School and community 'band together' for successful Red Ribbon Week

[NOV. 10, 2006]  MINIER -- This year's Red Ribbon Week theme, "Band Together for a Drug-Free Life Style," rang true Oct. 23-27 for the Minier, Armington and Hopedale communities and Olympia West Grade School. From the opening assembly on Monday through the Royal Rip Roaring Regional Red Ribbon Rally on Friday evening, programs and activities educated students about the benefits of a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.

The rainy weather on parade day and the day of the rally did not deter the enthusiasm. Two hundred and fifty students and parents participated in the rally events. Fun, food, games, prizes and demonstrations were enjoyed by all.

Jars filled with red M&Ms, red jelly bellies or pretzels were placed in three locations around the area: Oly West Grade School, First Farmers State Bank and Hopedale Wellness Center. In each jar were 1,438 pieces, representing the number of drug-related deaths every 24 hours.

Congratulations go to winners of the guessing contest: Roger Marsh, Samantha Bishop and Jerry Sheehan.

The Olympia West PTO, Chief Daryl Weseloh and the Red Ribbon Committee -- Dawn Jones, Melissa Edenfield, Bob Quarello, Meredith Quarello, Melissa Slager, Alisa Lancaster, Lynda Lane and Andrew Wise -- thank the many businesses and individuals who contributed to the weeklong educational program: Minier IGA, Minier FS Fast Stop, Peoria Chiefs, Delavan ESDA, Armington Fire and Rescue, Minier Fire and Rescue, Tazewell County ESDA, Burkland Distributors, the Olympia West band, Tazewell County Health Department, Olympia High School FFA, LePeep Restaurant, American Red Cross, State Farm Insurance, Hopedale Wellness Center, Signs of Success, Blue Grass Golf Course, Pepsi Americas, East Peoria Police, Tazewell County Sheriff's Office, and the area churches.

[Minier-Armington Police Department news release provided by Daryl L. Weseloh, chief of police]