Riverhead CAP’s annual march against drugs to return June 10

CAP’s annual march against drugs, alcohol and tobacco will return this year after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 35th annual march will be held on Friday, June 10 at 9:30 a.m. beginning in the front of Pulaski Street Elementary School.

This year’s march will feature Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of The Butterfly Effect Project Tijuana Fulford as the honored guest and keynote speaker.

“I wanted to create a safe space for young women to thrive,” said Fulford. “Because everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

The Butterfly Effect Project was founded in 2014 with eight girls and now has over 600 members in 17 chapters across the East End. Fulford grew up in Riverhead and participated in the Riverhead CAP while she attended Pulaski Street Elementary School.

“Ms. Fulford has spent her life empowering youth, giving them valuable life skills that include self-esteem, confidence, accountability, and reliability,” said Riverhead CAP Executive Director Felicia Scocozza. “These skills align with those addressed in CAP’s two-year prevention program: setting goals, making healthy decisions, being a good friend, and saying no to substance use and yes to opportunities. She is an excellent role model and has a positive message for Riverhead youth.”

The march will proceed from the elementary school, head south on Roanoke Avenue, turn west on Second Street and return back to the elementary school via Griffing and Hallett Avenues. After the march there will be a brief ceremony with Riverhead Town Board members and other elected officials during which Fulford will give the keynote speech. After the ceremony, the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1742 in Riverhead will serve a picnic lunch to the students.