DeKalb Youth Participated in “Sending A Message Stay Drug Free” for Red Ribbon Week

November 6, 2019
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Students from DeKalb Middle School SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions) took part in Red Ribbon Week October 23-31, 2019. Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide campaign that has been providing drug awareness since 1985.

“We are very proud of the young people in DeKalb County who are doing what they can to reduce tobacco use and help save lives,” said Michael Railling. “It’s very important that we raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use in our state and community.”

DeKalb Middle School SADD Club took part in Red Ribbon Week this year by setting up a tobacco booth at lunch to educate their peers on the dangers of tobacco and e-cigarette use. The SADD Club also had a tobacco message, “STOP SMOKING! START LIVING!” displayed on their school fence.

Statistics from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids show 9.4 percent of high school students or 31,900 teenagers in Tennessee are smokers and 11.5% of those students use e-cigarettes. The organization also reports 2,200 Tennessee children and teenagers become new daily smokers each year. Statistics also show how deadly this daily habit can be: the group estimates 125,000 children and teens now alive in Tennessee will ultimately die prematurely as a result of smoking.

Tennessee youth are making great strides in reducing tobacco use thanks to the TNSTRONG movement. TNSTRONG stands for “Tennessee Stop Tobacco and Revolutionize Our New Generation”. It was developed by and for Tennessee teens. Join the movement on Facebook @TNSTRONGmovement, on Twitter @TN_STRONG and on Instagram @tn.strong.

Tennesseans who are ready to kick butts and drop tobacco for a smoke-free life can also call the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW to connect with a counselor for free assistance in quitting smoking. Learn more and enroll online at www.tnquitline.org.

November 6, 2019
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Volunteer Fire Fighters at DeKalb Fire Department and employees at DeKalb County Health Department recently participated in a 12 week worksite wellness challenge. During the 12 week challenge, employees learned about healthy eating, managing stress and learning how to enjoy their food while eating less. Eleven volunteers from the fire department participated in this challenge and lost over 64 pounds and 24 inches as a group, with the top male and female receiving prizes for their efforts. Twelve employees from the health department lost over 30 pounds and 26 inches as a group.

By taking on this challenge, DeKalb Fire Department and DeKalb County Health Department is encouraging their volunteers/employees to live healthy and happy lives. This is the first year the fire department has partnered with the DeKalb County Health Department to sponsor a worksite wellness challenge. This is also the first year DCHD staff have participated in their own challenge. DCHD staff would like to congratulate everyone who participated.

If you have questions about the worksite wellness program or are interested in hosting your own, call the DeKalb County Health Department at 615-597-7599.

November 6, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Don Rigsby, a Senior Master Sergeant now retired from the US Air Force and the 118th Airlift Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard in Nashville, will be the guest speaker at the 2019 Chamber Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday morning, November 26.

The breakfast will be held from 7 AM to 8 AM at the DeKalb County Complex Community Theatre, 712 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville.  Doors open at 6:30 AM.

Rigsby retired from the United States Air Force on July 1, 1998 after more than 31 years of active and reserve military service including duty in Southeast Asia in 1968 through 1969. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, Rigsby was the Recruiting and Retention Supervisor for the Tennessee Air National Guard.

Rigsby’s wife Bonnie will entertain with special music for the program.

Local Boy Scout Troop #347 will present the flags. Leaders from our community will lead prayers for our Children and Families, Health and Healing of our Communities, and Military and Emergency Response Personnel making this a meaningful and memorable experience. A delicious breakfast will be prepared by Jason Evans, head chef of The Inn at Evins Mill.

Tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased from the Chamber Board of Directors or emailing Chamber Director Suzanne Williams at: swilliams@dekalbcountychamber.org or texting her at: 615-464-7760.  They will be glad to hold your tickets and have you pay at the door.

“Everyone is invited to attend this special and inspirational annual community event. Please join us as we give thanks to God for His abundant blessings upon our county and for His guidance as we move forward into the future,” said Williams.

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