DeKalb County Urged to Go Red for National Red Ribbon Week

October 22, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Did you know children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations?

RED RIBBON WEEK, which is celebrated annually October 23-31, is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program.

“During RED RIBBON WEEK, we invite our community to take a VISIBLE stand against drugs. We normally do this within our schools, but this year we are encouraging our community to get involved. Nationwide individuals, families, and communities are asked to support this event by the following: if you have signage please use it to promote Red Ribbon Week with an anti drug statement, turn the building red if you have a display window, and by wearing red that week (or just pick one day) and post a picture on your website or facebook page with #redribbonweek, etc. Please send me the picture, so I can post it to our DeKalb Prevention Facebook page at 615-580-9290. There are tons of neat ideas online if you google 2019 Red Ribbon Week. Thank you for your involvement in becoming part of our community drug fight,” said Lisa Cripps, DeKalb Prevention Coalition Coordinator.

This project is funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Red Ribbon Week was started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was brutally tortured and murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. As a tribute to SA Camarena, high school friend, Henry Lozano and Congressman Duncan Hunter, created “Camarena Clubs” and the wearing of a red ribbon to show their oppositions to drugs.

In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary Chairpersons. Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has taken on national significance, and NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Wearing red ribbons during the month of October continues to represent our pledge to live drug free and honors the sacrifice of all who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs.

Celebrate Red Ribbon Week in your community or your child’s school, and raise awareness of living a drug free life. Take the opportunity to talk to your kids about drugs.

October 22, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The 2nd Annual Festival of Trees is set for December 2nd from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the DeKalb Complex and this year the event will support the Lighthouse Christian Camp’s Outreach Christmas Program which serves more than 500 children.

Hundreds poured into the county complex last year to view the unveiling of the 39 uniquely decorated Christmas trees and to show support for DeKalb County Foster Children during the inaugural “Festival of Trees”.

Patrons came bearing gifts which they placed under their favorite tree along Holly Hall, Candy Cane Lane, Cookies Café, and Stocking Theatre and the tree with the most gifts under it was designated “Tree of the Year”.

Trees were also in the running for “Best Christmas Spirit”, “Most Unique”, “Best Overall Theme”, “Prettiest Tree”, “Most Touching Theme”, and “the tree I want in my living room” as voted on by visitors to the complex.

“Last year was such a huge success with so many getting involved and over 1,000 toys having been donated. It was truly a community event of giving,” said Josh Issac.

“This year will be bigger and better. We are shooting for 50 trees and even more vendors for your Christmas shopping needs. We also will have free Christmas Cookies and drinks as well as Pictures with Santa. It’s a free event but we ask that you bring gifts for kids to teens and place them under the tree you want to win “2019 TREE OF THE YEAR”. There will also be other categories you will be able to vote on during the Opening Night celebration. “ This event is FREE and you can come join us all night or stop by for 10 minutes,” said Issac.

If you would like to put up a tree or be a vendor please call 615-318-2298.

October 22, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Members of the Smithville Police Department are letting their beards grow next month for a good cause.

No-Shave November is a nationwide fundraiser for cancer awareness. This year’s observance by the Smithville Police Department will be in memory of the late Margaret Judkins, mother of Smithville Police Officer Will Judkins and all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. Judkins passed away in September.

All officers who choose to participate will make a cash donation. If anyone else would like to support the cause, contact the Police Department at 615-597-8210.

“At some point in time almost everyone will personally know someone afflicted with cancer. It is a privilege to work alongside fellow officers who care enough to try to make a difference,” said Police Chief Mark Collins.

As the participants let their beards grow, family and friends are encouraged to join the campaign and become more educated about cancer prevention, saving lives, and helping those fighting cancer.

“You will soon see some Smithville police officers that could use a shave, but it’s for a good cause,” said Captain Steven Leffew. “Many of our officers are very enthusiastic to take part in the fundraiser. I’m very proud to work beside such caring people,” he said.

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