March Against Meth is huge success

by Al Summers
News Editor • alsummers@timescourier.com

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As far as the eyes could see, participants in the March Against Meth stretched out over a mile to make their presence known and their voice heard as they proclaimed their opposition to the drug, its users, and those who sell it. Organizers and law officers estimated the crowd to be between 3,500 and 4,000 people. Similar marches in other communities seem to have mad a difference in the problems associated with methamphetamine.
Photo by Calvin Rolan

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It is estimated that nearly 4,000 people turned out Saturday, April 28, to march against methamphetamine. Many carried banners and chanted over the 2.3 mile course that began at the Ellijay Lions Club complex on South Main Street and ended at Ellijay Elementary School at North Main Street and McCutchen Street.

Similar marches held in other communities have served a show of solidarity to methamphetamine and other drug users and sellers, telling them that communities will not tolerate the drug activity. Some law officers in communities where the marches have been held have reported a decrease in arrests connected with methamphetamine use.

Two of the driving forces behind the Gilmer County march, Calvin and Marcelle Rolan, were pleased with the turnout for Saturday’s event. Calvin told the Times-Courier, “This is a good turnout for this first march. Look at those people down there,” referencing the throngs who had gathered at the Lions Club complex just prior to the march.

Among the leaders of the march were Appalachian Superior Court judges Brenda Weaver, Roger Bradley, and Harry Doss, Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney Joe Hendricks, Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, and Gilmer County Commission Chairman Jerry Farist.

Many of the county’s churches were represented as were a number of businesses. One gentleman from a Chatsworth church said, “Every community ought to do one of these once or twice a year. I believe it is a good way to let drug users and pushers know that we will get them if they continue in their unhealthy and evil ways.”

As the marchers ended their trek at the elementary school, they were treated to music and hotdogs. Various speakers spoke on the importance of the march and the long reaching effects of methamphetamine use. Gilmer County Family Connections director Merle Howell, who also helped spearhead the event, recognized dignitaries and expressed her appreciation for them turning out to support the event. She also thanked those in attendance for their support and said that she felt like a difference had been accomplished in the fight against methamphetamine use.