball camp with Pikeville College Coach Kelly Wells was held at Phelps High School. Free food and T-shirts. For details Contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Monday, July 6 - A free basketball camp with Pikeville College Coach Kelly Wells was held at Belfry High School. Free food and T-shirts. For details Contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Friday-Saturday, June 26-27 - Operation UNITE Tackling Drugs football skills camp with Tim Couch and Craig Yeast was held at the Pikeville High School football field. Lunch was provided by SouthEast Telephone.
For details click here.
To read press release click here.
Sunday, June 14 - A free parent conference for those who have family members addicted to drugs was held at First Baptist Church in Pikeville. Topics discussed included addiction, enabling and relapse. Sponsored by UNITE Pike. For details Contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Saturday, June 13 - Fourth annual Road To Recovery car show in Pikeville. Awards were given in several classes. A cruise-in and burn-out competition was also held. Sponsors are WestCare Kentucky, Lifeline Ministries and UNITE Pike. For details contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Thursday, May 7 - A free banquet to recognize the success that the Lifeline program brings to Pike County was held in the Pikeville Medical Center atrium. Clayton Arp with Teen Challenge presented materials on the program. The event was sponsored by UNITE Pike and the Pikeville Medical Center. For details contact Alisha Baldridge at 606-432-9189 or unite@unitepike.com.
Thursday, April 23 - Quarterly UNITE Pike Coalition meeting was held at Pikeville City Hall. Dr. John Scanlon presented information on Subaxone therapy.
Friday, April 10 - The Pike County Juvenile Drug Court held a graduation ceremony for one participant in Judge Mullins' courtroom.
Tuesday, March 24 - The coalition and Pike County Substance Abuse Task Force held a combined meeting. Approximately 50 people attended.
Thursday, March 19 - A presentation was made to the Pike County Ministerial Association monthly breakfast about the relation between the coalition's efforts and the role of the faith-based community. Approximately 20 people attended.
Wednesday, March 11 - Approximately 30 atencies were represented at the monthly meeting of the Interagency and Community Network group at the Pike County Fiscal Courtroom. The group's purpose is to coordinate services for county residents in need of special assistance.
Tuesday, March 10 - Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford announced continued support of the coalition and introduced Alisha Baldridge as the new UNITE Pike coordinator. Approximately 60 people attended.
Monday-Tuesday, March 9-10 - Coalition members attended a clergy training to equip them with the core knowledge, attitudes and skills essential to meet the needs of eprsons with alcohol or drug dependence. The event was held at the Louisa United Methodist Church.
Thursday, January 29 - UNITE Pike Coalition meeting at Pikeville City Hall, 5 p.m. This was a rescheduled meeting from January 15.
Saturday, January 3 - The East Kentucky Miners CBA basketball team and UNITE Pike invited everyone to attend a free program for ages 5-15 at the Pikeville YMCA gymnasium. For details contact Leigh Ann at 606-437-9715 or Amber at 606-205-3549.
2008 Activities
Monday, December 15 - "Christmas at the Courthouse" in Pike County. Guests were treated to holiday refreshments and entertained by members of the Pike County Central High School band and chorus. County Clerk Lillian Pearl Elliott transformed her office into a spectacular Christmas village and Gary Justice's marvelous collection of miniature railroad cars were on display. For information contact Amber Campbell at 606-432-9189.
Saturday, December 6 - "Santa's Wish" is for Pike County to be drug-free and learn the true meaning of Christmas. Community members joined Santa for free pictures, hot chocolate, cookies, music and much more in Pikeville City Park (following the Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony). East Kentucky Miner's Association was there, and basketball tickets were among the prizes given away. For details contact 606-444-5100, 606-205-3549 or go to www.cityofpikeville.com.
October - More than 1,000 children made promises to themselves to be drug-free during Red Ribbon Week activities.
Thursday, October 23 - The Power Force, Stephanie Smith and Greg Minassian performed a free show at Pikeville High School. Event was sponsored by One Life of Virginia in partnership with July Jam. Teaser events took place at Betsy Layne, Pikeville High, Pike Central, Belfry and East Ridge high schools. For details visit www.onelifeofvirginia.com.
Operation UNITE coalition volunteers and students from across the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, November 9, 2007, for outstanding efforts during the past year. More than 800 people attended the program, held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.