The 7th. Annual Drug free Olympic day was held October 26 at Calhoun County Middle/High School. The event was a Red Ribbon Week event. The weather didn't cooperate very well and the events had to be held inside the gym, but it didn't hamper the spirit of those attending. Henry Cooper, in charge of competitive events, quickly adapted for inside and the day continued on schedule.

The program began with entertainment by, Derek Roberts, Tyson Price and Dustin Wagoner, and the Arnoldsburg, Lights On Jump Rope Team. Dewayne Hill, a comedian, who teaches prevention with magic tricks, also performed. All entertainment promoted the theme, I've got better things to do than drugs.

There was educational health information distributed. "The displays were some of the best I've ever seen." Those displaying were, RESA V; Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Gus Nelson; RESA V Adolescent Health; Nancy Ancell, Parent/Educator Resource Center; Lisa Groves and Patsy Kisner; Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART); Lori Fleagle; Rural Health Education Partnership (RHEP); Kathy Humphreys and Robin Schimmel; Seat Belt Safety, by Vince and Larry the Crash Test Dummies; William Weaver and Ryan Bremar; Tobacco Prevention Coalition, Carlene Frederick; Dr. Cinilli; Family Resource Network (FRN); Sandy Osborne and Calhoun EMS were on hand in case of an accident.

Event ribbons were awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place. All those attending were treated to a picnic lunch, a goody filled Halloween bag and a Zipper ring inscribed with I've got better things to do.

Grand prizes, provided by the Coalition were, two bicycles, won by Nathan Cosgrove and Felisha Neal; a rod and reel, won by Ashley Conley and a remote control car, won by Maria Kisner. Other prizes were provided by Furr's Auto Sales, High Rise Pizza, Attorney John Oshoway, Stump Funeral Home, Smith's Service Center, Attorney Loren Howley, Hardman's Home Center, Calhoun Insurance, Grantsville Foodland, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Gino's Pizza, Hartshorn License Service, Koffee Kup, Calhoun Banks, A-Cut-Above, Odds and Ends, Lori's Country Styling, Bette Grothe, State Farm Insurance, Glenville McDonalds, Parsons One Stop, Grantsville Restaurant, Masters Bouquet, Pit Stop, S&H Guns, Speedy Mart, Houchin's Fabric Shop, Orma Country Store, Attorney Tony Morgan, Western Auto, Bakers Mart, Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center and CDSSAP, Angie Linger.

Drug Free Olympic Day is an event focusing on tobacco prevention, providing positive alternatives to drug use and teaching healthier lifestyles. The youth go home feeling good with ribbons and prizes. That's what it's all about, teaching kids there are better things to do.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed in making the day successful; the planning committee, my assistant, Janet Hastewell, all the workers, SCAT, merchants, the Board of Education, Nancy Bremar and Ann Smith, CRI volunteers, EMS and especially the parents for bringing their children.

Carlene Frederick