Tuesday, Oct. 23

·        Red Ribbon Week Kickoff

8:15 a.m., Grimes Elementary School (800 South St., Burlington)

Join us for the official kickoff to the week’s activities. McGruff the Crime Dog will be in attendance with students from the Burlington Community Schools. Cosmo Leone from The New Mix 107.3 will provide a live remote broadcast.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 24

• Drug Awareness Training, 9:00 am  - 11:00 am

Did you know that substance abusers are 33-50 percent less productive and that abusers are absent 30-35 days per year?  Or that 47 percent of all serious workplace accidents involve drugs and/or alcohol?  A drug free workplace is everyone’s business, and supervisors for companies following DOT guidelines and companies with drug-free work policies are encouraged to attend.  This workshop will be held in the Blackhawk Room at the Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics.  Call Lisa Nafziger at 319-768-4159 to register by October 17. Cost is $30 (this includes certification documents).

 

• Red Ribbon Decoration Contest

All schools, churches and businesses in Des Moines County are encouraged to decorate their windows, classrooms, chapels and offices for Red Ribbon Week. Traveling trophies will be awarded to the best-decorated business, church and school. Judging will take place Thursday, Oct. 25.  Call the GRADE A PLUS office at 319-752-6027 to enter the contest.

 

• West Burlington Elementary Red Ribbon Week Parade

Join us at 2:30 at West Burlington Elementary to show the community we believe in living a substance free life!

 

Thursday, Oct. 25

• Red Ribbon Decoration Contest

All schools, churches and businesses in Des Moines County are encouraged to decorate their windows, classrooms, chapels and offices for Red Ribbon Week. Traveling trophies will be awarded to the best-decorated business, church and school. Judging will take place Thursday, Oct. 25.  Call the GRADE A PLUS office at 319-752-6027 to enter the contest.

 

·        Wear Red Day

All community members are encouraged to have their students and employees wear red.  Be creative:  have a crazy red hat contest, wear red socks to “sock it” to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, or turn your back on drugs by wearing clothes backwards.

 

 

Friday, Oct. 26, Saturday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 28

·        Student entries for Art Contest on display at Westland Mall. Community is encouraged to vote for their favorites.

 

Saturday, Oct. 27

·        “Local Drug Trends and Awareness”    Community Presentation

            The Southeast Narcotics Task Force will give a one hour presentation on local      drug trends and the investigation into crack, powder cocaine, marijuana, meth,       bath salts, and other synthetic drugs.

Burlington Public Library, Meeting Room B

9-10 AM

            Sign up is encouraged but not required; please call GRADE A PLUS at                                                                                                                           319-752-6027.

·        “Victim Impact Panel” Community Presentation

             Come listen to real life stories of local community members who have been impacted by alcohol and drug addiction.

Burlington Public Library, Meeting Room B

10:30 to 11:30 AM

            Sign up is encouraged but not required; please call GRADE A PLUS at                                                                                                                           319-752-6027.

 

Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27

·        Crapo Park Haunted Hayrack Ride 7-10 pm

Prepare to get the “Crapo” scared out of you at this haunted hayrack ride at Crapo Park!  Admission: 5 & up is $5 and 4 & younger is $3. Entrance and parking at the Band Shelter. Sponsored by: Optimist of Burlington-West Burlington, Burlington Parks and Recreation.

 

Sunday, Oct. 28

• Red Ribbon Religious Weekend

Community members are asked to wear red ribbons to this weekend’s church services. Churches also are asked to offer special prayers or sermons, and ring their church bells in recognition of the responsibility we share in addressing substance-abuse problems.

 

·        Fall FunFest and Crapo Park Haunted Hayrack Ride 4-8 pm

Bring out the family for the Fall FunFest at Crapo Park near the bandshell.  Free activities include facepainting and games for the kids (up to 12 years of age) between 4 and 6 pm.  If you’re feeling brave, take a ride on the haunted hayrack ride for $5 per person, which includes a marshmallow roast.  Kids 12 and up can ride the haunted hayrack ride between 6 pm and 8 pm for a $5 fee.  Entrance and parking at the Band Shelter. Sponsored by: Optimist of Burlington-West Burlington, Burlington Parks and Recreation and GRADE A PLUS.

 

Monday, Oct. 29

·        “Child Abuse and Its Role on Addiction” Community Presentation

            Come and listen to Lindsey Fickle, of the Women’s Resource Center talk about the effects of child abuse that are carried with the victim for the rest of their lives and its effects on addiction.

Burlington Public Library, Meeting Room B

6-7 PM

            Sign up is encouraged but not required; please call GRADE A PLUS at                                                                                                                           319-752-6027.

Tuesday, Oct. 30

·        Art Contest Winner’s Announced.

·        “Playground Safety: A workshop designed to educate Parents, Teachers and Caregivers” Community Presentation

            Young House Family Services will present a workshop designed to educate caregivers about the different drugs being used and peddled on the street, in our schools and on our playgrounds. This workshop will explore what the drugs look like, how they are used and the short-term and long-term effects of the drugs.

Burlington Public Library, Meeting Room B

6-7 PM

                        Sign up is encouraged but not required; please call GRADE A PLUS at                                                                                                                           319-752-6027.

Wednesday, Oct. 31

• Say Boo! To Drugs Day

Wear red armbands, give red candy for Trick or Treat, have children decorate their own Trick or Treat bag with drug-free messages, host a Halloween party and ask guests to wear red costumes, etc.

 

• SAFE Trick or Treat Night, 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Join local businesses & organizations at the Burlington Memorial Auditorium this evening for a safe trick or treat alternative.  Don’t forget the costumes!