COMMUNITY EFFORT APPRECIATED

The Rutland Area Prevention Coalition wishes to thank our partners in
the community who helped in the celebration of National Red Ribbon
Week (October 23-31 this year) -- a time set aside to stress the
importance of healthy lifestyle choices, especially among youth.
Anti-drunk-or-drugged driving messages are appropriately part of this event.

Last week, drivers along South Main Street and Route 7 south noticed
clusters of red vehicles placed prominently at several auto
dealerships: Smith Buick/Pontiac/GMC, Formula Ford of Rutland County,
Alderman's Chevrolet, Alderman's Toyota/Scion, and Shearer Honda. We
wish to thank the managers who agreed to participate with us, and all
the staff involved in moving and arranging the vehicle displays. The
ribbon of red/maroon vehicles along the road was impressive.

The National Family Partnership organized the first nationwide Red
Ribbon Campaign in 1988. The red ribbon was adopted as a memorial
symbol by friends and neighbors of Enrique Camarena, a U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration agent who was kidnapped and killed for
coming close to breaking up a drug cartel in Mexico. Each year, more
and more communities and schools across America use Red Ribbon Week
to educate youth and promote drug-free choices.

Members of the Rutland Area Prevention Coalition spoke with students
in schools around Rutland County last week, engaged Boys and Girls
Club youth in educational games and bulb planting and were also part
of major community gatherings: the RHS/MSJ football game, the Rutland
Recreation and Parks Department's annual Halloween Parade, and a
community dinner and presentation on building adolescent strengths
with pediatrician Dr. Paula Duncan.

The Rutland Area Prevention Coalition is much more than a small
staff. It is civic leaders, clergy, educators, parents, youth -- and
business people -- all of whom share the vision of a healthy,
drug-free community. On their behalf, we thank our friends in
Rutland's automotive industry for communicating that message with us
during National Red Ribbon Week.

SUSAN DICKEY TAGGART

NANCI A. GORDON

(Rutland Area Prevention Coalition)

Rutland