Roanoke Continentals Culminate Red Ribbon Week
The Roanoke Chapter Continental Societies, Inc. held its Continental Angels Club meeting on Saturday, Oct. 28, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Gainsboro Branch Library.
Continental Patricia Baker, co-chairperson for the Health Committee, invited Sheila Lythgoe from the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC) to speak to the girls about Substance Abuse Prevention and making healthy choices. The eight girls in attendance were engaged in several activities and playing games. They were given a Health and Safety Activity Book, a RAYSAC collapsible frisbee/fan and a list of things to do that create natural highs.
They were also given background information on Enrique Camerena Salazar, undercover agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), who was abducted, tortured and murdered while on assignment in Mexico. Red Ribbon Week was established in his memory.
The girls were given a “Living Drug Free” red ribbon supplied by the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Continental Societies, Inc. to teach children and youth about the dangers of using drugs, alcohol and nicotine. They also signed the pledge to live a drug-free life.
As October was Anti-Bullying Month, the girls engaged in a discussion about cyber-bullying and bullying in school. Several admitted that they had been bullied and talked about how being bullied made them feel. They played games, took the pledge to refrain from bullying others and they were encouraged to tell parents, friends and teachers about bullying that they witness. They should not keep the abuse to themselves, always tell somebody!
Continentals Natalie Bonilla and Hazel Jones are Continental Angels Club, co-chairpersons. Continental Vickesheia Smith is also on the committee. The girls enjoyed their pizza luncheon and look forward to next month’s meeting when the Employment Committee will talk about their careers.
Continental Donna W. Lee is local chapter president.
