ANOTHER VIGIL AGAINST DRUGS

On Saturday, May 1, another protest to rid this community of drugs and drug
dealers was organized by Selma Delisle, Molly Sky and Wilma Lahache. They
protested on Old Malone Highway, with community members honking their horns
as they passed in a show of support. Following, that evening, was a fire
vigil for our community, with a huge increase in supporters.

It was approximately 10:00 p.m. when I arrived. Cars were parked on the
street and at Kanienkeha Plaza. A warm fire, hot coffee and chili and
friendly and welcoming people greeted everyone as they showed up. I spoke
to some of the supporters of drug intolerance to find out their feelings on
the fire vigils.

One young mother of an eight-month-old daughter was there because she knew
Molly. She said "I feel really good about what Molly is doing, and I want
to show her some support." She was a member of the MAD group, where life
skills on "how to say no" and drug awareness is taught.

Another well-known member of our community, Eddie Stacey was there on his
own time. Stacey said, "I need to show my support, because I have my own
children and need to think of their future."

I also wanted to find out if the message of the fire vigil was coming
across to the community.

On the following Tuesday, on our way to the orthodontist, I asked the taxi
driver Ralph Rice and passenger Lenore Angus what they thought of the fire
vigil for our community. Well, it certainly started a debate which lasted
the duration of our trip. In the end, both agreed that it was a positive
step toward ongoing awareness with Angus stating, "Awareness and education
are the key."

Later that night at a community meeting, I spoke to Joel Peterson, a
16-year-old youth. Peterson said that, "Because the fire vigil is visual,
it's very effective and shows that community members care."

He also feels we need severe events to bring about more awareness,
especially for our youth, because although the subject of drug awareness is
only occasionally brought up in MRE or a student can talk to a councilor,
it is generally not taught in schools.

Lahache, Sky and Delisle have brought awareness to people of all
backgrounds with everyone agreeing on the same issue. They have also
brought a positive change in attitude for this community.