Pubdate: Fri, 22 Oct 2004
Source: Public Opinion (PA)
Copyright: 2004 Public Opinion.
Contact: http://www.publicopiniononline.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.publicopiniononline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3355
Author: Jaime North
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

RED RIBBON WEEK STARTS WITH DAY OF FUN

Motivated by the belief that one person can make a difference in the fight 
against drug and alcohol abuse, Franklin County will kick off its National 
Red Ribbon Week campaign Saturday at the Chambersburg Area Middle School.

For one week in October, communities come together to honor the memory of 
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent 
killed in 1985 while investigating a major drug cartel in Mexico.

Franklin County will start the week with an all-day event filled with 
games, activities, displays and refreshments.

"Basically, what the day is all about is getting as much information out 
there to the public of the harmful effects alcohol and drug use can cause," 
said George Reitz, Franklin/Fulton County drug and alcohol prevention 
specialist. "We also tried to put some fun into it as well."

One of the goals of the day will be to teach children to have fun without 
using drugs and alcohol.

"We want children to see what's out there," Reitz said. "We also want them 
to learn ways to have fun and enjoy themselves without the use of drugs and 
alcohol."

Camarena grew up in poverty, worked his way through college and became a 
DEA agent. He was tortured to death and found buried in a shallow grave.

Adopting the red ribbon as their symbol, a coalition of parents angry about 
rapid drug and alcohol abuse in their neighborhoods, organized the first 
nationwide campaign in 1988 to honor Camarena's battle against illegal drugs.

Communities from all across the country each year have carried on the 
tradition.

Various local law and defense agencies will be present Saturday, including 
a Humvee displayed by the Army National Guard.

"An officer from Mercersburg (Police Department) will be bringing down one 
of the original squad cars used in the Andy Griffith show," Reitz said. 
"We'll also have two miniature racing cars and a go-cart car on display."

The day will kick off with a Drug-Free march from Kmart, Wayne Avenue, to 
the middle school.

Reitz organized a banner drive for sixth- and seventh-grade classes in each 
of the county's school districts.

"I asked students to design a banner as a classroom to bring to the march," 
Reitz said. "We'll be carrying balloons and wearing red ribbons to show our 
support for a drug-free county."

The march will culminate at 1:55 p.m. with a balloon launch at the middle 
school.

"We're expecting to let go 800 to 1,000 balloons," Reitz said. "This will 
signify us spreading the word across the county."

Following the launch, one of the county commissioners will give a 
proclamation announcing Oct. 23-31 as Franklin County Red Ribbon Week.

"Throughout the week, we're encouraging area businesses and local schools 
to wear red ribbons to show their support," Reitz said. "This will be our 
part of the National Red Ribbon Campaign."

For most of the day, children will be treated to a festive atmosphere.

More than 13 carnival-like games, such as a basketball shoot and ring toss, 
will be located throughout the school.

Phantom Shadow will be on hand with three inflatable games -- Velcro wall, 
joust and a sports challenge.

Door prizes will be awarded at 6 p.m. from a drawing of cards signed by 
individuals pledging to remain drug free.

"Prizes will include free movie tickets, ski passes and tickets to the 
Christmas Carol," Reitz said. "There will also be various gift cards to 
local retail stores and restaurants awarded."

Guest comedian-magician Chris Blackmore, a former Walt Disney World 
entertainer, will cap the day with a performance at 6:30 p.m. His one-hour 
program is titled "Don't Be Fooled by Drugs."

In addition to the county's Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Day, the middle 
school will also be hosting a week-long book sale featuring more than 
20,000 books.

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If you go

The Franklin County Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Day will be held 2-8 p.m. at 
the Chambersburg Area Middle School, 1151 E. McKinley St.

A drug-free march will begin at 1 p.m. in the Kmart parking lot and end at 
the middle school.

Games, activities, information booths, displays and refreshments will be 
available.

For more information contact George Reitz at XXX-XXXX.
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