THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 20, 1994 TAG: 9410180134
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
A children's march, an entertainment ``extravaganza,'' a candlelight rally, and an education and trade fair are just some of the activities set in Norfolk during this year's Red Ribbon Campaign.
The campaign begins Friday and continues through Oct. 28.
Throughout the week, schoolchildren plan to decorate their rooms with red ribbons, wear red clothing and pledge to stay away from drugs. Civic leagues will distribute fliers and ribbons in neighborhoods, decorate their front doors and windows, and tie red ribbons around lampposts, park benches and trees, all in an effort to ``see red against drugs.''
``This is another opportunity for us to show our willingness and eagerness as citizens to help make Norfolk a safe and healthy place in which to live and work,'' Eloise LaBeau, president of the Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues, told civic league members recently.
Begun in 1985 by the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, the campaign was started in remembrance of slain U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agent Enrique Camarena. Since then, it has turned into a nationwide effort bringing together civic groups, schoolchildren and municipalities to promote drug-and-alcohol-abuse awareness programs in their communities.
Locally, organizers expect to distribute more than 55,000 red ribbons with the hope that people will wear them and show support for a drug-free community. Throughout the week, Norfolk Burger King restaurants also will distribute red ribbons.
``This thing has gotten bigger and bigger every year,'' said Marty Raiss, coordinator of community outreach for the police department's Police Assisted Community Enforcement Program. PACE has spearheaded the red ribbon campaign in Norfolk for the last four years.
``We've had much more participation from businesses this year than ever before, from major ones like USAA and Ford Motor Company to local mom-and-pop operations,'' Raiss said. ``School kids and civic leagues are also planning all sorts of activities.''
In Norfolk some of the events planned include:
A Children's March Against Drugs in downtown. Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, marchers will rally at Nauticus and walk to City Hall, where a program of speeches, a tree trimming and anti-drug cheers is planned. Taking part in the march will be Lt. Gov. Donald Beyer and Beth Fraim, the wife of Norfolk's mayor. Clowns and a marching band will accompany the parade down Waterside Drive.
A Red Ribbon Extravaganza in the JC Penney Court at Military Circle Mall from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Entertainment will be provided by local youth and children's groups.
A candlelight march and rally at Norfolk State University from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday. Norfolk State students and faculty and the school's neighbors will gather at Brown Hall and march across campus to Phyllis Wheatley Hall. Speakers will include Sen. Yvonne Miller, Norfolk State President Harrison B. Wilson and other guests.
The Future Fair for Youth '94 at the downtown Howard Johnson Hotel from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Sponsored by the Norfolk Neighborhood Crime Prevention Coalition, the fair is geared toward teenagers and their parents, and will feature informational displays by trade schools, universities, area businesses, the military and other groups. Scheduled to speak are motivational guru Lee Milteer; Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim; Brenda Andrews, editor of the Journal and Guide newspaper; Guy Kimberly, a NASA astronaut; and Wille Barnes, a federal environmental specialist. by CNB