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UNITE Activities
For the second year, Rockcastle County High sponsored a "Wipe Out Drugs" toilet paper challenge to benefit area treatment facilities in conjunction with the annual UNITE Bowl football game. From September 8-18, 2009, RCHS and Pulaski County High competed to see who could collect the most toilet paper. Rockcastle won the competition with a grand total of 3,275 rolls being donated.
Rockcastle County High also won the 2008 "Wipe Out Drugs Challenge." To read story about that victory click here.
View photos from the 2008 "March Against Drugs" and UNITE Bowl. Click here.
Operation UNITE teamed up with former University of Kentucky standouts Tim Couch and Craig Yeast to offer a regional football skills camps at the Rockcastle High School field on June 12-13, 2009.
To view photos click here.
To view photos from the May 28 press conference announcing Friends of Coal-Joe Craft as sponsor of the camps click here.
For the second year in a row, Mt. Vernon Elementary School’s UNITE Club was honored as Operation UNITE’s top elementary school anti-drug club.
To read story click here.
To view photos from Mt. Vernon Elementary click here.
To view photos from Rockcastle Middle click here.
Rockcastle County Middle School launched a "Go the Extra Mile for UNITE" at their the coalition's annual meeting April 10, 2008. The goal was to collect as many miles of pennies as possible. It takes 84,480 pennies laid out end to end to make a mile. That's $844.80. Within one day they raised 2.7 miles! They issued a challenge to each of the 121 UNITE Clubs to complete at least 1 mile. Proceeds went to benefit drug rehabilitation programs.
Operation UNITE coalition volunteers and students from across the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, November 9, 2007, for outstanding efforts. More than 800 people attended the program, held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.
For photos click here.
For story click here.
The coalition has a strong public awareness campaign. Each month the coalition reaches between 8,000 and 10,000 citizens through participation on the "Chatter That Matters" radio program on WRVK. Topics include awareness of UNITE programs and objectives, treatment issues, and general substance abuse education. In addition, in March, April and May of 2009 the coalition sent a newsletter, "Positive Parenting Preventions," to 3,700 residents.
A brochure promoting the coalition is available to download. Click here.
The coalition has also focused its attention to youth projects – including hosting a Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp in June 2006.
To view photos from the event click here.
On Saturday mornings Libby Hammons and Jewell Hansel alternate teaching “The Purpose Driven Life” Bible study at the Rockcastle County Jail.
Rockcastle County has 5 registered UNITE Clubs for the 2009-10 school year – Brodhead Elementary, Mt. Vernon Elementary, Rockcastle High, Rockcastle Middle and Roundstone Elementary.
Wednesday, December 16 - Rockcastle Coalition met at the Rock Fire Restaurant.
Wednesday, December 2 - UNITE was featured on the "Chatter That Matters" program on WRVK radio. The show was re-broadcast on Thursday, December 3.
Wednesday, November 11 - Veteran's Day program at Rockcastle Middle School followed by a reception.
Saturday, November 7 - Car Show in the Valley.
Monday, October 26 - Lexington TV Channel 36 featured Rockcastle County's "Rocket Readers" program in the "What's Cool in Your School" program. Two of the school's student/athletes, Jamie Todd (football) and Natalie Haarman (volleyball), were shown reading to fourth graders at Mt. Vernon Elementary School. The Rocket Readers program was initiated by Coach Parkey last year in partnership with the UNITE Club and AmeriCorps as a way to promote literacy, encourage reading (especially in boys), and foster making wise choices. It has been a huge success in all three of our elementary schools. There have been calls from other Fifth Congressional District high schools about starting a similar program in their districts. Hats off to Coach Parkey for a great idea.
Friday, October 23 - "Rock Your Red." The Rockcastle Fiscal Court, Rockcastle County UNITE Clubs and the Rockcastle County UNITE Coalition proclaimed today as "Rockcastle Wear Red Day." All citizens were asked to wear red clothing to make know your commitment to fighting drug abuse.
Friday, September 18 - Annual Operation UNITE Bowl football game featuring Pulaski County vs Rockcastle County. Approximately 7,000 people attended the event. Free tailgating sponsored by area churches was held before kick-off. Event also included an Elementary School poster contest and balloon launch at halftime.
Saturday, August 11 - A motorcycle ride to benefit the Rockcastle UNITE Coalition was held at the Wendy's Restaurant in Mt. Vernon. The ride took participants through approximately 100 miles of scenic countryside. First 50 registered received a "goody bag" and door prizes were drawn at the conclusion of the event.
Wednesday, June 17 - Approximately 300 people attended an anti-drug prevention and awareness program promoting healthy activities, healthy attitudes, and healthy living without illegal drug use was conducted.
Friday-Saturday, June 12-13 - Operation UNITE held a Tackling Drugs football skills camp with Tim Couch and Craig Yeast at the Rockcastle County High School football field.
For details click here.
To read press release click here.
Thursday, May 28 - Approximately 800 people participated in a Family Fun Day event for elementary school students.
Tuesday, May 26 - Approximately 200 people participated in a Family Fun Day event for elementary school students.
Wednesday-Friday, May 13-15 - The "UNITE Presents" traveling theater group took their message of making good choices to more than 600 people through drama presentations.
Saturday, May 2 - Approximately 1,600 people attended an anti-drug prevention and awareness program promoting healthy activities, healthy attitudes, and healthy living without illegal drug use was conducted.
Wednesday, April 29 - An introduction to Operation UNTIE and what citizens can do was presented at the Brodhead Christian Church at 7 p.m. For information contact Avery Bradshaw at 606-758-8440.
April - Three participants in the Rockcastle/Pulaski Juvenile Drug Court were honored in a graduation ceremony.
Thursday, April 16 - UNITE Clubs Celebration and Community Awareness Program was held with more than 500 people attending. Guest speaker was Ashley Smith Robinson of Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Robinson was held hostage by escaped inmate Brian Nichols for more than 7 hours, during which time she read to Nichols from the Bible and Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life." Ms. Robinson is a former meth addict who is not sharing her story of addiction and recovery and how her faith helped her survive. Her autobiography is entitled "Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero."
To download flyer click here.
Thursday, March 19 - Rally in the Valley, sponsored by the Rockcastle UNITE Coalition, was held at Renfro Valley. Toe-tappin' music and the best in comedy was presented. The coalition received a check from Renfro Valley for $4,000.
Monday, March 2 - Approximately 200 people participated in a Family Fun Day event for elementary school students.
Wednesday, February 25 - The coalition sponsored the "PATH" program (Present Awareness Tomorrow's Habits) for Rockcastle County middle and high schools. Six inmate speakers detailed their personal struggles with drugs/alcohol and criminal activities. They demonstrated the consequences that may result from a life of drug use and criminal behavior in an attempt to deter negative behavior and encourage youth to make good decisions.
Tuesday-Friday, February 17-20 - College Awareness Week was held at Rockcastle County middle and high schools. "Rachel's Challenge" was presented on February 18, optimizing the message of knidness and compassion.
2008 Activities
Friday, September 19 - The annual UNITE Bowl football game featured Bell County High School vs Rockcastle County High School. Former UK and pro football quarterback Tim Couch was on hand for the coin toss. The schools also competed in a "Wipe Out Drugs Toilet Paper Challenge." Earlier in the day the Rockcastle County UNITE Coalition held a "March Against Drugs" starting at Mount Vernon Elementary School and continuing to the football field behind Rockcastle County Middle School.
For details click here.
For photos click here.
Monday, August 18 - Operation UNITE, PRIDE, Tour Southeastern Kentucky and The Center for Rural Development conducted a combined meeting with officials and Congressman Hal Rogers at Renfro Valley. A special presentation of the "mile of pennies" proceeds was made by the Rockcastle UNITE Club.
For photos click here.
Saturday, August 16 - A Motorcycle Ride (approximately 100 miles) to benefit the Rockcastle UNITE Coalition was held starting at the Wendy's Restaurant on U.S. 25 just south of I-75 exit 62 in Mt. Vernon. The event was sponsored by the Wendy's Bike Night Committee. Door prizes were drawn at the conclusion of the ride. The first 50 registered bikes received a "goody bag."
To view photos click here.
Saturday, June 7 - Second annual Just Horsin' Around Charity Fun Horse Show at the Brodhead Fairgrounds to benefit coalition activities.
For details click here.
Saturday, May 10 - A presentation on Neighbors UNITED was given to Brodhead residents and fire department volunteers at the Quail Fire Department on Route 70 in Rockcastle County. For details contact Rodney Adams at 606-308-4120.
Thursday, April 10 - More than 200 people attended the Rockcastle UNITE Coalition annual meeting and appreciation dinner at the First Baptist Church Activities Building in Mt. Vernon. Guest speakers were Pastor Maury Davis, a frequent guest with Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family, and Brodhead Elementary UNITE Club president Avery Bradshaw.
For more details click here.
Friday, February 29 - "Rally In The Valley" benefit program featuring the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center cast and Mayor Kirby in the New Barn.
To download flyer click here.
Wednesday, February 27 - Four suicide prevention workshops were conducted at Rockcastle County High School.
Wednesday, January 16 - UNITE Deputy Law Enforcement Director Paul Hays participated in the "Chatter that Matters" one-hour radio talk show in Rockcastle County with Charlie Napier. Also participating were County Attorney Billy Reynolds and Sheriff Mike Peters.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1825 , Mt. Vernon, KY 40456
Website: n/a
Coalition Meetings: Noon on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. During the winter meetings will be held at the Rock Fire Restaurant and will resume at the Renfro Valley Lodge Restaurant on U.S. 25, Mt. Vernon in the Spring of 2010.
Rockcastle County High also won the 2008 "Wipe Out Drugs Challenge." To read story about that victory 
