By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – September has been declared Recovery Month throughout the country. In recognition of the observance, the Addiction Referral Center (ARC) and the Recovery Connection are co-sponsoring Marlborough Recovery Day Friday, Sept. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Union Common.
Several groups and organizations throughout the area will be present to educate residents on treatment and mental health services that can enable those with a substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. Guest speakers, a live band, a barbecue, children’s table, and resource fair will be featured. Literature for those addicted and their families and friends will be available.
“Last year’s event was very successful,” stated ARC Director Marie Cheetham. “We talked with many who needed help and those who have friends and family members who are also benefiting from the interaction with people who are now on a road free from addiction.”
In extending an invitation to all, Brandon Tupper, program director of the Recovery Connection, said: “The Recovery Connection and the ARC are extremely excited to be collaborating on this event once again and invite all to attend and discover the great work that is being done to fight the disease of alcoholism and drug abuse and recognize the beauty that getting well can bring.”
Guest speakers include State Representative Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), Shawn Merrill of Brockton Team Challenge, and Cheryl Juaire, a starter of the local chapter of GRASP (Grief Recovery after a Substance Passing). Juaire and another Marlborough mother, Kathy Leonard, who lost their sons to heroin overdose in 2011, met at GRASP meetings in the Lowell area and recognized a need to offer help to others locally.
The ARC was established 45 years ago as a drop-in center on Lincoln Street by a few individuals who went on a quest to remain sober from alcohol addiction. The ARC, now at 33 Main St., offers daily meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Alanon. The mission of the Recovery Connection is to provide a safe, judgment-free zone where individuals support and encourage their peers to lead valued and fulfilled lives through their own vision of recovery.
