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Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign that began in 1985 when a federal DEA officer Enrique Camarena was tortured and murdered by drug traffickers. The national observance takes place annually from October 23 through October 31 and is an opportune time for families, communities, and educators to unite in their efforts to protect children from the harms of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Red Ribbon Week is recognized annually by CADY and our local schools. In 2007, the first graders at Plymouth Elementary School planted and harvested pumpkins at Charlie’s Garden as part of an interdisciplinary school program. This year the school generously donated pumpkins and gourds to CADY. The New Hampton Community School 5th grade class, with their art teacher Denise Plante-Renaud, transformed the pumpkins into ghosts with the “Say BOO to Drugs” message. This powerful theme was integrated into all RRW activities in CADY’s 17-town catchment area. The 7th grade, Leaders in Prevention, students at Wentworth Elementary School organized a school-wide event with CADY to bring the “Say BOO to Drugs” message to the entire school population. They performed a puppet show for grades 1-4, distributed lollipops with “Say BOO to Drugs” theme for the entire school and designed interactive activities with fatal vision goggles for grades 5, 6, and 8. The Launch youth participated in the Main Street Plymouth Halloween Festivities on October 30, 2007. They carved pumpkins for the evening festivities, ghost lollipops to be handed out, and red ribbons for everyone to wear. They had a pumpkin carving/decorating contest, bowling for witches with apples, a ring toss activity, and information spotlighting the “Say BOO” theme.

The Record Enterprise also coordinates businesses to sponsor a full page ad educating the community about RRW and strategies adults can use to make a difference with teens. Many thanks to all who made a difference during RRW!

Youth Leadership Training- Seventy- three middle school students from five area schools attended the Teen Institute’s “Thriving in Middle School” training held at the Plymouth National Guard Armory on April 18, 2008. The students focused on prevention techniques through theater performance, fun and interactive ways to learn some facts about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. They also dispelled the myths of how small an amount of alcohol can actually affect your performance and decision-making skills.

KAPER Conference:
New Hampton School was the setting for the Kids and Parents Enriching Relationships (KAPER) Conference on March 21, 2008. This conference brought seventh grade students and their parents together for a day focused on building communication skills and positive relationships and to reduce risk factors encountered as they enter adolescence. There was a wide variety of interactive breakout sessions ranging from mask making, team building, physical fitness activities, art, dance, communication skills, and information and awareness on teen and family issues.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS:
Hold fast to your dreams and you will achieve them! This was the strong message, motivational speaker Harriet Turk sent to student and adult audiences on Friday, September 28. Each fall CADY coordinates a speaking event in partnership with local high schools and ADAPT, Inc. This year New Hampton School joined the mix to host a well-attended evening leadership event for their students and the community at large followed by a delicious ice cream social. Ms. Turk’s talk combined humor and a powerful message encouraging youth to stand up for their beliefs and dreams. Her thought-provoking message was captured in stories about her life that resonated with students and adults alike at New Hampton, Newfound Regional, Lin-Wood, and Plymouth Regional High Schools. Several students approached her at the end of the program and told her she was their hero. Harriet urged students to resist peer pressure and stand up for what they believe is right, pointing out that sometimes we are unknowingly leading the way – so youth should feel confident about their decisions and not live the dreams of others.

STEVE WRONKER’S FUNNY BUSINESS Comedy Hypnosis Show
Steve Wronker mesmerizes intergenerational audiences with an evening of fun and laughter. This family event co-sponsored by CADY and Plymouth Regional High School is an evening that students will remember. The power of suggestion was acted out in an hour-long program that sends a powerful message that fun does not require drugs and alcohol. Steve’s message “You’ll Laugh Like Never Before!” is definitely true. Pictures are posted on his web site at www.SWFB.net if you would like to see the participants in action.