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UNITE Activities
For the second year in a row, Mt. Vernon Elementary School’s UNITE Club has been honored as Operation UNITE’s top elementary school anti-drug club.
To read story click here.
New photos from the "March Against Drugs" and 2008 UNITE Bowl football game are now available. click here.
Rockcastle County High collected the most toilet paper in the recent "Wipe Out Drugs Challenge," but the real winners are the substance abuse treatment facilities that received the donations.
To read story 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 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 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 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 2008-09 school year – Brodhead Elementary, Mt. Vernon Elementary, Rockcastle County High, Rockcastle Middle and Roundstone Elementary.
Friday-Saturday, June 12-13 - Operation UNITE Tackling Drugs football skills camp with Tim Couch and Craig Yeast, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rockcastle County High School football field. Lunch included.
For details click here.
To read press release click here.
Recent Activities
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.
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.
