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This was the 20th Anniversary of the Janice D Holst Dancers Against Drugs.
Selected in February 1987 as “Alaska’s Mother of the Year” I chose to use my profession
as a Dance Teacher to develop a positive approach to “Just Say No” by traveling throughout
the schools, malls, on ferries to small communities and even “caravanned” to the Yukon as
“Hands Across Borders” to perform an upbeat lively show of songs and skits by dancers of all ages.
The first year was so successful that each year dancers, parents and schools asked for it to be
repeated. There is no charge for the six weeks of classes and rehearsals and is open to dancers and
friends.
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This year for our 20th Anniversary the “Red Ribbon Rally” was coordinated at the
Mendenhall Mall in Juneau, Alaska, and on that Saturday it was STANDING ROOM ONLY as a
variety of Local Talent performed, High School teens ran the “games” and parents sent in items
for our Bake Sale! The Dancers Against Drugs performed various routines in each hour
and spent their “break times” handing our Red Ribbons to “Just Say No!” The DARE Officers
also had a car there and other drug-related services had tables, handouts & activities for everyone.
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Mayor Bruce Botelho read a Proclamation and cut the Red Ribbon and Assemblywoman sang
the “Star Spangled Banner” and I really felt that it was an amazing “Make A Difference Day”.
I’m very proud of all the volunteers of all ages who have believed in supporting this activity,
especially Louise Howerter, Francine Troisfontaine, David Hydock, Dawn Skrzynski & Melinda Bugayong
who spent many hours gathering up supplies, helping organize the event.
Our theme this year was International featuring Hawaiian dancers Halau ‘O Kamali’I ‘O Ke Akau
"Children of the North", Middle Eastern dancer Cinefra and Irish dancers, as well as the Stroller
White Bagpipers, Foreign Exchange students and our specially designed T-Shirt with 22 ways to “Just Say No!”
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Special Thanks to the following organizations… Juneau Gastineau Rotary Club, VFW Taku
Post 5559, Gastineau Human Services, Moose Lodge of Juneau, Eagles Aerie of Juneau, United States Coast Guard,
Juneau Police Department & the DARE Officers
We would also like to Thank …. Cole Bottels, Karen Carillo, Eva Ceder, Mariana D’Inca, Gautier Durand,
Sally Enriquez, Natasha Fenumiai, Kelly Fernandez, Alex Fisher, Alexandrea Kaer, Lesieli Latu, Briana Lopez,
Vernadette Lumbab, Devon Marx, Annie Nguyen, Nick Parker, Nicole Roldan, Rachel Searls, Virgil Tagsip,
Marlena Tanuvasa, Linsey Tomaro, Maya Wernick, Clint Young, Pauline Zheng… sorry if we missed your name…
we appreciated everyones help!
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