It’s nearly October. It is also time for the Cortland Area Communities That Care (CACTC) Red Ribbon Campaign held annually from October 23-31. CACTC is pleased to welcome Little York Plantation, owned by Jackie and Dick Crane, as a business ally working to help keep local young people drug free.

This partnering relationship can work for you. A Little York/CACTC coupon is in the Cortland Standard’s Fall Supplement, available on September 24^th, 28^th or at the Pumpkinfest next weekend. In exchange for a coupon, you will receive 2 free red tulip bulbs ready for planting.  You will get another coupon entitling you to 25% off on purchases of any bulbs made this fall at Little York Plantation.

How will planting red tulip bulbs convince local young people that living drug-free is a key to a healthy, productive life?  By itself, planting will do nothing. However, prevention science has established that family and community standards matter greatly to young people, even if they don’t always appear to be listening appreciatively. So, don’t just plant bulbs, but also use the occasion to talk about substance abuse with the young men and women you care about. When the tall, elegant red tulips bloom, you will be reminded to re-visit the topic in time for prom and party season festivities.

CACTC and Little York Plantation are also offering bulbs and Red Ribbon celebration ideas to all area public schools. County private schools are also welcome to participate. To find out how, contact Project Coordinator Judie Murphy at Catholic Charities of Cortland County by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 756-5992 ext 25.School Red Ribbon activities can be a fine source of positive publicity for your school.

What else can an individual do to promote positive youth development and Red Ribbon Week 2009?  Individuals can wear red ribbons, hang them prominently in businesses and homes, or devise other creative ways to take a stand for youth and against substance abuse.  Adults can also band together by signing the Safe Host pledge available at the CACTC Pumpkinfest booth.  A signature commits the signer to providing adult supervision for children and allowing alcohol to be consumed only by those 21 or over.  The signer also agrees to encourage calls from other parents and guardians any time his or her children are hosting a party.

Red Ribbon street banners from the Coalition will be displayed during October in Cortland, Homer, McGraw, Marathon, and Cincinnatus.

Then, on October 22, the County Legislature will make two key points when it issues the Red Ribbon 2009 proclamation: 1) Local leaders, in government and in the community, know that the support of the people in the neighborhoods is the most effective tool they can have in their efforts to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. 2)  The red ribbon was chosen as a symbol commemorating the work of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, who was murdered in the line of duty and has come to represent the belief that one person can make a difference. 

The Cortland County Red Ribbon Campaign 2009 offers citizens several opportunities.  As individuals people can take a stand for youth and against substance abuse.  They can also band together to make the message even more powerful.  All these efforts together will help make it possible for youth to recognize that “Drug Free is the Key”.

Jo Ann Wickman is Chair of PR.Com, CACTC’s public relations and publicity workgroup.