July 2023 | Issue 32
The TriCircle Connection
We inspire families and individuals to overcome the disease of
addiction by creating real, long-term solutions!
Click here to visit our website today!
two_kids_superheros.jpg
We can change the world if we change ourselves. We just need to get hold of the old patterns of thinking and dealing with things and start listening to our inner voices and trusting our own superpowers.
From the Desk of Ana Gopoian

Why Are We Hyper Focused on Grades?

When we consider the concept of success, we seem to immediately gravitate toward the tools we have developed over the years to assess and measure it. The minute we emerge into this amazing world and begin to learn, we are measured, often harshly, against a backdrop of achievements that may or may not have anything to do with our purpose in life or what we are here to offer. Our virtual, life long report card may be full of A's or D's, or both.

So many questions arise! Are grades really a fair estimate of who we are? Who is the ultimate judge of our performance? Why do we focus so intently on failure? Does the scale we use to measure success dictate its achievement? Can one man's A be another man's D and vice versa? Can we somehow institute a global system of grading that uses the portfolio method, emphasizing a wide array of ways to demonstrate our strengths and gifts?

Ultimately, we all deserve to be happy. Happiness is an inside job, and we should focus our thoughts intently on the things that bring us joy and help us to remember that we are all here for a short time, and we can use whatever we have inside of us to see the good that is all around. We should not allow the world to train us to focus on shortcomings and failures! The only opinion of ourselves that really matters is our own, and, as Dr. Wayne Dyer said, the opinions of others are really none of our business.

Diversity is our strength; it is what makes us thrive. Imagine how boring life would be if we were all exactly the same! Each of us is truly unique, and we come into this life with many varied gifts and talents, ready to dig our hands into the clay, sift and sort through the triumphs and challenges and experience this short stay on the planet to its fullest. We can only hope that when we check out, we leave an impression, make things a little bit better and go out sideways, leaving skid marks! What is your gift, your superpower, your "A+", and how can you help?

Together WE are Stronger!
Visit Our New Website!
Welcome to Tricircle.org

Please click on the link above or the image below,
and let us know what you think!
The 2023 TriCircle Memorial Scholarship
Committee Has Selected a Recipient!

TriCircle has identified the recipient of this year's $2,500 memorial scholarship This scholarship was originally created in honor of Michael F. Gagnon II. The winner will be announced at our upcoming Gala Brunch on
Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Wallingford Elks Club. The recipient will be our guest of Honor at the Gala and will read the winning essay aloud.

Self-Care is Not Overrated!
This retreat is for the self-care of parents, guardians and loved ones who have had someone in their lives die due to a substance related passing. We will be providing a support group meeting, yoga, meditation,
art project, refreshments, dinner, and smores by the bonfire.
This retreat is for the self-care of parents, guardians, and loved ones who have someone in their lives affected by the disease of addiction. We will be providing a support group meeting, yoga, meditation, art project, refreshments, dinner,
and smores by the bonfire.
Self Care Retreats are made possible by funding from DMHAS.
COME RELAX YOUR BODY, CENTER YOUR SOUL,
AND FOCUS YOUR MIND

Free Self-Care Yoga will now be offered the last
Saturday of every month from 12-1:00 pm

TriCircle
169 Colony Street
Rm. 28, 2nd Floor
Meriden, CT

Instructor: Dana Brinker-Simjouw
UPCOMING TRICIRCLE CERTIFICATION EVENTS

Tuesday, August 1, 4-9pm and
Saturday, August 12, 10:00am-3pm
TriCircle will be offering two certification events:
CPR for Infants, Children, Adults, AED, First Aid, and Narcan Training, along with some in home drug disposal education. To be held at TriCircle, 169 Colony St, 2nd Floor, Rm 28, Meriden

Space is Limited to 12 per session.
For more information and registration,
call (860) 349-7074.



TRICIRCLE PRESENTS
WEEKLY SMART RECOVERY
PROGRAM MEETINGS

For young people 18+ who are affected by the
disease of addiction. Meetings will be located at:

Master's Manna
248 South Cherry Street
Wallingford, CT
Time: 7-8pm

What is SMART Recovery?

SMART Recovery is a fresh approach to addiction recovery. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. This is more than an acronym: it is a transformative method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self-regard and willingness to change. Join us!

Our July Spotlight

"With A Rose"

Julie Lyons and The Philip Foundation

Julie Lyons, a bereaved mom and longtime supporter of TriCircle, is planning an amazing fundraising event to honor her son Philip and to support TriCircle's mission and message, especially its Hope After Loss groups.

The event was named for Philip Lyons’ love of the Grateful Dead song of the same name and has attracted over 300 attendees in past years, a record breaking crowd at Nuzzo's Farm in Branford. This year, the “With a Rose” fundraiser will be held on Sunday, October 8, at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven.
 
Julie chose TriCircle because of the valuable connection she has made with one of its programs. After Philip's passing in July, 2020, Julie found a home in one of TriCircle's “Hope After Loss” support groups for bereaved parents, guardians and loved ones.
 
“TriCircle pulled me through my deepest despair,” she said. “I’m still not great and do not expect to ever be the same. But all the people who participate in these amazing groups understand one another and the deep grief involved in losing a loved one to the disease of addiction.”

Over the years, TriCircle has had the honor and privilege of providing a much needed element of support to a demographic of individuals and families who do not get anywhere near enough attention and care.
 
Ana Gopoian, executive director and founder of TriCircle, who recently celebrated 28 years in recovery, said, “The stigma, struggle, isolation, and guilt that drive this disease are just as detrimental as the disease itself. We can learn so much from each other as we help families navigate the turbulent waters of grief and loss together." Ana continued by adding, "TriCircle is changing lives and making our community healthier and stronger in so many ways. We have to look at the way we regard and perceive substance use disorder and the disease of addiction in order to achieve our long range plan. We are working hard to change perceptions and to encourage compassion and understanding."
 
TriCircle greatly appreciates any fundraising that can be put toward the organization’s three-phase plan, which, in part, involves obtaining a mixed-use building for long-term residential treatment, resources and services for recovering individuals and their families.

We are honored to have Julie's support and to partner with her as we seek to create real, long term solutions for individuals and families affected by the disease of addiction.
Together WE are Stronger!
2023 Save the Dates


Wed, July 5, and Wed, July 19 - TriCircle's Drop In Setback, 1741 Pub & Grill, 70 Lyman Rd, Middlefield

Fri, July 14, and Fri, July 28 - TriCircle's Drop In Setback, Dad's Restaurant, 740 North Colony Road, Wallingford

Sun, July 23 - The Twisted Trails 5K Color Run at Tamarack Lodge in Voluntown
Tuesday, Aug 1 - 4:00-9:00 pm and Sat, August 12 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm TriCircle will be offering two certification events next month: CPR for Infants, Children, Adults, AED, First Aid, and Narcan Training, along with some in home drug disposal education. For more information and registration, call (860) 349-7074

Sat, August 26 - 2nd Annual Raianna's Run for Opioid & Overdose Awareness, New Haven Elks Club #25, 80 Old Broadway W, North Haven

Fri, Sept 1 - Foreigner Historic Farewell Tour at Mohegan Sun (details and ticket sales coming soon)

Sat, Sept 23 - Outrun Addiction, Enfield Education Annex, 1254 North Maple Street, Enfield

Sat, Sept 30 (Rain Date, Sat, Oct 7) - Hope After Loss Retreat, Story Barn, Somers

Sun, Oct 1 (Rain Date, Sun Oct 8) - Hope & Support Retreat, Story Barn, Somers

Sun, October 8 - "With A Rose", hosted by Philip's Foundation, Inc., in memory of Philip Lyons, Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven

Sun, October 22 - TriCircle's Annual Gala Brunch, Wallingford Elks Lodge, Wallingford
SAVE THE DATE:

Foreigner
Historic Farewell Tour
Friday, September 1, 2023
Mohegan Sun

STAY TUNED - DETAILS AND TICKETS COMING SOON!


We are back at our regular Setback location, 1741 Pub & Grill in Middlefield. Join us for some great food, fabulous friends and lots of fun!

Our Setback is so popular,
we have added another one!
Join us at Dad's in Wallingford.
Looking for a fun, fulfilling, purpose driven opportunity to showcase your amazing gifts and talents and give back?

TriCircle is searching for people who are action oriented and passionate about our cause to work with the Fundraising & Events Advisory Board or the Memorial Scholarship Committee. We need your enthusiasm and creativity and we welcome you to join us. Please contact: info@tricircle.org for more information.

If your superpower is planning, organizing, and/or helping to implement events, then here is your chance to shine - the Fundraising & Events Advisory Board needs you now! Meetings are held on
the last Tuesday of every month from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at
TriCircle, 169 Colony Street, 2nd Floor, Meriden

Our Scholarship Committee will announce the next meeting soon! If you are interested in honoring your loved one through our TriCircle Memorial Scholarship, please inquire about making a donation or joining the committee by contacting Trish Williams at: trish@tricircle.org

We are looking for volunteers for the day of the
Twisted Trails 5K Color Run at the enchanting and beautiful Tamarack Lodge in Voluntown, CT. If you need community service hours or would like to enjoy day filled with fun and festivities
while serving others, we would love to hear from you!
The proceeds from this event benefit TriCircle and three other
CT nonprofits. To learn more, contact Ceci at: cecischaritychallenge@gmail.com

Community Service Hours Are Available for all of the above!

Together WE are Stronger!
Join us on Sunday, July 23, at Tamarack Lodge in Voluntown, CT
Searching for a Compassionate Group That Truly Understands?

TriCircle's Hope & Support Groups provide a safe and confidential space for parents, guardians and others who are concerned about a loved one's substance use or addiction. All are welcomed and encouraged to utilize these services at no cost.
Click below to head to our website for Hope And Support meeting details including location and meeting schedule.




TriCircle's Hope After Loss Groups offer a place where everyone understands. There is no judgment or blame, but rather support and understanding. Join us as we work together on this journey of healing. All are welcomed and encouraged to utilize these services at no cost. Click below to head to our website for Hope After Loss meeting details including location and meeting schedule.



Zoom options will continue to be available.
Please email Ana for more details!


STOP BY AND SEE US AT

169 Colony Street
Second Floor, Room 28
Meriden, CT 06451

We are pleased to be located inside the Women and Families Center. This will allow for wonderful opportunities for us to expand the reach of our support services and resources as we cultivate this collaborative partnership. This location also provides increased accessibility with bus and train stops close by.

Together WE are Stronger!

Your input is greatly appreciated!

If any of our readers know of an organization, group or idea that will add strength, availability and reach
to our collaborations and services, please
reach out to us at info@tricircle.org.

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