We inspire families, individuals, and communities to overcome the disease of addiction by creating real, long-term solutions!
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From the Desk of Ana Gopoian
The Many Faces of Vulnerability
Vulnerability is a word we use in so many different contexts. We can be physically, emotionally, socially, economically or environmentally vulnerable. We are constantly hearing this overused term in relation to negative aspects of our existence. We are exposed to germs, toxins, threats, abuse, hurtful words or actions, and we are vulnerable to all of their effects. But what if we could see it from a different perspective? What if we considered this perceived weakness as a strength?
My epiphany came recently when I received news from a good friend and already once bereaved Mom whose other son is currently in the throes of active addiction and unable to remain in detox for more than a couple days without running for the door AMA. Her story of too much lived experience and desperation, like so many others, rings in my head and heart like a gong and keeps me awake at night. Addiction is a family disease. It dawned on me that as she pleaded for her son's life in the emergency room of a CT hospital, she exposed her vulnerability in a way that was profound.
After being brought there by her and admitted for medical conditions (failing kidneys and severe dehydration), her son was hooked up to an IV. After spending 17 hours reporting to numerous physicians and emergency room staff people that her son was depressed and addicted to Fentanyl and, in the previous few days, had expressed three times that he wanted to end his life, he was callously released to the streets instead of being mandated to treatment. She spoke on his behalf, all the while, exposing her deepest fears and risking the judgment of those who are supposed to be in a position to help find solutions for individuals who are not capable of making sound decisions for themselves.
Once her son made his way on foot back to the streets of Hartford, she melted down on the front lawn of the hospital. When security arrived to handle the situation, they listened to my sobbing, hysterical friend with empathy, even sharing disturbing stories from their own family's experience. The people who gathered from the streets during the commotion also shared their stories. The hospital's Crisis Team was summoned and basically told her their hands were tied and that no law exists that would have forced her son to stay. She feared she had seen him for the last time. Yet, somehow her "weakness" and her years of lived experience as the Mom of two sons affected by substance use disorders and the disease of addiction gave her the courage and willingness to expose her vulnerability.
The act attracted empathy, sharing, and support from the most unlikely of onlookers and hospital employees. She called me in that moment of deep despair, and I dropped what I was doing. I joined her on the front lawn of this well renowned hospital in Hartford with picket signs that read, "Stop the Revolving Door", "Not One More" and "America Runs on Relapse and Recidivism." Her fear, helplessness, rage and vulnerability turned immediately to activism. Passersby slowed their cars to read our signs and beeped their horns in agreement. Others stopped to talk with us, so we shared our pain and dismay at the total lack of legislation that would mandate lifesaving actions for loved ones who are hell bent on self-harm, unable to advocate for themselves and incapable of making sound decisions regarding their safety and wellbeing. Then, in the lobby of the same hospital, my friend got on the phone with Keith McGilvery of Fox61 News who listened intently and compassionately for over an hour. He’s covered the challenges tied to drug use and overdoses for years and assured us he would continue to do so.
We left that evening, feeling a little bit better and more convinced that our mission is vital and needs to continue unceasingly until we see TriCircle reach full implementation.
Together WE are Stronger!
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Our September Spotlight
Keith McGilvery
Well-loved Fox61 News Anchor,
Long Time Friend of TriCircle and Champion of Our Cause
"It’s humbling to volunteer with men and women who lead with love and compassion, and never give up," said Keith McGilvery, a popular and well loved anchor for the Fox61 Morning News, "TriCircle reminds us all that substance use disorders touch every corner of our community and that, with heart and hard work, healing is possible."
Asked how he first heard about the mission and message of TriCircle, Keith shared, "I was first introduced to TriCircle many years ago while running the Outrun Addiction Road Race. The team was hot on my trail and made sure I knew all about them before the race was over. Their combination of grit and grace with a “get things done” attitude has had me helping out where I can ever since."
"It’s a privilege to see how a small but mighty non-profit plays a transformative role in changing the lives of our neighbors who are suffering, while supporting the people who love them. Like Fox61, TriCircle understands what it means to Make an Impact. TriCircle walks hand-in-hand with families who are hurting and moves mountains to make sure people in need are finding the support and resources they need for a happier, healthier tomorrow."
When asked what Keith loves most about his career and working with TriCircle, he responds, "I am fortunate to be a part of a team at Connecticut’s News Station that, on its best days, is able to both inform and inspire. When TriCircle members joins us on the Fox61 Morning News, they do both."
We are honored to once again have this amazing champion as our emcee at TriCircle's 2023 Annual Gala Brunch from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, on Sunday, October 22, at the Wallingford Elks Lodge.
Before coming to Fox61, Keith was an award-winning weekday evening anchor for WCAX-TV in Burlington, Vermont. Keith also hosted a daily talk show where politics, finance, health, wellness and a little bit of fun were all part of the mix.
He earned a master's degree in journalism from Emerson College after receiving his bachelor's degree in political science and communications from Fordham University. At Fordham, he served as student body president. While in NYC, he interned with ABC's Good Morning America, 20/20 and Primetime Live.
Keith is the recipient of the Fordham College Alumni Award, recognizing his academic excellence as well as his work with the Special Olympics and other community groups. He also received the Radio Television News Directors Foundation's Abe Schechter Scholarship for his work as a young journalist and was named "Rising Star" by Vermont Business Magazine.
He loves to travel and has back-packed across five continents. Keith enjoys speaking about his adventures. You can catch Keith McGilvery weekday mornings on the FOX61 Morning News from 4-11am. If you have a story idea or community event Keith should know about, send him an email at kmcgilvery@fox61.com.
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Visit Our New Website!
Please click on the link above or the image below,
and let us know what you think!
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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.
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Self-Care is Not Overrated! |
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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.
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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.
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Self Care Retreats are made possible by funding from DMHAS. |
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COME RELAX YOUR BODY, CENTER YOUR SOUL,
AND FOCUS YOUR MIND
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TRICIRCLE PRESENTS
WEEKLY SMART RECOVERY
PROGRAM MEETINGS
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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!
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The 6th Annual
Outrun Addiction 5K
is coming soon!
Summer is nearing an end, and that means that the 6th annual Outrun Addiction 5K is just around the corner. It is unfortunate that the need for awareness of addiction and its consequences has never been greater. This event is relevant and meaningful to thousands of individuals and families across CT and beyond. As always, 100% of the proceeds of this run/walk will be directed to the following organizations to help further their vital work: TriCircle, Today I Matter, and The Alex Fisher Foundation. This year's event is taking place on Saturday, September 23rd, at the Enfield Education Annex (formerly Enrico Fermi High School).
Here are the details:
Race Day registration and Packet Pickup opens at 7:30 AM
The 5K Run and the 2-Mile Walk starts at 9:00 AM
This year's 5K course is Flat and Fast and will be USATF Certified
Pre-Registration is $30
Race Day Registration is $35
Free T-Shirts for everyone registered by midnight, September 11th, 2023
Can't make it on Race Day? You can participate virtually.
Whether you run or not, donations are gratefully accepted. Run with your friends: you can either create a team or join an existing one.
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Fri, Sept 1 - Foreigner Historic Farewell Tour with Special Guest Loverboy at Mohegan Sun Earth Skybox (details below)
Mon, Sept 4th - Hope After Loss Group in Meriden - CANCELLED due to the holiday
Tues, Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 - 7:00-8:00pm (Every Tuesday Going Forward) - SMART Recovery Meetings, 248 South Cherry Street, Wallingford (Master's Manna)
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Wed, Sept 6, and Wed, Sept 20 - TriCircle's Drop In Setback, 1741 Pub & Grill, 70 Lyman Rd, Middlefield, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Thurs, September 7th (Colchester), 14th (Somers), 21st (Meriden), 28th (Colchester) - Hope & Support Groups
Fri, Sept 8, and Fri, Sept 22 - TriCircle's Drop In Setback, Dad's Restaurant, 740 North Colony Rd, Wallingford, 2nd and 4th Friday of each month
Mon, September 11th (Colchester), 18th (Marlborough), 25th (Meriden) - Hope After Loss Group Meeting
Sat, Sept 23 - Outrun Addiction, Enfield Education Annex, 1254 North Maple Street, Enfield (see above)
Sat, Sept 30 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm -
JOIN US ON THE MAT for Yoga with Dana Brinker-Simjouw
169 Colony St, Meriden, 2nd Floor, last Saturday of every month
Sat, Sept 30 (Rain Date, Sat, Oct 7) - Hope After Loss Self Care Retreat, The Story Barn, 952 Main Street, Somers
Sun, Oct 1 (Rain Date, Sun Oct 8) - Hope & Support Self Care Retreat, The Story Barn, 952 Main Street, Somers
Sun, October 22 - 10:00am - 1:00pm TriCircle's Annual Gala Brunch, Wallingford Elks Lodge, Wallingford, featuring Emcee Keith McGilvery, Fox61 Morning News Anchor
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Foreigner
Historic Farewell Tour
Friday, September 1, 2023
Mohegan Sun Earth Skybox Suite
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DROP IN SETBACK
1741 Pub & Grill
Middlefield
Join us for some great food, fabulous friends and lots of fun!
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Our Setback is so popular,
we have added another one!
Join us at Dad's in Wallingford!
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Looking for a purpose driven, fun and fulfilling 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
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
Community Service Hours Are Available for all of the above!
Together WE are Stronger!
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Searching for a Compassionate Group That Truly Understands? |
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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 Group meeting details, including location and meeting schedule.
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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 moving forward in life. All are welcomed and encouraged to utilize these services at no cost. Click below to head to our website for Hope After Loss
Group meeting details, including location
and meeting schedule.
Zoom options will continue to be available
for both support groups.
Please email Ana for more details!
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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
on the bus line and nearby train station.
Together WE are Stronger!
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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
Do you enjoy reading our newsletter?
Do you know someone who might also like to
receive The TriCircle Connection each month?
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TriCircle and consider a donation today!
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Click the images below or scan the QR code to find out how!
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