NOVEMBER 2020
Editor's Corner

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS - WITH GRATITUDE

As the final days of 2020 are fast approaching, the year which some may describe as the year of "an unending series of disastrous events," perhaps we all should take a moment to look outside ourselves and reflect upon what each of us may do to help others grow, show appreciation for what we have, and return a small kindness - "pay it forward." Generosity is a gracious response to gratitude and thankfulness. So, whether we are lucky enough to be able to share a traditional Thanksgiving meal with family and friends, or whether we will be visiting family and friends virtually, please take a few minutes for self-reflection and celebrate the Blessings of the Past Year!
The Board of Directors welcomes new member Colleen Lagasse
Greetings: The R2RCNY Board is working hard in continuing our success in offering long-term recovery for our Central New York population.  We are happy to report that that the majority of our alumni in long-term recovery are continuing to do well and for the few who are hitting bumps in the road of their recovery, we are continuing to support and help them achieve long-term sobriety. Darlene continues to present our organization to a number of charity groups and our great team of Navigators and leaders of the Family Recovery Program continue to support our recipients and their families. Rob Flower, Board Member, is making progress towards a grant submission to support our work and Sue McMahon continues to plan for our big fund raising event in the spring. The Board is pleased to announce a new member to the Board of Directors, Ms. Colleen Lagasse. Colleen brings passion and dedication to helping those with addiction and will be a tremendous asset to our organization.

A Big Thank You to our Community Supporters:
During this season of giving thanks, it is appropriate to recognize our community supporters and sponsors. The Celeste Wells Memorial Golf Tournament was held on September 20,2020, at the Battle Island State Park Golf Course. The Wells Family generously donated the proceeds of $5,000.00 this year. Oswego Advocate Kathy Vandermark and Darlene Endy spoke to the Sterling Community Church members about our mission, and they in turn selected to support R2RCNY this year with a $500.00 donation. Dewitt Community Church also selected R2RCNY as as one of their "missions of the month" and this honor will continue for three years - donations will be made annually.

In the spirit of giving, on November 26, 2020, In Bloom Yoga will again be holding an "Attitude of Gratitude Thanksgiving Day Morning Flow" yoga class with Colleen Lagasse at 9AM to benefit R2RCNY. An in-person class is being offered with a suggested donation of $20, and a virtual class will be offered with a suggested donation of $10. Gift baskets will be raffled off. Register by texting Colleen at 315-335-6683 or emailing colleen@inbloomyogastudio.com.

Looking for unique holiday gifts? Help support our partners at the MARR Addition Treatment Centers - Register for the Celebration of Recovery Virtual Banquet on November 21, 2020 to include a virtual auction. Follow this link to register and to view, bid and buy!
Celebration of Gifts 2020
On Thursday, September 17, 2020, R2RCNY held its annual volunteer and donor appreciation event at the First Baptist Church in Manlius to show our gratitude to our donors and advocates for their gifts of time, talent, and treasure. The Open House showcased various stations high-lighting important aspects of R2RCNY's mission and volunteers. The stations included:

  • Advocates in Action: Getting to know our Advocates
  • R2RCNY: Why we do what we do
  • Donors: The why behind the gift
  • Science of Addiction: Understanding addiction behavior
  • Conversation Zone: Guest Sharing
  • Refreshment Table

The event was well attended and guests were able to see a special message direct from our grateful alumni in Austin, Texas. The event was enjoyed by all!
SPRING 2021 FUNDRAISER IN FINAL PLANNING STAGE

We are finalizing details for a Covid Family Friendly event at the NYS Fairgrounds - Tentative date May 2021. Look for more details in upcoming Newsletters.
December Advocate Meeting
R2RCNY will be hold its annual Stocking Stuffer Event on December 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Manlius. We are collecting items to fill 130 stockings. Some of the items to be distributed to the Men's Shelter in Syracuse include: socks, underwear, gloves, toothpaste, deodorant, and snack bars or snacks.

Also at this time the quarterly meeting will be held, and the Outstanding Advocate of the 4th Quarter award will be presented.
R2RCNY Sponsoring #23!
Kali, our 23rd scholarship recipient, entered treatment at Metro Atlanta Recovery Residences (MARR), on September 14, 2020. She has the distinction of being the first recipient sent to this Program. Kali has a positive mindset, reports that she is very happy, and reports that this Program seems much different than the treatment centers she has previously attended in CNY. Kali has been working hard on her 12-steps, attending daily groups, NA meetings, and working with her peers and sponsor to build a new sober network. On October 28th, she entered Phase 2. As part of this phase she will seek part-time employment while adhering to the structure of the Program. Congratulations Kali! We are proud of you and wish you continued success on your path to recovery.
R2RCNY PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR TWO ALUMNI

Two of our alumni recently relapsed and were in need of additional support to finance their recovery. A joint evaluation was made between our addiction specialists and alumni to bring to the Candidate Selection Board. The Board voted in favor of sponsoring both alumni for a brief inpatient rehab stay followed by a period of sober living. We appreciate that our alumni were able to reach out for help when in need and that we were able to provide additional support!
OCC Annual Charity Century Ride Benefits R2RCNY
September 19, 2020, was a beautiful fall day in Central New York. The Onondaga Cycling Club held their Annual Charity Century Ride with all proceeds donated to R2RCNY. Eight riders left Carpenters Book early in the morning and headed to Rudy's in Oswego for a water and food break; some then continued to a stop in Phoenix. The riders were greeted by volunteers from R2RCNY. At the end of this beautiful ride, the participants returned to Carpenters Brook for a late lunch. R2R is grateful for OCC and their continued support and donations. Some riders who were not able to participate in the event showed their support by making a donation. Total raised was $2,000.00. Thank you OCC!
VISIT THE NEW SOBERSYRACUSE.ORG WEBSITE!

Road2RecoveryCNY.com's companion site, Sober Syracuse is now up and running. This is a great resource offering support for Central New Yorkers who are leading or working on leading a sober life. Visit the Website; feel free to leave feedback.
New Newsletter Editor, Mary Comerford, with this issue!
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new editor of the R2RCNY Newsletter and to thank those of you who have offered their help and assistance, as well as submitted information for the newsletter. I live in Oswego with my husband, Joe, and new puppy Daisymay; I am working with the Oswego Advocacy Group to help bring R2RCNY's mission to the area. I work for the State of NY Unified Court System - Oswego County Family Court, where I see first-hand the terrible destruction substance use has on families, friends and neighborhoods, and am grateful to have an opportunity to volunteer and make a difference, no matter how small.