Will You Commit to a Drug-Free Community Partnership?

There were over 400 residents who participated in the annual Red Ribbon Rally in 2012, and with ongoing efforts from the Southington Drug Task Force, the Southington Town-wide Effort to Promote Success, the YMCA and others, they hope even more will participate when the event returns in 2013.

The town will celebrate Red Ribbon week, promising to maintain drug-free lifestyles, during a special celebration on Oct. 15 at the Southington Town Green. The event, which kicks off at 6 p.m., is open to all and residents are encouraged to attend.

“There hasn’t been a more difficult for our young people than what they are facing today with the talk of legalization of questionable substances,” said Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback during the 2012 event. “Programs and efforts like this reinforce the message that we don’t need drugs to be happy and with a drug-free community, everyone can be successful.”

Now in its 28th year, the Red Ribbon Rally began in 1985 as the creation of a community in mourning after a Drug Enforcement Agency officer Enrique (Kiki) Camarena was killed by drug traffickers while working in Mexico.

The drug traffickers had kidnapped him as he was leaving the office to meet his wife for lunch. He was found a month later, tortured to death.

It has since gained traction and a following, not only in local communities nationwide but also throughout the world. Southington has participated for 23 years now.

Rev. Victoria Triano, who will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event, said in a previous interview that it is an important way to recognize those who are making the right choices and promote tobacco, alcohol and drug-free decisions by Southington youth.

"Look around you. Everyone is here," said Trish Kenefick, a member of the task force, during a previous rally. "This is a community commitment, a time for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to a drug-free lifestyle."

The 2013 event will include school peer advocates, peer leaders, mediators, the Southington-Cheshire YMCA, Southington police explorers, cheerleaders, scouts, dance teams, STEPS, local sports teams and more.

In the event of bad weather, the program will be held in the Derynoski School auditorium. For more information, click the link provided.

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