Hundreds celebrate Day of Non-Violence in Vine Grove

Staff Report

Hundreds of children, parents and citizens of Vine Grove came out to Optimist Park Saturday to enjoy a day filled with activities in the name of peace and fellowship.

Under the bathing sunshine of a perfect day, children played on inflatables slides and jumpy things, wove through obstacle courses, took rides on fire apparatuses and met with good people of the community as part of the Vine Grove Optimist Club's 12th Day of Non-Violence.

Fortunately, the community of about 5,000 hasn't been stage to an overwhelming amount of violence this past year. Vine Grove City Police Capt. Dale Riggs said he hopes to keep it that way.

Amy Pickerell, Chief Financial Officer for the Vine Grove Optimist Club, said the focus of the day was to teach children the importance of obeying the law and the value of helping to curb violence.

The theme for this year's Day of Non-Violence was "These Hands are Made for Helping, not Hurting."

Along with the focus and theme, children also had opportunities to learn how to be safer in today's world. Crime-fighting-themed coloring books featuring the aging McGruff crime dog character were distributed.

Parents were also given tips on how to ensure their children's safety on the internet.

A Web-based program known as www.GoMcGruff.com is currently being promoted as a way for parents to check up on their child's Web usage and contacts made through the internet. The McGruff site ties right to another Web safety program known as I-Safe, which is commonly taught in schools and within civic groups. For more information log on to www.GoMcGruff.com.

While the day did theme itself around crime prevention and child safety, most kids simply saw it as a way to get outside, enjoy the weather and have some fun with civic minded folks from throughout Hardin County and, in particular Vine Grove.

Pickerell said that's what it was all about — the distribution of potentially life-saving information in a fun and friendly atmosphere.