Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Save The Date - 5th Annual Drug Summit on September 9, 2014


5th  Annual  Drug Summit

Don’t Let Florida Go to Pot

with the assistance of the

Florida Sheriffs Association and Save Our Societies


Date
Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Time  
7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Registration Fee
$25.00

Location
The Lake Eva Banquet Hall
799 Johns Ave., Haines City, FL

For Information Please Call
StandUP Polk  (863) 802-0777
Hardee County ASAPP (863) 767-0401 
                        Drug Free Highlands  (863) 382-2138                           

UthMpact Is Proud to Announce Its 2014-2015 Leadership Class IV


UthMpact Is Proud to Announce Its 2014-2015 Leadership Class IV

A new group of student leaders has been selected to participate in the 2014-2015 UthMpact Leadership Class IV.  This unique program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk Coalition, UthMpact Coalition, and key business partners, is designed to help teens develop crucial leadership skills. 

Congratulations to UthMpact Cabinet members: Noelle Woods, President; Rene Respicio, Co- Junior President; Isabella Basalone, Co- Junior President; Mackenzie Eliasen, Vice Chair; Emi Davis, Junior Vice Chair; Michaela Sawyer, Co-Secretary; Anthony Seay, Jr., Member at Large; Neel Shah, Member at Large; Kobe Jones, Historian; Kavi Saxena, Member at Large; William Sutton, Member at Large; and Mallory Odom, Sgt. At Arms. 

Congrats also to the rest of the UthMpact Leadership Class IV members:  Derek Agar; Coral Barron; Brooke Benton; Shirnest Brunson; Alexie Cadena; Will Cain; Raven Calloway; Julia Canady; Katherine Carlton; Emma Carter; Danielle Clark; Adriana Colon; Jared Cossin; Catherine Curran; Emily Dunson;  Madison Feddeler; Justin Gill; Lindsay Gilian; Grace Hamilton; Ethan Jackson; Kaitlyn LaRose; Alyssa Lewis; Alexis Mace; Jobe McDermott; Hadley Owen; Karishma Patel, Noemi Rosario; Emily Rozen; Sierra Rowland; Racquall Salerno; Julio Santana, Tirthan Shah; James Shiver; Daniel Sussingham;  Logan Watkins; Kenyetta West;  and Thomas Wyatt.

Activities for this busy group of teens are already underway with a June meeting to inform members and their parents about the exciting events planned over the coming year. Next on the agenda, the Class IV leadership cabinet members will attend the mid-year CADCA Conference (Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America) from July 21-25 to experience a dynamic training designed to equip the teen leaders with essential knowledge and skills needed to impact their fellow members, peers, and community in the year ahead.

August will kick off with an action-packed two day UthMpact Retreat where members will reinforce leadership and team building skills taught by nationally known guest speaker, Patrick Grady.  During the month, there will also be an Etiquette Dinner at the Terrace Hotel. These events present a wonderful opportunity for the group to have fun, work, and bond together.

Beginning in September, the new youth leaders will travel throughout the county once a month to experience the inner workings of local business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. They will meet with community leaders to discuss challenges faced in the community and suggest proactive solutions.

UthMpact is the dynamic coalition of teen leaders committed to helping educate and deliver key substance abuse prevention messages to teens by their peers. Student participants were nominated by high school principals and community members. Coalition goals are to provide positive community engagement; change community stereotypes about teen drug use by volunteering, informing and being educated; set examples for other teens; increase coalition membership and involvement in youth clubs in high schools; and positively encourage alcohol and tobacco prevention and cessation.

For information, please contact Kenya Lott or Emily Plank at (863) 802-0777. Find UthMpact on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk and Twitter at: www.twitter.com/UthMpact


Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 8, 2014

 

Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 8, 2014

Join us at the start line for Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday morning, November 8, 2014 around picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and Lake to Lake area. We greatly appreciate our generous event partners: Title Sponsor, Publix Super Markets, Inc., 5K Sponsor Badcock Home Furniture & More, and Kids Run Sponsor MIDFlorida Credit Union.

The inaugural event in 2013 enjoyed tremendous success with nearly 900 registered half marathon runners, 1500 student runners, 600 volunteers, and countless community spectators. 

A fantastic 5K has been added to make the 2014 Red Ribbon Family Weekend even more fun!  Parents can compete in the Half Marathon and 5K, while children can take part in the FREE Kids Run around Lake Mirror. Kindergarten through 2nd grade students will run a half-mile course, and 3rd-5th graders will run one mile. All K-5 students receive free registration and a Run t-shirt, along with refreshments!

Register today to get the best prices for the Red Ribbon Half Marathon and 5K…prices increase as the event draws closer, so it’s best not to delay!

Information & Registration
www.RedRibbonHalf.com

K-5 Students must also register (at no cost) at www.RedRibbonHalf.com

Follow Our Twitter Page
https://twitter.com/RedRibbonHalf

Like Us on Facebook!


Awesome sponsorship opportunities are now available for Business and Community Organizations to join us at the starting line for this exciting event.

Please call InnerAct Alliance at 802-0777 and we will be happy to mail you a Red Ribbon Run Series Sponsorship Brochure. See you at the Run!!


Focus on the Positive! - OWN THE UPSIDE


Focus on the Positive! - OWN THE UPSIDE

If you have had an opportunity to read a newspaper, listen to the radio, or watch TV during the month of June, odds are you have probably seen or heard Own The Upside ads spreading the GOOD NEWS that most Polk County teens do not engage in drug use or risky behaviors!

Own the Upside is a positive community marketing campaign presented by the StandUP Polk, Hardee ASAAP, and Drug Free Highlands Coalitions and their partners to address concerns of parents regarding teen risky behavior. Funding for the June Own The Upside ad campaign was provided by a state grant.

Unfortunately, we have become accustomed to believing only the discouraging news or negatives that are seen and heard in our culture, the media, and popular music lyrics.  Often, we forget there are some encouraging positives to celebrate the UPside of Polk!

Statistics show that our local prevention programs are effective in shaping attitudes about and user rates of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Attitudes about abuse are shaped well before children reach adulthood. We can continue to impact our children’s future now by continuing prevention programs and services that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes toward ATOD use, and empower youth to make positive healthy choices.

Let’s focus on rewarding positive behaviors that will continue to inspire our local youth to make smart and healthy decisions!  Here are some positive facts to know and share with teens and others in our community.

75% of Teens in Polk County (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Alcohol.
88% of Teens in Polk County (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Marijuana.
93% of Teens in Polk County (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Tobacco.
97% of Teens in Polk County (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Prescription Drugs.
 
Please do your part to “Own the Upside”! Be the best role model possible and support your kids in making smart choices. Teach them it is okay to be who they are, present them with healthy activities, and encourage them to hang out with friends that they trust. The Own the Upside speakers’ bureau is available to speak to civic groups, church groups, employees, Parent/Teacher Associations, and other organizations. Please contact Juli Davis at (863) 802-0777.

Friday, May 23, 2014

2014 Red Ribbon Rallies Poster, Poetry & Essay Contests Winter Haven Area Winners



2014 Red Ribbon Rallies Poster, Poetry
and Essay Contests - Winter Haven Area Winners

InnerAct Alliance is proud to announce the winners of its Poster, Poetry and Essay Contests for Fifth Grade Students in the greater Winter Haven/Haines City area schools. Contest participants were recognized during the Red Ribbon Rally on Tuesday morning, May 13, at 10:00 a.m. at Polk State College Gym in Winter Haven.

The anti-drug rally focuses on reinforcing critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school in the fall. Students were challenged to use their creative talents to compose essays, write poems, or draw posters to illustrate topical messages about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Overall winners in each category received cash prizes of $100 (first place), $50 (second place), and $25 (third place) in each contest category.

Winter Haven Area Rallies Contest Overall Prize Winners

Poster Contest
1st Place $100.00 - Rebecca Quick, from Jewett School of the Arts
2nd Place $ 50.00 - Samantha Pruitt, from Berkley
3rd Place $ 25.00 - Noamy DeJesus, from Snivley
                                   
Poetry Contest
1st Place $100.00 - Brooke Dover, from Hartridge

2nd Place $ 50.00 - Sophia Chauhan, from Palmetto
3rd Place $ 25.00 - Jeremy Leonard, from Janie Howard Wilson

Essay Contest 
1st Place $100.00 - Gracie Cale, from Berkley
2nd Place $ 50.00 - Destiny Peeples, from Lena Vista
3rd Place $ 25.00 - Alecia Huggins, from Auburndale Central

School with the Most Contest Participants Overall - Berkley Elementary

Guest speaker for the Rally is Patrick T. Grady, a former middle and high school educator who travels North America to encourage individuals to do their best in all endeavors. Grady is the author of “Who Packs the Parachute,” and co-author of “Teen Power Too,” and “Teen Power and Beyond.” Community leaders will also be on hand to encourage the choice of a positive, healthy lifestyle without the use of drugs.

Similar rallies for Lakeland area schools took place on May 6 at The Lakeland Center.

The mission of InnerAct Alliance is to reduce the abuse and underage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through: Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support; and Leadership Development. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency is proud to offer substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities with services including science-based education in elementary and middle schools, drug-free puppet shows, informative presentations and family-oriented awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others in need with an important substance abuse message.

For further information on the Fifth Grade Rally, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777. 



Monday, May 12, 2014

2014 Red Ribbon Rallies Poster, Poetry & Essay Contests Lakeland Area Winners


InnerAct Alliance is proud to announce the winners of its Poster, Poetry, and Essay Contests for Fifth Grade students in the greater Lakeland area schools. Contest participants were recognized during the Red Ribbon Rallies last week on May 6, 2014 at The Lakeland Center.

The anti-drug rallies focus on reinforcing critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school in the fall. Students were challenged to use their creative talents to compose essays, write poems, or draw posters to illustrate topical messages about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Overall winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes of $100 (first place), $50 (second place), and $25 (third place) in each contest category.

Congratulations to Lakeland Area Rallies Contest Overall Prize Winners:

Lakeland Area Rallies Contest Overall Prize Winners for 9:30 AM RALLY

Poster Category                  
1st Place $100.00 - Salvador Palacios, from Carlton Palmore
2nd Place $ 50.00 - Lehla Fisher, from North McKeel                 
3rd Place $ 25.00 - Alex Martinez, from Cleveland Court

Poetry Category  
1st Place $100.00 - Zariya Carlton, from Dr. N. E. Roberts
2nd Place $ 50.00 - Daniel Matlick, from Carlton Palmore
3rd Place $ 25.00 - Ashley Brooks, from North Lakeland

Essay Category  
1st Place $100.00 - Analiz Fitzsimmons, from Highland Grove
2nd Place $ 50.00 - Taylor Arnold, from North McKeel
3rd Place $ 25.00 - Jeshleyka Gonzalez, from Carlton Palmore

School with the Most Contest Participants Overall – North McKeel Elementary

Lakeland Area Rallies Contest Overall Prize Winners for 11:30 AM RALLY

Poster Category  
1st Place $100.00 - Jovanna Munoz, from Padgett
2nd Place $ 50.00 - Fara Troiana, from South McKeel
3rd Place $ 25.00 - Jezelyn Perez, from Scott Lake

Poetry Category  
1st Place $100.00 - Kaley Tamanini, from St. Joseph 
2nd Place $ 50.00 - Heather Capel, from Kathleen
3rd Place $ 25.00 - Dana Sanchez, from Churchwell

Essay Category  
1st Place $100.00 - McKenna Blevins, from Wendell Watson
2nd Place $ 50.00 - Brielle Jerkins, from Scott Lake
3rd Place $ 25.00 - Hailey Strebin, from South McKeel

School with the Most Contest Participants Overall – Lincoln Academy


Guest speaker for the Rallies is Patrick T. Grady, a former middle and high school educator who travels throughout North America inspiring and encouraging individuals to do their best in all endeavors. Grady is the author of “Who Packs the Parachute,” and co-author of “Teen Power Too,” and “Teen Power and Beyond.”

Another rally for Winter Haven and Haines City area schools will be held on May 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the Polk State College Gym. Contest winners for those schools will be announced tomorrow.

The mission of InnerAct Alliance is to reduce the abuse and underage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through: Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support; and Leadership Development. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency is proud to offer substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities with services including science-based education in elementary and middle schools, drug-free puppet shows, informative presentations and family-oriented awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others in need with an important substance abuse message.

For further information on the Fifth Grade Rallies, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777. 

Monday, May 5, 2014

Spring 2014 Prescription Drug Take Back Event Nets 1,059.88 LBS. of Pharmaceuticals

Polk County, FL - StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event on April 26, 2014, and host our community’s Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted human and pet medication.

An estimated 1,059.88 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals were collected and safely disposed of via incineration. Drop-off sites included Auburndale Police Department, Bartow Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department.

The latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to 6,483 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals dating back to 2010. All medications were safely disposed of via incineration. 

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites: Auburndale Police Dept. (2 Bobby Green Plaza, weekdays 8-5); Haines City Police Dept. (35400 Hwy 27, weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred Police Dept. (190 N. Seminole Avenue, 24hrs/7days); Lakeland Police Dept. (219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, 24hrs/7days); or Winter Haven Police Dept. (125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, weekdays 8-5).  To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.  

StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, is a group of concerned citizens, law enforcement, community and business leaders working together to take a stand against drugs and bring about positive change for Polk County. For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.