Area youth encouraged to attend
'True Lies' to be presented October 8
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Thanks to a grant from the Ripley County Coordinating Council against Substance Abuse, area young people will have the opportunity to attend a presentation of "True Lies," a comprehensive expose' on the dangers of today's media.

Scheduled for Saturday, October 8, at 6:00 p.m. EST at South Ripley Elementary School gym, the presentation is not only for young people, but also for parents, grandparents youth workers who live, work, and care about kids.

According to David Jolly and Vicky Hensley, two youth workers who are organizing the presentation, Dwayne Mills of Chicago will host the evening program.

"It's a powerful presentation to keep people aware of what is coming across the media," said Jolly.

Youth workers from Shelby Christian Church and the Versailles Church of Christ are coordinating the program. The group originally learned of it at the Indiana Christian Youth Convention in Anderson two years ago.

"Vicky Hensley caught the spirit and enthusiasm and has been pushing it ever since," Jolly explained.

Other youth workers besides Jolly and Hensley are Cheryl Jolly, J.R. and Deborah Stephen, and Debbie Walker.

Because of her desire to have the program locally, Hensley applied for a $2,500 grant from the Local Coordinating Council (LCC) to help with the expense of bringing the program here.

The South Ripley Community School Corporation agreed to let the group use the elementary gym since there were no conflicts with school activities.

Founder of the "True Lies" program is Phil Chalmers of Aurora, Ohio. He has spoken to thousands of middle and high school students through public and private school assemblies and has trained a staff of 30 the recommended age for youth is from grade six and above."

Designed for the "Media Generation," the seminar includes a live interactive presentation, video clips, and live music examples. "It's loud, moves fast, and it's fun," according to the information.

Actually, "True Lies" is a comprehensive expose' on the dangers of today's media, and at the same time it promotes an alternative of Christian contemporary music. "There is not another seminar in the country that is as current as "True Lies" nor another speaker who related to teens in the way that Mills does," said the promoters.

Admission is free for the presentation, and invitations and information packets have been sent to area churches and schools to help promote the program. "We are eager to have as many teens and parents as possible," said Jolly.

During the evening the emphasis will be on showing the harmful message of some of today's media as far as sex, violence, alcohol, and suicide are concerned. "When analyzing the message of today's media that is directed toward teens, there's a reason to be alarmed," said the founder of the program. "The mission of 'True Lies' seminar is to educate, expose, and enlighten."

Further information is available from any of those who are organizing the presentation or by calling 812-689-3207 or 812-689-6683.