Pubdate: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 Source: Rutland Herald (VT) Copyright: 2005 Rutland Herald Contact: http://www.rutlandherald.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/892 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman