COMMUNITY RALLIES AGAINST DRUGS

SOUTHINGTON - This week the Southington Drug Task Force wants to make
sure everyone remembers the ongoing battle against drugs and alcohol,
despite all the other messages they've been bombarded with recently.

This effort was epitomized by hundreds of people coming out to the
town green Wednesday night for the 18th annual Red Ribbon Rally
against drugs and alcohol.

Task force member Sgt. Lowell DePalma said the event is a way to help
people remember, when they are being inundated with concerns about the
economy or elections, that there are still issues right here in town.

"We are still facing a battle right here with drugs and alcohol,"
DePalma said.

Before the night's events began, children lined Main Street sidewalks
holding up signs informing passing motorists about the dangers of drug
use and encouraging them to honk in support.

Other children gathered on the green dancing to music being played as
the people continued to show up and give their support for the vision
of a drug-free community.

Kennedy Middle School students Alissa Valerio and Danielle Rasmus were
on the sidewalk waving to cars. Both girls have made the pledge to not
use drugs and were out to spread the word.

"I came to tell people why not to do drugs and why they are bad for
you," Valerio said.

Task force member the Rev. Victoria Triano took the stage to get the
rally started by introducing town officials, including Town Council
Chairman John Barry and Councilors Anthony D'Angelo and Christopher
Palmieri. Barry spoke to the large crowd of mostly students about
choices they will need to make in the future.

"Through your life, you will have a lot of issues that come up.
Believe in yourself and trust yourself," Barry said. "Living a life
free of drugs will make your life that much better."

Barry also recognized the work of School Superintendent Joseph V.
Erardi Jr. for making a strong commitment to helping children in
Southington live a drug-free life.

"I sat across the table too many times as a student sits across from
me in tears because they know they can no longer be in our school
because they made the choice to do drugs," Erardi said. "At some
point, every student standing here will make a conscious decision
whether they will or will not use drugs."

Fire Chief Harold Clark and Police Chief Jack Daly were also on hand
to address the crowd. Clark said they see the results of people who
use drugs far too often, while Daly delivered a short, straightforward
message.

"If you want to get involved with drugs, you're going to have to deal
with us," Daly said.

Many school and civic groups came up on stage throughout the evening
to deliver messages about staying away from drugs and alcohol. These
groups included Apple Valley Karate, the DePaolo and Kennedy middle
school cheerleaders, sports groups from the middle schools and
Southington High School, DECA, The Emblem high school newspaper,
Kennedy Peer Advocates, the YMCA, Parents 4 A Change, and others.

The evening ended with a candlelight vigil as everyone lined up in a
large circle around the green. DePaolo students Joe Rogus and Evan
Dawidowicz played taps on their trumpets while everyone took a few
moments to honor those who have lost their lives to drugs and those
who help keep the country safe from drugs.

Children also signed two large red ribbons as a way to pledge to keep
their lives free from drugs. The ribbons will be displayed at the
Southington Public Library.