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UNITE Activities
Rockcastle County Middle School launched a "Go the Extra Mile for UNITE" at their the coalition's annual meeting April 10. The goal is 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 had already raised 2.7 miles! They have issued a challenge to each of the 121 UNITE Clubs to complete at least 1 mile. Proceeds will benefit rehabilitation programs. For more information contact Nancy Hale at nancy.hale@rockcastle.kyschools.us.
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.
A new brochure promoting the coalition is now available. To download (pdf) click here.
In addition to a strong public awareness campaign, the coalition has focused its attention to youth projects – including a heavy emphasis on the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp in June 2006.
On Saturday mornings Libby Hammons and Jewell Hansel alternate teaching “The Purpose Driven Life” Bible study at the Rockcastle County Jail.
Five Rockcastle County schools have a registered UNITE Club for the 2007-08 school year – Brodhead Elementary, Mt. Vernon Elementary, Rockcastle County High, Rockcastle County Middle and Roundstone Elementary.
Saturday, May 10 - A presentation on Neighbors UNITED will be given to Brodhead residents and fire department volunteers, 6 p.m. at the Quail Fire Department on Route 70 in Rockcastle County. For details contact Rodney Adams at 606-308-4120.
Recent Activities
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.
2007 Activities
Thursday, November 29 - UNITE Clubs from the elementary, middle and high schools collaborated to build a float for the annual Mt. Vernon Christmas parade. Students manned the float and pass out candy with an anti-drug message. For details contact Becky McNabb at 606-256-4816 or becky.mcnabb@rockcastle.kyschools.us.
Tuesday, November 20 - Rockcastle County High School held its annual drug forum featuring a panel of 18-20 doctors, lawyers, police, pharmacists, judges, school officials, social workers, health department personnel and others. For details contact Darlene Martin at 606-256-4816 or darlene.martin@rockcastle.kyschools.us.
Tuesday, November 20 - Mt. Vernon Elementary School conducted "Kenna's Kitchen," providing Thanksgiving meals to the needy. For details contact Regina Hull-Brown at 606-256-2953 or regina.hull-brown@rockcastle.kyschools.us.
Tuesday, November 20 - Students at Rockcastle County High School were treated to a free concert focusing on an anti-drug message and refusal skills as part of the practical living and arts and humanities core content assessment.
Monday, November 19 - Students at Rockcastle County Middle School were treated to a free concert focusing on an anti-drug message and refusal skills as part of the practical living and arts and humanities core content assessment.
Monday, November 19 - "Snack Pack Attack." The Mount Vernon Elementary and Rockcastle County High School UNITE Clubs collected healthy snacks to be sent home in the backpacks of needy students who may need food over the weekends when school cafeterias are closed. For more information about the program contact Becky McNabb at 606-256-4816 or becky.mcnabb@rockcastle.kyschools.us.
Thursday, October 4 - Second UNITE Bowl football game featuring McCreary Central and Rockcastle County High Schools in Mt. Vernon. Special half-time program recognized UNITE Clubs and included a Punt-Pass-Kick competition and balloon launch. Anti-drug messages were presented throughout the game by both the Rockcastle and McCreary UNITE Coalitions.
For pictures click here.
Wednesday, September 12 - UNITE Law Enforcement Director Dan Smoot spoke at the coalition's meeting at the Kastle Inn. For pictures click here.
Wednesday, May 23 - The Rockcastle County Drug Court held its second graduation ceremony at the courthouse in Mt. Vernon.
Tuesday, April 17 - A drug awareness and paraphernalia presentation was held at the Rockcastle County Middle School. Major Michael Bosse from the Fayette County Police Department shared from his experience as an undercover officer and focused on what to look for in the individual and in items used by people illegally using drugs.
To download an event flyer click here.
Monday, April 16 - Former University of Kentucky basketball great Jeff Sheppard presented an anti-drug program at Mt. Vernon Elementary School.
Monday-Friday, April 9-27 - The Rockcastle County High School UNITE Club hosted a school-wide T-shirt drive in honor of April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The UNITE Club donate $1 to the local CAP Crisis Center for every T-shirt donated to the school's Youth Services Center.
Saturday, March 17 - Rockcastle County UNITE Coalition annual meeting and election of officers at Renfro Valley.
Saturday, March 17 - "Rally in the Valley with the Stars," a benefit presentation of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, was held for the Rockcastle County UNITE Coalition in the Old Barn Theater.
Monday, February 5 - Mt. Vernon UNITE Club performed during half-time of the RCHS Lady Rockets Basketball game.
To view pictures click here.
Also performing were members of the Roundstone Elementary UNITE Club. There were dribblers, jump ropers, cheerleaders, dancers and a hula-hooper who also juggled. The kids performed to the song "Too Smart To Start," a song about not doing drugs, smoking or drinking alcohol. After the performance the kids pulled the high school principal out on the floor and made her jump rope with them. Toward the end of the game the kids threw out balls, cups and other items that stated "We've Got Better Things To Do Than Drugs!" Following the game they handed out candy at the door that read, "Be A Smartie, Don't Do Drugs" and "Don't Do Drugs, Now or Later!"
To view pictures click here.
Thursday, January 18 - A coalition recruitment dinner was held at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon. Guest speakers included former UK basketball star Jeff Sheppard and Pastor Ken Bolin from the Clay County coalition. More than 168 RSVPs were received.
To view pictures from the event click here.
2006 Activities
Monday, November 27 - Former UK basketball star Jeff Sheppard gave an anti-drug presentation to the Rockcastle County Alternative School.
Wednesday, November 1 - Rockcastle County Drug Court graduation ceremonies for one participant on the third floor of the county courthouse in Mt. Vernon. Guest speakers included Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph Lambert and UNITE Executive Director Karen Engle.
