PLAINFIELD RALLIES AGAINST DRUG USE

PLAINFIELD -- Denouncing drugs from pot to crack, more than 50 youths
took to the pavement Saturday morning in an anti-drug march in three
communities.

The Plainfield Committee for Drug Free Youth marchers shouted phrases
such as "Drugs are bad, we are rad," and "What are we? Drug free!" as
they walked along neighborhood roads.

The march began at 9 a.m. at the Plainfield Little League, then
continued at Moosup Elementary School before a last stop in a
Wauregan neighborhood by the former Mill Store.

The event marked the 18th annual March Against Drugs. It was part of
National Red Ribbon Week, which begins Monday. Red Ribbon Week is a
national campaign to present a unified and visible commitment toward
a drug-free America. Plainfield has been active in the program since 1988.

Heather MacIntosh, 17 and a Plainfield High School senior, walked
alongside Naomi Watts, 16, also a Plainfield High student, in Wauregan.

"It's fun to hang out with people who have the same goal," MacIntosh
of Moosup said. "And it gets the point across that there are students
who believe in this."

Watts brought her brother, Jack Watts, 6, to the march to set an
example in the anti-drugs crusade.

"It's good for the children," Naomi Watts of Plainfield said. "It
lets them know there are more people against it than for it."

Watts said she believes heroin is the biggest threat to students. She
said she does not know anyone who uses or sells it, but she said she
is most concerned about that drug.

MacIntosh said marijuana is a common drug among students, but she,
too, has not been approached to use it or buy it.

Timothy Taylor of South Walnut Street in Wauregan stepped onto his
front porch to watch the anti-drug march move by. Taylor said he is
concerned about illicit drug exposure on today's youth.

"It's a very big threat, especially in this community," Taylor said.
"Every community has their drugs and their dealers, and kids running
around. I hope (the marchers) send a message out to young kids."